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F1 Movie: Official Trailer Drops
Andrew Evans
March 14, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Lynx to produce road-legal Ford GT1
Cadillac pays $450M for F1 entry
Purosangue to tackle the Panamerican Highway
Red Bull to use AI for protests
Ferrari's pill-shaped piston patent
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Lynx Motors of Texas is set to revive the first-generation Ford GT with a new street-legal hypercar based on the GT1 racer built by Matech. Although details are scarce, the car is expected to bring a supercharged V8 with more than 1,200hp alongside the racing details of the GT1 car and will be produced in a limited run of 28 vehicles by Graham Rahal Performance in Indiana.
The upcoming Cupra Raval, priced at £25,000, aims to be the most performance-oriented option among its Volkswagen Group counterparts when it launches in the UK next summer. Additionally, the brand is considering a return to the US market by the end of the decade, potentially expanding its lineup to include combustion models alongside electric vehicles to adapt to market demands.
The upcoming Mercedes CLA stands out in the electric vehicle market with its impressive range of up to 492 miles, thanks to an advanced nickel manganese cobalt battery that enhances energy density and reduces production emissions. In addition to its efficient performance, the CLA features a two-speed gearbox for improved efficiency and will be available in both electric and hybrid variants, maintaining a similar aesthetic across powertrain options.
Ferrari has sought a patent for an innovative engine configuration featuring oval-shaped pistons, diverging from the traditional circular design found in most internal combustion engines. This unique approach aims to enhance engine compactness, potentially improving performance and integration with hybrid systems, although similar concepts have been previously explored by other manufacturers like Honda.
BMW is set to introduce over 40 new vehicles by the end of 2027, as announced by CEO Oliver Zipse, who indicated that this figure includes both next-generation models and updated versions of existing cars. The automaker plans to offer a diverse range of powertrains, including traditional gasoline engines, hybrids, and fully electric options, all designed with the principles of its new design language in mind.
The Rezvani TANK Military Edition is a civilian-oriented vehicle that incorporates military-grade features, including bulletproof armor and a powerful engine option that can reach up to 1,000 horsepower. Designed for both protection and luxury, it offers advanced security systems and a comfortable interior, making it a unique blend of toughness and refinement.
Toyota is signaling that electric versions of its Tacoma pickup and 4Runner SUV may soon be available in the US, following recent announcements about new EV models for Europe. The company is also investing significantly in expanding its electric vehicle offerings, including plans for a three-row SUV set to begin production in 2026, which could pave the way for the anticipated Tacoma and 4Runner EVs.
Electric vehicle sales in North America have seen a 20% increase this year, largely due to the entry of Chinese models into the Mexican market and enhanced competition among U.S. automakers. While uncertainties surrounding tariffs and potential changes to federal incentives loom, the growth trend appears to be fueled by a diverse range of new and competitively priced electric vehicles from manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, and Honda.
The 2024 Ineos Grenadier is facing a recall affecting 7,022 vehicles due to a potential issue with the door button mechanism that may prevent doors from latching properly, posing a safety risk. Ineos plans to address the problem by replacing the affected components at no cost to owners, with notifications scheduled to be sent out between March 31 and May 4, 2025.
The AA is advocating for the reintroduction of hard shoulders on all-lane running motorways in the UK due to alarming data from National Highways indicating an increase in serious accidents since their removal. Despite efforts by the Department for Transport to enhance motorway safety through technology and operational changes, the ongoing shortcomings in the Stopped Vehicle Detection system have prompted renewed calls for safer road conditions.
MOTORSPORT
Cadillac has secured its entry into Formula 1 starting in 2026, but this has come at a significant cost, reportedly around $450 million, which will be shared among the existing ten teams as part of the anti-dilution fee established in the 2021 Concorde Agreement. The brand's journey into F1 began in early 2023, culminating in a formal approval in March 2024, with key appointments made to its leadership team, including Graeme Lowdon as team principal.
Formula 1 teams are increasingly integrating artificial intelligence to enhance various aspects of their operations, with Red Bull Racing announcing a novel application aimed at strengthening its protest strategies in collaboration with Oracle. By using retrieval-augmented generation technology alongside a large language model, the team seeks to efficiently analyze extensive historical regulations and rulings, thereby improving their chances of successfully contesting decisions made during races.
Lewis Hamilton is gradually enhancing his speed and confidence during the Australian Grand Prix as he adapts to the distinct characteristics of his new Ferrari compared to his prior vehicles. After a challenging first practice session, he improved to sixth place in the second session, acknowledging the need for patience as he learns to optimize his driving style and collaborate effectively with his new team.
