- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Auction Crash Damages Collectible Cars
Auction Crash Damages Collectible Cars
Andrew Evans
November 06, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Chery iCaur V27 is coming for the Land Cruiser and Defender
Liam Lawson aghast at initial blame for F1 marshal near-miss
French museum to auction off 50 classic movie cars
Williams to run classic Gulf-inspired livery for Brazil
Japan aims for 10,000 autonomous vehicles on the road by 2030
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Chery's iCaur brand has introduced the V27, a 4x4 designed to compete with established models like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser, potentially entering the UK market soon. Featuring a range-extender powertrain with a turbocharged petrol engine and electric motors, the V27 promises impressive driving range capabilities, although its performance metrics are based on an alternative testing cycle than Europe’s WLTP.
Japan aims to introduce approximately 10,000 autonomous vehicles, including buses and taxis, by the year 2030, as part of a collaborative effort between the government and automotive manufacturers to advance research and streamline regulatory processes. This initiative, which targets vehicles classified as "Level 4" for their potential ability to operate without human intervention in a specific area, is expected to enhance the nation's economic security while addressing safety concerns through comprehensive studies.
Volvo is planning to enhance cost efficiency and profit margins by increasing its collaboration with the Geely group, aiming for an operating margin of 8% as it shifts focus towards expanding its electric vehicle lineup. The company has already initiated significant job reductions and is committed to maintaining its brand identity while exploring partnerships that enhance operational synergies without compromising its distinct design and engineering principles.
Honda has reimagined vehicle design with a new front-end structure that flexes during cornering, enhancing handling dynamics while reducing weight and costs. This innovative approach allows for improved grip and comfort by optimizing body rigidity and strategically placing structural reinforcements, resulting in a lighter and more efficient platform for models like the Civic and Pilot.
BMW is initiating a recall of more than 5,000 X5 SUVs due to concerns over Takata airbags that may malfunction and pose a risk to occupants. Although only a small fraction of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the problematic inflators, the company is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
Caterham’s CEO, Bob Laishley, has surprisingly departed the company with immediate effect while the founder of its parent company will step in to replace him on an unknown basis. Laishley had led the company since June 2022, overseeing significant developments that include the launch of a modern manufacturing plant, the debut of a turbocharged engine for its Academy racing car, and a glimpse into potential electrification with Project V, with Kazuho Takahashi now overseeing the brand.
Bentley has announced initial specifications for its first electric vehicle, which will accommodate 350kW charging that will position it among the quickest charging options available upon its release in 2027. This new luxury SUV will be the shortest model in Bentley's lineup, as it is designed for urban environments and is expected to share a platform with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric, although specific details on their similarities remain undisclosed.
The prototype of the 2027 Hyundai Tucson has been spotted in California, indicating a shift towards a more angular design and a focus on electrification for the North American market. This upcoming model will exclusively feature hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, majoring in advanced technology and a more upscale appearance to compete effectively with rivals like the Honda CR-V.
BMW is collaborating with Samsung SDI to advance the development of solid-state batteries, building on its existing relationship with Solid Power. The partnership aims to leverage Solid Power's innovative sulfide-based solid electrolyte and Samsung SDI's manufacturing capabilities to create next-generation battery cells, although the focus remains on evaluation vehicles for now.
This year has seen a surge in recalls from Ford, but Toyota is also experiencing significant issues as it approaches the end of the year. With a substantial recall affecting over a million vehicles, including models from Lexus and Subaru, the automaker is addressing a software issue related to backup cameras that may fail to display properly, requiring dealership visits for resolution.
MOTORSPORT
Liam Lawson expressed his astonishment at the Mexican race organizers’ assertion that he was at fault for a close encounter with marshals during the recent Formula 1 race in Mexico. Despite the initial blame placed on him for not adequately slowing down under yellow flags, the FIA later clarified that Lawson was not responsible, acknowledging a miscommunication regarding the marshals' presence on the track.
Williams has unveiled a special livery for the Brazilian Grand Prix, featuring the Gulf color scheme that first appeared earlier this year to celebrate their partnership. This design incorporates 493 words reflecting the sentiments of fans, as the team aims to improve its performance after two races without scoring points, while currently holding a strong fifth place in the constructors' standings.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, views McLaren's situation with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri competing for the drivers' championship as a beneficial challenge, despite the presence of Max Verstappen as a strong contender. He commented that the ongoing rivalry between the two McLaren drivers is a testament to the team's successful season and contributes positively to the overall excitement of Formula 1.
