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Aston Martin Valhalla in Final Testing Phase
Andrew Evans
March 31, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Suki’s 2F2F S2000 becomes a LEGO model
Haas to run special cherry blossom livery in Japan
Giugiaro reimagines ‘70s concept using MC20
Top Gear Test Track lap record broken
Aston Martin to sell F1 team stake
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Aston Martin is currently conducting road and track tests of its Valhalla supercar in the UK and Spain, with production slated to commence in the second quarter of this year, limited to just 999 units. This model, which features a twin-turbo V8 engine combined with three electric motors for a total output of 1,064 horsepower, marks the brand's first series production mid-engine vehicle and its inaugural plug-in hybrid.
The 1970s supercar design trend, characterized by sharp angles, greatly influenced the creation of the GFG Style Peralta S, a unique vehicle inspired by the Maserati Boomerang and commissioned by a Mexican car collector. Designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro - whose father Giorgetto designed the Boomerang - this one-off model features a striking aluminum body and a futuristic interior, while incorporating modern components from the Maserati MC20.
Hakan Samuelsson is set to resume his role as CEO of Volvo Cars on April 1, 2025, following the departure of Jim Rowan, who has led the company for the past three years. This leadership change aims to provide stability as Volvo adapts to rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics while searching for a permanent successor.
BMW is set to initiate production of its Neue Klasse vehicles later this year with the launch of the second-generation iX3 at a new facility in Hungary, followed by the i3 sedan in 2026 at the Munich plant. While the Regensburg factory is confirmed to manufacture these models, the company has yet to clarify the status of other production sites, including Spartanburg and potential future models like the iX1.
Porsche is initiating a pilot program focused on recycling electric vehicle batteries to reclaim essential materials from their high-voltage packs once they are no longer in use. This initiative aims to establish a sustainable cycle for battery production, minimizing reliance on new mineral extraction while addressing the increasing significance of recycled materials in the automotive industry.
Zeekr has introduced a 1.2 MW DC fast charger, escalating the competition in China's electric vehicle market just after BYD showcased its own 1 MW charging technology. This rapid advancement in charging capabilities has sparked debate among industry players about the necessity and potential risks of such high-speed charging on battery health.
The BMW X5 Protection VR6, introduced in 2023, disguises its armored capabilities beneath a familiar exterior, featuring enhancements such as reinforced structures and a self-sealing fuel tank for added safety. Despite its increased weight, this fortified SUV maintains impressive performance, achieving 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds while offering a range of luxury features tailored for security.
Mansory continues to showcase its unique take on the Lamborghini Urus, recently unveiling the Venatus Coupe EVO C, which features a striking matte black finish and an array of aggressive modifications. With a power output of 900 horsepower and a limited production run of just eight units, this customized model promises enhanced performance and exclusivity for its fortunate owners.
Improper disposal of electric vehicle batteries poses significant risks to soil and water due to the presence of hazardous materials, including PFAS, which are persistent in the environment. Researchers at the University of Chicago are working on innovative battery designs that eliminate these harmful substances, aiming to enhance both environmental safety and battery performance as demand for lithium-ion technology continues to rise across various sectors.
MOTORSPORT
Aston Martin has announced its intention to divest its £74 million minority stake in its Formula 1 team, emphasizing that this decision will not affect its ongoing sponsorship arrangement. Chairman Lawrence Stroll is also investing an additional £52.5 million to enhance the company's financial stability, reinforcing his commitment to the brand's future in motorsport through at least 2030.
Haas will debut a unique design on its cars to celebrate cherry blossom season during the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. As the team enhances its relationship with Japan and reflects on its recent success, it faces challenges related to the car's performance on the track's high-speed sections.
Yuki Tsunoda expressed his excitement about competing as a Red Bull driver at his home Grand Prix in Suzuka, describing the experience as surreal and a culmination of fate, especially given the significance of this being the final year of the Red Bull-Honda partnership. While he aims for a podium finish, Tsunoda emphasized the importance of first acclimating to the car's dynamics before focusing on achieving results.
In early 2023, the FIA announced that six manufacturers had committed to the 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations, showcasing the championship's resilience and collaborative efforts. However, recent discussions indicate a potential re-evaluation of these plans due to shifting perceptions about electrification and economic uncertainties, prompting the FIA to consider alternative directions for the sport's future.
