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

• Top Gear star cars scrapped

• Lamborghini won’t build “continuation” cars

• South Africa bidding to bring F1 back

• Bentley’s EV spied in disguise

• Seinfeld turns down $25m Porsche bid

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Lamborghini’s Polo Storico head of service Giuliano Cassataro, has stated that the brand isn’t interested in joining the trend of “continuation” models. The company, which delivered a record 10,687 vehicles in 2024 - a 6% increase from the previous year - holds extensive records for its classics in order to rebuild and restore old cars, but won’t use them to recreate former model lines so as not to “change the history”. [The Drive]

Although Bentley has postponed its shift to an all-electric lineup from 2030 to 2035 its plans to introduce its first electric vehicle, a luxury urban SUV, remain set for 2026. A prototype of this upcoming model has been spotted, disguised as a Porsche Cayenne, with registration details confirming it as a Bentley with zero CO2 emissions. [Carscoops]

In a significant move just before the inauguration of Donald Trump, the Biden administration secured a $6.6 billion loan for Rivian to support the establishment of a large manufacturing facility in Georgia. This plant, designed to produce up to 400,000 vehicles annually, aims to create thousands of jobs while aligning with the administration's goals to benefit underserved communities. [Carscoops]

Following his inauguration, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at dismantling the Biden administration's electric vehicle initiatives, which he inaccurately described as a "mandate," while also seeking to relax tailpipe emission regulations. This move is part of a broader strategy to promote traditional fuel vehicles and reduce regulatory constraints on energy resources, despite the potential environmental consequences. [The Verge - Transportation]

Tesla has reduced the prices of its Cybertruck models amid flagging sales, with the all-wheel-drive variant now starting at $78,390 and the tri-motor version priced at $97,030, reflecting significant discounts from their original MSRPs. Sales and production of the vehicle, which faces criticism for its build quality and safety, have slowed in recent months and remain well short of the original 150,000 annual sales estimate. [Autoblog]

Mazda is set to introduce the next iteration of the CX-5, nearly nine years after the launch of its predecessor, with recent sightings of a prototype in Los Angeles hinting at an imminent reveal. This updated SUV will feature an in-house hybrid powertrain and a host of design enhancements, while maintaining elements of its familiar silhouette. [Carscoops]

MG has introduced the Majestor, a new ladder-frame SUV set to occupy the top tier of its Indian lineup, featuring a seven-seat configuration and robust design elements. This model, a modified version of the Maxus D90, is anticipated to launch in India in 2025, equipped with a range of advanced features and expected to be powered by a twin-turbo diesel engine. [Carscoops]

Oceania’s new car safety testing scheme, ANCAP, will start assessing driver safety systems for user-friendliness and distraction criteria from 2026. Many advanced driver assistance and safety systems can be overly intrusive and sometime annoying to drivers, posing a risk of distraction contrary to their intended purpose, with ANCAP ensuring that manufacturers report any updates to these systems. [Drive]

Mitsubishi is preparing to unveil a new generation of the Pajero Sport, which has been in production since 2015, as evidenced by recent spy images that hint at its design evolution. While maintaining a familiar silhouette, the upcoming model is expected to incorporate fresh styling cues influenced by the latest L200/Triton, alongside an updated chassis and potential engine options shared with the pickup. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

Ferrari has unveiled a series of images capturing Lewis Hamilton's inaugural day at its Maranello headquarters, where he met team members and participated in a traditional photo session. As the team aims to end its lengthy title drought, Hamilton is poised to pursue his own championship goals, seeking to surpass the seven-title record he shares with the legendary Michael Schumacher. [RacingNews365]

The South African government has initiated a bidding process to identify potential organizers for a future Formula 1 race, aiming to reintroduce the event to the country's motorsport calendar. With the establishment of a dedicated Bid Steering Committee, authorities are seeking qualified promoters to propose suitable venues and meet specific criteria for hosting a grand prix, while the timeline for a return remains uncertain amidst global competition for F1 events. [Autosport]

Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has emphasized that the upcoming changes to F1 regulations will present complex challenges for the team, necessitating more than just a robust power unit. He acknowledged that with McLaren also utilizing Mercedes engines, the focus will need to shift to chassis performance in order to maintain a competitive edge. [RacingNews365]

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu has detailed the team's plans for the upcoming F1 pre-season, including the unveiling of its 2025 car and the initial driving assignments for Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman. The car will be showcased for the first time on February 18, following a filming day at Silverstone on February 16, with Ocon set to drive first to ensure a proper fit before Bearman takes over for the Bahrain shakedown. [RacingNews365]

