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Ferrari Amalfi Revealed, Replaces Roma
Andrew Evans
July 02, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Keanu Reeves set to narrate a Cadillac F1 documentary
North Yorkshire’s first speed camera destroyed on its first day
A new Lancia Delta HF Integrale is on its way
Silverstone to remain on F1’s calendar forever?
General Lee nearly jumps into trouble in Kentucky
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Ferrari has significantly revamped its entry-level model, rebranding the Roma as the Amalfi, which features a more aggressive design and enhanced performance to compete with new offerings from Aston Martin, Bentley, and Porsche. The interior has also been upgraded with a redesigned dashboard and center console, creating a more spacious feel and bringing back physical buttons, while maintaining the same structural dimensions as its predecessor.
Lancia is set to reintroduce the Delta HF Integrale in 2026, marking over three decades since the original model ceased production, with the new iteration expected to represent the brand's high-performance offerings. This announcement coincides with the unveiling of the Ypsilon Rally6 HF Racing, which is part of Lancia's renewed commitment to motorsport, following the launch of another rally car last year.
The 2026 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, available in Coupe, Cabriolet, and Targa variants, features an upgraded twin-turbo, 3.0-liter flat-six engine that delivers 473hp, marking a 30hp increase from its predecessor. While the model offers enhanced performance and new design elements, it exclusively comes with an eight-speed PDK transmission, eliminating the option for a manual gearbox.
Since its debut in 2022, the Toyota GR Corolla has been a highly anticipated model for European enthusiasts, with recent developments suggesting it may soon be available in the region. Toyota's plans to manufacture the GR Corolla in the UK indicate a commitment to meeting local demand, and it is expected to feature similar specifications to the GR Yaris, albeit with adjustments to comply with European emissions standards.
Geely is set to introduce its namesake automotive brand to the UK, starting with the electric crossover EX5, which will compete with models like the Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3. While specific UK specifications are still pending, the EX5 features a choice of battery sizes, a front-mounted motor delivering 215hp, and is expected to attract fleet buyers, with deliveries anticipated to commence by the end of the year.
Koenigsegg founder Christian von Koenigsegg has commented that the brand has no more cars left to sell at present, following the swift demand for the recently unveiled, limited edition Sadair’s Spear. The company is looking ahead to some new limited-run models set to debut in the next year or so, and reiterated its commitment to innovation and maintaining a connection to traditional combustion engines.
The European Parliament has granted automakers additional time to meet emissions targets, allowing a three-year average compliance period from 2025 to 2027 instead of an immediate requirement. Stellantis has expressed concern over potential fines of up to €2.5 billion due to emissions violations, prompting its leadership to consider significant operational changes to avoid penalties as regulations tighten further in the coming years.
The Range Rover Sport SV has officially joined Jaguar Land Rover's permanent lineup, following its initial limited release in 2024. This model now includes two versions: a standard SV and a more performance-oriented SV Black edition, both equipped with a powerful 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine, offering impressive acceleration and advanced suspension technology for enhanced handling.
Mercedes-AMG is set to launch the CLA 45 S Final Edition early next year, marking the end of this model with distinctive graphics and a two-tone color scheme. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 416hp, this limited edition will feature exclusive design elements and performance upgrades, available in both sedan and wagon configurations in Europe.
MOTORSPORT
Keanu Reeves will narrate a new documentary that explores Cadillac's ambitious efforts to establish itself in Formula 1 by the 2026 season. The film will offer an in-depth look at the challenges faced by the team as it develops from the ground up, providing insights on the creation of an American presence in a sport traditionally dominated by European teams.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula 1, expressed confidence that Silverstone will remain a permanent fixture on the racing calendar, citing the absence of viable alternatives for the British Grand Prix. He emphasized the circuit's historical significance and economic impact while addressing concerns about post-Brexit restrictions that could affect the sport's operations in the UK.
In the complex dynamics of Formula 1, discussions about Max Verstappen's potential move to Mercedes are intensifying, even as his contract with Red Bull extends to 2028. While the possibility of such a transition exists, it raises significant implications for both teams, especially regarding driver lineups and the future of Mercedes' young talent development.
Toto Wolff expressed his frustration with the ongoing challenges faced by Mercedes, particularly regarding the car's inconsistent performance, as exemplified by George Russell's fifth-place finish in Austria. While the team believes it has gained insights into these issues, Wolff noted the difficulty in consistently translating those learnings into improved results, especially as they prepare for the upcoming race at Silverstone.
