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Gordon Murray Honored With Goodwood 2025 Central Feature
Andrew Evans
March 17, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Renault 5 Turbo 3E approved for production
Norris and McLaren take first F1 win of 2025
Tesla Autopilot fails to spot fake road wall
Tandy joins Triple Crown of Endurance club
Cadillac ambulance sets world record driving US coast-to-coast
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Renault has announced the limited production of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, set to launch in 2027 with a total of 1,980 units, each featuring 532 horsepower generated by dual in-wheel motors. This model pays homage to the original R5 Turbo from 1980, showcasing a distinctive design and a range of driving modes, while interior elements focus on a minimalist, performance-oriented layout.
Tesla's approach to autonomous driving relies solely on camera technology, having eliminated radar from its vehicles, which has resulted in the company remaining at level 2 driver assistance capabilities. Recent tests highlighted by engineer Mark Rober demonstrate that while Tesla's system performs adequately in certain scenarios, it struggles in challenging weather conditions compared to lidar systems, raising questions about the feasibility of achieving true autonomy without integrating additional sensor technologies.
A recent report by Smartcar highlights a growing disconnect between car owners and subscription services for connected features, revealing that a significant majority of drivers in the US and Europe are reluctant to pay for these offerings. While 76% of surveyed individuals have not subscribed to their automaker's services, a slight interest exists, with many expressing a willingness to consider subscriptions if prices were reduced and more valuable features were included.
The 2025 Xpeng G6 electric SUV has undergone significant enhancements, including a revolutionary 5C charging battery that can achieve a 10 to 80% charge in just twelve minutes, along with a competitive starting price that is nearly 11% lower than its predecessor. With advanced features like the Turing AI ADAS system and improved safety measures, the G6 aims to rival the Tesla Model Y while offering impressive range options across its three trim levels.
Donkervoort is developing the P24 RS, a new supercar that will replace the Audi engines used in previous models with an entirely in-house powertrain, potentially exceeding 700 horsepower per tonne. This model, named after the founder's second daughter Phebe, aims to enhance the lightweight philosophy of its predecessor, the F22, while offering a unique driving experience and further performance advancements.
The Jeep Compass, often overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, has managed to maintain respectable sales figures despite being built on older technology. The upcoming 2027 model is set to be larger and will offer a range of powertrain options, including gas, hybrid, and electric, with production slated to begin in Europe before expanding to North America.
Jeep is set to introduce a new mid-size SUV to fill the gap between the Compass and Grand Cherokee, potentially replacing the previously retired Cherokee name. This upcoming model, expected to feature both traditional and hybrid powertrains, is slated for production starting this October, with a full reveal anticipated soon.
Tesla's recent actions in Canada have raised concerns among car dealerships, as the company allegedly inflated its vehicle sales figures to secure a significant portion of the EV rebate funds before the program's early closure. This maneuver has left many dealerships facing financial losses and questioning the legitimacy of Tesla's sales claims during a critical period for the rebate initiative.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris and McLaren showcased their claims for the 2025 F1 World Championship by securing a significant victory at the challenging Australian Grand Prix, marked by tough weather and numerous incidents. Norris reflected on the experience as both challenging and fulfilling, highlighting the contrast to last season's missed opportunities in similar circumstances.
Nick Tandy expressed his excitement over achieving significant milestones in endurance racing after winning the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, marking his place among a select group of ten drivers who have secured victories in all of the prestigious 'Triple Crown' events. This latest triumph, alongside his co-drivers Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor, further solidifies their team's remarkable performance, as it became the first to win both the Rolex 24 and Sebring in the same year since 2017.
Charles Leclerc expressed his desire for Ferrari to enhance its performance in variable weather conditions following a challenging start to the 2025 F1 season, where he finished eighth and teammate Lewis Hamilton secured only a single point. Despite briefly switching to dry tires during a safety car period, the team struggled to keep pace with McLaren and Red Bull, a recurring issue that Leclerc noted has affected Ferrari for several seasons.
Kimi Antonelli recounted the challenging circumstances he faced during his Formula 1 debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, where he climbed from 16th on the starting grid to secure a fourth-place finish. Despite experiencing a significant spin at Turn 4 and witnessing fellow rookies struggle with the difficult track conditions, he expressed satisfaction with his performance and the support from his team throughout the race.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for completing the challenging Australian Grand Prix during his first race with Ferrari, describing the experience as overwhelming due to the unfamiliarity of the car and the unpredictable weather. Despite finishing in 10th place, he acknowledged the need for improved communication with his new race engineer and indicated plans to adjust the car's setup for future races.
