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- Koenigsegg Builds Another Final Jesko, After One Burned to Ashes
Koenigsegg Builds Another Final Jesko, After One Burned to Ashes
Andrew Evans
October 24, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Aston Martin breaches F1 cost cap, accepts fine
Gran Turismo “Fan Fest” event coming to LA
US hit by counterfeit airbags, resulting in fatalities
Yangwang U9 confirmed to be heading to Gran Turismo
BTCC to introduce qualifying races in 2026
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Koenigsegg has reimagined the Jesko with the introduction of the Jesko Nür Revenge, a unique hypercar that emerges from the ashes of one predecessor that infamously caught fire in 2024. This new model features a polished naked carbon fiber finish with lavish gold accents and retains the powerful 1280hp twin-turbo V8, and will be the final Jesko produced.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into counterfeit airbags from a Chinese manufacturer linked to six fatalities and two serious injuries in the US. Initial findings suggest these defective inflators may have been illegally imported, with repair shops potentially unaware of their counterfeit nature.
Toyota has announced that production of the GR Supra will conclude in March 2026, following the introduction of Final Edition models earlier this year. While this marks the end of the current generation, a new Supra is reportedly in development and expected to share a platform with a Lexus counterpart, potentially featuring a Mazda-sourced inline-six engine.
Alpine is preparing to conclude production of the A110, with plans to manufacture a limited run of 1,750 standard models and 50 high-performance A110 R units before transitioning to an electric version next year. The current production at the Dieppe facility will continue until mid-2026, with UK orders expected to close in about six months as the company anticipates selling approximately 200 additional units in that market.
Skoda has presented a contemporary version of the 1000 MBX coupe, a model from the 1960s, reflecting a playful approach by its design team. Although this concept is not intended for production, it embodies the brand's 'Modern Solid' aesthetic while prioritising practicality with features like split and sliding doors, reminiscent of classic automotive design.
Jeep has initiated a recall for Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrids affected by a recent over-the-air update that inadvertently rendered many vehicles inoperable. While the company has rolled back the problematic update to restore functionality, a permanent solution is being developed, although no timeline has been provided.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall affecting 63,619 Cybertrucks due to excessively bright front parking lights that may distract other drivers. While no accidents have been reported, Tesla is addressing the issue through a software update, with notifications to owners set to begin on December 13.
The Ford F-150 Lightning will see its production paused indefinitely as the company reallocates its limited aluminum supply to prioritize the more popular gas-powered F-150 and Super Duty models. This decision follows a fire at a key supplier's facility, which has caused significant production disruptions and is expected to result in substantial financial losses for Ford.
The automotive industry is expressing concern over potential tariffs on factory robots and machinery, which could significantly increase production costs and lead to vehicle shortages. Major manufacturers have urged the Trump administration to reconsider these plans, emphasizing the critical role of automation in vehicle manufacturing and the financial strain it could impose on local suppliers.
The competition between traditional car manufacturers and Chinese brands is increasingly evident in developing regions rather than in established markets like Europe or the US. Chinese automakers are making significant inroads in places such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, primarily due to their competitive pricing, which appeals to consumers in these price-sensitive economies.
MOTORSPORT
The Aston Martin Formula 1 team has acknowledged a procedural violation regarding its 2024 cost cap filings, attributed to a delay in receiving necessary documentation from its auditor. While the team has otherwise adhered to the cost cap regulations, it has accepted a settlement that involves a fine for the late submission, amidst ongoing investigations into compliance across multiple teams.
The British Touring Car Championship will introduce a qualifying race on Saturday afternoons during each race weekend, which will determine the starting positions for Sunday’s main event. This change, confirmed after discussions among TOCA and the teams, aims to enhance the weekend experience, while additional regulatory updates will be communicated in the near future.
Kimi Antonelli disclosed that a significant discussion with the Mercedes team aimed to address his difficulties during the European segment of the season, which had led to considerable frustration. Following a challenging stretch where he earned only three points, the young driver has since regained his competitive edge, achieving notable results in races outside Europe.
