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Get Lost in a Project Safari Elise
Andrew Evans
April 15, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Red Bull’s concern over possible Verstappen split
One-of-176 Panoz AIV Roadster for sale
Volkswagen adds Pac-Man to 2025 models
Porsche gets BOP break for Imola
God Winch makes light work of steep hills
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Volkswagen is introducing a unique gaming experience in select 2025 models, allowing passengers to enjoy Pac-Man Championship Edition, which features VW-themed elements and integrates with the vehicle's interior lighting. Currently available only in Europe but with hopes for future availability in North America, this game can be accessed through the optional AirConsole app and is designed for play while the car is stationary.
A new UK brand called Get Lost has launched Project Safari, an adventurous reinterpretation of the Series 1 Lotus Elise designed for off-road exploration. Founded by automotive photographer George Williams, this project features significant modifications, including bespoke suspension, widened bodywork, and enhanced mechanical components, all aimed at delivering a unique driving experience without sacrificing the Elise's renowned handling.
Lamborghini has been testing what appears to be an updated Urus at the Nurburgring recently, with more significant changes hidden beneath the disguises that could hint at more than a second facelift in two years. The test car features a vastly different front end, with some reworking of the rear that includes a larger spoiler, while there’s also prominent electrical warning stickers that suggest the car is using a hybrid system similar to the current PHEV model.
Ford is planning to introduce electric versions of its performance-oriented ST and RS models, despite the impending discontinuation of the Focus ST. The Puma Gen-E is expected to lead this initiative, with a sportier variant confirmed to be in development, showcasing the brand's commitment to maintaining its performance legacy in the electric vehicle market.
Polestar has successfully reduced the carbon emissions of its electric vehicles by 25% since 2020, primarily through improved sourcing of recycled materials and the use of renewable energy in production. The company’s sustainability efforts, highlighted by its Polestar Zero initiative, aim to develop a climate-neutral vehicle by 2030, showcasing significant potential for further emissions reductions.
Hertz has informed its clients that a data breach affecting one of its vendors may have compromised sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and Social Security details. The company revealed on its website that an unauthorized entity accessed its data through a cyberattack targeting vulnerabilities in the Cleo Communications file transfer system between October and December 2024.
Global electric vehicle sales reached 1.7 million units in March, contributing to a total of 4.1 million for the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 29%. While Europe experienced a notable rise in battery-electric vehicle sales, North America faced challenges due to new tariffs that could affect pricing and market stability.
Tesla faces the challenge of either replacing the outdated self-driving computers in approximately 4 million vehicles or compensating their owners, as the promised autonomous capabilities have not materialized. This situation could lead to significant financial repercussions for the company, potentially exceeding the costs of the largest automotive recalls in history.
After recent speculation over the future of the Maserati brand, parent company Stellantis has affirmed that it will continue to support the marque and isn’t looking to sell it. Maserati has seen a recent contraction in global sales, losing more than half of its volume in 2024 compared to 2023, and faces a tricky situation in the USA due to tariffs that will apply to all of its vehicles, but brand CEO Santo Ficili comments that Stellantis is still committed to the company.
The Honda CR-V Dream Pod concept offers a compact and practical camping solution, drawing inspiration from capsule hotels to enhance livability within the vehicle. Celebrating 30 years of the CR-V, this design incorporates a versatile camper conversion kit that includes essential amenities for outdoor adventures while maintaining the vehicle's everyday usability.
MOTORSPORT
Porsche has received the most significant weight reduction among the Hypercar competitors for the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship event at Imola, now weighing 1053 kg after an 11 kg decrease from the previous round. This adjustment follows a challenging opening race in Qatar, where the Porsche 963 finished in 10th place when tied for the heaviest car in the field.
Helmut Marko has expressed significant worries about Max Verstappen potentially departing Red Bull if the team's performance does not improve soon. Following a disappointing sixth-place finish in Bahrain, where Verstappen faced multiple issues including tire degradation and slow pit stops, he emphasized the need for better car balance and management to regain competitiveness.
