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- Lotus Emeya is the New Speed Champion, for Charging
Lotus Emeya is the New Speed Champion, for Charging
Andrew Evans
November 18, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ex-F1 driver is behind a super-Formula E project
A sequel to the F1 movie is in the works
Toyota doubles-down on mid-engined Yaris development
Honda S660 owners assemble for new world record
Two teams to run one-off liveries at Las Vegas Grand Prix
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Kuwait’s official Lotus dealer conducted an independent test using the brand's 450kW DC charger with an Emeya to establish a new charging record and beat the previous marker also set by the Emeya. Although it’s not clear which model of the Emeya was used for the test, the car was able to draw 443kW and charge from 10-80% in under 14 minutes.
Toyota is advancing its mid-engine sports car project despite previously encountering significant development challenges. The prototype, based on a GR Yaris and using a new two-liter, four-cylinder turbo, was able to secure a podium finish in Super Taikyu, with the car possibly being used to inform development of a future MR2 model.
BYD is intensifying its efforts in Europe, aiming to significantly expand its sales network from 1,000 to 2,000 locations by the end of next year, as it seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the competitive electric vehicle market. The brand is already showing a 400% increase in year-on-year sales, while also building three new production facilities in Europe starting with confirmed locations in Hungary and Turkey.
Kia has announced an indefinite postponement of the EV9 GT, a highly anticipated three-row electric SUV initially expected to launch by the end of 2025, citing shifting market dynamics as the reason for the delay. This decision follows a similar hold on the EV4 sedan, reflecting the company's challenges in adapting to recent policy changes that have impacted the electric vehicle market in the United States.
The Polestar 3 electric SUV will soon offer bidirectional charging capabilities in the US, allowing owners to use their vehicle's battery to power their homes during outages, starting in California. This feature, known as vehicle-to-home (V2H), enables the car's energy to be harnessed for residential use, with plans for expansion to additional states in the future.
The trend of introducing off-road-themed vehicles at major automotive events continues, with Hyundai set to unveil its new off-road concept, the Crater, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. While specific details remain undisclosed, early visuals suggest a robust design featuring distinctive lighting and practical accessories, aimed at the growing overlanding market in the US.
While automakers have traditionally followed a consistent schedule for introducing new models, typically releasing a fresh design every six years, Toyota is now looking to extend this by 50%. The brand plans to extend the lifespan of key models to approximately nine years, relying on software updates to maintain relevance and value, although this may reduce the incentive for consumers to purchase new cars.
A video surfaced showing a Tesla Robotaxi safety driver in San Francisco dozing off during a ride, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the vehicle's monitoring system. While the driver was eventually roused by alerts, the incident highlights ongoing issues with Tesla's autonomous driving services, particularly in regions with strict regulatory requirements.
MOTORSPORT
Lucas di Grassi, the 2016-17 Formula E champion, is developing an innovative electric race car inspired by the Brabham BT46, aiming to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency in motorsport. His project focuses on creating a modular design that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring that the car remains realistic and driver-focused, potentially revolutionizing the way racing vehicles are engineered.
The Stake Sauber and Alpine F1 teams have introduced new liveries for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with Stake unveiling a design called 'Final Lap' to mark its transition ahead of the Audi takeover in 2026. Meanwhile, Alpine has enhanced its color scheme by incorporating additional pink on the sidepods, reflecting its partnership with BWT, as both teams aim to improve their standings in a tightly contested constructors' championship.
Audi's team principal, Mattia Binotto, emphasizes that success in the 2026 Formula 1 season will hinge on a team's ability to adapt its simulation tools and swiftly develop its vehicle in response to new regulations. With significant changes to both power units and chassis design, he notes that the initial performance won't determine overall success, but rather how effectively teams can evolve throughout the season.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, noted that the earlier start time for the Las Vegas Grand Prix could significantly influence the race dynamics, particularly regarding tire performance. With the temperature expected to be warmer this year, Vasseur anticipates that the competitive landscape may shift, especially as Ferrari seeks to rebound from a challenging performance in Brazil while contending with Mercedes and McLaren.
