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Genesis Reveals its Le Mans Hypercar
Andrew Evans
December 05, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition is packed with intriguing stories from the automotive world, starting with the unveiling of the Genesis GMR-001 which is planned to be the first Korean car to win Le Mans, while the Nurburgring - a manufacturer-favorite testing location - is getting surface and facilities upgrades over the winter. As you dive into these stories and more, remember to share the excitement with friends who might enjoy our daily dose of automotive insights.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
During the winter months, the Nürburgring undergoes significant maintenance and upgrades in preparation for the 2025 season, with a total investment of $2.6 million aimed at enhancing safety and performance. Key projects include resurfacing 1.15km of the Pflanzgarten area and 180m of the Kesselchen section, along with improvements to the Grand Prix track's infrastructure and the addition of an extra exit to alleviate traffic during tourist driving days, which begin on March 15, 2025.
Ford is planning to invest in an electric vehicle plant in Indonesia, leveraging the country's significant nickel production, which accounts for over 20% of the global supply. The automaker aims to establish its factory by next year, as Indonesia seeks to attract global car manufacturers to bolster job creation and increase local content requirements for battery electric vehicles.
Amnesty International's recent report highlights that major electric vehicle manufacturers are failing to adequately address human rights risks in their mineral supply chains, particularly in relation to cobalt, lithium, nickel, and copper extraction. The report evaluated 13 companies, with Mercedes-Benz receiving the highest score of 51 (out of 90), while BYD scored the lowest at 11, prompting concerns about exploitation and environmental harm in mining communities, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mazda's rotary engine has returned as a range extender for the MX-30 electric crossover, though it is not available in the U.S. The company's CEO, Masahiro Moro, indicated that a more powerful twin-rotor engine is being developed to meet stricter emissions standards and better cater to the U.S. market's power demands.
The next-generation Alpine A110 will be an all-electric model, available in both Coupe and Roadster variants, and is expected to be lighter than comparable internal combustion engine sports cars. Although initially planned for co-development with Lotus, Alpine is now independently developing the new A110 on a bespoke electric sports car platform, drawing on its experience from the electric prototype E-ternité showcased in 2022.
Nissan Ariya drivers will gain access to over 17,000 Tesla Superchargers starting December 10, 2023, but the Nissan Leaf will not be included in this transition to the North American Charging System. To utilize the Supercharger network, Ariya owners will need to purchase a $235 adapter, which is currently available for order through Nissan dealers or their website.
Recaro Automotive GmbH, a prominent name in the automotive sector, filed for bankruptcy in the summer, leading to a production halt at Ineos. However, Proma Group has signed an investment agreement to take over Recaro, with plans to resume production in early 2024 while retaining several Stuttgart employees to ensure a smooth transition.
Genesis has decided to introduce hybrid powertrains for most of its combustion-powered models starting next year, rather than transitioning to an all-electric lineup after 2025. The company, which already produces several EVs, plans to develop range extenders, which are seen as more favorable by American regulators compared to traditional hybrids, and aims to produce these vehicles at its Georgia plant, with expectations of offering up to 560 miles of combined range.
MOTORSPORT
Genesis has entered the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the introduction of the GMR-001, its first race car developed by the newly formed Genesis Magma Racing team. Built in compliance with LMDh regulations, the GMR-001 features a chassis from Oreca and will utilize a hybrid powertrain, with a maximum output of 697bhp, while also showcasing design elements characteristic of the Genesis brand.
George Russell has criticized Max Verstappen for his aggressive comments following a grid penalty Verstappen received in Qatar, claiming that Verstappen threatened to intentionally crash into him during the race. Russell expressed concern over Verstappen's conduct both on and off the track, arguing that the reigning champion has shown a pattern of disrespect and a failure to handle adversity appropriately.
Andrew Wheatley has left his role as road sport director at the FIA following a series of personnel changes within the organization. Wheatley, who joined the FIA in 2019 and previously held positions in the WRC and at M-Sport, was instrumental in shaping the future of the WRC, including the upcoming 2027 regulations.
