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Land Rover Reveals Dakar D7X-R for World Rally Raid
Andrew Evans
November 26, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
FBI seizes $13M Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
Ferrari upbeat about 2025 F1 season, despite rankings slide
Mercedes shows off more of its EV hyper GT
Toyota highlights GR010 hypercar improvements for 2026
Renault auctions unique concept cars and race machines
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Land Rover has officially unveiled the Defender Dakar D7X-R, designed to compete in the World Rally Raid Championship's new 'Stock' category, just over a month before the 2026 Dakar Rally begins. This vehicle retains the production bodyshell of the Octa model while incorporating significant modifications, including an upgraded cooling system and specialized suspension, maintaining the original V8 engine with FIA-mandated restrictor.
Mercedes has introduced a partially disguised prototype of the GT 4-Door in Las Vegas, marking a significant evolution influenced by the AMG GT XX concept. Built on the innovative AMG.EA platform, this high-performance electric vehicle features advanced design elements, including a sleek silhouette and cutting-edge electric motor technology.
An Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) combines a battery-electric system with an internal combustion engine that generates electricity to recharge the battery, enhancing driving range. BMW is exploring the potential of EREVs for models with longer wheelbases, such as the i7 and upcoming iX7, while also leveraging its expertise in electric powertrains and small engines for future developments.
Hyundai Motor Group has overtaken Volkswagen to become the second-most profitable automaker globally, trailing only Toyota, as announced by CEO José Muñoz. This achievement is attributed to Hyundai's strategic focus on in-house production, an expanding electric vehicle lineup, and improved profit margins, while Volkswagen grapples with restructuring challenges and rising operational costs.
Volkswagen has established its first development facility in Hefei, China, allowing the company to create and launch new vehicles outside Germany for the first time. This strategic move is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs significantly by integrating local technology and resources, enabling the production of electric vehicles for export to various international markets.
Mercedes-Benz aims to reclaim its position in the U.S. luxury vehicle market, setting a target of 400,000 retail sales annually by the end of the decade, which represents a significant increase from last year's figures. The company plans to achieve this by diversifying its powertrain offerings, enhancing its core SUV lineup, and improving dealer incentives, while also reintroducing larger engines alongside electric and hybrid options.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is gaining recognition among established sports car manufacturers, with notable figures from brands like Lamborghini and Porsche expressing admiration after experiencing its performance. This electric vehicle combines substantial power with engaging features, prompting competitors to reconsider their own approaches to electric driving dynamics and sound design.
Skoda's latest design project reimagines the classic Skoda 100, originally produced from 1969 to 1977, as a modern electric sports saloon featuring a luxurious rear-wheel drive layout. While the concept incorporates elements reminiscent of the original model, such as a light strip and strategically placed air intakes, its production remains highly unlikely, much like previous entries in the series..
MOTORSPORT
Despite challenges faced by the Ferrari F1 team, including criticism from leadership and strategic missteps, team principal Frederic Vasseur has emphasized that the overall season should not be viewed as a complete failure. Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have been vocal about their misfortunes in several grands prix in 2025, though Vasseur noted that the team was still in second place only a couple of weeks ago.
Toyota is progressing with the development of its updated Le Mans Hypercar, aiming for a competitive edge in the 2026 World Endurance Championship following a challenging previous season. Early tests have shown promise, particularly in aerodynamics, as the team seeks to enhance performance and driver feedback while navigating the complexities of the Balance of Performance regulations.
Ralf Schumacher has urged McLaren to prioritize Lando Norris in the F1 championship as the season nears its conclusion, especially after the disqualification of both cars at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With Norris holding a narrow lead over Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen closing in, Schumacher has asserted that the team, including Piastri, should get behind Norris to boost the chances of adding the drivers’ title to its 2025 silverware.
Max Verstappen expressed confidence that Lando Norris will eventually secure his first Formula 1 championship, noting the McLaren driver’s recent improvements in performance. As Norris currently leads the standings with only two races left, Verstappen emphasized the importance of patience in the pursuit of success, reflecting on their previous conversations regarding Norris' future potential.