Ralf Schumacher has suggested that Red Bull missed an opportunity to recruit Nico Hulkenberg as a replacement for Sergio Perez, who departed after a challenging season. He believes that Hulkenberg's experience would have provided valuable support to Max Verstappen, especially considering the team's subsequent choice of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, while also noting that Franco Colapinto's recent performance issues diminished his candidacy.
Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, has confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda will complete the current racing season after stepping up to replace Liam Lawson, who faced challenges in his initial races alongside Max Verstappen. Tsunoda's promotion comes ahead of his home race in Japan, and Marko emphasized that no further changes will be made in 2025, regardless of Tsunoda's performance.
Andretti's Formula E team appears heavily reliant on star driver Jake Dennis, who has significantly outperformed his teammates over the past four seasons, raising questions about the effectiveness of the secondary car. Team principal Roger Griffiths acknowledges this dynamic, suggesting that while the cars and data access are equal, Dennis's exceptional skill may be the primary factor in the disparity in performance.
A significant incident during the Kennol GT Endurance Cup at Paul Ricard led to a race stoppage when a Porsche was involved in a dramatic airborne accident, with the driver fortunately emerging without injuries. The #888 car of Seb Lajoux hit the outside barriers and flipped several times before ending up behind them, bringing out a red flag in the four-hour endurance race.
FUN STUFF
The Aston Martin Valkyrie, while designed for street use, excels in a racing environment, showcasing its capabilities on the track. Recently, it achieved a remarkable lap time at the Top Gear test track of 1:09.6, surpassing the previous record for road-legal production cars by 1.3s, although its extreme performance makes it a challenge to handle.
Lego continues to expand its Fast & Furious collection with the introduction of a Speed Champions set featuring Suki's iconic pink Honda S2000 from 2 Fast 2 Furious, complementing previous releases like Brian's Toyota Supra and Dom's Dodge Charger. This detailed 300-piece model, which includes a Suki minifigure and various film-accurate elements, is available for pre-order and will officially launch on June 1, priced at £22.99.
A recent video surfaced showing a young driver exiting a Texas auction lot in a Ford Mustang EcoBoost, where he quickly lost control after flooring the accelerator. Despite the common knowledge about the car's rear-wheel-drive dynamics, the driver filmed the incident with one hand while attempting to steer, ultimately crashing into a barrier and highlighting a troubling trend among some Mustang enthusiasts.
A recently purchased 2024 Nissan GT-R T-Spec, still wrapped in factory plastic, has been listed for resale at a price significantly above its original MSRP, reflecting its limited availability as production of the R35 model has ceased. With its striking Midnight Purple finish and a host of premium features, this collectible sports car is poised to either be cherished as an investment or enjoyed as a high-performance vehicle.
Waymo's self-driving vehicles can navigate and park autonomously, but they still require human intervention to settle parking fines, which have accumulated to significant amounts, including over $65,000 in one year in San Francisco alone. Despite their advanced technology, these robotaxis have faced challenges, such as receiving numerous parking violations and experiencing incidents that highlight their limitations in adhering to local regulations.
The Overtime Traxx, a formidable monster truck previously priced at $105,000, is now available for $92,000 on RacingJunk, with delivery options likely incurring extra charges. Originally known as Bigfoot Fastrax and built from a mix of automotive components, this vehicle has undergone several transformations, including a switch to a Ford body and an upgrade to dual supercharged Chevy V8 engines, making it a unique blend of power and spectacle.
Before facing scandals and stringent regulations, Volkswagen thrived during an innovative period under Ferdinand Piech, pushing engineering boundaries with various experimental engines. Among these was a prototype vehicle featuring a rare W10 engine fitted into a modified BMW M5, reportedly a €2 million test mule and used by Piech himself as a personal car, before somehow ending up in private hands..
Virginia is poised to become the first US state to impose speed limiters on vehicles owned by individuals with repeated speeding offenses. This initiative follows the state's already stringent speeding regulations, which classify significant speed violations as reckless driving, and aims to enhance road safety by using GPS technology to monitor and control vehicle speeds.
A Minnesota State Trooper caused an accident with an innocent motorist but will not face any penalties, as the state asserts the officer is protected by immunity, leaving the victim to cover the repair costs. This incident highlights a concerning trend where law enforcement personnel evade responsibility for their driving errors, despite acknowledging their faults.
Observing skilled professionals breathe new life into a vintage automobile can be quite soothing, especially when it involves iconic models like the BMW 507 roadster that once belonged to Elvis Presley. This particular restoration project focuses on reviving the car to its original condition, rather than transforming it into something extravagant, making it a captivating watch for enthusiasts.
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