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Ford Will Reveal a New Supercar in January
Andrew Evans
November 12, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
First paid-DLC pack announced for Gran Turismo 7, adds endurance events
Red Bull to reveal teams’ new liveries with Ford in January
China proposes mandatory low-performance default mode
New BMW M Hybrid V8 revealed, with smaller kidneys and better lights
The 27-liter, Rolls-Royce V12-engined “Beast” is for sale
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ford Racing has announced plans for a new road vehicle, with an initial reveal set for January 15, 2026. The rebranding from Ford Performance aims to strengthen the connection between the company's racing initiatives and their consumer cars, indicating a future lineup that may include more high-performance models.
A proposed regulation in China could mandate that all passenger vehicles default to a lower performance mode that would limit their 0-100km/h sprint to at least five seconds from startup, requiring the driver to select higher performance modes. This initiative aims to enhance safety and road behavior, particularly affecting high-performance electric vehicles, while also introducing speed alarms for longer passenger models.
Subaru has pledged nearly $10 billion towards electrification initiatives by 2030, although recent shifts in consumer preferences and economic challenges may lead to delays in its electric vehicle plans. The automaker aims to introduce four electric SUVs in collaboration with Toyota by 2026, while also reassessing the development timeline for additional models in light of rising hybrid demand and significant tariff impacts.
BMW has announced that the upcoming M3 will continue to be offered in both Touring and saloon variants, similar to its predecessor, and will feature a lineup that includes both internal combustion and electric powertrains. The standard models will be equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 503 horsepower, with pricing starting at approximately £90,000 for the Touring and around £88,000 for the saloon.
Nissan is currently testing a fully electric version of the third-generation Juke in Europe, with plans for production at its Sunderland facility alongside the Leaf and Ariya models. The new electric Juke, set to launch in 2026, will coexist with the existing internal combustion engine variants, providing consumers with a diverse selection of powertrain options.
Kia is enhancing its digital content approach by introducing customizable in-car themes inspired by popular franchises such as Disney, Marvel, and National Geographic, available through the Kia Connect Store for vehicles with the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system. This initiative not only aims to create a more engaging driving environment but also reflects Kia's commitment to evolving its vehicles into interactive entertainment platforms, appealing particularly to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
BMW’s M Division is set to enter the electric performance segment with the upcoming X3 M Electric, a prototype recently seen undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. This model aims to uphold M’s reputation for exhilarating driving dynamics while integrating advanced electric technology, all without adopting the "i" designation commonly associated with the brand's electric vehicles.
Wisconsin legislators are considering a bill that would mandate repeat reckless drivers to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles, which would prevent them from exceeding 20mph over the speed limit, shouldering an annual cost of approximately $1,700. While proponents argue that this measure could enhance road safety, critics raise concerns about its financial burden on lower-income individuals and the potential for increased surveillance.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull has revealed that the liveries for its Formula 1 teams will be presented during the season launch on January 15 in Detroit, marking its partnership with Ford. This transition follows the conclusion of its collaboration with Honda and the introduction of new powertrains, aligning with the upcoming technical changes in F1 that emphasize a balance between combustion and electric power.
BMW has unveiled the updated M Hybrid V8, featuring a smaller grille and new headlights designed to enhance visibility during night races. This endurance racer will make its track debut at Daytona, where it will undergo testing ahead of its 2026 competition season.
Racing Bulls issued an apology following the circulation of a video that depicted a team member making a negative gesture during Lando Norris's trophy presentation at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The team commented that this behavior does not align with its core values or the overall ethos.
Franco Colapinto expressed his support for Gabriel Bortoleto after the latter's early exit from the Brazil Grand Prix, attributing the incident to Lance Stroll's inadequate awareness during their on-track battle. While Colapinto criticized Stroll's defensive maneuvering that led to Bortoleto crashing into the wall, Bortoleto himself downplayed the situation, describing it as a racing incident, commenting that Stroll typically races fairly.
McLaren's Andrea Stella has raised concerns regarding whether the engine replacement for Max Verstappen during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will count against Red Bull's 2025 budget cap. He emphasized the need for clarification from the FIA, noting that if the engine change was made for performance enhancement rather than due to a fault, it could impact the team's overall financial limits for the season.
