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Forza Motorsport to Celebrate 20th Anniversary with Legendary Track
Andrew Evans
March 25, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
The truth of Ferrari’s Shanghai team orders
High-performance Hyundai Inster on its way
F1 25 game to be revealed this week
Lancia experiences a rough rebirth
Audi may reconsider F1 if V10s return
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Hyundai is preparing to unveil a performance-oriented concept version of its compact electric vehicle, the Inster, which is expected to feature aggressive design elements reminiscent of racing aesthetics. Dubbed the Insteroid, this concept may share its powerful electric drivetrain with the RN24 prototype, promising an exciting blend of compact size and rally-inspired styling.
Audi's CEO has announced the development of a new entry-level electric vehicle set to launch in 2026, positioned within the same segment as the A3. This upcoming model will be produced in Ingolstadt and is expected to feature a five-door hatchback design, reflecting the brand's latest aesthetic and technological advancements.
Waymo has revealed plans to introduce its Waymo One robotaxi service in Washington, DC, by 2026, contingent upon changes to local laws that currently mandate human drivers for autonomous vehicles. The company, which has been testing its manually driven cars in the area, faces the challenge of navigating DC's complex traffic conditions while awaiting federal legislation that could facilitate broader deployment of autonomous vehicles.
Xiaomi's debut electric vehicle, the SU7, has quickly gained popularity in China, achieving impressive sales figures shortly after its launch in March 2024. Recently, the SU7 received a five-star safety rating from C-NCAP, marking it as the safest car in China based on the latest testing criteria, showcasing significant advancements in automotive safety for new entrants in the market.
BMW is advancing with its limited Skytop edition, recently spotted testing in Munich after earlier appearances in the Alps. This prototype showcases design elements reminiscent of the original concept, featuring a striking front silhouette and an opulent interior, while being hand-built for exceptional craftsmanship, with only 50 units planned for production.
Lancia has recently attempted to revitalize its presence in Europe after years of focusing solely on the Italian market, but its efforts have not yielded the expected results, with a notable decline in sales following the launch of the new Ypsilon. Despite plans for expansion and modernization of showrooms, the brand faces stiff competition and challenges related to pricing and market perception, leading to a significant drop in deliveries early this year.
Stellantis appears poised to revive its HEMI V8 engine lineup at the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan, following a series of leadership changes and fan discontent over recent engine offerings. Reports suggest that the company plans to reintroduce various HEMI variants, potentially addressing the concerns of enthusiasts while navigating the challenges of rising vehicle prices and emissions regulations.
Peugeot UK has unveiled the E-EXPERT SPORT, an electric cargo van that draws inspiration from the brand's motorsport legacy, aiming to blend performance aesthetics with practicality for professionals. Enhanced with a distinctive body kit and features like a 75kWh battery and advanced comfort options, this van is designed to cater to the needs of modern businesses while offering a sporty flair.
Lamborghini has achieved significant milestones in 2024, surpassing previous records in vehicle deliveries, revenue, and operating profit, with the latter reaching an unprecedented 835 million euros. The brand's growth trajectory is particularly notable, as it has more than doubled its sales since 2017, largely driven by the success of the Urus SUV, which has become a key contributor to its overall performance.
Electric vehicle registrations in Europe have surged by over 31% in the first two months of the year, contrasting sharply with a significant decline in Tesla's sales during the same period. While overall car registrations have decreased, traditional hybrids have also seen growth, indicating a shifting landscape in the region's automotive market.
MOTORSPORT
The FIA is cautious about the possibility of reverting to V10 engines in Formula 1, as this could lead Audi to reconsider its commitment to the sport if the planned 2026 power units are abandoned. Ongoing discussions among power unit manufacturers are taking place, with the governing body emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability for new entrants like Audi and Honda while balancing various interests within the sport.
Ferrari faced a challenging day at the Chinese Grand Prix, resulting in the disqualification of both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, compounded by a perceived controversy over team orders. Despite the broadcast narrative suggesting tension between the drivers, it was Hamilton who initially proposed the swap to benefit his team-mate’s challenge, a crucial detail that was overlooked in the coverage, prompting team principal Fred Vasseur to criticize the media portrayal.
