Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Honda-Nissan merger collapses

• Delivery scammers steal another Rolls-Royce

• Netflix eyes Formula 1 broadcast rights

• Super GT to abandon aggregate qualifying

• EVs beat ICE when it comes to making a splash

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

New spy shots of the upcoming electric Jaguar super-GT have revealed more details on the car’s design as the brand prepares to unveil its first new model since the I-Pace. The new car, based on December's Type 00 concept, was spotted in winter testing near the Arctic Circle, and the production version is expected to be revealed later this year with over 575 horsepower and a range exceeding 430 miles. [Autocar]

While luxury automakers continue to focus on personalization as a key source of revenue, Ferrari is looking to limit options in order protect the brand’s identity and maintain second-hand values. The company has long-maintained a loose grip on particularly outlandish options, reputedly never allowing pink body colors, but is looking to an even more controlled approach to color and trim choices moving forward - and may blacklist owners who perform uncouth modifications to their own cars. [Car Throttle]

Nissan has officially terminated its merger discussions with Honda, which were complicated by Honda's proposal to make Nissan a subsidiary, potentially undermining its independence. As Nissan explores new partnerships, including potential collaborations with US tech firms and Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, the automaker faces significant challenges, including a sharp decline in net income and the need for strategic adjustments amid a competitive market. [Autoblog]

Toyota's RAV4 has reclaimed its position as the top-selling vehicle in the United States for 2024, surpassing the Ford F-150 with 475,193 units sold, marking a significant year for the compact SUV. Despite the F-Series trucks maintaining higher overall sales when combined, the RAV4's impressive year-over-year growth highlights its strong market presence amidst increasing competition. [TFLcar]

Volvo is looking to capitalize on another year of record sales with the launch of a half-dozen new and refreshed cars over the next couple of years. The Swedish marque achieved record sales for the second year in a row in 2024, delivering 8% more vehicles than 2023 at 763,389 units, and will launch new cars like the EX30 Cross Country and the ES90 electric sedan in 2025 alone. [Motor1]

Renault is looking for lightweight test drivers as it seeks to break efficiency records in its radical new Filante concept car. The Filante project emphasizes lightweight design to the point of requiring a driver weighing in at less than 50kg - less than the lightest F1 driver, Yuki Tsunoda - with its advanced aerodynamics and cutting-edge technologies and materials potentially influencing future production models. [PistonHeads​.com]

Ford is anticipating significant losses for its electric vehicle division over the next 12 months, caused by high expenses linked to battery production as well as investment in new technologies and platforms. The Model e division lost more than $5bn in 2024 and is expected to incur a similar deficit in 2025, as the company gears up to produce more affordable electric models by 2027. [Motor1]

Cadillac is developing a new electric V-Series crossover, the 2026 Optiq-V, which is expected to deliver over 500 horsepower. While the prototype features a sporty design with upgraded wheels and brakes, it may face challenges with range due to its powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive system. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has revealed that Andrea Stella initially hesitated to accept the position of team principal, despite his encouragement. After taking on the role for the 2023 season, Stella faced challenges but successfully guided the team through a difficult start, ultimately leading to a significant turnaround and championship success. [RacingNews365]

SUPER GT officials have announced a return to the knockout system for the 2025 season in response to last year's backlash regarding the aggregate qualifying format. This decision, confirmed by GTA chairman Masaaki Bandoh, aims to enhance the competitive experience at the season opener in Okayama International Circuit, following widespread dissatisfaction from teams and fans. [Sportscar365]

Toto Wolff has expressed that Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes was a timely decision, coinciding with the team's plans to undergo a transformation in 2025. After a remarkable tenure marked by numerous achievements, Hamilton concluded his time with Mercedes at the end of 2024 to join Ferrari, while Kimi Antonelli will take his place. [RacingNews365]

Netflix is set to bid for the live broadcasting rights of Formula 1 in the United States from 2026 onwards, following the expiration of ESPN's current contract. The streaming platform, which has significantly contributed to F1's popularity through its "Drive to Survive" series, is expanding its live sports strategy, having recently appointed a new head for sports content and secured various high-profile streaming agreements. [Autosport]

