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Designer Behind Controversial Type 00 Departs Jaguar Land Rover
Andrew Evans
December 02, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
£900 Aston Martin DB5 restored to seven-figure condition
Hadjar in, Tsunoda out at Red Bull for 2026; Lindblad in at Racing Bulls
New supercar set for Lexus and Toyota variants
Ferrari details 499P upgrades for 2026 title defense
Look behind the scenes of The Fast and the Furious series in a new book
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
JLR has parted ways with its design leader, Gerry McGovern, effective immediately, with the veteran departing the company on Monday in uncertain circumstances. McGovern, who designed many significant cars over a 21-year career at the brand, including the controversial Type 00 Concept, departed soon after the appointment of new CEO PB Balaji, suggesting a potential shift in the company's direction.
The upcoming Toyota GR GT hybrid V8 sports car is set to be released under both the Toyota and Lexus brands, with recent teasers showing the two cars separately. Although disguised in shadow, the latest image shows two vehicles with distinct rear light signatures that represent Toyota and Lexus variants, and alongside a third model that appears to be the GT3 race car for which the road models will serve as homologation cars.
McLaren has patented a new system for locking aggressive driving modes behind a geofence, limiting drivers to certain modes when on the public road and only allowing track and race modes when in appropriate settings. Certain modes remove vital assists that help the cars meet road safety standards, with a GPS-based system ensuring that this can only be enabled when in the controlled environment of a race track.
Ford is set to introduce a new Bronco SUV in Europe, drawing design cues from its well-known American 4x4. This upcoming model, expected to debut in 2027, will be manufactured in Valencia and is intended to replace the Focus, while featuring a unique aesthetic distinct from the Kuga, despite sharing its platform and hybrid powertrain options.
Stellantis has faced criticism for introducing pop-up advertisements on the infotainment systems of its vehicles, a trend that has now extended to Subaru, where drivers have reported similar distractions while driving. Despite years of implementing this advertising strategy, Subaru claims it has not received prior complaints, although users have expressed significant concerns regarding safety and distraction.
Mate Rimac has established Verne, a new electric robotaxi venture set to debut its autonomous service in Zagreb next year, aiming to offer more affordable rides than traditional options. The company is creating its own self-driving vehicle from scratch, featuring a unique design devoid of standard controls, and plans to expand its operations across Europe if the initial launch proves successful.
The BMW Group is dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and has established a new interim goal to reduce emissions by at least 60 million metric tons of CO2 by 2035, significantly increasing its previous target. Beyond electric vehicles, the company is focusing on lowering emissions across the entire lifecycle of its vehicles and promoting alternative fuels to meet its ambitious sustainability objectives.
YASA has introduced a prototype of its innovative in-wheel motor, which leverages its advanced axial flux technology to achieve a potential output of over 1,000 horsepower per wheel. This development marks a significant step towards creating high-performance electric vehicles, as the company continues to refine traditional motor designs to enhance efficiency and power density.
Porsche is reviving iconic upholstery from the '60s and '70s, such as the distinctive Pasha and Pepita patterns, to provide authentic replacements for owners of classic models. The move is aimed at addressing the prevalence of inferior imitation fabrics in the market, allowing faithful and durable restorations for classic Porsche owners.
A lawsuit has been initiated against Ford, alleging that a design flaw in the C-Max Hybrid led to the tragic death of Abimael Feliciano due to hydrogen sulfide exposure from improperly installed battery venting. The plaintiffs argue that the vehicle lacked adequate safety measures to protect occupants from toxic gases, highlighting a significant oversight in hybrid vehicle safety standards.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull Racing has announced the promotion of Isack Hadjar to its main team, while 18-year old Arvid Lindblad will make his Formula 1 debut in 2026 alongside Liam Lawson at the sister team, Racing Bulls. This lineup change results in Yuki Tsunoda departing after five seasons, while Lindblad has expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming challenges and the opportunity to collaborate with his new team.
Ferrari plans to implement minor aerodynamic updates to its 499P Le Mans Hypercar for the 2026 World Endurance Championship, aiming for continued success at the Le Mans 24 Hours. While the team has opted not to use any of its available evo jokers during this phase, it is focusing on enhancing the car's reliability and performance in anticipation of more significant modifications in 2027.
The Aston Martin F1 team has announced that its opening practice session in Abu Dhabi will feature an entirely rookie lineup, with Jak Crawford replacing Lance Stroll. Additionally, Fernando Alonso's seat will be filled by Cian Shields, who has accumulated significant testing experience with the team and expressed his excitement about the opportunity to participate in the event.
James Vowles, the principal of Williams, expressed his excitement over the team's unassailable fifth-place position in the constructors' championship, marking a significant improvement from last year's ninth place. Carlos Sainz's third-place result at the Qatar Grand Prix contributed to the team's total of 137 points this season, highlighting its progress with the current line-up.