Fans of Formula 1 are speculating that Max Verstappen may leave Red Bull Racing after the current season, as indicated by a recent poll where nearly half of the respondents believe this will happen. While Aston Martin and Mercedes have shown interest in the four-time champion, many supporters are curious about his future, especially in light of the team's performance and upcoming regulatory changes.
Ralf Schumacher has advised Yuki Tsunoda to stay with his current team rather than accept a potential promotion to Red Bull, citing the better performance of his current car. Despite speculation about Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson for the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, Schumacher criticized Red Bull's management for their chaotic driver strategy, which he believes could undermine Tsunoda's development.
Lando Norris emphasized that McLaren's effective driver duo is a significant asset, especially after their impressive performance in the season's opening races, where the team comfortably outscored Red Bull. He noted that the competitive spirit between him and teammate Oscar Piastri enhances their overall performance, allowing them to adapt and excel in challenging conditions.
Formula 1 is making strides to enhance its presence in the USA under Liberty Media, with three races and a US-flagged team, yet the sport still struggles to maintain a consistent roster of American drivers. While opportunities in NASCAR may appear more accessible for young racers, there is hope for a future pipeline to F1, especially with the impending arrival of Cadillac's team and the potential for American talent to emerge in the sport.
Sergio Perez has garnered encouragement from Alberto Longo, co-founder of Formula E, who expressed that the series would welcome him should he decide to transition into it. While the Mexican racer is eyeing a return to Formula 1 with Cadillac, his father has publicly stated his desire for Perez to join the electric racing league in the future.
Peugeot appears poised to remain in the World Endurance Championship despite initial speculation about its exit, as the company is reportedly developing a new vehicle to enhance its competitiveness. The team has previously seen shifts in its strategy with the current 9X8 car, adopting a different tire size and incorporating a rear wing to address its shortcomings under the current regulations, but could enter a new vehicle if a third homologation is made available.
FUN STUFF
Turn 10 has announced the return of the Fujimi Kaido track to Forza Motorsport in May, coinciding with the franchise's 20th anniversary celebration. Originally introduced in 2005, this beloved course features a lengthy circuit with numerous twists and turns, and it has been updated to meet contemporary standards for its reintroduction.
The next installment of EA Sports' F1 game series is set to be announced soon, with the trailer for F1 25 set to debut on March 26. While details remain limited, Lewis Hamilton will feature on the cover of the 'Iconic Edition', and fans can expect familiar tracks and a refreshed driver lineup, as well as returning game modes like 'My Team' and potentially the 'Braking Point' story mode.
The Chevy C30 Dually has undergone significant transformations, particularly in a custom 1978 model driven by Jay Leno, who praises its comfort and drivability. Built by Empire Fabrication for a client seeking a reliable towing vehicle, the truck features a diesel engine swap and numerous modern upgrades while retaining its classic appeal.
A rare 2000 Toyota WiLL Vi, featuring a distinctive Pale Rose Opal Metallic finish and only about 30,000 miles, is currently available on Bring A Trailer. This model, part of Toyota's unique WiLL sub-brand aimed at younger consumers, stands out with its unconventional design and dependable 1.3-liter engine, although it may not deliver an exhilarating driving experience.
In July 2024, Chevrolet introduced the 2025 Corvette ZR1, but the delivery of the initial production models has faced delays, prompting some individuals to resort to theft. Recently, a break-in at the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant resulted in eight Corvettes being stolen, including at least one ZR1, with all vehicles eventually recovered and a suspect arrested.
In a surprising incident near Houston, a trailer carrying cattle lost its load on the busy I-45, leading to a chaotic scene as local authorities attempted to round up the animals. The highway was temporarily closed during the lunchtime rush, with some cattle still unaccounted for as of early afternoon.
The 1970 GTO faced significant challenges in the muscle car market, with a sharp decline in sales due to changing engine preferences, resulting in just over 40,000 units sold that year. Currently listed on eBay without a reserve, this well-maintained example is generating interest, having received multiple bids and attracting potential buyers as the auction approaches its conclusion.
In 2025, many individuals are inundated with text messages from scammers, particularly those posing as toll collection agencies, which have become increasingly prevalent. These deceptive messages aim to extract personal information or install harmful software, highlighting the importance of educating vulnerable populations, such as older relatives, about these scams.
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!