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F1's London Livery Launch for 2025
Jordan Greer
November 13, 2024
Welcome to today's edition of SpeedBites, where we dive into the fast-paced world of automotive innovation and motorsport excitement! A chaotic day in F1 has seen it announce a grand livery-unveiling event for all ten teams in 2025, marking its 75th anniversary, while its race director has left in unclear circumstances ahead of the final rounds of 2024. Don't forget to share SpeedBites with fellow car enthusiasts who might enjoy staying in the loop with the latest automotive buzz!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Rivian and Volkswagen have formalized a joint venture, "Rivian and VW Group Technology, LLC," with a total investment of up to $5.8 billion aimed at developing next-generation electric vehicle architecture and software. The partnership will leverage Rivian's software expertise and VW's scale, with plans to launch new EV models by 2026 and 2027, while also focusing on various vehicle segments and advanced automated driving functions.
Volvo has revised its plans for an all-electric lineup, indicating that internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, including the XC90 SUV, will remain in production beyond 2030 due to ongoing demand. Despite the introduction of the fully electric EX90, the XC90 will continue to receive updates and coexist in the market, appealing to different customer segments with varying price points.
Brabus has modified the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance into the '1000 All Grey' by replacing its original 4.0-litre V8 with a 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8, retaining the hybrid system for a combined output of 986hhp and 1,620Nm of torque. The vehicle features a fully grey aesthetic, a carbon-fibre bodykit, and a price exceeding £390,000, while also offering a pure-electric range of about 20 miles.
Cadillac has confirmed that the Vistiq, a three-row electric SUV, is set to launch as a 2026 model, with production beginning in early 2025 at the Spring Hill, Tennessee factory. Priced starting at $78,790, the Vistiq features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain delivering 615hp and an estimated range of around 300 miles from its 102-kWh battery pack.
Porsche has expanded its 2025 Taycan lineup with the introduction of the Taycan GTS and Taycan 4 EVs, bringing the total to 13 trim and body combinations. The Taycan GTS features a peak output of 690 horsepower and improved performance metrics, while the Taycan 4 offers the base all-wheel drive package in the sedan body for the first time.
Skydancer GmbH has introduced the concept of convertible motorhomes, specifically the Cabrio model, which features a sliding roof that allows for an open-air experience while traveling. Although the design aims to blend the functionality of RVs with elements of convertible cars, concerns about potential water intrusion and the practicality of such a setup remain.
BMW of North America has recalled 3,312 units of the 2025 X1 model, including the xDrive28i and M35i variants, due to a potential structural weakness in the B-pillar reinforcement plates that could compromise passenger safety in a collision. The recall affects vehicles manufactured between September 17 and October 22, 2024, with notification letters expected to be mailed to owners starting December 27, 2024.
GAC has unveiled the Aion UT hatchback, its third global strategic model, set to debut at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show on November 15. The fully electric vehicle features dimensions similar to the VW ID. 3, a single motor producing 134 hp, and is priced to compete with other electric hatchbacks in China, starting at under ¥100,000 ($13,800).
BMW's Neue Klasse initiative plans to introduce at least six fully electric models by 2028, with the i3 sedan set to launch in 2026 following the iX3 SUV. Recent testing of a prototype in Germany reveals design elements that reflect the Vision Neue Klasse concept, including a shark-nose profile and a functional frunk, while the production model is expected to feature a more traditional interior layout and advanced technology like a full-width Panoramic Vision display.
Lee Zeldin, a former New York Congressman, is expected to be nominated as the next head of the EPA, despite a poor record in environmental matters and legislation. Zeldin, with ties to the oil and gas sector like two previous Trump-era EPA heads, plans to roll back recent EPA regulations including in the area of transportation and EVs, resulting in increased air pollution, higher health and fuel costs, and potentially more and earlier deaths for Americans.
A new quad-turbo V-12 engine is reportedly under development in Italy's Motor Valley, with a target output of 2,000 horsepower and no hybrid components planned. While details about the engine and the manufacturer, Giamaro Automobili, remain scarce, a teaser video hints at a reveal scheduled for May 22, 2025.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 will kick off its 75th anniversary season with a livery launch event on February 18 at London's O2 Arena, where all 10 teams will reveal their designs alongside their drivers and team principals. The event, featuring ticket prices between £58 and £113, will include interviews with key figures in the sport and will also be streamed online, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to the Australian Grand Prix on March 16.
Rui Marques will take over as Formula 1 race director starting with the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, following Niels Wittich's apparent resignation. Wittich, who began his role at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix after replacing Michael Masi, shared his duties with Eduardo Freitas throughout 2022 before taking over the role fully for 2023-24 and has been recognized for his professionalism during his tenure.
