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Ford Teases Mustang GTD's Nurburgring Lap Time
Jordan Greer
October 17, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s nibbles include a teaser from Ford that the hot Mustang GTD might have become the fastest US car around the Nurburgring Nordschleife, with a time under seven minutes. As you sip your coffee and enjoy these stories, why not share the newsletter with a friend who loves cars as much as you do? Happy reading!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Ford Mustang GTD, boasting 815 horsepower and a price tag of $325,000, aims to become the first American production car to complete a Nurburgring lap in under seven minutes. Ford is set to reveal the official time later this year following its teaser video showcasing the Mustang GTD's potential on the track.
Toyota has confirmed that the Supra will continue to be produced for the foreseeable future, with a new generation already in development, despite earlier speculation about its discontinuation. The brand's vice president emphasized that the fate of the Supra is independent of the BMW Z4, and hinted at potential future changes to the model's design while reaffirming its significance within Toyota's lineup.
The Lexus LFR, the long-anticipated successor to the LFA, has made its public debut in a street-legal form after previously being showcased as a race-only prototype. While the design retains aggressive elements from its GT3 racecar counterpart, modifications for road use include more conventional air intakes, a toned-down rear wing, and a new quad exhaust setup, with further refinements expected before its anticipated release alongside the motorsport version in 2026.
Stellantis initially announced that Alfa Romeo would transition to a fully electric lineup by 2027, but outgoing Alfa CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato indicated at the Paris Motor Show that gasoline engines may remain part of the brand's offerings longer than expected. The upcoming Stelvio and Giulia models will be built on the new STLA Large platform, which can support both electric and internal combustion engines, reflecting a broader trend among automakers to reassess their electric vehicle commitments amid evolving market conditions.
Mini has unveiled its first electric performance models, the John Cooper Works Electric and the JCW Aceman, both equipped with a 54.2-kWh battery and producing 255hp - featuring a Go-Kart boost mode that provides an additional 27hp for a short time. While the JCW Electric boasts a range of 231 miles and a 0-62 mph time of 5.9 seconds, the larger JCW Aceman offers a range of 221 miles and a 0-62 time of 6.4 seconds.
Mercedes is updating its US portfolio for the 2025 model year, introducing enhancements to the AMG C-Class lineup, including a third-generation MBUX infotainment system and hardware upgrades for the C43 and C63 models. The E-Class now offers a rear-wheel-drive option, while the SL43 sees an increase in power and torque, matching the C43's output.
Nissan has confirmed plans to introduce a Rogue plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the US next year, marking the brand's first PHEV in the American market. The model is expected to utilize a similar powertrain to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, featuring a 2.4-liter engine, two electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack, with potential electric-only ranges of up to 53 miles depending on the battery size.
Ford has launched the all-electric Capri EV, marking the model's return after nearly four decades, with initial deliveries now underway in Europe. Built on Volkswagen's MEB platform, the Capri offers a range of up to 400 miles and features advanced driver assistance systems, with the base model priced at approximately $48,800 in Germany.
The 2025 Nissan Murano marks the first significant update in a decade, featuring a design that combines elements from the Ariya and Kicks, alongside a turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission - with no hybrid option. Inside, the crossover emphasizes comfort with high-quality materials and advanced technology, including dual 12.3-inch screens.
The Living Vehicle CyberTrailer is a new 27-foot camper designed to be towed by the Tesla Cybertruck, featuring a self-propelling drive system to help conserve the tow vehicle's range and equipped with advanced sustainability technologies, including a water generator and extensive solar panels. Priced at $175,000 and expected to launch in 2025, the CyberTrailer can accommodate up to five people and providing amenities like electric appliances and a HEPA air filtration system.
Bertone is reviving its Autobianchi A112 Runabout concept, first revealed in 1969, with a modern interpretation characterized by a wedge-shaped roadster design and notable styling cues from the original. While details about the powertrain remain unconfirmed, the updated model features a taller windshield and smoother roll bar, and it is uncertain if it will proceed to production.
RML Group has introduced the P39 40th Special Edition, a limited-run hypercar based on the Porsche 992.1 Turbo S, featuring a custom carbon fiber body and significant performance enhancements aimed at achieving a Nürburgring lap time of 6:45 minutes. With a power increase to 900 hp and a focus on downforce generation, the car is designed for both track performance and comfortable road use, with a production cap of just 10 units priced at £495,000 plus the cost of the donor vehicle.
MOTORSPORT
Genesis is preparing to enter prototype racing with plans for an LMDh-spec car targeting both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, likely starting with a 2025 LMP2 program in the European Le Mans Series. The company is considering partnerships with existing teams for this effort, while its IMSA program is still in the early stages, with potential candidates like Chip Ganassi Racing being discussed for future GTP entries.
Tire management has become a vital concern in Formula 1, with the behavior of the Pirelli tires - particularly during the initial laps after a pit stop - a key component in race strategy. The so-called "Pirelli magic" is influenced by the thermal behavior of the tires, with teams focusing on understanding and executing the best approach to maintain grip and minimize degradation throughout the race.
Concerns have emerged regarding a potential method for adjusting the front bib clearance of Formula 1 cars between qualifying and the race, which would violate parc ferme regulations. In response, the FIA is implementing new procedures to monitor front bib characteristics more closely at the United States Grand Prix, although they have not found conclusive evidence of any team using such a device.
Lamborghini is currently evaluating its 2025 motorsport programs for the SC63 LMDh car, with a commitment to improving competitiveness following a learning year. Acting motorsport director Rouven Mohr noted that while discussions are ongoing regarding participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and potential full-season efforts in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, no final decisions have been made, and plans must be finalized by the upcoming WEC season-ending event in Bahrain.
CURIOSITIES
Evolve Automotive is retrofitting a 2011 BMW 1 Series M with the P65 V8 engine, originally used in racing models like the Z4 GT3 and E92 M3 GT2, which has been modified for road use. The project, set to debut at SEMA in November, retains much of the P65's motorsport heritage, but requires several adjustments for road use.
Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens called for police backup at a Burger King in Georgia after his order was incorrect, leading to a situation where employees locked themselves inside the restaurant out of fear. Initially defending his actions, Owens later acknowledged that he might have overreacted and suggested he should have simply left without escalating the issue.
Buc-ee's, a well-known Texas gas station chain, features the world's longest car wash at 255 feet, which takes nearly five minutes to complete and offers various wash options. The car wash's popularity has surged recently, driven by viral social media content, highlighting Buc-ee's strategy of combining high-margin services with its established brand loyalty.
An Erebus Motorsport crew member reported being assaulted after the Bathurst 1000 celebration, but CCTV footage suggests a different narrative, showing him appearing to punch himself before falling. While the team has offered a reward for information and the police are investigating, they remain skeptical about the alleged attack, which occurred following a post-race party at a local hotel.
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