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

• First ever McLaren Senna for sale

• Hamilton tests Ferrari F1 car

• Honda faces phantom braking investigation

• Haas’s Mueller is F1’s first female race engineer

• Trump tariffs could raise car prices

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

In 2024, off-road vehicles represented 20% of Ford's total global sales, prompting CEO Jim Farley to express ambitions for the company to emerge as the leading off-road brand, akin to Porsche's status in sports cars. As Ford continues to innovate with its Mustang lineup and expand its off-road offerings, it aims to forge a deeper emotional connection with enthusiasts while enhancing its product development through motorsport experiences. [Carscoops]

With Donald Trump back in office the cost of cars could increase significantly, with the 47th President mooting a 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico. His recent statements suggest a push for a trade overhaul aimed at benefiting American workers, but experts warn that such measures could lead to higher car prices as even US-made cars include imported components and manufacturers are likely to pass their costs onto consumers. [Carscoops]

As Honda and Nissan explore a potential merger, speculation arises regarding the innovative vehicles that could emerge from this partnership. If successful, the collaboration may lead to a broader range of offerings, including larger SUVs and revamped models, leveraging existing Nissan platforms to enhance Honda's lineup in North America. [Autoblog]

Tesla's stock market valuation has declined significantly over the past year, with the brand value falling from $58.3 billion to $43 billion. While the company remains profitable in the electric vehicle sector, it faces increasing competition from traditional automakers and a diminishing public perception, particularly in Europe, due to an old fleet and the high-profile antics of its CEO. [InsideEVs]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into over 290,000 Honda vehicles due to concerns regarding their automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems, which may activate without any actual threats present. This inquiry follows multiple reports of accidents and injuries linked to this potential malfunction, prompting the agency to assess the safety implications of unintended AEB activations. [Carscoops]

The Ram 1500 REV, an all-electric pickup, will not include the previously anticipated 500-mile range model, as the company has opted to forgo its production. Although Stellantis has indicated a shift in focus towards the Ramcharger plug-in hybrid, the standard-range version of the Ram 1500 REV remains on track for development. [Motor1]

Volvo USA is set to introduce two electric crossovers and a revamped XC90 for the 2025 model year, while also rebranding its plug-in hybrids to clarify the distinction between hybrid and electric vehicles. The company will retire the C40 Recharge for 2025, with plans to reintroduce it as the EC40 in 2026, and will launch the new EX90, as well as an updated XC90. [Carscoops]

Ford's 7.3-liter Godzilla V8 engine has gained popularity among builders for its impressive performance potential without forced induction, as demonstrated by a recent modified version that achieved 984 horsepower on the dyno. This particular engine showcases the capabilities of naturally aspirated designs, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in high-performance builds. [The Drive]

MOTORSPORT

Lewis Hamilton recently took to the Fiorano test track to familiarize himself with a Ferrari Formula 1 car, marking his initial outing with the team. Following two days of preparation at the Maranello factory, Hamilton's session was completed in the morning, after which teammate Charles Leclerc was set to continue testing in the afternoon. [BBC Sport F1]

Jamie Chadwick has broadened her karting initiative aimed at discovering female racing talent, now welcoming girls from the age of eight. The program, which features a nine-round junior series across various UK circuits, seeks to foster a supportive community while providing mentorship for young participants in motorsport. [Autosport]

Laura Mueller has been appointed as Esteban Ocon’s race engineer at Haas, marking the first time a woman has occupied the role in F1. Mueller joined Haas in 2022 working in the simulator department, and has been promoted to the pit wall alongside Ronan O’Hare who’ll be Oliver Bearman’s race engineer. [ESPN - RPM]

Lando Norris has acknowledged that he had a viable opportunity to compete with Max Verstappen for the championship last season, despite his earlier belief that he could not have secured the title even with flawless performance. As he prepares for the upcoming season, Norris expressed a desire to achieve both individual and team success, highlighting the team's commitment to continuous development. [RaceFans]

