Everrati to Build Electric 993s

Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

  • Movie car museum shutting down, selling exhibits

  • Toyota interested in racing a GT500 car at Le Mans

  • Lanzante is converting the Bugatti Bolide into a road car

  • Toto Wolff pays tribute to “asshole” Christian Horner

  • Truck Simulator titles heading to consoles

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Lanzante has announced plans to adapt a Bugatti Bolide for street use, leveraging its existing components and expertise in converting other track-focused cars for road use to facilitate the transformation. This undertaking will involve modifications such as the installation of road-friendly tires, while preserving the car's core performance characteristics.

Everrati has unveiled the Porsche 911 (993) Founders Edition, an electric reinterpretation of the last air-cooled model, with only nine units set to be produced, each customized to the owner's specifications. This version maintains the classic aesthetic while incorporating advanced electric performance features, including a powerful powertrain and luxury details, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Nissan is set to introduce the X-Trail Nismo SUV in Japan on August 21, featuring a distinctive bodykit, enhanced suspension, and a focus on improved handling rather than increased power. While it retains the standard e-Power hybrid system, the vehicle will benefit from Nismo-specific tuning and a range of aesthetic upgrades to differentiate it from other sporty variants.

Despite significant advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, Tesla's recently launched Robotaxi service in San Francisco has drawn criticism from Waymo's former CEO, John Krafcik, who believes it falls short of true driverless capabilities. Krafcik points out that Tesla's reliance on human drivers for safety monitoring indicates that it is still in the early stages of development compared to Waymo's established fleet of fully autonomous vehicles operating in multiple cities.

Cadillac is expanding its electric vehicle lineup, which is not only attracting a younger audience but also capturing market share from established competitors. Recent data indicates that the average age of buyers for models like the Vistiq and Escalade IQ has dropped to around 47, a notable change from the brand's previous demographic trends, highlighting a significant shift in its customer base.

Recent research indicates that the air quality near electric vehicle charging stations may be worse than that found at some gasoline stations, primarily due to elevated levels of PM2.5 particulates linked to dust stirred up by cooling fans in the chargers' power cabinets. While these findings raise concerns about air pollution at charging sites, experts emphasize that electric vehicles still offer significant advantages over traditional combustion engines, and solutions like air filtration systems could mitigate the issue.

Nissan has teamed up with Roush Performance, better known for its tuning exploits with Ford vehicles, to create a new version of the Frontier pickup called the PRO-4X R. At the heart of the tweaks is a two-inch lift courtesy of the Roush Performance x Ohlins 2.0 Off-Road Suspension System, along with a number of cosmetic enhancements, but power remains the same as the standard car with a 310hp, 3.8-liter V6.

Gunther Werks has introduced Project F-26, its first reinterpretation of the iconic Porsche Slantnose 911, during Monterey Car Week, marking a blend of classic design and contemporary engineering. This limited-edition model, featuring advanced materials and a powerful 1,000hp engine, pays homage to Porsche's racing heritage while offering modern performance and personalized touches for each owner.

MOTORSPORT

Toyota has expressed interest in the proposal from Super GT's Masaaki Bandoh to enter a GT500 vehicle in the 24 Hours of Le Mans as part of the Garage 56 initiative. While the concept presents an exciting opportunity for the brand, challenges related to vehicle reliability, scheduling, and the need for specific modifications to the car would need to be addressed before moving forward.

Toto Wolff, the principal of Mercedes, reflected on Christian Horner's departure from Red Bull, acknowledging both his contentious nature and his significant impact on Formula 1. While the two have often clashed over team management philosophies, Wolff recognized that Horner's exit marks the end of a notable era in the sport, as he was a prominent figure throughout his two-decade tenure.

The FIA has revealed that the 2025 FIA Karting World Championship will feature an Esports competition organized by the Swedish ASN, aimed at broadening access to motorsport through various grassroots avenues. This initiative, which follows the inclusion of Esports in the FIA International Sporting Code, will take place at the Asum Ring in Kristianstad and invites participants aged 14 to compete using the iRacing platform.

