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Audi R8 to Return in 2027
Andrew Evans
March 10, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Cadillac’s F1 team gets final approval
Cybertruck owner wants Tesla abuse classed as hate crime
Nissan Z gets iconic Bayside Blue
Racing Bulls' tech director departs
Off-road Mustang honors long-forgotten movie car
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Audi is set to reintroduce the R8 as a plug-in hybrid supercar, potentially marking its most powerful and fastest production model yet, with a launch anticipated in late 2027. This new iteration will share its foundational components with the Lamborghini Temerario, incorporating a potent twin-turbocharged V8 engine that can achieve impressive performance through the addition of electric motors.
Debates about the best iteration of the Nissan Skyline GT-R often highlight the R34's Bayside Blue, a color that has gained a loyal following despite the appeal of other shades like Midnight Purple. Although initially exclusive to the R34, this iconic hue will now be available on the Nissan Z for the 2025 model year, marking its first appearance on a non-GT-R vehicle, while the Z maintains its pricing structure across different trims.
Mercedes-AMG is developing an all-electric SUV inspired by the Vision AMG concept, which is expected to share design elements with its forthcoming electric sedan. Set to launch in 2026, this model will use the AMG.EA platform and feature powerful axial-flux motors, positioning it as a competitor against the upcoming Porsche K1 in the luxury electric crossover segment.
Nissan is poised for significant changes as CEO Makoto Uchida is expected to resign soon, potentially reviving merger talks with Honda that previously faltered over ownership disagreements. Amid ongoing financial challenges and increasing competition, the company is also considering other partnerships, including discussions with Foxconn, while preparing for a leadership transition that could reshape its future.
Telo aims to revolutionize the pickup truck market by offering a compact vehicle that retains the utility of larger models, with the MT1 prototype showcasing its potential. Featuring a unique design that includes a five-foot bed and customizable powertrain options, the company plans to begin production next year, though the challenges of launching a new automotive brand remain significant.
The Mazda CX-5, which has been in the market since 2016, is set for an update with a new version potentially debuting as early as this year despite expectations of a 2027 release. Recent spy photos reveal a prototype featuring design elements reminiscent of the current model, while also hinting at hybrid capabilities and a modernized interior inspired by Mazda's latest offerings.
Ford has flagged a potential battery issue in specific F-150 Lightning trucks produced between 2022 and 2024, which could lead to short circuits due to misaligned electrodes. Owners are advised to limit their vehicle's charging to 80% until a recall service can address the problem, with replacement battery arrays expected to be available by mid-2025.
Approximately 23% of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 vehicles failed mandatory safety inspections in Denmark, with inspectors identifying 1,392 defects, a figure significantly higher than that of other electric vehicles. Common issues included problems with lighting, braking, steering, and suspension, raising concerns about the reliability of newer Model 3 iterations as well.
A recent analysis indicates that nearly a quarter of vehicles involved in accidents are now classified as total losses, reflecting a substantial increase from previous years. This trend is largely driven by escalating repair costs associated with advanced safety technologies, which in turn contributes to rising insurance premiums for consumers.
Following its recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, Nikola has issued a recall for 95 hydrogen fuel cell semi trucks, compounding the challenges faced by the struggling manufacturer. This action comes amid ongoing production halts and a significant decline in stock value, exacerbated by a complaint regarding the unpredictable shutdowns of its fuel cell systems.
MOTORSPORT
General Motors has received official approval to enter Formula 1 in 2026, establishing a new team under its Cadillac brand, in collaboration with the organization TWG. This decision follows a revised proposal that demonstrated GM's commitment to a full works team and engine development, distinguishing it from a previous bid by Andretti, which was not accepted.
George Russell has urged the FIA to permit Formula 1 drivers to express themselves genuinely amid ongoing discussions about inappropriate language. While FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem aims to limit swearing, a compromise has been reached that allows drivers to use strong language during races but imposes penalties for such behavior in media settings.
