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- Ferrari F50 Once Owned by Ralph Lauren Set to Break Auction Record
Ferrari F50 Once Owned by Ralph Lauren Set to Break Auction Record
Andrew Evans
April 29, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Electric MX-5 patent drawings revealed
FIA could back down on swearing rules
Project Motor Racing sim pre-orders open
Manufacturers seek Hypercar regulation freeze to 2032
Kia reveals its ID.Buzz rival, PV5 Passenger
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
While Mazda has assured fans that the MX-5 will remain petrol-powered for the foreseeable future, the company seems to have been preparing for a possible electric variant in line with regulatory pressures. Recently discovered patent filings outline a design aimed at maintaining the MX-5's iconic character while accommodating electric components.
Kia has presented its first electric commercial vehicle, the PV5, at the CV Show in Birmingham, which will also offer a passenger variant known as the PV5 Passenger, starting at £32,995. This model, which features the E-GMP.S electric platform and offers two battery options with ranges of up to 249 miles, aims to compete with similar vehicles like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and various van-based MPVs.
BMW is set to expand its lineup of estate vehicles in response to the strong demand for the M3 and M5 Touring models. The upcoming i3 will mark the beginning of the Neue Klasse series, featuring an electric variant alongside traditional combustion engine models, and will also be available in a Touring configuration.
Skoda has partnered with Amazon to feature its vehicles on the platform, marking a first for the UK automotive market, although direct purchases through the site are not yet available. Customers can explore Skoda's full range, including electric models and the Octavia vRS, while initiating the process of trading in their current vehicle before visiting a dealer for final arrangements.
California is seeking to revise its autonomous vehicle regulations, which would enable the testing of fully autonomous heavy-duty trucks on state highways while imposing stricter data reporting and validation requirements for light-duty vehicles. These proposed changes reflect the state's aim to enhance safety and oversight in the rapidly evolving AV landscape, allowing for a more comprehensive framework as public and private stakeholders prepare to provide feedback.
The latest Citroen C5 Aircross, now in its second generation, features a striking design and is built on the versatile STLA Medium platform, which accommodates various powertrains, including combustion, hybrid, and electric options. With a focus on comfort and sustainability, this crossover offers advanced suspension and spacious interiors with innovative materials that include plastics made from discarded vine shoots from Burgundy.
In response to recent tariffs, Porsche is navigating challenges related to vehicle shipments and dealer inventory, with conflicting reports about halted deliveries. While some dealers claim new vehicles are not being released, Porsche maintains that shipments are ongoing and has taken steps to ensure customer orders remain stable amid the evolving situation.
Tesla is reportedly developing a more affordable vehicle, with a prototype recently observed at the Fremont factory, which appears to lack conventional features like doors and a roof. Speculation suggests this model, internally referred to as "E80," could serve as a budget-friendly version of the Model Y, potentially equipped with a smaller battery and fewer amenities to reduce costs.
Telo is developing the MT1 electric truck, which features a compact size similar to a Mini Cooper SE but boasts a significantly larger battery and an impressive range of up to 350 miles. Targeting a niche market for affordable, lightweight utility vehicles, the company aims to provide a unique alternative to traditional heavy trucks while navigating the challenges of safety regulations and production costs.
MOTORSPORT
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is contemplating revisions to the contentious anti-swearing regulation set for the 2025 season, which has led to significant fines for numerous drivers across different racing series. While acknowledging feedback from competitors, he emphasizes the importance of evolving rules to enhance accessibility in motorsport, although the timing and specifics of any proposed changes remain uncertain.
Most Hypercar manufacturers are advocating for a three-year extension of the existing regulations, which currently run until 2029, to continue through the 2032 FIA World Endurance Championship season. This proposed extension aims to accommodate new entrants like Genesis, Ford, and McLaren, while also allowing for a smoother transition as the industry navigates evolving technologies and economic challenges.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding complacency as the team looks to build on its strong season start. With rookie Kimi Antonelli performing well and George Russell stepping into a leadership role, the team aims to leverage insights gained from previous races to enhance their performance in the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.
As of 2025, Aston Martin has experienced a significant decline in performance, managing only 10 points after five races, all for Lance Stroll, in stark contrast to its previous year's success. The team is currently in a transitional phase, focusing on development for 2026 while grappling with ongoing challenges in car performance and consistency.
Both Racing Bulls and Stake F1 have teased unique liveries for the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, with Racing Bulls hinting at a pink design set to be revealed on April 30. Additionally, Stake F1's promotional video creatively references the Grand Theft Auto video game, while Ferrari has also announced plans for a special livery during this sixth round of the season.
Formula 1 has significantly expanded its presence in the United States over the past five years, with a reported 52 million fans now engaging with the sport, marking a notable increase in viewership and partnerships. This growth is attributed to strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing fan interaction, including the influence of popular media like "Drive to Survive," which has helped attract a younger audience and solidify F1's place in the American sports landscape.
Brittany Force recently piloted a Top Fuel dragster to a new world record of 341.59mph during a qualifying run in the 4-Wide Nationals over an eighth mile. It’s the first time that a Top Fuel car has exceeded 340mph, with Force beating her own record by just under 3mph, in a 3.667s pass over the distance.
ODDITIES
A 1995 Ferrari F50, previously owned by renowned designer Ralph Lauren, is set to be auctioned after remaining largely unseen since 2009, with an estimated sale price between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. This particular model, one of only 55 built to US specifications of which just two were painted in Giallo Modena, has been driven less than 5,400 miles and is expected to fetch a record price for its kind at auction.
GIANTS Software has revealed that Project Motor Racing, created by Straight4 Studios, is scheduled for release this fall on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series consoles. The game will feature over 70 vehicles from various racing classes and 27 tracks that will include dynamic weather effects, with pre-orders now open for its digital edition.
Polyphony Digital has begun selling tickets for the inaugural live event of the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series, set to occur in London on June 7. This event marks the first live gathering in the city since 2016 and will take place at the historic BBC Television Centre, featuring a General Admission ticket priced at £30, which grants access to both the Manufacturers Cup and Nations Cup competitions.
A large concrete bowl, in an unknown location possibly in China, has been transformed by car enthusiasts into a bizarre motorsport arena filled with soapy water, attracting a variety of vehicles from luxury sedans to rugged trucks. While the exact nature of this activity remains unclear, social media has showcased several videos of participants attempting to navigate the slippery surface, raising questions about the rules and objectives of this unconventional competition.
An extremely low-mileage, first-generation Mazda RX-7 has come up for auction in the USA showing under 1,600 miles on its clocks since it was first sold in 1982. Although not a particularly high-performance vehicle, with only 100hp from the carbureted rotary engine and acceleration figures blunted by the three-speed automatic, its high specification and good condition would make it an ideal candidate for modern-classic car shows.
A recent survey indicates that nearly half of Tesla owners have faced acts of vandalism, with repair costs averaging around $1,900. Additionally, a significant portion of owners express anxiety about leaving their vehicles in public, reflecting concerns about safety and rising insurance costs.
In a curious incident in a Chicago suburb, a Brinks truck inadvertently released several bags of cash, leading to a chaotic scene as bystanders seized the unexpected opportunity. While legally the money is considered stolen, with $300,000 reportedly taken by the crowd, the situation raises questions about accountability and the implications of the "finders keepers" principle in such unusual circumstances.
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