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F1 Movie Opens to $140m Weekend
Andrew Evans
July 01, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ginetta reveals GT2 race car for gentleman racers
Audi and Cadillac F1 teams open new UK facilities
Ferrari F80 to make gaming debut in The Crew Motorfest
Lando Norris asks British GP fans not to boo his team-mate
Chevrolet teases Corvette ZR1’s ‘Ring lap
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Yorkshire manufacturer Ginetta has introduced its GT2 race car, designed for affluent amateur drivers to take part in the SRO GT2 category. The model resembles other Ginetta road and race cars, but has been developed from scratch for the regulations and boasts a powerful 6.3-liter, supercharged V8 engine, making it an enticing option for those looking to enter this competitive racing scene.
Chevrolet has reportedly been running several Corvette variants around the famous Nurburgring Nordschleife, and appears ready to reveal a lap time “as fast as Green Hell” for its ZR1 model via teasers on social media. It’s expected that the ZR1 could beat existing records, including those set by the Mustang GTD and the Mercedes-AMG ONE, while times for the all-wheel drive ZR1X and naturally aspirated Z06 are also anticipated.
Lotus has shifted its strategy away from an exclusive focus on electric vehicles, acknowledging the inconsistent demand for premium EVs, and is now exploring hybrid technology as a key element of its future lineup. The company plans to introduce a new "Hyper Hybrid" system in its upcoming Eletre SUV, with the first model expected to launch in late 2025, while also considering hybrid options for its Emira sports car.
Ford's CEO Jim Farley has expressed skepticism about Tesla's self-driving technology, emphasizing the importance of LIDAR for the brand’s own autonomous vehicle strategy. Citing LIDAR technology as “mission critical”, Farley referred to situations in which regular cameras could be blinded with LIDAR becoming a safety net to allow self-driving systems to continue to operate.
BMW is initiating a recall for over 70,000 electric vehicles from the 2022 to 2025 model years due to a software malfunction that may lead to unexpected power loss while driving. The company plans to address the issue through dealership visits or remote software updates, ensuring affected owners are informed by mail by early August.
Bentley has indicated that it could create a pickup truck if there is sufficient interest, though currently, there are no plans for such a vehicle due to a lack of demand. Historical attempts by luxury brands to enter the truck market have not fared well, suggesting that a Bentley truck might only be produced as a special edition for a select few buyers.
Lamborghini is developing a refreshed version of the Urus Performante, which will feature subtle design modifications along with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain. This updated model is expected to include a twin-turbo V8 engine paired with a 25.9 kWh battery, enhancing its performance, though the electrical systems may offset the brand's focus on lightweight construction.
The demographic of Rolls-Royce buyers has notably shifted, with the average age now around 42, down from 56 in 2010, largely due to the introduction of the all-electric Spectre. This model is not only appealing to a younger audience, with first-time buyers averaging just 35 years old, but it has also attracted a significant number of new customers, indicating a successful transition towards electrification for the luxury brand.
Bentley is set to introduce a refreshed version of its iconic 'Wings' logo as it transitions into the electric vehicle market, with the new design expected to debut on a concept car soon and later appear on a production EV in 2027. This update marks the first significant change to the logo since 2002, aligning with the brand's evolution and hinting at a modern aesthetic while maintaining familiar design elements.
MOTORSPORT
Sauber Motorsport has established a new facility at Bicester Motion in the UK to support the Audi Formula 1 team ahead of the 2026 season, enhancing its operations alongside its Swiss headquarters. The location was selected for its proximity to a skilled workforce in the renowned Motorsport Valley and its cultural significance within the automotive community.
As Cadillac's new Formula 1 team is establishing its headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, where construction is ongoing for both the facility and the power unit department, it’s also revealed its new UK base at Silverstone Park. The team is preparing for its 2026 debut and faces the unique challenge of building an entire operation from the ground up while managing multiple locations around the world, comparing the endeavour to that of the Apollo project.
Lando Norris has called on his fans to refrain from booing his teammate and championship contender, Oscar Piastri, during the upcoming British Grand Prix. With Norris closing the gap to Piastri in the standings, he emphasized the importance of fan support for both drivers, highlighting the positive reception he and Piastri have generally received from the crowd at Silverstone.
George Russell expressed disappointment over the challenging conditions that hindered Mercedes' performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, describing it as a "perfect storm" for the team. Despite a strong showing in Canada, the extreme heat and track surface led to significant tire wear, resulting in Russell finishing well behind the leader in fifth place and highlighting ongoing struggles with overheating issues.
