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Ferrari 499P to Make Hot Wheels Debut
Andrew Evans
April 07, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Verstappen cruises to Suzuka Win
More Ferrari Hot Wheels on the way
Meet the tiny, one-seat EV from Japan
McLaren’s Suzuka strategy under fire
Land Rover halts US exports amid tariff uncertainty
Rare BAC Mono X comes up for sale
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a temporary halt on car exports to the United States due to the recent implementation of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles. This decision comes as the company reassesses its strategy in light of the new trade conditions, which are expected to significantly affect both UK manufacturers and the broader automotive market.
Japan's electric vehicle industry faces challenges, but innovative startups like KG Motors Co. are stepping in to fill the gap with its compact one-seat EV, the Mibot, which is designed for efficient urban commuting. With a modest battery range and a focus on short-distance travel, the Mibot aims to provide a practical and appealing alternative to traditional vehicles, catering to the needs of modern city dwellers.
The UK government has eased its zero-emission vehicle regulations to support the automotive sector, particularly in response to the recent 25% tariffs imposed by the US on imported vehicles. Key adjustments include allowing 'full' hybrid models to remain available until 2035, exempting smaller manufacturers from strict electric vehicle sales targets, and providing greater flexibility for all automakers in meeting their annual EV goals.
In an effort to address severe air pollution, Delhi's government is initiating a ban on refueling vehicles older than 15 years, alongside plans to transition to electric buses and stricter regulations on emissions for heavy vehicles. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to phase out gas and diesel vehicles by 2035, aiming to significantly reduce harmful emissions in the city.
Land Rover is set to introduce a compact version of the Defender, known as the 'Baby Defender', which will join its electric SUV lineup and share the new EMA platform with other models like the Range Rover Evoque and Discovery Sport. This smaller variant is designed to maintain the rugged aesthetics of its larger counterpart while focusing more on urban driving, with a potential launch date as early as 2027.
Hyundai will discontinue its complementary maintenance program for models starting in 2026, moving towards a pre-paid maintenance plan instead. Customers purchasing 2025 models will still benefit from the existing coverage, while future buyers can choose from new maintenance options that offer varying levels of service.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel battery coating that enhances charging speed and extends range for electric vehicles in cold weather. This innovative approach allows for significantly faster charging times, potentially under ten minutes, while maintaining battery efficiency without requiring major changes in current manufacturing processes.
Despite the rise of crossovers and SUVs, the BMW 3 Series continues to lead the luxury segment, celebrating its 50th anniversary with the release of a special edition in China. With over 20 million units sold since its inception, the 3 Series remains a significant model in BMW's lineup, marking a transition as the next generation is set to debut while production shifts from Munich to Dingolfing.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen secured his first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 season at the Japanese Grand Prix, maintaining a 1.4-second lead over the McLaren drivers throughout the race. Despite attempts from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to challenge him, Verstappen's strong start and strategic pit stop allowed him to fend off any threats and finish comfortably ahead.
Lando Norris suggested that McLaren might have explored alternative strategies during the Japanese Grand Prix, although his teammate Oscar Piastri did not express dissatisfaction with the decision to keep their positions unchanged late in the race. Despite Piastri showing stronger pace in the latter stages, the team opted to maintain their order, prioritizing its original strategy over potential position swaps.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli made history by becoming the youngest driver to lead a Formula 1 race and achieve the fastest lap during the Japanese Grand Prix, ultimately finishing sixth for Mercedes. At just 18 years and 224 days old, he demonstrated impressive skill and confidence, outpacing seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, while reflecting on the valuable experience gained from the race.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, addressed the challenges posed by Lewis Hamilton's remarks regarding the SF-25, particularly the necessity to increase the car's ride height to prevent issues like those that led to Hamilton's disqualification in China. He emphasized the delicate balance the team must maintain between adhering to regulations and optimizing performance, noting that while all teams face similar constraints, Ferrari's current standing in the constructors' championship reflects the ongoing struggle to find the right setup.
Yuki Tsunoda faced challenges during his Red Bull debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, finishing 12th after struggling with qualifying and race pace. Despite the disappointing outcome, he noted improvements in his performance and confidence, and team management expressed optimism for his development in the upcoming races.
