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Bugatti Opens New Tourbillon Atelier
Andrew Evans
July 21, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Mayer’s war of words steps up in FIA presidency election
Gran Turismo 7’s next update features Japanese cars
1207hp Ariel Hipercar EV is still in company’s plans
All content in the RaceRoom sim is free to use until mid-August
GT World Challenge driver escapes a fireball uninjured
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Bugatti has inaugurated a state-of-the-art production facility at Chateau Saint Jean, marking a significant advancement in its manufacturing capabilities while reflecting its commitment to speed and artistry. This modern atelier, designed to enhance the assembly of the upcoming Tourbillon, harmonizes with its picturesque surroundings and emphasizes the brand's legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.
The Ariel Hipercar, initially unveiled in 2022, aimed to enter the electric hypercar sector with impressive specifications, including a quad-motor system and a gas turbine range extender. While the project has faced delays and shifts in priority due to Ariel's focus on other models, the company confirms that development continues, albeit gradually, with ongoing challenges related to battery performance and costs.
Alpine is continuing its efforts to develop larger, more upscale electric vehicles, even though its plans to enter the US market have been postponed indefinitely due to recent tariffs. The brand's chief designer emphasized the importance of expanding into the D- and E-segments to enhance its global presence, while also highlighting a shift towards producing more profitable models rather than smaller, budget-friendly options.
The McMurtry Speirling is an electric track car that accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.38 seconds, boasting a remarkable downforce of 2,000 kg at rest and a price of $1.13 million. While it prioritizes performance over comfort and technology, its innovative silicon-carbon battery technology could pave the way for advancements in electric vehicle efficiency and charging capabilities.
Isuzu has introduced the all-electric D-Max pickup, which features dual electric motors producing 188 hp and a 66.9 kWh battery that provides an estimated range of 163 miles. Set to launch in early 2026, this model retains the rugged design of its diesel predecessor while offering significant payload and towing capabilities, with prices starting at £59,995 in the UK.
Volvo is developing a new generation of the XC90 SUV, as confirmed by CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who highlighted the need for an update after over a decade of the current model's presence. The next iteration is anticipated to feature an enhanced plug-in hybrid system, potentially mirroring the setup of the upcoming XC70, although details on the platform remain unannounced.
Honda is set to reintroduce the Prelude model line later this year, and although precise technical specifications are not yet known there are rumors that the model could support performance variants. Various outlets expect both a slightly sportier “Type S” model and a hot “Type R” which could deliver a similar power output as the Civic Type R, though with a simulated manual gearbox rather than the Civic’s manual arrangement.
Vietnam is set to implement a significant ban on gasoline-powered motorcycles in Hanoi's central districts starting July 1, 2026, as part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing emissions and improving urban air quality. This move, which will eventually extend to cars and cover other cities, reflects the country's ambition to eliminate gas-powered two-wheelers by 2045, marking a pivotal transition in a nation where motorcycles are a primary mode of transport.
The experience of riding in electric vehicles (EVs) can surprisingly lead to increased motion sickness among passengers, contrary to the expectation that their smooth operation would promote comfort. This phenomenon arises from the lack of familiar auditory and tactile cues present in traditional combustion engines, which can leave passengers disoriented and struggling to adapt to the new driving dynamics.
MOTORSPORT
Ben Sulayem's presidency of the FIA, which began in 2021, has been marked by turmoil, including high-profile departures and accusations of authoritarian governance. As he faces challenger Mayer in the upcoming elections, concerns about transparency and respect for member clubs have intensified, with Mayer promising to prioritize collaborative decision-making and a more inclusive approach to leadership.
Lamborghini racer Georgi Donczew escaped injury after a dramatic fireball incident during the GT World Challenge at Misano. After being spun out while battling a BMW, his vehicle collided with the barriers and ignited, but he managed to exit the burning car without assistance as race officials displayed red flags despite a secondary collision with a Porsche.
