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Jaguar Stops Selling Jaguars
Jordan Greer
November 01, 2024
Welcome to today's edition of SpeedBites, where we rev up your day with the latest in automotive news and motorsport thrills! In this issue we’re looking at Jaguar’s decision to stop selling Jaguars in its home country, and the busy weekend ahead in F1. As always, if you know someone who shares your passion for all things automotive, feel free to share SpeedBites with them!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Jaguar is set to cease new car sales in the UK starting November 2024, as its only remaining new vehicle - the F-PACE SUV - is removed from listings. Existing stock will remain available while Jaguar enters a 'reset period' that will see it introduce its next-generation electric vehicles in 2026.
Rivian has reintroduced its "All-Electric upgrade offer," providing a $3,000 discount on new R1T or R1S vehicles for customers who prove ownership of a qualifying gas-powered vehicle, valid until November 30. This updated program simplifies the previous offer by eliminating a sliding scale discount and trade-in requirements, but it is limited to new inventory vehicles and excludes certain models and vehicle types.
Ford will pause production of its all-electric F-150 Lightning pickup truck for nearly two months, starting November 15 and resuming January 6 2025, which includes a week-long holiday break. This decision follows a year of production adjustments, including a workforce reduction and a previous nine-week shutdown due to quality issues, amid a broader decline in electric vehicle demand.
Radford Motors, co-founded by celebrity mechanic Ant Anstead and F1 world champion Jenson Button, is being sued by customers over orders and deposits for its Type 62-2 cars. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and customers including a Florida surgeon and a Lamborghini dealership are seeking legal action regarding cars they haven’t received and deposit refunds.
Infiniti's new Autograph Lounge concept, showcased at the SEMA Show, reimagines luxury tailgating based on the redesigned QX80, featuring a bespoke cargo area with a television, audio system, and premium drinkware. This concept is powered by a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 450hp and includes high-end interior amenities such as dual displays, a 24-speaker audio system, and advanced driver assistance technology.
Honda is launching the Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) as its in-house tuner, focusing on developing OEM performance parts for various vehicle types in North America, inspired by the positive reception of the Integra Type S HRC prototype. The initiative aims to utilize the expertise of HRC's race engineers to create performance enhancements that meet strict standards, with prototypes expected to be available next year.
A new widebody kit for the Tesla Cybertruck, created by Waido, is now available, marking it as the first complete kit for this electric truck with only 100 units produced at a price of $9,990. The ABS plastic kit features six-inch wider fenders that retain the original rear-facing cameras for Autopilot functionality, along with an aggressive front bumper, new skirts, a lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser.
The next-generation Subaru Outback is shifting towards an SUV-like design, as revealed by recent spy photos showing prototypes with a bulkier front, taller profile, and angular wheel arches. While details about the interior and powertrain remain limited, the new model is anticipated to feature a hybrid setup and is expected to debut in 2025 as a 2026 model.
General Motors has applied for a patent on a compact electric drive unit that incorporates a differential-in-rotor design, a technology pioneered by Lucid Motors, which aims to enhance efficiency in electric vehicles. While GM's design differs in several aspects, including the absence of a coaxial configuration and the inclusion of a locking differential, both companies share a focus on developing compact and efficient electric drive systems.
VinFast has secured over $1 billion in investment from a group led by Emirates Driving Co., which will also offer expertise in driver training and road safety, amid significant financial losses for the Vietnamese automaker. The company plans to expand its manufacturing presence in India and Indonesia, while facing challenges in the U.S. market, including a delayed factory opening in North Carolina and low vehicle sales.
The BMW G18, a long-wheelbase version of the X5 exclusive to China, is now available in a special edition called the X5 Dark Flame with only 1,000 units planned. This edition features a black exterior with Titan Gold accents, a turbocharged inline-six engine producing 380hp, and a starting price of approximately $116,000.
