- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Ford Supercharges its Dark Horse
Ford Supercharges its Dark Horse
Andrew Evans
January 15, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Forza Horizon 6’s launch date leaked by Forza Horizon 5
Hyundai presents updated i20 WRC
Volvo EX60 will feature Google Gemini AI integration
Cadillac V-Series.R gets new liveries for 2026 season
Mercedes’ new luxury residences in Dubai
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ford has expanded its Mustang lineup with the introduction of the Dark Horse SC, a model designed to offer a more road-friendly alternative to the high-performance Mustang GTD. While pricing and performance details remain undisclosed it’s expected to be significantly more expensive than the base Mustang but below the GTD, with orders set to open in the US this spring and potential availability in the UK.
Volvo is set to unveil its new EX60 electric SUV, which will feature an advanced infotainment system called HuginCore, incorporating Google Gemini for enhanced user interaction. This system will leverage a custom electrical architecture and will be designed to improve safety and functionality through real-time data integration and over-the-air updates.
The latest Mercedes CLA has been recognized as the top performer in crash safety tests for 2025, surpassing competitors like the Tesla Model Y. This achievement marks Mercedes' continued excellence in safety, following the E-Class's recognition the previous year, with the CLA excelling particularly in protecting adult occupants and vulnerable road users.
Caterham has unveiled initial images of its Project V prototype, highlighting the brand's transition to electric sports vehicles following its introduction at the Tokyo Auto Salon. This all-electric coupe, set for production by late 2025, features a rear-mounted motor and aims for a weight of 1,190 kg, reflecting Caterham's commitment to maintaining a lightweight design while offering impressive performance metrics.
BMW is developing a new generation of the 4 Series, which aims to offer a sportier and more stylish alternative to the upcoming Neue Klasse 3 Series, including a high-performance M4 coupe variant. Despite uncertainties surrounding its market position due to the 3 Series transitioning to a new generation with electric options, BMW's engineering chief confirmed the 4 Series will remain significant in the lineup.
Honda's collaboration with Sony to launch the Afeela electric vehicles has sparked discontent among its dealerships, which argue that the direct sales model diverts crucial resources from traditional Honda and Acura offerings. Despite facing legal challenges and pushback from dealers concerned about the impact on their businesses, the joint venture remains committed to its strategy of managing sales and service independently.
Hyundai has filed a patent application for a new automotive side-door set up which appears to be inspired by mass-transit systems. The patent features a pair of doors which split in the middle and slide apart, much like a subway train, with a mechanism in the roof to synchronise the opening which will offer easier access in confined locations.
Genesis has reportedly completed the necessary certifications for an updated G70 in South Korea, indicating that the model may remain in production longer than anticipated. While no significant design alterations have been confirmed, the update is expected to enhance compliance with local noise and emissions standards, alongside potential adjustments to the engine lineup for improved efficiency.
The Federal Trade Commission has imposed a five-year prohibition on General Motors and OnStar regarding the collection and sale of driver information, mandating that the automaker secure explicit consumer consent before gathering any data. This decision follows a lengthy investigation that uncovered GM's practices of collecting detailed user data through its Smart Driver program, which has since been discontinued.
MOTORSPORT
Hyundai has unveiled a refreshed version of its i20 N Rally1, aiming to enhance its chances against Toyota in the upcoming 2026 World Rally Championship. The team, featuring drivers Thierry Neuville, Adrien Fourmaux, and a rotating third driver lineup, has focused on addressing past performance issues through extensive testing and strategic improvements to its vehicle and team dynamics.
Cadillac Racing has unveiled updated liveries for its V-Series.R race cars ahead of the 2026 IMSA season, featuring distinct designs while preserving the brand's aesthetic. The team will compete with three vehicles, including the #31, which retains its classic red and black scheme, and the #10, now sporting a metallic blue finish, alongside the newly blacked-out #40 entry.
McLaren's Formula 1 team has appointed reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward as reserve drivers for the 2026 season. As part of their development initiatives, Fornaroli will primarily support main drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, while O'Ward will balance his responsibilities in IndyCar with his role in F1.
