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Dacia Hipster Concept Previews Europe's E-Cars
Andrew Evans
October 06, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren’s second successive title soured by driver clash and spat
Barely used Escort RS Cosworth expected to fetch £150k at auction
Vittori Turbio: Pininfarina AI-designed, 1,100hp V12
Delivery-mileage Koenigsegg Jesko Attack for sale
Russell cruises to Singapore win, mimics Hamilton victory photo
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Dacia aims to introduce an affordable four-seater electric vehicle, the Hipster, which is designed to be lighter and smaller than many current models while offering impressive interior space and comfort. With innovative features and a focus on minimizing weight and costs, the Hipster seeks to appeal to consumers looking for practical and economical transportation solutions in a challenging economic climate.
Vittori has unveiled its inaugural hypercar, the Turbio, which features a 6.8-liter V12 hybrid powertrain generating 1,100 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 2.5 seconds. Developed in collaboration with the renowned design firm Pininfarina, the project has sparked interest due to its incorporation of artificial intelligence in the design process, although the specifics of this involvement remain somewhat ambiguous.
Tesla is set to unveil a more affordable version of the Model Y on October 7th, following the release of teasers that hint at its design elements, including distinctive headlights. This new variant, which is expected to feature fewer amenities and lower-cost materials, aims to attract buyers while potentially impacting the sales of the existing Model Y lineup.
Volvo experienced a record month for car sales in the UK in September, largely due to the launch of its EX30 model and enhancements in its sales approach, as noted by managing director Nicole Melillo Shaw. The company reported a 23% increase in sales compared to the previous year, achieving a total of 11,569 vehicles sold and a year-to-date growth of 5%.
Jaguar Land Rover is preparing to resume production this week after a cyber attack disrupted its operations in early September. The Wolverhampton engine facility is expected to restart first, albeit at reduced capacity, while other production sites will follow suit, with the exact timeline still pending.
The latest Nissan Leaf incorporates elements from the Z sports car, enhancing its performance-oriented design and engineering. While a NISMO variant is not currently in production, Nissan is open to developing one if there is sufficient interest from consumers in the US market.
JD Power's recent Automotive Brand Loyalty Study identifies the brands with the highest customer retention, revealing that Porsche leads in the premium segment while Toyota excels in the mainstream category. However the best result overall goes to Ford trucks, with a loyalty rate of 66.6%, significantly surpassing the industry average of 49%.
Volvo has announced a recall affecting 1,119 units of the 2025 EX90 due to a defect in the tailgate mechanism that may lead to unexpected closure, posing a safety hazard. Owners will be informed on November 18, and the necessary repairs will be conducted at no cost to them, following the identification of the issue linked to supplier mishandling of parts.
MOTORSPORT
George Russell commemorated his recent Formula 1 win in Singapore by honoring his predecessor, Lewis Hamilton, and reflecting on a moment from seven years ago. After replicating Hamilton's iconic victory pose from the 2018 race, Russell expressed the significance of achieving this milestone at a venue that holds personal meaning for him.
Lando Norris defended his actions during the Singapore Grand Prix, asserting that any driver in his position would have made the same move that resulted in contact with Oscar Piastri. Despite the incident potentially straining their relationship, Norris maintained that he did not act aggressively and believed he would have finished ahead of Piastri regardless of the collision.
Charles Leclerc expressed frustration over Ferrari's performance in Formula 1, indicating that both he and Lewis Hamilton feel unable to maximize the potential of their car, which has hindered their chances of competitive results. Despite recent struggles in Baku and Singapore, Leclerc remains determined to improve the team's situation, acknowledging the significant challenges it faces compared to rivals like McLaren and Red Bull.
McLaren has committed to a thorough examination of the recent incident between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris during the Singapore Grand Prix, aiming to maintain trust and fairness within the team. The clash saw Piastri raise concerns about inequities in team decisions, underscoring the need for open dialogue and a unified approach to ensure that both drivers feel equally supported and valued.
Lewis Hamilton received a five-second penalty for violating track limits late in the Singapore Grand Prix, which resulted in him finishing behind Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso. Hamilton experienced brake issues late in the race, resulting in a significant time loss after what seemed a comfortable seventh place, leading to an official ruling from the stewards that deemed his actions unjustifiable.
