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

• Ferrari details its 1000hp EV, codenamed Elettrica

• WRC champion Rovanpera makes Super Formula switch

• Demo for cutesy iRacing Arcade title available next week

• Renault 5 Turbo 3E roadgoing prototypes revealed

• NASCAR Cup cars get power hike for some races next year

...and more!

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Ferrari EV to Bring 1000bhp, Huge Battery and Handling "to Thrill"

Ferrari is set to introduce its inaugural electric vehicle next year, featuring a powerful quad-motor system that delivers approximately 1000bhp, advanced chassis technology, and active suspension, though it is categorized as a GT rather than a supercar. The model, currently known as Elettrica, will be unveiled in stages, starting with technical specifications, followed by the official name release in early 2026, and culminating in a full reveal mid-year, as the company aims to adapt to the evolving electric vehicle market.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E Lives, and It Looks Excellent

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E, an electrifying homage to Group B racing with 533bhp and cutting-edge in-wheel motors, has transitioned from static displays to functional prototypes, recently tested by rally driver Julien Saunier. While the vehicle is still under development, it is set to enter production in 2027, with a limited run of 1980 units available for enthusiasts eager to secure their own version.

Isdera, the Weirdest Sports Car Maker of the ’80s, Went Back to Work Without Telling Anyone

Isdera, a brand originally established by a former Porsche engineer and now owned by a Chinese EV startup, recently revealed the L’Aquila without any fanfare. There’s no detailed information regarding the specifications or performance of the electric sports car, nor any promotion on the brand’s official website, while the company's current trajectory remains unclear, following the bankruptcy of its German counterpart earlier this year.

Angry Owners Sue Porsche For Something That Isn’t About the Cars

Porsche faces legal challenges in the US due to allegations that its home charging stations do not meet promised charging speeds, with some owners experiencing delays nearly double the advertised time. The lawsuit asserts that the company has been aware of these issues but has not taken effective measures to resolve them, prompting complaints from affected customers.

Ford’s Office Rebels Just Sent Their Bosses a Very Explicit Message

Ford's recent policy mandating employees to return to the office (RTO) for four days a week has sparked significant unrest among staff, with some expressing their dissent through explicit messages displayed within the company's headquarters. While management acknowledges issues with compliance tracking, they maintain that employees adhering to the policy should not fear job loss.

Ineos CEO Says the Company Needs to Build in the U.S., and Fast

Ineos, a recently formed brand which replicates the ethos of the classic Land Rover Defender with its Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pickup, faces challenges due to tariffs impacting its European production for the US market. To address these issues, CEO Lynn Calder is considering establishing a manufacturing facility in the US or collaborating with another automaker to leverage available production resources.

Mopar is Bringing a Hot New Dodge Charger Concept to SEMA

Mopar is set to unveil a new concept vehicle at the upcoming 2025 SEMA Show, which will take place in Las Vegas from November 4-7, with the aim of revitalizing interest in the Dodge Charger. While details remain scarce, the concept is expected to be part of a broader lineup of customized vehicles and performance parts aimed at enhancing the Charger’s appeal in a challenging market.

The Citroen Dispatch VTR is a Van That Wants to Be a Hot Hatch

Citroen has revived a sporty badge which was last seen adorning sporty hatchbacks in the 1990s and early 2000s, but placed it onto a cargo van. The Dispatch VTR features a striking bodykit, improved power options, and a sporty interior, in line with the fondly remembered VTR models, with prices starting at £42,475 for the diesel variant.

MOTORSPORT

WRC Champion Rovanpera to Move to Super Formula in 2026, Eyes F2 in 2027

Kalle Rovanpera, a two-time World Rally Champion, has declared his intention to leave rallying after the 2025 season to focus on single-seater racing, specifically targeting the Japanese Super Formula series in 2026. The 25-year old, who made history as the youngest champion in the sport, expressed that this significant career shift has been on his mind for some time as he seeks new challenges beyond rallying.

NASCAR Orders Horsepower Increase for Select 2026 Cup Races

NASCAR has officially announced an increase in horsepower for short tracks and road courses in the Cup Series, raising the target from 670 to 750 for the 2026 season. This decision follows extensive feedback from fans, drivers, and stakeholders, and while a similar boost for intermediate tracks is not ruled out, the organization is approaching changes cautiously to maintain competitive balance.

Toto Wolff Claims F1 Missing 'Villain' Christian Horner

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, expressed that the absence of Christian Horner from the F1 paddock is felt, particularly due to his role as a provocative figure during his tenure. Following his departure from Red Bull after the British Grand Prix, Horner has indicated a desire to return to the sport, with Aston Martin and Haas confirming that they have received calls from Horner.

Valtteri Bottas Reveals Talks Between Cadillac and Mercedes F1 Teams Ahead of 2026

Valtteri Bottas, currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, has indicated that the team will support his transition to Cadillac with preparatory simulation work as it readies itself for an inaugural Formula 1 season in 2026. While Bottas is under contract with Mercedes until he officially moves to Cadillac in January 2026, the team has allowed him to engage with Cadillac in discussions and visits as he prepares to race alongside Sergio Perez next season.