Jody Egginton will depart from Racing Bulls at the end of this month after a decade-long tenure, during which he ascended from head of vehicle performance to technical director. He is set to join Red Bull Advanced Technologies as engineering director on April 1, citing a desire for new challenges after nearly 20 years in Formula 1.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Max Verstappen's pursuit of a fifth consecutive championship has sparked considerable discussion, particularly regarding his future with Red Bull amid ongoing rumors of a potential departure. With challenges surrounding Red Bull's performance and upcoming power unit changes, questions about Verstappen's long-term commitment to the team have intensified, especially if success becomes elusive.
Alex Albon has expressed that Carlos Sainz's transition to Williams has triggered reflections on his own departure from Red Bull. Having experienced the shift from a top team to a midfield car, Albon finds parallels in Sainz's ability to communicate necessary improvements for the FW47, highlighting the adjustments both drivers faced in their careers.
Lando Norris has identified rear-end balance issues as a significant challenge for McLaren as they prepare for the upcoming F1 season, yet he sees potential for improvement. Following promising pre-season tests in Bahrain, he believes that concentrating efforts on this specific area could lead to valuable advancements for the team.
Genesis is creating a new LMDh race car to participate in endurance competitions, using Hyundai's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine as a foundation for a V8 design. The vehicle is set to be revealed in April, with testing scheduled to commence in August, as the brand aims to establish a presence in the World Endurance Championship by 2026.
Gordon Shedden, a three-time champion of the British Touring Car Championship, is set to return to the series in 2025 with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK, joining a strong team alongside previously announced drivers. After a brief hiatus, Shedden aims to leverage his extensive experience and the competitive Toyota Corolla GR Sport to pursue further success in the upcoming season.
FUN STUFF
A Cybertruck owner has written to his representative, California’s John Garamendi, to request legislation to classify abuse of Tesla owners as a hate crime. The owner cites numerous incidents of insults and road rage-type incidents directed at him, allegedly on the basis of owning a Cybertruck, and has urged the Congressman to consider taking action to increase penalties for abuse of people based on the car they drive.
A commercial vehicle transporting an excavator in Lordsburg, New Mexico, collided with an overpass, resulting in significant damage to both the bridge and the equipment. Experts have deemed the bridge irreparable, leading to a costly demolition and rebuild process expected to take over a year.
Certain vehicles from movies achieve iconic status beyond their cinematic appearances, while others fade into obscurity, such as the modified classic Ford Mustang featured in the 1999 remake of The Thomas Crown Affair. German tuning firm Loder1899 has created a modern version of this overlooked car, based on the latest Mustang model, complete with off-road enhancements and a design reminiscent of its film counterpart, although it remains a concept pending sufficient public interest.
A 23-year-old man in Ireland was apprehended after attempting to fraudulently acquire three BMWs by fabricating bank transfer receipts, ultimately succeeding in stealing one vehicle. Despite his defense citing ADHD and autism as factors in his actions, he received a three-year prison sentence, with 21 months suspended, after admitting to the crime.
A rare, right-hand drive Ruf RCT Evo is available, with the 964-based supercar given a thorough re-engineering by the famous German brand. The car features a raft of unique upgrades that include full carbon-fiber body panels, as well as the regular features of the model such as the 431hp turbocharged engine, and is listed for almost £750,000.
A Volkswagen Thing, potentially the first of its kind in the U.S., has remained untouched for 50 years, sitting idle with its odometer frozen at just over 7,400 miles. After a thorough detailing process, the vehicle has been restored to a condition reminiscent of its original state, much to the delight of the owner's family who recalls its former glory.
A damaged 2024 Lamborghini Urus S is available for purchase, presenting an opportunity for someone skilled in repairs to restore the vehicle, which has just under 7,000 miles on the odometer. The SUV requires significant work, including replacing the front passenger door and side airbags, and while the four-liter V8 engine is present it is likely non-operational given the front-end damage.
A YouTuber detailer faced significant challenges when attempting to restore a 1966 Ford Thunderbird that had been left to deteriorate on a property recently acquired by a young owner. Despite the car's appealing interior, the extensive rust and neglect led the detailer to conclude that it was more suited for parts than for restoration, ultimately advising against the effort to revive it.
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