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Lawson Replaces Perez at Red Bull
Andrew Evans
December 19, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're learning about Liam Lawson's promotion to Red Bull Racing, where he'll replace Sergio Perez to join forces with Max Verstappen in 2025 - and Ferrari fans can mark their calendars for a first look at Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 F1 car. Honda, which is developing new gas engines and will reveal its “0 Series” EVs next month, also looks to have competition for Nissan as mobile phone manufacturer Foxconn eyes up a shift into the automotive sector. As always, if you know someone who shares our passion for all things car, feel free to pass this newsletter along!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Reports indicate that Foxconn is in discussions to acquire a stake in Nissan, reflecting its strategy to enter the automotive sector and leverage Nissan's manufacturing expertise. Concurrently, Honda and Nissan are exploring a potential merger, which may be influenced by Foxconn's interest, as both companies seek to consolidate resources amidst Nissan's financial challenges.
Honda will present prototypes of its 0 Series electric vehicles at CES in Las Vegas on January 7, 2025, with the first production model based on the Saloon concept. The 0 Series will feature a scalable EV platform, including models for both the Honda and Acura brands, and will be produced in Ohio, where the company is retooling facilities and building a new battery plant.
A recent report indicates that the new Dodge Charger will not feature a Hemi V8 engine due to fitting issues and engineering challenges, as well as a shift in focus towards greener alternatives. Despite some mixed reviews of the Charger Daytona, Dodge is prioritizing the launch of electric models and has no plans to reintroduce the V8 in the near future.
Jaguar’s prototype for its electric four-door GT car has been spotted testing on public roads in the UK, with the car planned to debut in late 2025 and priced at around £150,000 ($200,000). Expected to be a sedan version of the Type 00 EV concept recently unveiled by the brand, the car will be the company’s first fully electric vehicle as it shifts to an all-EV lineup from 2026.
Volkswagen discontinued the VR-6 engine in Europe during the mid-2010s, with the last model sold in North America being the 2023 Atlas, while the engine continued to be offered in select vehicles like the Talagon and Audi Q6 until recently. The decline of the VR-6 is attributed to the rise of turbocharged inline-fours, which provide better fuel economy and performance, prompting VW to streamline its engine offerings across its vehicle lineup.
Toyota plans to introduce a new compact pickup in Brazil by 2027, inspired by the 2023 EPU Concept and featuring a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive options. This truck is part of a broader $2.2 billion investment in the region, which also includes updates to the Corolla and Corolla Cross models, while competition in the compact unibody pickup segment intensifies with similar offerings from other automakers.
The Biden Administration's EPA has approved California's Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, which mandate that 100% of light-duty vehicle sales must be zero-emissions by 2035, with an initial requirement of 35% by 2026. This decision, supported by 11 other states, could significantly impact the US auto market, but its future remains uncertain amid potential regulatory changes under a possible Trump Administration.
BMW's M division is developing an all-electric prototype based on the first-generation M2 coupe, internally referred to as "The Beast," which was initiated by a small team of engineers in 2018. While details about its powertrain remain undisclosed, speculation suggests it may feature a quad-motor setup per the mooted arrangement of future M cars.
Ram's all-electric pickup truck, the 1500 REV, has been delayed until 2026, pushed back by at least six months due to workload and waning demand for electric pickups in the US. In contrast, the Ram 1500 Ramcharger, featuring a range-extending V-6 engine and dual electric motors, is set to launch in the first half of 2025, driven by consumer interest.
Ford is recalling over 768,000 diesel vehicles globally due to issues with diesel particulate filters, which were first reported in Germany affecting 164,168 cars. The recall, prompted by the discovery of hairline cracks that led to failed exhaust gas tests, will involve checking and potentially replacing the filters, with affected owners to be notified by the end of the year.
Tesla is seeking to hire a Vehicle Communications Manager, indicating a potential revival of its press relations efforts after disbanding its PR department in 2020. While the company has maintained some collaboration with select media figures, it has lacked a dedicated spokesperson in North America, relying primarily on CEO Elon Musk for public communications.
Honda is the latest Japanese brand to confirm it’s still working on new internal combustion engines (ICE), joining Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda in remaining committed to ICE development until 2040. The brands is working on new four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engines, destined for hybrid powertrains, and a next-generation midsize platform aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing production costs.
MOTORSPORT
Liam Lawson will join Red Bull Racing as a driver alongside Max Verstappen in 2025, following the team's decision to part ways with Sergio Perez after a disappointing season. Despite a mixed performance in his brief F1 career, Lawson's competitive spirit and key race results, including a notable ninth place finish at the United States Grand Prix, led Red Bull to favor him over teammate Yuki Tsunoda.
Ferrari has announced that it will unveil its 2025 Formula 1 car on February 19, following the official season launch and livery reveals at the O2 in London. The team, which recently signed Lewis Hamilton to race alongside Charles Leclerc, will not hold a separate presentation for Hamilton, focusing instead on performance in the lead-up to the season.
