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- Century Coupe Could Sport V12 Power
Century Coupe Could Sport V12 Power
Andrew Evans
February 13, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ex-Top Gear host turns road rulebook into bedtime story
Formula E boss invites Verstappen to Jeddah e-Prix after jibe
Singer presents new reimagined 911 Carrera Cabriolet
Skoda adds Tetris to its new EVs
Alonso: the team chef could drive the new F1 cars
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Recent reports indicate that the Century Coupe, initially revealed as a concept last year, may feature a hybrid V12 powertrain, combining a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine with electric motor assistance to deliver around 800hp. While the timeline for its production remains uncertain, Toyota's plans to establish the Century as a standalone brand suggest a potential global launch, though its availability in the US market is still in question.
The newly unveiled Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer draws inspiration from the 1980s’ widebody 911 Carrera Cabriolet, blending classic design with modern engineering. This convertible model, based on a later 964-generation chassis, features enhanced structural elements, carbon fiber body panels, and customizable design options that pay homage to the iconic G-Series while incorporating contemporary technology.
Chinese authorities are implementing new regulations mandating that critical safety features in vehicles must be operated using physical buttons rather than touchscreens, addressing concerns over driver distraction. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance safety standards, which includes stricter requirements for advanced driver assistance systems and the elimination of unconventional design elements like yoke steering wheels.
Subaru is reportedly considering a “ute” pickup model, potentially only the third such vehicle in its history, according to its general manager in Australia. Its previous Brat and Baja models were not particularly successful in sales terms, both have a cult following and Subaru could leverage its partnership with Toyota to develop a new pickup model.
Mercedes-Benz has recently registered the trademark "Grand Top", hinting at potential future developments within the brand, although such filings do not guarantee new vehicle releases. Speculations range from an extravagant variant of the Maybach S-Class or GLS to a new feature related to roof designs, leaving enthusiasts curious about the implications of this trademark.
The future of Porsche’s 718 Boxster and Cayman models remains unclear, with top executives reportedly meeting in Europe recently to discuss the planned electrification of the cars. Uncertainty over electric vehicles and particularly electric sports cars has caused the brand to reconsider development, while reworking the electric platform to accommodate combustion engines may prove unwieldy too and lead to the 718 being shelved.
A former safety supervisor is taking legal action against Tesla after suffering serious injuries from falling Cybertruck parts at the company's Texas factory, highlighting alleged unsafe working conditions. The lawsuit raises issues regarding the prioritization of production over employee safety, contributing to ongoing concerns about Tesla's overall safety practices and vehicle reliability.
A safety recall affecting almost 12,000 electric Mercedes-Benz SUVs has been issued in the US, regarding a potential fire risk for the high-voltage batteries. Mercedes has advised owners of certain 2022-2024 EQB models to avoid charging over 80 percent battery capacity and to park outdoors in case of an incident, and will replace the battery packs of affected vehicles at its dealer network.
MOTORSPORT
Formula E's CEO, Jeff Dodds, extended an invitation to Max Verstappen to attend the Jeddah E-Prix following the driver's critical remarks about the energy management focus of the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 cars, which he likened to "Formula E on steroids". Dodds acknowledged Verstappen's traditionalist perspective on motorsport and noted that the evolving dynamics of F1, which will increasingly incorporate electric power, may not align with the driver's preferences for a more straightforward racing experience.
Fernando Alonso remarked that the current Formula 1 cars are now so slow through certain corners that even someone inexperienced, such as the team’s chef, could handle them. He pointed out that drivers are now more focused on conserving energy to maximize performance on straights, leading to a significant reduction in speed through challenging turns like Turn 12 at the Bahrain International Circuit.
Mercedes driver George Russell expressed concern over Red Bull's significant lead in Formula 1, describing its recent performance during the Bahrain pre-season tests as a wake-up call for competitors. He noted that the gap in lap times could range from half a second to a full second, and highlighted Red Bull's consistent ability to produce competitive cars over the years.
As teams prepare for the 2026 Formula 1 season, no clear frontrunner has emerged during winter testing in Bahrain, with Red Bull Racing's leadership expressing skepticism about its current standing compared to rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes. Despite acknowledging some strengths in its new power unit, Red Bull's technical director highlighted ongoing challenges in low-speed traction and overall performance, suggesting that a definitive assessment will only be possible during the upcoming races.
Alpine's A526, unveiled during the Barcelona shakedown, features distinctive elements such as pull-rod front suspension and a rear wing flap that functions contrary to conventional designs, sparking curiosity among observers despite limited media presence. While the team's unique design choices may not revolutionize performance, they reflect Alpine's history of innovation and willingness to explore unconventional solutions.
Max Verstappen remains undecided about participating in the Nurburgring 24 Hours in 2026, even though the event's organizers have adjusted the schedule to fit his Formula 1 commitments. While he is keen to gain experience through a preparatory race, he has yet to make a definitive commitment, citing the need to familiarize himself with the new car and the specific procedures involved.
Elfyn Evans took the lead in Rally Sweden, establishing a strong position for Toyota as Oliver Solberg fell to fifth place after a challenging morning. Despite starting the day in front, Solberg's missteps, including a puncture and a loss of control, allowed Evans to extend his advantage over Takamoto Katsuta and Sami Pajari, who rounded out the top three.
CURIOSITIES
The introduction of electric vehicles has led to a new dilemma regarding how to occupy time while charging, particularly for families with children. In response, Skoda has partnered with AirConsole to integrate a selection of video games, including a unique version of Tetris, into the infotainment systems of its upcoming electric models, allowing users to play using their smartphones while parked.
A new audiobook titled "The Highway Code: Bedtime Story", narrated by Vicki Butler-Henderson, aims to help drivers absorb essential road safety information while they sleep. This unconventional approach taps into research suggesting that many drivers neglect the Highway Code, providing an opportunity to blend sleep aid with educational content through various streaming platforms.
Despite a reputation to the contrary, electric vehicles can perform effectively in cold climates, as proven by the EVenture Extreme expedition, where a team traveled over 3,000 kilometers from Germany to Norway in a Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX. Despite facing harsh winter conditions, including extreme temperatures and challenging road situations, the crew successfully navigated their journey, demonstrating the capabilities of modern EVs in adverse weather.
Lego is set to release a model kit featuring the iconic Ferrari F2004 and a figure of Michael Schumacher, as part of its Icons collection. This kit, which is available for pre-order at $89.99, will begin shipping on March 1, 2026, and includes detailed elements that celebrate Schumacher's remarkable achievements during the 2004 racing season.
A group of thieves recently made off with nearly a dozen Stellantis vehicles from a Detroit storage lot, highlighting a troubling trend of vehicle thefts in the area. The incident, which involved a damaged fence and the abandonment of one stolen vehicle in the snow, has raised concerns among local residents about security measures at such facilities.
Car enthusiasts with a penchant for estate vehicles may find themselves captivated by the Norrsken, a restomod version of the Volvo P1800 ES shooting brake, which boasts a modified T5 five-cylinder engine. Developed by two Dutch firms, this striking vehicle features significant design enhancements, including pronounced carbon-fiber wheel arches and modern LED lighting, with production limited to just five units annually, each potentially priced above £260,000.
In Gainesville, Georgia, a small aircraft made an emergency landing on a busy roadway after its engine failed shortly after takeoff from Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport. The pilot, Thomas Rogers, managed to avoid a more serious disaster despite colliding with several stationary vehicles, and both he and his co-pilot emerged from the incident without severe injuries.
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