Paul Aron, a promising driver with Alpine, is set to enhance his experience by participating in two additional practice sessions with Sauber, following his strong performance in Formula 2 last year. This opportunity allows Alpine to further assess his capabilities amid ongoing uncertainties regarding its future driver lineup.
Interest in the World Rally Championship's upcoming 2027 technical regulations is increasing among new manufacturers and tuners as final details are being refined. The revised rules aim to promote affordability and adaptability, allowing a diverse range of vehicles to compete while maintaining performance levels similar to current Rally1 cars.
Porsche, BMW, and Ferrari have cautiously endorsed the Asian Le Mans Series' initiative to introduce a privateer Hypercar category for the 2026/27 season, responding to a decline in privately entered vehicles in the FIA World Endurance Championship. While Porsche's motorsport leader acknowledged the potential for customer participation, both BMW and Ferrari indicated that logistical challenges could delay their involvement in this new class.
Gene Haas is set to pilot an F1 car bearing his own name for the first time when he participates in the iconic hillclimb event during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2025 in the Haas VF-23. Additionally, team principal Ayao Komatsu will drive the VF-24, while former F1 driver Kazuki Nakajima will handle the 2023 model, with current drivers Esteban Ocon and Ollie Bearman also taking the wheel over the weekend.
CURIOSITIES
"F1: The Movie" topped the box office on its debut weekend, grossing over $140 million worldwide, including $55.6 million from the US alone, with a notable $25 million earned on its first day. Featuring Brad Pitt as a retired driver aiding a struggling team and produced in collaboration with Lewis Hamilton, the film will require sustained box office success to recover its reported production costs exceeding $350 million.
The Crew Motorfest will give a gaming debut to the Ferrari F80 supercar when it’s added to the title this month, coming alongside the previous F50 and GTO models from July 2. It’s not yet clear how players will be able to get to drive the car, which sports a 1,183hp hybrid V6 derived from that of the Le Mans-winning 499P, and it’s expected that other titles will see the vehicle added over the coming months.
Law enforcement agencies in the United States are intensifying efforts to address the illegal operation of non-compliant electric bikes and motorcycles on public roads, employing drones to monitor and apprehend offenders. This innovative approach marks a shift in policing tactics, allowing authorities to pursue suspects safely and effectively without the risks associated with traditional high-speed chases.
Recent incidents in Indiana and Tennessee highlight ongoing theft risks for Kia and Hyundai vehicles, despite the release of anti-theft software updates. Authorities report that teenagers are still exploiting vulnerabilities in unpatched models, prompting police to advise owners to take additional precautions, such as installing steering wheel locks and tracking devices.
In Michigan, a driver was apprehended after reaching speeds of 143 mph in a 45 mph zone, reportedly while under the influence and in possession of a stolen firearm. Following a brief police pursuit, the driver abandoned the vehicle but was later found and arrested, facing multiple charges including driving while intoxicated and possessing a stolen weapon.
In a quaint neighborhood of Darien, Connecticut, Roger and Judy Kleinert have amassed a collection of five Volvo 240s, which they actively use and cherish for their reliability and safety. Despite not considering themselves car enthusiasts, the couple's long-term commitment to these vehicles reflects a deep appreciation for their practicality and enduring quality, distinguishing them in a community dominated by luxury brands.
Boston, Massachusetts, has once again been identified as having the least skilled drivers in the United States, according to Allstate's 2025 report, which evaluates driving performance across 200 cities. This ranking, which has not improved since 2015, highlights the challenges of navigating the roads in Boston and its surrounding areas, where traffic and parking issues are significant concerns for commuters.
Jaguar revived the E-Type Lightweight in 2014 with a limited run of six units, originally intended to complete an unfinished series from the 1960s, featuring a 300 hp inline-six engine and enhanced suspension. One of these models, which served as the promotional vehicle for the program, is set to be auctioned with an estimated value between $900,000 and $1.4 million, reflecting a surprising dip in collector interest in the model.
A recent report from New York Attorney General Letitia James highlights the risks associated with police chases, advocating for a ban on such pursuits except in certain circumstances. The findings emphasize the need for improved public safety measures and call for law enforcement to collect and share data on these incidents to enhance transparency and accountability.
Car enthusiasts often find themselves at various gatherings, from large organized events to casual meet-ups in parking lots. However, law enforcement is increasingly challenged by the rise of unauthorized car meets and related anti-social driving behaviors, prompting a deeper investigation into the scope of these issues alongside Cheshire Constabulary's Road and Crime unit in the UK.
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