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Bugatti to Reveal New One-Off This Week
Andrew Evans
August 05, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
You can buy your next used car from Amazon
Motegi to host 2026 Super Formula opener
Giorgetto Giugiaro hails modern safety features after crash
Red Bull concedes damage limitation for 2025 after Hungary horror
Driver escapes injuries in high-speed McLaren 720S crash
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
A unique Bugatti model is set to be unveiled on August 7, with only one unit to ever be produced as the brand hints at the introduction of a new bespoke program for exclusive, one-off vehicles. While details remain scarce, speculation suggests it may draw inspiration from the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic as with a previous one-off Chiron variant.
Automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro survived a serious accident when his new Land Rover Defender fell off a cliff in Sardinia, emerging alive but with injuries. In a reflective piece for La Stampa, he expressed gratitude for the vehicle's advanced safety features, which he believes played a crucial role in his survival, despite facing a lengthy recovery from his injuries.
During the recent earnings call, Ford's CEO Jim Farley announced the upcoming introduction of an affordable electric vehicle platform scheduled for August 11, which he likened to a pivotal moment in the company's history. Ford has faced significant challenges in the electrification process, including substantial financial losses, but it appears that progress is finally being made with the efforts of a dedicated team.
Jaguar Land Rover has announced that PB Balaji, currently the chief financial officer of Tata Motors, will take over as CEO starting in November, following Adrian Mardell's retirement after 35 years with the company. Balaji, who has extensive experience in the automotive sector and has been involved with JLR for several years, is expected to guide the company through its ongoing transformation and strategic initiatives.
Volvo has experienced a significant decline in global sales, marking its fifth consecutive monthly drop, with July figures revealing the lowest sales of the year at just under 50,000 vehicles. Contributing to this downturn is a $1 billion operating loss reported in the second quarter, alongside challenges such as tariffs and a misalignment in production focus, particularly regarding the demand for SUVs over sedans.
Baidu's Apollo RT6 minivan, which has successfully completed over 11 million rides in China, will serve as the foundation for Lyft's upcoming autonomous taxi service in Europe, launching initially in Germany and the UK pending regulatory approval. The partnership aims to combine Baidu’s advanced technology, featuring a comprehensive array of sensors, with Lyft's commitment to collaborate with local authorities to ensure safety and compliance throughout the deployment of these vehicles.
Nissan is exploring the potential of its Formula E team to assist in the creation of prototype electric vehicles that could inform the development of upcoming Nismo performance models. While discussions are ongoing and no formal plans have been established, the collaboration aims to leverage insights from racing technology to enhance the performance and efficiency of future electric cars.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety advocates for the USA to adopt certain Canadian traffic laws and enhance the use of enforcement cameras to improve road safety. Collaborative research indicates that implementing stricter regulations on seatbelt use, distracted driving, and alcohol consumption could help reverse the troubling trend of rising road deaths in America, while Canada shows a drop in fatalities.
F1 world champion Max Verstappen recently expressed his preference for rear-wheel drive over front-wheel drive in a promotional video for Ford, in connection to the brand’s upcoming engine partnership with Verstappen’s Red Bull team. Red Bull Racing had used Honda power units from 2019 to 2025, and Verstappen had previously promoted the brand’s front-wheel drive models like the Civic Type R.
MOTORSPORT
The 2026 Super Formula schedule has been updated, with the opening round now set for Motegi on April 3-5, following the rescheduling of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka to March 29. Suzuka will now host its first Super Formula event later in the season on May 22-24, while the calendar maintains familiar venues and dates for the remaining races.
Max Verstappen's outlook for the rest of the 2025 Formula 1 season has shifted to simply aiming for occasional strong performances, following Red Bull's struggles that became evident during the Hungarian Grand Prix. With a significant points gap to the championship leader and a challenging car performance, Verstappen faces the likelihood of losing ground to other competitors, while enduring a lack of consistency.
George Russell downplayed the significance of his third-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, labeling the weekend as "pretty unique" due to the unusual race results. Despite the podium achievement, he emphasized the need for caution in interpreting the outcome, noting that the team had reverted to older suspension components in response to recent performance issues.
