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Audi Selling Off Legendary Racers
Andrew Evans
April 03, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Genesis reveals G90-based coupe and convertible concepts
Racing Bulls’ Hadjar has demo run mishap
Rare Tommykaira ZZ goes unsold
Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 gets facelift, N model
McLaren the “only team with two good drivers”: Norris
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Genesis is positioning itself as a leader in concept vehicles, unveiling the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, following the earlier X and X Convertible models. While these striking designs showcase innovative styling based on the G90 sedan, they primarily serve as design explorations rather than indicators of imminent production.
Hyundai has introduced a refreshed version of the Ioniq 6 sedan, expanding it into a lineup that includes an N Line variant and a forthcoming high-performance N model, similar to the Ioniq 5. The updates feature a more aggressive exterior design and interior enhancements aimed at improving comfort and usability, with further details expected to be revealed in the near future.
Polestar has removed the Polestar 2 from its U.S. website, signaling a potential discontinuation of the model amid rising tariffs that have impacted the automotive market. The company’s decision appears to be influenced by recent tariff announcements, which have complicated the sale of its electric vehicles in the United States, while the Polestar 3 and 4 are set to take precedence in the North American lineup.
Honda has revealed the upcoming Prelude coupe in full, with the car incorporating elements from the Civic hatchback, including its infotainment system and climate controls, while introducing sportier features like a rally-styled steering wheel and enhanced bucket seats. Additionally, the Prelude uses a new S+ Shift system to enhance driving dynamics, leveraging its hybrid powertrain to optimize engine performance and responsiveness without relying on traditional gear shifting.
Gordon Murray Automotive recently detailed the rigorous testing process for the T.33 supercar, focusing on its airbag control system's calibration. The development team used a specialized test vehicle at a facility in Germany to simulate various misuse scenarios, ensuring the airbags would not deploy under specific conditions that could indicate a crash.
Engler Automotive has introduced the CoupéTail, a coachbuilt two-door variant of the Rolls-Royce Ghost, featuring a powerful twin-turbo V12 engine that generates over 750 horsepower. Priced at €2.2 million, this model combines elements of both the Ghost and the electric Spectre, offering unique design touches and performance enhancements while maintaining a focus on luxury.
Skoda has introduced the Elroq vRS, an upgraded version of its smallest electric crossover, featuring enhanced performance and sporty design elements. This model boasts a power increase to 335bhp, a modified chassis for improved handling, and a range of advanced features, while its driving range is slightly reduced compared to its standard counterpart.
SEAT is grappling with challenges in developing a new small electric vehicle, which has resulted in a lack of fresh models for the foreseeable future. The brand's leadership emphasizes the necessity to refocus on its role within the Volkswagen Group to appeal to younger consumers through cost-effective electric mobility, although profitability remains a significant hurdle.
Faraday Future has unveiled a teaser image of the Super One minivan, which is set to launch in June as part of its value-oriented Faraday X series. Despite its ambitious plans, the company faces uncertainty due to a significant financial loss, raising concerns about its future viability.
Stellantis is grappling with significant sales declines in the USA, particularly with Dodge which experienced a staggering 49% drop over the past 12 months. However, the company is reported that the Charger model is now outselling the conventional ICE model by almost two to one, though that’s likely enhanced by the fact that the combustion engined cars are old stock as the new “Hurrican” engined models won’t arrive until later in 2025.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris asserts that McLaren stands out in Formula 1 due to its strong driver pairing, which he believes gives the team a competitive edge over rivals like Ferrari and Red Bull whose driver pairings are still getting used to their teams and cars. Despite some claims of McLaren's dominance, Norris emphasizes that their success is not solely attributed to the car's performance but also to the synergy between the two capable drivers pushing each other to excel.
Isack Hadjar experienced a minor mishap during a demonstration event in Tokyo ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, struggling with a challenging hairpin turn that resulted in damage to his car's front wing. Fortunately for Hadjar, the incident had no lasting repercussions as he prepares to compete in his third grand prix alongside new teammate Liam Lawson, who has returned to Racing Bulls after facing difficulties at Red Bull.
Charles Leclerc's disqualification from the Chinese Grand Prix was influenced by a leaking water bottle, which contributed to his car being one kilogram under the required weight limit. Ferrari has acknowledged that this incident, along with other factors such as ride height miscalculations, played a significant role in their performance issues during the race.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has highlighted a significant contrast between his experience as a rookie at Mercedes and Liam Lawson's challenges with Red Bull. While Antonelli has secured points and consistent finishes early in his F1 career, Lawson has faced difficulties, leading to his return to Racing Bulls after a disappointing start.
