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

• Willow Springs finds a buyer

• FIA condemns F1 75 Live booing

• Volvos sold with counterfeit audio system

• Land-speed record car for sale

• Aston Martin Valkyrie LMH shakedown

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Chinese luxury automaker Maextro has unveiled the S800, a vehicle positioned to take on high-end brands like Maybach and Rolls-Royce. Developed by the Huawei-owned HIMA group in collaboration with JAC, the S800 will be available as a pure EV or range-extender EV with up to 852hp and an advanced technology stack developed by Huawei, launching in China this May at prices ranging from approximately $135,000 to $205,000. [Electrek]

Volvo has come under scrutiny in China, as some owners report receiving counterfeit audio equipment. An S60 owner discovered an issue with their audio system, which was labeled as “Bovvers & VVilkins” rather than the genuine “Bowers & Wilkins”, and reported additional concerns regarding the vehicle's gear shifter, prompting Volvo to initiate an investigation into the sales practices at its dealerships. [The Drive]

Mazda has reached a preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit concerning issues with its Connect infotainment system, although the company continues to deny any wrongdoing. The issue has affected many different models with a number of faults that include freezing and rebooting, and Mazda has offered an extended two-year limited warranty to owners of affected vehicles. [Carscoops]

Mercedes-AMG has announced plans to introduce a hybrid V8 powertrain by 2026, which will be part of a revamped lineup aimed at expanding the brand's presence in the performance market. This new engine will be integrated into the AMG EA platform alongside high-performance electric models, while the existing 6.0-liter V12 will remain available in select regions despite stricter emissions regulations in Europe. [Car and Driver]

MINI has postponed previously announced plans to produce the electric Cooper and Aceman at its Oxford facility, with a 2026 start date being pushed back indefinitely due to uncertainties in the automotive market. As a result, these models will be manufactured in China by Spotlight Automotive, with little likelihood of them being available in the US market. [BMW Blog]

Faraday Future has unveiled a clearer image of its upcoming FX 6, which will be part of the new, more affordable Faraday X brand. While details remain scarce, the prototypes showcase a sleek design with distinctive features, and further testing in the US will assess performance and autonomous capabilities ahead of a potential production start later this year, contingent on funding. [Carscoops]

BMW says that widespread production of models with solid-state batteries is at least a decade away, due to high costs and current market conditions. While the company is collaborating with Solid Power to develop these batteries, its upcoming Neue Klass models will use new, round-cell Gen6 lithium ion batteries that promise a 30% improvement in charging speed and range. [BMW Blog]

Tesla has reported that over 300,000 of its vehicles may experience power steering issues, prompting a recall that affects the 2023 Model 3 and Model Y. While the company estimates that only about 1% of these vehicles are defective, it has acknowledged the potential safety risks associated with a loss of power assist steering, particularly when the vehicles are at a standstill. [Green Car Reports]

The White House has declared that electric vehicles are not essential, leading to the shutdown of EV chargers at federal properties and the offloading of newly acquired electric vehicles. This decision follows a halt in previously promised funding for EV infrastructure, leaving many government-issued electric vehicles without access to charging stations. [The Drive]

MOTORSPORT

Ian James, the team principal of Heart of Racing, expressed satisfaction with the performance of the new Aston Martin Valkyrie during their inaugural appearance at the FIA World Endurance Championship Prologue in Qatar, where they collectively covered over 500 laps. While acknowledging the team's ongoing learning process and minor challenges, he emphasized the importance of the experience gained ahead of the upcoming season opener. [Sportscar365]

The FIA has condemned reactions at the F1 75 Live event in London, where Max Verstappen, Christian Horner, and the FIA were booed by some of the audience at the O2 Arena. Citing a “tribalist” atmosphere, the sport’s governing body called for more respect as it seeks to also tackle growing online abuse, with the subject thought to be up for discussion at the upcoming World Motor Sport Council. [The Guardian | Motor Sport]

Kimi Antonelli is undergoing rigorous preparations as he gears up for his first Formula 1 season with Mercedes, focusing on teamwork and learning to minimize any unexpected challenges at the Australian Grand Prix. With the departure of Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli faces significant expectations while the team aims to navigate the complexities of the current regulations before the introduction of new power unit rules next year. [RacingNews365]

Nico Hulkenberg has shared insights into his continued presence in Formula 1, highlighting the importance of team dynamics and performance in avoiding the driver cull affecting many of his contemporaries. As he prepares for a new chapter with Audi in 2026, Hulkenberg reflects on his positive experiences and the value he brings to his team. [RacingNews365]

