Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Lexus manager sues over OnlyFans dismissal

• Al-Rajhi's surprise Dakar victory

• Buy a piece of Maserati history

• Tesla Cybertruck survives deer impact

• Mercedes S-Class coupe to return?

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Alpina has revealed its most powerful model ever, with the limited-edition B8 GT based on the BMW M850i Gran Coupe. The B8 GT will be limited to 99 units worldwide and delivers peak figures of 625bhp and 850Nm of torque — more than the M8 Competition — allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

Genesis has refined the GV60 electric crossover with a facelift for 2025 that features a more aggressive design and a large new touchscreen. The updated model features a larger 27-inch display and a sportier aesthetic, although it maintains a lower peak horsepower rating compared to its Hyundai and Kia counterparts. [Autoblog]

Ineos has restarted vehicle assembly at its Hambach facility, after supplier Recaro recommenced its own operations., Sales of the Ineos Grenadier and Quartermaster had risen 44% before the unexpected hiatus in production, as the company began expansion into new markets.[PistonHeads​.com]

European trademark filings suggest that Mercedes might be working on a pair of new Mercedes-Maybach S-class coupes after previously cancelling the body style. The trademarks suggest a possible revival of both two-door body styles for the brand, potentially under the limited-edition Mythos luxury branding. [Car and Driver]

Tesla will be addressing a common issue on the Cybertruck, announcing on X that it is working on a new way to keep the cameras clean. The company has acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive cleaning solution, with dirty cameras affecting the performance of its advanced driver assist systems. [Electrek]

BMW M quietly released the first pictures of a high performance Neue Klasse EV last month, and the car has now been spied undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden. The prototype, resembling the Vision Neue Klasse concept, is expected to feature a quad-motor powertrain and a new Panoramic iDrive system. [Carscoops]

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are eyeing opportunities to acquire idled factories in Europe, particularly Volkswagen's sites in Germany. The potential sale of these factories could allow Chinese OEMs to establish a foothold in the European market while circumventing tariffs. [InsideEVs]

Honda’s proposed merger with Nissan has several complications to get through before it’s finalized, including Renault’s stake in the latter brand. Renault owns 35.7% of Nissan, but Honda has no interest in Renault and doesn’t want a third-party buying out the stake during the process which could last until late 2026. [Jalopnik]

Porsche's Macan may have a future with internal combustion despite earlier plans for it to transition to an all-electric model. Company insiders indicate challenges in the EV market may prompt a reevaluation of its production strategy. [The Drive]

Lexus has announced that 2025 will be the last model year for the RC coupe, including the performance-oriented RC F, which will feature special Final Edition specifications. The RC's sales have been modest compared to Lexus's SUV lineups, with only 1,854 units sold last year. [TFLcar]

Polestar revealed its intention to produce its first model built in Europe, the Polestar 7, following a challenging year marked by leadership changes and declining sales. The new model is expected to be a compact SUV and made in a new facility in Slovakia, potentially replacing the Polestar 2 as the brand aims for significant growth and profitability by 2027. [InsideEVs]

Norway is the world's leader when it comes to electric vehicle adoption, with nine out of 10 new cars sold last year being EVs. The latest El Prix winter range test revealed that the Polestar 3 outperformed competitors, while the Tesla Model 3 fell short of its claimed range. [InsideEVs]

MOTORSPORT

Yazeed Al-Rajhi took his first victory in the Dakar Rally, outperforming factory Toyota competitor Henk Lategan in a customer Hilux after a series of strategic maneuvers and a critical navigation error from Lategan. The event saw a mix of challenges for various teams, with newcomers Ford and Dacia struggling, while seasoned competitors like Ekstrom and Al-Attiyah faced their own setbacks throughout the race. [Motorsport​.com]

Aston Martin has announced that Adrian Newey will officially start work on March 3, 2025, having previously revealed his move from Red Bull in 2024. Newey, who has been a pivotal figure in F1 car development for over 30 years, will focus on the upcoming 2026 regulations while also contributing to Aston Martin's development in the interim. [RacingNews365]

Mercedes will not hold its usual launch event at Silverstone for the new Formula 1 car this season, opting instead for a filming day at Bahrain International Circuit on February 25. The team will showcase its new W16 during this session, allowing drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli to complete promotional laps before pre-season testing begins. [Motorsport​.com]

