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- Koenigsegg Jesko Sets Standing Half-Mile Record
Koenigsegg Jesko Sets Standing Half-Mile Record
Andrew Evans
May 07, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Alpine swaps Colapinto for Doohan
GTA VI gets a brand-new trailer
First look at Land Rover’s Dakar Defender
Briatore returns to F1 pit wall as Alpine principal
300-car treasure trove of Americana goes to auction
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Koenigsegg has taken another world performance record for production cars, as its Jesko Absolut beat a 2024 achievement for the fastest speed over a standing half-mile. Despite driving the rear wheels only, through a nine-speed gearbox, the Jesko Absolut reached the distance from a standing start at 223.59 mph, with the 1,600hp (on E85 fuel), twin-turbocharged V8 propelling it to the finish line in 13.27 seconds.
Land Rover aims to compete in the 2026 World Rally Raid Championship with a nearly stock version of the new Defender OCTA, called the Defender Dakar D7X-R. This model has recently undergone testing in Morocco, and will be part of a three-car team in the 'Stock' class, demonstrating the vehicle's capabilities while adhering to minimal modifications required for safety compliance.
Ferrari is set to provide initial insights into its highly anticipated electric vehicle on October 9, with a full reveal planned for the following spring. During this phased introduction, CEO Benedetto Vigna indicated that the first announcement will focus on the vehicle's foundational elements, particularly its powertrain, while deliveries are anticipated to commence by late 2026.
Lamborghini has reported a notable increase in vehicle deliveries for the first quarter of 2025, achieving 2,967 sales, a rise of nearly 30% compared to the same period last year, despite a challenging economic landscape. The Revuelto and Urus SE models significantly contributed to these figures, as the brand saw strong demand across key markets, particularly in the United States.
Volvo is reintroducing the XC70 nameplate after nearly ten years, but this time it will be an SUV rather than a wagon, with plans for a launch in China and possibly other regions. The upcoming model will feature a new "extended-range" plug-in hybrid system, boasting a significantly improved electric range compared to the XC60.
Rezvani Motors is set to introduce the Knight, a new crossover that appears to draw inspiration from the Lamborghini Urus and features a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine generating over 750 horsepower. While details remain limited, the vehicle is expected to offer a striking design with distinctive features like a prominent rear wing and advanced performance capabilities, including a rapid 0-60 mph acceleration in under three seconds.
Yugo is making a return with a new hatchback concept that will feature both traditional combustion engines and electric variants, along with manual transmission options. The first operational prototype is anticipated to debut at the 2027 Belgrade Expo, following a series of upcoming announcements about the vehicle's specifications and design.
Zoox, a subsidiary of Amazon, has announced a software recall for its fleet of 270 robotaxis following a collision with a passenger vehicle in Las Vegas, which occurred while the robotaxi was unoccupied. The company implemented a software update to mitigate a potential hazard where its vehicles, traveling over 40 mph, might misinterpret the actions of other vehicles approaching from side driveways, leading to a risk of accidents.
MOTORSPORT
Franco Colapinto from Argentina will take over driving duties for Alpine in the upcoming five races, stepping in for Jack Doohan. Starting at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in mid-May, Colapinto will partner with Pierre Gasly, with a reassessment planned before the British Grand Prix in early July.
Alpine has confirmed the resignation of team principal Oliver Oakes, who held the position for just over nine months. Controversial figure Flavio Briatore, previously subject to a lifetime ban from the sport for his role in “Crashgate”, will assume Oakes' responsibilities while continuing his role as executive advisor.
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has announced that the team will unveil new components at the upcoming Imola race. After a challenging start to the season, where Red Bull currently ranks third in the constructors' championship, Marko expressed the need for improvements to compete more effectively against McLaren, who have dominated the early rounds.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his desire for Ferrari to implement a team orders strategy similar to the one he and Valtteri Bottas used during the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix while competing in the Miami Grand Prix. After switching to medium tires, Hamilton aimed to overtake Kimi Antonelli but felt frustrated by Ferrari's indecision, which ultimately resulted in him finishing eighth behind Charles Leclerc.
Oscar Piastri has humorously referenced the tumultuous 2007 season of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso while discussing his competitive rivalry with Lando Norris as they vie for the championship. After achieving consecutive one-two finishes at the Miami Grand Prix, Piastri and Norris have established a lead over their rivals, but they remain aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise from intense intra-team competition.
Following thorough evaluations by the FIA, McLaren's innovative rear brake design has been confirmed as compliant with regulations, alleviating concerns raised by rival teams regarding its legality. The team's superior management of rear tire temperatures has sparked intrigue and speculation, but McLaren maintains that its advancements stem from legitimate engineering efforts rather than any regulatory loopholes.
Aston Martin's Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar has been granted significant adjustments to its Balance of Performance for the upcoming World Endurance Championship event in Spa, including a reduction in weight and an increase in power output. These modifications, aimed at enhancing competitiveness after the car's underwhelming performance in its initial races, will see the Valkyrie race at 1,035kg and with a maximum of 520 kW, while other competitors have generally faced weight increases and power reductions.
Valentino Rossi and Kevin Magnussen will join forces with Rene Rast to compete in a BMW M4 GT3 EVO at the upcoming Spa 24 Hours, scheduled for June 28-29. This event marks Rossi's return to the GT World Challenge Europe, while Magnussen aims to build on his previous GT experience, and Rast brings a wealth of success from his past victories at Spa.
FUN STUFF
In a remote field in Epping, North Dakota, a vast array of vintage American cars and parts, many in varying states of disrepair, are set to be auctioned as part of the Sagaser collection. Following the passing of their owner, Paul Sagaser, these vehicles present a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to acquire classic project cars, complete with options for engines and parts to customize their builds.
After a lengthy wait since the initial trailer's debut on December 4, 2023, fans have learned that GTA VI's release has been postponed to May 26, 2026, accompanied by a new trailer that explores the dynamic between its main characters, Jason and Lucia. The footage hints at a Bonnie and Clyde-inspired narrative, highlighting their criminal escapades and suggesting a complex storyline involving a conspiracy in the fictional state of Leonida.
A high-speed pursuit in Florida ended tragically for a fourth-generation Toyota Supra, which was severely damaged after the driver attempted to escape law enforcement. The incident resulted in the arrest of the driver, who faces serious charges, while both occupants were treated for minor injuries.
A 2023 Lamborghini Huracán STO was severely damaged after a driver lost control and overturned the vehicle on CA Highway 9 near Santa Cruz, California. Fortunately, both occupants sustained only minor injuries, but the aftermath saw the California Highway Patrol hastily removing the wreckage from the roadway, highlighting the risks of driving in remote areas popular with speed enthusiasts.
North Dakota will raise its interstate speed limit from 75 to 80 mph starting August 1, aligning with neighboring states and reflecting the typical driving behavior observed in the region. Alongside this change, increased fines for speeding will be implemented, particularly in construction zones, where penalties will rise significantly.
An incident involving a Ford Mustang in Canada has brought the car’s reputation for crashes at the hands of inexperienced drivers back into focus, through a thankfully minor solo accident. Video of the event shows a driver attempting to spin the wheels up leaving a gravel road, but losing control and crashing down a short, steep embankment to sustain an unknown level of damage.
Despite a reported decrease in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, incidents involving young offenders continue to occur, as evidenced by a recent case in Petersburg, VA. A 12-year old boy was apprehended stealing another Hyundai while missing a court date for stealing a previous car from the brands, demonstrating the ongoing challenges posed by vulnerabilities in certain models that remain attractive to thieves.
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!