- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Bugatti Bolide Trio Tackles Ice
Bugatti Bolide Trio Tackles Ice
Andrew Evans
February 04, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Indian government still pushing for F1 to return
Brabus 900 Mint is an Urus taken to extremes
Another ex-racing McLaren F1 GTR is for sale
Cadillac upbeat despite trailing in private F1 test
Lepas to join Chery, Jaecoo, and Omoda siblings in UK market
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Brabus has reimagined the Lamborghini Urus SE with the introduction of the Brabus 900 Mint, transforming the already high-performance luxury SUV into an even more striking and powerful vehicle. This extensive modification features bold design elements, a lavishly appointed interior, and an impressive output of 900 horsepower, catering to affluent collectors seeking exclusivity and extreme performance.
Chery is set to introduce a new brand called Lepas in the UK, which will expand its offerings alongside Omoda, Jaecoo, and its own models. While specific launch details remain sparse, the Lepas lineup will include hybrid vehicles designed with European preferences in mind, starting with the L8, a mid-size SUV that focuses on modern aesthetics and advanced technology.
Ford is reportedly negotiating with Geely to allow the Chinese automaker to utilize its manufacturing facilities in Europe, aiming to enhance collaboration on vehicle technology. These discussions, which have been ongoing for several months, focus on sharing production capabilities and advancements in areas like automated driving, with recent meetings held in both China and Michigan to further these efforts.
Nissan is still facing significant challenges, but the new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, aims to reconnect the brand with its heritage while appealing to a younger audience. He notes the importance of the company's history as a foundation for future designs, which will incorporate elements from past models to foster a connection between generations of Nissan enthusiasts.
BMW's initial attempt to implement subscription services for features like heated seats faced significant backlash, leading the company to revert to a one-time payment model for these hardware options. Despite this setback, BMW continues to explore subscription fees for software-based functionalities, believing it can offer flexibility for buyers while managing ongoing operational costs.
Volkswagen is set to make its Super Bowl comeback with a new advertisement, marking its first appearance since 2024, as part of a revival of the Drivers Wanted campaign in response to declining sales. The 30-second spot, featuring various vehicles and directed by Leigh Powis, aims to evoke a sense of connection between drivers and their cars, while highlighting models like the Jetta and ID. Buzz.
Slate Auto has yet to launch a tangible product, leaving uncertainty about its ambitious goal of producing a $25,000 electric truck. However, the company's innovative approach to allowing customers to handle their own warranty repairs marks a significant shift in the automotive industry, although further details on this initiative remain sparse.
Hyundai and Kia are preparing for a robust 2026 after achieving record sales in the US last year, already recording an increase for January year-on-year. Hyundai reports a 2% increase in vehicle sales and Kia experiencing a 13% rise, largely driven by heightened interest in hybrid models with both automakers implementing price reductions and incentives to stimulate demand.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an inquiry into approximately 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks due to potential transmission issues that may lead to unexpected downshifting and rear wheel lockup. This investigation specifically targets models from 2015 to 2017 equipped with the 6R80 automatic transmission, as reports indicate that signal loss from the transmission sensors can result in erratic shifting behavior.
During a recent press event in Stockholm, Volvo's CEO Hakan Samuelsson expressed confidence that electric vehicles are on track to become more affordable than traditional combustion models within the next five years, highlighting the current profitability of their EV lineup. He added that while margins are tighter for electric models at present, innovations in manufacturing and battery technology are expected to enhance profitability and reduce costs moving forward.
MOTORSPORT
Despite finishing last of the runners in a private pre-season test, Cadillac remains optimistic about its prospects for the 2026 season, having successfully completed initial runs and identified key areas for improvement. Team principal Graeme Lowdon commented on the importance of reliability and performance as it prepares for the upcoming Bahrain tests, highlighting the team's gradual progress and the complexity of developing a competitive Formula 1 car.
The Indian government is actively seeking the revival of Formula 1 at the Buddh International Circuit, which last hosted a race in 2013. Efforts are underway to transfer management of the venue to a sports company for a limited period, aiming to resolve past tax issues and bring the motorsport event back to the country.
As teams prepare for the 2026 Formula 1 regulations, maintaining flexibility in design is essential, allowing for adjustments based on early season performance trends. Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu commented on the importance of exploring various aerodynamic concepts while acknowledging that established manufacturer teams, like Mercedes and Ferrari, possess advantages due to their extensive experience and resources.
