Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• F1 social media toxicity rising

• Schumacher extortionists jailed

• Audi to move up-market with new A8, Q7/Q8

• Honda NSX GT3's British GT debut

• Vintage trucks head to auction

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Audi is planning to elevate its brand positioning by introducing more luxurious successors to its flagship A8 sedan and Q7/Q8 SUVs, as indicated by the Grandsphere and Urbansphere concepts. The company aims to enhance its appeal in the premium market by focusing on product innovation and an improved customer experience, while also adapting to the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

BYD has recently become the world’s largest manufacturer of all-electric vehicles, and has now turned its attention to ADAS, with a new system named “God’s Eye” to be added as an option to more than 20 of its models. The system will be available at three tiers, with the entry level “DiPilot 100” available for free on its $9,700 Seagull hatchback, and the brand has shown off the top tier variant driving its Yangwang U9 supercar with no driver on board around Hunan Zhuzhou International Circuit. [InsideEVs]

The Rezvani RR1 is set to enter production this summer with limited availability of just 50 units. Built on the Porsche 911 platform, the model offers two variants with powerful twin-turbo engines and a range of customization options, starting at a base price that significantly exceeds the cost of the donor vehicles. [Carscoops]

Volvo is seeking a US-based battery supplier as recently implemented tariffs have seen it raise the entry price of its EX90 electric SUV to $81,290, marking a $3,300 increase from its initial pricing. The company, which is part of the Chinese ZGH group and uses Chinese made batteries from CATL, aims to reduce costs and improve profitability with options including South Korea's SK On and Japan's AESC, both of which are establishing manufacturing facilities in the US. [InsideEVs]

Massachusetts' Right to Repair Act has cleared a significant legal hurdle after a judge dismissed a lawsuit aimed at blocking its implementation. This ruling, celebrated by consumer advocates, empowers car owners and independent repair shops while potentially reshaping the automotive repair landscape, although automakers may still seek to challenge the decision. [Jalopnik]

Fiat is set to introduce a new compact vehicle, the Pandina, which will be positioned below the Grande Panda and feature a hybrid powertrain aimed at European consumers. Although the company acknowledges the challenges of the A-segment market, it plans to leverage the 500e platform to create a cost-effective model that could adapt to future electric vehicle demands. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

The US State Department has a $400 million allocation for “armored Tesla” vehicles, curiously categorized under food manufacturing codes, in its FY2025 procurement budget. Approved by the previous administration, this seemingly excessive and mis-classified item could pose a conflict of interest as Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been tasked by the White House with curbing unnecessary government spending under his new Department of Government Efficiency. [Electrek]

A recent report from the Associated Press reveals Tesla's aggressive legal tactics in China, where the company has filed lawsuits against customers and media outlets that criticize its practices. The investigation highlights a troubling trend of Tesla's close ties with Chinese authorities and suggests that local journalists face pressure to avoid negative coverage of the automaker. [Electrek]

The White House has indicated that it may impose substantial tariffs on Canadian automobiles, suggesting rates as high as 100 percent, as part of a broader strategy to enhance American manufacturing. While this approach aims to bolster domestic production, experts warn that such tariffs could disrupt the automotive sector and lead to increased vehicle costs for consumers. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

The Honda NSX GT3 will debut in the British GT series in 2025, marking the brand's return after an 18-year absence since its last participation in 2007. Bridger Motorsport, a newcomer to the series, will field the vehicle, supported by JAS Motorsport, while drivers Luke Garlick and Johnny Ip prepare to take on the challenges of GT3 racing. [Autosport]

Stake F1 has posted a mysterious teaser to its social media channels, suggesting something akin to a treasure hunt for fans in London ahead of the F1 75 Live event. The clip featured a Stake banner unfurling from a number of landmarks in the British capital, noting that “clues” would be revealed soon on its WhatsApp broadcast channel. [RacingNews365]

The foreign affairs minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised concerns over Rwanda’s bid to host an F1 race, with the countries embroiled in an incident over a Rwanda-backed rebel faction in DRC. Both Rwanda and South Africa are vying to bring the championship back to the continent for the first time since 1993 in a race due to take place in 2027, and F1 is “closely monitoring” the conflict. [BBC Sport F1]

Red Bull's technical director, Pierre Wache, emphasized that the team will remain committed to competing for the 2025 Formula 1 championship while also preparing for the significant regulatory changes anticipated in 2026. With resource allocation becoming increasingly complex due to current restrictions, Red Bull aims to leverage its aerodynamic testing advantages to maintain a competitive edge, despite the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of the sport. [Autosport]