Williams has announced that junior driver Luke Browning will participate in the opening free practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix next month. Currently competing in the Formula 2 series and ranked third in the standings, Browning will balance his F2 responsibilities with this opportunity, as well as the upcoming young driver test following the season's conclusion.
Toto Wolff is negotiating to divest a portion of his Motorsport Investment Ltd, which corresponds to a 5% stake in the Mercedes F1 team, revealing the team's approximate value of $6 billion. The prospective buyer is identified as George Kurtz, a US entrepreneur and CEO of CrowdStrike, with the transaction reportedly at a mature stage while Wolff would maintain a significant ownership role and his current leadership position.
Jack Aitken will join Cadillac's World Endurance Championship team next year, stepping in for the retired Jenson Button at Jota. The British driver, who has experience in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, will partner with Earl Bamber and Sebastien Bourdais in the #38 Cadillac V-Series.R while also continuing his role in IMSA's GTP division.
Competitors from six GT3 manufacturers will vie for victory in the FIA GT World Cup, using Pirelli's new 2025 tyre specifications designed for both dry and wet conditions. This year’s tyres will feature unique sidewall designs inspired by the Chinese dragon, while Pirelli continues its longstanding collaboration with the FIA, also supplying tyres for the FIA Formula Regional and Formula 4 World Cups.
Genesis Magma Racing recently dedicated a three-day testing period at Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours to enhance the performance of its GMR-001 LMDh prototype, involving its four confirmed drivers. The team benefited from a variety of weather conditions, including unexpected rain, which allowed it to refine its mechanical setups and evaluate new tire specifications, leading to significant progress in vehicle systems and driver feedback.
CURIOSITIES
Following the Gran Turismo World Series event in Los Angeles, Sony and Polyphony Digital have unveiled their inaugural paid DLC for Gran Turismo 7, titled the “Power Pack”. This expansion introduces 50 new races, including endurance events, and reintroduces qualifying sessions, while also enhancing the AI with a new version of the machine-learning Sophy technology for a more challenging experience.
A unique automotive creation known as the "Beast", featuring a massive 27-liter Rolls-Royce V12 engine, is set to be auctioned later this month in the UK. Originally crafted in the 1970s by John Dodd, this one-off shooting brake has undergone significant restoration while retaining its distinctive character, including a newly applied two-tone finish and a Rolls-Royce grille that reflects Dodd's original vision.
The recent incident involving the presidential limousine running with an open trunk while carrying the President has sparked various speculations, ranging from mechanical issues to conspiracy theories. The Secret Service clarified that the situation was due to a mechanical failure, which has since been resolved.
A Bentley Mulsanne once used by King Charles III during his time as Prince of Wales has become available at auction, offering a unique opportunity to acquire a piece of royal automotive heritage. The car features a striking Dark Sapphire exterior and a Magnolia leather interior, as well as an impeccable service history.
Polyphony Digital has revealed footage of its Data Logger feature for Gran Turismo 7, set to launch with the December "Spec III" update. This tool enables players to analyze lap data from replays, allowing for detailed comparisons between laps and providing insights into performance metrics such as speed and throttle position.
The Lamborghini Diablo SE30, launched in 1993 to celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary, is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car that features a powerful V12 engine, delivering 525hp and stripped of many comforts to enhance performance. One example, recently imported to the US, is available at auction, sporting its original Viola SE30 paint and Blu Alcantara interior, with minimal mileage of just under 12,900km (8,000 miles) and recent servicing work totaling around $57,000.
The Atmore DragStrip in Alabama, a staple of drag racing since 1976, will close its doors after the 2025 season, as announced by its owners, Joey and Misty Barber. Despite recent enhancements to the facility, the decision to shut down has left the racing community in shock, highlighting the challenges faced by legal racing venues today.
A recent exploration by a YouTuber at the abandoned Beijing Imperial Palace Hotel in Macau revealed a collection of luxury vehicles, including several Rolls-Royce Phantoms and a surprising Dodge Charger stretch limousine. The fate of these high-end cars remains unclear, as they sit unused since the hotel's closure, which is tied to a complex legal situation involving criminal charges against at least one individual.
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!