Thierry Neuville is eager to defend his World Rally Championship title as he enters the Monte Carlo event, having finally achieved his long-held goal last season. While he acknowledges the pressure remains high, Neuville believes that his previous success has intensified his ambition for further victories, especially with the challenges posed by new tyres and changing conditions this year. [Autosport]

The Sauber and Racing Bulls Formula 1 teams are set to begin their 2025 seasons with a multi-day testing session at Imola, where Racing Bulls will utilize their 2023 AT04 car with drivers Yuki Tsunoda and newcomer Isack Hadjar. Meanwhile, Sauber will run its 2022 C42 with Nico Hulkenberg and F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, both of whom have already had some familiarity with the team from previous tests. [Autosport]

Since its implementation in 2021, Formula 1's cost cap has restricted teams to a maximum expenditure of $135 million for the 2024 season, with compliance to be confirmed by the FIA. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has acknowledged that the team faced significant financial strain due to costly accidents, which limited their ability to make necessary upgrades and forced them to operate with reduced resources towards the end of the season. [RacingNews365]

As winter descends on the French Alps, enthusiasts gather not only for skiing but also for a unique form of racing featuring the quirky Citroën 2CV. A recent film highlights a group of UK drivers who ventured to Alpe d'Huez for a series of ice races, showcasing the unexpected joy and challenges of maneuvering these vintage vehicles on a frozen track. [Jalopnik]

FUN STUFF

Many iconic cars used in the filming of Top Gear are reportedly being destroyed, following the closure of an exhibit at the National Motor Museum in the UK. While the majority of the cars have been saved for viewing at a new location, several have fallen into disrepair and deemed to be beyond saving, including the ski-jumping Mini and the FIAT Panda limousine. [The Autopian]

The Twin Engine Corsa YouTube channel has showcased a unique Vauxhall Omega Hearse powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper jet engine, built by an enthusiast in Great Yarmouth, UK. It’s a fully road-legal vehicle, with the host Adam Beard taken out for a drive in the jet car and noting that he’d “never been so frightened at no miles an hour”. [The Drive]

Jerry Seinfeld's 1969 Porsche 917K recently attracted a remarkable $25 million bid at Mecum Auctions, although Seinfeld declined the offer due to an undisclosed reserve price. This iconic vehicle, which has a rich racing legacy and has undergone recent restoration, was poised to be a highlight at the auction in Kissimmee, Florida and was a surprise no-sale. [Carscoops]

A 25-year-old man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a police officer after being stopped in a Chevrolet Camaro adorned with California Highway Patrol decals, which he claimed were intended for a car show. The vehicle, recently retrieved from an impound lot, raised suspicions when officers noticed the driver was not in uniform, prompting further investigation into his actions and the car's use. [Carscoops]

After over three decades of the Mazda MX-5's evolution, enthusiasts have explored a wide range of modifications, from supercharging to V8 conversions. Dowsetts Classics Cars has introduced a unique take on the MX-5 with the Tipo184, a lightweight homage to the Alfa 158 that combines Mazda's reliable components with a distinctive design, now available for those interested in a rare and engaging roadster experience. [PistonHeads​.com]

A unique coffee table crafted from the F136 4.5-liter V8 engine of a Ferrari 458 Italia is set to be auctioned, with bidding expected to reach between $50,000 and $75,000. This distinctive piece features a glass top that showcases the engine's red intake plenums and is designed for easy mobility, appealing to collectors seeking standout automotive decor. [Carscoops]

Students from the Nihon Automobile College presented a custom Suzuki designed to resemble a miniature Dakar Rally vehicle. The Mini Ranger, a compact truck inspired by the Hino Ranger Dakar truck, was built on a second-generation Suzuki Jimny chassis and used body panels from the Suzuki Carry, and sports a 55hp, 660cc engine. [Carscoops]

A unique 1987 Dodge Ram Van B300, converted to electric by the now-defunct Soleq Corp., is currently listed for sale on Craigslist in Chicago. While it has a limited history and requires new batteries, the van is noted for its rarity and potential significance in automotive history, with an asking price of $28,000. [Jalopnik]

The Alfa Romeo SZ Trofeo is currently available for purchase in Munich and carries a significant racing history linked to former Formula One driver Andrea de Adamich. With its striking design, lightweight build, and a powerful 3.0-litre V6 engine, this limited-production vehicle is not only a testament to Alfa Romeo's motorsport heritage but also a compelling option for collectors and racing enthusiasts alike. [GTspirit]

That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!