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

• You can buy The Grand Tour’s Caterham

• Nissan teases six new models after merger collapse

• Aznom creates an electric Smart for teens

• Hyundai unveils flagship IONIQ 9

• McLaren, Williams reveal 2025 F1 cars

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hyundai has introduced its inaugural flagship electric vehicle, the IONIQ 9, in South Korea, marking a significant addition to its lineup as the largest electric SUV from the brand. This model offers various seating configurations and advanced technology, with plans for a US release anticipated in Spring 2025, where it is expected to be priced starting around $60,000. [Electrek]

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have officially ended their discussions regarding a merger that would have formed the world's third-largest automotive company, following concerns about valuation and financial stability. Despite the collapse of the merger, the three manufacturers plan to continue collaborating on electric vehicle technology and software development, though the specifics of this partnership remain uncertain. [TFLcar]

Porsche is set to shave another 1,900 jobs from its workforce, following earlier cuts, as the Volkswagen Group continues to face challenges. The company aims to implement these cuts through voluntary measures, such as buyouts and early retirements, while avoiding forced layoffs, particularly affecting its main operations in Stuttgart and Weissach. [Motor1]

Luca Betti founded Kimera to revive the spirit of iconic Italian rally cars with modern enhancements inspired by his family's rich racing legacy and his father's achievements with Lancia. Its first model, the Kimera EVO37, blends classic design with contemporary features, while future developments, including the K39, aim to honor this heritage and challenge records in motorsport. [Autoblog]

Hyundai and Kia are exploring the integration of battery pack casings with vehicle structural elements to improve use of space, as outlined in a recent patent application. This innovative approach aims to utilize the vehicle's floor as part of the battery's upper casing, potentially increasing module capacity and creating a more cohesive connection between the battery and the vehicle's framework. [Green Car Reports]

During its Q3 fiscal results briefing for 2024, Nissan revealed plans to implement cost-saving measures amounting to $2.59 billion and announced six new models slated for release in 2025 and 2026. Among these, the Nissan Rogue will receive a plug-in hybrid version, while a next-generation Leaf is set to debut as a fully electric crossover, alongside a small hatchback likely based on the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric. [Carscoops]

Aston Martin has faced several delays in introducing its first electric vehicle, with mixed customer sentiments toward EVs. The brand is also contending with significant concerns regarding the weight of battery technology and is considering solid-state batteries to mitigate these issues, with its first EV not likely to arrive before 2026. [Motor1]

While some car brands continue to research and develop hydrogen as an alternative fuel source, infrastructure is lagging woefully behind with just over 1,100 refueling stations globally. China hosts the most of any single nation, while Europe and North America are still developing locations with few outside of Germany and California respectively. [Motor1]

Congress is revisiting the notion of automotive kill switches, designed to prevent substance-impaired driving, following a heavily delayed implementation as part of the Biden Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Republican lawmakers are now proposing amendments to eliminate these requirements, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for government overreach in vehicle monitoring. [TheTruthAboutCars]

MOTORSPORT

Chevrolet is the second brand to reveal a battery-electric NASCAR concept based on an SUV model, with the 1300hp Blazer EV.R followng Ford’s similar Mach-E prototype. The vehicle has already demonstrated its capabilities on the track, in the hands of 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier at Carolina Motorsports Park, as the sport looks set for a shift towards electrification. [Car Throttle]

Ferrari has made several modifications to its 499P LMH car in preparation for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season, focusing primarily on enhancing reliability. The team has opted not to introduce new Evo jokers, instead concentrating on improvements that, while not visible externally, aim to bolster the car's performance and durability on the track. [Sportscar365]

McLaren has revealed images of its 2025 Formula 1 car, the MCL39, during a shakedown at Silverstone, marking the first glimpse of the vehicle ahead of the new season. The team’s drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, tested the car, which features a camouflage design to obscure its technical details, and will provide more insights during the upcoming pre-season testing in Bahrain. [Racecar Engineering]

Williams has unveiled its 2025 Formula 1 vehicle, the FW47, featuring a dark blue design, ahead of its official livery reveal at a collective launch event in London next week. Under the leadership of James Vowles, the team is focused on long-term improvements and infrastructure growth while aiming for competitive results in the upcoming season, particularly with the addition of Carlos Sainz. [The Race]

