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Extreme H to Debut Next Month in Qiddiya
Andrew Evans
September 17, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Packard name returns on a custom Flying Spur
Forza Motorsport update causes concern for the title’s future
New junior BTCC series launching 2027
Gumball 3000 drivers can collect scale models of their own cars
Rolls-Royce Bespoke highlights Cullinan Cosmos commission
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The iconic Packard brand, once synonymous with luxury, has made a comeback with the introduction of the Packard Excellence, a custom-built vehicle crafted by JB Classic & Bespoke from the Netherlands. Drawing inspiration from the Bentley Flying Spur, this revival features a meticulously designed body that incorporates classic Packard elements, showcasing the dedication of enthusiasts to breathe new life into the storied marque.
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke division has unveiled a unique creation named the Cullinan Cosmos, inspired by celestial themes and featuring a meticulously hand-painted leather headliner that represents the Milky Way. This exclusive model, adorned with intricate embroidery and a striking Arabescato Pearl finish, is designed for a family in the Middle East, aiming to encapsulate their dreams in a luxurious vehicle.
Kia has announced that its K4 hatchback, designed to compete with the VW Golf, will be available in European markets by the end of the year, marking the end of the Ceed. While the K4 will offer various engine options, including a 1.0-liter turbo and a 1.6-liter variant, the UK will not receive the sedan model available in the US.
Lexus has revealed the “Glam LX” concept, a mobile dressing room based on the LX off-roader which is itself derived from the Toyota Land Cruiser 300. Sporting a unique color-changing pink exterior wrap, the Glam LX also comes with a manicure station for the front-seat passenger, a beauty studio in the second row, and a full vanity and dressing suite in the trunk.
The Cadillac Optiq has demonstrated impressive performance in real-world range evaluations, exceeding its EPA estimates by 12.2% with a total range of 339 miles. However, drivers should remain cautious, as factors like highway speeds and colder temperatures can significantly reduce the vehicle's range.
Dacia has ventured into the pickup market with a modified Duster, developed in collaboration with local coachbuilder Romturinga, offering a compact loading area. While remaining more affordable than traditional trucks, the 41-inch bed is considerably smaller than other offerings, though Dacia has also launched a “Cargo” van variant in the UK.
Following in the footsteps of the famous 'Fourgonnette' van, which you can still see around continental Europe, Renault has launched a van version of its reborn Renault 4. The newly introduced electric variant retains the practical spirit of the original, featuring a minimalist design with ample cargo space, although it lacks some comforts typical of modern vans.
California has allocated $1.1 million to a Brooklyn-based company, it’s electric, to create the first curbside vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charger, which will allow electric vehicles to both draw from and supply energy back to the grid. Collaborating with UC Berkeley and the University of Delaware, the project aims to enhance access to V2G technology, particularly in underserved communities, and is expected to be market-ready by 2028.
Nissan's Global Design Chief, Alfonso Albaisa, announced the closure of design facilities in San Diego and Sao Paulo, alongside a reduction in operations in Japan and the UK, as part of a strategy to streamline the company's design processes. This shift is influenced by the greater efficiency demonstrated by the Shanghai design office, which has achieved significant productivity gains, prompting Nissan to consolidate its design efforts while aiming to accelerate its vehicle development timelines.
MOTORSPORT
Qiddiya City will host the inaugural Extreme H World Cup, marking the introduction of a hydrogen-powered racing series set to commence from October 9-11, 2025. This event represents a shift from the previous Extreme E series, emphasizing sustainable motorsport while aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader environmental goals, including a commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060.
A new junior racing category is set to launch in support of the British Touring Car Championship in 2027, featuring a custom rear-wheel drive vehicle engineered by Power Maxed Racing. The initiative, overseen by PMR's sister organization, aims to establish a dedicated platform for emerging talent, with ongoing discussions about the car's specifications, including potential engine options.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, has indicated that the possibility of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is certainly on the table for the future. As McLaren prepares to enter the hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship in 2027, Brown emphasized the importance of balancing experience with youth in their driver lineup.
Jonathan Wheatley, the head of Stake, recognizes the significant challenges ahead as the Hinwil-based team prepares to transition into the Audi F1 squad. While the former Sauber team has made strides this season, including a notable podium finish, the shift to a factory team will require substantial effort, especially with the impending change in power units set for 2026.