PepsiCo is set to re-enter Formula 1 sponsorship in 2026, marking its first significant partnership since the notable 1991 collaboration with Jordan through the 7UP brand. The new agreement with Mercedes involves the brands Gatorade, Sting, and Doritos, focusing on fan engagement and performance enhancements, while discussions about branding placements on team assets are ongoing.
A recent incident involving Andrea Kimi Antonelli has highlighted how the Formula 1 broadcast's management of coverage and context can exacerbate tensions, particularly during critical moments in the championship. While responsibility for harassment lies with those who engage in it, comments from team personnel broadcast live and without context can be regarded as a contributing factor to negative sentiment.
Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has joined McLaren's driver development program as a test and development driver, following his successful title seasons in F3 and F2. Alongside Fornaroli, McLaren has also welcomed Richard Verschoor and Spanish karting champion Christian Costoya into its ranks, aiming to strengthen its talent pipeline for future racing endeavors.
Sebastien Ogier, alongside co-driver Vincent Landais, celebrated a significant milestone at the Rally Saudi Arabia by equaling Sebastien Loeb's record of nine World Rally Championship titles. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the event, including tire issues and fierce competition, Ogier's strategic driving ultimately secured him the championship, further solidifying his legacy in rally racing.
Australian senator Matt Canavan has expressed his concerns regarding McLaren's handling of Oscar Piastri during a recent government committee meeting, marking a notable inquiry into the implications of a grand prix outcome. Following a strategic misstep at the Qatar Grand Prix that hindered Piastri's chances for victory, the senator questioned whether the team exhibits bias against the driver, a sentiment echoed by some fans on social media.
CURIOSITIES
At 18, John Williams set his sights on owning an Aston Martin DB5, demonstrating remarkable determination by saving £900 over nearly two years to purchase the iconic car in 1973. After years of neglect, he entrusted the restoration of his prized vehicle to Aston Martin Works, where it underwent an extensive overhaul, returning it to a condition that now commands a valuation of £1 million.
The Fast and the Furious series has significantly influenced automotive culture, evolving from its humble beginnings centered around street racing to a major cinematic franchise. Barry Hertz's new book, Welcome to the Family, delves into the franchise's origins and production challenges, featuring insights from over 170 interviews with key contributors to this iconic film series.
Leading car-sharing company Zipcar has announced its intention to discontinue operations in the UK after incurring significant financial losses, reflecting a lack of enthusiasm from British consumers for this alternative to traditional car ownership. In a communication to users, the general manager indicated that while current rentals will remain available until the end of December, future bookings will be halted pending the outcome of a consultation regarding the company's direction.
A Ferrari Purosangue, featuring a striking Rosso Corsa exterior and Nero interior, is currently available for purchase in Miami at a price of $579,980. This four-seater V12 model boasts a 715hp engine and a luxurious carbon interior, and has just 1,000 miles on the clocks to make it a tempting option for buyers who can’t stand the wait for a new one.
In a recent incident in Manor, Texas, police pursued two stolen Hyundai Elantras after license plate readers flagged one, with both linked to a growing trend of car thefts driven by a vulnerability in certain Kia and Hyundai models. The rise in these thefts, often perpetrated by teenagers known as the Kia Boys, has prompted manufacturers to offer free anti-theft updates and additional protective measures to vehicle owners.
Subaru has introduced a unique pair of wedding rings that embody the brand's strong connection with its loyal customers, featuring a design that reflects the unity represented by its logo. Crafted from platinum, the rings come together to form the complete emblem, with the women's version adorned with a diamond, and will be available for purchase from U-Treasure starting December 24, 2025.
Mercedes, in collaboration with Hartan, has introduced a collection of four upscale strollers - Performance, Avantgarde, All-Terrain, and AMG GT2 - each featuring distinctive designs and practical enhancements. These models come equipped with adjustable suspension, a Bag2Go accessory for convenience, and a range of luxury details, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality even in parenting essentials.
Ontario's recent implementation of oversized speed limit signs poses a challenge for Toronto, as the new signs, which can reach eight feet in height, do not align with the existing pole infrastructure. Premier Doug Ford's dismissal of speed cameras as a financial burden has led to this initiative, but studies indicate that the large signs may not effectively reduce speeding or aggressive driving behaviors.
A new regulation in Florida could land thousands of motorists with a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail for a minor offense that many may not even know they are committing. HB253, which came into force on October 1, makes it a misdemeanor to obscure any part of a license plate, targeting drivers who deliberately obscure license plates in a manner to avoid detection but includes plate covers and decorative frames that may be installed by dealers or previous owners.
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