Haas has implemented a minor modification to the VF-25's floor ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix to address aerodynamic oscillations that affected performance during the season opener in Melbourne. Team principal Ayao Komatsu noted that the upgrade's effectiveness will be evaluated based on the car's performance in the first sector during practice, as the team aims to improve its handling in high-speed corners.
Red Bull Racing is facing challenges in identifying a "correlation error" linked to its outdated wind tunnel, which has been in use since the 1940s and struggles with temperature consistency. As the team prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix, it has made a driver change, bringing Liam Lawson back while promoting Yuki Tsunoda to team up with Max Verstappen, all while it works towards a new wind tunnel expected to be operational by 2026.
Lewis Hamilton expressed unwavering confidence in Ferrari, despite the team's rocky start to the current season. While he achieved success in the sprint race in China, both he and teammate Charles Leclerc faced disqualifications in the grand prix, leaving Ferrari in fifth place in the constructors' standings.
Aston Martin's CEO, Andy Cowell, advocates for a focus on the upcoming hybrid powertrains set to debut in 2026, emphasizing the importance of sustainable technologies over a potential shift back to V10 engines. He asserts that the current regulations should be fully embraced and developed, highlighting the significant investments made in hybrid systems and the relevance of these advancements to broader automotive trends.
Jack Doohan expressed his understanding of Liam Lawson's recent seat swap within the Red Bull team, anticipating that Lawson may prove to be a more formidable competitor at Racing Bulls. While acknowledging the challenges Lawson faced during his time with Red Bull, Doohan emphasized the importance of performance in Formula 1 and highlighted the potential for Lawson to thrive in his new role.
Sergio Perez's father has indicated that the performance of Max Verstappen might not be replicated if he were to drive the other Red Bull vehicle, suggesting a significant disparity between the two cars. Following a challenging season where Perez finished far behind Verstappen, Liam Lawson's brief stint with the team has opened the door for Yuki Tsunoda, who is expected to receive the best equipment for his upcoming home race in Japan.
FUN STUFF
Audi is launching a unique initiative to sell its R18 LMP1 and RS5 DTM race cars, offering select buyers the chance to own some of the brand's most advanced racing machines along with technical support for their upkeep. This move reflects a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to engage with high-performance vehicles from an era when racing technology was pushed to its limits, despite the challenges of maintaining such sophisticated machinery.
A rare Tommykaira ZZ recently failed to sell at auction in the USA despite a flurry of late bids from fans looking to secure what’s thought to be one of only a single-digit number in the country. While this vehicle does sport some modifications that may affect its value, including a changed front end to incorporate headlights from a Toyota Celica and a stroke, 2.2-liter Nissan engine, the seller believes that $20,250 is too far from a reasonable price, citing a previous example reaching almost twice that figure.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch on June 5, featuring a diverse lineup of both new titles and classic revivals, including several engaging racing games. Among the highlights are a fresh installment in the Mario Kart series, a sequel to Kirby Air Ride, and a re-release of F-Zero GX, all designed to enhance casual gaming experiences for families and friends.
Car enthusiasts often push the boundaries of creativity, leading to remarkable modifications that can transform vehicles into unique expressions of art. One such example is a street-legal three-wheeled vehicle constructed from a Rutan Long-EZ aircraft fuselage, showcasing an imaginative blend of automotive and aviation design that captivates onlookers despite its unconventional appearance.
The Dodge Dart underwent significant modifications in the early 1970s, including engine updates and styling changes, with the 1972 model featuring a six-cylinder engine and electronic ignition. Currently listed on eBay, this particular Dart is presented as an all-original four-door vehicle but shows signs of rust and requires inspection, with bidding starting at $2,050 and no offers yet received.
A recent incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck and a Lexus LX600 escalated into a road rage confrontation, with the Lexus driver seemingly brandishing a firearm during the altercation. This event underscores the futility of aggressive driving behavior, especially in an era where many vehicles are equipped with recording technology that captures such reckless actions.
The Chevrolet Camaro was initially restricted from factory installation of the 427-cubic-inch L72 V8 due to corporate regulations, but dealer demand led to its availability through the COPO program, notably facilitated by Don Yenko's dealership. One such example, a 1968 Camaro upgraded by Motion Performance, boasts a colorful history and has undergone a meticulous restoration, now valued at nearly $500,000, highlighting its rarity and significance in the muscle car market.
Liberty Walk's LB-Kaido Works Nissan R32 Skyline exemplifies a striking fusion of classic Japanese tuning aesthetics and contemporary automotive design, showcasing bold modifications that command attention. This particular model, linked to a UK project by Lando Norris's Quadrant brand, captures the essence of motorsport culture while celebrating the iconic RB26 engine that lies beneath its dramatic exterior.
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