Max Verstappen's lengthy tenure as the leader of the world championship concluded at the 2025 season opener, marking the first time since the Spanish Grand Prix in 2022 that he has not held the top position. Despite finishing second in the race, Verstappen acknowledged that Red Bull is currently behind McLaren in performance, while also noting his substantial points gain compared to the previous year.
Alexander Albon expressed his initial disagreement with a strategic pit stop decision made by his teammate, who had retired early on in the race, which ultimately led to his unexpected fifth-place finish at the Australian Grand Prix. Despite his reservations, he praised the team's strategist for executing a successful plan during challenging weather conditions, marking Williams' first top-five result in a race longer than a lap in eight years.
Isack Hadjar, a rookie driver in Formula 1, faced disappointment during his debut at the Australian Grand Prix when he crashed during the formation lap, prompting Lewis Hamilton's father to offer support. Despite the setback, Hadjar expressed gratitude for the encouragement he received and acknowledged the challenges of racing in difficult conditions, while his team emphasized their commitment to help him move forward positively.
Porsche Penske Motorsport secured another significant victory at the 73rd Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, continuing its successful streak in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The race featured intense competition, particularly between the No. 7 Penske Porsche 963 and the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen V-Series.R, ultimately culminating in a triumph for drivers Felipe Nasr, Laurens Vanthoor, and Nick Tandy, who took victory from the sister vehicle by 2.2 seconds.
FUN STUFF
The 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed will prominently feature a central sculpture dedicated to Gordon Murray Automotive, commemorating the founder's six decades of contributions to automotive design and engineering. Additionally, the event will showcase the public unveiling of a new vehicle from the brand, with Goodwood previously hosting debuts for several other GMA vehicles.
A team of medical professionals traveled over 3,200 miles from Hollywood, California, to Hollywood, Florida, in a vintage Cadillac ambulance, successfully setting a Guinness World Record for the longest ambulance journey. This endeavor not only highlighted the importance of ongoing education for emergency responders but also provided a unique opportunity for hands-on training during their cross-country trip.
The 2006 BMW 320si serves as an accessible entry point into the world of homologation specials, designed to enhance BMW's competitiveness in the World Touring Car Championship. With significant engine modifications that boost its output to 170bhp, this model stands out from the standard E90 3 Series, while its auction listing indicates a potential value similar to previous sales, making it an intriguing option for enthusiasts.
Kentucky's legislature is considering a bill that would permit 15-year-olds to obtain a driver's license, provided they are accompanied by an adult driver who is at least 21 years old. If approved by the Senate next week, this legislation would align Kentucky's licensing age with that of neighboring states and introduce specific requirements aimed at ensuring safety for young drivers.
A driver in Maine reportedly took his Subaru Impreza onto a ski slope at Sunday River, causing significant damage after crashing through ski lift gates and creating deep ruts in the snow. After evading capture for several days, he was eventually arrested and charged with criminal mischief, while the resort estimated the repair costs to be over $45,000.
After decades of dormancy, a remarkable Porsche 356 SC has emerged from storage in exceptional condition, defying the typical fate of classic cars left untouched for years. With only 17,000 miles on the clock and a recent restoration that revitalized its original features, this rare model stands as a testament to its enduring appeal and craftsmanship.
Brabus has teamed up with Awake to create the Shadow jet board, a limited edition electric watercraft that showcases a unique design and enhanced performance features. With a striking carbon fiber build and the ability to reach speeds of over 55 kph, this board is tailored for both novice and experienced riders, making it an exciting addition to the luxury aquatic market.
In a secluded European location, two classic Ford Escort RS Cosworths are deteriorating after years of neglect, highlighted in a recent video by The Bearded Explorer. Despite their potential value and low mileage, the current owner shows no interest in restoring these iconic vehicles, leaving their fate uncertain and disheartening for enthusiasts.
The Ferrari LaFerrari may not be in the spotlight currently, but its market value has consistently risen, with prices averaging about $3.5 million for used models. A specific LaFerrari Aperta, boasting a unique color combination and minimal mileage, is listed for approximately $6.5 million, reflecting its rarity and pristine condition.
A Lamborghini Huracan, currently located in Tampa, Florida, is set to be auctioned online despite its history of flooding, with no details provided about the extent of the water damage. This particular model, the Huracan STO, boasts impressive specifications but is expected to sell for significantly less than its typical market value due to its compromised condition.
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