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Bathurst 12 Hours Marred by 27G Smash
Andrew Evans
February 16, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Yoke steering wheels next in China’s regulatory sights
Bad Bunny trades Bugatti for Toyota Corolla
Crashes dominate Formula E’s influencer event
Stellantis brings back diesel options in Europe
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Wrangler for sale
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
China is set to prohibit yoke-style steering wheels starting January 1, 2027, due to safety issues related to airbag deployment and potential injury risks during collisions. This regulation, while targeting a less common design, could have implications for global car manufacturers looking to enter the Chinese market.
Stellantis has decided to reintroduce diesel options across several of its models, in response to customer demand for these more affordable alternatives, while interest in its electric vehicles wanes. The company, which owns multiple popular European brands like Citroen, FIAT, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, had previously opted to move to an electric-only line-up by 2030, but is finding it difficult to compete with Chinese marques in this sector.
The EPA has announced a significant policy shift that will remove incentives for the use of automatic stop-start technology in vehicles, with its chief describing the tech as “absurd”. Automakers have varied responses to this change, with some expressing support and others indicating uncertainty about its implications for their current vehicle offerings.
The automotive sector in Japan is committing to increased collaboration to strategize on addressing significant challenges that could jeopardize its longstanding presence in the market. This united approach aims to navigate potential risks that threaten the industry's future stability.
A federal judge has directed the lawsuit against Toyota regarding alleged illegal data sharing to arbitration, citing the plaintiff's prior agreement to resolve disputes through this method. The case highlights rising concerns over data privacy as the adoption of connected vehicle technologies expands, with the automaker asserting that data collection occurs only with user consent.
Legislators in Canada and the United States are advocating for regulations to reduce the glare from modern headlights, responding to public concerns about nighttime driving discomfort. Despite these worries, research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that glare contributes to only a small percentage of nighttime accidents, suggesting that other factors like inadequate visibility are more significant safety issues.
Ford's abrupt termination of its partnership with SK On has resulted in the closure of a Kentucky battery plant, leading to the loss of 1,600 jobs just months after operations began. While the company's decision was influenced by changes in federal tax credit policies and shifting market conditions, it has sparked criticism from local workers who feel Ford misjudged the demand for electric vehicles.
Royal Enfield has provided an updated timeline for the anticipated launch of its inaugural electric motorcycle, the Flying Flea C6, which is expected to enter production by early 2026. This model, aimed at urban riders seeking a stylish and practical option, will be accompanied by a scrambler variant, marking the company's significant entry into the electric motorcycle market.
MOTORSPORT
Ralf Aron, a driver for Mercedes-AMG, sustained two spinal fractures after a severe crash during the Bathurst 12 Hour race, which involved a collision with another vehicle that had come to a stop on the track without adequate flag warnings. Despite the seriousness of the incident, Aron reported that he retains full mobility and expressed his appreciation for the rapid medical response and the safety features of his car.
Formula E's Evo Sessions returned to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, featuring a competitive event with ten global influencers racing in Gen3 Evo cars after receiving training. The contest, which involved timed laps and eliminations, concluded with Joshua Larkin, known as TheBurntChip, defeating Behzinga in the final duel, after several crashes among the participants including a head-on collision with a wall for Izzy Hammond.
Pirelli is planning a wet tire test in Bahrain later this month to enhance its rain tire performance, having sought a venue capable of maintaining consistent wet conditions. The test, featuring McLaren and Mercedes 2026 prototype cars, is set for February 28 to March 1, aiming to refine the tire's usability in varying weather scenarios before the season begins in Australia.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has introduced significant changes to power units, prompting teams to adapt their driving techniques, particularly in managing electrical energy. McLaren has developed an innovative dual-indicator system on its steering wheel to provide drivers with real-time feedback on the MGU-K's energy usage, enhancing their ability to strategize during races.
After a challenging testing period, Fernando Alonso has noted the extensive preparations Aston Martin must undertake as it approaches the 2026 Formula 1 season, particularly with the integration of new leadership and a power unit supplier. Despite facing setbacks during recent tests, Alonso remains hopeful about the team's potential, highlighting the importance of its new facilities and partnerships.