George Russell is reportedly nearing a contract extension with Mercedes after a strong start to the F1 season, highlighted by three podium finishes, including a second-place finish in Bahrain. As he approaches the end of his current deal, reports suggest he may sign a two-year agreement valued at approximately $30 million annually, leaving Mercedes with one seat open for 2026.
Lewis Hamilton experienced a challenging qualifying session at the Bahrain Grand Prix, finishing ninth and expressing frustration over his lack of pace compared to his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. However, during the race, he improved to fifth place, demonstrating a better understanding of the car's dynamics and expressing optimism for future performances after adapting his driving style.
Alex Albon detailed how his Williams team persistently urged the FIA regarding a track limits issue during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, which ultimately led to an unusual acknowledgment of error from the governing body. Despite Albon's belief that he had the pace to advance in qualifying, he was left starting from 15th after a late call to apply a track limits penalty for Nico Hulkenberg after the second qualifying session had already started.
Jack Doohan is expected to complete his first Formula 1 season with Alpine, despite initial concerns about his performance due to the team's signing of Franco Colapinto as a reserve driver. While he has faced challenges, including a notable crash, Doohan has shown promise and developed a positive rapport with teammate Pierre Gasly, leading team principal Oliver Oakes to express confidence in his growth and potential.
Formula 1's recent broadcast issues during the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix highlighted the importance of precise timing visuals, which were notably absent, detracting from the viewer experience despite the race's excitement. As F1 navigates a competitive media rights landscape, the failure to effectively showcase critical race data could undermine its perceived value and appeal to potential broadcasters.
The 50th anniversary Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is expected to set another attendance record, surpassing last year's figures, according to Jim Michaelian, president of the Grand Prix Association. Its success has left an impression on Penske Corporation president Bud Denker, following Penske’s purchase of the event, who commented on the festival-like environment and the enthusiastic crowd and mused on ways to bring a similar experience to the company’s other races.
FUN STUFF
Off-road enthusiasts often rely on winches to extricate their vehicles from challenging situations, with options ranging from compact models for ATVs to larger units for heavy trucks. The innovative God Winch, developed by Matthew Grieve and his brother, uses a unique design that allows for rapid retrieval, demonstrating the exciting potential of winch racing in New Zealand.
A rare 1998 Panoz AIV Roadster available for sale through auction offers a unique experience with its powerful V8 engine and lightweight aluminum construction underneath some retro styling. Only 176 examples of the car were made, with even fewer featuring a supercharger like this example, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts looking for an American roadster alternative to the default Mazda Miata option.
The 1958 Maserati 3500 GT Spyder by Frua stands out as a unique example, being the only convertible among just five Frua-bodied models, featuring distinctive design elements that differentiate it from its standard counterparts. With a rich history that includes appearances in film and multiple restorations, this rare vehicle has garnered significant interest, reflected in its current auction bid of $730,000, with expectations for the price to rise further.
Onlookers at a race event at Yello Belly Drag Strip in Texas were witness to a surprise detonation of the engine on a modified classic Chevrolet Camaro possibly caused by a malfunction in the nitrous system. The Camaro stalled at the start line, with the engine exploding as the driver attempted to restart and fortunately causing no physical injuries to people gathered nearby - although the loud bang may have caused some hearing issues.
A man in Ohio has been apprehended for vandalizing a woman's property nearly two years after a minor collision involving his truck. The suspect, who admitted to the crime, expressed his motivation as retaliation for the earlier accident, leading to charges of felony vandalism and potential additional offenses.
In 1968, Mercury faced challenges meeting the high demand for the Cougar, leading to the establishment of a new production line in San Jose, despite a decrease in total sales compared to the previous year. Currently listed on eBay for $11,500, a particular Cougar requires significant restoration work, including engine maintenance and addressing rust issues, while the seller is open to negotiations for potential buyers.
An exciting engine swap project has transformed a Mazda MX-5 Miata by integrating a Honda CBR1000RR inline-four engine, now enhanced with a turbocharger and a custom clutch. With significant weight reduction and tuning adjustments, the vehicle is set for dyno testing to determine its new power output, promising exhilarating performance and sound reminiscent of a Formula 1 car.
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!