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Could the EV Range Rover be a Quad-Motor Off-Roader?
Jordan Greer
November 29, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're diving into the future of luxury SUVs with a sneak peek at the all-electric Range Rover, which might just redefine off-road capabilities with a potential four-motor setup. Meanwhile, in the world of motorsports, George Russell is calling for clarity from the FIA amidst a wave of high-profile exits, stirring up conversations about the sport's stability. As you sip your coffee and explore these stories, remember to share the thrill with friends who might enjoy our daily automotive adventures.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Range Rover Electric, an all-electric version of the well-known luxury SUV, has been spotted undergoing hot weather testing in the UAE, closely resembling its gas-powered counterpart. While details about the battery and motor specifications remain undisclosed, Land Rover has indicated that the vehicle will feature Intelligent Torque Management, potentially allowing for individual wheel control with a system that may include four motors.
Toyota is developing a front-engined GT car, likely named the Lexus LFR, which will serve as a homologation platform for its upcoming GT3 race car. The LFR is expected to feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, potentially paired with a hybrid system, and is projected to be unveiled in early 2025, with the racing version ready for the 2026 season.
Lotus is considering electrifying the Emira, its last pure-combustion car, as it shifts its strategy away from an all-electric lineup by 2028 due to declining interest in electric luxury vehicles. The company's new CEO indicated that a hybrid version of the Emira could be feasible, depending on technological advancements and market demands, while the future of the planned electric successor, the Type 135, remains uncertain amid a freeze on new product launches.
The new Toyota Aygo X has been spotted testing ahead of its anticipated launch next year, while the Yaris is set to receive updates including a new Storm Grey paint option for the GR Sport trim and a fresh Forest Green finish for the rest of the lineup. Despite these cosmetic changes, the engine options remain unchanged, and production for the updated Yaris is scheduled to begin in February 2025.
The UK’s Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, has resigned after pleading guilty to making a false police report in 2013, making the choice in order to avoid distracting from the government's work on the UK's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Her departure comes amid significant concerns from car manufacturers about the feasibility of the ZEV mandate, which requires a substantial increase in electric vehicle sales by 2030, as companies like Nissan and Stellantis have warned it could jeopardise the domestic car industry.
Volkswagen is set to develop an all-electric ninth-generation Golf in collaboration with Rivian, following a joint venture aimed at creating advanced electric architecture and software. While the electric Golf is expected to debut in 2029, the current ID. 3 will continue to be improved until a redesigned version is released in 2026, with the conventional Mk8 model remaining available until 2035.
Italian design firm Camal Studio has reimagined the Caterham Seven with a new model called the Scoperta, inspired by 1950s and 60s Italian classics, featuring a distinctive exterior and a uniquely designed interior. While the Scoperta retains the original Caterham's 2.0-liter Ford Duratec engine, producing 240 hp, it is currently a virtual concept with a potential production cost of approximately €150,000 ($158,000) plus VAT.
Isuzu plans to introduce autonomous trucks on Japanese roads by 2027 through a partnership with US software startup Applied Intuition, focusing initially on fixed routes for transporting goods between warehouses. The company is also collaborating with Japanese start-up Tier IV to implement Level 4 autonomous driving technology in buses for use at Fukuoka Airport and in Greater Tokyo.
MOTORSPORT
Tim Mayer, the organizer of FIA world championships in the US, was recently fired from his F1 stewarding position via text message after representing the United States Grand Prix in a successful appeal regarding a post-race track invasion incident. His departure, along with that of Formula 2 deputy race director Janette Tan, raises concerns about stability within the FIA, as multiple high-profile figures have left the organization in recent weeks.
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell has expressed concerns over the recent high-profile departures within the FIA, including the firing of senior F1 steward Tim Mayer and the removal of new F2 race director Janette Tan before she could assume her role. Russell is seeking greater clarity on these changes, emphasizing the challenges they pose for stability within the organization and the potential impact on the sport's current positive trajectory.
F1 drivers met in Qatar to address racing regulations, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding Max Verstappen's driving tactics. Verstappen suggested that adding gravel traps at track edges could enhance overtaking opportunities and mitigate current issues, a sentiment echoed by George Russell, who noted the need to remove certain existing rules to improve racing dynamics.
