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Chevrolet Reveals California Corvette Concept
Andrew Evans
July 25, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren F1 set to break auction record
Piastri breaks Spa lap record on way to sprint pole
Is Mercedes-AMG teasing its next GT3 racer?
Porsche 963 the big winner in Road America BOP
The inspirations for the new Fantastic Four’s Fantasticar
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Throughout its history, the Corvette has inspired numerous imaginative concepts that explore the potential future of GM's flagship model. The latest iteration, the California Corvette Concept from GM's Advanced Design Studio, presents a sleek and contemporary vision that emphasizes a dual-purpose design, blending aggressive styling with a focus on modern driving experiences.
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled teaser images of a new concept car, named the 'Concept AMG GT Track Sport,' hinting at a potential addition to the GT lineup featuring a V8 engine. While the car remains heavily camouflaged, the company is also developing a successor to its successful GT3 platform, expected to make its customer debut in 2027.
Lamborghini's first electric vehicle, the Lanzador, initially anticipated for a 2028 launch, has faced delays and may not be fully electric upon release. CEO Stephan Winkelmann indicated that the company is reconsidering its approach, potentially favoring a plug-in hybrid model instead, as it adapts to the customer interest in electric vehicles.
A Koenigsegg Agera R has undergone significant updates at the Angleholm factory, resulting in a customized version featuring components from the CC850 and a distinct interior design. This revamped model, tailored for the brand's UK dealer Supervettura, features a striking green exterior with red accents and enhanced performance capabilities.
Mazda has begun integrating generative AI into its vehicle design and development processes, significantly reducing the time required for initial stages of production. This strategic shift allows the automaker to enhance efficiency while maintaining its commitment to producing practical and affordable vehicles, even as it continues to focus on traditional gasoline models rather than fully embracing electric vehicles.
The upcoming Honda Prelude will feature the Civic Type R’s featuring the dual-axis front suspension system, along with a wider track and Brembo brakes, although it will be powered by the Civic Hybrid's engine rather than the Type R's turbocharged variant. While it retains the two-door, front-wheel drive configuration of its predecessors, the Prelude will not offer a manual transmission.
Volkswagen is facing significant financial challenges, reporting a $1.5 billion loss in the first half of the year, largely attributed to tariffs and increased competition. The automaker has revised its profit margin expectations downward, anticipating a range of 4% to 5%, while also indicating that sales growth will likely stagnate, prompting calls for intensified cost-cutting measures.
Tesla is preparing to introduce its robotaxi service in San Francisco, potentially starting this weekend, as indicated by an internal communication to employees. The initiative will feature human safety operators in designated areas, although the company has yet to apply for a commercial ride service permit from state regulators.
Electric vehicles generally incur lower maintenance costs compared to traditional gasoline cars, leading many owners to find their expenses less burdensome than anticipated. However, the time required for repairs tends to be longer for EVs, with a significant number of owners experiencing delays in service compared to their gasoline counterparts.
MOTORSPORT
Oscar Piastri of McLaren claimed pole position for the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing nearly half a second ahead of Max Verstappen and over six-tenths faster than his teammate Lando Norris. Despite a challenging qualifying session that saw Lewis Hamilton eliminated early, the top ten included notable performances from Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz.
The Porsche 963 will benefit from a reduction in weight and an increase in power ahead of the upcoming Motul SportsCar Grand Prix at Road America, as announced in the latest Balance of Performance updates. In contrast, competitors like the Cadillac V-Series.R and Acura ARX-06 will face weight increases and power reductions.
Charles Leclerc expressed frustration over a significant gap to McLaren during the sprint qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, despite improvements from Ferrari's new rear suspension. While he acknowledged a positive change in handling, Leclerc noted that the performance disparity highlighted the need for increased grip and further development to compete effectively.
Mercedes faced a challenging qualifying session ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli starting from 13th and 20th positions respectively, marking one of the team's lowest grid placements in recent history. Russell expressed frustration over his car's performance, attributing part of his struggles to potential damage and the impact of his teammate's earlier incident, while Antonelli noted that he lost control during his lap, leaving him significantly off the pace.