Genesis has appointed Jamie Chadwick as the reserve driver for the 2026 World Endurance Championship following her initial test with the GMR-001 Hypercar. In this role, she will focus on the vehicle's development while balancing participation in another racing program yet to be disclosed.
Driving Force Events Ltd. has unveiled plans for two new GT endurance races scheduled for January, set to take place at Yas Marina Circuit and Lusail International Circuit. These four-hour events will feature GT3 and GT Cup vehicles on Pirelli tires, coinciding with the anticipated Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi and offering streamlined logistics for teams traveling between the UAE and Qatar, as well as a quick return option to Europe from the Port of Jeddah.
ASP is set to continue racing the Lexus RC F GT3 in the World Endurance Championship while awaiting further details from Toyota regarding the anticipated new GT3 model. Although the team experienced a challenging start in the previous season, recent performances have improved, leading team principal Jerome Policand to express confidence in either maintaining the current vehicle or transitioning to the upcoming model.
Vauxhall is set to re-enter the motorsport arena by participating in the all-electric ADAC GSE Rally Cup next year, with Ioan Lloyd driving the Vauxhall Mokka GSE Rally car. This marks the brand's first competitive involvement since 2009 and aims to nurture emerging talent, as the champion will advance to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team for further competition in the Junior European Rally Championship.
CURIOSITIES
Director Joseph Kosinski has revealed that discussions are ongoing with Apple regarding a possible follow-up to the successful film featuring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris. The original movie’s narrative centers on Sonny Hayes, a driver who returns to the Formula 1 circuit with the struggling APXGP team, and the film's impressive box office performance has sparked interest in exploring further adventures for the characters.
A Honda S660 owners’ club in Japan has assembled at Suzuka Circuit to establish a new world record for the largest ever parade of Hondas. 832 vehicles assembled at the Honda-owned circuit for the record, although even this was some way below the record for the most cars of a single model type ever assembled at 2,728 Volkswagen Beetles.
A Lamborghini Huracan owned by influencer Jake Schnatter crashed into trees in Post Falls, Idaho, resulting in significant damage to both the front and rear of the vehicle. Although the exact cause remains unverified, it appears Schnatter lost control while driving, and the car is likely to be deemed a total loss, though its modified engine may still be salvageable for future projects.
An ongoing debate centered on the legality of navigation applications alerting users to speed traps has extended across Europe to Belgium, where Flemish Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder is supporting their use for enhancing road safety. Critics, including law enforcement and traffic authorities, argue that these apps may encourage speeding behavior, as drivers often accelerate past speed limits when not alerted by notifications.
Old buses, with their robust design and ample space, have become increasingly popular for creative transformations into unique accommodations, particularly for glamping experiences. A notable example is The Botanical Bus, a double-decker that has been transformed into a serene retreat in the British countryside, featuring a blend of salvaged materials and modern comforts, making it an inviting getaway for families and friends.
Although the new movie The Running Man is set in a bleak future where participants can win significant money by surviving a deadly game show while being pursued by skilled killers, there’s still occasion for car-spotting. The Alpine A290 features prominently in the film, in which Glen Powell plays a lead role filled by Arnold Schwarzenegger in an earlier interpretation, with a modified version of the car used in multiple filming locations.
Ontario has opted to discontinue the use of automated speed cameras, redirecting CA$210 million towards various traffic safety enhancements such as speed bumps and raised crosswalks. This shift comes in response to public preference for these measures over speed cameras, as reflected in a recent survey indicating that half of the respondents favor physical traffic calming strategies.
A multi-brand luxury car dealership in Miami continues to be embroiled in a $300m legal battle with Porsche, regarding a dispute over an exclusive showroom which the dealer alleges resulted in Porsche withholding inventory. The Collection, which also sells Aston Martin, Ferrari, and McLaren models, states that it refused to create a dedicated Porsche facility on-site, with Porsche retaliating by not supplying lucrative “pool” cars to the dealer which resulted in lower sales.
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