Jaguar Builds New E-Types

Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're checking out Jaguar’s latest blast from the past, as its Classic department rolls out two brand-new E-Types made to the original blueprints. If you know someone who has your passion for all things automotive, share the love and forward this newsletter to them!

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS

Jaguar Classic has produced two new E-Types using original blueprints to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the model's retirement, marking the first new E-Types to leave the workshop. These drophead coupes feature modern enhancements such as electronic fuel injection and integrated creature comforts, while maintaining the classic design elements of the original Series I E-Type.

Tesla's recent Robotaxi reveal highlighted a driverless coupe without traditional controls, but investors are seeking more clarity on technical specifications and production timelines following the event's lack of detailed information.

The Morgan Plus Six Pinnacle marks the end of an era for the brand's high-powered sports cars, completing a lineage that spans over 50 years and will be succeeded by a new flagship model in 2025. Limited to just 30 units, this variant offers bespoke interior options developed in collaboration with Bridge of Weir and features a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, with prices starting at £96,995 in the UK.

The Mercedes-AMG GT63 Pro 4Matic+ is designed as a track-focused variant of the AMG GT, featuring a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 603 horsepower and incorporates various engineering enhancements for improved performance and usability. While it offers a more forgiving driving experience compared to the previous GT R model, it maintains strong track capabilities, positioning itself between the Porsche 911 Turbo and Aston Martin Vantage.

The new Audi S5 Avant features a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine producing 362hp and incorporates a mild-hybrid system that enhances fuel efficiency and acceleration. Built on the new Premium Platform Combustion, it offers improved handling and agility, supported by advanced technology such as a digital cockpit and a voice assistant that integrates ChatGPT for additional support.

The Theon R, based on the early-1990s 964-generation 911, has been significantly lightened to weigh less than the original 1989 Miata, tipping the scales at under 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs) due to extensive use of carbon fiber. With a power output of 500 hp from its air-cooled engine, the Theon R boasts acceleration figures comparable to the modern GT3 RS, but comes at a much higher price, costing $1 million and taking 18 months to complete.

Geely has unveiled the Starship 7, a midsize SUV from its Galaxy sub-brand, which is set to launch in China later in 2024 and will feature the new Thor super electric hybrid technology. The vehicle will be available with two plug-in hybrid powertrains, both utilizing a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor, with battery options providing EV-only ranges of up to 150 km.

Porsche has unveiled the updated 2025 911 GT3, featuring a revised suspension, enhanced aerodynamic design, and integrated daytime running lights with larger air intakes. The new model offers optional packages, including the Touring Package with an active rear spoiler and the Weissach Package, which incorporates lightweight carbon fiber components to boost performance.

The 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport introduces significant enhancements for off-road capability, including a stiffer body structure, improved suspension, and heavy-duty skid plates designed to protect vital components. New features such as a Trail mode with a front camera and tire-path predictions aim to assist both novice and experienced off-road drivers, making the Passport TrailSport more competent in rugged terrain compared to its predecessor.

The 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E features updates including a new 'Sport Appearance Package,' revised exterior elements, and additional interior options such as ventilated front seats and a column-mounted gear shifter. Enhanced technology includes the BlueCruise 1.5 system, which allows for automated lane changes, and the introduction of new color options and wheel designs.

AC Schnitzer has introduced a range of aftermarket accessories for the petrol-powered MINI Cooper S, including a new exhaust system, suspension kit, and various exterior styling enhancements aimed at enthusiasts seeking a sportier appearance and performance. The upgrades feature a central exhaust with carbon-fibre tailpipes, a suspension lowering the car by up to 25mm, and new alloy wheels, alongside aesthetic modifications such as a two-piece rear wing and interior details like an aluminium footrest.

The Skoda Fabia Rally2 is a limited edition subcompact hatchback designed for the Spanish market, featuring a tuned 1.5-liter TSI engine that produces 188 hp and 290 Nm of torque, along with performance enhancements by ABT Sportsline. Created to honor rally driver Jose Antonio "Cohete" Suarez, the model will be limited to 100 units and priced at €30,900, with deliveries starting in March 2025.

