Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Rolls-Royce's £300m Electric Expansion

• Yangwang U9 Can Leap Spike Strips

• Self-Driving Tesla on Train Tracks

• Hackable License Plate Cameras Exposed

• Hyundai Cars Now Sold on Amazon

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Honda's next-gen EVs will include the 0 Series SUV and Saloon, with the SUV launching in the first half of 2026 as part of the automaker's shift towards global electric vehicle offerings. The vehicles will feature innovative designs and technology, including Honda's Asimo OS for enhanced user experience and planned Level 3 conditional hands-free driving capabilities. [The Drive]

Rolls-Royce will invest more than £300 million in an extension of its Goodwood factory in West Sussex to enhance its customisation programmes and prepare for the launch of more electric models. The investment aims to increase personalisation options while maintaining current production levels, with a new electric model expected to join the Spectre on the production line later this year. [Autocar]

Oshkosh has announced a range of new commercial electric vehicles at CES, including plug-in fire engines and garbage trucks while also introducing AI-powered technology aimed at enhancing safety and convenience. The company plans to deliver 165,000 vehicles to the USPS, with a significant portion expected to be electric, despite previous project delays. [The Verge - Transportation]

Aptera has unveiled the production-intent version of its long-awaited three-wheel EV on the eve of CES in Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone after four years of development since its initial concept reveal. The vehicle features a design reminiscent of a spaceship, incorporates solar panels for charging, and is claimed to have an impressive range of up to 400 miles when fully charged. [Carscoops]

The computer that enables Tesla to claim that its vehicles have "full-self driving" capability is having some pretty serious issues right now. Reports indicate that these failures are causing significant malfunctions in various vehicle features, leading to frustration among owners and long wait times for repairs. [Jalopnik]

Honda announced its first in-house software system for upcoming 0 Series electric vehicles will be called Asimo OS, which will manage various technological functions and enable over-the-air updates. The integration of this system reflects Honda's strategy to enhance its EV offerings and improve its competitive position in the automotive market. [InsideEVs]

BMW is introducing its revamped infotainment system, dubbed Operating System X, at the 2025 CES in Las Vegas as part of the Neue Klasse lineup, which will also feature next-generation electric vehicles. The new iDrive X system includes a larger, customizable touchscreen and a unique Panoramic iDrive display, aimed at enhancing user experience and safety. [BMW Blog]

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N DK Edition is a special-edition version of the 641bhp hyper-hatch created in collaboration with racing driver Keiichi Tsuchiya and will be fully revealed on January 10 at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2025. The new model features significant visual updates, including a large rear spoiler and unique paintwork, while retaining the powertrain and chassis of the standard Ioniq 5 N. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

Chinese manufacturer BYD has revealed the innovative suspension system underneath the Yangwang U9 supercar which allows it to jump over obstacles. The U9, priced at 1.68 million yuan ($230,000 USD), can leap six meters, drive on three wheels, and perform both impressive maneuvers autonomously. [Jalopnik]

All cars sold in the US will need to come with automatic emergency braking by 2029, but automakers are requesting a delay due to concerns about the technology's effectiveness in adverse conditions. Goodyear has developed a smart tire, named SightLine, which can detect hazardous road conditions and enhance the performance of AEB systems. [The Verge - Transportation]

Hyundai is now selling cars directly on Amazon, including popular EVs like the IONIQ 5 to streamline the vehicle purchasing process. Customers can browse, secure financing, and schedule pick-up times through Amazon's platform, making it similar to shopping for other products. [Electrek]

Bryan Nesbitt was named the senior vice president of GM Global Design on Monday, succeeding Michael Simcoe, who will retire after a 42-year career with General Motors. Nesbitt's extensive background includes overseeing the design of notable concepts like the Cadillac Sollei and working on various GM models throughout his career. [Autoblog]

MOTORSPORT

Sebastien Loeb has becomes a second high-profile withdrawal from the 2025 Dakar Rally due to significant damage to his Dacia Sandrider after a barrel roll during the third stage. His exit follows similar retirements from other competitors, highlighting the challenges faced in the rally. [Autosport]

