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- Haas F1 Becomes Toyota GR Haas for 2026
Haas F1 Becomes Toyota GR Haas for 2026
Andrew Evans
December 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Gran Turismo’s Spec III update and Power Pack DLC launched
Corvette ZR1 takes Mosport road car lap record
Cadillac's F1 livery will debut at Super Bowl
Meet “Tensei”, the first-gen NSX restomod
One-off TVR “White Elephant” prototype for sale
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Corvette Racing driver Ron Fellows has set a new production road car lap record at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, at the wheel of a Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1. Fellows’ new time of 1:18.22 beat a record he’d previously set in the C8 Corvette Z06 in 2023, using the 1,064hp, twin-turbo ZR1 to shave almost four seconds off the 2.46-mile lap.
JAS Motorsport is reviving the iconic Honda NSX, now named "Tensei," with design contributions from the renowned Pininfarina studio. This restomod promises to blend the classic NSX's essence with modern performance enhancements, featuring a carbon-fiber body and a competition-inspired powertrain.
Toyota's recent trademark applications for the GR MR2 and GR MR-S have sparked renewed speculation about the potential return of the mid-engine sports car. While the company has not officially confirmed any plans, these filings, along with previous hints, suggest that a new iteration of the MR2 could be in development, possibly debuting by 2027 or 2028.
BYD is venturing into the compact unibody truck market in South America with a new model that is smaller and less aggressive in design compared to its Shark pickup. This prototype is expected to offer various powertrain options tailored to regional preferences, including traditional internal combustion engines and potentially ethanol configurations.
Anticipating the arrival of a new car, particularly one like the Ford Mustang GTD, can be excruciating, but owners are being advised to wait for 30 days to get behind the wheel after delivery. This gives time for the paint to cure before applying a protective film to prevent damage to the bodywork, although many owners may give in to the temptation to drive the 815hp performance car.
BMW is set to introduce a more affordable version of the iX3, expected to debut in Europe by late 2026, with a US arrival anticipated in early 2027. This entry-level model, likely named the iX3 40, will feature a rear-wheel drive configuration and a smaller battery compared to the higher-end variant, while an M Performance model is also on the horizon for production next year.
Mazda is transitioning to a fully touchscreen interface in the 2026 CX-5, eliminating physical buttons and introducing a large display that integrates Google services and voice commands. This shift marks a significant departure from the brand's previous emphasis on tactile controls, aiming to enhance driver focus while adapting to modern technology trends.
Entry level vehicle options are gaining traction among Ford buyers, as evidenced by a notable 76% rise in sales of the Maverick XL last month. Despite an overall decline in the market, Ford's focus on affordability has allowed it to increase its market share, with significant sales growth in both truck and SUV segments.
Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on the European Commission to reconsider its 2035 ban on new combustion vehicles, suggesting that exceptions for certain types of hybrid and efficient combustion models should be considered. This appeal coincides with ongoing discussions about the future of automotive regulations in the EU, as the Commission prepares to address the challenges facing the automotive sector in an upcoming meeting.
MOTORSPORT
Haas has entered into a significant title partnership with Toyota for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, rebranding the team as TGR Haas F1 Team. This agreement builds on their existing technical collaboration, allowing Toyota to enhance its involvement in F1 while providing its personnel with essential racing experience.
Cadillac is set to unveil the design of its inaugural Formula 1 car during an advertisement aired at the Super Bowl on February 8, 2026. This announcement will occur shortly after the team's initial testing session at the Circuit de Catalunya and ahead of another test in Bahrain, marking a significant moment for the brand as it enters the F1 arena.
A Paris court has decided that Laura Villars' lawsuit against the FIA will advance to trial, but this will not interfere with the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next week. Villars, who is contesting the election, previously filed the suit in October, challenging the eligibility rules that currently allow only the incumbent, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, to participate.
Lando Norris commented that he would not request his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to yield his position for Norris to secure the championship. As the season finale approaches in Abu Dhabi, Norris holds a narrow lead over both Max Verstappen and Piastri, and has expressed his desire to earn the title without relying on team orders.
This weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will feature nine drivers making their practice debut, including 2026 Racing Bulls F1 recruit Arvid Lindblad and Formula 2 competitor Cian Shields, who has yet to score points this season. As part of the regulations, teams are required to field a rookie in practice sessions, with several drivers taking advantage of this opportunity at the season's conclusion.
Arvid Lindblad will make his Formula 1 debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, becoming the 782nd driver in the sport's history at the age of 18. In contrast, Fernando Alonso will be entering his 25th season, marking his 429th race and creating the biggest age gap between any two F1 competitors, with Alonso being 44 years old at the time of their race together.
Ferrari has reaffirmed its enduring collaboration with Philip Morris International, a partnership that has spanned more than fifty years and now includes the Ferrari Challenge Trophy alongside the Formula 1 team. Under the new agreement, the ZYN brand will feature on the car's design during select races, marking a significant evolution in their relationship following the restrictions on cigarette branding that began in the early 2010s.
Hyundai is in the process of enhancing its Rally2 vehicle as it evaluates its potential participation in the World Rally Championship for 2027, amid ongoing uncertainties regarding its future in the sport. While the manufacturer has not committed to a new car, it is actively working on making its Rally2 model more competitive, with plans to address both tarmac and gravel performance.
Recent discussions among Formula 1 drivers and the FIA at the Qatar Grand Prix have highlighted the ongoing scrutiny of the stewards' decision-making process, particularly regarding controversial rulings like Oscar Piastri's penalty in Brazil. While only a small fraction of the total incidents reviewed by stewards become contentious, the focus on these few cases raises questions about consistency and the potential benefits of having permanent stewards to enhance the fairness of judgments throughout the season.
CURIOSITIES
The recently launched Gran Turismo 7 Spec III update introduces a range of new features and content, including the PlayStation 5-exclusive Power Pack DLC, which adds 50 races against the advanced Gran Turismo Sophy 3.0 AI. Players can also explore two new circuits, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina, along with a reverse-direction version of the Nurburgring Endurance track, eight new vehicles, and various enhancements to multiplayer and single-player experiences.
A one-off prototype TVR created for company boss Peter Wheeler has resurfaced for sale in a classified ad, with Wheeler himself reportedly covering 27,000 miles in the car. The White Elephant was largely a design exercise as TVR moved from its classic wedge cars, sporting the SEAC chassis and a Holden-sourced V8, while the car’s interior was designed to accommodate the six-foot six company boss and featured a cut-out for his dog.
Kunos Simulazioni is set to launch the fourth significant update for Assetto Corsa EVO on December 4, introducing a range of new features including ten additional vehicles, five new racing tracks, and enhancements to tire physics. This update will also implement a Daily Racing Portal for community-driven online racing and a Ranked Racing system that adjusts placements based on player performance.
Some electric vehicle owners in Georgia are expressing frustration over ongoing fees for carpool lane access that is no longer permitted, following the expiration of a program that allowed single-occupant low-emission vehicles to use these lanes. While the federal government implemented stricter regulations, the state continues to charge for Alternative Fuel Vehicle plates despite the removal of this benefit, leaving drivers feeling misled.
An unusual example of the E60 BMW 550i is available through a classified advert, with this a luxury sedan equipped with a six-speed manual rather than the more usual automatic seen on cars of this type. The vehicle is also enhanced with some choice options from the BMW Individual catalog, although the V8 doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability.
Canadian football player Dillon Mitchell is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase in Arkansas, during which he reached speeds of 130mph and engaged in reckless driving maneuvers. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have acknowledged the situation but have chosen not to comment further while they gather more details.
Recent footage reveals a Waymo robotaxi navigating through an active police felony stop, highlighting its difficulty in responding to emergency situations despite generally outperforming human drivers in safety. Although the passengers were not harmed, the incident underscores the risks posed when autonomous vehicles encounter scenarios that require human judgment and awareness.
Sports cars are not often associated with high mileages, with owners tending to drive them less often and shorter distances, but a Honda S2000 has appeared at a salvage auction with an incredible 498,452 miles under its wheels. Although the car has been well maintained during its years, it was involved in a low-speed collision that saw a truck bumper scrape over the nose causing significant cosmetic damage to the front end, while the mechanical and structural parts remain undamaged.
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