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EXP 15 Previews Bentley's Electric Future
Andrew Evans
July 09, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Christian Horner sacked by Red Bull Racing
Racing Bulls’ Laurent Mekies replaces Horner
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown’s casino feature arrives this month
Pagani reveals Huayra Codalunga Speedster
Waymo enables accounts for teens in Phoenix
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Bentley EXP 15 concept offers a forward-looking vision of the brand, drawing inspiration from its historical grand tourers while signaling a shift towards electric mobility. Although this model will not enter production, its design elements are set to inform both the upcoming Urban Luxury SUV and the future replacement for the Mulsanne.
Pagani has introduced the Huayra Codalunga Speedster, a convertible variant of the Codalunga coupe that debuted in 2022, featuring an extended tail and a distinctive six-outlet exhaust system. Powered by a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 852hp, this model offers both automated and manual transmission options, with only ten units set for production and deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.
Aston Martin has introduced the Vantage S, the latest iteration of its sports car designed with an emphasis on track performance. This model features a reworked 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 671hp, enhanced aerodynamics for improved handling, and distinctive design elements that set it apart from previous versions.
McLaren is collaborating with Divergent Technologies to produce advanced 3D-printed suspension components for its forthcoming W1 supercar, which features a lightweight carbon fiber chassis and a design inspired by Formula 1. This partnership aims to enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics and performance, while showcasing the potential of digital manufacturing in the automotive industry.
Lucid has achieved a Guinness World Record for the farthest distance traveled on a single charge by an electric vehicle, with a Lucid Air Grand Touring covering 749 miles from St. Moritz, Switzerland, to Munich, Germany. This journey surpassed the previous record by exactly 100 miles and included a variety of terrains, although the exact route was not detailed by the manufacturer.
Nearly two years after its initial unveiling, Zenvo has refined the Aurora, a hybrid hypercar powered by a V12 engine, and is set to present the final design at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. While the changes to the car’s appearance are subtle, they include modifications to the rear styling and front openings, and the Tur variant sports a more powerful triple-motor arrangement than its track-focused Agil model with 1,850hp.
The AC GT SuperSport marks the brand's re-entry into the American market, featuring a powerful V8 engine capable of delivering up to 1025hp. This model, which incorporates advanced aerodynamic elements and a modern design, will be limited to just 25 units, with a starting price of $550,000.
The Fiat Topolino Vilebrequin Collector's Edition combines a compact electric vehicle with retro Italian aesthetics, featuring unique elements like stanchion ropes for doors and a built-in shower, designed in partnership with the French swimwear brand Vilebrequin. This model adds to Stellantis' lineup of special editions, including the rugged Citroën Ami Buggy, and is tailored for beach enthusiasts in France and Italy.
Mercedes experienced a 9 percent decline in sales during the second quarter, attributed to various factors including global trade tensions, with a significant drop in the US and Chinese markets. Despite a notable decrease in electric vehicle sales, the company remains hopeful that the upcoming CLA EV and additional electric models will boost future performance.
The second-generation Ford GT, which debuted in 2017 and continued production until 2022, faced a recall in 2018 affecting 176 units in the US due to potential hydraulic fluid leaks. This recall necessitated a software update, but this was not correctly applied to some vehicles, which are now subject to a further recall to install the software again.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull Racing has sacked its team principal, Christian Horner, who has been leading the outfit since it was created in 2005. Horner has been one of the most successful figures in the sport’s history, securing eight drivers’ and six constructors’ championships, but the team has suffered a recent downturn in form and follows investigations in 2024 regarding sexual harassment of a female employee.
Genesis Magma Racing is exploring a diverse range of motorsport backgrounds to build its driver lineup for the upcoming LMDh program, as explained by team principal Cyril Abiteboul. With plans to debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, the team has confirmed drivers Pipo Derani and Andre Lotterer for development roles, while also considering talent from various racing series, including GT and Formula E.
Laurent Mekies has been appointed as the new team principal of Red Bull Racing, marking a transition for the team after Christian Horner's leadership over the past 20 years. As he steps into this role, Mekies faces the complex task of steering the team through various ambitious projects, including the construction of a new wind tunnel and the development of a proprietary power unit, amid recent internal challenges.
