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Chrysler Reveals Overlanding Minivan Concept
Andrew Evans
August 22, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ralph Lauren’s F50 sets $9m auction record
FIA: It doesn’t matter that 2026 F1 cars are slower
KTM X-Bow may have been saved by beer makers
Verstappen retains competitive spirit in golf cart overtake
You can buy a cop car from GTA6 before you can buy GTA6
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
At the Overland Expo in Loveland, Colorado, Chrysler introduced the Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept, a modified minivan designed for off-road adventures and camping. This version features enhancements like larger all-terrain tires, a lift for improved ground clearance, camping accessories, and a reconfigured interior to maximize living space.
The KTM X-Bow might have a future thanks to a sale of KTM Sportcar GmbH to a new group of investors, allowing it to operate independently of KTM’s main motorcycle focus. Interested parties include the De Mevius family, which is known for its stake in AB InBev (formerly Anheuser-Busch) and its involvement in motorsports, suggesting a potential revival for the unique sports car.
Bentley is preparing to introduce a new Continental Supersports, featuring a rear-wheel drive layout and a V8 engine generating over 640bhp, marking a shift towards a series of high-performance vehicles. Recent spy shots reveal a prototype with performance-oriented design elements, and while it will not match the power of the previous W12 model, it aims to deliver an exciting driving experience through weight reduction.
The Volkswagen California Beach has evolved significantly since its introduction in 2005, with the current third generation model now including a special edition to celebrate its 20th anniversary. This latest Beach Camper Energy model offers a range of enhancements, such as advanced climate control, safety features, and distinctive alloy wheels, and will be available for pre-sale during the Caravan Salon trade show.
Touring Superleggera has unveiled the Veloce12 Barchetta, a restomodded convertible model based on the Ferrari 550 Barchetta similar to its hardtop Veloce12 Coupe sibling. The Barchetta introduces unique elements such as custom headlights, a convertible roof with rollover protection, and a luxurious interior, with production limited and pricing expected to exceed that of the coupe at over $750,000 plus the donor car.
The Jeep Cherokee, after a tumultuous history marked by periods of absence, is set to rejoin the lineup for 2026, featuring a hybrid all-wheel drive model that focuses on efficiency with a combined fuel economy of 37 mpg. Initially available in Limited and Overland trims, the Cherokee will be priced starting at $36,995, with additional configurations expected to roll out in early 2026.
Pininfarina has partnered with the emerging brand Vittori to develop the Turbio hypercar, which is set to be unveiled on October 4th in Miami and is touted as the first hypercar incorporating artificial intelligence. Featuring a 6.8-liter V12 engine combined with an electric motor, the vehicle boasts impressive performance metrics and a design influenced by iconic automotive brands, with plans for a limited production run of just 50 units.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom, valued at £500,000, was intentionally placed in the Tinside Lido swimming pool in Plymouth as part of the brand's centennial celebration of the Phantom model. This act pays homage to the legendary rock drummer Keith Moon, who is said to have driven a Rolls-Royce into a pool during his 21st birthday festivities, cementing the car's connection to the extravagant lifestyle of rock music over the decades.
Tesla has raised the cost of its top-tier Cybertruck variant by $15,000, now including advanced driver assistance software and unlimited charging as part of a mandatory package. This price adjustment comes amid disappointing sales figures for the Cybertruck, which recorded its lowest quarterly sales in a year, while lower trim models remain unaffected by the increase.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 teams are currently analyzing data to prepare for the 2026 regulations, but they will gain a clearer picture of their new vehicles as pre-season testing approaches. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis acknowledged that initial simulations indicate the upcoming cars could be as much as 1.5 seconds slower per lap than their predecessors, although he believes that once drivers adapt, the slower times will not impact the sport.
A viral video has captured Max Verstappen amusingly startling his partner, Kelly Piquet, while driving a golf cart during a summer break filled with leisure activities. As the four-time champion prepares for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, he faces a challenging season, currently trailing in the championship standings but remains optimistic about his future with Red Bull.
Cadillac is nearing agreements with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for its inaugural Formula 1 season, with negotiations reportedly progressing well despite the absence of signed contracts. The team aims to leverage the extensive experience of both drivers to navigate the challenges of entering the competitive F1 landscape, potentially confirming their signings as early as next week.