Toyota will maintain its driver line-up for the 2025 World Endurance Championship, with Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway, and Nyck de Vries in the #7 car, while Sebastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa will continue in the #8. The team has achieved three race wins and secured the Hypercar manufacturers' championship in 2024, with drivers emphasizing the importance of consistency and teamwork as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The FIA has implemented a new lights system for Formula E's Gen3 EVO cars, with rear-mounted lights flashing yellow or red in response to flag signals to enhance driver reaction times for following cars. A significant majority of Formula 1 fans, nearly 80%, support the adoption of this system in F1, particularly for improving visibility during poor conditions.
As part of a strategic shift, Alpine will transition to using Mercedes engines and gearboxes starting in the 2026 season, while also undergoing significant management restructuring aimed at enhancing competitiveness. The team’s drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, achieved second and third place finishes at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, helping the team rise from ninth to sixth in the constructors' championship in an otherwise unremarkable season.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) held a demonstration at the Suzuka Circuit, marking its first major public event since its inaugural race in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. The showcase featured autonomous EAV24 cars, with a planned human vs. AI race that was ultimately canceled due to a crash in the warm-up when the AI car span after an unexpected drop in tire pressure.
Aston Martin technical director Dan Fallows has left his role with the Formula 1 team following a decline in performance, although he will remain with the organization. His departure comes as new CEO Andy Cowell implements changes, with Bob Bell temporarily stepping in while the team prepares for the arrival of renowned designer Adrian Newey and former Ferrari technical director Enrico Cardile.
The FIA has concluded its investigation into Red Bull's front bib adjuster, determining that the team did not use the device illegally, despite concerns from rival teams. Additionally, the FIA found no evidence of teams injecting water into tyres for cooling purposes, declaring both matters closed while affirming their commitment to ongoing monitoring of compliance with regulations.
Mercedes has faced significant challenges in adapting to contemporary ground effects rules, leading to inconsistent performance and only three victories in the 2023 season. As the team navigates its current difficulties, it may shift focus toward the upcoming 2026 regulations rather than further developing its 2025 car.
CURIOSITIES
A moose entered a BMW performance shop in Sweden, causing damage to several cars, including a nearly restored BMW 850i, while CEO Viktor Örtegren was present. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, highlights the unexpected chaos that can arise in automotive settings, as the moose escaped unharmed after trampling the vehicles.
A Tesla owner shared footage on social media showing an individual allegedly vandalizing their vehicle by dragging keys along the side panels in Epping, Australia, on October 31, 2024. The incident has drawn attention to a growing trend of vandalism against Teslas in the country, with comments highlighting concerns about the frequency of such acts and urging the owner to report the incident to authorities.
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office in Olympia, Washington, used a grappler device to end a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle, resulting in the suspect crashing into a tree after losing control. This incident, which was shared on social media, highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of police pursuits, which contributed to a record 577 deaths in 2022, prompting some agencies to adopt no-pursuit policies.
Annie Koehler, a 79-year-old car enthusiast, has embraced her passion for automotive activities, particularly static burnouts in her 1957 Cadillac, which was gifted to her by her son. Despite being relatively new to the car hobby, she has gained attention by participating in burnout contests during a 4,200-mile road trip and is now seeking more opportunities to compete while sharing her journey on her emerging YouTube channel.
Willowbank Raceway in Australia has banned all-electric vehicles from racing or testing due to safety concerns related to fire risks, making it the third track to implement such a restriction. The decision, influenced by consultations with Motorsport Australia and the National Electric Drag Racing Association, highlights the challenges of managing EV fires, which are considered more difficult to extinguish and pose unique hazards compared to traditional vehicle fires.
A Florida man was stopped by a detective after using fake police lights on his unmarked Dodge Charger to run a red light. He now faces charges for prohibited use of lights and false impersonation, along with a ticket for the traffic violation, while authorities towed the vehicle, which is owned by his girlfriend.
As car thefts rise, particularly through sophisticated methods targeting keyless entry systems, Faraday bags have emerged as a potential solution for vehicle owners concerned about security. Testing revealed that these bags effectively blocked signals from key fobs, preventing unauthorized access to vehicles, provided they are properly sealed.
GReddy is hosting a design competition for players in Japan to create a livery for its Hiace van using Gran Turismo 7, with the winning design to be converted into a wrap for the company’s show vehicle. The van will be displayed at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, and the winner will receive a trip to the event, along with GReddy merchandise for the runners-up.
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