Laurent Mekies, the newly appointed team principal of Red Bull, revealed that he was not informed about the reasons behind Christian Horner's departure from the team, which has been a significant part of Formula 1 for two decades. Although he received the job offer unexpectedly and took time to consider it, Mekies expressed his gratitude for Horner's support during his transition back to Red Bull.
George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda received reprimands after an investigation into their conduct during the sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix, where both were found to have driven excessively slowly in violation of regulations. Russell finished 13th, while Tsunoda placed 12th, and the stewards noted their explanations for the slow driving, which could lead to further penalties if they accumulate more reprimands this season.
Formula 1 is set to implement a new identification system for drivers during the Belgian Grand Prix, aimed at enhancing visibility for fans. This initiative will feature three-letter abbreviations of drivers' surnames displayed near the onboard T-camera, making it easier to differentiate between competitors on the track.
Formula E has reached a new agreement that could extend its status as the sole all-electric racing series under FIA sanctioning until 2053. This extension builds on an existing contract that already secured exclusivity until 2038, allowing for advancements in technology and speed as the series prepares for a new generation of vehicles in the upcoming seasons.
McLaren has announced plans to expand its operations by taking over a former Andretti facility in Indianapolis, increasing its workspace to accommodate its growing team and enhance efficiency. This move comes as McLaren seeks to elevate its competitive edge in IndyCar, addressing limitations of its previous facility while aligning with a trend of expansion among other teams in the series.
CURIOSITIES
A McLaren F1, a celebrated automotive icon for three decades, is set to be auctioned next month, with estimates suggesting it could fetch over $23 million. This particular model, originally owned by Oracle Software's Larry Ellison and featuring numerous enhancements from the MSO branch, has a low mileage of under 6,500 and has undergone recent servicing.
The latest adaptation of the Fantastic Four appears to embrace a unique 1960s-inspired aesthetic, blending advanced technology with retro design elements that evoke the era's visual style. Among its intriguing features is the Fantasticar, which shows a combination of nostalgic automotive influences and modern innovations, promising a captivating experience for both fans of the franchise and car enthusiasts alike.
A Maserati MC12 Stradale, a supercar designed for GT1 racing, is set to be auctioned next month with an anticipated price between $4.8 million and $5.5 million, having undergone significant mechanical updates costing around $70,000. With a history tracing back to its original sale in 2005 and a modest mileage of just over 11,500 kilometers, this model features a striking color scheme reminiscent of Maserati's racing heritage.
A fraudulent scheme involving two brothers from North Carolina has reportedly deceived buyers out of approximately $3 million by selling classic cars that were never delivered. While one brother has been arrested, the FBI is investigating potential connections to a larger scam that could exceed $15 million in the Northeast.
KW Studios is launching the RaceRoom Summer Campaign 2025, a series of events from July to September that will culminate in a significant update for the racing simulator. The campaign will feature a free access period for all cars and tracks, followed by a summer sale with substantial discounts, and will conclude with the introduction of new vehicles and features, including the Lamborghini SC63 and potentially the BMW M Hybrid V8.
Pagani is the latest luxury vehicle manufacturer to extend its business into real estate, teaming up with Riviera Horizons to create a 30-floor tower in North Bay Village, Florida, containing 70 exclusive residences. The two-to-four bedroom apartments all feature terraces and high quality kitchens, while buyers can also opt for two-level penthouses and specify private garages over and above standard parking facilities.
The Sea Lion, an amphibious vehicle crafted by Marc Witt over six years, combines a supercharged Mazda 13B rotary engine with jet propulsion to navigate both land and water. Although it was once the fastest amphibious car, its practicality is questionable, as it is designed for a single occupant and may not currently meet road or seaworthiness standards.
In New York City, a 29-year old named Sydney Charlet gained popularity on TikTok for her innovative service as a car sitter, catering to residents needing help with parking regulations. Given the city's frequent street cleaning and the associated risk of tickets, her business of relocating vehicles has become increasingly sought after, highlighting the unique challenges of car ownership in urban environments.
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