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Honda Prelude to Race in Super GT
Andrew Evans
September 30, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
RTR reveals wild 870bhp Spec 5 Mustang
F1 driver Ocon reveals Mansory deal and wild Revuelto
A2RL autonomous racing event returns in November
Rolls-Royce announces limited edition centenary Phantom
How to get away with an illegal u-turn: be a robot
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
RTR Vehicles has introduced a modified version of the Ford Mustang, known as the Spec 5, which boasts over 870hp and 895Nm of torque from its supercharged, five-liter V8 engine. Limited to just 50 units annually at a price of $159,999 each, this model reflects the influence of drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. and includes enhancements like a specialized exhaust system and intercooler, distinguishing it from Ford's more track-focused offerings.
Rolls-Royce is preparing to launch a limited edition of 25 units of its Phantom model to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the iconic nameplate. This special version will feature advanced interior craftsmanship, including innovative woodworking techniques and luxurious materials, reflecting the brand's commitment to bespoke excellence.
The discontinuation of the Ford Focus ST marks the conclusion of a notable era in the hot hatch segment, with the last unit produced on September 26 at the Saarlouis facility in Germany. This decision follows the earlier end of the Fiesta ST and reflects Ford's strategic shift away from traditional hatchbacks in Europe, amid declining market share and profitability concerns.
The Porsche Cayenne Electric introduces an innovative curved OLED display known as the Flow Display, which enhances the center console with a user-friendly interface while retaining essential physical controls for driver convenience. This model aims to redefine Porsche's technological offerings, distinguishing itself from the Macan Electric by integrating advanced features like a 3D vehicle display and an AI-driven voice assistant, setting the stage for its market launch in 2026.
Genesis is preparing to enter the high-performance market with the GV60 Magma, marking a significant shift for the brand after a decade without a true performance model. Following extensive testing across various global terrains, the production version of this electric SUV is expected to debut by the end of the year, with sales commencing in 2026.
BMW continues to expand its vehicle offerings by introducing the X5 with five different powertrain options, including hydrogen fuel cell technology, which is now available to a broader audience. This move reflects the brand's commitment to diversifying its lineup as it navigates the challenges of hydrogen adoption, while also collaborating with Toyota to enhance the efficiency and performance of its fuel cell systems.
Recent trademark registrations suggest that Mercedes-Benz is exploring the introduction of several new G-Class variants, with at least four names indicating potential enhancements in size and performance. While the current lineup includes the G550 and G580, the newly registered names - G600, G700, G800, and G900 - hint at models that could offer increased power and luxury features, possibly including longer wheelbases and cabriolet options.
Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, expressed reservations about CarPlay Ultra's implementation while affirming the company's ongoing partnership with Apple. He emphasized the importance of AI assistants in vehicles, suggesting that Ford aims to enhance user experience by integrating these technologies, even as the future of CarPlay Ultra in Ford models remains uncertain.
Land Rover is currently grappling with a significant cyberattack that has disrupted its operations for a month, yet the company continues to conduct tests on new vehicles, including a camouflaged Defender spotted near its Gaydon facility. The design of this new model appears to draw inspiration from the Defender, featuring a compact rear end and a slightly sloped roof, while speculation surrounds its potential powertrain options, including hybrid and turbocharged engines.
MOTORSPORT
Honda is set to enter the 2026 Super GT season with a newly developed GT500 vehicle, the Prelude-GT, which will take the place of the Civic Type R-GT that has been in competition since 2024. This shift marks a significant change as Honda aims to leverage insights gained over the past two years, making the Prelude a promising contender against rivals like the Toyota Supra and Nissan Z.
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) is gearing up for its second season in 2025, featuring 11 teams racing driverless vehicles at the Yas Marina Circuit, with enhanced technology and a focus on competitive performance. This year, teams have benefited from extensive virtual training, allowing them to refine their AI systems and prepare for a thrilling race, which includes a significant prize pool and an exciting challenge against human drivers.
Nico Hulkenberg has urged Formula 1 to address the limited track time available to drivers due to a decrease in testing and practice opportunities. While he supports the inclusion of sprint races, he affirms the need for adequate practice sessions to ensure teams and drivers can optimize their performance.