Yuki Tsunoda aims to perform well in the final two races of the 2024 Formula 1 season to increase his chances of securing a race seat at Red Bull, especially as he prepares for a post-season test in the team's car. Despite his strong performances, Tsunoda faces competition from other candidates, including Liam Lawson, and acknowledges that his speed in the upcoming races is crucial for making a case for promotion amid the team's internal dynamics and standings challenges.
Lewis Hamilton has declined to participate in the post-season Abu Dhabi test with Ferrari, citing a preference for a more private debut rather than a high-profile event. Ferrari plans to facilitate his acclimatization by allowing him to drive a previous car at Fiorano in January, ahead of the pre-season test in Bahrain.
Carlos Sainz reflected on the lessons learned at Ferrari following a conflict with teammate Charles Leclerc during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where a miscommunication during a pit stop affected Sainz's race. Both drivers acknowledged the strength of their relationship and their ability to resolve misunderstandings, emphasizing that such conflicts are common given their competitive dynamics on the track.
Lando Norris maintains a friendship with Max Verstappen despite their competitive clashes during the F1 season, including a notable crash in Austria. With Verstappen securing his fourth title, Norris is now focused on defending his runner-up position against Charles Leclerc, who is 21 points behind him in the standings.
Sergio Perez has expressed his commitment to remaining with the Red Bull F1 team despite ongoing speculation about his future due to a disappointing season, where he trails teammate Max Verstappen by 251 points. While there are rumors linking other drivers to his seat, Perez emphasizes the team's confidence in him, citing the contract extension earlier this year as a sign of their support.
Genesis is set to enter the world of endurance racing, utilizing LMDh regulations for its first motorsport venture, with plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and potentially IMSA by 2026. While details about the car remain limited, a teaser image reveals a distinct rear wing and fin, hinting at its competitive design.
CURIOSITIES
A Portland man, Michael Ward, is suing Tesla driver Kgoc Phuong Anh Dinh for $745,000 after his Hyundai was struck by a Tesla allegedly operating in self-driving mode and running a stop sign. The case raises questions about the reliability of autonomous vehicle technology and driver accountability, as Tesla is not named in the lawsuit despite its guidelines emphasizing that drivers must remain attentive while using Autopilot or Full Self-Driving features.
New Zealand police accidentally collided with a state limousine carrying Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis while en route to Wellington Airport, causing damage but no reported injuries. The incident is currently under investigation, and while the specific model of the limousine has not been disclosed, it is believed to be part of a fleet that includes BMW 7 Series sedans.
Stockholm’s Top 10 league is one of the more enthralling underground street racing scenes in the world, with some unique challenges and legal nuances. The highly organised, semi-professional series isn’t confined to a single event, and sees racers and crowds engaging in some unusual strategies to evade law enforcement.
American designer Ronnie Fieg has previewed a custom BMW M1, which has been repainted in Techno Violet, a color introduced in the early 1990s, despite the M1's production ending in 1981. This unique vehicle, one of only 453 M1s ever made, features a large KITH logo and is expected to be part of an upcoming collaboration between BMW and Kith, potentially involving a limited-run model in a Frozen version of the same color.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is set to auction 11 significant racing cars, including a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM and a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R streamliner, as part of a collection refocusing on Indy 500-related vehicles. The auctions, beginning in February at RM Sotheby's in Stuttgart, aim to generate funds for the museum's ongoing operations, emphasizing the historical importance of these cars rather than their collector's value.
Recently leaked images from around 2001 have unveiled the extensive collection of cars owned by the Sultan of Brunei, which includes unique models like the Bentley Dominator SUV and Ferrari 456 GT-based sedans, both custom-built for him. The collection features a mix of one-off designs and adaptations of existing models, showcasing the Sultan's preference for exclusivity in automotive design, including a one-off Bentley coupe and a modified Mercedes-Benz S-Class wagon with an AMG V12 engine.
A 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, previously driven by Ken Block and Travis Pastrana, is currently up for auction on Cars & Bids, with bidding starting at $75,000. The car features extensive modifications for rally racing and includes a day at DirtFish's rally school for the winning bidder, with five percent of the proceeds going to Block's charity, the 43 Institute.
With new fibreglass kits available to transform classic Mk6 Ford Escorts into F2-style Maxi Kit Cars, the possibility of building your own 1990s rally hero is more realistic than ever before. Lifelong Ford enthusiast and car builder Brian Boyce has done just that, with a car based on an Escort RS2000, sporting a rebuilt Fiesta ST180 engine with almost 350hp and a sequential gearbox, with various fabricators and engineers coming together to create the vehicle.
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