This year is shaping up to be a landmark one for Hyundai's premium brand Genesis as it gears up to move into the top-end of sportscar racing with the GMR-001 while preparing for its FIA WEC Hypercar debut in 2026. The GMR-001 will utilize a twin-turbo V8 engine based on Hyundai's WRC inline-four unit, and the project is on a tight timeline requiring careful integration of its hybrid system. [RACER]

Pascal Wehrlein revealed that he did sustain a "few injuries" after his horror crash last month in Formula E's season-opener in São Paulo, where he ended up upside down following a collision. Despite the accident, Wehrlein is fit to return for the Mexico City E-Prix, having recovered over the festive period. [RacingNews365]

Fernando Alonso hopes Aston Martin can prove to be a renewed team at the start of the 2025 F1 season, emphasizing the lessons learned from a challenging end to the previous year. He believes that the team's struggles will inform improvements in their next car design. [RacingNews365]

Yuki Tsunoda has highlighted the qualities of Max Verstappen that have played a key role in sparking a personal about-turn in making him a more "complete driver" as he prepares for his fifth season in F1 with Red Bull's junior team. Tsunoda reflects on his improvements, particularly in radio communication, and acknowledges the influence of Verstappen's consistency and focus on his development. [RacingNews365]

Martin Brundle has labelled Elon Musk as a "globally interfering dick" after the X boss waded into British politics by calling for prime minister Keir Starmer to be imprisoned for his actions as director of public prosecutions. Brundle expressed his conflict over staying on the platform, noting its positive impact on his work in F1, while also criticizing Musk's influence. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

The Department of Homeland Security released an advisory noting that a commonly used automated license plate reader (ALPR) was theoretically vulnerable to a variety of hacks, as security researcher Matt Brown demonstrated that many ALPRs are easily accessible and can be exploited to track individuals without their knowledge. [Motor1]

Tesla's Full Self-Driving system is still struggling with recognizing train tracks as evidenced by a recent incident in Santa Monica where a driver was led onto a Metro E Line track. The driver, unable to exit the track due to surrounding obstacles, expressed concern for his safety as a train approached from behind. [Carscoops]

A Kansas City-area driver bailed out of a moving Honda Accord as it accelerated down an icy highway off-ramp, prompting concerns about safety during winter driving conditions. The incident, captured on social media, highlights the dangers of abandoning a vehicle in perilous weather. [The Drive]

Three snowplow drivers in Colorado decided to intervene on their own and end a police chase last week, effectively defusing the situation without any injuries or significant vehicle damage. The fleeing driver was subsequently charged with multiple offenses, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces during high-speed pursuits. [Jalopnik]

The Mitsubishi Delica Mini mastered a grueling five-day, 1,250-mile-long rally as a support vehicle for the 2024 Asia Cross Country Rally, showcasing its modifications and capabilities. Mitsubishi plans to display the Delica Mini at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, highlighting its performance alongside other rally entries. [The Drive]

Independent designer Khyzyl Saleem has brought Jaguar's first supercar to the modern era with significant visual upgrades, transforming the XJ220 into a more aggressive-looking vehicle while maintaining its recognizable features. The project, which is not intended for production, showcases a blend of classic design elements and contemporary aesthetics, potentially inspiring owners of the original model to consider modifications. [Carscoops]

A video has emerged capturing the reckless behavior of a frustrated Mercedes driver clashing with a large group of teenage cyclists on a busy Los Angeles boulevard, escalating into a heated altercation after the cyclists spotted the car parked nearby. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between motorists and cyclists, with polarized opinions surfacing on social media regarding the actions of both parties involved. [Carscoops]

The Jaguar E-Type is a North American example residing in Merrillville, Indiana, and is badged as an XK-E that has been off the road since the late 1990s and requires extensive restoration work. The vehicle features a 4.2-liter inline-six engine and is being sold as a project car, with significant repairs needed for both the exterior and interior. [Carscoops]

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