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- Ferrari SC40: A One-Off F40 Homage
Ferrari SC40: A One-Off F40 Homage
Andrew Evans
October 20, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Disney & Volkswagen agree Zootopia 2 partnership
Red Bull fined for grid breach in attempt to remove rival’s marker tape
Bentley releases trio of anniversary special Flying Spurs
Circuit of the Americas will host US Grand Prix to 2034
Battle-damaged Fast & Furious cars hit auction
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Ferrari’s special projects division has introduced a one-off model named the SC40, derived from the 296 GTB, which pays homage to the legendary F40 through its design and name. This exclusive vehicle retains the 296's mid-engine configuration, with an 819hp hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, with unique bodywork.
Bentley has introduced a limited series of models to celebrate three important milestones in its history, including the 60th anniversary of the T Series, the 40th anniversary of the Turbo R, and the 20th anniversary of the Flying Spur. Crafted by the Mulliner division, these editions reflect the original designs and characteristics of their predecessors with special coloring, each based on the current Flying Spur.
Volkswagen is set to end production of the Touareg SUV in 2026, marking the conclusion of its production run that began over two decades ago, despite its absence from the US market since 2017. The Touareg played a pivotal role in shaping the luxury crossover segment and served as a foundation for models like the Lamborghini Urus, with a special Final Edition coming before its retirement.
The UK’s most popular car over the past sixty years has dramatically grown in size and weight, from the compact Austin/Morris 1100 to the larger Ford Puma SUV, raising concerns about safety and environmental impact. Factors driving this growth include consumer perceptions of protection and status, alongside the profitability of larger models, prompting discussions about the implications for road safety and urban infrastructure.
Manfred Harrer has taken on significant roles in the automotive industry, transitioning from overseeing electric steering innovations at Porsche to leading vehicle development at Hyundai Motor Group. Now responsible for guiding a large team of engineers, he manages the creation of vehicles for diverse global markets, impacting millions of cars produced annually.
Porsche has appointed Michael Leiters as its new CEO, effective January 1, succeeding Oliver Blume, who has held the position for a decade. Leiters brings extensive automotive experience, having previously worked at Porsche for 13 years before becoming Ferrari’s chief technology officer, and most recently serving as CEO of McLaren.
Mate Rimac is in talks to acquire Porsche's 45% share in Bugatti Rimac, a move that would grant him complete control and expedite the brand's shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles. This potential acquisition would not only eliminate Porsche's oversight but also position Rimac as a prominent figure in the high-performance electric vehicle sector, merging luxury with advanced technology.
BMW has secured a significant contract with Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office, selecting the 7 Series Protection as the new armored vehicle for high-ranking officials, marking a notable departure from the long-standing use of Mercedes models. This specialized vehicle is engineered from the ground up to offer comprehensive protection and advanced features, ensuring both safety and luxury for its occupants.
Ford has unveiled the 2026 RTR Package for the Mustang EcoBoost, which features a drift-oriented setup using components from higher-performance Mustang variants and unique elements from RTR. The decision to focus on the EcoBoost model, rather than a V8, aims to attract novice drivers with its lighter weight and better handling characteristics, while also keeping the overall cost more accessible.
MOTORSPORT
Stewards at the United States Grand Prix imposed a €50,000 fine on Red Bull Racing, with half of that amount suspended, due to a team member's attempt to access the grid against the directives of race marshals during the formation lap. The incident involved the removal of a tape marker intended to assist Lando Norris in positioning his car accurately, highlighting a breach of safety protocols that could have compromised the race's integrity.
The organizers of the United States Grand Prix in Austin have secured an eight-year extension with Formula 1, ensuring the event will continue at the Circuit of the Americas through the 2034 season. This agreement highlights the growing popularity of F1 in the U.S., with significant attendance and ongoing investments in infrastructure to enhance the race experience.
Max Verstappen secured a commanding victory at the United States Grand Prix, intensifying the competition for McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the championship standings. With Norris finishing second and Piastri in fifth, the gap between them has narrowed to 14 points, while Verstappen now trails Piastri by 40 points as the season approaches its conclusion.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, indicated that the possibility of prioritizing either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris in the 2025 championship battle will depend on mathematical standings, particularly if one driver is no longer in contention. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to extend their lead over Max Verstappen in the upcoming races, emphasizing that strategic decisions will be guided solely by the points situation.
