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Lexus LFA Successor Set to Debut Next Week
Andrew Evans
October 10, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Classic Rolls-Royce turned into shooting brake
Toyota putting new GR010 evolution through its paces
Zagato-designed Capricorn supercar has 900hp and a gated manual
Mega traffic jam on Chinese roads during holiday week
BMW accused of "magic mapping" in DTM controversy
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota is hinting at the imminent reveal of a new sports car, potentially debuting next week, as part of its promotional efforts leading up to the Tokyo Motor Show. The vehicle, which is expected to be a front-engined grand tourer powered by a hybrid twin-turbo V8, looks set to carry the GR badge, aligning it with the brand's racing heritage and marking a new chapter in Toyota's performance lineup.
Zagato has designed a new hypercar for Capricorn, featuring a powerful 900hp V8 engine paired with a five-speed gated manual transmission, aimed at honoring the essence of traditional driving experiences. The Capricorn 01 Zagato, built on a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, focuses on a classic aesthetic with minimal digital elements, ensuring it remains visually appealing for decades to come.
Nissan is considering collaborations with Ford and Stellantis to leverage its upcoming Rogue's platform and hybrid technology for new vehicle models before the end of the decade. The company is also enhancing its e-Power hybrid system, which is set to debut in North America with the 2027 Rogue, while exploring opportunities to localize production amid rising demand for hybrid vehicles.
The upcoming Audi Q9, designed to compete with luxury SUVs like the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7, is currently undergoing testing, with prototypes already spotted in various locations. Set to feature a larger design reminiscent of the next-generation Q7, the Q9 will be joined by a sportier SQ9 variant that is expected to deliver impressive performance, possibly powered by a V8 engine.
Citroen's new CEO, Xavier Chardon, will present his strategic vision for the brand at an event in Paris this December, addressing current ambiguities surrounding its identity. He is also working on a project inspired by the iconic 2CV, reflecting the importance of making personal mobility accessible again while acknowledging that the design will evolve beyond its historical roots.
Lamborghini has decided to delay the introduction of its first electric vehicle, confirming that the Lanzador concept will instead be developed as a plug-in hybrid. CEO Stephan Winkelmann indicated that current market trends and customer preferences do not align with a full electric offering, prompting the brand to reassess its future powertrain direction shortly.
Porsche is encountering significant challenges in China as local manufacturers like BYD and Xiaomi enhance their offerings, leading to a notable decline in the brand's sales. With features such as customizable options and competitive pricing, these domestic automakers are increasingly narrowing the gap with established luxury brands, complicating the landscape for foreign competitors.
Volvo is revolutionizing vehicle safety with its innovative multi-adaptive safety belt, which adjusts tension and restraint based on real-time data from various sensors, tailoring protection to the specific needs of each occupant and the driving conditions. This advanced system, debuting with the EX60, continuously improves through over-the-air updates, reflecting Volvo's commitment to enhancing safety.
Tesla is currently facing scrutiny from US authorities following reports of its self-driving vehicles breaching traffic regulations, resulting in injuries to five individuals. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is conducting an initial investigation to evaluate the incidents' frequency, potential safety risks, and the implications of the Full Self Driving technology being deployed on public streets.
MOTORSPORT
Toyota Gazoo Racing has initiated on-track testing of its 2026 GR010 Hybrid at the Paul Ricard Circuit, marking the first evaluation of the vehicle following its recent social media reveal. The team aims to enhance its performance in the World Endurance Championship after a challenging season, while retaining its experienced driver lineup for upcoming races.
Manthey Racing has again raised concerns about BMW's potential for enhanced power in the M4 GT3 Evo during the DTM finale at Hockenheim, a sentiment echoed by former driver Daniel Abt. It’s the latest entry in an ongoing debate over BMW's performance capabilities, following BMW’s criticism of a move by eventual champion Ayhancan Guven in a tussle with Rene Rast.
Ferrari's CEO Benedetto Vigna emphasized the company's commitment to breaking its Formula 1 championship drought during the recent Capital Markets Day, where it outlined ambitious financial goals. Despite leading in other racing series, the brand's stock suffered a significant drop following the announcement of revenue expectations that fell short of market predictions, revealing the challenges ahead in both performance and investor confidence.
Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, celebrated the team's recent constructors' championship victory while emphasizing that the toughest obstacles lie ahead with upcoming regulatory changes in 2026. Following a successful performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, which secured the title with six races remaining, Stella acknowledged the collective effort behind its achievements and the need for continued focus as it prepares for future challenges.
James Vowles, team principal of Williams Formula 1, provided an explanation for the brake fire experienced by Alex Albon during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, attributing it to a hardware malfunction in the brake-by-wire system. He emphasized that while the challenging conditions in Singapore and upcoming races like Mexico increase brake stress, the incident was not due to environmental factors but rather a specific technical failure that needs to be addressed before the next race in Austin.
Laura Villars, a candidate for the FIA presidency, has indicated the possibility of pursuing legal action regarding the election process, citing significant concerns about its adherence to FIA regulations. As the deadline for presidential nominations approaches, it appears that all candidates will struggle to meet the requirements necessary to challenge the incumbent president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Formula 1 has addressed concerns raised by Carlos Sainz regarding the television coverage of its races, affirming its commitment to delivering high-quality footage. Despite criticism from fans about the focus on drivers' partners and missed key moments during the Singapore Grand Prix, the organization maintains that it prioritizes the on-track action while also providing context from the event.
Ross Gunn achieved a historic milestone for the Heart of Racing Team by securing a first-ever fastest time in the No. 23 Aston Martin Valkyrie during Thursday's practice session for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. His lap of 1:11.985 narrowly edged out Renger van der Zande's Acura, while the session concluded without significant incidents, setting the stage for the upcoming qualifying round.
The GR Supra, developed by Walkinshaw Andretti United, made its first public appearance during demonstration laps at the Bathurst 1000, driven by former racer Neil Crompton. As Toyota progresses with its Supercars testing across Australia, plans are in place for multiple teams to compete in the upcoming 2026 championship, with ongoing assessments to ensure competitive balance among manufacturers.
CURIOSITIES
A 1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche coupe has been transformed into a shooting brake, featuring a custom design that accommodates two bicycles for its triathlete owners. Coachbuilder Niels van Roij Design took two and a half years to complete this project, which involved significant modifications while preserving the car's original aesthetics and functionality.
During China's Golden Week, the Wuzhuang Toll Station in Anhui experienced severe congestion as thousands of vehicles were forced to merge from 36 lanes into just four, leading to significant delays. This traffic jam highlighted the challenges of managing large volumes of holiday travelers and underscored that simply adding lanes does not effectively alleviate congestion.
The Gran Turismo World Series is set to resume its Exhibition Seasons this month, starting with a Nations Cup event on October 15, featuring an extensive schedule of six races through early November. This season is longer than previous Exhibitions, and offers players a chance to boost their Driver Rating and in-game wallet.
A vast collection of classic cars, estimated to include around 1,300 vehicles, is now available for sale after being stored for years in Alabama. The auction, hosted by Hagerty Marketplace, features a diverse array of models, offering enthusiasts a rare chance to purchase unique automobiles that have remained untouched for decades.
For over two decades, the Smart Fortwo has charmed enthusiasts with its compact design and unique character, though its convertible models often face significant roof issues due to aging components. Richard Bowden and his wife have created a mobile repair service, Cosmic Cabrios, to address these challenges, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions for Smart Cabriolet owners across the US and beyond.
A Massachusetts police department is pursuing legal action against Ford after a 2022 Explorer experienced a sudden steering failure, resulting in a crash that injured an officer. The city, which spent approximately $400,000 on six Explorers, claims Ford has not honored its warranty or addressed the mechanical issues, and is seeking a complete refund for the damaged vehicle.
In October, an auction will present the opportunity to acquire the actual BMW M4 GT3 that Valentino Rossi raced with Team WRT, featuring a rich history of competition across prestigious endurance events. This particular car, marked by its unique battle-worn appearance and notable achievements, is being sold by BMW M Motorsport at RM Sotheby’s Munich auction, making it a significant find for collectors and motorsport aficionados.
An elderly couple's road trip in their Volkswagen ID.4 took a distressing turn when they encountered a malfunction at an Electrify America charging station, leading to a lengthy ordeal. After the charging cable became stuck in the port due to an overheating issue, the couple had to endure a long wait as customer support couldn’t resolve it and the technician who eventually attended the scene required a crowbar to detach the cable.
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!