Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Cadillac hires F1 team manager

• GT40 houses a slot car track

• Aston Martin aims to keep V12 alive

• Haagen-Dazs gets Fast and Furious

• IndyCar drivers kept in the dark

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Audi has decided to revise its naming strategy following customer feedback, reverting to its previous size-related badging. It’s the second time in recent years Audi has walked back a change to its model brandings, with the company switching back from a system where even-numbered cars were electric to the older format with specific engine bading like TFSI, TDI, and e-tron. [PistonHeads​.com]

Aston Martin's CEO, Adrian Hallmark, is planning to continue producing V12 engines through to 2030 even while emissions regulations will see it eventually phased out. Hallmark has expressed intentions to use low-volume exemptions and even single-vehicle type approvals to keep the V12 in production as long as possible, while expanding the variety of offerings within the lineup and reviving the manual gearbox in its regular production cars. [Car and Driver]

In December, Honda and Nissan surprised the automotive industry by announcing discussions about a potential merger, but the timeline for revealing further details has been extended to mid-February. Amidst concerns over Nissan's financial stability, Honda is seeking assurance of substantial operational improvements from its counterpart before proceeding with any integration plans. [Carscoops]

The Xiaomi SU7, which has gained recognition as "China's Apple car", made a notable entry into the electric vehicle market in December 2023 and has consistently sold over 20,000 units monthly in China. With plans to introduce the YU7 crossover and ambitious sales targets of 300,000 vehicles by 2025, Xiaomi aims to expand its presence both domestically and in international markets. [InsideEVs]

Recent reports indicate a significant drop in Tesla's new vehicle registrations in Europe, with a notable 41% decline in Germany and a 6.2% decrease in France during the initial month of this year. Analysts suggest that increased competition and perceptions of an outdated product lineup, along with the controversial actions of CEO Elon Musk, may be contributing factors to this downturn in demand. [TheTruthAboutCars]

Stellantis is undergoing significant leadership changes following the exit of CEO Carlos Tavares, appointing new leaders for key brands like Jeep, Peugeot, and DS Automobiles while restructuring for improved regional management. The company aims to enhance decision-making capabilities across its operations, although it faces challenges with declining Jeep sales and is actively seeking a new CEO to fill Tavares' role by mid-2025. [Carscoops]

Ford's sales figures for January reveal a decline in overall deliveries compared to the previous year, with a total of 136,474 vehicles sold, reflecting a 6.3 percent decrease. Notably, the Mustang Mach-E and Ranger models experienced significant sales growth, with the Mach-E's sales rising by 172 percent and the Ranger's by 1,385.8 percent, while traditional Mustang sales fell sharply by 36.4 percent amid a competitive landscape. [Carscoops]

The Novitec N-Largo transformation of the Ferrari 296 GTS introduces a striking widebody design that enhances both aesthetics and performance, featuring a 12cm increase in width and a lowered ride height. With additional power and distinctive carbon components, this modified version stands out significantly from its factory counterpart, appealing to those seeking an even more eye-catching vehicle. [PistonHeads​.com]

BMW has introduced the X7 Nishiki Lounge concept, showcasing Japanese artistry through its luxurious design and serene interior ambiance. The vehicle features a striking exterior color scheme, a unique starry-themed interior, and advanced technology, while likely retaining the performance characteristics of the X7 xDrive40d model. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

Cadillac has appointed Haas team manager Peter Crolla as its new Formula 1 race team manager as it prepares for its 2026 entry into the sport. Crolla's extensive experience in establishing racing teams including Haas and McLaren will be instrumental in navigating the challenges of joining the F1 grid. [The Race]

Recent comments from prominent IndyCar drivers highlight contrasting perspectives on the upcoming 2027 car, with Josef Newgarden expressing awareness of its development while Scott Dixon admits to being uninformed. This disparity raises concerns about the communication and planning process within the series, particularly given Dixon's extensive experience and involvement in past innovations. [The Race]

Haas will be in a unique position for its tenth season in Formula 1 as it has partnerships with both Ferrari and Toyota. Team principal Ayao Komatsu has expressed optimism about leveraging these partnerships to improve performance, emphasizing the importance of focusing on internal development rather than external pressures. [RacingNews365]