Kevin Magnussen will continue to be involved with the Haas Formula 1 team this year, despite not having a race seat after 2024, as he has agreed to assist with testing in an older car amid a new partnership with Toyota. While he focuses on his commitments with BMW's LMDh program, there is potential for him to attend select races, although he has expressed a desire to avoid a permanent reserve driver role. [The Race]

The FIA's United Against Online Abuse campaign has received €400,000 from the European Union's Erasmus+ Programme, reflecting strong support for its efforts to address online harassment in sports. This funding will enable the UAOA to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing safety and inclusivity for athletes, officials, and fans across Europe from January 2025 to January 2027. [FIA Press Releases]

Haas F1 team principal Ayao Komatsu has revealed that, for the first time, the squad doesn’t need to rely on Gene Haas’s funding. The American racing team is entering its tenth season after achieving a seventh-place finish in the constructors' standings in 2024 and is now operationally self-sufficient, marking a significant shift in its financial strategy and operational mindset. [RACER]

Red Bull Racing is actively pursuing a new sponsorship agreement to replace its previous partnership with Bybit, which concluded after the 2024 Formula 1 season. The team is reportedly close to finalizing a deal another cryptocurrency firm, Gate.io, as it also prepares for significant changes on the track having changed its driver line-up for the first time in five seasons. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

A McLaren Senna, the first of its kind ever produced, is set to be auctioned next month, with estimates suggesting it could reach a price of up to £1 million. This hypercar, which has only been driven for 1,030 miles, carries significant historical value as it is chassis #0001, though not the first customer car having been initially owned by McLaren's former Executive Director of Global Sales and Marketing. [RacingNews365]

A rare Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari, partially developed by Ferrari, has become available to buy in the UK just in time to mark Lewis Hamilton's debut with the team. Only 1,199 examples of this hot hatch were made, adorned with nods to Ferrari such as the scaled-down 360 Challenge wheels, carbon bucket seats, and Ferrari branded luggage set, and this is one of just 99 ever produced in Abu Dhabi Blue. [PistonHeads​.com]

Dallas Cowboys players received a unique gift from quarterback Dak Prescott, with personalized CAKE Makka electric mopeds presented to the team each featuring individual jersey numbers. The delighted players could be seen zipping about the field on the Swedish-made, lightweight e-mopeds, which feature a 3.6kW motor and a top speed of 28mph. [Electrek]

New York has implemented a congestion pricing system that requires drivers to pay $9 to access lower Manhattan, a move that has sparked frustration among New Jersey officials who rely on free access to the city. Governor Phil Murphy is appealing to President Trump for intervention, expressing concerns over the impact on New Jersey residents and proposing alternative solutions, despite previously losing a legal challenge against the pricing scheme. [Jalopnik]

There’s a three-year waiting list for a Dowsetts Classic Cars Tipo184, but a second-hand example of the MX-5 based vintage racer is available to buy if you want to skip the wait. One of the more unusual ways to modify the little Mazda convertible, the Tipo184 is a road-legal, lightweight homage to the Alfa 158 that combines Mazda's reliable components, including the original 1.8-liter engine, with a distinctive design. [PistonHeads​.com]

An unusual 1996 Honda Integra Type R, built by tuning shop Exceed Japan, was spotted during a recent photoshoot, with the vehicle sporting a blend of kanjozoku style and USDM influences. This Integra was Exceed’s first demonstrator model, built in 2017 to launch the brand, and features unique components from the USA on a distinctly JDM vehicle. [Speedhunters]

The Nissan 180SX showcased by Pro Shop Wave at this year's Tokyo Auto Salon serves as a nostalgic reminder of the 90s drifting culture in Kanagawa, marking the shop's return to the event after 25 years. With its retro aesthetic and carefully selected components, including new old stock parts, the vehicle captures the essence of a bygone era when drifting prioritized finesse over spectacle. [Japanese Nostalgic Car]

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