Adrian Newey, the designer behind Aston Martin's AMR26, believes his latest Formula 1 creation is not inherently aggressive, despite its distinct features that have garnered attention from competitors. He noted a comprehensive approach to the new regulations, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the best design philosophy due to the compressed timeline for development.
James Vowles, the team principal of Williams Formula 1, acknowledges that advancing from fifth to fourth place will present significantly greater challenges than those overcome to reach that position, indicating that it is not aiming for a top-tier position in 2026. Despite missing the Barcelona shakedown due to production constraints, he remains optimistic about testing opportunities in Bahrain, believing the team can effectively prepare for the upcoming season.
Early evaluations of Mercedes' performance in the 2026 Formula 1 season suggest a promising start, particularly in avoiding issues that previously hindered the team during the ground-effect era. Feedback from testing in Barcelona indicates that both the car and engine are meeting expectations, with drivers expressing confidence in their early findings, although caution remains regarding the overall competitiveness as the season approaches.
Christian Horner, the former head of Red Bull Racing, has responded to speculation about his potential return to Formula 1, particularly in light of reports linking him to a group interested in acquiring Alpine. He commented that any comeback would need to align with a meaningful opportunity and a desire to collaborate with like-minded individuals, rather than merely participating in the sport.
Alpine recently completed its initial testing of the A424 for the upcoming season in the FIA World Endurance Championship, covering 1,250km over two days at Portimao. New driver Victor Martins, along with Frederic Makowiecki and Ferdinand Habsburg, participated in the session, which included night driving and yielded positive results without any issues.
The entry list for the upcoming Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour has been finalized, featuring 35 cars, marking the largest participation since the 2020. This year's lineup includes 31 GT3 vehicles from ten different manufacturers, along with two GT4 entries and two from the invitational category, as teams prepare for the event starting on February 13.
CURIOSITIES
Three rare Bugatti Bolides were driven across a frozen lake in Switzerland during the I.C.E. St. Moritz event, highlighting the adventurous spirit of some Bugatti owners. The gathering also featured a variety of unique Veyrons and classic models, with Mate Rimac participating by driving a classic EB110 alongside the modern hypercars.
The McLaren F1 remains a rare sight in today's market, especially as its value has soared into the millions, making it more akin to a collectible art piece than a typical vehicle. Among the few available, chassis 16R stands out not only for its racing pedigree, having competed in the 1996 Le Mans, but also for its subsequent road certification, ensuring its legacy continues to be celebrated at prestigious automotive events.
After winning the 2025 Formula 1 championship, Lando Norris visited his former primary school in Bristol, where he spoke to students about the value of perseverance and left each child with a special gift. The event, which included a warm welcome from the school community and interactions with students, aimed to motivate young learners to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential.
Apple TV+ has released the first images for Mattel's Matchbox: The Movie, featuring a cast that includes John Cena and Jessica Biel. The film’s plot centers on an undercover CIA agent in an international pursuit, though little is known about how it will promote the collectible die-casts when it premieres globally on Apple TV on Friday, October 9, 2026.
A recently released dash cam video captures a C7 Corvette narrowly avoiding a collision with a large truck after losing control on the highway. The footage highlights the skill of the truck driver, who managed to steer away just in time, preventing a potentially catastrophic incident involving the truck, which was transporting flammable materials.
A federal judge has upheld the legality of Norfolk's license plate recognition cameras, rejecting claims of unconstitutional surveillance while acknowledging that future rulings may differ. The plaintiffs intend to appeal the decision, reflecting ongoing concerns regarding the implications of extensive surveillance technology in public spaces.
A debate surrounding the significance of Nurburgring lap times will likely never end, with some automakers valuing them highly while others regard them as inconsequential bragging rights. Volkswagen's determination to break its own record with the GTI Edition 50, which clocked a time of 7:46.13, illustrates the brand's commitment to performance innovation as it celebrates the model's 50th anniversary.
A 1994 Range Rover LSE recently achieved a remarkable auction price, selling for £119,880 (approximately $163,880) at Anglia Car Auctions, significantly exceeding its initial estimate of £30,000 to £50,000. This limited-production model, which has only 756 miles on the odometer and remained largely untouched for decades, now holds the record for the highest price paid for any 1994 Range Rover at auction.
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!