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Corvette Sets New Nurburgring Lap Record Twice in One Day
Andrew Evans
July 31, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Aston Martin sells its own F1 team
WWE founder involved in Bentley write-off
BMW M3 beats BMW M3 to claim unofficial ‘Ring record
Boring Company set to tunnel under Nashville
Ferrari extends Vasseur’s contract as team principal
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Chevrolet has officially confirmed that two of its Corvettes have dethroned the Ford Mustang GTD as the fastest American cars around the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Both the ZR1 and ZR1X set faster lap times than the Ford, with the hybrid model the quicker of the two at 6:49.275, with both cars and a Z06 model driven by the brand’s own in-house development team.
BMW’s new M3 CS Touring has become the fastest wagon at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, beating the standard model by just over five seconds and coming in less than a second behind the sedan. While an impressive feat, there isn’t an official record category for wagons so the car becomes the latest BMW to set a rapid time as the brand continues to focus on advancements in performance at the track.
The EPA has announced a plan to revoke greenhouse gas emission regulations, including the 2009 finding that classified these gases as pollutants, which has implications for public health and vehicle standards. If enacted, this divisive proposal would eliminate federal emissions guidelines for various vehicle types and potentially hinder advancements in electric and hybrid vehicle adoption.
Skoda has unveiled an initial design of its upcoming electric estate car concept, named Vision O, which will be officially presented at the Munich motor show in September. This model is expected to hint at the next-generation electric Octavia, set to debut by the end of the decade, and features a silhouette that reflects the brand's new design ethos while incorporating elements reminiscent of its successful estate vehicles.
KTM, the Austrian manufacturer largely known for its motorbikes, faced significant financial challenges in 2024, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy before being rescued by Indian firm Bajaj. As part of its recovery strategy, CEO Gottfried Neumeister indicated that the production of the X-Bow sports car may be winding down, although there is potential for another company to take over ownership.
Bentley's Mulliner division continues to expand its offerings, providing an extensive range of customization options that cater to discerning buyers seeking a personalized luxury experience. With one in four new Bentleys incorporating Mulliner features, customers can choose from a variety of exquisite finishes, including new materials like 18K gold on some controls and even Tweed.
Nissan reported a significant loss of 115.7 billion yen ($782 million) for the first quarter of its fiscal year, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of financial decline as the company grapples with ongoing restructuring efforts. The automaker continues to face challenges, including a 10.1% drop in global sales and plans to cut jobs and close factories as part of its Re:Nissan initiative.
Renault has appointed Francois Provost as its new CEO, succeeding Luca De Meo, who recently stepped down from his role. Provost, who previously held the position of chief procurement, partnerships, and public affairs officer, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his commitment to advancing the company alongside its employees and partners.
MOTORSPORT
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc has announced its decision to sell its minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team for $146 million to an unknown buyer, valuing the team at $3.2 billion. The company is facing significant financial challenges, including a steep decline in stock value and revenue, compounded by unfavorable tariffs on exports to the United States.
Frederic Vasseur has extended his role as Ferrari's team principal, securing a new agreement that will keep him with the team for several more seasons. The 57-year old, who initially joined in early 2023 on a three-year contract, remarked that he was grateful for the continued confidence from Ferrari's leadership during recent challenges.
Red Bull's Helmut Marko has commented that it would have been illogical for Max Verstappen to leave the team at the end of the current season, especially with new regulations set to alter the competitive landscape. He also noted that Verstappen's contract remains intact until 2028, and Marko aims to quell future speculation by ensuring the team fields a strong car next year.
Mercedes has experienced a significant decline in performance during the 2025 Formula 1 season, particularly evident after the Belgian Grand Prix, where it fell behind Ferrari in overall pace. The team is investigating the reasons behind this downturn, suspecting that recent upgrades may have negatively impacted the car's handling, but remains optimistic about reversing the trend through adjustments and further analysis.
The FIA has taken significant measures to enhance driver safety in Formula E, particularly in response to a series of hand injuries linked to the Gen3 cars. Key changes include redesigning the steering wheel, introducing a steering damper to mitigate injury risk, and modifying cockpit features, all aimed at reducing the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
The 2026 World Rally Championship will consist of 14 events, starting in Monte Carlo in January and concluding in Saudi Arabia in November, with Rally Japan shifting to May to break up a series of gravel rallies. Although plans for a US round have been delayed to 2027, Croatia will return to the schedule, and the FIA has confirmed that the technical regulations from 2025 will remain in effect for the upcoming season.
Phoenix is aiming to host a Formula E event in early 2027, coinciding with the introduction of the Gen4 race cars, as the city seeks to bring back a global single-seater championship after a 34-year absence from Formula 1. Although discussions about potential circuits have occurred, including a preferred location near Papago Park, recent setbacks have prompted the city to explore alternative venues for the race.
Jak Crawford is actively exploring opportunities with various Formula 1 teams, including the new Cadillac entry, as he seeks a race seat for the 2026 season. Currently competing in Formula 2 with DAMS, Crawford aims to improve his performance, having experienced both successes and setbacks in recent races, while acknowledging that his future prospects largely depend on his results this year.
CURIOSITIES
Vince McMahon was involved in a significant accident last Thursday in Connecticut, where he crashed his Bentley Continental GT into a BMW and a guardrail, resulting in further damage to a third vehicle. While the circumstances are unclear, it’s been reported that McMahon was cited for causing the collision, in which all drivers were wearing seatbelts and escaped without serious injuries.
Elon Musk's Boring Company is set to construct a tunnel network in Nashville, linking the downtown area to the Nashville International Airport, with work expected to start soon after receiving the necessary approvals. The project, which Governor Bill Lee claims will be funded entirely through private investments, aims to provide a rapid transit option that could reduce travel time between the airport and the city center to around eight minutes.
Incidents of car parking sensor theft have surged by 300% as part of a broader rise in vehicle parts crimes, according to a prominent insurance company. Admiral Insurance reported a significant increase in claims, highlighting the ease of access and resale value of these components, which has attracted criminals looking to profit from such thefts.
Currently listed on eBay, a well-maintained example of the 1967 Pontiac LeMans is presented as an unaltered survivor, with a firm asking price of $22,500, encouraging potential buyers to inspect it in person before making a decision. Toting the 326ci V8 and the original transmission, the car is mechanically sound and has just under 100,000 miles on the clocks.
The current owner of a 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso, having driven it less than 5,000 miles since acquiring it in December 2023, is putting the vehicle up for auction due to space constraints after receiving a new model. Although the car has experienced minor accident-related repairs and some wear, it boasts a powerful 6.3-liter V8 engine and is currently listed with no reserve, attracting bids starting at $100,000.
Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing formed a partnership nearly ten years ago, leading to the development of unique vehicles, including the notable Valkyrie hypercar. Among their rarer creations is the V12 Vantage Red Bull Racing Edition, limited to just 15 units globally, featuring distinctive Red Bull elements and a powerful V12 engine, making the example for sale in the classifieds with just 500 registered miles a sought-after collector's item.
Residents in San Francisco are expressing frustration over receiving parking tickets for what they believe is legitimate use of their driveways, claiming that their vehicles do not obstruct access. The tickets are reportedly issued in response to neighborhood complaints rather than active enforcement, raising legal concerns about the validity of the citations and the rights of those ticketed.
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