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Bear-Faced Cheek as Fraudsters Wreck a Rolls
Jordan Greer
November 15, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! In today’s wild and weird news, police in California have arrested a group of people for staging fake bear attacks on premium cars, while Honda releases a special edition vehicle to celebrate an anniversary for Hello Kitty. Along with a first-look at the next generation of Jaguar and news of more high-level departures in F1, there’s plenty to guide you into the weekend and - as always - if you enjoy our daily dose of automotive excitement, feel free to share SpeedBites with friends who might appreciate the ride!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Jaguar has begun road testing its first all-new electric model, a four-door GT set for a 2026 launch, which will be the first of three electric vehicles based on a new platform. While technical details remain limited, the GT is expected to feature over 575bhp, a range exceeding 430 miles, and a starting price above £100,000, with a design that departs from traditional Jaguar styling cues and includes a distinctive new lighting arrangement.
The Sony Honda Mobility electric vehicle joint venture is set to show an updated version of its Afeela-branded sedan concept at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. Having gone through various iterations at the same show over the last five years, the latest version of the Afeela sedan prototype will feature a 91 kWh battery, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and extensive in-car entertainment options.
Tesla is set to introduce its V4 Supercharger cabinets, which will enable charging outputs of up to 500 kW for vehicles and 1.2 MW for the Semi, marking a significant upgrade from the previously used V3 cabinets that limited output to 250 kW. The first sites featuring these new cabinets are expected to open next year, as Tesla seeks to enhance its Supercharger network and integrate more solar and battery systems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has imposed a civil penalty of up to $165 million on Ford for failing to provide accurate recall information and for delays in a rearview camera recall that began in 2020. As part of a consent order, Ford must implement various compliance measures over the next three years, including establishing a new imaging lab and enhancing its recall decision-making processes, while being monitored by a third party.
Lamborghini currently offers three models: the Revuelto, the Temerario, and the Urus, and is developing a fourth model, an electric GT based on the Lanzador concept. Although the company considered reviving the Estoque sedan concept from 2008, it ultimately decided against adding another vehicle with rear doors and opted for the Lanzador, which is expected to enter production in late 2028 or early 2029 as Lamborghini's first electric vehicle.
California's recent amendment to the Advanced Clean Truck regulations could significantly impact the motorhome market by requiring manufacturers of vehicles over 8,500 pounds to gradually increase zero-emission offerings, potentially affecting new motorhome sales as early as this year. While the RV industry expresses concerns about the availability of zero-emission technology and seeks exemptions, the California Air Resources Board clarified that there is no outright ban, as manufacturers can use a credit system to comply with the new rules.
Tesla has reportedly supported the Trump administration's initiative to eliminate the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles, despite this contradicting its mission to promote electric transport. Elon Musk's shifting stance on sustainability and the potential impact of removing the tax credit raises questions about Tesla's commitment to the broader electric vehicle market, as it may prioritize short-term gains over industry-wide progress.
A group of four business owners, including John and Joshua Owens from Utah, has been indicted for smuggling illegal diesel truck tuning equipment into the U.S. and violating the Clean Air Act, with allegations of money laundering and operating a shell corporation in the Cayman Islands. The Owens reportedly generated over $74 million in revenue from these illegal sales between 2017 and 2023, despite ongoing investigations by federal authorities.
The Honda Super Cub Hello Kitty edition celebrates the character's 50th anniversary with unique cosmetic features, including Magna Red paint matching Hello Kitty's bow, special side covers, and branded elements on the speedometer and seat. Priced at ¥330,000 for the 50cc version and ¥385,000 for the 110cc, this limited edition is available for order in Japan until November 24.
Renault plans to transform its interior design for next-generation electric vehicles set to debut in 2028, focusing on a blend of physical and digital controls to enhance usability and driver safety. The brand revealed the strategy with the innovative cockpit of the Emblème concept, which will feature a wraparound display with multiple screens and retain essential physical buttons, aiming to create an intuitive user experience while minimizing distractions.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen has expressed that recent FIA measures aimed at reducing foul language in Formula 1 have made off-track responsibilities less enjoyable for him, particularly following his punishment for swearing during a press conference. The situation has prompted a collective response from drivers through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, which has raised concerns about driver conduct and the tone used by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Paolo Basarri has been dismissed from his role as compliance officer of the FIA, reportedly due to a loss of confidence from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, following Basarri's resistance to some of Ben Sulayem's requests. His departure is part of a broader trend of senior personnel changes within the FIA, which has seen multiple high-profile exits amid ongoing controversies surrounding Ben Sulayem's leadership.
