Honda HQ Hosts a Hot Wheels Homage

Author

Jordan Greer
November 20, 2024

Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today we're diving into a world where Hot Wheels come to life at Honda's Tokyo headquarters, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane with life-sized versions of classic models, while F1 gears up for the second Las Vegas Grand Prix this coming weekend. As you savor these stories, consider sharing SpeedBites with a fellow car enthusiast who might enjoy our daily dose of automotive excitement.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

Bugatti's W16 Mistral recently became the fastest open-top car, with CEO Mate Rimac expressing ambitions to exceed 500 km/h in the future. During a discussion with Michelin engineers, Rimac explored the limits of tire technology, highlighting the brand's commitment to pushing performance boundaries while catering to affluent customers seeking bespoke modifications.

VinFast has begun deliveries of its VF9 electric SUV in the US, offering two trims: the VF9 Eco starting at $69,800 and the VF9 Plus at $73,800, although the first units will exclusively be the Plus model. Both versions feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup and a 123-kWh battery, with the longer-range VF9 Eco is expected to be available soon.

Jaguar enthusiasts face uncertainty as the marque rebrands and has paused production of its current models to focus on electric vehicles, but the TWR Supercat offers a nostalgic alternative. Limited to 88 handbuilt units, supercharged V12 and manual grand tourer combines modern engineering with classic design elements, drawing inspiration from Jaguar's racing heritage and featuring input from notable automotive personalities.

The Renault Master H2-Tech Prototype, developed by the Hyvia joint venture between Renault and Plug, showcases advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology for commercial vehicles, featuring a WLTP range of 435 miles and quick refueling capabilities. Hyvia is also rolling out relocatable hydrogen filling stations across Europe, which can supply enough hydrogen for over 20 vehicles daily, supporting the growth of a hydrogen refueling network.

Pablo Di Si has resigned as CEO of Volkswagen Group and Volkswagen Brand for North America, effective immediately, with Gerrit Spengler stepping in as interim CEO until Dr. Kjell Gruner takes over on December 12. Di Si's departure follows speculation about his accountability for decisions affecting the US market, despite the region showing a sales increase of over 7 percent in 2024, while the company faces significant financial challenges in Germany.

Donald Trump's re-election is causing uncertainty in the automotive industry, with companies like Genesis facing challenges related to tariffs and EV tax credits due to their limited production in the US. Unlike competitors such as BMW and Mercedes, which have extensive manufacturing facilities in America, Genesis may struggle to adapt to changing policies, especially given the complexities of US production and labor agreements.

Stellantis is facing challenges in the electric vehicle market and has introduced the STLA Frame platform, designed for full-size pickup trucks and SUVs, which supports various powertrains including battery electric vehicles and extended-range hybrids. The platform boasts features such as high towing capacity, scalable battery sizes, and fast charging capabilities, while Stellantis plans to utilize it in upcoming models like the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger and potentially future Jeep vehicles.

BMW tuning specialist Manhart has revealed the MH2 700 II, a high-performance coupe based on the G87 BMW M2. The car boasts a significant power upgrade over the regular M2, with 738bhp available from the S58 straight-six engine, and extensive carbon fiber modifications, with further options for performance upgrades and a track-oriented setup.

Volkswagen Group Africa has begun production of an electric farm tractor in Gashora, Rwanda, as part of the GenFarm Project aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices across rural Africa. The tractor features a 20 kW electric motor powered by a 32 kWh swappable battery, and the initiative seeks to enhance the reliability and sustainability of farming in a region where access to fossil fuels and electricity can be limited.

Fiat has confirmed the upcoming debut of the 500e Giorgio Armani special edition at the Los Angeles Auto Show, with limited availability set for early next year. The model features a unique paint job, luxury interior updates, and is powered by a 42 kWh battery that delivers 117 hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a range of up to 149 miles.

MG aims to become one of the top three best-selling automotive brands in Australia by 2030, with plans to enter the midsize pickup segment to achieve this goal. The company is developing a new pickup truck, leveraging technology from its parent company SAIC, and is considering various powertrain options, including internal combustion, hybrid, and electric, while ensuring the vehicle will have unique features distinct from existing models.

MOTORSPORT

Fernando Alonso, the most experienced driver in Formula 1 history, recently reflected on elements from past eras that he misses, such as refueling and the sound of engines, while acknowledging the sport's current popularity and professionalism. He emphasized that despite changes in race strategies and the influence of social media, F1 is in a strong position, particularly in the US, thanks to efforts by Liberty Media.

