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Bentley Delivers a New, Century-Old Car
Jordan Greer
November 07, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're covering the old and new of the motoring world as Bentley has delivered a first Speed Six in nearly 100 years, Land Rover and BMW celebrate anniversaries, and Toyota trademarks the Celica name. And if you find today's lineup as thrilling as we do, why not share the excitement with a friend who might enjoy the ride? Let's hit the road!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Bentley Speed Six Continuation, the first of its kind since the original model, has been produced following the successful launch of the Blower Continuation, which sold out before public announcement. This new model, featuring modern engineering enhancements and period-accurate details, is set to join collector John Breslow's collection and reflects Bentley's commitment to authenticity in recreating a 1930s racing experience.
Nissan Motor is planning to cut 9,000 jobs and reduce its global production capacity by 20 percent following a 90 percent drop in operating profit for the first half of its fiscal year, attributed to declining sales across its core markets. Additionally, CEO Makoto Uchida will see a 50 percent reduction in his monthly compensation as part of the company's efforts to address these challenges.
The 2025 Land Rover Discovery line-up will feature a flagship 35th Anniversary Edition, priced from $133,176, which commemorates the original Discovery's launch and is equipped with a new mild-hybrid diesel engine. This special edition will include unique badging, exclusive color options, enhanced interior features, and will be available in showrooms starting December 2024.
Kia is preparing to launch the EV2, a new electric hatchback positioned below the EV3, with an expected arrival in 2026 and a starting price around £23,000. The EV2 will utilize the E-GMP platform, likely feature design cues from the EV9, and aims to surpass the Renault 5's range of 249 miles, while a concept version is anticipated to debut early next year.
Streethunter Designs faced a setback at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association's annual show in Las Vegas when Ford blocked its display of a body kit intended to replicate the Mustang GTD. Ford emphasized the importance of protecting its intellectual property, citing the similarities between the kit and the actual vehicle as a reason for their legal action.
Recent developments suggest a potential revival of the Toyota Celica, following a trademark filing that indicates the company may be planning to reintroduce the model. This speculation is bolstered by comments from Toyota executives about their interest in historic models and reports of a new turbocharged engine in development that could be featured in future Celica and MR2 variants.
Strickland Motor Co. will debut its SpeedWagon R at SEMA, a V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive wagon based on an E46 BMW 3 Series chassis, featuring a six-speed manual transmission and a claimed output of 500 horsepower. While the company has shared sketches and build process photos, the actual prototype's appearance remains uncertain, and Strickland aims to prove its viability with this project and other future models.
In its third quarter results, Lamborghini reported an 18.7% increase in vehicle deliveries, totaling 2,853 units, driven by strong demand for its revamped lineup, including the Urus and the new Revuelto, which has a wait time of over two years. Despite a significant revenue increase of 20.1% to €2.43 billion, there are questions regarding the sustainability of this growth amid long customer wait times and production challenges.
Amnesty International has recognized Tesla and Mercedes-Benz for their efforts in human rights diligence regarding electric vehicle manufacturing, particularly in relation to battery supply chains. Despite noted improvements since 2017, the organization emphasizes that significant challenges remain, particularly in tracking critical minerals sourced under potentially exploitative conditions, especially cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Volvo Cars USA has announced that deliveries of the EX30, a compact electric crossover, will begin for pre-order customers before the end of this year, with the U.S.-spec Twin Motor Performance model priced at $44,900. The EX30 is currently being manufactured in China, which subjects it to new tariffs, but Volvo plans to shift production to Belgium in 2025 to potentially increase availability in the U.S. market.
Hertz is preparing to sell over 50 Shelby Mustang Mach-E GTs, each featuring a distinctive livery and modifications like a vented hood and an Active Performance Exhaust Sound System, with a price tag of $65,000. While these vehicles are unique due to their limited production—only 100 were made for Hertz—there is debate over whether their modifications justify the asking price, especially since they do not offer performance enhancements compared to standard models.
The 2025 BMW M2 30 Years Edition, a limited-run model celebrating three decades since the first 3 Series E36 production and available only in Mexico, features a manual transmission and is available in only 30 units. Priced at the equivalent of approximately $104,000, it offers a power increase to 473hp and comes standard with carbon bucket seats, while the regular M2 can be ordered with similar specifications but without the manual option.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull is considering Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson as potential replacements for Sergio Perez, who is under contract until 2026 but facing pressure due to his recent performance struggles. While Colapinto's promising performances have garnered attention, Lawson's recent points finishes and competitive edge in races position him as the frontrunner for the seat alongside Max Verstappen.
