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

• Lando Norris's Ferrari F40 Crashed

• Honda struggles with Civic Type R EV

• Tsunoda first to go in 2025?

• Canoo left without a paddle

• Trump's Ferrari F430 Up for Auction

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Honda has been exploring a possible battery-electric Civic Type R model, but acknowledges difficulties with translating the driving experience into an EV. Toshihiro Akiwa, from Honda’s BEV Development Center, states that the “joy of driving” inherent to the Type R experience is not simple to deliver in an EV, but that the company has not given up trying. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

Harbinger secured $100 million in Series B funding to enhance its medium-duty electric truck production amid challenges faced by other EV startups. The company aims to leverage this investment to scale operations and meet a substantial existing order book valued at nearly $500 million. [Electrek]

The outgoing Biden administration has finalized regulations designed to prohibit Chinese passenger vehicles in the US market, with national security concerns cited regarding connected vehicle technologies. While the regulations won’t come into force until the next administration, affecting 2027 model years and on, several manufacturers have expressed concern over potential limitations on their products including those made in USA. [Autoblog]

Canoo has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and will halt operations immediately following struggles to establish a foothold in the electric vehicle market. The company, which had previously engaged in various pilot programs, is now set for asset liquidation under the supervision of a court-appointed trustee. [Electrek]

A lawsuit filed by the Alliance of Automotive Innovation claims that a new requirement for automatic emergency braking in all vehicles is flawed and seeks its repeal in the US Court of Appeals. The group argues that the current technology cannot meet the stringent standards set by the regulation and calls for a reconsideration of its provisions. [The Verge - Transportation]

Nearly 900,000 General Motors vehicles are under preliminary investigation by the NHTSA for potential engine failure issues that could result in costly repairs if the situation escalates. The investigation includes various models from the 2019 to 2024 production years, with concerns primarily about bearing failures in the L87 V8 engine. [TheTruthAboutCars]

Nvidia's automotive chief states that fully autonomous vehicles are "not close" and are unlikely to be widely used until the next decade, highlighting the need for advancements in computing power and technology. He emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to development to ensure safety and reliability in self-driving systems. [Autocar]

Michigan has deployed its first all-electric police vehicle, with a Ford Mustang Mach-E beginning service for the Michigan State Police State Security Operations Section. This initiative will allow law enforcement to evaluate the vehicle's performance in a real-world patrol setting. [Electrek]

Suzuki has unveiled updated versions of its small minivans, the Solio and Solio Bandit, featuring updated designs and enhanced equipment. The new models include a redesigned front end, improved safety features, and a mild-hybrid powertrain while maintaining a familiar overall silhouette. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

Land Rover has announced that its upcoming W2RC rally vehicle for 2026 will be derived from the newly designed Defender OCTA, featuring a twin-turbo V8 engine. The car will participate in the newly established 'Stock' category, undergoing extensive development to ensure it meets the demanding requirements of rally raid competition while retaining its core architectural elements. [PistonHeads​.com]

M-Sport has unveiled its newly styled Ford Puma for the 2025 World Rally Championship, featuring a fresh navy blue livery and a focus on performance enhancements. The team will compete with two full-time drivers, including Gregoire Munster and Rally1 newcomer Josh McErlean, while adapting to the absence of hybrid power in this year's regulations. [Autosport]

Allan McNish has highlighted the challenges Audi will face when it enters F1 next year as it prepares for the 2026 season under new technical regulations. McNish emphasizes that building a competitive team will require time and the right mix of talent. [RacingNews365]

Team Kunimitsu's No. 100 Honda Civic Type R-GT topped the timesheets on the first day of testing for the 2025 Super GT season at Sepang International Circuit, outpacing competitors with a best lap of 1:48.996. The four-day test features participation from most GT500 teams, including multiple entries from Toyota, Nissan, and Honda. [Sportscar365]

Pierre Gasly is looking forward to the increased competition in F1 with Cadillac's entry in 2026, as he anticipates more on-track action and opportunities for young drivers. Charles Leclerc also expressed optimism, noting that the expansion will provide additional chances for talented newcomers to enter the sport. [RacingNews365]

A Mazda MX-5 Cup race was decided by just 13 inches in the closest finish in Apex Motor Club race history., The race, at the circuit in Scottsdale AZ, was won by Tom Tait as he passed race-long leader Joey Rainey out of the final turn to win by nine-thousandths of a second. [RACER]

Peter Bayer, COE of Racing Bulls, has defended the FIA after recent, significant departures, emphasized the necessity for a robust governing body in Formula 1. He expressed that the current teams should not interfere with how the FIA operates but stressed the importance of stability and reliability within the organization. [RacingNews365]

Jacques Villeneuve has predicted that Racing Bulls’ Yuki Tsunoda will be the first driver to leave the F1 grid in 2025, claiming that the driver only holds his seat due to Honda. Tsunoda faces a fourth new team-mate in two seasons as rookie Isack Hadjar takes the seat vacated by Liam Lawson, as the Japanese driver was snubbed for promotion to the senior Red Bull team. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

A Tesla Cybertruck was impounded by Greater Manchester Police in the UK after being discovered driving illegally without valid insurance. The electric pickup is not sold in the UK, being unlikely to pass stringent safety requirements for sale, though some looking to import the car have been implementing modifications to allow it to pass an individual safety certificate. [Carscoops]

A Ferrari F430 that once belong to Donald Trump is heading to auction next month, with the car’s value likely to be buoyed by its famous former owner’s return to the Presidency. The car, which has only 9,395 miles on it and features a striking Rosso Corsa finish, comes with original accessories and has been displayed at events at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. [Carscoops]

Another Ferrari F40 has been involved in a single-vehicle crash, with the car that belongs to McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris spinning off the road near Monaco. Norris wasn’t driving the car at the time of the crash, which occurred earlier this month while the racer was in Dubai, with only minor damage sustained to the car’s rear bumper. [Carscoops]

Lego has introduced its first model of the C8 Corvette Stingray, featuring a basic design and various moving parts aimed at younger builders. The kit, priced at $59.99, includes 732 pieces and will be available for preorder, with a release expected in March 2025. [Motor1]

A replica 1976 F1 car from the movie Rush is available from a private seller, with the bodywork built for the film now fitted over a Formula Ford chassis. Designed as a close facsimile of the Lotus Type 77, the car is powered by a Yamaha R6 motorcycle engine disguised under Cosworth-branded valve covers, making it a functional piece of movie memorabilia. [PistonHeads​.com]

YouTube channel Premier Aerodynamics has revealed that a classic 40 Series Toyota Land Cruiser is less aerodynamic than a loaf of bread. The channel used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to visualize the airflow of the two objects, revealing that the bread’s coefficient of drag beats the Toyota’s by 0.57 to 0.66, as well as producing less lift at 45mph. [Motor1]

Planters is accepting applications for its 2025 class of "Peanutters", who will promote the brand while driving the Nutmobile across the United States. The role involves attending over 200 events annually and offers a salary of $45,000 along with benefits. [Motor1]

An electric golf cart styled after the Flintstones is currently available for sale on Bring a Trailer, showcasing a unique blend of nostalgia and modern technology. This replica features a design reminiscent of the iconic Flintmobile and is powered by batteries, making it a fun addition for golf enthusiasts who appreciate pop culture. [Car and Driver]

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