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Chevrolet Plans Even Faster Corvettes
Andrew Evans
July 15, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Cadillac’s Alex Lynn believes WEC win is just the first step
BMW M Team Redline wins Esports World Cup motorsport event
Ford Mustang GTD production stepped up in June
Ferrari puzzled by Interlagos race control repair call
Hyundai Ioniq 5N manages 20,000km Arctic trip on public charging alone
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, boasting a hybrid V8 powertrain that delivers 1,250 horsepower and a top speed of 233 mph, may not be the pinnacle of performance for the brand, according to chief engineer Tony Roma. In a recent interview, Roma suggested that the C8 platform has more potential for innovation, indicating that even more advanced models could be on the horizon.
Ford has stepped up production of the Mustang GTD, manufacturing more vehicles in June than in all previous months combined as it looks to complete the planned 1,000-car total. Its complex manufacturing process features a parts production at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant before hand assembly at Multimatic in Canada, which also assembled the Ford GT, and new owners are prevented from selling the car inside the first two years.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake with EQ Technology marks the brand's inaugural electric wagon, sharing its foundation with the CLA sedan and offering an estimated range of 473 miles on the WLTP cycle. Although it is larger than its predecessor, the new model features a slightly reduced trunk capacity but compensates with additional storage options and advanced technology, including an optional three-screen infotainment setup.
Volvo is facing various challenges that include tariffs and software issues with its flagship cars which have seen it take a $1.2bn loss of asset value in the second quarter of 2025. Margins on the ES90 sedan due to tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles mean that Volvo doesn’t believe it can sell the car at sufficient profit to make it a viable product in the USA, while the EX90’s launch delays have seen it sell poorly compared to other Volvo products.
Bentley Motors has inaugurated a new Design Studio at its Crewe headquarters, marking a pivotal shift in the brand's design philosophy as it embraces the future of electric vehicles and digital experiences. This renovated 1939 structure not only enhances the collaborative efforts of over 50 creative professionals but also symbolizes Bentley's commitment to blending its rich heritage with modern innovation.
The Pajero, also known as the Montero in the US, is set to make a return to Mitsubishi’s product line-up after being culled worldwide following previous restructuring efforts. While it will likely be positioned as an affordable SUV option in international markets, its availability in the US seems unlikely, as it may be positioned against other vehicles in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance like the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80.
HP Tuners has successfully unlocked the S650 Mustang's ECU, allowing tuners to enhance performance without relying on third-party ECUs. This breakthrough not only benefits Mustang owners but also extends to various other Ford models, paving the way for significant power upgrades across the lineup.
The UK government plans to reinstate incentives for electric vehicle purchases, providing discounts of up to £3,750 for eligible models priced at or below £37,000, supported by a £650 million funding initiative. This new Electric Car Grant, which varies based on sustainability criteria, replaces the previous scheme that offered a flat £1,500 discount and aims to rejuvenate the sluggish demand for electric vehicles in the market.
MOTORSPORT
Alex Lynn believes that Cadillac and the Jota team have significant potential following its first World Endurance Championship win at Interlagos, which he sees as just the initial step toward greater achievements. He expressed enthusiasm for its future prospects, particularly in aiming for success at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, acknowledging the improvements made by the Jota squad since taking over the Cadillac program.
Ferrari's race team manager, Giuliano Salvi, expressed his disappointment with race control's unexpected decision to mandate repairs on the #50 car during the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, complicating an already difficult race for the team. The Italian manufacturer saw its winning streak in the FIA World Endurance Championship end as its cars struggled for pace, with the highest finishing Ferrari in eighth place, while Salvi believed that without the mandated repairs, the #50 car could also have achieved a top-ten result.
Pierre Gasly, having experienced the challenges of a difficult car during his time at Red Bull, is currently demonstrating impressive performance with Alpine despite its struggles in consistently outpacing his teammates. While Gasly's abilities have allowed him to secure notable qualifying positions, the team's overall performance remains hindered by a flawed car design and a strategic focus on future developments.
