- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Aston Martin Valhalla to Arrive in 2025
Aston Martin Valhalla to Arrive in 2025
Andrew Evans
December 11, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! It’s a very speedy day today, as Aston Martin confirms its Valhalla supercar will finally arrive in the second half of 2025, while the Koenigsegg takes a road car record at the “Top Gear Test Track” and the Ford Mustang GTD sets an American lap record at the Nurburgring. Speaking of the Nurburgring, 1600 square kilometers of the roads near the famous circuit have been digitized for the upcoming Assetto Corsa EVO game. As you enjoy these stories and more, don't forget to share SpeedBites with friends who share your passion for all things automotive. Happy reading!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Aston Martin's Valhalla supercar is set to begin production in the second half of 2025, featuring a hybrid powertrain that delivers 1079bhp and 811lb ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful models from the brand. The vehicle will be limited to 999 units, priced from £850,000, and incorporates advanced aerodynamics and a driver-focused interior design, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the Valkyrie.
The Ford Mustang GTD has set a new record as the fastest American car to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the circuit in 6 minutes and 57.685 seconds, a goal established by Ford CEO Jim Farley. This achievement is attributed to its powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, advanced aerodynamics, and specialized suspension, although the lap was completed in a modified version of the car that differs from the production model.
General Motors is discontinuing its autonomous robotaxi initiative with Cruise following a serious accident in 2023, leading to a strategic realignment towards advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles. The automaker plans to integrate Cruise's operations into its own, aiming to save over $1 billion annually and complete the transition by mid-2025.
Genesis is set to launch its first high-performance vehicle, the GV60 Magma, in 2025, marking the brand's entry into the high-performance electric vehicle market. The GV60 Magma features significant upgrades, including enhanced battery and motor performance, a lower stance for improved handling, and a redesigned interior with exclusive branding and sporty elements.
The Dunsfold test track, once featured prominently in Top Gear, continues to host high-performance vehicles, with the Koenigsegg Jesko recently setting a new lap record of 1 minute, 10.9 seconds, making it the fastest road-legal car to run there. However, it remains just shy of the Caparo T1's record lap of 1:10.6, which was deemed ineligible as being too low to clear a speed hump — with the Jesko not being so limited.
Carlos Tavares has resigned as CEO of Stellantis, prompting company insiders to reflect on his leadership, particularly regarding the controversial decision to discontinue the Hemi V8 engine in favor of electrification and emissions compliance. With Tavares' departure, Stellantis has reappointed former Dodge and Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis, suggesting a potential shift in strategy that may favor a return to V8 offerings in the future.
The Polestar TRX, a futuristic pickup truck design by Indian designer Shashank Shekhar, won the Polestar-Hot Wheels Design Contest and will be produced as a 1:64 scale model. While it remains uncertain if a full-sized version will be created, previous contests have led to the development of real-life concepts, such as the Synergy, showcased at the IAA Mobility Show.
A California family has filed a complaint against Tesla, alleging that the Autopilot feature was responsible for the death of their loved one, who crashed into a parked fire truck while using the system for 12 minutes prior to the incident on February 18, 2023. The lawsuit claims that Tesla has misled consumers about the capabilities of Autopilot and failed to adequately address numerous reports of its flaws, while Tesla contends that the crash resulted from driver misuse.
Caterham is developing its first all-electric sports car, utilizing an electric motor from Yamaha and a unique immersion-cooled battery pack sourced from Taiwanese supplier Xing Mobility, which enhances heat dissipation and has an energy density of 200 Wh/kg. Although the company initially aimed for a 2026 launch, the timeline is uncertain as Caterham has not finalized the production location and acknowledges potential challenges in meeting this target.
The 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ has been officially detailed after 16 months since its debut, featuring a GM-estimated driving range of 460 miles and a starting price of $130,000. It is powered by a dual-motor electric powertrain producing 680 hp, with an option for 750 hp in Velocity Max mode, and offers various trim levels with distinct features and pricing, including a high-end option that can exceed $150,000.
MOTORSPORT
Fernando Alonso, the two-time Formula 1 champion, plans to approach the 2026 season with Aston Martin as if it could be his last, despite having a contract through that year, amid expectations for significant improvements with new team signings and regulations. He expressed a desire to compete for a third title, acknowledging the need for a competitive car and the potential challenges to his seat from emerging drivers if Aston Martin's performance improves.
The 2024 F1 season, featuring a record 24 races, has led to a significant increase in 2025 entry fees for teams, resulting in a projected $25.8 million for the FIA in 2025, up by $1.9 million compared to the current season. McLaren's first championship since 1998 sees its entry fee more than double, rising to $6.1 million due to its high point total of 666 and increased cost-per-point for the champion team, with Red Bull’s poorer season meaning a $2.7m reduction in its entry fee.
Max Verstappen will not face repercussions for his critical radio comments directed at FIA stewards during the Abu Dhabi season finale, where he expressed frustration over a 10-second penalty for a collision. Following a previous incident at the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen is required to participate in community service in Rwanda, working with junior competitors as part of a grassroots development program during the FIA awards ceremony.