Fernando Alonso has suggested that reintroducing refuelling could enhance the excitement of Formula 1, a practice that was last seen in 2009. His comments came during the Italian Grand Prix, where he expressed concerns that shorter race formats might hinder overtaking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of strategy and race length for competitive dynamics.
Max Verstappen's recent participation in the Nurburgring Langstrecken-Series to obtain his category A license has inspired others in the Formula 1 paddock to explore GT racing. Among them, Williams team principal James Vowles took the opportunity to test a McLaren 720S GT3 EVO at Circuito de Navarra in Spain, expressing his excitement about returning to the track after a hiatus.
Formula 1's recent strategies, which include elaborate ceremonies and increased commercialization, are now being mirrored by MotoGP, raising concerns about the potential loss of the sport's unique identity. As MotoGP adapts to new management under Liberty Media, there is a pressing need for it to embrace its distinct character rather than imitate F1, ensuring that the essence of motorcycle racing remains intact.
For the 2025-26 season, Formula E is considering changes to its race format, notably limiting the attack mode to a single activation during events that incorporate Pit Boost. Discussions among the FIA, teams, and drivers indicate a desire to simplify race dynamics and enhance viewer engagement, with a decision anticipated to be announced following the upcoming Formula E Commission meeting.
CURIOSITIES
The latest Update 22 for Forza Motorsport has been released for both console and PC users, coinciding with a challenging period for Turn 10 following significant layoffs. This update features a series of returning tours and challenges that will be available over the next three months, allowing players to engage with previously offered content without the need for downloads, but heightens concerns for the title with no new car or track content.
Participants in this year’s Gumball 3000, a high-profile annual rally where affluent entrants drive supercars between luxurious destinations, will be able to collect 1:8 scale models of their own vehicles. Amalgam Collection will provide detailed models of the cars, allowing owners to capture the unique aesthetics and including options for pristine or weathered finishes, for the 2025 rally from Istanbul to Ibiza.
Three prominent sports car manufacturers recently convened at the Top Gear test facility for a thrilling comparison of their latest models. During this event, Rob Dickinson, Christian von Koenigsegg, Mate Rimac explored the capabilities of the Koenigsegg CC850, Rimac Nevera R, and Singer DLS, alongside a limited-edition Bugatti Mistral.
Paul Gale of Big Daddy Custom Cars restored a 1956 Buick Roadmaster convertible, thought to be one of around 50 remaining, as a golden wedding anniversary gift for his father-in-law George Davis. Selected as a vehicle significant to Davis through his own father, Gale painstakingly restored the Roadmaster before presenting it to his father-in-law as documented in a video on the shop’s YouTube channel.
A 1976 Trans Am, presented as a completely original and unrestored vehicle, is currently available for sale, emphasizing its rarity and condition. With a reported mileage of 31,000 and a range of desirable features, this classic car is attracting attention, particularly as bidding on eBay has begun at $4,600, though the seller believes a price of $59,000 reflects its true value.
Coast Guard officer Shane Sprague is pursuing legal action against a Florida dealership after a significant paperwork mistake led to him being wrongfully detained while driving his newly purchased GMC Sierra AT4X. The dealership's error resulted in the truck being reported as stolen, prompting law enforcement to confront Sprague at gunpoint, ultimately causing him emotional distress and prompting his lawsuit for negligence and false imprisonment.
The 2012 Sea Lion, a unique amphibious vehicle designed by engineer Marc Witt, is set to be auctioned, offering a rare opportunity for enthusiasts to own a car that can traverse both land and water at impressive speeds. This one-of-a-kind creation, which boasts a custom aluminum structure and a Wankel rotary engine, has remained largely unused since its completion, but it carries the potential for speed records in the amphibious vehicle category.
A recently surfaced video depicts a heated confrontation on the road between the drivers of a C8 Corvette and a Chrysler Town & Country, illustrating how quickly aggressive driving can lead to poor decisions. Set in New York City, the footage captures the escalating tension as both drivers engage in risky maneuvers before a verbal exchange occurs, ultimately avoiding physical conflict despite the high-stress situation.
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!