F1 fans largely oppose the reintroduction of the double-points system used in the 2014 season finale, with over 84% of respondents in a recent poll expressing disapproval. Critics argue that this rule could artificially influence championship outcomes, and some believe the sport should focus on more pressing issues rather than altering the points system.
The FIA's recent amendment to Appendix K of its International Sporting Code will allow Historic Technical Passports (HTPs) for cars built between 1991 and 2000, potentially reviving interest in Formula 3000 racing. While the change offers hope for owners of these historic cars, challenges such as high maintenance costs and limited racing opportunities remain significant obstacles to their resurgence.
Roger Penske has acquired the Long Beach Grand Prix from Gerald R. Forsythe, integrating it into the IndyCar series which is set to expand in 2025. The race is significant for both Penske's strategy to enhance IndyCar's competitiveness against NASCAR and for the local economy, drawing over 200,000 attendees annually and contributing approximately $63 million to the region.
Jerry Bruckheimer, producer of the upcoming F1 film featuring Brad Pitt, highlighted the significant contributions of Lewis Hamilton in ensuring the film's authenticity, including detailed critiques of racing accuracy. Bruckheimer acknowledged that while Hamilton's insights have raised production costs, they are essential for accurately portraying the challenges of being an F1 driver.
Filming for the upcoming Formula 1 film, featuring the fictional APX GP, has raised concerns among teams like Red Bull about their portrayal, particularly due to the film's collaboration with Mercedes. Co-producer Jerry Bruckheimer noted that it took three years to reassure Red Bull that they would not be depicted as the villains, while filming continues at various Grand Prix events, including the recent Mexico City Grand Prix.
Mercedes-AMG, in collaboration with Petronas, has launched a five-part video series that explores the research and development of their high-performance Formula 1 fuel, Primax, detailing the customization processes that enhance power and efficiency for racing conditions. The series highlights the ongoing efforts to transition to sustainable fuels by 2026, with Mercedes already utilizing biofuels for a significant portion of its operations and aiming to inspire broader adoption of greener practices within the sport.
CURIOSITIES
Authorities in California have arrested four people for allegedly committing insurance fraud by staging a bear attack on their vehicles, including a Rolls Royce Ghost and two Mercedes models. The investigation, which included video evidence of a person in a bear costume, revealed inconsistencies in their claims, such as unrealistic scratch marks and the repositioning of cars between the supposed attacks, leading to charges of conspiracy and fraud totaling $141,839.
A vehicle which crashed in a rural part of Nottinghamshire, UK, has now been listed on Google Maps as a ‘historical landmark’ by the name of The Blue Car. The car, a Vauxhall Grandland, left the road in September and has remained in place ever since, prompting locals to make light of the situation with the landmark listing, and speculation over the nature of the police’s inaction in removing the wreckage.
Legendary soft-rocker Sir Rod Stewart has revealed that he is considering selling his collection of Italian performance cars due to the poor conditions of the local roads near his home in Harlow, UK. Showcasing a line-up of five supercars, which includes a Ferrari LaFerrari, Stewart — who has previously taken direct action in filling in potholes himself — says that conditions make it difficult to drive the cars and he may need to find new homes for them.
Firefighters in Scottsdale, Arizona, responded to a call from a Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD owner who discovered a boa constrictor hiding in the truck's underbody after a short drive. The snake, likely a lost pet, was safely removed and taken to the Arizona Herpetological Society, while the circumstances of its presence in the vehicle remain unclear.
James Dominik transformed a 1988 Subaru Justy by replacing its original 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine with a rebuilt 4.0-liter Lexus V8, complete with twin turbochargers, resulting in an estimated output of over 600 horsepower. The extensive modifications included a custom chassis, a rear-wheel-drive layout, and a variety of parts sourced from other vehicles, culminating in a project that took approximately seven years to complete.
A 1995 BMW 325i currently up for auction features a unique trunk setup that includes a functional waterfall, designed with a custom 2500 GPH pump and an 18-gallon capacity. While the car's automatic transmission may not excite all enthusiasts, its condition and the distinctive waterfall feature have garnered attention, with the high bid reaching $6,000 before the auction's close.
BMW has unveiled a comprehensive photo gallery for the new M5, showcased at Magny-Cours in France, featuring a range of 150 customizable paint options. Despite the car's performance capabilities, product manager Daniela Schmid noted that very few M5 owners actually take their vehicles to the track, with the brand continuing to cater to enthusiasts through lighter models like the M2, M3, and M4.
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