BMW M3's Electric Future

Author

Andrew Evans
December 12, 2024

Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're diving into the electrifying future of motoring with a first look at BMW's upcoming battery-powered M3, set to hit the roads in 2028, while Nissan is turning heads with a mysterious electric conversion of the iconic R32 GT-R. The FIA has also revealed the revised 2026 F1 car, and announced that it’s creating a dedicated set of rules to govern competitive virtual motorsport too. As you sip your coffee and explore these stories, remember to share the excitement with friends who might enjoy our daily dose of automotive wonders. Happy reading!

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

First Pictures of Electric BMW M3 Due in 2028

BMW has unveiled images of the electric M3, known as the 'M HP BEV,' which features distinct design elements such as wider wheel arches and larger brake discs compared to the upcoming Neue Klasse 3 Series. The new M3 will be available with both electric and turbocharged petrol powertrains, with plans to maintain combustion engine options alongside the electric variant as the company adapts to evolving emissions regulations.

A California woman is suing Tesla after an assailant allegedly entered her locked Model Y while she was charging it at a mall, claiming a flaw in the vehicle's locking system. The lawsuit, which also names the mall for inadequate security, contends that the car's doors could be opened from the outside despite being locked via the Tesla app, leading to an assault.

The development insights gained from the Ford Mustang GTD will influence future iterations of the Mustang, although specific applications of these learnings remain unspecified, according to Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall. While the GTD's advanced components may not directly transfer to other models without significant modifications, the brand aims to leverage its experiences to enhance upcoming projects and maintain competitiveness in the supercar market.

Tesla has received an energy consumption label for the Cybertruck from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, despite recently denying any plans to launch the vehicle in the Chinese market. This development raises questions about the automaker's strategy, particularly as CEO Elon Musk previously indicated that modifying the Cybertruck for Chinese homologation would be challenging.

Polestar is continuing to refine the 5, its electric sedan designed to compete with the Porsche Taycan, more than two and a half years after its prototype was unveiled. Recent spy shots reveal design features such as a low hood, split headlights, and a panoramic glass roof, while performance specifications may include up to 872 hp and ultra-fast charging capabilities, although final details are still pending.

The European People's Party is advocating for a review of the 2035 deadline for phasing out combustion-powered cars in the EU, seeking to allow vehicles using sustainable fuels and plug-in hybrids to remain on the market. This push comes as major car manufacturers face challenges with electric vehicle sales and potential tariffs from the US, while the UK government is reportedly considering moving its ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 to 2030.

The Toyota Estima is set to debut in 2026, positioned between the Noah/Voxy and Alphard/Vellfire models, with initial reports indicating it would be a battery-electric van based on the bZ4X platform. However, later updates suggest that multiple powertrain options may be available, and the new model is expected to feature a distinctive design reminiscent of its predecessors, which enjoyed a long production run in Japan until 2020.

Brabus has introduced the 730, a performance-enhanced version of the Mercedes-AMG C63, which increases the output to 720bhp and reduces the 0-62mph time to 3.2 seconds. The package includes adjustable sport springs, carbon fiber exterior components, and new interior features, while similar enhancements are also available for the GLC 63 and a power boost for the AMG GT 63.

BMW is replacing its nearly 40-year old aeroacoustic wind tunnel with a new facility in Munich, which is the largest standing wind tunnel in the world, measuring 100 meters long and equipped with 216 microphones for precise sound detection. This facility will support the development of the Neue Klasse lineup, including at least eight models by 2028, and will also focus on testing next-generation batteries and electric motor inverters.

MOTORSPORT

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem supports the idea of implementing permanent stewards in Formula 1 but emphasizes that the main challenge lies in funding their salaries, which the FIA cannot currently afford. George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has called for a re-evaluation of the current rotating volunteer system, highlighting the need for consistency in stewarding decisions.

Sergio Perez topped the 2024 World Destructors' Championship, accumulating $4.8 million in crash damage, primarily due to a significant incident in Monaco. Meanwhile, Williams drivers collectively caused about $11.1 million in damage, including three major crashes occurring during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend.

The FIA has announced minor modifications to the technical regulations for the 2026 F1 season, which will include significant changes to the aerodynamic and power unit aspects of the cars. Construction of the new vehicles cannot begin until January 1, 2025, despite teams preparing for the upcoming overhaul.

Oliver Schmerold, CEO of Austria's OAMTC, has expressed concerns regarding proposed changes to the FIA's governance structure that would reduce the independence of its audit and ethics committees, potentially compromising accountability. He fears these alterations, which will be voted on at the FIA's general assembly in Kigali, could lead to diminished oversight and the recruitment of less independent individuals for key positions.

The FIA has announced updates to Formula 1 regulations, including a shift to gender-neutral language and the introduction of Operational Regulations to govern team activities outside of race weekends. These changes aim to enhance compliance with spending limits and ensure adequate rest for staff, reflecting the increasing demands of a record 24-race calendar this season.