Actor Keanu Reeves is collaborating with the Cadillac Formula 1 team to produce a documentary that will explore the team's formation and its preparations for their inaugural race. Announced in July 2025, the film aims to provide insights into the complexities and challenges faced by the team as it navigates the world of Formula 1.
The Bathurst 12 Hours race was abruptly halted for the #64 Ford Mustang GT3 after it collided with a kangaroo shortly after the start, leaving driver Chris Mies shaken but physically unharmed. The event was marked by several significant accidents, ultimately culminating in a victory for Team GMR's AMG GT3 amidst the chaos.
Elfyn Evans secured his third victory at Rally Sweden, leading a strong performance for Toyota in the 2026 World Rally Championship. After overcoming early challenges, Evans finished 14.3 seconds ahead of teammate Takamoto Katsuta, with Toyota claiming the top four positions in a dominant display against Hyundai.
Antonio Felix da Costa secured his inaugural victory with Jaguar during the second race of the Jeddah double-header. After establishing a lead in the early laps, da Costa finished ahead of Envision's Sebastien Buemi and defending champion Oliver Rowland, who rounded out the podium, while Cupra Kiro teammates Dan Ticktum and Pepe Marti finished fourth and fifth despite colliding with one another.
CURIOSITIES
The recent conclusion of the Mission: Impossible series with 'The Final Reckoning' has ended Tom Cruise's eight-film run as legacy as Ethan Hunt, and sparked interest in memorabilia linked to the film. A modified 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon known as ‘Ethan 1’ and used in a thrilling chase scene in the UK is now available for collectors, although it is not intended for road use due to its specialized enhancements.
Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, who recently made headlines for his Super Bowl half-time show, has traded his extravagant Bugatti Chiron for a more practical 2003 Toyota Corolla, noting a lack of interest in luxury vehicles. While the Chiron, valued at several million dollars, attracted attention and came with high ownership costs, the Corolla offers him a more discreet and manageable driving experience.
A rare Mk1 Ford GT40 is set to be auctioned at the end of the month, with an estimated value of between $6.5m and $8m. Closely related to the racing car, which secured multiple successive victories at Le Mans for Ford, this specific car was used in Ford’s Promotion and Disposal marketing program and was one of just 31 made to homologate the race model.
A unique collection of iconic Ferrari models from the late '80s and '90s is now available for purchase, featuring standout road vehicles like the F40, F355 Spider, and F50, each with impressive histories and specifications. Additionally, the set includes two significant Formula 1 cars, the 639 prototype and the celebrated 640, both of which played crucial roles in the evolution of racing technology and performance.
Rowan Atkinson is set to auction his Toyota GR Yaris, a model that stands out not only for its celebrity ownership but also for its performance pedigree as a homologation special for rally racing. With low mileage and a full service history, this well-equipped hot hatch is expected to fetch between £25,000 and £30,000 at the Race Retro sale on February 21.
A team of British engineers is developing the Bluebird Aero, a jet-powered vehicle designed to achieve speeds of 100mph, reminiscent of historical land and water speed record attempts. Weighing just 47kg and powered by a gas-turbine engine, the Aero incorporates advanced engineering techniques, including 3D-printed components and specialized braking systems, to enhance its performance and stability at high speeds.
The recently released film about Enzo Ferrari features a 1956 Peugeot 403, reflecting the real-life connection between the automotive icon and the French brand. This particular sedan, known for its understated design and practicality, is now available for auction, appealing to collectors due to its cinematic history and Enzo's genuine fondness for Peugeots.
Repairing damage to the rear quarter panel of a Rivian R1S can lead to unexpectedly high costs, with one recent incident resulting in a bill exceeding $53,000 due to extensive labor and necessary disassembly. Despite the initial appearance of minor damage, the complexity of the repair process often leads to significant expenses, prompting concerns among owners about the financial implications of such incidents.
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