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Fangio's Mercedes Heads to Auction
Jordan Greer
November 27, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s action in the dynamic world of automotive news sees Lamborghini planning a second-generation Urus with hybrid power, while Nissan’s woes continue. Meanwhile BMW has leaned into some gaming heritage to present a special M3 GTR in a Need for Speed livery, and there’s a potential record-breaker set to cross the auction block. Buckle up and enjoy today's curated links!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Lamborghini is developing a second-generation Urus, expected to launch after 2026, which will utilize technology from the VW Group, including a high-performance V8 hybrid powertrain. The company plans to maintain a distinct model lineup with different engine types, delaying the introduction of an all-electric SUV until later in the decade.
KTM, facing a significant financial crisis, has announced its intention to enter self-administration and initiate judicial restructuring proceedings, as it seeks at least 100 million euros to continue operations beyond 2024. The restructuring will allow the current management to remain in control while working under court supervision to develop a reorganization plan, with expectations of a negative annual net result in the high three-digit million range for the 2024 financial year.
Rivian has received conditional approval for a $6.6 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to support the construction of a factory in Georgia, which aims to boost annual vehicle production to 400,000 and create 7,500 jobs by 2030. The project, initially announced in 2021, will be completed in two phases, with the first phase expected to start production in 2028, focusing on Rivian's upcoming R2 and R3 models.
Manhart has modified the BMW M3 Touring into the MH3 800 Touring, boosting its power to 855 horsepower through upgrades like forged pistons, enhanced turbocharging, and a new exhaust system. The vehicle features adjustable H&R springs, staggered 20-inch and 21-inch wheels, and a distinctive body kit, but remains unavailable for purchase in the United States, with a public display at the Essen Motor Show in Germany until December 8.
Nissan is undergoing significant restructuring, including a planned 20 percent reduction in global production and the layoff of approximately 9,000 employees, as it shifts into what it describes as "emergency mode". The automaker faces challenges in adapting to contrasting consumer demands in the US and Chinese markets while navigating a strained relationship with Renault, which has reduced its stake in Nissan amid declining electric vehicle demand.
Stellantis has proposed closing its Luton plant, which has been in operation since 1905, to consolidate manufacturing at Ellesmere Port, where it plans to invest £50 million to create an all-electric vehicle hub. This shift aims to improve production efficiency and enhance Stellantis's position in the light commercial vehicle market, while the company has begun discussions with employees about potential relocations and job support for those affected.
A recent Wall Street Journal investigation reveals significant environmental violations at Tesla's factory in Austin, Texas, where production issues led to the release of toxins and untreated wastewater into the local ecosystem. The report highlights a culture of neglect regarding regulatory compliance, with employees fearing retaliation for reporting environmental concerns, and indicates that similar pollution problems have persisted at Tesla's Fremont, California facility.
By 2029, all new cars sold in the United States will be required to have automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems capable of stopping at speeds of up to 62 mph to prevent collisions, with specific requirements for pedestrian and vehicle interactions at higher speeds. Despite opposition from car manufacturers regarding the feasibility and costs associated with the law's stringent speed thresholds, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized the regulation and remains firm on its implementation.
GMC continues to produce the Savana, a full-size passenger van that has seen minimal changes since its debut in 1996, with the 2025 model year set to be its latest release amid speculation about its future. The Savana offers two trim levels and engine options, with a starting price of $49,245, and features a range of customizable extras, although it remains a gas-only vehicle with limited body color choices.
MOTORSPORT
The FIA has confirmed that the Andretti F1 project, now partnered with General Motors and Cadillac, meets the necessary technical and sporting regulations to join Formula 1 in 2026, following a previous rejection by FOM. Despite initial skepticism from existing teams and the commercial rights holder, the entry of Cadillac is expected to enhance F1's appeal in the American market and potentially increase revenue for the sport.
Pirelli and the FIA have implemented changes to the Losail circuit's kerbs and conducted extensive testing to address tyre issues that arose during the 2022 Qatar Grand Prix. Modifications include rounding the tips of pyramid-shaped kerbs at several corners and installing gravel strips to reduce the risk of tyre damage, while Pirelli has also tested new tyre designs to better understand the stresses involved.
Cadillac is exploring the possibility of hiring IndyCar driver Colton Herta as a driver for its Formula One team, which is set to join the F1 grid after the 2025 season. The team plans to initially use Ferrari power units while working towards developing its own by the 2028 season, with Mario Andretti serving as a consultant and emphasizing his involvement in key decision-making processes.
Franco Colapinto has clarified that he was never a serious contender for the Stake F1 seat now held by Gabriel Bortoleto, expressing disappointment over the missed opportunity but acknowledging Bortoleto's deserving position. While he has ruled out a partnership with Nico Hulkenberg at Stake, Colapinto remains optimistic about finding a place within the Red Bull family or other teams in the future.
