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Brabus is Building Its Own Island
Andrew Evans
April 28, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Mercedes-AMG’s Taycan rival teased
Rovanpera dominates WRC in the Canary Islands
Ultra-rare CLK GTR for sale
Four-pot M2 debuts as entry-level racer
Sutton takes two wins in BTCC opener
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Mercedes-AMG is set to unveil its first dedicated electric fastback in July, featuring a striking design and advanced performance capabilities. The vehicle is expected to be equipped with high-output electric motors, potentially delivering up to 1,000 horsepower, positioning it as a formidable competitor in the luxury EV segment.
The BMW M2 Racing has been introduced as a track-focused variant of the M2, featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine instead of the traditional straight-six, with an eye on affordability and eligibility for more categories. Designed as an entry-level racing option, this new version is priced at €98,000 and boasts enhancements like GT3-inspired suspension and a lightweight build, making it suitable for various racing classes.
After revealing the EZ-60 crossover at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, Mazda has reportedly taken over 10,000 pre-orders for the range-extender EV. The vehicle, which shares its platform with the locally made Changan Deepal S07, sports a 255hp electric motor with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that can generate power for the 31.7kWh battery, and while pre-orders could be placed for just 10 yuan ($1.40) it’s clear that the car grabbed attention.
Nissan North America is exploring the revival of the Xterra SUV, aiming to capitalize on the rising interest in rugged vehicles similar to the Ford Bronco. However, the company's plans hinge on resource allocation, as it balances this initiative with its ongoing electric vehicle projects and commitments to sustainability.
Subaru has reached a settlement regarding a lawsuit that alleged certain models, including the Ascent, Forester, Legacy, and Outback, were equipped with defective windshields that cracked unexpectedly. Owners of affected vehicles can receive reimbursement for repairs, provided they meet specific criteria, including submitting proof of the damage and a photograph of the crack.
The Omoda 9 SHS, a new plug-in hybrid SUV from Chinese manufacturer Chery, aims to disrupt the competitive automotive market with its impressive power output of 535hp and a starting price of €39,900. Featuring a substantial electric range and advanced technology, this model is designed to appeal to modern drivers, emphasizing efficiency and performance while showcasing Chery's ambitions in the global market.
BMW is set to enhance its electric vehicle offerings with the introduction of the i1, a new hatchback built on the Neue Klasse platform, which aims to replace the popular 1 Series in vital European markets. This model will feature a rear-wheel drive configuration as standard, showcasing the brand's dedication to driving dynamics while incorporating advanced sixth-generation battery technology to achieve an estimated range of approximately 373 miles.
Recent reports from global automotive accountants indicate that approximately 67.7 million cars were manufactured in 2024, of which just under 800,000 were made in the UK, already showing a significant decline with a slowdown still to come. The country isn’t the only one to exhibit such a contraction, with Italy’s car output shrinking to only just over 300,000, while China, Japan, and India built more than half of all cars made in 2024 between them.
Hyundai has announced a five-day suspension of production at its primary South Korean facility due to a downturn in demand for electric vehicles, following a similar halt earlier this year. This slowdown in sales, particularly in North America and Europe, has prompted the automaker to implement various consumer incentives in an attempt to rejuvenate interest in its Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric models.
MOTORSPORT
Kalle Rovanpera launched his 2025 World Rally Championship season with a commanding win at Rally Islas Canarias, claiming victory in 15 out of 18 stages alongside co-driver Jonne Halttunen. Despite previous challenges with the new Hankook tyres, Rovanpera's performance secured him a 53.5-second lead over teammate Sebastien Ogier, while Toyota's dominance was further highlighted by a strong showing from Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, culminating in a clean sweep of the top four positions.
The 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship commenced at Donington Park, where four-time champion Ash Sutton achieved victories in the first two races, while Tom Chilton triumphed in the concluding event. With a large crowd in attendance, the weekend included some typical intense competition, with multiple penalties, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
Mercedes has collaborated with adidas to launch its inaugural collection inspired by Miami's unique mangrove ecosystem, coinciding with the Miami Grand Prix. This new range features a variety of apparel and accessories designed to reflect the vibrant spirit of the city, emphasizing the partnership's goal of connecting with Formula 1 fans through innovative and bold designs.
