- SpeedBites
- Posts
- Lotus Evija Hits the Road at Last
Lotus Evija Hits the Road at Last
Andrew Evans
December 10, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition is revving with excitement as we learn that Lotus has finally begun customer deliveries of its 2000hp electric Evija supercar, while ex-Ferrari man Carlos Sainz has made an impressive debut for Williams at the Abu Dhabi test, where he topped the timesheets. Meanwhile, BMW is looking towards quad-motor M cars, and the car collection of deposed Syrian leader Bashar Al-Assad has been revealed following his flight out of the country. As always, if you enjoy our daily dose of automotive thrills, consider sharing SpeedBites with friends who might appreciate the ride. Buckle up and enjoy the journey!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Lotus has begun customer deliveries of its Evija electric hypercar, originally slated for release in 2020 but delayed by four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Evija, which produces 2011bhp and can accelerate from 0-190mph in 9.1 seconds, will be produced at Lotus's Hethel facility for the next two years, with the company still evaluating whether to limit the production run to 130 units.
McLaren has signed a deal with Abu Dhabi-based CYVN Holdings, which aims to enhance the manufacturer's engineering and design capabilities, pending regulatory approvals. This partnership is expected to support McLaren's growth and innovation, particularly as it prepares to produce the W1 hypercar following recent organizational changes.
Mazda's MX-30 has been discontinued in the U.S. due to poor sales, and the automaker's plans for electrification are cautious, with CEO Masahiro Moro indicating that traditional internal combustion engines will continue to dominate the market for the foreseeable future. While Mazda is developing in-house lithium-ion batteries and new gas engines, it anticipates that electric vehicles will only make up 25-40% of its global shipments by the end of the decade, with a full-scale EV launch not expected until 2028.
BMW has unveiled a prototype of a quad-motor electric vehicle based on the i4 M50, showcasing advanced torque vectoring technology that enhances driving dynamics and control. The company is exploring the development of high-performance electric models, with plans for an electric M3 equivalent expected to debut around 2027 or 2028, aiming to make high-output electric performance more accessible.
Becky Peterson of the Wall Street Journal has obtained a Deutsche Bank report from the Autonomous Day conference, which indicates that Tesla plans to launch a new model referred to as the "Model Q" in the first half of 2025, with a projected price of under $30,000 after federal tax credits. The report does not clarify whether the details shared by Tesla's Travis Axelrod are his own statements or Deutsche Bank's conclusions, and it omits information about Tesla's previously mentioned "Redwood" vehicle.
Stellantis is advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology with the introduction of the Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro Hydrogen and Movano Hydrogen vans, which feature ranges of 248 and 310 miles, respectively. The development of these vehicles builds on over two decades of experience in hydrogen technology, highlighting a shift towards hybrid systems that combine fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries to enhance performance.
Nissan, Infiniti, and Jeep are all facing declining sales, with Nissan's U.S. sales dropping by 26.3% over the past decade and Infiniti experiencing a nearly 45% decline. Christian Meunier is set to return to Nissan as Chairperson of Nissan Americas, replacing Jérémie Papin, who will become the company's chief financial officer, amidst ongoing challenges for both brands and potential new partnerships.
Avatr has introduced the Avatr 06 sedan as its fourth production model, positioned as an entry point in its lineup and closely related to the earlier Avatr 07 SUV. The sedan features a suite of advanced sensors, a unique camera-based side mirror design, and is expected to offer various powertrain options, including rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with a launch planned for early 2025 in China.
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Porsche by Gibbs Law Group, alleging the automaker failed to adequately address a battery defect in 2020-2024 Taycan models, which poses a fire risk. The suit claims Porsche has known about the issue since at least February 2020 and seeks to represent affected owners, demanding repairs or replacements for the defective batteries and various damages.
Xiaomi Automobile has unveiled its new SUV, the YU7, which is designed to compete with the Tesla Model Y and is expected to launch in mid-2025. The YU7 features a design similar to Xiaomi's existing sedan, the SU7, and is powered by dual motors with a combined peak output of 508 kW, while its dimensions include a length of 4,999 mm and a weight of 2,405 kg.
Lucid Motors has commenced series production of its first SUV, the Gravity, at its Arizona factory as of December 5, following the opening of orders on November 7. The Gravity will initially be available in a Grand Touring version priced at $94,900, featuring over 800 horsepower, a range exceeding 440 miles, and a minimalist interior designed for up to seven occupants.
The Neta V, a Chinese-made electric subcompact crossover priced between $18,000 and $22,000, has been rated as one of the least safe new cars globally, receiving a zero-star safety score from ASEAN NCAP. The vehicle demonstrated significant safety deficiencies during crash tests, including poor protection for occupants and a weak body structure, with a total score of only 28.55 out of 100 possible points.
MOTORSPORT
Carlos Sainz topped the post-season test timesheet during his debut for Williams at the Yas Marina Circuit, where all ten Formula 1 teams participated in a one-day test session. Other notable drivers making their first appearances for new teams include Esteban Ocon at Haas and Nico Hulkenberg at Sauber, while rookie Frederick Vesti recorded the fastest time among newcomers.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has withdrawn from the Super Formula test at Suzuka due to an illness he contracted over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. Originally scheduled to participate in the rookie test alongside Haas driver Oliver Bearman as an opportunity to learn the track, Antonelli's health issues have led to changes in his end-of-season plans, including a reduced role in the post-Abu Dhabi rookie test.
