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Lexus Sets a Bizarre New World Record
Andrew Evans
July 11, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Honda presents Super EV Concept at Goodwood
FIA president steps up war of words with rival
Police to prosecute parents of antisocial e-bike kids
Mercedes offers a preview of the electric GLC
DTM team boss suspects illegal tire warming from rivals
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Honda has presented its Super EV Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the compact hatchback designed to compete with models like the Hyundai Inster and Fiat 500e. Taking inspiration from the previous Honda E, technical specifications of the concept are limited but could mark an entry point into Honda's expanding EV lineup.
Mercedes-Benz is preparing to launch the electric variant of its popular GLC SUV later this year, and has revealed key details ahead of its debut. This new model promises enhanced interior space, advanced technology, and impressive towing capabilities, positioning it as a significant upgrade from its gasoline counterpart.
Subaru is set to unveil its new electric crossover named Uncharted, which is anticipated to debut in just a week. Early indications suggest that this model may share its platform with Toyota's C-HR, potentially incorporating similar battery and motor specifications, although Subaru is expected to apply its own design elements.
Chinese electric vehicles have emerged as frontrunners in European safety assessments, with 13 out of 18 five-star ratings awarded this year by Euro NCAP going to models from China. This shift highlights a significant transformation in the Chinese automotive sector, which has evolved from producing low-quality imitations to developing competitive, safety-focused vehicles that challenge established Western brands.
Polestar Automotive USA is initiating a recall for nearly 1,000 units of the 2025 model year 3 crossover due to potential electrical failures linked to a corroded connector between the front bumper and engine bay harnesses. The company has identified that water intrusion during manufacturing may have contributed to this issue, which could impact essential vehicle functions such as power steering and braking.
Ford is facing yet another significant recall, affecting over 850,000 vehicles including some Lincoln models, due to potential failures in low-pressure fuel pumps that could lead to engine stalling and increase crash risks. This announcement follows a previous recall of 1.1 million vehicles for issues related to backup cameras, highlighting ongoing mechanical challenges that require more than just software fixes.
ENEOS is working on a new ethanol fuel derived from non-food sources such as grass, wood, and recycled paper, with support from Japanese automakers like Nissan, Mazda, Subaru, and Toyota. This innovative low-carbon fuel will make its racing debut in Japan's Super Taikyu Series, highlighting an alternative approach to reducing emissions alongside electric vehicles.
Urban Automotive has enhanced the Mercedes G-Class with its distinctive Widetrack body kit, designed to amplify the luxury SUV's already striking presence. This package includes a range of aesthetic modifications such as a custom front grille, extended fender flares, and 23-inch forged alloy wheels, while interior upgrades are available for those wishing to personalize their vehicle further.
MOTORSPORT
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has responded to accusations from Tim Mayer, his opponent in the FIA presidential election, who labeled his leadership as one characterized by fear and a lack of transparency. Ben Sulayem expressed that he is largely unaware of such claims, suggesting that Mayer's perspective reflects a disconnect from the current workings of the FIA, which he believes prioritizes the interests of its members over past practices.
Jurg Flach, the head of Emil Frey Racing, has expressed concerns that some competitors in the DTM may be warming their tyres prior to races against regulations. Following the recent race at Norisring, Flach questioned the performance discrepancies observed, particularly during outlaps, and suggested that the apparent advantage might not solely stem from driver skill.
The departure of Christian Horner marks a significant turning point for Red Bull, as the team grapples with a notable decline in performance following a period of dominance. With the current season largely written off and several significant departures among key staff, Red Bull faces a challenging road ahead in rebuilding for future success, particularly as it navigates the complexities of engine development with Ford and driver lineup.
Guenther Steiner, formerly team principal at Haas, expressed his surprise at Christian Horner's sudden exit from Red Bull, noting that the atmosphere within the team had been tense for some time. Along with the “out of the blue” decision, Steiner questioned the timing of the choice with two more races before the mid-season break.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, has indicated that significant conversations have occurred regarding Yuki Tsunoda's performance since he switched from Racing Bulls early in the season. Despite Tsunoda's recent challenges, including a five-race point drought, Marko believes the driver is making progress, particularly in closing the gap to teammate Max Verstappen, and is optimistic about future results.
Nelson Piquet Jr., a former F1 driver and brother-in-law to Max Verstappen, indicated that Verstappen is expected to announce his future plans in August. With ongoing speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes, Piquet suggested that if Verstappen does leave Red Bull, it is likely to be alongside Kimi Antonelli rather than George Russell.
McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, anticipates that further clashes between drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are likely as the competition for the F1 championship heats up, with only eight points separating the two. With Piastri leading the standings and the potential for a fierce intra-team rivalry reminiscent of past seasons, Brown acknowledges that mistakes may occur but that both drivers are committed to racing fairly.
Stoffel Vandoorne has confirmed that he holds a contract with Stellantis for the upcoming Formula E season, despite ongoing driver negotiations that have left several seats unfilled. With three positions seemingly secured by other drivers, Vandoorne's future remains uncertain as he awaits clarity from Stellantis regarding his role for the next season.
CURIOSITIES
Lexus recently achieved two Guinness World Records by having tennis players Jamie Murray and Laura Robson rally on top of moving NX crossovers. The event involved careful preparation, including custom aluminum platforms and safety measures, with the athletes completing 101 exchanges at speeds reaching 29 mph at Duxford Airfield, UK.
A town in New York is considering new regulations that would hold parents accountable for their children's violations of electric bike laws, reflecting growing concerns over safety and misuse among young riders. This proposed measure aims to address rising incidents involving underage e-bike usage and illegal modifications, potentially setting a precedent for similar policies in other communities across the country.
Two dealerships in Florida are facing lawsuits for allegedly misrepresenting used vehicles as new, which could violate state consumer protection laws. The claims include instances where a buyer was sold a Toyota Land Cruiser that had previously been used, raising concerns about deceptive sales practices in the automotive industry.
An incident in Los Angeles highlighted a gap in legislation regarding driverless vehicles, as an autonomous Waymo taxi was pulled over after first stopping in the middle of the road and then making an illegal left turn. A police officer halted the vehicle but was unable to offer a ticket as moving violations currently require a human driver to receive them, though the law is set to change in July 2026 to hold operators accountable.
A remarkable recreation of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz Rennabteilung truck, also known as the “Blue Wonder”, is on display at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. This vehicle was originally designed to haul Mercedes’ race cars, and comprises a bizarre blend of a modified 300S chassis with a 300SL engine along with unique design touches.
A modified and refreshed example of Chevrolet's 1956 Bel Air, has recently surfaced for sale, featuring a resprayed exterior and an upgraded interior that includes digital gauges. Although it has strayed from its original specifications, this particular vehicle is in excellent condition and is priced at $28,000, making it an appealing option for enthusiasts looking to own a classic car.
The 1974 Plymouth TrailDuster, a rare convertible SUV with factory half-doors, stands out as a unique offering from Plymouth's lineup, sharing its platform with the Dodge Ramcharger but produced in limited quantities. One example offered at auction features a 360ci V8 engine and has been meticulously maintained, making it a highly sought-after collectible among enthusiasts, especially given its distinctive early production attributes.
Motorcyclists often appreciate the immersive experience of riding through nature, but there are risks involved when getting too close to wildlife. Tragically, a 48-year old Italian rider named Omar Farang Zin lost his life after approaching a bear while documenting it on the Transfagarasan Highway, where he had previously stopped to feed the animals.
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!