Carlos Sainz will miss his media engagements prior to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to illness, as confirmed by the Williams team. Instead of attending the track, he will rest at the team's hotel while hoping to recover in time for the race weekend, which includes both a sprint and the main event.
Liberty Media has announced its financial results for the third quarter, revealing a significant increase in revenue driven by the Formula One Group and the recent addition of MotoGP following the acquisition of Dorna Sports. The overall earnings reached $1.085 billion, with Formula 1 contributing $869 million and MotoGP generating $169 million.
Porsche is optimistic about its chances in the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, where it aims to close a significant points gap with Ferrari in both the drivers' and manufacturers' standings. Despite facing challenges, including a heavier car and reduced power, the team believes that consistent performance and strategic execution could still lead to a successful outcome.
Alpine is preparing to conduct a one-day test of its A424's proposed aerodynamic enhancements at Bahrain International Circuit next week, following a successful outing at Fuji Speedway. The primary aim of this session will be to provide new driver Antonio Felix da Costa with additional experience, while also assessing the potential updates before the final homologation scheduled for mid-December.
Ott Tanak has indicated that he has a general idea about his direction for 2026, although he has not disclosed specific plans amid ongoing speculation regarding his future in the World Rally Championship. Hyundai is eager to retain the 2019 champion as part of its lineup for next season, while also expanding its technical team to enhance competitiveness against rival Toyota.
After missing out on a WEC test due to insufficient license points caused by a poor final round, NASCAR Xfinity driver Connor Zilisch will nonetheless experience his inaugural run in an LMDh prototype. This will take place during the upcoming IMSA test at Daytona, sharing the #31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R with notable drivers, as Zilisch seeks a potential GTP seat with Cadillac for the Daytona 24 Hours.
CURIOSITIES
A significant incident occurred during a recent Mecum auction in Texas, when a 1958 Willys pickup collided with several collectible cars and caused several injuries. While the exact cause of the crash remains unclear, it has sparked discussions among car enthusiasts about the potential financial impact on the damaged vehicles, estimated at up to $200,000.
The Pop Central Museum in Etrechy, France, is set to auction off a diverse collection of 50 vehicles and motorcycles from popular films and television shows, along with some replicas, as the museum's manager shifts focus to new automotive endeavors. Running from November 21 to 28 through Bonhams, the auction features iconic cars from franchises like Fast & Furious, John Wick, and Jurassic Park.
McLaren F1s rarely come up for sale, with many owners preferring to keep hold of them in collections even as values soar to over $20m. One example, chassis 009, is now available in a classified ad and presents as a well-preserved example with original features and a modest mileage of 10,522, offering a chance for serious collectors to own a well-maintained and pure example of the type.
The US Postal Service is set to release a series of Forever stamps in 2026 that highlights the cultural significance and craftsmanship of the lowrider movement, featuring five distinct designs based on iconic GM vehicles. Each stamp, created by art director Antonio Alcala and inspired by photographs from Philip Gordon and Humberto Mendoza, features these customized cars with intricate designs.
Mansory has introduced the Garia X, an updated version of the original Garia golf cart that incorporates a design inspired by Mercedes. This eye-catching vehicle features a striking turquoise exterior with black accents and a luxurious interior, complete with leather upholstery and carbon fiber details, making it a notable presence on the golf course.
Toyota has unveiled a new, nearly nine-minute episode of its animated series Grip, which features thrilling action from its GR vehicle lineup, captivating younger audiences. While the conclusion raises eyebrows, by suggesting a blend of human and AI capabilities as the optimal driving approach, it also teases a potential fourth model in the GR range.
Bisimoto Engineering has transformed a Honda Odyssey into a high-performance minivan by swapping in a Civic Type R engine and a six-speed manual transmission. While this modified 2025 model offers a more manageable power output compared to Bisimoto's previous 1,000-horsepower version, it still boasts impressive enhancements, including thoughtful upgrades to maintain everyday usability.
Further questions have been raised over the operation of autonomous taxis after an incident in which a well-known neighbourhood cat was killed by a Waymo vehicle in San Francisco. KitKit, also known as “the mayor of 16th Street”, was a fixture of the Mission District, and local lawmakers have referenced the incident on October 27 to introduce legislation to limit the growth of the robotaxi industry and allow counties to decide on their operation, with support from residents.
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!