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that the championship has evolved significantly since Liberty Media's takeover in 2017 and anticipates continued growth in the sport, highlighting its blend of sport, business, and entertainment. Domenicali further commented that F1 is almost in another era compared to even five years ago, and expects this to set the stage for the next 30.

The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix marked a significant change in Formula 1's scheduling, being the first race not held on a Sunday since 1985, but it began with complications, including a red flag due to Carlos Sainz hitting an improperly secured drain cover. This weekend will see the second race in Las Vegas, with Max Verstappen guaranteed another world championship if he wins just as he did 12 months ago.

Max Verstappen recently drove a Honda Acura GTP sportscar for the first time during a promotional event in Nevada, ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez and Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda also tested different vehicles, with guidance from six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon, while Verstappen expressed interest in competing in prestigious endurance races like Le Mans and Daytona in the future.

Ferrari Formula 1 drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc participated in a promotional video for the new F80 hypercar, which features a 1,184 horsepower electrified V-6 engine and was filmed at Ferrari's Fiorano track while still camouflaged. Despite the car's €3.6 million price tag and limited production of 799 units starting in late 2025, it is already sold out, and there are hints at potential future variants, including a convertible and a more extreme model.

McLaren has parted ways with IndyCar team boss Gavin Ward, who previously led the team to its best season since returning to the series in 2020 and has a notable background in both Formula 1 and IndyCar. The decision, attributed to a need for a new leadership approach as the team expands and aims for better performance, was made despite Ward's successful tenure and the absence of reported conflicts between him and McLaren management.

The Williams Formula 1 team faced significant challenges during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, with both drivers crashing out, leading to extensive damage to their cars. In a recent video, the team detailed their meticulous process of sorting and repairing salvaged parts from the wrecked vehicles, emphasizing the urgency to prepare the cars for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix within a tight timeframe.

CURIOSITIES

Honda Japan recently hosted a tribute to Hot Wheels at its Tokyo headquarters, showcasing life-sized versions of classic models alongside their 1/64-scale diecast counterparts. The event featured several vehicles from Honda's Collection Hall, interactive activities for children, and hinted at the possibility of future exhibitions centered around this theme.

MotorTrend's online hot rodding show Roadkill, co-hosted by Mike Finnegan and David Freiburger, will conclude after 13 years due to the shutdown of MotorTrend Productions, as announced by Finnegan on Reddit. The show, which began in 2012 and featured car modifications and drag racing, has been a significant part of the automotive content landscape, alongside other notable programs that are also facing changes.

While Jaguar is relaunching with a new logo and an all-electric vision, the company almost brought an all-electric XJ to the market back in 2020. The brand's plans for the sedan were scrapped by former CEO Thierry Bollore, resulting in significant financial losses, and now look to be a mis-step as its future hinges on successfully entering the super-luxury EV market.

Kris Bryant's Lamborghini Huracan was stolen while being shipped to his home in Las Vegas due to a business email compromise that misled the transport company. Police recovered the vehicle on October 7, arresting several suspects and uncovering additional stolen cars and fraudulent documents in the process.

A UK-based aftermarket shop, R44 Performance, has transformed a BMW M2 into a drag car capable of producing 1,500 horsepower through a series of extensive modifications, including an all-wheel drive conversion sourced from an M3. The car is set to compete in the TX2K event in Texas next March, aiming to establish itself as one of the fastest BMWs globally.

This Tiny Japanese Truck Camper is a Cute Way to Go Camping, With One Small Caveat

A US airman, Jake Hall, built himself a custom Kei truck camper while stationed in Japan, combining his love of RVs with the compact truck class, bringing it back to the USA when he returned. The “keimper” features thoughtful design elements, including insulation, a convertible bed, and waterproof storage, but - as he couldn’t bring the Mitsubishi truck back too - potential buyers will need to source their own Kei truck separately to use it.

Tesla recently showcased its Optimus robot and Cybercab to Kim Kardashian, who has publicly supported the brand since the release of the Cybertruck. While the demonstration included familiar features from previous events, it raises questions about Tesla's marketing strategy, as the company appears to be favoring celebrity endorsements over traditional media reviews.

Fast & Furious 11 is scheduled for release in U.S. cinemas on April 4, 2025, following a cliffhanger ending in Fast X, which left the fates of several main characters uncertain. While the film is rumored to return to street racing themes, it will also feature familiar cars and characters, including Dwayne Johnson's return as Luke Hobbs, and may serve as a bridge within a planned trilogy for the franchise.

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!