Williams' team principal, James Vowles, acknowledged that the series of accidents during the 2024 Formula 1 season caused some challenges, but he does not anticipate any long-term negative impact on the team's performance. As the team prepares for the 2025 season with its new FW47 car, both Vowles and driver Alex Albon express cautious optimism about their development direction, despite the competitive landscape among midfield teams. [Motorsport​.com]

Carlos Sainz has taken over as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, joining George Russell as the only active Formula 1 drivers involved in the organization's leadership. Sainz expressed his commitment to enhancing the sport and addressing various issues alongside his fellow directors, including chairman Alexander Wurz and legal director Anastasia Fowle. [Motorsport​.com]

Haas is anticipating improved performance with its new VF-25 car, which it says has addressed the weaker areas of the VF-24, focusing on consistency and adaptability to various race conditions. Head of aerodynamics Davide Paganelli notes that simulations show the car is a big step forward, particularly at the rear, and that the team is expecting a “massive boost” from race one. [RaceFans]

An upcoming FIA regulation change regarding wing flexibility has sparked different responses from the Formula 1 teams, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner criticizing the scheduled change in testing as driving up costs. McLaren meanwhile appears confident in its revised suspension design, which aims to maintain optimal car balance without relying heavily on aerodynamic tricks, and expects the change for the ninth race weekend to have little impact. [The Race]

Max Verstappen has been spotted testing an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, ahead of an upcoming F1 pre-season test in Bahrain. The testing is thought to be connected to Verstappen’s desire to run a GT3 program, for which he approached the brand, and not to reported overtures from Aston Martin’s F1 team about a seat. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

Willow Springs International Raceway is set to change hands to CrossHarbor Capital Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm. As the sale approaches completion, there is anticipation regarding the firm's plans for the track, with the company stating that it is keen to preserve the circuit’s legacy and access for enthusiasts. [The Drive]

The next update for Gran Turismo 7 is coming this week, with a what looks like a surprising new vehicle as the game reaches its third anniversary and 100th free vehicle post-launch. Game creator Kazunori Yamauchi tweeted a traditional teaser image which appeared to show a classic Mercedes-Benz Unimog, along with an early BMW Z4 and likely a GTI model of the Peugeot 205. [GTPlanet]

A historic jet-powered vehicle known as “Spirit of America – Sonic 1” is set to be auctioned in Miami with an estimated value between $500,000 and $1 million. This remarkable car, featuring a General Electric turbojet engine, was the first to exceed 600mph on land and has been preserved as part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection. [Drive]

An all-metal motorhome, crafted by a former Boeing engineer from a 1974 Cadillac Eldorado, is currently listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace at $20,000. This RV showcases impressive construction techniques reminiscent of aircraft design, featuring a riveted body and thoughtful accessibility features, making it a standout in the vintage RV market. [The Autopian]

A road-rage incident involving a woman in the US serves as a cautionary tale about the unexpected consequences of reckless behavior. After confronting another driver with accusations of dangerous driving, she inadvertently allowed her own vehicle to roll into an SUV, briefly pinning her in the driver’s side door and resulting in significant damage to her car. [Carscoops]

Footage from a recent police pursuit in Virginia has shown that a high-performance car is no guarantee for evading law enforcement, as a driver in a Dodge Charger Scat Pack discovered when apprehended after a series of reckless maneuvers. Despite initial efforts to escape, which included turning out the car’s lights, the driver ultimately abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, only to be quickly captured by officers. [Carscoops]

Fans of classic American police patrol vehicles can pick up an unusual 1982 Dodge Ramcharger, once purportedly used by the California Highway Patrol, currently available for auction complete with police-specific features such as a light bar and communication equipment. While the vehicle has some mechanical issues and uncertain mileage, its vintage appeal and distinctive design make it an intriguing option for enthusiasts. [Motor1]

A rare Porsche 959 Sport is set to be auctioned in Miami on February 28, with estimates ranging from $5.5 million to $6.5 million. This particular model is one of only 29 produced, featuring a lighter build that enhances its performance, and along with a low mileage was a factory-direct sale car with its first owner collecting from Stuttgart. [Carscoops]

The Honda RA272 made an appearance at the Maniwa Speed Festival, driven by former F1 racer Takuma Sato. Although it did not compete in the hill climb event, Sato drove the car around the course, wringing the V12 engine up to its 12,000rpm peak on demonstration runs. [Japanese Nostalgic Car]

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