Yuki Tsunoda has expressed confidence in his current approach as he aims to improve his performance with the Red Bull team, despite a challenging streak of seven races without scoring points. He believes that maintaining his existing methods will lead to better results, especially if the team can enhance the car’s overall speed.
Esteban Ocon has reflected positively on his transition to Haas, noting that the team environment and his partnership with Oliver Bearman have significantly improved his experience compared to his previous stint at Alpine. Their shared passion for racing and open communication have fostered a strong working relationship, allowing them to navigate challenges effectively and maintain a cohesive team dynamic.
Fernando Alonso has praised Adrian Newey's significant contributions to Aston Martin, describing his approach as remarkable since joining the team earlier this season. Despite the team's initial struggles, Newey's focus on the upcoming car, amid major regulatory changes, has impressed Alonso, who appreciates Newey's innovative problem-solving methods.
George Russell shared insights about a transformative discussion with a psychologist that helped him mentally prepare for competing against Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes. As he transitioned from Williams to a prominent role alongside the seasoned champion, Russell focused on taking ownership of his performance, noting that his success depended on his own mindset rather than the accolades of his teammate.
Lando Norris recently shared an unsettling experience from the Miami Grand Prix, where he unexpectedly sneezed while leading under a safety car, causing him to briefly close his eyes. This incident raised his concerns about being rear-ended, in a rare moment in his racing career that left him feeling anxious.
The introduction of a cost cap in Formula 1 has complicated matters for Cadillac's new racing team, limiting its ability to leverage synergies with its affiliated Andretti Formula E squad. Despite plans for Cadillac to compete as a Ferrari customer initially and transition to a full factory team by 2028, the stringent financial regulations hinder collaboration and information sharing between the two entities.
CURIOSITIES
Ralph Lauren's Ferrari F50 achieved a remarkable auction price of $9.245 million during Monterey Car Week, significantly raising the maximum market value for this model. This unprecedented sale not only surpassed previous records but also indicates a transformative moment for the classic Ferrari segment, suggesting that other rare models may follow suit in terms of rising prices.
A car reportedly used as a model for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI video game will be auctioned over the weekend, as part of the closure sale from the Rodz and Bodz Movie Car Museum collection. According to the auction listing, the Chevrolet Caprice police cruiser was scanned by Rockstar Games for inclusion in the game, which launches in May 2026, as part of the fictional Vice City Police Department.
A new update will arrive for Gran Turismo 7 in the final week of August, bringing four new vehicles that include two previously revealed concept cars from GM's Corvette lineup. Although heavily disguised in the teaser, the remaining two cars are likely to be the Renault Avantime and the production specification Afeela 1, with further details to be revealed shortly before the update which is expected to be on August 28.
Authorities in the UK have seized an electric bicycle that allegedly reached speeds of 83.2mph, which far exceeds the legal limit for e-bikes in the country. This particular bike was among over 100 modified electric bicycles confiscated in Sunderland, raising concerns about safety and legality in the growing e-bike market.
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has enhanced its collection with the donation of a 2012 Lamborghini Aventador, notable for being the first of its kind in North America. This particular model not only served as a display piece but also participated in various track events and played a role in technician training, reflecting its significance in automotive history.
Iconic Auctioneers will be selling some vehicles used on the Top Gear TV show, including a classic Mini that appeared in a memorable episode with Chris Harris, Paddy McGuinness, and Freddie Flintoff. This 1990 Rover-badged Mini, which has been part of a private collection since its television debut, was driven across Ethiopia, and is expected to sell for between £8,000 and £10,000 despite lacking a current MOT.
A woman from Kentucky faces serious legal repercussions after allegedly inflicting over $12,000 in damages to her ex-boyfriend's car, including pouring salt in the engine and glitter in the vents, following a dispute. Although the woman denies causing some of the damage, she could be sentenced to five years in prison and fined up to $10,000 if found guilty of first-degree criminal mischief.
After sitting idle for fifty years, a 1968 Pontiac GTO has remarkably retained its charm, clocking just 19,000 miles and requiring only a thorough cleaning. The detailing process, captured in a video by WD Detailing, shows the vehicle's well-preserved interior and exterior, revealing its unique history and the owner's intent to maintain its original condition.
A school district in Northwest Indiana faced significant disruption when thieves removed catalytic converters from 21 of its buses. The theft was discovered early in the morning by transportation staff, prompting an immediate police investigation, as authorities highlighted the broader impact on the community.
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