Red Bull's hopes of surpassing Ferrari's long-standing F1 points-scoring record were dashed during a challenging race in Austria, where Max Verstappen qualified seventh and was eliminated on the first lap. The team's failure to earn any points ended its impressive streak of 77 consecutive races, four short of the record, leaving McLaren as the current leader with a streak of 49 points finishes.
Fernando Alonso maintains that the fundamental principles of racing in Formula 1 remain largely unchanged, asserting that he continues to drive based on instinct rather than strictly adhering to regulatory nuances. Despite recent discussions around the FIA's updated penalty guidelines, Alonso emphasizes that his approach to racing has not shifted significantly over the years, as drivers adapt to the evolving dynamics of each race.
Christian Horner emphasized that Red Bull is not lacking in intelligence despite a disappointing performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen was eliminated early and Yuki Tsunoda finished last. With Verstappen significantly trailing in the championship standings and the team struggling in the constructors' race, Horner pointed out that the same talented group responsible for their previous successes is still in place, and he acknowledged the need to adapt to regain competitiveness.
Racing Bulls and Williams will unveil updated designs for their cars during the upcoming British Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls has adopted a vibrant new aesthetic featuring playful graphics by artist Slawn, while Williams has opted for a more understated adjustment by incorporating red and white stripes on the nose of its vehicle.
Sebastien Ogier has announced his participation in Rally Finland as part of his limited schedule for the 2025 World Rally Championship, opting out of Rally Estonia later this month. This event will mark his sixth outing of the season, where he will join fellow Toyota drivers Kalle Rovanpera, Elfyn Evans, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari on the challenging Finnish terrain.
CURIOSITIES
North Yorkshire, in the UK, gained its first fixed speed camera only to find it vandalized and toppled just one day after its installation, prompting a police investigation into the incident. This camera was part of a trial aimed at enhancing road safety on a route known for serious accidents, and authorities are now seeking information from the public to identify those responsible for the damage.
During a Dukes of Hazzard-themed event in Somerset, Kentucky, a stunt involving a replica of the iconic General Lee nearly resulted in disaster when the vehicle came dangerously close to a cameraman after a dramatic jump. Fortunately, both the stuntman and the cameraman escaped unharmed, despite the car's rough landing and the chaos that ensued.
Now that "F1 The Movie" has hit theaters, players of the official game of the championship can see how its two stars rate in comparison to the rest of the grid. EA Sports' F1 25, which features the two characters for use in various game modes in its Iconic Edition, rates Brad Pitt’s Sonny Hayes at about the level of championship-leading racer Oscar Piastri while his young team-mate Joshua Pearce is roughly the equal of Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda.
A 12-year old boy has been apprehended by law enforcement in Pontiac, Michigan, after reportedly stealing multiple cars from a local business and selling them for personal gain. During the investigation, authorities discovered that he had entered several vehicles and was found with a license plate, with evidence suggesting he had sold at least one car for a mere $30.
Two thieves in Alhambra, California discovered how effective Apple’s AirTag is as a tracker after they were apprehended following their theft of a vehicle with the device inside. Despite their initial success in escaping, the criminals were tracked down by police thanks to the AirTag's ability to relay its location through nearby iPhones, ultimately leading to their arrest.
Arkansas law enforcement pursued a stolen Chevrolet Corvette after the driver fled during a traffic stop, ultimately leading to a controlled maneuver that caused the vehicle to slide into a ditch. The trooper, expressing concern about damaging the car, attempted to persuade the driver to stop before executing the maneuver, resulting in the arrest of the driver on multiple charges.
Starting next week, Texas will eliminate temporary paper license plates in favor of metal plates that are linked to specific names and addresses, a change aimed at improving law enforcement's ability to monitor vehicles. This transition, which follows a law signed by Governor Greg Abbott in 2023, is expected to help reduce criminal activity associated with easily forged paper tags.
A property in Orange County, California, is currently on the market, featuring a main house with eight bedrooms and additional guest accommodations that bring the total to twelve. Among its numerous amenities are a car museum with a focus on classic American vehicles from the 1930s, alongside facilities like a helipad, tennis court, and horse stables.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno recently declared a strict stance against street racing after an incident involving an 18-year old driver, but a video surfaced suggesting he himself participated in such behavior. The footage, reportedly captured by a local jeweler, has raised questions about Marceno's credibility as he appears to be racing in a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder on public roads, especially given his history of public statements condemning reckless driving.
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