Former F1 Driver Handed Lengthy Driving Ban

Former Formula 1 driver Mark Blundell has received a six-month driving ban after being caught exceeding the speed limit by a significant margin. The 59-year old, who has a history of racing success that includes a Le Mans victory, did not appear in court but had a guilty plea submitted on his behalf, resulting in additional penalties including points on his license and a fine.

Zak Brown Denies Destroying Evidence as Driver Contract Case Continues

McLaren Racing's CEO, Zak Brown, has refuted allegations of tampering with evidence in the ongoing legal dispute with IndyCar champion Alex Palou, who is facing claims of contract violation. The case, which seeks approximately $20 million in damages, has revealed contentious exchanges in court, including discussions about the use of disappearing messages on WhatsApp among McLaren staff.

Why Ben Sulayem Looks Set to Win FIA President Re-Election Unopposed

The prospects for challengers to FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's re-election in December appear bleak, as none seem capable of forming a compliant team to support their candidacies. Each candidate needs to nominate a unique list of individuals to fill roles alongside them, and there is only one eligible person for the required vice-president of sport for South America who has already pledged her support to Ben Sulayem.

Manthey Joins Endurance Cup with Two-Car Porsche Effort

Manthey Racing is set to enter the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2026, participating in the Michelin Endurance Cup with two Porsche 911 GT3 R Evos, one in each of the GTD Pro and GTD classes. This move represents a significant expansion for the German team, which has enjoyed considerable success in various racing series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and DTM.

CURIOSITIES

Fast & Furious 11 Reportedly in Danger Because the Last One Cost $340 Million and Barely Turned a Profit

The future of the Fast & Furious franchise appears uncertain, as the next installment lacks an approved script and a confirmed release date, with many cast members not yet signed on. Universal executives are hesitant to proceed with the project unless they can significantly reduce production costs following the financial struggles of the previous film.

iRacing Arcade Demo Lands on October 13, Featuring Tsukuba and Porsche 911 Cup

In August, iRacing Studios announced the upcoming release of iRacing Arcade, which will debut on PC this fall, with a free demo available on October 13. The game aims to attract a wide audience by blending officially licensed vehicles and tracks with a more casual gameplay style, allowing players to build their motorsport careers through various events and challenges.

Police Call Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid Dangerous and Unfit For Duty

Concerns have emerged regarding the Queensland Police Service's Toyota RAV4 Hybrid fleet, specifically about potential overheating of the hybrid battery during intense driving conditions. Despite these issues, Toyota maintains that the vehicle operates as designed, emphasizing that no problems have been reported during regular police activities.

This BMW X5 is Crossing 1,700 Miles of Desert Without GPS

BMW is returning to the Rebelle Rally, an eight-day navigation-focused off-road event, where Rebecca Donaghe and Rebecca Dalski will pilot a nearly stock X5 xDrive40i across approximately 1,700 miles of challenging terrain in California and Nevada. This year, the team aims to demonstrate the vehicle's capabilities while relying solely on traditional navigation methods, highlighting the X5's versatility beyond typical driving conditions.

1997 Toyota Supra 15th Anniversary With 87,900 Miles Could Sell for GR Supra Money

A pristine 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo 15th Anniversary Edition is available at auction, boasting a low mileage of 87,990 and a clean accident history, making it a sought-after find for enthusiasts. Equipped with the renowned 2JZ-GTE engine and featuring minimal modifications, this well-maintained vehicle comes with factory enhancements and a thorough service history, highlighting its appeal as a classic sports car.

Ultra-Rare Mercedes CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet for Sale

A rare convertible variant of the Mercedes CLK DTM AMG has been listed in a price-on-application classified ad, with the vehicle one of just six right-hand drive models from a total of 80 ever made. Built in 2004 to celebrate a victory in the DTM championship, the CLK DTM boasted a 585hp V8 engine and a widebody and aerodynamics kit intended to resemble the race car, with the convertible model following a couple of years later.

Hidden Time Capsule Camaro Z/28 Found After 41 Years With Just 306 Miles

An unusually low mileage example of the 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 has appeared in an auction listing, with the 306-mile car currently being part of a collection in Zebulon, North Carolina. While there’s no details on how the car was kept or serviced, despite originally being registered to a Chevrolet dealer in Pennsylvania, the car appears to be in original showroom condition and sports a 190hp L69 H.O. V8.

1968 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Restomod Looks Like a Spaceship on Starry-Like Wheels 

The C3 Corvette, produced from 1968 to 1982, stands out for its unique design inspired by the Mako Shark II concept and remains a favored choice for restomod enthusiasts. A striking example of this generation is a 1968 Stingray convertible, enhanced with custom wheels and a captivating color scheme, showcasing the blend of classic aesthetics and modern performance.

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