Bubba Wallace experienced a mishap at Richmond Raceway when his front left wheel detached shortly after a pit stop, resulting in extraordinary scenes when mechanics from another driver’s pit crew intervened to reattach it. Despite the setback, which dropped him to 31st place, his earlier strong performance ensured his qualification for the Playoffs.

Pierre Gasly, now in his ninth year in Formula 1, is at the forefront of an Alpine team poised for significant changes as it transitions to using Mercedes engines for the 2026 season. Embracing a leadership role, Gasly reflects on his growth from a promising driver to a key figure within the team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and responsibility in achieving optimal performance.

The upcoming season in Formula 1 is set to challenge drivers with a significant technical overhaul that will require them to adapt their driving styles and manage increased complexities in car performance. As the new regulations take effect, those who can quickly adjust and develop new skills will likely have a competitive edge, while rookies may face additional hurdles in gaining confidence and experience.

Leonardo Fornaroli, the current leader of the Formula 2 championship, stands out as an exceptional talent in his first season without the backing of any Formula 1 team. Team principal James Robinson emphasizes Fornaroli's remarkable consistency and execution in races, suggesting that his understated approach makes him an ideal candidate for an F1 team seeking reliable performance.

Toto Wolff acknowledged that his contract discussions with Lewis Hamilton were fraught with challenges, leading them to involve third parties in the process. He emphasized the emotional complexities of negotiating with someone so closely aligned with him, noting that this often made the discussions uncomfortable despite their strong friendship.

CURIOSITIES

Rodz and Bodz, a Colorado-based movie car museum and prop rental service, is shutting down and auctioning off its extensive collection this week, marking the second significant liquidation from a car museum this month. Owner Zack Loffert, who transitioned from event rentals to a museum format during the pandemic, is looking to relocate and restart his venture while offering a variety of movie-related items, including vehicles and memorabilia, at the upcoming auction.

Console gamers can look forward to the arrival of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator on PlayStation and Xbox platforms, as indicated by newly surfaced store pages for both titles. While details about the content and features of these console versions remain limited, further announcements are anticipated at Gamescom, where developers will reveal more information about upcoming expansions and potential multiplayer options.

Driving at high speeds can be exhilarating, particularly on a track, but doing so on public roads poses significant risks, including severe legal consequences. A recent analysis reveals that California has the highest minimum speeding fines in the US, while states like New Mexico and Nebraska offer much lower penalties, highlighting a stark contrast in enforcement across the country.

A dealership in Canada has taken delivery of a remarkable collection of high-performance vehicles, including a Ferrari 550 Maranello, a BMW E39 M5, and a 2006 Ford GT, all belonging to an 88-year old owner. These cars, which had been stored away for decades, are now garnering attention for their exceptional condition and low mileage, leading to speculation about their potential auction values.

A driving instructor gained attention on TikTok for clarifying the proper procedure for stopping at a stop sign, prompting many viewers to reconsider their own habits. His instructional video emphasizes the importance of a complete stop and a brief pause to ensure safety at both four-way intersections and standard stop signs.

A truck transporting multiple Teslas caught fire on the I-5 in Sylmar, leading to significant lane closures for several hours. Firefighters struggled to extinguish the flames due to the presence of electric vehicle batteries, but fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the incident remains under investigation.

Historically, drivers could often exceed speed limits with the expectation that those limits would eventually increase, as traffic engineers based recommendations on the speeds of the fastest drivers. However, states are now exploring a new guideline called "City Limits", which encourages engineers to factor in local conditions and pedestrian safety when determining appropriate speed limits, rather than solely relying on the 85th-percentile speed.

A £180,000 ($244,000) deposit placed on an Aston Martin Valhalla has been seized by the police in the United Kingdom, as part of ongoing action against controversial internet personality Andrew Tate. The payment came from a cryptocurrency account allegedly linked to Tate and his brother and had not been subject to correct UK taxation before being transferred to Aston Martin, adding to the £2.7m ($3.6m) seized by police in 2024 under tax evasion and money laundering laws.

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