David Coulthard will be among a diverse roster of elite racers at the inaugural Race of Champions in Australia, scheduled for March 2025. This event, featuring a mix of motorsport champions from various disciplines, will occur at Accor Stadium in Sydney, just prior to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix. [Drive]

Former Formula One designer Gordon Murray has stated that winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans is harder than taking an F1 championship. Murray, a distinguished figure in the automotive industry, has the rare experience of achieving both feats as his McLaren cars took four consecutive double titles from 1988 to 1991 while the McLaren F1 also famously won Le Mans with a 1-3-4-5 finish in 1995. [The Drive]

Formula E has revealed a new lineup of celebrity participants for its Evo Sessions initiative, which will occur between the Jeddah and Miami E-Prix events. Among those involved are notable figures such as actor Tom Felton and automotive influencers, who will engage in a six-week training program culminating in a two-day track event at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. [RACER]

Lewis Hamilton has bade farewell to his Mercedes colleagues with a thoughtful gift as he transitions to Ferrari, where he will partner with Charles Leclerc. After concluding his tenure with Mercedes at the end of 2024, Hamilton commissioned a unique artwork of his 2019 Monaco Grand Prix victory, with the original gifted to Brackley and 3,000 prints of the Paul Oz work given to the team’s employees. [RacingNews365]

The Optima King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley is set to showcase intense competition over the next three days, featuring top drivers in the Can-Am UTV Hammers Championship race and other events. As the week progresses, participants have demonstrated their skills across various categories, with notable performances highlighting the challenges and excitement of off-road racing. [RACER]

FUN STUFF

Another prospective Rolls-Royce owner has fallen victim to a delivery scam in which his new Dawn vehicle was redirected in transport by thieves. Nader Eldamouni, a Michigan resident, recently reported that his newly purchased Rolls Royce Dawn vanished during its transport from South Florida, the latest theft of high-value cars involving the manipulation of delivery logistics. [Carscoops]

Having suspended the auction of its retired vehicles in 2020, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is now destroying its surplus vehicles. RCMP is yet to receive authorization to resume sales, after a high-profile incident in April 2020 involving a decommissioned car reliveried to look like a real one, resulting in a backlog of vehicles that are now being destroyed due to issues with ongoing storage for retired cars. [TheTruthAboutCars]

A video shot at a notorious location in the United Kingdom has shown one significant advantage of EVs compared to ICE cars in dealing with inclement weather. The Rufford Ford crossing is famous for destroying the engines of drivers carelessly crossing at speed, through intake water ingress, while a Polestar 2 EV was able to drive right through without issue, highlighting the fact that EVs can function better in weather-related emergencies than their conventional counterparts. [InsideEVs]

Ford F-Series truck owners in Texas are advised to consider securing their vehicles with lockable tonneau covers or bed caps due to a rise in taillight thefts. Authorities have reported multiple incidents, particularly along the I-45 corridor, with recent arrests made in connection to a theft ring that has cost victims thousands in replacements. [Motor1]

Stellantis is currently facing a troubling situation at its Kokomo Engine Plant, in Indiana, where a series of scatological incidents has prompted a memo from management urging the responsible individual to cease these actions. As the company investigates the unsanitary vandalism, it has implemented measures to restrict access to affected facilities and is committed to maintaining a clean and safe work environment for all employees. [The Autopian]

A Hong Kong restoration shop has documented a meticulous refurbishment of an extremely rare Toyota Comfort GT-Z Supercharger, a sleeper car built in very low volumes and featuring a supercharged 3S-FE engine that boosts its output significantly. Contempo Concepts stripped the car back, restoring components where possible and using new OEM parts, filming the whole process for a video with heavy Gran Turismo vibes courtesy of a soft jazz soundtrack. [Japanese Nostalgic Car]

Kei car enthusiasts have an opportunity to pick up a rare Suzuki Alto Works RS-Z hot hatch in an online auction, although owning such a vehicle in the USA is not without its challenges. This tiny performance car features a functional hood scoop and rear wing, despite a modest 63hp output, but finding spare parts may be a challenge along with recent actions taken by various states to prohibit kei cars from road use. [Jalopnik]

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