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F1 Debuts Gyro Camera: Love It or Hate It?
Jordan Greer
August 26, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! We’re back after a quick break.
Today’s edition covers a wide range of topics, from the innovative gyro camera angles that spiced up the Dutch Grand Prix to BMW's surprising leap ahead of Tesla in the European electric vehicle market. Let's dive in!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Electric vehicle sales in Europe have declined, with BMW outselling Tesla for the first time in the electric segment, selling 14,869 units compared to Tesla's 14,561. Despite this monthly shift, the Tesla Model Y remained the most popular electric vehicle in Europe, while overall electric vehicle sales fell by 6 percent year-on-year, despite a 2 percent growth in the new-car market.
The 2024 U.S. Tech Experience Index Study by J.D. Power reveals mixed reactions from vehicle owners regarding the abundance of tech and safety features in new cars, with gesture controls and advanced driver assistance systems receiving low scores for functionality and usefulness. While features like blind spot monitoring are well-received, many owners find passenger display screens unnecessary, highlighting a disconnect between automakers' tech offerings and consumer needs.
BYD's vehicle sales have increased by 40% between April and June, resulting in a total of 980,000 units sold this year, allowing the company to surpass Nissan and Honda in quarterly sales for the first time. The automaker has also significantly boosted its exports, accounting for 4% of China's total vehicle exports, while exploring new production opportunities in Mexico and potential expansion into Canada, despite challenges posed by international tariffs.
Toyota has confirmed the production of the Century GRMN SUV, a performance-oriented luxury model that will be available in both the United States and China. While specific performance details remain undisclosed, the vehicle features 22-inch wheels, carbon fiber bodywork, and sliding rear doors, with potential enhancements in performance and styling compared to the standard Century SUV.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris secured a significant victory at the Dutch Grand Prix, raising concerns for Red Bull as he closed the gap in the championship standings despite still trailing Max Verstappen by 70 points. Verstappen acknowledged his team's recent struggles, citing balance issues with the car and the need for improvements, while Norris emphasized the importance of focusing on each race rather than the championship title.
A new gyroscopic camera system was used for some onboard car shots during the Dutch Grand Prix. Many F1 fans on social media praised the broadcasts from Norris’ car, saying things like that it helped “really see the banking,” or that it should be on all of the cars. Others thought it ruined the perception of speed or worried that it could contribute to motion sickness.
Will Power secured victory at the Grand Prix of Portland after overtaking pole-sitter Santino Ferrucci at Turn 1 and maintaining the lead for 101 of 110 laps, finishing 9.8267 seconds ahead of championship leader Alex Palou. With this win, Power moved into second place in the points standings, now trailing Palou by 54 points as the season approaches its final three races.
Logan Sargeant's position at the Williams F1 team is uncertain following a high-speed crash at Zandvoort, with reports suggesting he could be replaced before the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. Red Bull is considering loaning Liam Lawson to Williams for the remainder of the season, while Mick Schumacher has also been mentioned as a potential candidate to fill Sargeant's seat.
During the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, freestyle motocross rider Honza Kabát suffered a serious crash while performing a stunt, losing control mid-air and landing awkwardly on the downramp. Kabát, who reported being unconscious for several hours and sustained multiple fractures, attributed the incident to poor weather conditions and expressed concern that such events should not take place in unfavorable circumstances.
The FIA has implemented a new laser scanning system to enhance the scrutineering process for Formula 1 cars, following the introduction of ground effect regulations in 2022. This system allows for more precise checks of car designs against CAD data, as evidenced by Alex Albon's disqualification during the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, where his car's floor, deemed legal by Williams, failed to meet FIA standards.
CURIOSITIES
Eccentrica Cars has unveiled a restored and modified version of the 1990s Lamborghini Diablo, named the Eccentrica V12, at The Quail during Monterey Car Week. This restomod features significant upgrades, including a reinforced chassis, a 550 hp V12 engine, modernized design elements, and advanced technology, with only 19 units planned for production starting at €1.2 million.
A collection of classic cars, amassed by businessman Rudi Klein before his death in 2001, will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's this October after being kept hidden for decades in Los Angeles. The collection features notable models, including a rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Alloy' Gullwing and a one-off 1935 Mercedes-Benz 500 K 'Caracciola' Special Coupe, with all vehicles sold in 'as-is' condition.
Developer Genki has announced a new installment of the classic arcade racing game Tokyo Xtreme Racer, set for release in 2025, marking the series' return after more than 20 years. The game will feature a futuristic Tokyo setting, allowing players to race customized cars against rivals, with gameplay reminiscent of earlier titles in the series.
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!