Red Bull Racing currently sits in third place in the championship standings, with Max Verstappen's recent win at the Japanese Grand Prix being a notable highlight amid a challenging season for the team and its new driver, Yuki Tsunoda. While Tsunoda has shown potential to improve his performance, he faces difficulties adapting to the complexities of the RB21, which has hindered his consistency and understanding of the car's dynamics after replacing Liam Lawson early in the season.
Charles Leclerc expressed his astonishment at the similarities in cornering techniques he shares with his new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, who recently joined Ferrari after a successful tenure at Mercedes. Despite Ferrari's challenging start to the season, Leclerc noted that adapting to the car's characteristics is manageable due to the flexibility in setup options, emphasizing the benefits of their aligned driving styles.
George Russell has expressed concern over the unusual nature of the F1 driver market, noting that a significant number of competitors are bound by long-term contracts. He suggested that this focus on securing future positions may indicate a lack of confidence among some drivers, emphasizing that performance ultimately determines their standing within teams.
Falken Motorsports secured its second successive NLS victory at the ADAC Ruhrpott Trophy, as drivers Alessio Picariello and Dorian Boccolacci benefited from a time penalty imposed on Walkenhorst Motorsport. Despite finishing behind the No. 34 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo, the duo was declared the winner after the Aston Martin received a penalty for not adhering to the required pit stop duration.
FUN STUFF
Brabus has expanded its luxury offerings beyond vehicles by developing Brabus Island, a high-end residential project in Abu Dhabi's Al Seef district, featuring four towers with 350 apartments and 100 villas. Set to begin construction this summer and expected to be completed by early 2028, the project emphasizes customizable interiors with distinct themes, catering to affluent buyers with prices starting at €700,000.
A rare road-going Mercedes CLK GTR “Straßenversion”, built to homologate a championship-winning GT1 race car, is up for sale with no price listed but expected to be somewhere in the seven-to-eight figure region. While Mercedes has a mixed history in top-tier endurance racing, the car comes from a more successful era and is almost identical to its racing sibling down to the sequential gearbox and, though stroked out to a larger 6.9 liter capacity, Ilmor-tuned V12.
A unique 1987 Porsche 959, originally a Komfort model, has been transformed into a one-off Speedster following extensive modifications by master craftsman Karl-Heinz ‘Charlie’ Feustel. Now available through RM Sotheby’s, this rare vehicle, which has only 8,304 kilometers on the clock, is priced between 1.1 million and 1.5 million euros, reflecting its exceptional craftsmanship and history.
The Jaguar D-Type holds a significant place in automotive history due to its remarkable racing success, including three consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1955 to 1957. A 2019 D-Type Continuation model, made by Jaguar to original specification and featuring a stunning Pastel Blue finish and minimal mileage, is currently available for sale, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this iconic racing legacy.
The film adaptation of Initial D, featuring Sung Kang as Takumi Fujiwara, is reportedly on hold, adding uncertainty to its release timeline. While details remain limited, the project is expected to center around the iconic tofu delivery driver and showcase notable cars from the series, including the panda Trueno.
In Rockport, Massachusetts, residents are facing a peculiar issue as a pileated woodpecker has been damaging vehicle mirrors, with numerous reports of vandalism surfacing since March. The aggressive behavior, attributed to the bird's mating season, has prompted locals to devise various strategies to protect their cars from this unexpected avian nuisance.
A man in the UK experienced an unexpected twist of fate when he unknowingly purchased his stolen Honda Civic Type R after it had been taken from him. Despite initial skepticism from authorities regarding the legitimacy of his claim, evidence confirmed the vehicle's true ownership, leading to a surprising reunion between Valentine and his beloved car.
While classified as a motorhome, the 2006 Smart Fortwo serves as a unique living space for a woman named Kai, who has adapted the compact vehicle into her full-time home due to financial constraints. Despite its limited space, she has creatively arranged her sleeping area and essential belongings, demonstrating a remarkable level of resourcefulness in her unconventional living situation.
In a recent pursuit near West Memphis, Arkansas, a driver of a Kia was apprehended after state police executed the PIT maneuver twice due to the driver's reckless behavior. Following the chase, which was captured on dashcam, the individual was taken into custody and now faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing and driving with a revoked license.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!