The FIA has approved a temporary allowance for Formula 1 fuel suppliers to use fuels that do not meet compliance standards during the upcoming pre-season tests. Starting in 2026, all power units must operate on entirely sustainable fuels, with the transition to these new formulations expected to significantly influence team performance, though the homologation process remains intricate.
The Audi Formula 1 team, created after Audi took over the Sauber team, has partnered with World of Hyatt as its official hospitality collaborator. This alliance will not only feature the Hyatt branding on the team's 2026 car and race suits but also provide exclusive paddock access and unique experiences for members during race weekends.
While the 2026 F1 season has yet to begin, the mind games are already underway with Cadillac F1's CEO taking a jab at rival brand Ford. While Ford is joining forces with Red Bull in a technical capacity, Cadillac's leadership asserts that its deeper involvement as an equity partner sets them apart in this new racing landscape.
Toyota Racing recently unveiled its 2026 LMH model for the World Endurance Championship, which marks a significant redesign but is fundamentally an evolution of the existing GR010 Hybrid. Delays in its introduction have allowed the team to refine its approach and focus on aerodynamics, aiming to enhance drivability and consistency while navigating strict regulatory limits.
Ford secured a podium sweep in the Dakar rally’s eleventh stage, with Mattias Ekstrom achieving his second stage victory, while Nani Roma narrowed the gap to overall leader Nasser Al-Attiyah. Toyota's chances for a win diminished significantly when Henk Lategan encountered difficulties, ultimately dropping him from the competitive ranks and leaving the team without any drivers in the top seven overall.
Andretti is exploring the potential for introducing another Nissan brand in the upcoming Gen4 of Formula E, with discussions already initiated regarding this possibility. While Infiniti appears to be a strong candidate due to its shift towards an all-electric lineup, other brands under the Nissan umbrella may also be considered, depending on strategic business evaluations and board approvals.
CURIOSITIES
A potential release date for Forza Horizon 6 has surfaced, suggesting a launch on May 19, 2026, following a pre-order notification spotted in Forza Horizon 5. While this information has yet to be independently verified, it includes details about the Premium Edition's features and an initial car roster exceeding 550 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced its Binghatti city residential development in Dubai, featuring twelve towers that will house luxury apartments, sports amenities, and retail spaces, effectively creating a new urban community. This ambitious project, spanning nearly 9 million square feet in the Meydan district, aims to enhance the living experience by integrating nature and innovative design, although details on the timeline for completion remain uncertain.
A truck driver who led police on a chase during snowy conditions in Decatur, Illinois, was revealed to be another police officer, prompting his department to place him on paid leave without any arrest. The incident raised concerns about preferential treatment, particularly as video footage showed officers muting their body cameras and seemingly assisting the offender in avoiding self-incrimination while he faces DUI charges.
After a lengthy 21-year restoration, a Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS has returned to pristine condition, though it has only seen 209 miles since completion. Currently on consignment, the vehicle comes with extensive documentation from its restoration process, but despite interest in the auction, the highest bid has yet to meet the seller's expectations.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that motorcyclists experience significantly higher fatality and injury rates compared to occupants of passenger cars and light trucks, underscoring the need for improved safety measures. In 2023, motorcycle accidents in the USA resulted in 6,335 fatalities, highlighting the disproportionate risk faced by motorcyclists, who comprised 15% of all traffic deaths despite representing only 3.1% of registered vehicles.
A recent video capturing the Vice Grip Garage Vandemonium event at Holley's MoParty festival has shown off a unique racing competition featuring minivans. The video, shared on social media, features impressive cinematography and a nostalgic soundtrack as it taps into classic oval racing film Days of Thunder to highlight the creations involved in the race that include a Richard Petty Superbird-inspired Dodge Caravan.
Dacia has created the Million Star Hotel from a selection of its Bigster SUVs, which will host guests in Scotland in February in order to stargaze. The idea takes advantage of the Sleep Pack, available for the Bigster, Duster, and Jogger, which turns the cars into small campers, with the event to be hosted in a UK Dark Sky area during a planetary alignment event.
A homeowner from Rutland, New York, dozed off on his sofa while watching television and woke up to find a car in his living room. The incident occurred when a driver lost control and crashed into his home, reportedly the fifth time someone has ended up on his property as a result of missing the intersection, resulting in the owner sustaining minor injuries from the accident.
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!