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Jaguar Reveals its Rebrand
Jordan Greer
November 19, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! This morning, Jaguar has revealed its new logo, branding, and design themes for its upcoming EV revolution, while Abarth and Mazda are differing on their approaches to combustion engines — and F1 announces a calendar rejig to help reduce its logistical challenges. As always, if you find our daily dose of automotive excitement as thrilling as we do, consider sharing SpeedBites with friends who might enjoy the ride.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Jaguar Land Rover is initiating a significant transformation of the Jaguar brand, introducing four new design elements as part of its strategy for an electric future, with the first model set to launch in 2026. The company aims to enhance its market position by focusing on a higher price point and creating vehicles that establish a deeper emotional connection with drivers, while also addressing concerns about the brand's transition to electric-only models.
Kia's upcoming EV4 hatch has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring, showcasing its performance capabilities as it approaches its official debut expected by the end of the year. Positioned as an entry-level model within Kia's new low-cost EV lineup, the EV4 is designed with a bold aesthetic and is anticipated to be priced between $30,000 and $40,000, with deliveries starting in 2025.
DS Automobiles is exploring the production of the SM Tribute, a concept car unveiled for its 10th anniversary that reimagines the original SM from the 1970s. The production model would utilize Maserati components, similar to its predecessor, and would be built in limited quantities if approved by Stellantis executives.
Mazda is set to launch the Skyactiv-Z engine in 2027, which will replace the Skyactiv-G in U.S. models, aiming to reduce emissions while maintaining internal combustion technology. Additionally, the company is continuing with its rotary engine revival as the Iconic SP sports coupe looks set to join the MX-30 R-EV as an electric model with a rotary range extender engine.
Elon Musk has recently hinted at Tesla's potential development of larger electric vehicles in response to fan requests, referencing the newly unveiled Tesla Robovan and other unspecified projects. However, skepticism surrounds these claims, as Musk has previously indicated plans for a higher passenger capacity vehicle that have yet to materialize, while Tesla's current focus remains on autonomous driving technologies.
The incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to loosen federal regulations on fully autonomous vehicles, aiming to create a federal framework for their regulation and potentially increase the cap on the number of self-driving cars allowed on public roads. Bipartisan discussions are underway to establish new rules, which could facilitate the deployment of autonomous vehicles, although specific policy details remain unconfirmed and individual state regulations will also need to be considered.
General Motors laid off around 1,000 employees, including both salaried and hourly workers, with notifications sent via early morning emails. The layoffs coincide with the closure of GM's Yuma, Arizona proving grounds and the Durability, Corrosion, and Teardown facilities at its Milford Proving Grounds, as the company shifts testing responsibilities to suppliers.
Nissan has achieved the top ranking in customer satisfaction for the mass market car segment according to J.D. Power's 2024 US Sales Satisfaction Index, despite facing significant financial challenges. The automaker's improved customer experience, attributed to more transparent transactions and efficient processes, comes at a critical time as it seeks to regain stability while investing in electric and hybrid models to attract buyers.
Abarth has announced it will cease launching new gasoline-powered models due to rising taxes on combustion engines in Europe, as explained by Gaetano Thorel, Head of Fiat and Abarth Europe. The brand plans to focus on electric vehicles, with the next hot EV expected to be a larger model based on the upcoming Panda, set to debut in 2027.
In 2023, GM's Cruise faced scrutiny after its autonomous taxis were involved in several accidents, including a notable incident where a pedestrian was dragged for 20 feet following a collision with another vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fined Cruise $500,000 for failing to disclose critical details about the crash, as part of a broader agreement that requires the company to enhance safety compliance and transparency in its operations.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 has confirmed that starting in 2026, the Canadian Grand Prix will be rescheduled to the third or fourth weekend of May, moving it earlier in the calendar to align with the Miami race. This adjustment aims to improve logistical efficiency and sustainability while addressing concerns about potential adverse weather conditions in Montreal during the earlier months.
The FIA plans to implement a new driver cooling system in Formula 1 by 2025, following extreme heat conditions experienced during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. The prototype involves a cooling vest fed by chilled water, with future designs allowing teams to develop their own systems, potentially utilizing various cooling methods while adhering to specific regulations.