Porsche has expanded its third-generation Panamera lineup with the introduction of the GTS and three new E-Hybrid variants, including the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with an electric motor for a total output of 771 horsepower. The Turbo S E-Hybrid features Porsche Active Ride technology, designed to minimize body roll and enhance handling, while also offering an estimated 40 miles of all-electric driving range.

MOTORSPORT

Frankie Muniz will join Reaume Brothers Racing as a full-time driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starting in the 2025 season, following his previous experience in the ARCA Menards Series and two NASCAR Xfinity events. He expressed enthusiasm for leveraging his relationship with Ford to enhance the team's performance and is currently preparing for the upcoming Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Mercedes will have Antonelli drive Lewis Hamilton's car during the first practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, following his previous outing where he crashed after five laps. This session will help the team gather more data on their upgraded W15, which had inconsistent performance during the recent sprint event in Texas.

Porsche has announced a reshuffle of its World Endurance Championship (WEC) driver line-up for 2025, resulting in the departure of three drivers, including three-time Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer. The changes will see the team reduce its full-time roster from three to two drivers for regular six-hour races, with Michael Christensen and newcomer Julien Andlauer joining Laurens Vanthoor and Kevin Estre in the updated lineup.

The seventh FIA GT World Cup, part of the Macau Grand Prix, will feature 23 cars from six GT3 manufacturers, taking place from November 14-17 on the Guia Circuit, with nearly 70 percent of the drivers holding Platinum rankings. Notable entries include last year's winner Raffaele Marciello, now driving for BMW, and Lamborghini's return to the event with Edoardo Mortara, aiming for a strong showing alongside competitors from Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi.

The DeltaWing, an experimental racing car that debuted at the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans, featured a lightweight, Nissan-branded three-cylinder engine that produced 400 horsepower while weighing only 88 pounds. Although the project did not progress beyond the prototype stage, the engine's innovative design and power-to-weight ratio surpassed that of contemporary Formula 1 engines, highlighting advancements in automotive engineering.

CURIOSITIES

During the Bugatti Grand Tour Morocco 2024, a collision occurred between a Chiron Super Sport and a Chiron Pur Sport while attempting to overtake a truck on a narrow road, resulting in significant damage to both vehicles. Fortunately, the occupants of the hypercars were unharmed, though the condition of the truck driver remains unclear.

A Toro Red Aston Martin Vanquish S, formerly used as a press and marketing car with a notable history that including appearances at the 2004 Paris Auto Show and on the TV show Top Gear, has come up for sale. Other highlights include the S model's enhancements over the original, and well-documented care by its current owner.

Porsche has partnered with La Marzocco to release two limited-edition espresso machines, the Linea Micra in Slate Grey priced at $6,555 and the Martini Racing edition at $6,949, both limited to 911 units each. The machines feature design elements inspired by Porsche and branding from the company, as well as Porsche-inspired colorways, with the Martini Racing version selling out in a morning.

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3, originally unveiled over three years ago and used by Rhys Millen to drive the Continental GT up Pikes Peak in 2021, is now available for purchase. Featuring a self-levelling, 3.4-inch touchscreen, the wheel is compatible with various Direct Drive bases and can be used on PC and PlayStation 4/5, with each unit is priced at $1,999.95.

After nearly two decades of modifications, Yuki Matsumoto's Porsche 911 Carrera has been transformed into a 934-inspired homage, allowing him to enjoy the car both on the track and the streets. The vehicle, originally acquired in 2006, underwent significant changes, including weight reduction and bodywork adjustments, culminating in a final transformation in 2021 that emphasizes both performance and road legality.

The upcoming game 'Honcho' allows players to experience driving and maintaining kei trucks in a pre-1990s Japan setting. Developed by Greg Pryjmachuk of MinskWorks, the game focuses on managing a vending machine business, including delivery missions, while you maintain your tiny truck.

An ex-JGTC Toyota Supra, once campaigned in the All-Japan Grand Touring Championship, is set to be auctioned, having achieved notable podium finishes in its racing career. Although stripped of its original engine, gearbox and livery, the car retains its official JGTC roll cage and features linked to its history.

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