Racing Bulls has appointed Alan Permane as its new team principal following the major reshuffle within the Red Bull Racing organization, prompted by the departure of Christian Horner after two decades. Permane, who has extensive experience in Formula 1, previously served as the sporting director for Racing Bulls and replaces Laurent Mekies.
Sam Bird, a former Mercedes reserve driver now competing in Formula E with McLaren, has urged the FIA to clarify the acceptable brake pressure during safety car restarts after Oscar Piastri received a penalty for his braking behavior at Silverstone. Following an incident where Piastri's abrupt braking caused a near-collision with other drivers, Bird emphasized the need for clearer regulations to prevent confusion and ensure safety.
Isack Hadjar expressed his astonishment at the decision to resume the British Grand Prix despite poor visibility caused by rain. After retiring from the race due to a collision, he noted that conditions were unsafe and criticized the choice to restart, stating that he struggled to see during the laps leading up to the incident.
Nico Hulkenberg's third-place finish at the British Grand Prix marks a significant milestone for the Sauber team, enhancing optimism for its future under Audi's ownership, as noted by team principal Jonathan Wheatley. After a challenging season last year, the team's new management has begun to reverse its fortunes, with recent performances indicating promising progress.
Oliver Solberg expressed gratitude for the guidance he received from rallying icon Sébastien Ogier, which has boosted his confidence ahead of his return to the World Rally Championship in a factory Toyota Rally1 car at Rally Estonia. As the current leader in WRC2, Solberg has been preparing diligently, aiming to gain experience and gradually increase his pace during the event rather than focusing on immediate victories.
Toto Wolff, the principal of Mercedes, recounted an incident from the 2018 FIA Prize-Giving Gala where he intervened after Kimi Raikkonen insulted George Russell, the 2017 F2 champion. In a lighthearted yet serious reflection, Wolff described how he felt compelled to defend Russell, emphasizing his protective nature towards his team members.
CURIOSITIES
The upcoming Season 4 update for Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown will introduce a number of new vehicles and the debut of a major feature that returns from previous titles when it arrives later in July. While the Casino will be a prominent aspect of the update, its availability will vary by region due to local gambling regulations, and players can expect a phased rollout of its features throughout the season.
Waymo has introduced teen accounts for its robotaxi service in Phoenix, allowing riders aged 14 to 17 to travel independently while remaining linked to a parent or guardian. This initiative aims to build trust among parents by incorporating safety features such as real-time location sharing and remote operator support, reflecting a growing trend of younger individuals relying on ridesharing options instead of traditional driving.
A Tesla Model Y collided with a highway guardrail in California, resulting in a remarkable outcome where the driver emerged with only minor injuries despite the severe damage to the vehicle. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining full attention while driving, as the guardrail pierced through the car's structure but notably avoided the driver's seat.
Two classic Camaros, a 1968 and a 1979, are now available for sale after spending over 25 years in storage due to shifting family priorities. While both vehicles require significant restoration work, they retain much of their original components and are being offered together for $22,000, with the potential for negotiation on the price.
Stephen Miller, Deputy White House Chief of Staff, has suggested that immigrants contribute to traffic congestion during a recent appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters. The claim contradicts research that shows recent immigrants tend towards the use of public transport rather than personal vehicles, while those with low-income generally live in densely populated urban areas where driving is less necessary.
A pristine Renault Sport Clio 182 is available through a classified listing, with the vehicle in entirely factory standard specification and well cared-for condition. The vehicle has only had one owner from new, and has covered 34,000 miles in 20 years, making the £11,950 asking price for what could be a future classic a healthy figure.
While every US state has a “Slow Down Move Over” law for certain vehicles that are pulled over on major highways, West Virginia has enhanced its previous legislation to cover any stopped vehicle and fine or jail even first-time offenders. The AAA estimates that 1,900 people were struck while outside of a broken-down car between 2017-2021, and this law requires drivers to move out of lane when passing a stopped vehicle or to slow down if that isn’t possible.
Drivers looking for a rare and underappreciated Mopar vehicle have the chance to pick up a “time capsule” Custom 880 in an unrestored but operational state. This 1964 car is one of just a thousand ordered with the three-row layout, and comes with a 265hp, 5.9-liter V8 that shows just over 20,000 miles on the odometer.
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!