Carlos Sainz Jnr has been penalized €20,000 for being tardy to the national anthem ceremony at the Japanese Grand Prix, with half of the fine suspended contingent upon no further violations in the next year. The stewards acknowledged his late arrival was due to a stomach issue, which was confirmed by medical personnel, leading to a reduction from the standard penalty amount.
Lando Norris expresses his ambition to win the Formula 1 championship while remaining true to his character, emphasizing the importance of kindness over aggression. He candidly shares his mental health challenges and the fulfillment he finds in positively impacting others' lives, highlighting that personal well-being and connections hold greater significance than racing victories.
Max Verstappen reflected on his surprising pole position at the Japanese Grand Prix, describing it as potentially one of his standout laps despite a challenging weekend. After struggling with his car's balance and initially lagging behind competitors, he took a bold approach during his final qualifying run, which ultimately paid off and left both his team and rivals astonished.
Helmut Marko clarified why he hadn't reached out to Yuki Tsunoda following the latter's promotion to Red Bull, citing issues with Tsunoda's phone numbers and time zone differences. Despite the delay in communication, Marko acknowledged Tsunoda's strong performance during practice, noting his competitive lap times compared to teammate Max Verstappen.
Oliver Bearman expressed his astonishment at advancing to Q3 during the Suzuka qualifying session, attributing part of his success to a strategy of closely following the pit wall in a manner similar to one used in the iRacing sim. Although this technique initially yielded positive results, he ultimately miscalculated on his final lap, resulting in a loss of control and a collision with the wall.
FUN STUFF
The BAC Mono X combines the thrill of a single-seater race car with street legality, featuring a striking design inspired by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. With a lightweight build and a powerful 315-horsepower engine, this vehicle offers an exhilarating driving experience both on the track and the road, making it a unique option for enthusiasts seeking a raw automotive adventure.
Mattel is preparing to unveil a highly anticipated line of Ferrari models, beginning with the 499P Modificata and 312P models of which photographs have emerged on ebay. Available as a two-piece set through the Mattel Creations Red Line Club, for a reported $100, both models feature carefully recreated castings with opening rear sections to reveal the engines beneath.
An elderly woman driving a 2003 Chevrolet Corvette lost control and crashed into a building in Eureka, Missouri, with her flip-flop reportedly stuck under the throttle. Although she sustained minor injuries and was treated at a hospital, the damage to both the vehicle and the structure is significant, raising concerns about the cost of repairs.
The Magarigawa Club, located in Chiba, Japan, offers an exclusive experience, combining luxury amenities with a 3.5-kilometer racetrack designed by Hermann Tilke. Recently, automotive enthusiasts gathered at the club to showcase impressive vehicles, including RennCurator's Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport 25, amidst a backdrop of stunning engineering and breathtaking scenery.
The 1969 Dodge Charger, originally available with a rare six-cylinder engine option, saw limited interest from buyers, with most opting for the more powerful R/T models featuring larger V8 engines. Currently listed for sale, one Charger in need of extensive restoration is equipped with a 383ci engine and is being offered at a starting price of $18,000, with a "Buy It Now" option set at $23,400.
IShowSpeed, a prominent YouTube streamer with over 38 million followers, is currently in China exploring local automotive offerings, including the Yangwang U9, which he expressed interest in purchasing but found could not be imported to the US. His enthusiastic livestreams highlight a growing curiosity among younger audiences about Chinese vehicles, suggesting potential demand if these brands were to enter the American market in the future.
Law enforcement agencies globally are increasingly using AI-powered cameras to monitor and identify distracted drivers, with the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department in Minnesota reporting 10,000 violations in just one month. This innovative approach, which includes both stationary and mobile units, aims to enhance road safety by targeting behaviors such as phone use and seatbelt noncompliance.
The custom-built Obi-Van Kenobi, crafted by Sandy Vans, is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter designed with a tasteful Star Wars theme, featuring elements like a lightsaber-shaped light and a Death Star-inspired ceiling. This compact camper van combines practicality with unique design, offering ample seating and storage while maintaining a stylish aesthetic throughout.
Pontiac's legacy in the muscle car arena began with the GTO, which debuted in 1963, setting the stage for the introduction of the Judge in 1969 as a budget-friendly variant, although it ultimately became one of the pricier options in its class. Years later, a 1968 Le Mans was transformed into a Judge clone using original GTO components, and after being rediscovered in a barn, it is now undergoing restoration to fulfill the vision of its original creator.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!