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- Koenigsegg Claps Back at Rimac With New Performance Records
Koenigsegg Claps Back at Rimac With New Performance Records
Andrew Evans
August 13, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Genesis Hypercar begins track testing
Iron Man’s one-off Acura heads to auction
Polestar 3 sets a single-charge SUV distance record
Chance to buy the rare Nismo 400R
Verstappen keen to race all major endurance races
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Koenigsegg has successfully regained the 0-400-0 km/h title from Rimac, courtesy of a range of updates to its Jesko Absolut that allowed it to achieve the feat in 25.21 seconds, along with new records for 0-250-0mph as well as acceleration and braking times. These changes, known as the Absolut Overdrive package, include adjustments to the transmission and engine management systems along with a new torque control feature and will be made available to all current owners.
The Polestar 3 has set a new benchmark for electric SUVs by travelling 581.3 miles on a single charge, significantly surpassing its official range and the previous record held by the Ford Mustang Mach-E. This achievement was accomplished with an unaltered vehicle on a variety of public roads in the United Kingdom, demonstrating the car’s efficiency and practicality in everyday driving conditions.
BMW is planning to introduce a new off-road SUV designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, with production expected to commence in late 2029 at its South Carolina facility. This upcoming model, reportedly known internally as the G74, will be built on a modified version of the X5 platform and is anticipated to feature a traditional gasoline engine.
Mercedes-Benz has introduced a limited edition of its Maybach S 680 sedan, named the Edition Emerald Isle, inspired by California's Central Coast, with only 25 units available in the US. This exclusive model features a distinctive two-tone exterior and a custom fragrance, alongside the powerful V12 engine and luxurious interior amenities.
The Lamborghini Diablo, known for its flamboyant style rather than track performance, has inspired Eccentrica, a restomod company from San Marino, to enhance its capabilities with the Pacchetto Titano package. This upgrade focuses on improving handling and braking, featuring a recalibrated suspension and a new braking system, while the car retains its original V12 engine with a minor ECU adjustment for better throttle response.
BMW's Individual catalog features an extensive array of over 300 unique colors, reflecting the brand's commitment to customization, including recent forays into two-tone designs with models like the 3.0 CSL. A significant investment in Dingolfing will enhance the paint shop, enabling a dedicated team to apply intricate finishes by hand, with operations expected to commence in spring 2027, while also aiming to reduce production times and costs for these specialized paint options.
Cadillac has launched a personalized program called Curated by Cadillac for the 2026 CT5-V Blackwing, allowing buyers to customize their vehicles with unique paint and interior options for an additional cost. However, this initiative faces stiff competition from other luxury brands, notably Porsche, which offers a wider range of custom exterior color choices at a lower price point but excluding interior alterations.
Starting in 2026, aspiring drivers in the United Kingdom will be required to answer questions about essential life-saving skills, including CPR and the use of defibrillators, during their driving theory tests. This initiative, championed by Professor Len Nokes, aims to enhance public awareness of these critical techniques, potentially improving outcomes in emergency situations like cardiac arrests.
MOTORSPORT
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar has made its initial appearance on the track at Paul Ricard, marking a significant step in its development for the World Endurance Championship. Drivers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani participated in a preliminary test, which sets the stage for a comprehensive development program set to commence later this month.
Max Verstappen has expressed a desire to participate in prominent endurance races, including the prestigious events at Le Mans and Daytona, as he anticipates the potential benefits of Red Bull's collaboration with Ford. While he remains curious about the upcoming Formula 1 regulations, Verstappen is also enthusiastic about the opportunities that may arise from Ford's return to the Hypercar class.
