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Hot Wheels Legends Tour Will Immortalize One Custom Car
Andrew Evans
May 29, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Briatore says Alpine could be winning races in 2026
BYD prosecuted in Brazil for “slavery-like” factory conditions
Indianapolis motor museum overhaul puts it among the best in the US
Skoda reimagines the classic Favorit as a modern EV
Binotto details Audi F1 goals: title contenders by 2030
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Skoda has revisited the iconic Favorit, originally designed during its pre-VW era, by crafting a contemporary concept that envisions an electric version of the classic supermini for 2025, although it won't enter production. Designer Ljudmil Slavov aimed to honor the original model by incorporating its distinctive features while adapting them to modern aesthetics.
Brazilian authorities have initiated a lawsuit against BYD and its contractors, alleging severe labor violations, including conditions resembling modern slavery and human trafficking involving Chinese workers at a factory site. The legal action, which seeks substantial financial restitution, follows an investigation revealing alarming living and working conditions, including withheld passports and inadequate safety measures.
With the Ford Focus set to end production this year, Ford has now revealed that it has ceased taking orders for the range-topping Focus ST in the UK. A limited number of units remain available at dealerships, including the special ST Edition, but no new factory build slots are allocated to the hot hatch.
Volkswagen has announced that it will maintain current pricing for its electric vehicles in the US until the end of June, absorbing the impact of new tariffs rather than passing the costs onto consumers. This decision applies to models such as the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, as well as several gasoline-powered vehicles, as the company aims to keep its offerings accessible despite rising operational expenses.
MST Cars has gained recognition for its bespoke automotive creations, and its latest offering, the MST Mk2 Rally Car, brings a blend of rally heritage and road usability. Featuring a powerful 2.7-liter engine and advanced components, this fully custom-built vehicle emphasizes both performance and practicality, with a starting price of £135,000 and an expected delivery time of around 18 months.
Volkswagen is planning to reintroduce physical buttons in future models, acknowledging the demand for tactile controls among European consumers. Commenting on the fact that newer Volkswagen vehicles have seen more emphasis on touchscreen-based interfaces, which are more popular in China, the brand remarked that at least five “most important” functions would have physical buttons in perpetuity.
Bentley is preparing to unveil a new performance-oriented version of the Bentayga SUV, likely intended to succeed the W12 Bentayga Speed that was discontinued in 2023. This upcoming model will feature a more powerful twin-turbo V8 engine and introduce a dynamic stability control system designed for drifting, along with a specialized exhaust system to enhance its auditory presence.
General Motors is advancing its electric vehicle strategy by collaborating with LG Energy Solution and Samsung SDI to establish lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery production in the United States, aiming to reduce costs associated with current chemistry. GM has already confirmed some models will sport LFP batteries, while the brand is also exploring new technologies, like lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries.
MOTORSPORT
Flavio Briatore is urging Alpine to aim for race victories and championship contention by 2026, emphasizing that the team must be competitive with the upcoming regulatory changes. Following a challenging start to the 2025 season and a leadership shift, he is optimistic about the potential benefits of transitioning to Mercedes power, while asserting his commitment to enhancing the team's performance.
Mattia Binotto, who has been with Sauber for ten months, is preparing the team for its transformation into Audi as it enters Formula 1, a significant undertaking given its long absence from podium finishes. With a focus on the new technical regulations for 2026, Binotto emphasizes the importance of building a solid foundation and attracting talent, while acknowledging the challenges of integrating Audi's culture with Sauber's existing framework.
McLaren's latest front wing design, developed in response to stricter FIA flexi wing regulations, illustrates the subtle adjustments teams are making rather than complete overhauls. As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, the new rules impose stricter limits on wing deflection, prompting teams to enhance internal structures while maintaining the overall appearance of their wings.
The FIA is moving forward with its assessment of steel skid blocks in Formula 1 to prevent grass fires from disrupting races, following incidents linked to titanium blocks during recent events. Initial trials are set to take place at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, where one car from each team will test the new material, potentially leading to a mandate for steel blocks at certain circuits if the results are favorable.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, indicated that the design of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya presents challenges for the MCL39, which may hinder the team's performance against competitors. As the drivers prepare for the Spanish Grand Prix, both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are at the forefront of the championship standings, but Stella anticipates that the track's high-speed features will not suit the car as much.
Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar has drawn comparisons to Max Verstappen from Red Bull's Helmut Marko, who notes the young driver's quick adaptability to car adjustments and varying race conditions. Marko emphasized that while other drivers often require time to adjust to significant changes, Hadjar has consistently demonstrated impressive performance, making him an asset for the team as it evaluates future partnerships.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem's bid for a second term as FIA president has gained significant support from numerous motorsport representatives across the Americas, with 37 members endorsing his re-election. The letter of encouragement highlights appreciation for his efforts to implement ambitious reforms and restore power to member clubs, despite facing internal challenges during his presidency.
The H24EVO hydrogen prototype, created by the MissionH24 initiative, will be prominently featured at the ACO H2 Village during the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, which opens to the public on June 11. This event will also include other hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as the Ligier JS2 RH2 and Alpine Alpenglow HY6, which are set to participate in demonstration runs on June 12 and before the race on June 14.
FUN STUFF
Hot Wheels has begun its Legends Tour for 2025, offering a platform for unique custom builds to become die-cast models. This competition has seen consistent participation from the UK, with past winners advancing to global finals including the overall winner in 2021, and this year’s entrants will be narrowed down to three finalists at a car show in August, with the winner heading to the global finals in California.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum underwent a significant transformation during its 17-month closure for renovations, revitalizing the venue to become one of the best in the USA. While it may not match the size of other renowned automotive museums, its focused collection of vehicles that have raced at the iconic track make it well worth the $25 entry fee.
A 2003 Honda NSX-R recently fetched over $1 million at auction, despite a wave of skepticism from those who question its value as merely a Honda. This sale reflects a significant trend in the collector car market, where previously undervalued models like the NSX-R are gaining recognition for their engineering excellence and rarity, amidst shifting preferences among collectors.
A rare, Race Yellow, first-generation Dodge Viper has come up for sale at a no-reserve auction via Mecum in June, with the fearsome sports car also featuring a range of improvements and a low odometer reading of a little over 7,000 miles. One of just 178 cars in this hue, the Viper now has a rebuilt and enlarged 8.2-liter V10 and upgraded intake and exhaust, along with beefier axles, chassis bracing, and a new differential.
A social media uproar ensued after a Lamborghini was photographed parked in a disabled space, prompting users to criticize the driver for perceived entitlement. However, the narrative shifted dramatically when the owner revealed his prosthetic leg and a disabled parking permit, clarifying his legitimate need for the spot and highlighting prejudices around disabilities.
A 1956 Chevrolet 210, known as Deja Blue, underwent an extensive two-year restoration that transformed it from a decaying shell into a stunning, award-winning vehicle. Despite significant interest and a highest bid of $160,000 at auction, the owner declined the offer, indicating that the valuation did not meet their expectations.
A recent YouTube video provides an insightful look into the daily life of Shun, a 27-year-old employee at Isuzu's massive Fujisawa factory, where around 500 trucks are assembled each day. The footage highlights not only the organized and pristine environment of the plant but also the vital role of human workers in managing the diverse range of truck models produced efficiently within a short time frame.
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