Ronnie Quintarelli, an influential figure in Japanese motorsport and a long-time Nissan driver, will retire after competing in his final Super GT race at Suzuka next month, marking the end of an era in the series. Over nearly two decades, he secured four championships and became known for his loyalty to Japan and contributions to the community, including relief efforts following natural disasters.
Ferrari is currently 24 points behind McLaren in the race for the F1 constructors' championship, with just two rounds remaining in the 2024 season. Despite recent struggles attributed to a problematic upgrade, Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur maintains that the team's performance issues are not solely responsible for their championship deficit.
George Russell expressed a desire for his Mercedes team to prioritize the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix over the Las Vegas event by using an older engine to save a fresher one for Qatar, which is expected to better suit their car's performance. However, after dominating the Las Vegas race from pole position, Russell acknowledged his relief that the team did not follow through with the plan.
Maserati has confirmed its commitment to the Formula E championship under the Gen4 regulations, ensuring its participation until at least the 2029-30 season. The brand, which re-entered single-seater racing with the Venturi Racing team in 2023, has achieved two race wins and will continue to utilize a powertrain developed by Stellantis as it prepares for the upcoming 2024-25 season with new drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes.
Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 drivers' title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, finishing fifth in the race. His father, Jos Verstappen, noted the family's sacrifices during Max's title pursuit, emphasizing the emotional toll it has taken on them, while also expressing pride in Max's ability to manage race challenges effectively.
Audi Sport customer racing has delivered its final R8 LMS race car, the 310th unit produced since the model's introduction in 2009, marking the conclusion of the manufacturer's GT3 activities. While production of the GT3 cars will cease, Audi will continue to provide customer support and has seen its R8 LMS GT3 win 125 driver titles and 197 additional championships globally.
Fernando Alonso has not scored points in the last four Formula 1 races, with his most recent finish being 11th at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he was overtaken by Sergio Perez late in the race. Despite the challenges faced by Aston Martin this season, Alonso remains optimistic about the team's potential for improvement in the final two races, emphasizing the importance of qualifying position for scoring points.
Red Bull acknowledges uncertainty about its competitiveness in the 2025 Formula 1 season despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth championship this year. Technical director Pierre Wache highlighted the need for improvements in the RB21, particularly in low-speed corners and straight-line speed, while reflecting on the team's unexpected dominance and the challenges posed by rivals like McLaren and Ferrari.
CURIOSITIES
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, claimed to be the first Streamliner-bodied version available for private ownership, is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby's with an estimated price exceeding €50 million (approximately $52 million). This car, notable for its racing history with drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, has been preserved at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1965, although the existence of three other similar models could impact its future value.
BMW has collaborated with EA to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Need for Speed series by showcasing a one-off BMW M3 GTR, a rare model originally developed for endurance racing. The vehicle, which features a blue-on-chrome wrap reminiscent of its in-game counterpart, will be on display at BMW Welt in Munich from November 27 to January 6, 2025, coinciding with the release of the Need for Speed Unbound's Vol. 9 update that reintroduces the car into the game.
A 52-year-old Australian man, already banned from driving for 36 years, was arrested in Cabramatta after crashing a stolen Porsche Cayenne into a Lexus and attempting to flee on foot. Investigations revealed that the Porsche was unregistered, uninsured, and had stolen license plates, while the man also possessed keys to additional stolen vehicles at the time of his arrest.
A fire at General Motors's Milford Proving Ground was sparked by the explosion of a tank storing an oil and brine solution, damaging two nearby homes but resulting in no injuries. The Brighton Area Fire Authority, along with firefighters from two dozen other departments, took nearly an hour to control the blaze, which was complicated by the absence of nearby hydrants and the presence of natural gas-related small fires.
A 1982 Subaru Brat has become available for sale at $2,999, providing an opportunity to own this unique vehicle designed with features to take advantage of US import tariffs. Its rear-facing jump seats allowed it to sidestep the “chicken tax”, while this car also has a T-top roof, third-eye headlamp, and load bed cover - although it isn’t in the best condition.
A rare Mercedes-AMG A45 Petronas World Champion Edition, a limited-run model created in 2015 to commemorate Lewis Hamilton's third F1 championship, has come up for sale in the UK. Only 30 units were produced, half of which were allocated to Britain, and this particular vehicle has been modified to produce 447 hp and is priced at £40,000, reflecting its rarity and connection to motorsport heritage.
The Toyota 2JZ engine, known for its reliability and tuning potential, remains available in U.S. dealership parts catalogs, with a current promotional discount bringing the price down to $3,167.86 at Toyota of Gladstone, highlighting the enduring appeal of this iconic engine despite Toyota's modern production challenges.
Theon Design, based in Oxfordshire, specializes in bespoke restorations of the Porsche 964 generation, creating unique vehicles that blend modern performance with classic aesthetics. During a recent visit to London, two of their custom 964s—a Targa and a Coupé—drew significant attention, showcasing the brand's commitment to personalization and lightweight modifications while highlighting the growing interest in air-cooled Porsches among automotive enthusiasts.
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