The upcoming 2026 Formula 1 regulations are projected to result in cars being one to two-and-a-half seconds slower per lap, as indicated by FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis. While concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact of these changes, particularly in comparison to current models, Tombazis reassured that teams will adapt quickly, and the performance gap will likely diminish over time.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu commended former driver Nico Hulkenberg, now at Sauber, for fostering a strong sense of trust within the organization during his tenure. As the team transitioned to a new driver lineup featuring Esteban Ocon and rookie Oliver Bearman, it has managed to accumulate 35 points in the early part of the season, with their collaboration demonstrating effective communication despite minor challenges.
Jonathan Wheatley, the team principal of Sauber, expresses his appreciation for life in Switzerland, highlighting the enjoyable experience of living in Zug near Zurich, which has exceeded his expectations. Despite skepticism about the team's remote location affecting its success, Wheatley emphasizes the importance of nurturing internal talent and fostering a collaborative environment as Sauber aims to improve its performance in Formula 1.
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes-AMG F1, has expressed optimism about the team's prospects for improvement in the latter part of the F1 season after a difficult start, highlighted by a recent podium finish for George Russell. With a shift in focus towards next year's car amid new regulations, Wolff believes the team is well-prepared to enhance its competitiveness as the season resumes.
Shane van Gisbergen has made a significant impact in NASCAR this season, winning four out of five road and street course races, largely due to his deeper involvement with his team in car setup. Following a challenging year, including a frustrating incident at Watkins Glen, he expressed a strong desire to improve on oval tracks while cherishing the emotional support of his father during his recent victory.
The World Rally Championship is progressing towards finalizing its 2027 technical regulations, which aim to create a more cost-effective and flexible framework for competitors. With a focus on safety and affordability, the new rules will allow a variety of vehicle designs while initially relying on turbocharged internal combustion engines, although future options for alternative powertrains are under consideration.
CURIOSITIES
A unique Acura NSX Roadster, famously driven by Tony Stark in The Avengers, has been brought out of storage by Acura and prepared for auction next year. While resembling a second-generation NSX on the outside, which was never produced as a convertible, the car was actually based on a heavily modified 21-year-old NA Acura NSX with significant mileage and maintains its film-used condition.
A rare Nismo 400R will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at Monterey Car Week, with the vehicle one of only 44 said to have been made to celebrate Nissan’s participation in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Featuring a bored and stroked version of the famous RB26DETT engine, called the RB-GTX and producing 400hp, the 400R is one of the most highly desired R33 variants, with this 4,400-mile example expected to fetch around $1m.
Hot Wheels Let's Race: Ultimate Speed, an arcade video game developed by GameMill Entertainment and Bamtang Games with support from Mattel, is set to be launched this October on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Featuring beloved characters from the Netflix series Hot Wheels Let's Race, the game will include various modes, customizable vehicles, and challenges against both human opponents and formidable bosses.
Authorities in Plano, Texas, have apprehended five individuals linked to the theft of 29 high-end vehicles, primarily consisting of Chevrolet Camaros and Corvettes, with the incidents occurring between March and April in various parking lots. The suspects allegedly executed a well-planned operation, using vulnerabilities in key programming systems to steal the cars, which they later showcased on social media before selling them for significant profits.
One example of the Tritan A2, a quirky three-wheeled vehicle made in a limited batch of ten for Domino's Pizza, is now available for purchase, offering a glimpse into a futuristic design that never fully materialized. This particular model, #7 of the ten made, is being sold in Michigan with a current bid of $4,500, reflecting lower valuation compared to previous listings in part due to a non-original engine transplant.
A recent street race in California involving a Corvette and a Mustang resulted in a serious crash, leaving the Corvette driver with significant injuries and leading to the Mustang driver's arrest. Authorities have confiscated the Mustang and are likely to impose serious legal repercussions on both participants due to the illegal nature of their actions.
Two people were arrested on a plane in Miami as they allegedly attempted to flee the USA following a deadly street race in New Jersey. Alvi Limani was involved in the collision, crashing his BMX X3 while racing a BMW M5, subsequently killing his 20-year old passenger who was ejected as the vehicle rolled over, and was apprehended alongside his mother on the aircraft.
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