Formula One has announced the timings for all of 2025’s grands prix, which includes an earlier start for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, aligning it with other night races and providing a more favorable viewing time for East Coast audiences in the United States. This adjustment follows feedback from previous events and aims to enhance fan engagement while accommodating logistical challenges associated with the race's street circuit. [Motorsport​.com]

South Africa is actively pursuing the opportunity to host a Formula 1 grand prix, with the government extending the deadline for promoters to express their interest until March 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Rwanda is also expressing interest in reviving F1 in Africa, which has not seen a race in over three decades, highlighting the continent's growing appeal for the sport. [RacingNews365]

Red Bull Racing has appointed Richard Wood as the race engineer for Liam Lawson, who will join the team in 2025. Meanwhile, the team is restructuring following the departure of Jonathan Wheatley, redistributing his responsibilities among various members while ensuring that the engineering support for Max Verstappen remains unchanged. [Autosport]

Jean Todt has expressed confusion over the lack of communication from his former Ferrari team, since his departure from the role as FIA president in 2021. Despite his significant contributions to Ferrari's success during the Schumacher era, Todt noted that he has not been consulted by the current management, which he finds surprising given his history with the team. [RacingNews365]

Team 18 is seeking assistance from the community following the theft of its Holden VE Commodore practice vehicle from its facility in Mount Waverley during the Australia Day weekend. The team has announced that a reward will be offered for information that leads to the recovery of the distinctive car, which is equipped for pit stop training and features unique branding. [Drive]

FUN STUFF

A new creation from Slot Mods Raceways features a Ford GT40 that cleverly conceals a 1:32-scale Le Mans slot car track within its body, complete with remote controls and detailed scenery. This handcrafted model pays homage to the iconic racing car, which achieved its last Le Mans victory in 1969, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship that makes it indistinguishable from a genuine race vehicle at first glance. [The Drive]

Criterion has officially announced that Need for Speed Unbound will no longer receive updates, with the November release of the Volume 9 update - which notably introduced motorcycles to the franchise for the first time - being its last. As the studio shifts focus to support the upcoming Battlefield title, the future of the Need for Speed series remains uncertain, with no new installments anticipated until at least late 2026. [GTPlanet]

As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, Häagen-Dazs is generating buzz with its commercial titled "Not so Fast, Not so Furious", featuring Vin Diesel and Michelle Rodriguez enjoying a leisurely drive while indulging in ice cream. Despite a notable absence of many automakers in this year's lineup, Stellantis will showcase two ads, while Toyota plans to engage in promotional activities in New Orleans without airing a commercial. [Carscoops]

Operating a Fisker Ocean as a ride-share vehicle in New York City presents significant challenges, particularly given the model's history of reliability issues and the company's decline. Despite its potential for comfort and range, the choice to use this luxury electric crossover in such a demanding environment raises questions about its long-term viability and the owner's decision-making. [Jalopnik]

The Type-Ami offers a nostalgic reinterpretation of the Citroen Ami, featuring a distinctive design reminiscent of the classic Citroen Type H van, thanks to a conversion kit developed by Italian coachbuilder Caselani. This updated model retains its original electric components while allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle with various color options, making it accessible even to younger drivers in Europe. [Carscoops]

In Washington State, a proposed bill aims to allow drivers with suspended licenses to operate vehicles legally by using a new "speed-restricted" license that requires the installation of an electronic speed governor. This initiative seeks to address the ongoing issue of speeding-related traffic incidents while acknowledging that many individuals continue to drive despite having their licenses revoked. [The Drive]

A rare, 220hp example of the lightweight Caterham Seven has become available to buy, making a great opportunity to pick up a fun toy ahead of summer. This car was built by Caterham itself as a one-off commission, and was recently refreshed by an official Caterham dealer after years in a private collection. [PistonHeads​.com]

A 2023 Cadillac Escalade experienced a severe engine failure after only four miles, prompting an investigation by Dave's Auto Center. During the disassembly, technicians discovered a missing wrist pin clip, which likely triggered a series of issues leading to significant damage, raising concerns about the reliability of the L87 V8 engine used in several GM models which is already under NHTSA investigation. [Motor1]

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