Oscar Piastri intends to address his incident with Liam Lawson during the upcoming F1 drivers' meeting with the FIA in Qatar, following their clash at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Despite being disqualified for excessive plank wear alongside his teammate, Piastri expressed his desire for the incident to be a discussion point, emphasizing the challenges he faced during the race.
Pirelli has confirmed it will provide five tyre compounds for the 2026 Formula 1 season, opting not to include the sixth extra soft compound that debuted this year. The decision was made to ensure a more distinct performance difference among the available compounds, addressing previous issues with similar lap times that limited strategic choices during races.
At the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season in Abu Dhabi, James Vowles, the team principal of Williams, will remain at the Yas Marina Circuit to participate in the Gulf 12 Hours race in a McLaren 720S GT3. This event marks Vowles's return to competitive racing after assuming his role at Williams, highlighting his extensive experience in motorsport and his previous collaboration with Garage 59.
SRO Motorsports Group has broadened its GT Academy program to include a fully funded entry for four Silver-rated drivers in the upcoming 2027 CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa. This expansion, which aims to identify and support emerging talent from various global racing series, will assess candidates based on their driving skills rather than external factors, with a focus on performance metrics and sportsmanship.
Next season, the World Rally Championship will implement mandatory rest periods for participants after the FIA World Motor Sport Council approved changes to its regulations. These adjustments aim to enhance safety and recovery for teams, addressing concerns raised during recent events about the demanding nature of rally schedules.
CURIOSITIES
Renault is conducting a significant auction of vehicles from its heritage collection through Artcurial, featuring a mix of unique concept cars, Formula 1 race vehicles, and vintage team memorabilia. As the company prepares to unveil a new exhibition space, this sale offers enthusiasts a chance to acquire both quirky prototypes and racing legends, with many items available at surprisingly accessible price points.
The FBI has recently taken possession of a 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Roadster, valued at $13 million, as part of its investigation into fugitive Ryan Wedding, a former Olympian linked to extensive drug trafficking and money laundering activities. This rare vehicle, one of only 28 produced, represents a significant asset amid allegations of Wedding's involvement in a billion-dollar drug operation.
The UK government has confirmed that, starting in April 2028, electric vehicle owners will face a new road tax that charges three pence for every mile driven, with plug-in hybrids incurring a lower rate. This initiative, projected to generate approximately £1.4 billion annually by 2029-30, has drawn criticism for potentially hindering the growth of electric vehicle adoption, with projections of a six-figure reduction in new EV registrations despite other incentives.
The SP40, crafted by Iconic Auto Sports, reinterprets the classic 1934 Ford Model 40 with contemporary engineering and bespoke design elements. Featuring a lightweight carbon fiber body and powered by a robust 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, this unique vehicle combines vintage aesthetics with modern performance capabilities, allowing for extensive customization to suit individual preferences.
Authorities on Hawai‘i Island are intensifying enforcement against illegally modified trucks and overly dark window tints, responding to community complaints about safety and environmental issues. Violators may face fines, towing, and increased penalties, as officials aim to address the hazards posed by these modifications and promote adherence to vehicle regulations.
Olivier Francois, who took the helm at Chrysler during a challenging period for the automotive industry, sought to revitalize the brand by forming strategic alliances with Hollywood, particularly through the Fast & Furious franchise. This collaboration allowed Dodge to provide vehicles for films in exchange for promotional footage, effectively reshaping the approach to product placement while reinforcing the connection between American car culture and cinema.
A woman was taken into custody in San Antonio after allegedly allowing a child under ten to operate her vehicle, resulting in a crash that left the child with minor injuries. The event was captured on home security footage, revealing the child losing control of the car, which ultimately collided with a parked truck.
Law enforcement in New York recently encountered a driver with hand-drawn inspection and registration stickers, crafted using basic art supplies like crayons and markers. After pulling the vehicle over for suspected license plate violations, officers issued several citations and impounded the car, highlighting the serious legal implications of such fraudulent documentation.
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