Lando Norris expressed his frustration with what he deemed an unreasonable regulation during the US Grand Prix, where he faced the risk of a penalty due to strict track limit enforcement. He noted that while he aimed to compete aggressively, the fear of incurring additional penalties forced him to adopt a more cautious approach as the race progressed.
Alpine's management plans to evaluate the situation involving Franco Colapinto's decision to overtake Pierre Gasly during the latter stages of the United States Grand Prix, despite instructions to maintain their positions. The incident arose as Colapinto, benefiting from fresher tyres, sought to fend off an approaching competitor while the team was focused on fuel management and race strategy.
Carlos Sainz will face a five-position drop on the grid for the Mexican Grand Prix due to being found primarily at fault for a collision with Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the United States Grand Prix. The incident, which resulted in significant damage to Sainz's car and his subsequent retirement from the race, led stewards to impose a grid penalty and additional points on his superlicence.
George Russell expressed concerns that overtaking in Formula 1 has diminished significantly, with race outcomes heavily influenced by qualifying positions and the initial moments of the race. He noted his inability to advance from sixth place due to being stuck behind other competitors, emphasizing the critical role of qualifying in determining race success.
In the closing moments of the NASCAR Cup race at Talladega, Kyle Larson seemed poised for a breakthrough victory but ultimately finished in 26th place after his car unexpectedly dropped to the apron. With this outcome, he now finds himself in a precarious position for the upcoming Martinsville race, holding the last transfer spot and needing to outperform Christopher Bell, who is just one point ahead, to avoid elimination.
CURIOSITIES
Volkswagen has entered into a partnership with Disney to promote Zootopia 2, featuring animated electric vehicles branded as "Wolfswagen" in the film. This collaboration includes a comprehensive marketing strategy that aims to connect with diverse audiences while emphasizing the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation.
A trio of Range Rovers that had a role in the Fast and Furious series spin-off Hobbs And Shaw head to auction later this month, although they bear some marks from their experience. Each vehicle was purpose-built for the film, featuring a standard 4.4-liter V8 and all-wheel drive, LED lighting, and a dual-pedal Wilwood skid brake for stunt driving, with one showing significant damage and the others modified with stunt, roof-mounted machine gun pods.
Inspired by the efficiency of Formula 1 pit crews, a neonatal intensive care unit in England revamped its handover processes, leading to significant improvements in teamwork and communication. This innovative approach, which involved adopting structured roles and protocols, has contributed to saving numerous infants' lives by enhancing safety and operational effectiveness in medical settings worldwide.
A West Virginia police officer is facing legal action after detaining a driver who flashed his headlights to alert others about a speed trap, an act that some courts have previously recognized as protected free speech. This incident reflects a broader trend where law enforcement officials may take issue with such warnings, despite their intent to promote safety on the road.
In the Road To Success Stories podcast, Jay Leno revealed that his decision to steer clear of Ferrari is rooted in his negative experiences with their dealerships, rather than a lack of appreciation for the vehicles themselves. While he respects the brand's engineering, Leno's found its purchasing process overly demanding and demeaning, leading him to favor other luxury automakers that prioritize customer satisfaction.
Playmobil is introducing a collection of whimsical, miniature models of iconic vehicles, including the Porsche Carrera GT and Ferrari 250 GTO, designed with playful proportions and accompanied by a figurine for added charm. Set to launch in Europe ahead of the holiday season, these limited edition items are priced at £24.99 each, with availability expected to expand globally by early 2026.
A one-of-five Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang that features a unique exterior finish without any additional paint recently sold at auction through RM Sotheby’s for around $2.3m. Most of the car’s body is finished in polished aluminum, with areas like the roof and hood remaining as exposed carbon fiber, resulting in the car weighing 90kg less than a standard Pur Sang and a buoyant sale price for the 4,740-mile car.
Massachusetts has reportedly eliminated street takeovers following a statewide enforcement initiative after a police cruiser was attacked by a mob and set on fire. Governor Healey has allocated $14 million in public safety grants to enhance law enforcement efforts and address illegal gatherings across the state, with recent operations resulting in numerous citations and arrests.
The Andretti family, a prominent name in motorsports, is offering its former residence for sale at $11.9 million, located on a spacious waterfront lot near Indianapolis. This expansive property, which boasts 21,000 square feet of living space and proximity to the upcoming Andretti Global headquarters, is expected to attract buyers quickly due to its size and desirable location.
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