Toyota is set to showcase two new truck concepts at the upcoming SEMA show: the Land Cruiser Rox, featuring a convertible design with off-road enhancements, and the retro TRD Surf 4Runner, designed with an open-air cab for surf culture. Both vehicles will be displayed at Toyota's booth from November 5 to November 8 in Las Vegas.
MOTORSPORT
Charles Leclerc's use of profanity during the post-race press conference at the Mexican Grand Prix is under review, potentially leading to an investigation by FIA stewards, following a similar incident involving Max Verstappen. Leclerc's comment, made in reference to a race incident that cost him second place, was censored in the official transcript, and he was immediately addressed by an FIA official after the conference concluded.
Franco Colapinto is seeking a potential release from his Williams contract to pursue a seat with Red Bull's junior team, RB, for the 2025 season, as Williams has committed to drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Despite his promising performances in Formula 1, Colapinto's future remains uncertain, with Red Bull exploring options to fill their driver roster amid ongoing speculation about Sergio Perez's position.
Max Verstappen reflected on his recent penalties during the Mexico City Grand Prix, acknowledging that he agrees with one of the two 10-second penalties he received for incidents involving Lando Norris, while questioning the consistency of the stewards' decisions. He maintains that his racing style is not intentional in pushing rivals off-track and emphasizes the need for a more competitive car to avoid such situations in the future.
Lewis Hamilton will honor Ayrton Senna by driving demonstration laps in a 1990 McLaren MP4/5B at the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking 30 years since Senna's death. Hamilton expressed his excitement about the opportunity, reflecting on the emotional significance of driving Senna's car at Interlagos, where Senna won his second world championship.
Grand Prix Drivers’ Association director George Russell has called for the FIA to employ full-time professional race stewards to enhance consistency in penalty enforcement and aid drivers in interpreting the guidelines, following controversial penalties issued to Max Verstappen during recent races. While Verstappen believes the sport is over-regulated, Russell argues for clearer guidelines and a stable stewarding system to improve understanding and consistency among drivers.
The British Touring Car Championship will transition to 100% sustainable fuel for the 2025 season, eliminating the hybrid system introduced in 2022. While the hybrid technology improved in reliability, concerns about operational costs and a shift towards sustainable practices led to this decision, with the power boost now solely coming from the turbo.
CURIOSITIES
Netflix has released a full trailer for its upcoming six-part drama series focused on three-time Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, set to premiere on 29 November 2024. The series, authorized by Senna's family, will explore his early life, racing achievements, and the events surrounding his fatal crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
Johan Ackermann is constructing a replica of the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, which he calls the ELK GTR, using a modified W210 generation E-Class as the base. His project includes extensive bodywork and plans to install a Mercedes M120 V12 engine paired with an Audi six-speed transmission, showcasing his experience with similar automotive replicas.
YouTuber WhistlinDiesel's latest project has seen his team install a jet engine in a compact Honda Acty kei truck, significantly increasing its power and speed. After successfully testing the jet-powered truck on public roads, they encountered challenges with overheating and were advised by the fire department to avoid using the jet on highways - though jet-engined cars can be legal in the USA.
A rare Cadillac CTS-V race car is currently for sale, featuring a 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine that originally produced 500 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. The car comes with numerous additional parts and is one of reportedly only ten built by Pratt & Miller, with bidding currently exceeding $50,000.
UK police have recovered 35 stolen luxury and sports cars valued at over £6 million, eight years after they were taken through a fraudulent finance scheme in the UK, to be exported and sold in Thailand. The investigation was sparked by the discovery of four stolen Mercedes in a shipping container in Southampton, UK, which led to collaboration with Thai authorities to locate and return all the vehicles to their rightful owners.
Kazuno Oda at Hello Special, near Kyoto, created a Suzuki Carry kei truck, showcasing the creative potential of these small vehicles within Japan's car culture. The truck includes a unique Birichino body kit designed by Miura, aggressive wheel fitment, and functional modifications for drifting, highlighting how kei trucks can be transformed beyond their utilitarian roots.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!