Fernando Alonso expressed his dissatisfaction with Isack Hadjar's defensive driving during the Singapore Grand Prix, leading the young driver to describe the veteran as "grumpy." Despite Alonso's critique of Hadjar's performance, he later acknowledged the challenges of racing in Singapore while noting that both drivers lost valuable time during their on-track battle.
Following the Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA stewards will assess Alex Albon for a possible violation related to practice starts. The Williams driver, who will begin the race from the pit lane due to a suspension adjustment, had already been disqualified from qualifying alongside his teammate for issues with their DRS flaps, placing him at the back of the grid.
Ayhancan Guven made history at the Hockenheimring by securing his fifth victory of the season, earning him the DTM championship and marking him as the first Turkish driver to achieve this title. The final race was filled with intense competition, highlighted by Marco Wittmann's impressive climb to second place, while Lucas Auer, the championship leader going into the weekend, finished fourth, just shy of the title.
Pirelli is set to create a custom tyre specifically for the DTM starting next year, moving away from the previously used P Zero DHG tyres that are common in various global GT series. This tailored tyre aims to enhance performance and promote fairness among teams, as it will standardize the driving experience across the grid while incorporating unique features like RFID technology for monitoring.
Tom Ingram has solidified his position at the top of the British Touring Car Championship after winning the penultimate race at Brands Hatch GP, marking his seventh victory this season and securing his second Drivers' title. Starting from fifth, Ingram quickly advanced through the field, ultimately maintaining his lead despite challenges from safety car restarts, while Ash Sutton and Senna Proctor rounded out the podium.
CURIOSITIES
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth, a renowned Group A homologation vehicle, is set to be auctioned with an astonishingly low mileage of just 408 miles, having remained largely unused since its production in 1995. This upcoming sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show on November 8 presents a rare chance to acquire a nearly pristine example of this iconic performance car, with bidding expected to reach between £130,000 and £150,000.
A record-breaking hypercar is available in a classified ad, although with only 112 miles on the clocks you’ll have to run in your new Koenigsegg Jesko Attack if you take the plunge. This track-oriented version of the Jesko shares a 5.1-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine with its Absolut sibling that set the 0-249-0mph record this year, with up to 1,600hp available on E85 fuel.
A Subaru owner expressed frustration after receiving a repair estimate of $8,459, which included a significant charge for a cam carrier seal replacement, leading her to seek a second opinion from an independent mechanic. After discovering that her vehicle only had minor sludge and no actual leak, she decided to abandon Subaru in favor of returning to Toyota, highlighting concerns about dealership service practices.
A 2002 BMW Z8, featuring a Titanium Silver Metallic finish and a well-documented history, boasts approximately 9,700 miles on the odometer and has not experienced any significant accidents. With a 4.9-liter V8 engine, a recent ECU tune, and a range of included accessories, this vehicle is currently valued around $170,000, as evidenced by the seller's rejection of a $156,000 bid at a recent auction.
A rare 993-generation Porsche 911 Cabriolet Turbo will be available at auction in the UK next month, with the vehicle one of just 14 made for a single customer and never offered to the public. Fritz Haberl, who owned a Porsche dealership in Munich, commissioned the vehicles - nine LHD, five RHD - in 1995, and the example for sale is finished in Amaranth Violet and expected to fetch up to $1 million.
An example of the 1970 Chrysler 300 convertible, one of around 1,000 made that year, features a notable history, having been owned by television personality Al Simon. While it retains its original components and has avoided rust due to its California upbringing, the vehicle requires some cosmetic and mechanical attention, and its current auction status suggests it may not sell unless the seller adjusts the asking price.
A 2014 Dodge SRT Viper TA, one of only 159 units produced and with under 2,000 miles on the clock, recently sold for $176,000, nearly double its original price. This model features a powerful 8.4-liter V10 engine and a range of performance enhancements, making it a sought-after collector's item in the current market.
Having been upgraded with a 5.7-liter Chevy small block V8 engine, a one-off Porsche 914 built by Renegade Customs of Las Vegas is available for sale through a classified auction in the UK at £26,500. Originally equipped with an 80hp flat-four engine, this upgraded car now boasts an estimated 400hp with little evidence bar the 914/6 arches, and has been well cared-for up to arriving in the UK.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!