Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Maserati Celebrates 110th Anniversary

• Ken Block's Hoonitruck Available at Auction

• Sainz Suffers Dakar Setback as Raptor Rolls

• Ferrari Signs Lewis Hamilton, Faces Criticism

• Seinfeld's McQueen-Driven Porsche for Sale

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Lamborghini is likely benchmarking the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N as it develops its first production electric vehicle to ensure it meets the performance and emotional engagement expected from the brand. The Ioniq 5 N, with 641hp, has garnered attention for its engaging driving experience, prompting Lamborghini to explore its capabilities as it prepares for the launch of the Lanzador. [Carscoops]

Maserati has engaged enthusiasts and its most passionate customers to commemorate its 110 years of history, with events and activations around the globe, including unveilings of the Maserati GT2 Stradale and the GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO. The celebrations featured exclusive experiences, a grand parade of 110 Maseratis, and events in cities like Tokyo and Seoul, highlighting the brand's heritage and commitment to innovation. [Sports Car Digest]

The boss of Kia UK has welcomed the UK government's new consultation on the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate as the firm seeks clarity over what types of hybrid cars it will be allowed to sell after 2030. The current legislation outlines a ban on new cars powered solely by internal combustion engines by 2030, with some hybrids permitted until 2035, though the specifics of which hybrids will qualify remain uncertain. [Autocar]

Genesis has revealed the refreshed GV60 before its global launch this year with minor changes and new features aimed at enhancing the electric crossover's appeal. The updates include a new front bumper, redesigned grille, a 27-inch Integrated Cockpit display, and new 21-inch wheels, while market-specific details and pricing remain unannounced. [Carscoops]

The Mustang Mach-E had its best-ever sales year in 2024, with 51,745 units sold in the U.S. This performance outpaced the traditional gas-powered Mustang, which experienced its worst sales year in history, selling only 44,003 units. [InsideEVs]

Volkswagen's U.S. sales of the electric ID. 4 crossover were down 94% in the fourth quarter and down 55% overall since 2023 due to a stop-sale order and production halt caused by a faulty electronic door-opening mechanism. The automaker has lifted the stop-sale order and plans to resume production, aiming to re-establish the ID. 4 as a competitive option in the electric vehicle market. [InsideEVs]

Nissan's new Z outsold the Toyota Supra for the first time in its history, achieving 3,164 U.S. sales in 2024 compared to the Supra's 2,615. The Z's lower base price and recent enhancements, including the introduction of a 420-horsepower Nismo model, contribute to its competitive position in the sports car market. [Motor1]

Toyota is reportedly gearing up to launch an all-new Previa in 2026 with both plug-in hybrid and pure electric powertrains as part of its lineup renewal. The new model will utilize the TNGA-K platform, allowing for greater flexibility in powertrain options compared to the e-TNGA platform used in other Toyota EVs. [InsideEVs]

XEV is preparing to enter the UK market with its new Yoyo Pro quadricycle, which features all-electric power and a simple design. The Yoyo Pro can reach 50mph and offers a range of up to 93 miles on a single charge, positioning it competitively against other micro EVs. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

Nissan has filed a trademark application for the name "Xterra" with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, indicating a potential return of the off-roading SUV to the U.S. market after its discontinuation in 2015. [Jalopnik]

MOTORSPORT

Carlos Sainz Sr's Ford rolled over in the first part of the Dakar Rally's 48-hour stage on Sunday, leaving him stranded in the desert and forcing him to lose 23 minutes before resuming the rally. His team-mate Mitch Guthrie Jr provided assistance, and the extent of the damage to Sainz's vehicle remains unclear. [Autosport]

New Mercedes F1 driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is to equal a 71-year record when he makes his debut for the team in Australia in March as one of six rookie drivers on the grid. Antonelli, who has been a Mercedes protege, will be the first rookie to drive for the team since its inaugural race in 1954. [RacingNews365]

Toyota's Yazeed Al Rajhi and Nasser Al Attiyah surged up the Dakar Rally overall virtual ranking on Sunday, with Mattias Ekstrom moving into third place as key contenders faced setbacks. [RACER]

Lewis Hamilton is officially a Ferrari driver, but the decision has drawn criticism from figures like Flavio Briatore, who questions the rationale behind replacing Carlos Sainz. Briatore believes that Sainz and Charles Leclerc formed a strong driver duo and expresses skepticism about Hamilton's ability to integrate into the team. [RacingNews365]

McLaren Racing has become a sole owner of an IndyCar team effective December 31, 2024, after completing its buyout of the Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team. The team will field three cars for the 2025 IndyCar season, with drivers Pato O'Ward, Nolan Siegel, and Christian Lundgaard. [RacingNews365]