Lando Norris expressed his eagerness to challenge Max Verstappen for the Formula One championship as the new season approaches, highlighting his confidence in his ability to compete effectively with the right car. Reflecting on lessons learned from last year, he emphasized the importance of strategic driving while acknowledging the need to adapt to Verstappen's aggressive racing style. [The Guardian | Motor Sport]

Oscar Piastri is aiming for the Formula 1 championship in 2025, buoyed by McLaren's commitment to providing both drivers with equal chances in their title pursuits. After a season where he sometimes supported teammate Lando Norris, Piastri feels prepared to compete on equal footing, having addressed previous weaknesses and ready to capitalize on the team's promising car performance. [ESPN - RPM]

Sebastian Vettel is reportedly contemplating a return to the sport having attempted to secure a seat with Audi for the current season ahead of its transition to a works team in 2026. Despite his unsuccessful final years with Aston Martin, Vettel believes he still possesses the fitness required for F1 competition. [RacingNews365]

Toyota set the pace at the first domestic test for the 2025 SUPER GT season at Okayama International Circuit, with Sho Tsuboi achieving the fastest lap in the TOM'S Toyota GR Supra, clocking in at 1:15.904. The testing, which faced delays due to snow and a crash that affected the schedule on the second day, featured a mix of GT500 vehicles. [Sportscar365]

Lamborghini has withdrawn its SC63 from the second day of IMSA testing at Sebring after identifying a minor issue during the initial day of sessions. The team, which had recently joined the test, opted to prioritize a thorough assessment of the problem at their facility rather than continue testing, following a previous setback at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. [Sportscar365]

FUN STUFF

One of two Caterham Sevens that starred in the “A Massive Hunt” episode of The Grand Tour is now available for sale, with the original 310R featuring in the initial road sequences on offer. While featuring a handful of modifications, this car escaped the wild upgrades of the other vehicle used for filming in Madagascar, and was returned to Caterham before being sold to a private owner. [PistonHeads​.com]

Aznom has introduced the Smart 4Teen "Bespoke Edition", a compact, fully electric reinterpretation of the first-generation Smart ForTwo, which features a modernized interior and customizable options. It boasts enhanced safety features and a 20hp electric drivetrain, as well as meeting European quadricycle regulations that allow it to be driven by people as young as 14 depending on the territory, though its price point exceeds that of comparable models. [Carscoops]

Hertz's ambitious investment in 100,000 Teslas has resulted in significant financial setbacks, with the company reporting a staggering $2.9 billion loss in 2024, largely due to challenges in the electric vehicle market. In response, Hertz is recalibrating its strategy by reallocating its EV fleet to areas with greater demand and improved charging infrastructure, while still facing skepticism from investors reflected in a notable decline in its stock price. [Carscoops]

An unusual BMW Z1, modified for Hartge by its Japanese distributor Tommykaira, has become available for sale in the UK. The Z1, which features unique retractable doors and customizable plastic body panels, sold in modest numbers, and the Hartge-upgraded version is especially rare, with this car also undergoing significant restoration having been in the UK since 1998. [PistonHeads​.com]

A rare 2002 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is currently listed for $11,500, following a meticulous upkeep that includes a recent ceramic coating and various mechanical refreshes. With a powerful supercharged V8 engine and a limited production run, this sedan presents an intriguing opportunity for enthusiasts, though questions remain about its long-term value. [Jalopnik]

Carlex Design has revealed an unconventional-looking vehicle called the Habemus, featuring a swiveling center seat in the rear load bay. The six-wheeled vehicle, based on a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, features a spacious interior with luxury materials and a distinctive layout that looks like it could be for dignitaries like the Pope - who recently received an all-electric G-Class, so is unlikely to be the intended customer. [Carscoops]

A 1953 Ford Vanette originally made as a nuclear explosion response vehicle has been converted into an off-road camper by Scott Birdsall of Chuckles Garage, California. The Ford, powered by a Cummins diesel engine, ended up not being used for its original purpose and was sold through surplus, becoming a mobile recording studio, before Birdsall rebuilt it as an off-grid adventure vehicle. [The Drive]

Visitors to future Fast Car Entertainment shows will have the chance to try out a “Wheelie Machine”, designed to simulate motorbike wheelies in complete safety. The machine, which will be available at events like Ford Fair, FordFest, and TRAX, features a high-performance Aprilia V-Twin Tuono and gives a full simulation of wheelie dynamics without the danger of flipping the bike. [Fast Car]

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