Yuki Tsunoda expressed that the Red Bull RB20 feels "very different" from his previous experiences, following his first proper test with the team at Yas Marina Circuit. He noted that while he has much to learn, he was able to provide valuable feedback on the car's performance and the upcoming 2025 Pirelli tyres, which may influence decisions about his potential promotion to the main Red Bull squad.
Pirelli is evaluating the performance of its new softest C6 tire compound after it underperformed during a test in Abu Dhabi, where it overheated before completing a full lap. The company plans to analyze data from this test to determine suitable races for the C6 in 2025, initially considering its use at street circuits like Monaco and Singapore, while also reporting positive findings regarding the overall integrity and performance of its new tire range.
Cadillac F1 has appointed Graeme Lowdon as its new team principal and is in talks with Ferrari for a multi-year engine supply agreement starting in 2026, contingent on receiving FIA approval for its entry into the championship. Initially, the team had an engine deal with Alpine, but that fell through when Alpine shifted to Mercedes power, prompting Cadillac F1 to explore partnerships with various manufacturers.
Penske Entertainment unveiled the initial rendering of its proposed 2027 IndyCar during a private meeting with team owners, prompting varied reactions regarding its design, which is perceived as a minor update of the current DW12 chassis. While some owners advocate for a more innovative approach, citing Adrian Newey's Red Bull X1 as inspiration, others emphasize the importance of prioritizing functionality and safety in the design process.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed concerns about potential attempts by rivals to create division within his team following their recent constructors' championship win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the first for McLaren in 26 years. He emphasized the importance of maintaining team cohesion and a strong culture, urging employees to remain vigilant against external distractions, which he referred to as "poison biscuits," as they prepare for the next season.
Peugeot Sport's technical director, Olivier Jansonnie, reflected on a challenging season for the French manufacturer, acknowledging that they underestimated the time needed to adapt to the revised 9X8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Despite a difficult start, including a poor performance at Le Mans, Peugeot improved in the latter half of the season, securing two top-four finishes and ending up sixth in the Hypercar manufacturers' standings.
Sebastian Job, a leading sim racer for Red Bull, successfully transitioned from virtual racing to driving the RB8 Formula 1 car, previously raced by Sebastian Vettel, at the Red Bull Ring in October. His preparation included driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car and receiving coaching from ex-F1 driver Patrick Friesacher, which helped him adapt to the physical demands of real-world racing and ultimately complete ten laps in the championship-winning car.
CURIOSITIES
Kunos Simulazioni has announced that the upcoming Assetto Corsa EVO will feature an open-world map called "Eifel," based on the roads surrounding the Nurburgring, with plans for a 1:1 laser-scanned recreation of the area. The map will initially launch with a smaller section in summer 2025, expanding to a total of 1,600 square kilometers over time, and will include interactions with local automotive businesses for vehicle upgrades.
Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, an ex-F1 driver making a comeback in the film "F1," which is set to release in June 2025 and features cameos from real F1 drivers. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film was shot during actual race weekends at various locations and includes a cast that features Javier Bardem and Damson Idris, with input from Lewis Hamilton to ensure authenticity.
Hagerty’s Bull Market List highlights collectible vehicles that are gaining interest among younger enthusiasts, with notable mentions including the Lamborghini Gallardo and Volvo P1800, which are attracting higher prices due to their appeal and rarity. However, classic and collectible cars are hard to predict and the market can be volatile, with the author recommending that purchase of such cars should be driven by personal desire not investment potential.
The Rammus, a unique vehicle commissioned by Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, combines the chassis of a Ram truck with the upper body of a Mustang, resulting in a truck that sits significantly higher off the ground. Powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine and featuring a Mustang interior with some Ram components, the Rammus is designed for both functionality and striking visual appeal, complete with oversized fender flares and large whitewall tires.
The 1983 Bentley Mulsanne Turbo 'Shooting Brake,' converted by coachbuilder Coway, is one of 12 known examples and features a six-and-three-quarter-litre V8 engine delivering approximately 385bhp. Currently up for auction with a highest bid of £9,100, the vehicle has covered over 37,500 miles and includes modern amenities like parking sensors and a CD multichanger, though it has not been serviced since early 2019.
A customer at a Mazda dealership in Sandy, Utah, drove a Subaru Outback through the showroom's glass facade after the dealership refused to refund his purchase, claiming the vehicle was faulty. The incident, which was captured on video and went viral, resulted in the driver's arrest on charges of felony criminal mischief and reckless endangerment, though no injuries were reported.
Danish watch manufacturer REC has created a limited edition timepiece incorporating original parts from Ayrton Senna's 1986 Lotus 98T/4 chassis, specifically the aluminium plenum tubes, in collaboration with Classic Team Lotus. The collection is limited to 989 individually numbered watches, featuring design elements inspired by Senna's iconic black and gold John Player Special livery.
A twin-engine Honda CRX, originally built by Car & Driver magazine with the support of American Honda, has reappeared in a feature on the Jay Leno’s Garage YouTube channel. Known as Project Synchronicity, the car — donated by American Honda to Car & Driver, along with its Accord-sourced, 1.8-liter engines — developed 201hp, allowing it to significantly improve its acceleration times despite the weight increase, and has been restored by its current owner, Randy Carlson.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!