The 2025 Dakar rally will feature 20 Land Rover Defenders as support cars, but the vehicle will be part of the competition itself in 2026. Land Rover's factory team plans to compete in every round of the FIA World Rally Raid Championship for three seasons, with two Defenders set to participate in a new 'Stock' category starting in 2026. [PistonHeads​.com]

Red Bull and Mercedes will have a boost in their wind-tunnel time, after falling down the rankings at the end of 2024, as aerodynamic testing time scales according to constructor championship positions. As teams prepare for the 2026 rules reset, Cadillac will enter F1 unbound by current restrictions, allowing for extensive research before being subject to the same regulations as existing teams. [RacingNews365]

F1 legend Nigel Mansell has backed Lewis Hamilton to undergo a major "resurgence" at Ferrari after he leaves Mercedes to join the Italian team for the 2025 season. Mansell believes that Hamilton's move, despite the challenges posed by teammate Charles Leclerc, could lead to a competitive comeback in his racing career. [RacingNews365]

Red Bull's three-year sponsor deal with cryptocurrency firm Bybit has appeared to end after it was removed from the team's official sponsors list. The team continues to maintain its title sponsorship with Oracle and is in discussions for new partnerships ahead of the 2025 season. [RacingNews365]

Lando Norris's former number one mechanic at McLaren, Marc Cox, has announced he is moving to Aston Martin's Evolution programme after 17 years with the team. Cox will assist in the operation of previous cars during private tests and demonstration events but will not be part of the Aston Martin F1 race team. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

A 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood limo built for Bill Clinton is the final presidential state car to be based on a real production model and is currently available for auction with only 672 miles on the odometer. The vehicle, which features extensive armor and a luxurious interior, marks the end of an era for Cadillac's presidential limousines, as all subsequent models have been custom-built. [The Drive]

The Porsche 917-022, famously purchased by Steve McQueen and featured in the 1971 film Le Mans, will be sold by Mecum Auctions on January 17th after nearly 25 years in Jerry Seinfeld's collection. The car has undergone recent restoration to return it to its 1970 glory and boasts a rich racing history with notable drivers. [PistonHeads​.com]

A 19-year-old driver was arrested for reckless driving after being clocked at 126 mph in a Lexus IS F on the Pacific Coast Highway, resulting in the car's impoundment for 30 days. The incident highlights the increasing enforcement of speed limits in California, where new laws will soon impose fines for excessive speeding. [Carscoops]

The Ford F-150 'Hoonitruck' is being offered at Barrett-Jackson's annual January sale in Scottsdale, Arizona, with no reserve from 18 to 26 January. Originally built in the late '70s, the truck has been significantly modified and features a modern 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 914bhp. [Car Throttle]

RE Amemiya is debuting a new concept vehicle named "Koku" at the Tokyo Auto Salon, inspired by Mazda's RX-Vision and based on the last-generation RX-7. The concept features a three-rotor engine, distinctive design elements, and dimensions larger than a stock RX-7. [The Drive]

The driver of a blue C8 Chevy Corvette in the US narrowly avoided a serious accident after losing control on a highway and careening across multiple lanes before hitting a grass median. Despite the potential for significant damage, the driver continued on without inspecting the vehicle. [Carscoops]

An electric-converted 1928 Ford Model A Pickup showcases an EV conversion kit for classic cars that’s designed to be easily removed, allowing owners to revert to the original combustion engine if desired. The conversion enhances performance while maintaining an authentic driving experience, as the electric motor drives the rear wheels through the original manual transmission. [InsideEVs]

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS, a product of General Motors legends Harley Earl and Zora Arkus-Duntov, is up for auction via RM Sotheby's after spending decades in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This dedicated race car, designed to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, had its only race at the 12 Hours of Sebring, where it ultimately retired after 23 laps. [The Drive]

Nissan Technical Colleges around Japan have completed three custom cars that they plan to display at the Tokyo Auto Salon, including a modern Kenmeri Skyline, a Z wagon, and U11 Bluebird. The NEO Skyline, a tribute to the C110 Nissan Skyline, features a unique color called Tomoaki Blue and showcases design elements reminiscent of the original model. [Japanese Nostalgic Car]

This video showcases an old Mercedes C-Class being driven like it's the next Gymkhana star car through high-speed gravel drifting, jumps, and slides. The 1995 Mercedes-Benz C180, rated at just 120 horsepower, demonstrates impressive stunts thanks to the driver's commitment and the car's rear-drive layout. [Motor1]

A barn find Nissan 240SX gets a thorough wash and detail in a 45-minute video, showcasing the transformation of a vehicle that had been neglected for almost three decades. The detailers uncover the car's original features while addressing issues like rust and a potentially problematic fuel system. [Japanese Nostalgic Car]

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!