Alpine F1 junior driver Gabriele Mini set the fastest times in the Formula E Rookie Test following the Berlin ePrix at Tempelhof Airport. Mini went quickest in both sessions, registering a time in the 350kW, all-wheel drive session in the afternoon of 57.428s - four-tenths faster than Pascal Wehrlein’s pole position time - as several teams look towards less-experienced drivers for the 2026-27 season Gen4 cars.
As the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, Lewis Hamilton is keen to influence the design of Ferrari's 2026 car, seeking to incorporate his personal preferences and insights into its development. With the current season presenting challenges, Hamilton aims to address both immediate performance issues and long-term improvements, emphasizing the importance of driver feedback in shaping the team's future direction.
Following Red Bull’s decision to remove Christian Horner from his role as team principal, speculation has arisen regarding his future in the sport. Though Horner is among the most successful figures in the sport and roles at other teams may be available, it’s thought that his desire for sole control which saw him clash with Red Bull bosses may be hard to accommodate at other, manufacturer-led teams like Alpine and Ferrari.
At the midpoint of the current season, Red Bull faces the prospect of its constructors' championship points record being challenged by a McLaren squad which has already accumulated 460 points from 12 races. With 12 more races and four sprints remaining, there is a possibility that McLaren could exceed Red Bull's 2023 total of 860 points, previously considered an exceptional achievement.
NASCAR has until Wednesday afternoon to address a recent legal filing from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which seeks to maintain the teams’ charter statuses amid ongoing litigation. The teams are pursuing a temporary restraining order to prevent the loss of their charters before a scheduled trial in December, arguing that without this order, they face significant operational and financial harm.
CURIOSITIES
For the second year in a row, BMW M Team Redline triumphed in the Esports World Cup’s motorsport category, clinching the title in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the competition. The team, consisting of four drivers, secured victory ahead of the final race on the Rennsport simulator, earning a total of $200,000 from the $500,000 prize pool.
An ordinary Hyundai Ioniq 5 has successfully completed a remarkable journey of nearly 20,000 kilometers from Ontario to the Arctic Ocean and back, demonstrating its efficiency and durability while only using public charging points. This adventure highlighted the vehicle's capabilities in challenging conditions, and also contributed to Hyundai's initiative to provide virtual reality experiences for children in hospitals across Canada.
A recent video from Jay Leno has highlighted a rare and unusual vehicle from a little-known British manufacturer called Berkeley Cars. The Berkeley Sports model in the video is owned by The Price is Right announcer George Gray, and the lightweight, 700lb car is powered by a 30hp, 492cc, three-cylinder motorcycle engine.
Many junkyards are filled with unremarkable vehicles that often go overlooked, but some, like a Michigan yard featured by Ryan Brutt on "Auto Archaeology”, house notable muscle cars from the past. Among the finds are a weathered 1966 Pontiac GTO and a stripped 1968 Mercury Cougar, both of which highlight the potential for restoration, alongside other unique vehicles available for purchase as the owner seeks to clear the lot.
Maserati's vehicles are notorious for losing value quickly, which may explain the lukewarm interest in the MC20, now rebranded as the MCPura following minimal updates. A 2022 MC20 listed at £129,995 offers a substantial discount compared to the new model, yet retains the same impressive performance specs, making it an appealing option for buyers seeking a nearly new supercar at a lower price point.
California-based EdisonFuture is ceasing operations before launching its electric delivery trucks and vans, as current legislation in the US tilts against electric vehicles. The company's parent, Hamilton Group LLC, is auctioning off its remaining inventory, including a prototype delivery van that was intended to feature solar panels for extended range, though the vehicle is non-running and has no title at present.
After purchasing a second Ferrari 812 GTS, an owner faced persistent issues that rendered the vehicle nearly unusable, culminating in a series of costly repairs while Ferrari voided warranty due to an aftermarket exhaust. Following attempts to resolve the problems, including the involvement of Ferrari's top mechanic from Maranello, he ultimately decided to return the car under UK legislation although the brand reportedly won’t accept the car or issue a refund.
A 1989 Freightliner Unimog FLU 10344, recognized for its off-road capabilities, is currently up for auction with no reserve, allowing the highest bidder to take ownership. While it features a basic interior and a powerful diesel engine, potential buyers should be aware of its various cosmetic imperfections and unknown mileage, making it a promising candidate for restoration.
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