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Buttons Begin to Bounce Back
Jordan Greer
November 12, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition is packed with intriguing stories from the automotive world, as we hear that automakers are beginning to re-embrace buttons over touchscreens, and F1 has a sweeter side with a new official chocolate bar. As always, if you enjoy our newsletter, consider sharing it with friends who share your passion for all things automotive.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Car manufacturers are increasingly looking toward reverting the trend for touchscreens, with brands like Hyundai pioneering the reintroduction of physical buttons and controls in response to consumer dissatisfaction. Research indicates that while touchscreens have their advantages, many drivers prefer tactile controls for basic functions due to their ease of use and reduced distraction while driving.
The Caterham Seven CSR Twenty is a limited edition model celebrating 20 years of the CSR chassis, featuring a lightweight steel tubular spaceframe and a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre Ford engine that produces 210bhp. With only 40 units being produced, 20 of which are allocated to UK customers, the car combines modern design elements with classic features, starting at a price of £79,995.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has received over 2,900 orders for the new Defender Octa, a high-performance SUV featuring a 626bhp V8 engine, with deliveries set to begin next year. Additionally, JLR reported a waiting list of over 48,000 for the upcoming Range Rover Electric, while its recent financial results showed a 25% profit increase in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Mazda's plans for a successor to the Mazda 6, featuring a six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive, hinge on increasing sedan sales, as the company has noted a significant decline in traditional four-door vehicle demand compared to SUVs. Despite ongoing interest from executives, including Mazda's Kohei Shibata, the focus remains on their SUV lineup, with the current Mazda 6 model experiencing drastically reduced sales and a new electric sedan, the EZ-6, being the closest alternative for fans.
The California Highway Patrol has tested a modified version of the Lucid Air, named the Lucid Pursuit, designed for law enforcement with features like emergency lights and a two-tone paint job. While specific pricing details were not disclosed, the base model starts at $69,900, and the vehicle offers impressive specifications, including up to 819hp and a range of 512 miles, making it a notable option for police departments with larger budgets.
HWA has released new information on its 'Evo’ model, inspired by the classic Mercedes-Benz 190E Cosworth Evo II, as it comes closer to production. Stressing that it shouldn’t be considered a “restomod”, the Evo features approximately 75 percent new components, with significant enhancements made to retained elements, such as a beefed-up steel midsection that improves torsional stiffness.
Dodge is moving up the release date of the gas-powered Charger Sixpack by five months to early summer 2025, responding to consumer demand for performance-oriented internal combustion vehicles amid shifting U.S. regulatory priorities. This decision comes as the company balances its plans for a fully electric Charger Daytona lineup with the enduring appeal of traditional muscle cars.
Zoox has begun testing its purpose-built robotaxis in San Francisco, marking its expansion into a second commercial market after Foster City and Las Vegas. The company plans to start with employee-only rides in specific neighborhoods before eventually offering driverless services to the public, although no timeline for commercial operations in San Francisco has been provided.
Tesla is testing its Cybercab robotaxi at Gigafactory Texas, where regulations allow for easier testing of vehicles without steering wheels or pedals. The company aims to achieve over 600,000 miles between disengagement of its supervised Full Self-Driving system by Q2 2025, with plans to launch an unsupervised system before the Cybercab's market introduction in 2026.
Automakers are focusing on cost-cutting measures in response to financial pressures, with Stellantis announcing significant layoffs, including 2,450 jobs at its Warren Truck plant and 400 more at a logistics facility, as part of efforts to improve competitiveness in North America. The move comes amid wider job losses across the industry, amid changing market conditions and potential tariffs.
Maruti Suzuki's fourth-generation Dzire, which starts at around $8,000 and is made for the Indian market, has achieved a five-star global safety rating. While many budget vehicles compromise on safety, the Dzire includes multiple airbags and advanced safety features, making it a practical option for families in emerging markets and beyond.
A recent study reveals that consumers mistakenly believe Japanese automakers are leading in electric vehicle (EV) innovation, despite brands like Honda, Toyota, and Nissan lagging in fully electric offerings having pioneered electrification. The Honda Prologue, with nearly 18,309 sales in 2024, is gaining traction among brand loyalists, showcasing that consumers prefer reliable EVs from trusted names rather than cutting-edge technology.
