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Lexus LFA to Reinvent How EVs Sound
Andrew Evans
December 19, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Top Gear producer reveals Raikkonen frustrations
F1 2026 entry list officially announced
Rimac Nevera Founder’s Edition comes with unique benefits
Toyota Corolla returns to rally with new GR model
Project Motor Racing's latest update
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
GR GT Project Manager Takashi Doi announced that the electric Lexus LFA aims to transform the auditory experience of electric sports cars, a vision inspired by company chairman Akio Toyoda. While the exact sound profile remains under consideration, the vehicle is also anticipated to introduce Toyota's first production solid-state batteries, marking a significant evolution in the sports car segment over the next few years.
The Rimac Nevera R Founder’s Edition offers a unique ownership experience, limited to just ten units, that goes beyond mere exclusivity with its high-performance specifications and customization options. Buyers will join the Rimac Founders Club, gaining access to exclusive events, strategic discussions with the company's leadership, and tailored design consultations, making it a unique prospect in customer engagement.
Nissan is set to introduce a manual transmission option to its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, 420hp Z Nismo, addressing feedback from enthusiasts who prefer three pedals. This anticipated manual variant is expected to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of the Toyota GR Supra's production, positioning Nissan to dominate the affordable turbocharged sports car segment.
After a 14-year hiatus, Ram is set to reintroduce the Dakota alongside the mid-size pickup truck segment in 2027, as confirmed by CEO Tim Kuniskis at a recent media event. The new Dakota will feature a body-on-frame design and various powertrain options, including traditional gas and plug-in hybrid engines, with an anticipated starting price around $40,000.
A decision regarding the potential production of the Renault 4 Savane 4x4 concept is expected within weeks, as CEO Fabrice Cambolive advocates for its inclusion in the brand's lineup of small electric vehicles. He noted that while the Savane could enhance appeal in Northern European markets, Renault's future models will focus on innovation rather than solely relying on retro designs.
Jeep has launched the 2026 Gladiator Shadow Ops, a special edition derived from the Rubicon that includes a factory-installed winch, steel bumpers, and distinctive black graphics. Set to debut in February, this model will be priced at an additional $4,995, offering features that enhance its rugged appeal while remaining competitively priced compared to similarly equipped Rubicon variants.
Nissan has introduced an innovative wireless charging system that incorporates a raised magnetic design and a cooling fan, enhancing efficiency and alignment for charging devices. This new charger, which provides 15 watts of power and reduces charging time significantly, will debut in the 2026 Murano and Pathfinder, with plans for expansion to additional models.
Audi has acknowledged the challenges faced by North American owners in obtaining reproduction parts for classic models and is seeking input from enthusiasts to improve availability. By gathering feedback through a recent survey, the company aims to enhance access to heritage components, potentially benefiting both vintage car aficionados and Audi's reputation in the market.
Sterling Anderson, currently serving as GM's Chief Product Officer, is being considered as a potential successor to Mary Barra when she steps down from her role as CEO. With a strong background in automotive engineering and software innovation, Anderson's responsibilities at GM encompass a wide range of areas in vehicle development, following a significant reorganization within the company aimed at enhancing technology integration.
MOTORSPORT
The FIA has released the confirmed entry list for the 2026 Formula 1 season, highlighting Arvid Lindblad's selection of number 41 for his debut race. Additionally, Lando Norris will adopt the number one after winning the championship, while Max Verstappen has opted for a change to number three, following approval from Daniel Ricciardo, who previously held that number, while returning drivers Bottas and Perez retain their previous numbers.
Toyota is reintroducing the Corolla name in rallying with the GR Corolla RC2, set to participate in the American Rally Association National Championship starting next year. This vehicle, developed by Toyota’s World Rally Championship engineers in collaboration with Rallysport Services, draws on the successful GR Yaris Rally2 design and features a turbocharged three-cylinder engine along with all-wheel drive.
Concerns have emerged regarding a possible protest at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, as Ferrari, Audi, and Honda have approached the FIA about an alleged advantage that Mercedes and Red Bull may have found in their power units. The controversy centers on the geometric compression ratio, which teams suspect could be manipulated to exceed the new regulatory limit, potentially providing a performance boost on the track.