The expansion of Formula 1's social media engagement has significantly contributed to its recent growth, yet this surge has also led to increased toxicity among fans, characterized by harassment and negativity. A new report from Buzz Radar highlights the troubling rise in harmful interactions, particularly during contentious racing incidents, prompting concerns from both the sport's governing bodies and its participants about the implications for the community. [The Race]

TAG Heuer has made history by becoming the inaugural title sponsor of the Monaco Grand Prix, a landmark event in Formula 1. This partnership not only highlights TAG's longstanding connection to the race but also marks a significant milestone in the 75th anniversary year of the sport. [Autosport]

The prestigious Rolex Daytona watch, awarded to winners of the 24 Hours of Daytona, serves as both a remarkable trophy and a symbol of accomplishment in endurance racing. While many competitors may already possess this luxury timepiece, the exclusive "Winner" engraving can only be earned by crossing the finish line first in this grueling event each January. [Car and Driver]

Red Bull Racing could experience a boost after its setback in the 2024 Formula 1 season, finishing behind McLaren and Ferrari after two consecutive championship wins. This drop in standings has granted the team additional wind tunnel time for development ahead of the 2026 season, which could be strategically advantageous as they prepare for significant regulatory changes in the sport. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

A collection of 14 meticulously restored vintage trucks from Timber Crest Farms will be auctioned in March, showcasing some of the finest examples of Sterling vehicles ever produced. Owner Ronald Waltenspiel has dedicated years to restoring these remarkable trucks, which include a rare 1917 model and a striking 1930 dump truck, making this auction a significant event for enthusiasts of classic American automotive history. [The Drive]

Another custom VW ID.Buzz has shown off the varied ways that the vehicle can be adapted to any theme, with a striking wrap that echoes a classic racing livery while being used to tow a similarly stickered Porsche Dakar. Created by the Porsche Classic Center Gelderland in the Netherlands, this unique electric van serves as a stylish towing option, embodying the spirit of vintage motorsport support vehicles while offering a nod to Porsche's rich racing heritage. [Carscoops]

Three people have been convicted for attempting to extort €15 million from Michael Schumacher’s family by stealing sensitive information, including medical records and personal files. The court sentenced nightclub bouncer Yilmaz Tozturkan to three years in prison, while his son received a six-month suspended sentence, and former bodyguard Markus Fritsche was given a two-year suspended sentence. [RacingNews365]

A Californian group named SANE aims to pressure Tesla owners into selling their vehicles by threatening vandalism if they do not do so. The organization, whose name stands for Students Against Nazi Extremists, attributes its actions to Elon Musk's controversial political affiliations and behavior, asserting that its approach reflects a drastic shift from promoting tolerance to resorting to intimidation and damage. [Carscoops]

In a peculiar incident in Los Angeles, a Ferrari F8 Spider sustained significant damage after the driver lost control and collided with a concrete divider on Interstate 10. Instead of waiting for a tow, police instructed the driver to carefully maneuver the damaged vehicle to the nearest exit, revealing extensive harm to the car's structure, including a bent rear wheel and a shattered windshield. [Carscoops]

A Chevrolet Corvette was severely damaged in Israel after losing control on a rainy motorway and crashing into rocks, an incident captured on a following vehicle’s dashcam. The driver’s lack of caution contributed to the accident, resulting in significant damage to multiple parts of the vehicle, which could have been worse had it collided with a roadside barrier. [Carscoops]

Cape Coral Police Department in Florida bizarrely arrested and jailed a woman for a hit-and-run after she scraped a low-hanging tree branch while parking. Yanelly Guzman intended to file an insurance claim for the minor damage to her Toyota RAV4, but the officer taking her report arrested her on the basis of mildly damaging the tree and failing to leave her details at the scene - with the charges later dropped. [The Autopian]

The Tesla Cybertruck's distinctive stainless steel exterior has inspired owners to seek customization options, leading to the introduction of reusable magnetic wraps by Cybertruck Covers. These innovative covers can be easily applied and removed without professional assistance, offering a practical alternative to traditional vinyl wraps, although they do leave some edges exposed. [Carscoops]

A 1988 Ford Ranger GT, featuring a rare factory package and various aftermarket enhancements, presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of classic mini trucks. With a price tag of $6,000, potential buyers must consider whether the modifications add value or detract from the truck's original appeal. [Jalopnik]

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