F1 Academy, an all-female racing series established to support young women in motorsport, will return to the Miami Grand Prix as part of its 2025 championship from May 2-4, marking its first North American race. The series provides comprehensive training and development for female drivers aged 16 to 25, using Tatuus-built cars powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.
George Russell has acknowledged that Mercedes is experiencing its worst car consistency issues in its history, despite improvements in performance since the 2022 season's struggles with porpoising. While the team had success before the summer break, recent races have seen a significant decline, with Russell noting the unpredictability of the car's performance during laps.
As the F1 season nears its conclusion, Lando Norris's chances of winning the drivers' championship are diminishing, despite McLaren's recent success in the constructors' standings, largely due to Red Bull's struggles and Sergio Perez's underperformance. The dynamics within McLaren have shifted, with team orders causing tension between Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri, who is eager to assert himself as the team looks to secure the constructors' title amid the evolving competitive landscape.
The first IMSA-sanctioned test for the 2025 season revealed competitive performances, with Lamborghini Iron Lynx's Romain Grosjean recording the fastest GTP time at 1m35.611s, while Acura Meyer Shank Racing and BMW M Team RLL also showed strong results. In the GTD PRO category, Ford's Mustang GT3 dominated the session, securing the top five times, with Dennis Olsen achieving the fastest lap at 1m47.822s.
Red Bull Racing's chief engineer, Paul Monaghan, expressed that the team is preparing for the unveiling of its next F1 car, likely named RB21, while acknowledging the nerves that come with the upcoming tests and the competitive landscape. With the team currently trailing in the constructors' championship and facing challenges in car development, Monaghan emphasized the importance of relative performance against rivals like Ferrari and McLaren as they aim to contend for titles in 2025.
Max Verstappen has accumulated a total of 39 penalty points since his Formula 1 debut in 2015, making him one of the top penalty point earners, although he currently sits on five points after recent expirations. His penalty point accumulation rate is lower than that of Kevin Magnussen - who picked up a one-race ban for his deeds - and, despite picking up points during intense championship battles, Verstappen has demonstrated a strategic understanding of rule adherence throughout his career.
Sauber has unveiled a new livery featuring a flame motif for the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, incorporating neon green colors from their chassis sponsor, Kick. Currently at the bottom of the championship standings, the team has yet to score points this season, with their best result being an 11th place finish by Zhou Guanyu in Bahrain.
Ella Lloyd, a 19-year-old athlete from Pontypridd, is set to join McLaren's 2025 F1 Academy season, aiming to increase female representation in motorsport both as drivers and in engineering roles. Despite facing mixed reactions from male peers, she has secured four podium finishes in her recent F4 season and believes that visibility in the sport, along with an upcoming Netflix series, will encourage more women to pursue careers in motorsport.
CURIOSITIES
Thieves stole a black Isuzu pick-up truck and a red quad bike from a farm on the Windsor Castle estate last month, breaking into the buildings where the vehicles were stored and smashing through gates to escape. The burglary took place while the Prince and Princess of Wales were in residence in Adelaide Cottage on the estate, although do not seem to have been in any direct danger from the incident.
A customized 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, listed for $89,754 by Bommarito Toyota, features $18,995 in upgrades, including a 2.5-inch lift, 35-inch tires, and a roof rack. The vehicle, transformed by Auto Trim Restyling, recently won the people's choice award at the SEMA Show and retains the standard model's hybrid powertrain, producing 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
JEDM Garage in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a dedicated space for car enthusiast Mr. Jedm, designed to showcase his extensive collection of vehicles, including rare JDM models and European exotics. The garage features a well-thought-out layout with car lifts, a lounge area, and a Japanese-style garden, reflecting Mr. Jedm's passion for both cars and creating an engaging environment for fellow enthusiasts.
An unusual Lola T70 has become available to purchase, with the 450hp sports car being not only eligible for a historic technical passport (HTP) but also road-registered. The T70 had a remarkable racing history, which includes podium finishes in the United States Road Racing Championship, and promises to make most other supercars feel tame on the public roads — although the price is by application only.
A 1973 Dino 246 GTS which was once owned by musician Bob Seger is up for sale by auction in Texas. Seger owned the car - produced under a separate brand named for Enzo Ferrari’s son Dino who designed the V6 engine - during the 1980s when it was one of only seven cars painted in Verde Scuro, with the Dino more recently restored in the UK.
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