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EU Backs Down on 2035 ICE Ban
Andrew Evans
December 17, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Classic Geoff Crammond Racing simulation titles to return
Inside F1 2026’s new car tech and terminology
Jaguar concedes it didn’t take the time to explain new direction
Forza Motorsport abandoned; no more updates planned
Chery aims for Le Mans success under Exeed sub-brand
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The European Union's latest proposals will permit the continued sale of combustion-engine vehicles beyond 2035, following significant lobbying efforts from various national governments and major automotive manufacturers. While the new regulations ease the previous total ban on internal combustion engine cars, they still require a 90% reduction in tailpipe CO2 emissions by that year, with the remaining 10% to be offset through sustainable practices like using biofuels and low-carbon materials.
Rawdon Glover, the managing director of Jaguar, is leading the brand through a transformative period marked by challenges. In a recent interview, he discussed the upcoming electric GT model, its driving dynamics, and the significance of Jaguar's heritage in shaping its future direction.
Gorden Wagener, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz, will depart from the company at the end of January after nearly three decades, during which he transformed the brand's aesthetic and internal design ethos. His successor, Bastian Baudy, will take over as Wagener leaves behind a legacy marked by a shift towards more emotive and sculptural vehicle designs, moving away from the traditional engineering-focused styles of the past.
After revealing the Scion 01 off-road concept for the SEMA event in November, Toyota has confirmed that the Scion brand will return but not as a road car brand. Describing Scion as “an opportunity for mobility”, chief engineer Don Federico explained that the marque would serve as a concept brand for potential future Toyota models, with Gazoo Racing now filling the sporty brief.
A California judge has ordered that Tesla must change the name of its Autopilot feature within 60 days to avoid a sales suspension, as the current branding may mislead consumers regarding its capabilities. This decision follows ongoing scrutiny from regulators, who argue that the name does not accurately reflect the driver-assistance nature of the technology.
Mercedes is marking the 80th anniversary of the Unimog by introducing a luxurious variant that combines its renowned off-road capabilities with upscale features. This unique model, equipped with a 7.7-liter, six-cylinder diesel engine and premium interior finishes, will undergo customer testing to assess the potential for future production.
Porsche Cars North America has announced its third price increase of the year, attributing the rise to significant import tariffs that are projected to cost the company $813 million in the upcoming fiscal year. While the specific models impacted by these hikes remain unclear, the Macan and Cayenne, Porsche's best-selling vehicles, are likely to see starting prices rise due to the compounded effects of tariffs on their production costs.
The European Union is advancing a new category of compact electric vehicles, encouraging manufacturers to produce them through additional credits toward emissions goals. This initiative, which aligns with a new M1 small passenger car class, aims to provide clarity and incentives for car makers while potentially influencing the availability of these vehicles in the UK market.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 is set to implement significant regulatory changes for the upcoming season, introducing new chassis and engine specifications alongside the requirement for sustainable fuels. In an effort to enhance comprehension among fans, the sport has revised its terminology, opting for clearer descriptions of technologies like active aerodynamics to better convey their functions.
Chery is aiming to participate in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans within the next five years, initially entering the Asian Le Mans Series with its Exeed sub-brand. To support this endeavor, the company will collaborate with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to establish a certified racetrack in China, which will serve both as a venue for racing events and a testing ground for future vehicle development.
The qualifying format for the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours will see a significant adjustment, requiring that each of the three nominated drivers participate across different qualifying sessions. This change aims to enhance the competitive nature of the event, but it has raised concerns among teams about the added complexity and potential impact on race preparation.
Liberty Media allocates substantial prize money to Formula 1 teams, with 45% of the sport's revenue directed to them, primarily through a descending percentage distribution of a $1.25 billion prize pool for 2025. Notably, McLaren has seen a significant increase in its earnings compared to the previous year, while Williams has made a notable leap in the standings, and Alpine has experienced a decline.
Cadillac has achieved a significant step in its preparations for its Formula 1 debut by successfully completing essential FIA homologation tests for critical components of its car. This accomplishment enables the team to advance toward its January testing schedule, which is vital for gaining experience and refining the vehicle ahead of the upcoming season.
Christian Horner's potential return to Formula 1 has sparked speculation about his next move after leaving Red Bull, with recent discussions primarily focused on a partnership with Aston Martin, which ultimately chose a different direction. With that option closed, attention has shifted to Alpine, where Horner might explore acquiring a minority stake, although he may also decide to take his time before re-entering the sport.
The FIA has announced a new constructor, Project Rally One, which is developing a car in accordance with the World Rally Championship's upcoming 2027 technical regulations. Spearheaded by motorsport experts Lionel Hansen and Yves Matton, the initiative aims to create a competitive vehicle that adheres to a cost cap and incorporates modern design elements, with extensive testing planned ahead of its anticipated debut.
Cyril Abiteboul, team principal of Genesis Magma Racing, has commented that the development of a GT3 vehicle is an aspiration that remains a distant goal, requiring significant time and resources to realize. While Genesis prepares to enter the Hypercar category in the FIA World Endurance Championship, no definitive plans have been established regarding its recently unveiled GT concept as a basis for a GT3 car.
The European Le Mans Series has announced a preliminary entry list for the 2026 season, featuring an unprecedented total of 47 cars, an increase from the previous year. This lineup includes a diverse mix across various categories, with notable additions in the LMP2 and LMGT3 classes, as well as changes in team compositions and driver lineups.
CURIOSITIES
MicroProse is reviving its collaboration with Geoff Crammond to reintroduce classic sim racing titles on Steam, marking a significant return for the genre's pioneers. The upcoming releases, set for 2026 under the new title Geoff Crammond Racing, will maintain the original gameplay mechanics while incorporating Steam Workshop support for modding, allowing fans to create custom content.
The Forza website has officially announced that Forza Motorsport will no longer receive updates, indicating a significant decline in the game's support. Following a promising start to 2025, the studio faced layoffs and has shifted its focus to assist in developing Forza Horizon 6, leaving the future of the Motorsport series uncertain.
Project Motor Racing has faced challenges since its launch, but the development team at Straight4 Studios has outlined a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the game through a series of upcoming updates. Its focus will be on refining gameplay mechanics, improving visuals, and adding new features, all while addressing community feedback to elevate the overall racing experience.
The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale is celebrated for its analog driving dynamics, representing a time before the influx of modern technology in supercars. One example from the limited production run of 1,288 is currently listed in a classified ad for £499,995, sporting exceptionally low mileage and appealing to enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience.
In the first half of 2025, car thefts in the US decreased by 23%, totaling 334,114 incidents compared to 435,754 during the same timeframe in 2024, averaging approximately 1,856 thefts daily. Despite this decline, certain states continue to experience high rates of vehicle theft, with experts recommending preventive measures for car owners, such as using steering locks, parking in secure areas, and removing unattended belongings.
A 20-year old driver in Boston has been charged after mistakenly driving his unregistered and uninsured 2024 Corvette Stingray onto train tracks, halting local services. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reported that the vehicle was eventually removed by a wrecker, while the driver faced legal consequences for operating without a license.
With the discontinuation of the previous Dodge Charger model, police departments across the US are increasingly opting for the Ford Mustang, which offers superior performance and agility compared to heavier SUVs. The New York State Police, among others, is set to incorporate Mustangs into its fleet to enhance pursuit capabilities amidst a rise in high-speed chases.
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