Notable parallels exist between Lewis Hamilton’s final races with McLaren and Mercedes, with both involving a tricky time for Red Bull’s multiple champion, early retirements, and similar podium finishes, highlighting the cyclical nature of his career in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton's transition from Mercedes to Ferrari is marked by his ongoing contract with Mercedes, which prevents him from participating in the Abu Dhabi post-season test as he fulfills sponsor commitments.
Max Verstappen, who remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, has various options for 2026, including a mooted swap to Mercedes. However a significant spat has emerged between Verstappen and potential team-mate George Russell, which may reduce Mercedes’ chances of signing the Dutch world champion.
McLaren is adopting a bold approach for its 2025 Formula 1 car design as it aims to build on its recent constructors' championship victory and pursue the drivers' title. CEO Zak Brown emphasized the team's shift in mindset from merely competing to actively seeking to outperform rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes, highlighting the importance of innovation and confidence in their development strategy.
Martin Brundle criticized Max Verstappen's aggressive maneuver on Oscar Piastri during the opening lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, labeling it an unnecessary risk that resulted in both drivers losing positions. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for the incident and expressed frustration over the decision, although he later apologized to Piastri and the McLaren team.
Max Verstappen and Fernando Alonso are both at risk of receiving race bans due to accumulating eight penalty points on their super-licences, with Verstappen facing a tighter timeline to avoid reaching the 12-point threshold before June 30, 2025. The duo have comfortably more penalty points than the next drivers with confirmed 2025 seats, as Nico Hulkenberg, Oscar Piastri, and, Lance Stroll all sit of four points.
Two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi has commented on the ongoing feud between Max Verstappen and George Russell, suggesting that the drivers would benefit from having fewer public relations representatives. He appreciates the unfiltered nature of their conflict, which emerged after a qualifying incident at the Qatar Grand Prix, and believes it allows their true personalities to shine through in the media.
CURIOSITIES
Following the recent takeover of Syria by rebel forces, reports indicate that Bashar Al-Assad has fled to Russia, leaving behind an extensive collection of exotic cars in his palace garage. Among the notable vehicles discovered are a Lamborghini LM 002, multiple Ferraris, and a Rolls Royce Ghost, highlighting the stark contrast between Al-Assad's opulence and the economic struggles faced by many in the region.
The Porsche 911 S/T, priced starting at $290,000, combines features of the GT3 with a manual gearbox tailored for road use. One owner, known as Sechsgang, customized their vehicle with humorous inscriptions, including "Life, Laugh, Love" and "Your Mom," showcasing a playful approach to luxury car ownership and Porsche’s hands-off approach to owner personalization whims.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concluded with actor Brad Pitt celebrating on the podium alongside Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes' George Russell while filming scenes for the upcoming movie "F1". The film, produced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has been in production since 2023 and will be released internationally on June 25, 2025, coinciding with the Austrian Grand Prix week.
The Western Australia Police Force has acquired a BMW M4 Competition coupe for promotional purposes, despite its high-performance capabilities. This addition complements the existing fleet of vehicles used for highway patrol, which includes models like the BMW X5 and Kia Stinger, while the police are also trialing an electric Kia EV6 GT-Line.
Austin Robbins created a unique Miata trailer, dubbed "Miatata," that features both the front and back of the original car and is designed to carry four race wheels and tools for trackside repairs. Built from a damaged Miata acquired at auction, the trailer incorporates coilover suspension to match the tow car's ride height and has proven functional, successfully towing over long distances for events.
Specialist commercial vehicle convertors Seeker UK has revealed a “Surf Edition” Jimny, based on the two-seat LCV model of the compact SUV to highlight its styling and conversion options for the car. While less extreme than other examples of aftermarket-new modified Jimny vehicles — such as Twisted’s 165hp version — the Surf adds a two-inch lift kit, unique styling, and a rear-seat conversion to return the car to its four-seat layout.
A 1:1 scale replica of the 1967 Lotus 49 Formula 1 car, designed as a racing simulator, is currently available for bidding at Collecting Cars. This hand-built setup features a direct drive motor, bespoke gear shifter, and a Heusinkveld Pro triple pedal box, and has recently been overhauled, with the current bid at £1,200 ($1,535).
Elizabeth Guthmann, the founder of Quest Camper Renovations, has transformed a 2003 Cargo Express 5×8 cargo trailer into a micro camper, emphasizing practicality and eco-friendliness by using second-hand materials. The finished product, weighing 1,740 pounds and priced at $11,000, features essential amenities like a propane stove, solar battery system, and a cozy interior designed for efficient use of space.
One rule of any car event or show is to always check the car park, and the recent Nismo Festival, held at Fuji Speedway, was no exception as the spectators brought along everything from kei cars to ultra-rare models. The R34 Skyline GT-R dominated the scene, while unique finds included a Silvia 270R, an R33 Skyline GT-R Autech, and two of the 18 Skyline GT-R LMs ever made.
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!