Ferrari F80 Breaks Cover

Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, Ferrari is celebrating a landmark anniversary with the 1,184hp Ferrari F80, while Formula 1 is bringing about some rule changes for 2025. As always, if you find our newsletter intriguing, feel free to share it with friends who might enjoy a daily dose of automotive excitement.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

Ferrari has unveiled the F80, its most powerful road car to date, featuring an electrified V6 powertrain that produces 1184bhp and incorporates technology from both its Formula 1 and Le Mans racing cars. Limited to 799 units and priced from £3 million, the F80 showcases advanced aerodynamics and an active suspension system, while its design draws inspiration from both classic Ferrari models and futuristic concepts.

Rivian is launching a Halloween software update that allows owners of the R1S and R1T to customize their vehicles with themed features inspired by iconic pop culture, including KITT from Knight Rider and Doc Brown's Time Machine from Back to the Future. The update, available until November 4, includes visual and audio enhancements, such as the ability to display character diagnostics, play show themes, and transform the Gear Guard, alongside Halloween-themed animations and sounds for both Gen 1 and Gen 2 models.

Subaru is introducing the Galaxy Purple Pearl color on the BRZ Series.Purple Special Edition, which is limited to 500 units and features cosmetic enhancements like satin silver wheels and exclusive interior stitching. The special edition is based on the Limited trim and includes performance upgrades such as the STI short throw shifter and flexible V-Bar, with a starting price of $36,565.

Stellantis is temporarily halting production of the Fiat Panda due to challenging market conditions, despite its status as Italy's best-selling car and an annual 21% increase in sales. Planned work stoppages at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant, along with others, will begin on November 11 and affect both Panda production and engine assembly.

While Tesla electric vehicles have gained traction among civilians, they face criticism from police departments in California due to space and usability issues in the Model 3 and Model Y, which lack dedicated police packages. In contrast, the Fort Bragg Police Department has found success with the F-150 Lightning SSV, and plans to transition its fleet to all-electric vehicles within two years.

Protean Electric has developed in-wheel motors (IWMs) that integrate the entire drive unit within the wheel, enhancing vehicle packaging and efficiency while meeting durability requirements. Their latest models, the PD18 and PD16, cater to various vehicle types and architectures, with an expected 800V version on the horizon.

Electric vehicle fires are less common than those involving gasoline cars, but they pose significant challenges when they do occur, primarily due to the risk of thermal runaway in batteries. In response, the U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $670 million loan to Aspen Aerogels to develop lightweight thermal barriers for EV batteries, with production expected to begin in 2027, potentially supplying enough barriers for 2 million vehicles annually and creating hundreds of jobs.

The 2025 model year for the Toyota GR Corolla will be the first to offer an automatic transmission option to increase its appeal, but Toyota expects that the majority of customers will still opt for the three-pedal version. Additional features for 2025 include a new Premium Plus trim, more torque, and a launch control feature for the automatic models.

Maserati has launched the GT2 Stradale, a lightweight and more powerful version of its MC20 supercar, priced at £338,880, making it the most expensive model in the brand's history. The GT2 Stradale features enhanced aerodynamics, a refined suspension setup, and a new driving mode, with deliveries set to begin in April next year.

MOTORSPORT

Lewis Hamilton has commented on a controversial device fitted to Red Bulls cars in Formula 1, which the FIA is investigating. He acknowledged Red Bull's history of innovation in the sport, while emphasizing the need for continued evolution and better regulation within the racing community.

The FIA has opted to drop the fastest lap bonus point from 2025, with the decision coming shortly after a controversy at the Singapore Grand Prix where Daniel Ricciardo gained the point only to be dropped by the RB team. Drivers, including title contender Lando Norris who missed out in Singapore, have expressed uncertainty about the rationale behind the adjustment.

Mercedes is revisiting its plans for the 2025 Formula 1 car, with George Russell indicating that the team will implement several changes to the W16 following a thorough review of its W15 design. As the team prepares for the upcoming United States Grand Prix, Russell expressed optimism about a new upgrade that aims to improve their competitiveness, acknowledging that they have been out of sync with rivals regarding upgrade timings.

The newly formed Toyota Gazoo Racing North America has introduced the GR Corolla TC, a new all-wheel-drive race car set to compete in the TC America series starting in 2025. This GR Corolla TC features a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a unique all-wheel-drive system, along with racing-specific enhancements such as adjustable dampers and a FIA-spec roll cage.

As the Circuit of The Americas gears up for its 12th hosting of the US Grand Prix, Haas F1, McLaren, and Alpine have unveiled new liveries for the event. Haas features a patriotic design with stars and stripes, McLaren brings back a chrome finish in honor of its partnership with Google, and Alpine showcases a unique Indiana Jones-themed look in collaboration with Xbox.

Max Verstappen has expressed that Oscar Piastri should not accept a second-driver role at McLaren, arguing that he deserves to compete for victories alongside Lando Norris. As the F1 season nears its conclusion, Verstappen highlighted the strength of the McLaren duo and their rapid development, noting that McLaren now leads the constructors' championship over Red Bull.

CURIOSITIES

In a recent U-drag race, the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire competed, showcasing their impressive power with the Tesla at 1,020 horsepower and the Lucid at 1,234 horsepower. The Lucid maintained a lead throughout both races, ultimately setting a new U-drag record, finishing 1.7 seconds faster than the second-place McLaren 765LT, while the Plaid placed fourth with a best time of 29.8 seconds.

There’s a growing trend of 3D printing within the Miata community, with enthusiasts using affordable printers to create custom parts for their vehicles. This DIY approach not only allows for cost-effective modifications but also fosters creativity, as owners experiment with designs ranging from functional components to unique bodywork.

Dutch race car shop Vink Motorsport, a BMW-focused outfit, has restored some classic BMW race cars, including the Team Eggenberger Motorsport BMW E28 that won the 1982 European Touring Car Championship. The shop is also restoring a BMW Alpina E30 DTM, one of only two remaining, and converting a BMW M1 into a Procar.

A recent discussion on Reddit highlighted the confusion surrounding the right of way at a four-way stop intersection in Australia, where all four roads are equipped with stop signs but no traffic lights. The general consensus among commenters is that the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right of way, while in cases of simultaneous arrival, drivers should yield to the vehicle on their right.

A fire at the Creole On Yorktown apartment complex in Houston, Texas, on October 14 destroyed over 30 parked vehicles, including a classic Mercedes-Benz SL, reportedly due to an electrical short in one car. While no injuries were reported, affected car owners are left questioning liability for replacements, as insurance experts suggest they may need to cover the costs themselves.

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