Nico Hulkenberg detailed an unexpected five-second penalty he received for a false start during the challenging Hungarian Grand Prix, where he advanced from 18th to 13th place. He expressed frustration over the incident, attributing it to a slight movement of his car when engaging first gear, and noted the difficulties of racing in close proximity to other cars, particularly in low-speed sections.
Yuki Tsunoda has faced challenges at Red Bull since his transition from Racing Bulls earlier this season, particularly highlighted by a disappointing 17th-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix. However, he noted some encouraging signs, especially in qualifying where his performance was closer to teammate Max Verstappen's than in previous races, suggesting gradual improvement despite the team's overall struggles.
Alex Albon humorously remarked that he might be nearing the end of his time with Williams after a light-hearted exchange with team principal James Vowles during a radio interview. Having forgotten that the F1 cars have had eight forward gears since 2014, Albon jokingly suggested that the lack of speed in his car in the Hungarian Grand Prix meant he didn't need to shift into the eighth gear.
Toyota has clarified that Sho Tsuboi's upcoming Formula 1 test with Haas at Fuji Speedway is not a reward for his Super Formula championship, but rather an evaluation of his capabilities. According to Masaya Kaji, the director of global motorsport, the test will assess Tsuboi's potential and communication skills, with no guarantees based solely on past performance.
Nick Cassidy is poised to make his return to the FIA World Endurance Championship with Peugeot's Hypercar team, marking his first participation since 2022. Following a successful tenure with Jaguar TCS Racing in Formula E, where he recently finished as runner-up after three consecutive victories, Cassidy's exact start date with Peugeot remains uncertain, although plans for the 2025/2026 season have been hinted at.
CURIOSITIES
A McLaren 720S was severely damaged after skidding off the road and becoming lodged under a guardrail on a Bavarian Autobahn, yet the driver miraculously escaped with only minor injuries. Authorities attributed the incident to excessive speed in combination with wet road conditions, leading to significant damage estimated at over €250,000.
Amazon is entering the pre-owned vehicle market by collaborating with Hyundai dealerships in Los Angeles, allowing them to list both used and certified pre-owned cars on its platform. This initiative aims to broaden access to a diverse range of vehicles, with plans for expansion into more cities in the near future, while offering buyers a return policy and detailed vehicle information.
A man in Washington state attempted to tow a malfunctioning Mercury Montego with a Honda Pilot, resulting in damage to a local restaurant. No-one was injured during the mishap, which saw the Mercury slip off a dolly trailer and snap a tow rope, but the incident left the restaurant owners facing costly repairs after a series of poor decisions that led to repeated collisions with the establishment.
The Manteca Police Department is distributing additional steering wheel locks in response to a rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to contact local authorities for a complementary lock, provided they can verify their residency and vehicle ownership, while the manufacturers continue to offer free software updates to enhance security against theft.
A meticulously restored Mach 1, finished in Ivy Glow metallic, is available in a classified listing with the asking price far lower than the cost of the restoration itself. Boasting full documentation, a unique paint and trim combination, and a well-maintained 351 engine and various factory options, this rare vehicle is priced at $44,500.
Zach Harkness, known as "The Jeep Guy" on YouTube, has transformed his family's passion for Jeeps into a museum in Fillmore, Utah, where they display and restore a diverse collection of over 50 vehicles spanning from 1941 to the present. The museum not only serves as a tribute to Jeep history but also fosters a community for off-road enthusiasts through events and trail rides.
A woman in Los Angeles received a parking bill of nearly $8,000 after a brief visit to Glendale Memorial Hospital lasting just 45 minutes when a ticket machine determined that she had been parked there for over three years. After attempting to resolve the erroneous charge, she encountered resistance from a parking attendant, though the hospital itself later reversed the charge and cited a faulty machine.
A significant collection of classic vehicles, primarily Studebakers, has been salvaged from a scrapyard, featuring over 30 cars, some of which are in notable condition despite years of neglect. Among the highlights are several rare models, including a trio of Golden Hawks and various Larks, all of which present an opportunity for restoration enthusiasts.
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!