Is Norris Now Ready to Win First F1 Title?

Lando Norris contended for the 2024 F1 drivers' title but ultimately finished behind Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive championship. Despite facing challenges and making critical errors during the season, Norris achieved a significant victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, helping McLaren clinch its first constructors' title since 1998.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur anticipates that Lewis Hamilton's experience will positively influence the team's mindset as it pursues its first Formula 1 world title since 2008. Despite finishing 14 points shy of the constructors' championship this year, Ferrari achieved its most successful season in terms of race wins and podiums since 2018, and Hamilton acknowledges the challenges of adapting to a new team while aiming to build strong relationships and leverage his past experiences.

Yuki Tsunoda recently participated in a test with Red Bull Racing, following discussions between Honda Racing Corporation's Koji Watanabe and Red Bull's Christian Horner regarding Tsunoda's potential promotion to the senior team. While Red Bull appears to favor Liam Lawson for the position alongside Max Verstappen, Watanabe expressed confidence in Tsunoda's abilities and emphasized that he will continue to drive for RB next season regardless of the outcome.

Logan Sargeant is transitioning from Formula 1 to endurance racing with Genesis Magma Racing, a Hyundai-backed team competing in the LMP2 class of the World Endurance Championship. Team principals Cyril Abiteboul and Nicolas Minassian expressed confidence in Sargeant's potential after his challenging F1 experience, highlighting his motivation and positive attitude as key attributes for the new racing venture.

The FIA has announced the 2027 technical regulations for the World Rally Championship, which aim to reduce costs and increase participation by introducing a €345,000 cost cap for new 'WRC27' cars and allowing a variety of powertrains. Additionally, the points system will be revised for 2025 to simplify scoring and enhance competitiveness, moving away from the current complex structure that has drawn criticism from teams and drivers.

Hyundai has been fined €25,000 and issued a suspended €25,000 fine for failing to comply with homologation regulations regarding the rear differential cases of its i20 N Rally1 cars during the World Rally Championship season finale in Japan. The stewards determined that the infractions were due to a clerical error in the homologation form, and Hyundai's management acknowledged the need for improved internal processes to prevent such issues in the future.

CURIOSITIES

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved the establishment of a dedicated esports governance framework, known as "Appendix E", as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to address regulatory challenges specific to esports events. This initiative follows the FIA's experience in hosting various esports competitions and seeks to create clarity around definitions and regulations that currently do not align with traditional motorsport standards.

Nissan has developed an electric conversion of the GT-R R32, which will be showcased at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon after being worked on since March 2023. The project replaces the original RB26DETT engine with an all-electric powertrain, while maintaining a similar visual appearance to the donor car, and hints at Nissan's future direction towards electric vehicles with the next-generation GT-R expected to be fully electric.

The Saab factory in Trollhättan, Sweden, is being liquidated, with its historic stamping presses and manufacturing equipment now up for sale, marking the end of an era for the once-popular automaker that ceased production in 2011. Despite the brand's decline, the parent company Saab Group continues to operate in the defense sector, while various attempts to revive the automotive division have failed, leading to the current sale of its remaining assets.

A design sketch for a never-developed mid-engined, BMW supercar designed in 1988 — referred to as the "M188" — has been discovered, showing a potential successor to the BMW M1. The sketch, revealed in a video featuring automotive designer Steve Saxty, showcases a design that differs significantly from previous M1 concepts while retaining some visual elements reminiscent of BMW's first supercar.

A Greensboro, NC, police officer narrowly escaped injury after apparently parking his Ford Explorer patrol car on train tracks, only for it to be subsequently struck by an Amtrak train. The incident, which left the patrol vehicle destroyed but resulted in no injuries to the train's 58 passengers, is under investigation by the Greensboro Police Department.

In August, 24-year-old Eduardo Gomez-Peralta fled from police in Milwaukee, reaching speeds over 100mph before crashing off an overpass and landing on the interstate below, resulting in his arrest and charges for fleeing an officer and operating while intoxicated. The incident, captured on dashcam footage, also led to injuries for one of the pursuing officers, and Gomez-Peralta faces potential penalties including up to 25 years in prison and a $75,000 fine.

The Essen Motor Show played host to a special exhibition featuring a fleet of cars from across the history of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), since its inception in 1986. This display including a range of machinery from two “golden” eras of the series, featuring classic Group A machinery that included lesser-known entries like the Volvo 240 and the never-raced Opel Omega, and the early-00s’ V8 cars, highlighting times when DTM was at its most innovative and had its most distinct character.

The Lightship AE. 1 Cosmos Edition is a self-sustaining off-grid camper designed for towing, featuring a battery-powered electric drive motor that alleviates strain on the tow vehicle. Priced at $250,000, it includes amenities for up to four people and will be among a limited production run, with the first units expected to arrive in summer 2025, followed by additional trims in subsequent years.

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