Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Genesis GV60 Magma caught in testing

• Racing Bulls to use more Red Bull tech

• Sabotage claim rocks karting series

• Liberty Walk’s “Bosozoku”-style R32 kit

• Dakar team withdraws after concealing concussion

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

BMW is bringing back the art of coachbuilding with the introduction of the Skytop, a limited-production convertible based on the M8. The company plans to manufacture 50 units of the Skytop this year, all of which are already accounted for, closely resembling the original concept with only minor modifications. [BMW Blog]

Genesis turned its luxury SUV into a desert rig so racing legend and F1 champion Jacky Ickx could chase the legendary race in style. The GV80 Desert Edition, created in collaboration with W Motors, features off-road modifications that enhance its performance and aesthetic appeal for desert driving. [The Drive]

Access to Tesla's DC fast charging network will soon expand to seven additional automakers, allowing more non-Tesla EV owners in the U.S. to utilize the extensive Supercharger system. BMW, Genesis/Hyundai/Kia, Jaguar Land Rover, and Lucid will join Mercedes in gaining access to the network. [InsideEVs]

Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, praised the design of Rivian's upcoming R3X while expressing his admiration for the brand's evolution since his initial skepticism years ago. He highlighted the R3X as a performance-oriented electric vehicle that stands out in a market dominated by larger models. [InsideEVs]

In 2024, the world sold 3.5 million more EVs than it did in the previous year, according to a new report by Rho Motion, which indicates a continued strong growth in electric vehicle sales despite widespread reporting that suggests otherwise. The report highlights that while global EV sales increased, Europe saw a slight decline primarily due to changes in incentives in Germany. [Electrek]

The Genesis GV60 Magma has been spotted testing in the open for the first time as it prepares for launch towards the end of the year. The vehicle features a more aggressive design compared to the regular GV60 and is expected to share a powertrain with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, delivering high performance and unique driving dynamics. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

BMW M GmbH sold 206,582 vehicles in 2024, the first time the division has sold more than 200,000 cars and marked the 13th consecutive year of growth. The article discusses the performance of BMW and Porsche's sales figures, highlighting trends in electric and combustion engine vehicles amid changing market conditions. [PistonHeads​.com]

JLR is looking to use recycled content in seat foam to further lower the environmental impact of its future electric cars by collaborating with Dow and Adient to recycle polyurethane seat foam. The automaker plans to start testing this recycled foam in pre-production vehicles later this year as part of a broader initiative to enhance sustainability in its manufacturing processes. [Green Car Reports]

Toyota's sales satisfaction has been in the dumps lately due to significant dealer markups on various models, including $11,000 on the Tacoma Trailhunter and $4,995 on the 2025 Camry. While some dealers are selling at sticker price, many are adding substantial fees, raising concerns among consumers. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

Racing Bulls is sharing Red Bull's Honda engines and taking the Milton Keynes outfit's gearbox and both front and rear suspension for 2025, increasing its synergy with its parent team compared to previous seasons. Team boss Mekies emphasized that the regulations allowing shareable components have not significantly improved their performance, reflecting ongoing debates about competitiveness in Formula 1. [Motorsport​.com]

Five-time winner Nasser Al-Attiyah claimed victory on Stage 9 of the Dakar Rally for Dacia, to claim the brand’s first ever stage win and move back up to half a minute of the podium. A puncture for Toyota works driver Henk Lategan, who has led the event since Stage 2, promoted Overdrive’s Yazeed Al-Rajhi to the overall lead in his Hilux. [Autosport]

Franco Colapinto has only been loaned to Alpine from Williams for a remarkable five years due to a lack of progression opportunities at Williams after the signing of Carlos Sainz. The move was facilitated by Alpine's executive advisor Flavio Briatore, who has been closely monitoring Colapinto's development since his F1 debut. [RacingNews365]

Jos Verstappen has delivered Red Bull a striking warning that it must deliver his son, Max, with a "predictable" car to improve its performance in the 2025 Formula 1 season. He expressed concern over the team's struggles with the RB20 and the impact of recent departures of key figures on its competitiveness. [RacingNews365]

A karting team has alleged it was deliberately sabotaged by a rival squad last weekend during the IAME UAE Series after sugar was poured into the fuel tank of its senior drivers. Xcel Motorsport has condemned the act as a serious violation of fair play and is calling for an investigation into the incident. [RacingNews365]

Ferrari will end its five-year hiatus from the British GT Championship as AF Corse is set to contest the 2025 season full-time with a 296 GT3. The team will be led by drivers Duncan Cameron and Matt Griffin, who have previously raced all five Ferrari GT3 models in the championship. [Autosport]

Extreme H is allowing OEMs to integrate their own hydrogen fuel cells into the upcoming Pioneer 25 series car to promote technology while controlling costs. The series aims to maintain competitive racing through regulated energy output from the fuel cells, ensuring no single manufacturer dominates the competition. [RACER]

The Motul-sponsored Toyota Hilux T1+ class car of Toby Price and Sam Sunderland was withdrawn from the Dakar Rally over the weekend due to Sunderland's decision to conceal a concussion from race officials, which resulted in temporary vision loss. It’s the latest in a number of high-profile cases of motorsport competitors hiding the effects of brain injury, which could have major consequences for both the affected individual and those around them. [Jalopnik]

FUN STUFF

Kunos Simulazioni has officially revealed what will be available in the Early Access build of Assetto Corsa EVO, which includes five circuits and a total of 20 vehicles at launch. The Early Access period is set to begin on January 16, with plans for future expansions and additional content that include an open-world map based in the countryside around the Nurburgring. [GTPlanet]

Liberty Walk has unveiled its interpretation of the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R for the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, showcasing a design influenced by Japan's Kaido Racer tuning subculture and motorsport aesthetics. The widebody kit is available for purchase, priced at £29,260 in the UK. [Car Throttle]

A Smart Roadster that was never sold in America is currently for sale in California despite the challenges of US import regulations and its incomplete project status. The vehicle, offered by Smart Madness, has been sitting for years and requires significant mechanical work and potential legal navigation to get it roadworthy. [The Autopian]

John Cena's replica of the Mercedes-Benz SSK 'Count Trossi' tribute failed to meet its reserve at auction, with bids reaching only half the expected amount. The car, which Cena has owned since 2021, was listed for sale through Naples Motorsports but did not attract sufficient bids, despite the owner investing significantly more than the highest offer. [Drive]

The YouTube channel "TheOGTurn" continues to document frequent crashes at a particular backroad corner that has become notorious for tripping up drivers, especially during winter weather. The channel features various incidents, including cars of different makes and models struggling with the challenging turn in an undisclosed location. [The Drive]

A Daihatsu Copen has been transformed into a mini 911, using extensive fiberglass modifications to achieve the effect. The project features a custom bodykit, upgraded interior, and enhanced performance components, although it remains a unique one-off creation. [Carscoops]

The Ferrari Enzo Ferrari once owned by 2009 Formula One World Champion Jenson Button is up for sale, priced at almost four million pounds. As well as the famous former owner, this example has just 1,100 miles on the clocks, a full Ferrari main dealer service history, Classiche certification, and a number of optional extras. [PistonHeads​.com]

One of just three S7 LMs built is coming up for auction, offering the rare chance to buy into an icon of American sports car history. The car, originally constructed in 2007 and upgraded in 2018, features a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine capable of producing up to 1,300 horsepower. [Motor1]

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