Formula 1 drivers face the challenge of accurately positioning their cars within grid boxes, where even slight adjustments can significantly impact race starts. While some, like Lewis Hamilton, use on-car markers for reference, others, such as Lando Norris, rely on external cues, illustrating the diverse strategies employed to navigate this critical aspect of racing.
The Cadillac Formula 1 team, preparing for its inaugural season in 2026, has appointed Tyler Epp, the former president of the Miami Grand Prix, as its global head of commercial strategy. Epp brings over 20 years of experience in sports management, having significantly contributed to the growth of the Miami Grand Prix, which has secured its place on the F1 calendar until 2041.
Toyota is set to launch its first significant update to the GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar since its introduction in 2021, aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance ahead of the 2026 World Endurance Championship. The team is focused on addressing past performance issues, with plans to begin testing the revised model in early October, as they strive for a return to victory at the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race.
Alpine has introduced the A290 Rallye, its first electric rally car, which debuted at various events including the Rallye Rouergue and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The company plans to launch the Alpine A290 Trophy, a one-make rally series starting in November, featuring multiple races and a substantial prize pool for participants.
BMW M Motorsport is revamping its prototype racing strategy by entrusting the BMW M Team WRT with the management of its FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship initiatives starting in 2026. This transition will see WRT, under Vincent Vosse's leadership, take over IMSA operations from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the team as it prepares for a full season with the updated BMW M Hybrid V8.
CURIOSITIES
Mansory is a marque well known for its wildly over-the-top vehicle modifications, with the company recently turning its hand to a Lamborghini Revuelto owned by F1 driver Esteban Ocon. Developed as part of a partnership that will see Ocon wearing Mansory branding, the Revuelto features extensive custom forged carbon body panels and more dramatic aerodynamic pieces and a red leather interior that includes Ocon’s own branding, although mechanical modifications haven’t been detailed.
Police in San Bruno recently encountered a driverless Waymo vehicle making an illegal U-turn during a DUI checkpoint, but current California regulations prevent them from issuing citations to autonomous cars. While officers reported the incident to Waymo for corrective action, the situation underscores the challenges law enforcement faces as self-driving vehicles become more prevalent on the roads.
A replica of the classic 1959 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is available at auction, commanding a healthy price even if some way short of the $30 million valuation of the real thing. Developed by New Zealand manufacturer Tempero Coach & Motor Company, the replica has a custom tube frame, a handbuilt aluminum body, and a three-liter, naturally aspirated V12 and bidding currently sits at $500,000.
California now has more public places to charge an EV than to fuel up an ICE car, with an expansion of charging point installations by over 68% compared to last year. With over 200,000 public electric vehicle chargers, Governor Gavin Newsom reiterated the state's commitment to electric vehicles, highlighting that 94% of the state’s residents now live within a ten-minute drive of a charging station.
Zoox has announced the launch of its robotaxi testing operations in Washington, DC, marking its eighth city in the United States and its first in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company plans to start with modified SUVs that will gather data for future autonomous services in an area known for its complex traffic patterns and diverse weather conditions.
Hawaii has strict regulations against modifying vehicle exhaust systems, yet complaints about noise from altered cars persist, prompting the state's Department of Transportation to implement a pilot program featuring acoustic cameras in targeted areas. Currently, these cameras are being installed in specific locations on Oahu to monitor noise levels, with plans for additional units in the coming years, although no penalties will be enforced during this initial phase.
Keyless entry vehicles are increasingly vulnerable to relay theft, where criminals can amplify the signal from a key fob to unlock and start a car in mere seconds. To protect against this type of theft, many owners are relying on their microwave ovens which prevent signals from being read, although experts suggest using a signal-blocking pouch or storing keys in a metal container to prevent accidental damage to both the key and the appliance.
Police departments are increasingly adopting drones equipped with automated license plate readers, with a significant majority of US agencies exploring or already implementing such technology. This trend has raised privacy concerns, prompting organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation to advocate for stricter regulations on the deployment of these aerial surveillance tools.
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