George Russell will welcome rookie Kimi Antonelli as his new teammate at Mercedes next season, following Lewis Hamilton's departure to Ferrari. Russell expressed confidence in Antonelli's potential contributions to the team, emphasizing that both drivers will have equal input in the car's development despite the latter's inexperience.
Williams Racing is focusing on enhancing its early careers programs, including graduate schemes and apprenticeships, to attract and nurture talent as part of its strategy to improve performance in Formula 1. With over 20,000 applications for just 80 positions, the team emphasizes the importance of careful application processes and showcases successful alumni to illustrate the potential career paths within the organization.
Charles Leclerc commented on Carlos Sainz's departure from Ferrari, stating he will not miss him "like crazy" since they will still see each other in the paddock. Sainz concluded his time with Ferrari by securing a podium finish in Abu Dhabi and will move to Williams next season, while Leclerc emphasized that their friendship will continue despite the end of their professional partnership.
Zhou Guanyu has decided not to pursue a full-time racing seat outside of Formula 1 next season, focusing instead on potential opportunities within the F1 paddock, including discussions with Ferrari. The 25-year-old, who lost his seat at Stake after three years, is open to serving as a reserve driver while seeking to maintain his momentum in the sport.
Mattias Ekstrom has expressed his commitment to competing in the Dakar Rally for up to 15 more years until he secures a victory, having transitioned from circuit racing to rally-raid in recent years. After facing technical difficulties with Audi's RS Q e-tron, he is now set to join Ford's new rally-raid project with the Raptor T1, where he aims to leverage his off-road experience and competitive spirit alongside a strong lineup of drivers.
Tim Brown, a suspension and drivetrain specialist for Rick Ware Racing and the all-time winningest driver at Bowman Gray Stadium, will make his Cup Series debut at NASCAR's Clash exhibition race on February 2, driving a Ford Mustang he helped build. With a racing career spanning nearly 35 years, Brown has achieved 101 wins and 12 track championships, and his debut at Bowman Gray marks a significant moment in both his career and NASCAR's history at the venue.
CURIOSITIES
YouTuber Emelia Hartford has modified a new Nissan Z to achieve a quarter-mile time of 7.75 seconds at 181mph, making it both the quickest and fastest new Z globally. The car, which features a rebuilt VR38 engine from the Nissan GT-R and extensive modifications for drag racing, previously set a record for the most powerful new Z with 1,899 horsepower.
Jaguar's E-Type UK has completed a unique restoration of a 1961 E-Type, transforming it into a dedicated roadster known as the E-Type Speedster, featuring a deseamed body and modernized performance enhancements. The build involved extensive modifications, including a reworked straight-six engine and a luxurious interior, with the total restoration taking 3,500 hours and incorporating a special area for the owner's pets.
The Chevrolet Camaro Trans-Am Penske-Donohue Z/28, known for its significant role in the Camaro's racing legacy, will be auctioned at the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee event from January 7-19, 2025. This particular model was extensively modified for racing — which included stripping 250lb through acid-dipping by aerospace firm Lockheed — and is celebrated for its racing success and its impact on the history of American motorsports.
A rare Bentley Continental GT Shooting Brake, known as the Flying Star, will be auctioned in Paris with an estimated selling price between €300,000 and €400,000. Converted by Touring Superleggera from a standard Continental GTC Convertible, this bespoke model features a fixed roof, extended doors, and unique design elements, and has only been driven 7,467 km (4,639 miles).
The 2025 Ford Expedition SSV is now available for law enforcement in two-row and three-row configurations, featuring a vinyl-covered floor and a special security mode. It retains the civilian model's powertrain, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 with 400 horsepower, and offers the same towing capacity, while allowing police agencies to customize it with necessary equipment.
9ff Engineering has introduced the F92 GTurbo, a tuning kit for Porsche GT3 models that adds a pair of turbos to boost power to 760hp and 553lb-ft, with the potential for 1,000hp in future upgrades. The €50,000 conversion is fully reversible and maintains the vehicle's original character, allowing owners to experience significant performance enhancements while preserving the option to return to stock specifications.
Velocity Modern Classics is offering a reimagined Scout II, featuring a GM-sourced LT1 V8 engine that produces 460 horsepower, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and modern performance enhancements like a custom chassis and upgraded braking system. While the starting price for these restorations is significantly higher than the upcoming Scout EV, the vehicle combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary amenities, catering to enthusiasts seeking a unique off-road experience.
A classic, long-roof 1973 Volvo 1800ES is being sold for $21,500 on Craigslist, with the sleek two-door shooting brake sporting some choice mechanical upgrades while retaining its original aesthetics to hold collectors’ appeal. Among the highlights are a Megasquirt fuel injection system for the original engine, suspension, exhaust, and tire upgrades, while the car retains the original manual transmission with overdrive, but the price seems keen for a car with 147,500 miles on the odometer.
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