The upcoming Belgian Grand Prix will feature a unique tire strategy, as Pirelli has decided to omit a compound for the sprint weekend at Spa-Francorchamps for the first time since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix. This event will see drivers able to use the C1, C3, and C4 tires, which may enhance the competitiveness of a two-stop strategy.
Oliver Solberg achieved his inaugural victory in the FIA World Rally Championship at Rally Estonia, driving for Toyota's Rally1 team in a remarkable performance. The 23-year old Swede, who led the event from the start, finished 25.2 seconds ahead of 2019 world champion Ott Tanak, marking a significant milestone nearly two decades after his father's last top-level win.
Romain Dumas, a prominent figure in endurance racing, has established himself as a leading competitor in hillclimb events, notably achieving remarkable feats at Pikes Peak and Goodwood. His recent insights reveal that success in these challenging races hinges not only on powerful vehicles but also on rigorous physical and mental preparation, particularly for the demanding altitude conditions.
Liam Lawson has suggested that Formula 1's regulations should be refined to close loopholes that drivers might take advantage of. He emphasized the ongoing evolution of the rules, indicating that clearer guidelines are necessary to prevent competitors from manipulating the current framework for their benefit.
Tom Kopczynski, competing in the American McLaren Artura Trophy with Riley Motorsports, experienced a challenging time at Virginia International Raceway when he lost control on wet grass. After the initial incident, he faced a series of spins that lasted for more than a minute as he struggled to regain positive control of the vehicle.
CURIOSITIES
From now until August 18, RaceRoom Racing Experience will offer players unrestricted access to its extensive array of content, including over 250 vehicles and 69 track venues, all at no additional cost. This promotional event allows participants to explore a diverse selection of racing experiences, along with new weekly challenges with prizes for top performances.
An upcoming update for Gran Turismo 7 will be available for PlayStation 4 and 5 users next week, introducing three new Japanese vehicles for players to customize and race. The announcement, made by Kazunori Yamauchi, hints at the inclusion of a Nissan Qashqai, a Nissan Skyline GT-R, and a Honda N-ONE, while further details about the update's features and content are anticipated shortly.
Residents of Zandvoort, Netherlands, have taken matters into their own hands by marking their streets as closed on Google Maps to deter traffic from congesting their quiet neighborhoods. Despite local authorities' dissatisfaction with this tactic, the community remains committed to this strategy, as they believe it effectively reduces unwanted vehicle flow.
A rare Ruf CTR, valued at approximately $5 million, experienced a mishap when it rolled off a car transporter in San Francisco, leaving the driver trapped inside the nearly vertical vehicle. The incident occurred after the classic car, known as the "Yellowbird" for the distinctive color of the most famous example, had just returned from a repainting in Germany.
Despite the introduction of anti-theft measures by Kia and Hyundai, the trend of car thefts involving the so-called Kia Boys continues, prompting local police in South Burlington, Vermont, to issue warnings to vehicle owners. Over a two-week period, twelve vehicles were reported stolen, predominantly from these two manufacturers, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing this issue.
The Petersen Automotive Museum has launched a new exhibit dedicated to the innovative wedge-shaped vehicles that emerged prominently during the 1970s, a period that revolutionized automotive aesthetics. Visitors can explore a range of notable models, including the iconic Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos, alongside lesser-known concepts that highlight the era's bold departure from traditional design.
A simple video featuring an Audi 200 quattro being put through its paces demonstrates the evolution of YouTube's automotive content. The clip, less than a minute long and featuring no commentary or anyone’s face in the thumbnail, has attracted 3.5 million views in the 13 years since it was posted, while today's landscape demands a substantial subscriber base and algorithm-gaming to achieve similar success.
An example of the legendary Lotus Carlton is available through a classified ad, with the recently refreshed vehicle offered at a six-figure price. The result of a unique collaboration between Vauxhall and Lotus, the Carlton features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter straight six mated to a Corvette’s six-speed manual and was infamous in its day.
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!