MOTORSPORT
Charles Leclerc expressed concerns that Ferrari's improvements in tyre management could negatively impact the team's performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite their success in cold conditions during qualifying. While Ferrari has made strides in race pace and tyre wear, Leclerc noted that these advancements might diminish their competitiveness in cooler temperatures, particularly as they face challenges from McLaren in the constructors' championship.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff commented on world champion Max Verstappen's future in Formula One, given current uncertainty with the situation at Red Bull, stating that only "God knows" if Verstappen will ever drive for Mercedes. With Lewis Hamilton's anticipated move to Ferrari, Wolff has opted to promote junior driver Kimi Antonelli to partner George Russell, reinforcing a focus on developing homegrown talent within the team.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, now confirmed as a Mercedes driver for 2025, reflected on his crash during his debut practice session at Monza, stating that he learned valuable lessons from the experience and felt supported by his team. Meanwhile, despite ongoing speculation about his future, Sergio Perez confirmed he will remain with Red Bull for the 2025 season, citing new sponsorships as a factor in securing his position.
Joey Logano secured his third NASCAR Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, winning the race against three other contenders despite having only one victory during the regular season. His success has sparked further debate over the legitimacy of the current playoff system, which emphasizes winning in the postseason, but Logano argues that adapting to the rules is part of the competition, similar to other sports with playoff formats.
Formula 1 has entered a multi-year partnership with Nestle, designating its KitKat brand as the "Official Chocolate Bar" of the championship, with branding set to appear at races starting in 2025. The collaboration will include promotional activities and fan engagement at select grands prix, coinciding with F1's 75th anniversary and KitKat's 90th anniversary.
Sebastian Vettel remains a potential candidate for Porsche Penske Motorsport's third Hypercar entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, although no decision has been finalized, according to Porsche LMDh factory director Urs Kuratle. The third entry, secured through winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP title, is part of Porsche's plan to field three factory Porsche 963s at Le Mans for the third consecutive year, with one driver position currently open.
CURIOSITIES
Jacques Villeneuve has publicly condemned the theft of a bronze statue of his late father, Gilles Villeneuve, which was taken from outside the Gilles Villeneuve Museum in Quebec. The statue, created by sculptor Jules Lasalle and installed in 1994, was notably severed at the ankles, prompting Villeneuve to express disbelief over the motives and logistics behind the theft.
Reds Miami, a Florida-based shop, has created what is reportedly the first dually Tesla Cybertruck, featuring custom 26-inch wheels and bespoke fender flares. The conversion, completed just before SEMA, involved modifications to the charging port and retained rear-wheel steering, though the impact on the vehicle's driving range remains unspecified.
A 1902 Albion A1, one of the few surviving 'dog carts’, recently completed the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The vehicle’s now-unusual design and driving experience, as well as an 18mph maximum speed, are part of the challenges of operating such an early automobile, with the historic event providing a rare opportunity to enjoy the leisurely pace on public roads.
A late-night car meet in a South Jakarta shopping mall parking structure, organized by a local group known as 'The Crew’, features a diverse array of modified vehicles, including various Honda Civics and a standout Nissan 180SX. The event showcases the vibrant car culture in Indonesia, with camaraderie among enthusiasts in this celebration of automotive passion.
British artist and former coachbuilder Toby Southan created a hand-made, six-foot tall replica of the Koenigsegg ‘ghost’ logo - symbolizing a Swedish air force squadron known for its stealth - in aluminium. The sculpture is currently for sale with bidding reaching $15,000, highlighting its appeal as a unique art piece for automotive enthusiasts.
Japan is developing a 320-mile automated cargo transport corridor, referred to as the "autoflow road," to address a significant delivery capacity shortage exacerbated by recent trucking regulations. The system will utilize robotic pallets to move goods autonomously, potentially replacing the work of 25,000 truck drivers daily, but human drivers will still be needed for last-mile deliveries.
Jurgen Caruana's modified Ford Escort, originally a 1.4-litre model, has undergone significant transformations over 19 years, culminating in a powerful 800bhp setup designed specifically for drag racing. Despite his preparations and previous success, Jurgen faced challenges launching the car at Santa Pod, ultimately leaving him unable to achieve his desired performance during the event.
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