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

• Polestar goes Arctic for upgrades

• Lamborghini Revuelto wrecked on delivery

• Honda to go beyond Type R

• Ford's wide Mach-E to tackle Pikes Peak

• Poop-powered race car cleans up

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Honda Racing Corporation USA has revealed ambitions to develop factory-built vehicles featuring performance parts from its tuning division, potentially expanding its lineup beyond the current Type R and Type S models. While specific plans remain unconfirmed, company executives express enthusiasm about creating a new model that balances street legality with enhanced racing capabilities, although regulatory challenges may delay its introduction. [Carscoops]

Polestar has introduced the 'Arctic Circle' edition for its three electric models, enhancing them with winter-ready features and performance upgrades. Each vehicle has received improved suspension, specialized wheels for icy conditions, and unique styling elements, while retaining powerful dual-motor setups for impressive performance on and off the road. [Car Throttle]

Morgan is set to unveil a new flagship model in 2025, following the retirement of the Plus Six, with initial images of a camouflaged prototype hinting at a blend of classic design and modern aesthetics. The upcoming vehicle will feature a turbocharged six-cylinder engine from BMW and is built on an updated CXV platform, promising improved performance and a variety of engineering advancements. [Carscoops]

Ford is introducing two new supercharged crate engines based on its existing V-8 models, offering enthusiasts significant power upgrades. The more potent Megazilla 2.0, featuring a 7.3-liter configuration, is engineered to exceed 1,000 horsepower, while a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 will deliver 800 horsepower and is street-legal, with both engines expected to be available by late 2025. [Motor1]

The Polaris Slingshot has received updates for the 2025 model year, including enhanced front styling and improved performance features. With a more powerful engine and refined transmission tuning, the latest iteration aims to elevate the driving experience while incorporating customer feedback into its design and comfort options. [TheTruthAboutCars]

Mitsubishi is set to launch its first all-electric vehicle in the U.S. by late 2026, a compact SUV that resembles a crossover coupe, as part of a broader strategy to expand its electric and hybrid offerings. This initiative aligns with the company's "Momentum 2030" plan, which aims to introduce a new or updated model annually through the end of the decade, showcasing a commitment to diverse powertrains. [Green Car Reports]

Jaguar Land Rover has announced two distinct recalls affecting four models in the US both linked to the malfunctioning of rearview camera displays, which violates federal safety regulations. The recalls stem from software timing issues in vehicles with a 10-inch infotainment system, leading to a blank screen at startup; affected owners will be informed of the necessary software updates and inspections by March 14, 2025. [Carscoops]

Concerns over Manhattan's congestion pricing have sparked discussions among political figures, with some advocating for its repeal due to perceived negative impacts on commuters from New Jersey. While President Trump has previously expressed intentions to eliminate the program, recent conversations with Governor Hochul suggest that no immediate changes are forthcoming, as both sides weigh the implications of such a federal intervention. [Jalopnik]

MOTORSPORT

Ford is set to re-enter the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a new car designed under the LMDh regulations, as it aims to recapture the overall wins it took inthe late 1960s. While specific details about the chassis and team partnerships remain undisclosed, the automaker's commitment to endurance racing reflects its longstanding legacy and ambition to compete at the forefront of the sport. [Motor1]

Ford's Performance division is set to make a notable return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb this year with a new electric racer inspired by the Mustang Mach-E. Specific details about the vehicle's powertrain remain undisclosed, but it is likely to utilize a similar triple-motor configuration as previous models, with Romain Dumas scheduled to pilot the car in hopes of securing another victory. [Car Throttle]

Alex Wurz, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, has stated that the FIA did not seek input from the GPDA regarding its new penalty guidelines, which include hefty fines and potential suspensions for certain infractions. Wurz emphasized the need for better collaboration between the FIA and drivers, suggesting that a more unified approach could enhance decision-making processes moving forward. [RacingNews365]