In the lead-up to the 2026 Formula 1 season, the aerodynamic testing restrictions (ATR) play a pivotal role in shaping the development of the teams' cars, particularly as they prepare for the initial pre-season tests. With adjustments based on the previous year's championship standings, teams like McLaren face tighter constraints while others, such as Haas, benefit from increased testing opportunities, highlighting the strategic importance of these regulations in the early months of 2026.
Ferrari is set to introduce a preliminary version of its 2026 Formula 1 car on January 23, primarily aimed at establishing reliability during initial testing. The team plans to conduct early mileage runs at its Fiorano track before heading to Barcelona for further evaluation, focusing on reliability over performance in the early stages of the season.
Williams has announced the results of its fan poll to determine the design of its 2026 Formula 1 car, which will debut next month. The winning design, named 'flow state', secured nearly one-third of the votes and features a combination of navy blue lines on a white background, reflecting the team's extensive development efforts for the upcoming season.
Rikuto Kobayashi, a promising young talent from Toyota, will advance to the GT500 category in SUPER GT next season, joining the Cerumo team alongside Toshiki Oyu in the No. 38 Toyota GR Supra. This adjustment is the only change in Toyota's GT500 lineup, as the other five teams will retain their current drivers for the upcoming season.
Lia Block has provided an update on her recovery following a minor wrist surgery aimed at addressing nerve damage from a 2020 injury. As she transitions away from her role with the Williams Academy after the 2025 F1 Academy season, the 19-year old plans to return to rally racing in 2026, having previously achieved notable success in various motorsport disciplines.
Greg Biffle and his family tragically lost their lives in a plane crash while approaching Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. The NASCAR driver, along with his wife and two children, was confirmed to be on board, prompting heartfelt condolences from friends and public figures who remembered him for both his racing achievements and his commitment to helping others.
CURIOSITIES
Kimi Raikkonen's laid-back approach was put to the test when former Top Gear producer Andy Wilman confronted him about his lackluster performance during a wet filming session. Despite Raikkonen's initial reluctance to push for a faster lap, Wilman's insistence eventually prompted the 2007 F1 champion to return to the track and improve his time.
The recent update for Project Motor Racing introduces several enhancements and features requested by the community as the developers continue to mount a rescue effort following a difficult release. Among the notable changes is the implementation of a radar system to assist players in online racing, alongside significant adjustments to track limits and AI behavior, aimed at improving overall gameplay experience.
The Gran Turismo World Series World Final is set to take place in Fukuoka, marking the first time the event has moved outside of Europe, following previous locations like Monaco, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. This year's finals will coincide with the Japan Mobility Show, attracting significant attention from both racing enthusiasts and the automotive community.
In response to ongoing conflicts, the Ukrainian military has ingeniously adapted an older BMW 7 Series into a mobile rocket launcher, integrating a Soviet-designed BM-21 Grad system in its trunk. While this unconventional combat vehicle offers mobility advantages on the battlefield, it sacrifices armor and protection, relying instead on a camouflage paint job to blend in amidst the chaos.
The mobile racing game Real Racing 3 will be removed from app stores on December 18, with players who already own it still able to download it until March 19, 2026, although in-app purchases are no longer available. In a farewell gesture, EA is offering players a final update that includes rewards, while expressing gratitude for the community's support over the years, despite the game's impending shutdown.
Two drivers have filed a lawsuit against WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca after a telehandler collided with their parked Nissan Skyline GT-Rs during a red-flag situation earlier this month. The complaint alleges that the operator of the vehicle acted negligently, failing to maintain visibility and proper safety measures, resulting in substantial damage to both cars and injuries to the drivers.
The F1 film has received a boost for potential Academy Award recognition, appearing on five Oscar shortlists, including categories for Cinematography and Original Score. Alongside these the film’s song "Drive", by Ed Sheeran, is a contender for Best Original Song, with official nominations selected by vote in January 2026.
A recent incident in Florida involved the arrest of a man due to a license plate frame that was later deemed compliant with state regulations. The situation highlighted confusion surrounding a new law, prompting a police department to acknowledge the mistake and clarify that as long as essential information on the plate remains visible, such frames are permissible.
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