Aston Martin has strongly repudiated reports that suggest it was using the potential recruitment of Max Verstappen to secure investment. The claims come despite Verstappen's contract with Red Bull running until the end of the 2028 F1 season and his lack of intent to leave the team. [RacingNews365]

Andre Lotterer has described joining Genesis for its World Endurance Championship entry in 2026 as "a golden opportunity" that will allow him to build something that extends beyond his driving career. He will lead the development of the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar and drive the car himself in 2026, emphasizing the motivation and fulfillment of starting a new project with the South Korean manufacturer. [Autosport]

Drivers have lodged complaints regarding changes to curbs at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. It’s feared that a new configuration at the Le Mans Chicane, which includes higher curbing and new paved triangles on the insides, may lead to increased car damage and alter racing dynamics. [Sportscar365]

Peugeot has announced the changes to its driver lineups for the two 9X8 Hypercars, with Malthe Jakobsen joining the #94 crew and Paul di Resta returning to the #93 car. The team has emphasized a balance between experience and dynamism in its driver selections, aiming to enhance performance for the season ahead. [Sportscar365]

London’s ExCeL Arena will remain as the host for Formula E’s season finale until the summer of 2026. Silverstone and Brands Hatch had been in discussions to stage the UK round of the championship, marking the first time it would head to a race circuit venue in the country, but the unique indoor/outdoor location secured a one-year extension to its contract. [The Race]

A new GT1 Challenge class has been announced for the 2025 season of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, providing SCCA Club Racing's GT1 competitors a pathway to pro racing with a flexible schedule and reduced fees. The class allows drivers to compete in up to nine races, with their best five scores determining the championship standings. [RACER]

FUN STUFF

A Ferrari F40 has been involved in a crash in the UK, reportedly during a test drive with a service technician at the wheel. The car, identified by its registration - F40PRX - as the highest-mileage F40 in the world, sustained significant damage, particularly to its front end, but initial reports indicate that no-one was seriously injured. [The Drive]

The Porsche Taycan Turbo S features prominently in an extended chase scene of Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, marking it as the first electric car to take on a major stunt role in a film. The movie, which premiered on January 10, showcases a blend of action and humor, with the Taycan's capabilities highlighted through various customized stunt cars. [Car and Driver]

A Tesla Cybertruck has come through a high-speed collision with a deer showing surprisingly little damage. Deer impacts can be extremely dangerous for vehicle occupants, sometimes resulting in fatalities, but the Cybertruck appears to have shrugged off the impact at a reported 75mph with only some bodywork damage and continued to drive unhindered thereafter. [Carscoops]

A Lexus dealer manager has been cleared to sue the dealership after being fired when his wife's OnlyFans content was shared with colleagues. The court found sufficient grounds for a claim of retaliation, but dismissed claims of discrimination, noting that the adult nature of the content was not comparable to other employees' racy social media posts. [Carscoops]

At 87, Herb Stern recently took delivery of a 2025 Toyota GR Corolla after a history of owning various classic and performance cars. Stern swapped his GR Supra for the GR Corolla after needing to switch to a single vehicle, making it his first ever car with more than two doors, and his lifelong enthusiasm for cars has sparked conversations among fellow automotive enthusiasts. [The Drive]

A 1967 Maserati Mistral, a rare coupe with only 454 units made, is currently up for auction in Belgium, with the car boasting a meticulous, body-off restoration and Maserati Classiche Certification. This classic sports car features a powerful 4.0L inline-six engine and was originally delivered as-new to an owner in California before making its way back to Europe in the 2010s. [Autoblog]

Fondatione de Patrimoine is in the process of rebuilding the last remaining Paris-touring Cityrama bus. Citroen only ever made three of these incredible vehicles, and this surviving example is currently in more than 100 different pieces as the restoration team is two years into a planned five-year restoration. [Jalopnik]

A 2009 Aston Martin Vantage with a salvage title is listed on eBay Motors for restoration, featuring significant body damage and various mechanical issues. The bidding stood at $10,800 with a reserve of $11,000, and the car has already had a long list of new parts installed. [The Drive]

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