Significant modifications have been implemented at Turn 6 of the Albert Park circuit ahead of the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, a response to two notable accidents from the previous year. The changes include a redesign of the exit kerb and the repositioning of barriers, aimed at enhancing driver safety while preserving the corner's challenging characteristics. [The Race]

Red Bull is scheduled to unveil its RB21 Formula 1 car on February 25 in Bahrain, where both Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson will participate in a filming day ahead of the official testing. The team aims to address previous balance challenges while navigating the development of the new 2026 regulations, following a competitive season where they finished third in the constructors' championship. [Autosport]

Aston Martin's Formula 1 team is set to enhance its competitive edge by utilizing its newly completed wind tunnel, marking a significant shift from its previous reliance on Mercedes' facility. This development, which includes a state-of-the-art factory and simulator, is expected to provide the team with greater flexibility and efficiency in their design and testing processes as they aim for championship success by 2026. [RacingNews365]

Renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey expressed concerns that his former team overlooked early signs of handling issues with its car, as a decline in the team's performance saw rivals like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes all move ahead. Newey noted that the issues snowballed until a low-downforce configuration revealed the car’s lack of balance, which ultimately affected both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez's performance during the 2024 season. [The Race]

In the initial practice session for the Meguiar's Bathurst 12 Hour, Augusto Farfus set the fastest time in his BMW M4 GT3, finishing with a lap of 2:02.900, which outpaced the second-place Mercedes-AMG driven by Luca Stolz by over three-tenths of a second. The session saw a competitive field, with notable performances from Valentino Rossi and several other teams, while remaining incident-free throughout its duration. [Sportscar365]

Ford's upcoming return to Formula 1 in 2026 as a powertrain partner for Red Bull is yielding insights that are addressing quality challenges in its F-150 model. The automaker is applying advanced engineering techniques, including 3D printing and non-destructive testing, to enhance both its racing components and production vehicles, demonstrating a practical synergy between motorsport and consumer automotive development. [The Drive]

FUN STUFF

Forza Horizon 5 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 this spring, marking the franchise's first appearance on a Sony console. This release follows Microsoft's recent strategy of expanding its game offerings to other platforms, with the title maintaining cross-platform compatibility and the same content as its Xbox and PC counterparts. [GTPlanet]

A research team in the UK has developed a novel racing vehicle that uses hydrogen derived from sewage treatment processes, aiming to address environmental concerns in motorsport. This innovative LMP3 racer not only showcases a supercharged V6 engine modified to burn hydrogen but also incorporates sustainable materials like recycled carbon fiber and reclaimed batteries, highlighting a shift towards greener alternatives in the automotive industry. [Jalopnik]

An accident in Lebanon has seen a brand-new Lamborghini Revuelto sustain extensive damage before it could even be delivered to the customer. The damage to the vehicle, which was thought to be one of only four in the country, included a crumpled driver's side door and a missing front wheel, likely due to excessive speed while on its way to be fueled by a technician. [Carscoops]

Authorities in Japan have evacuated numerous residents as a sinkhole which swallowed a truck continues to grow. Rescue teams continue their search for a truck driver who disappeared after his vehicle fell into the sinkhole in Saitama Prefecture, with rescue efforts complicated by the hole’s growth due to aging wastewater systems affecting millions in the region. [The Drive]

Hyundai, in collaboration with TVS, has introduced innovative electric rickshaw concepts aimed at modernizing urban transportation in India's densely populated cities. These designs feature enhancements such as adjustable suspension for flooded roads and improved safety measures, with the potential to transform the traditional tuk-tuk experience while addressing environmental concerns. [Jalopnik]

In Japan, Up Garage offers a unique shopping experience for automotive enthusiasts, featuring a diverse selection of used parts that vary from location to location. Kazuma Hara, choosing to stand out with a JW3 Honda Today instead of more common models, has invested time and effort into customizing his vehicle, reflecting his racing background and personal style while embracing the challenges of sourcing parts for a less conventional car. [Speedhunters]

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