Following the United States Grand Prix, Red Bull faced a €50,000 penalty, with half of that amount suspended, due to a team member's attempt to access the grid during the formation lap to remove a tape marker placed by McLaren. This incident highlighted competitive tactics between the teams, as McLaren had implemented measures to ensure their drivers could accurately position their cars on the grid even if the tape was removed.
Formula One Management considered distributing live race broadcasting rights across various streaming services in the US before finalizing an exclusive five-year agreement with Apple to air races on Apple TV starting next year. Although discussions with Netflix regarding potential race streaming occurred, the organization ultimately opted for a consolidated approach, believing it would better serve the sport given its limited number of races.
McLaren has cleared Lando Norris of any penalties related to the Singapore Grand Prix after determining that Oscar Piastri shared some blame for their collision during the Sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas. Piastri acknowledged his role in the incident and expressed that both drivers are moving forward without lingering consequences, focusing instead on maximizing their performance in the upcoming races.
Carlos Sainz expressed his dissatisfaction regarding a five-place grid penalty imposed on him for the Mexico City Grand Prix, which he considers excessive given the circumstances of a collision with Kimi Antonelli during the previous race. Although he acknowledges his part in the incident, Sainz argues that the severity of the punishment does not align with the nature of the collision, raising concerns about the consistency of the rules.
The FIA and ACO have announced that a decision regarding the implementation of success handicaps in the Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship for the upcoming season has not yet been reached, despite provisions in the 2026 regulations allowing for such adjustments. They clarified that while the system is already operational in the LMGT3 class, any potential application in the Hypercar class will be finalized prior to the official pre-season test at Lusail International Circuit.
CURIOSITIES
After recent speculation, PlayStation China has confirmed that the Yangwang U9 Xtreme supercar will be featured in Gran Turismo. The announcement was accompanied by a promotional video showcasing the U9 Xtreme on the Shanghai International Circuit, reigniting discussions about the potential inclusion of this track in the game, a topic that has intrigued fans for years, as PlayStation officially launches the PS5 Pro console in China.
The GT World Series event taking place at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles next month will feature a variety of activities related to Gran Turismo, in what’s termed the first GT “Fan Fest”. These include the return of the Gran Turismo Award after a hiatus, which could see one owner’s modified car appear in the game in the future, while attendees will have the opportunity to engage in panels, explore displays from industry partners, and preview upcoming game updates, ahead of the series of live races.
The landscape for Formula 1 merchandise has transformed significantly in recent years, with Hot Wheels now offering a complete 2025 driver lineup in 1:64 scale, including previously unavailable brands like Ferrari and Aston Martin. Set to hit stores in December, the collection will be available at various price points, making it accessible for fans looking to celebrate the sport during the holiday season.
Ford's recent patent outlines a technology that enables vehicles to recognize animals near the road and potentially match them with lost pet reports, alerting owners when their missing companions are spotted. The system can operate both while the vehicle is in motion and when stationary, allowing for real-time notifications and even direct communication with the animal if equipped with a tracking device.
Legislation in Florida known as HB 243, introduced by Representative Yvette Benarroch, aims to impose stricter regulations on electric bike and scooter operators, including requiring a driver’s license for those using Class 3 e-bikes. If enacted, this bill would not only redefine the classification of certain electric vehicles but also introduce educational requirements for new drivers regarding the safe operation of these modes of transport.
A fire broke out at General Motors' Pasadena Design Advanced Design Center, prompting a response from over 100 firefighters and hazardous materials experts to combat the flames, which reportedly originated from a prototype electric vehicle containing a lithium-ion battery. While no serious injuries were reported, the extent of the damage remains uncertain as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Sung Kang's film Drifter features a custom Toyota AE86 named 'Lola', revealed at a private preview event ahead of the movie’s release. The Toyota sports a Rocket Bunny bodykit and a Chevrolet-sourced V8 engine, and was presented alongside an electric, Lexus-badged AE86 concept which may also have a role in the film.
An investigation into the theft of a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye in Tennessee uncovered a larger criminal network, leading authorities across multiple states. The pursuit not only resulted in the recovery of the stolen vehicle but also exposed a chop shop and an illegal marijuana operation, culminating in several arrests linked to various vehicle thefts.
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