Kevin Magnussen recounted how Vincent Vosse, the owner of BMW's WRT WEC team, saved his life when he fell into a swimming pool as a child. As he prepares to join BMW in LMDh racing in 2025, Magnussen acknowledged Vosse's significant influence on both his motorsport career and personal life.
Williams team principal James Vowles acknowledged a significant shortage of parts ahead of the season's final race, attributing the need for extra staff at Yas Marina to extensive damage sustained by both FW46 cars during recent races.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has stated that FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has the authority to make personnel changes as he sees fit, emphasizing that these decisions should ultimately benefit Formula 1. However, Wolff also cautioned that ongoing changes could negatively impact the sport's reputation, highlighting the need for rational decision-making amid current tensions.
Abbi Pulling, who recently won the F1 Academy championship in Qatar, faces uncertainty about her title after a third race was added to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix support series. With 84 points available in the upcoming races, Pulling's lead of 83 points over Mercedes junior Doriane Pin could be overturned if she fails to score while Pin achieves maximum points.
The Dutch Grand Prix will conclude its run on the Formula 1 calendar after 2026, following a one-year extension that allows for races in 2025 and 2026 at the Zandvoort track, which returned in 2021 after a long absence. Despite strong fan support and sell-out crowds, financial challenges have prompted the decision to end the event, while Formula 1 is exploring expansion opportunities, including a potential race in Rwanda and a new event in Madrid.
Josef Newgarden has revealed his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy, marking his second consecutive victory at the Indianapolis 500, where he won by 0.3417 seconds after a last-lap pass on Pato O'Ward. This achievement not only secured Team Penske's 20th Indy 500 win but also earned Newgarden a $440,000 rollover bonus, bringing his total winnings to $4.288 million.
CURIOSITIES
Pope Francis has received a new Popemobile based on the Mercedes G 580, featuring EQ technology and a unique open-top design developed in collaboration with the Vatican. This one-off model includes a swiveling, height-adjustable seat for the Pope and retains a rear door modified to open suicide-style, while also accommodating security personnel and offering options for inclement weather.
Electrogenic has introduced an EV conversion kit for the Mk1 Mazda MX-5, allowing for a battery-powered transformation that maintains the car's rear-wheel-drive character while increasing power to 160hp and torque to 228lb ft. The conversion, which requires no cutting or drilling and can be completed in a few days, results in a vehicle that weighs approximately 100kg more than the original but retains a similar weight distribution, offering around 150 miles of range and a 0-60mph time of about six seconds.
The Innovate e, a modified version of the Honda e, features a custom carbon widebody kit that significantly alters its appearance, drawing inspiration from motorsport aesthetics. This version retains the original electric powertrain while incorporating performance enhancements, such as upgraded suspension and brakes, making it a distinctive option in the urban car segment priced at around £35,000.
Over the past two years, Memphis has experienced over 22,000 vehicle thefts, with Hyundai and Kia models being the most frequently targeted due to vulnerabilities in their ignition systems. In response to the surge in thefts, the City of Memphis is pursuing litigation against the automakers, while both companies have implemented security measures, including software upgrades and steering wheel locks, to address the issue.
A Tesla Model S crashed off the roof of a parking lot in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, injuring the driver and a passenger who were later hospitalized but discharged. The vehicle reportedly collided with three other cars before driving over a ledge, prompting an investigation by police to determine whether a system error or driver error was responsible for the incident.
The McLaren 750S features a powerful turbocharged V8 engine that delivers impressive performance, capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 2.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 209 mph. Novitec has enhanced this model with a tuning option that boosts output to 840 hp, along with aesthetic upgrades, including sport springs and carbon fiber components, all while maintaining the car's lightweight design.
The Nismo Festival, a key event in Japan's automotive calendar, marked its 40th anniversary this year with 28,500 attendees, but showcased a notable decline in traditional racing cars, featuring only 16 non-EV race cars at Fuji Speedway. While the event celebrated Nissan's motorsports heritage with iconic models like the Calsonic R32 Skyline GT-R and the R390 GT1, it also reflected the industry's shift towards electric vehicles, leaving many enthusiasts concerned about the future of the festival.
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