Mick Schumacher's prospects for a return to Formula 1 have diminished following his exclusion from the Stake F1 team, where Sauber’s Mattia Binotto opted for F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto instead. Despite being considered a strong candidate, Schumacher's chances were further complicated by Toto Wolff's decision to promote rookie Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, leaving Schumacher without a viable seat for the upcoming season.
F1’s challenges with wet weather was highlighted in the recent Brazilian Grand Prix, with drivers including seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton criticizing the decision to delay qualifying due to poor visibility, and emphasizing the need for better wet tyres. Technical regulations for 2026, including narrow tires and a simpler floor, may improve the visibility issue by reducing spray.
As the F1 season approaches its conclusion, there is a tight race for the constructors' championship, with just 49 points separating the top three teams. Red Bull's recent victory in Brazil, led by Max Verstappen, has revitalized their campaign, although its key personnel disagree on the team’s chances of overhauling McLaren and Ferrari to take a third successive title.
Andre Lotterer, a three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner, recently secured his second World Endurance Championship title with Porsche Penske Motorsport, and emphasized that this achievement carries more recognition due to the increased competition and the evolution of the championship since his first title in 2012. The champion intends to continue his career in the sport, despite leaving the Porsche team.
Kalle Rovanpera, a 15-time WRC rally winner, recently tested an older-generation Red Bull RB8 F1 car after a seat fitting and simulator session at the team's headquarters. This year he has also participated in circuit racing, achieving success in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, while expressing aspirations to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Trans Am Hall of Fame will officially launch on February 21, 2025, with a dinner at Sebring International Raceway to honor its inaugural class of 17 inductees, including notable drivers and team owners from the series. Established as a non-profit organization, the Hall of Fame will have its permanent home at the International Motor Racing Research Center in Watkins Glen, New York, commemorating the legacy of the Trans Am series, which began in 1966.
Lamborghini is expected to withdraw from the FIA WEC grid for 2025 after a challenging season with Iron Lynx, marked by a strained relationship and disappointing results in the LMGT3 program. The brand's SC63 Hypercar is anticipated to continue in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, while the Iron Dames project will transition to Porsche machinery, complicating Lamborghini's future plans in the series.
Max Verstappen faced scrutiny for his driving during the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix, where he was involved in multiple incidents with Lando Norris, resulting in several penalties. His father, ex-F1 driver Jos Verstappen, has called for the FIA to enhance professionalism by employing permanent driver stewards and ensuring that officials possess a thorough understanding of racing rules.
CURIOSITIES
A Mazda driver in California evaded police following a traffic incident, ultimately driving off a cliff and landing on the beach below. Despite sustaining severe injuries, the driver survived the fall, and authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the incident, noting that there is currently no evidence of drugs or alcohol involvement.
1016 Industries has introduced a carbon fiber body kit for the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre, offering three finishes and features such as a new splitter, headlight surrounds, and a revised hood. Additionally, customization shop RDB has modified two Spectres with custom wheels, lowered ride height, and colorful accents, enhancing their visual appeal.
A 2014 trophy truck, built on a bespoke steel chassis and equipped with a powerful 7.4-liter V8 engine producing 900 hp, is currently listed for sale on eBay for $375,000. The vehicle features Fox shocks, 39-inch off-road tires, and comes with two interchangeable body panels, although its racing history and mileage details are not disclosed.
Ringbrothers has unveiled the Invadr, a modified 1987 Buick Regal Grand National at the SEMA show, featuring a 1,246-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V-6 and a custom chassis from Roadster Shop. The build includes subtle cosmetic enhancements, such as custom bumpers and carbon-fiber accents, while retaining the original's iconic design elements.
Modellista, Toyota's customization division in Japan, is showcasing the Overland Vision Concept at the SEMA Show, featuring a modified Land Cruiser equipped with off-road enhancements like body armor, a roof rack, and LED accents. The company aims to gauge interest in these designs for potential future offerings in the U.S. market, focusing on off-road customization trends.
Unplugged Performance has introduced the UP.FIT Tesla Model S Plaid police patrol car at SEMA, designed to fulfill the high-performance needs of law enforcement with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2 seconds. This vehicle, which will be delivered to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, features custom lighting and performance upgrades to enhance its capabilities while promoting a transition to electric vehicles in public service.
A New Hampshire man, Ryan Duval, allegedly passed a bad $25,000 check to obtain a 2020 Ford F-250 Lariat and then taunted the dealership on Facebook while evading capture. He was later arrested on charges of felony theft and forgery, and he also had outstanding warrants for theft from a local hardware store.
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