Carlos Sainz expressed that Williams's potential for success at the Australian Grand Prix hinges on his ability to improve performance on soft tyres, a challenge he has yet to overcome. His teammate, Alex Albon, echoed concerns about the car's performance on softer compounds, highlighting the need for further understanding as they prepare for qualifying.
Liam Lawson expressed surprise at Red Bull's performance during the opening day of the 2025 F1 season in Melbourne, where he struggled to keep pace with teammate Max Verstappen. Despite acknowledging the learning curve associated with racing at Albert Park for the first time, Lawson noted that the significant gap in speed was unexpected and emphasized the need for improvement ahead of the next sessions.
Oscar Piastri is setting his ambitions high for the Australian Grand Prix, aiming for victory while recognizing the challenges posed by unpredictable weather at Albert Park. Although he expressed satisfaction with his performance during practice sessions, he noted that McLaren still has adjustments to make before the upcoming qualifying rounds.
Formula 2 has encountered a significant issue ahead of its season opener in Australia, as three teams - DAMS, Rodin, and Trident - were found guilty of violating regulations by modifying their cars' diffusers to install air pressure sensors during pre-season testing. As a result, these teams face fines and their drivers will incur grid penalties, while they will also face restrictions in future testing sessions compared to their competitors.
The Mobil 1 Female Driver Program North America continues to thrive as the Porsche Carrera Cup North America kicks off its new season, showcasing a strong presence of female competitors. With returning drivers Sabre Cook and Madeline Stewart alongside rookie Ashley Freiberg, the initiative not only offers financial support but also fosters a nurturing environment for women in motorsports through resources and specialized training.
FUN STUFF
As the Formula 1 season begins in Australia, the highly anticipated F1 movie has unveiled its official trailer, providing a clearer glimpse into its storyline. The film, which launches June 25 in most territories, follows Brad Pitt’s character, Sonny Hayes, as he navigates a tumultuous return to racing, showcasing both his struggles and the dynamics with his rookie teammate, while featuring thrilling on-location action from recent F1 events.
An MG Metro 6R4 Clubman is available for sale in the UK, highlighting the brief but thrilling Group B rallying era with this homologation special that showcases a remarkable blend of performance and street legality. Loosely based on the standard Metro, this limited-production hot hatch featured a unique, Williams-made chassis, sophisticated 4WD system and a powerful mid-mounted V6 engine, allowing it to achieve impressive acceleration while captivating automotive enthusiasts.
The Ferrari Purosangue, the brand's inaugural SUV, is set to venture beyond typical paved roads as its owner prepares to tackle the challenging Panamerican Highway. To enhance its off-road capability for this journey, modifications are underway, including the installation of specialized wheels and all-terrain tires, with potential further upgrades anticipated to optimize performance on rugged terrain.
Forza Horizon 5 will be the first Forza title on PlayStation 5 when it launches in April, and information on the game’s PlayStation trophies, along with new Achievements in the accompanying "Horizon Realms" update, have been announced. This update will introduce 17 new achievements and trophies, awarded as players across Xbox, PC, and PlayStation engage with beloved themes from the game's history while expanding the total to 164 Achievements and 165 Trophies.
Turo offers an opportunity for car owners to earn money by renting their vehicles, but this practice carries risks, particularly when it involves unknown individuals. Recently, authorities in California apprehended two suspects accused of using Turo to rent cars and subsequently sell them with counterfeit titles, highlighting the importance of verifying vehicle documentation before any transaction.
Kei cars are often underestimated but represent a significant portion of Japan's automotive market due to their remarkable fuel efficiency and engineering. In a recent video, British YouTuber Chris Broad tests a used Nissan Moco, demonstrating its impressive range on a single tank of gas even compared to a frugal Toyota Aqua hybrid, while exploring the scenic landscapes of Japan.
The Hispano Suiza J12, produced between 1931 and 1938, is a highly sought-after classic car, with only about 120 units made and current values reaching up to $2 million. Recently, a fire destroyed a 1934 model, but the vehicle was subsequently auctioned for $224,000, highlighting the enduring appeal and potential for restoration of these rare vehicles despite their condition.
The landscape of modern warfare has evolved significantly, necessitating advanced technologies that ensure precision and reliability in combat operations, particularly in environments where GPS signals may be compromised. One such innovation is the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Generation II system from Collins Aerospace, which has recently received approval for full production and aims to enhance the accuracy of military navigation and logistics, even under challenging conditions.
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