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Lotus Rejects Reports It's Closing Hethel HQ
Andrew Evans
June 30, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren dominates in F1 with 1-2 at Red Bull Ring
Meet the slimline FIAT Panda that’s under two feet wide
Dash to offer bespoke supercar building service
Lamborghini wins its first Spa 24 Hours
Massive McLaren collection heading to auction
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Lotus UK has refuted claims regarding plans to cease operations at its Hethel facility and shift production to the United States, despite reports of management directives stemming from rising tariff concerns. The company confirmed that while the production of the Emira has been temporarily halted since May, it remains committed to its UK base.
A British engineering firm, Dash-CAE, is set to revolutionize the supercar market by offering a complete custom development service based around its TR01 chassis. Originally developed as a racing platform, the TR01 will be offered through Dash Bespoke and allow clients to design unique vehicles with virtually limitless body and engine configurations without the associated engineering challenges.
Mercedes-AMG plans to replicate the sensory experiences of its traditional V8 and V12 engines in its future electric vehicles, aiming to evoke the same emotional connection for drivers. Tech chief Markus Schäfer indicated that features such as simulated gear changes and engine vibrations will be incorporated to enhance the driving experience, ensuring that the upcoming AMG GT XX remains true to the brand's performance heritage.
A recent investigation by researchers at the Technical University in Graz, Austria, indicates that incorporating front brake lights on vehicles could enhance road safety by providing clearer signals to other drivers. To avoid confusion with emergency vehicles and adhere to traffic regulations, the study suggests using green lights for this purpose, which would indicate that a car is slowing down and making it safer for others to navigate intersections.
Dacia is preparing to introduce an electric version of its well-regarded Duster, maintaining its commitment to affordability and off-road capability, including the potential for a four-wheel drive option. As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification, the company plans to reveal more about its electric lineup in November, with the Duster EV expected to be part of this transition.
Tata Motors is set to introduce a new compact SUV, available in gasoline, diesel, and electric variants, with the electric model boasting a range of up to 310 miles. While the vehicle draws design cues from Land Rover, particularly with its boxy shape and floating roofline, it is primarily aimed at the Indian market and is not expected to reach international shores in the near future.
BMW has reiterated that creating a supercar is not currently a focus, as it prioritizes the upcoming Neue Klasse. Nonetheless, the company is exploring the development of unique, limited-edition models, with confirmation from an executive that a new M variant is in the planning stages, although details remain scarce and a release is not imminent.
Toyota and Suzuki are reportedly preparing to launch new affordable hot hatchbacks, the GR Starlet and next-generation Swift Sport, aimed at enhancing driver enjoyment when they debut in 2026. While both vehicles are expected to feature turbocharged engines and front-wheel drive, they will likely have distinct mechanical designs despite the manufacturers' history of collaboration.
Porsche recently achieved multiple lap records at Road Atlanta, with the Cayenne Turbo GT and Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid outperforming their predecessors. Notably, the all-electric Taycan Turbo GT led the charge, clocking in the fastest time among the trio, while professional driver Patrick Long highlighted the impressive handling of the hybrid Panamera compared to the previous model.
MOTORSPORT
Lando Norris secured victory at the Austrian Grand Prix after fending off persistent pressure from his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, who finished just behind him. The race also featured an aborted start due to issues with Carlos Sainz’s Williams, an early collision involving reigning champion Max Verstappen, and a heavy penalty for Yuki Tsunoda, while Piastri survived a late scare when lapping Franco Colapinto’s Alpine.
Jordan Pepper celebrated Lamborghini's historic overall victory at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, highlighting the supportive atmosphere within the team. After years of striving for success in this prestigious event, the trio of Pepper, Mirko Bortolotti, and Luca Engstler finally secured a win, marking a significant milestone for the brand.
Formula 1's initial testing of the new 2026 vehicles will occur privately, with no access for the public or media, as teams prepare for significant regulatory changes in engine and chassis design. The first session is scheduled for late January in Barcelona, followed by additional tests in Bahrain, while the FIA has also adjusted the timetable for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to honor a national remembrance day.
Following his recent triumph in Canada, George Russell expressed frustration after finishing significantly behind the leader in Austria. Despite leading the initial practice session, the Mercedes driver struggled with tire overheating in the warmer conditions, highlighting ongoing performance issues that the team has faced in high-temperature races.
Yuki Tsunoda expressed regret to Red Bull following a challenging performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished last on the road in 16th place after qualifying 18th. Despite showing some improvement in qualifying, he struggled during the race, incurring a penalty for a collision and voicing his frustration over his inability to match the pace of his teammate, Max Verstappen across the weekend.
Red Bull's Helmut Marko has acknowledged the team's challenges in the Formula 1 championship following Max Verstappen's early exit from the Austrian Grand Prix. Both Marko and team principal Christian Horner recognize that the current performance gap to McLaren is significant, making a comeback increasingly difficult even with car updates in the pipeline.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start three positions lower on the grid at the upcoming British Grand Prix after he collided with Max Verstappen during the opening lap in Austria, resulting in both drivers retiring from the race. The stewards determined that Antonelli was entirely at fault for the incident, leading to the penalty and two points added to his racing license, despite his acknowledgment of the mistake and subsequent apology to Verstappen.
Yuki Tsunoda is being considered as a potential driver for Cadillac's Formula 1 team in 2026, following a shift in focus after his previous ties with Aston Martin diminished. As Cadillac explores its driver lineup, other candidates have emerged, including Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, amid discussions about the team's strategy for balancing experienced racers with emerging talent.
Ott Tanak secured a significant win at the Acropolis Rally Greece, overcoming a late mechanical issue to reclaim momentum in his bid for the FIA World Rally Championship title. This victory marks Hyundai's first win since the 2024 Central European Rally, narrowing Tanak's points gap to the championship leader, Elfyn Evans.
FUN STUFF
A collection of McLaren vehicles, almost all in unused condition and formerly belonging to the late majority stakeholder Mansour Ojjeh, is being offered for sale through British dealer Tom Hartley Jnr. The collection of 20 vehicles includes a Speedtail, P1 GTR, three Sennas, an Elva, and an F1, almost all finished in a unique “Mansour Orange” hue.
A unique Fiat Panda, redesigned by Italian mechanic Andrea Marazzi, has been transformed into an exceptionally narrow vehicle measuring just 19.6 inches across, making it one of the slimmest operational cars in existence. While this single-seat creation is not intended for everyday use or legal road travel, it has garnered significant attention for its quirky design and engineering ingenuity, recently making an appearance at a Fiat Panda enthusiast event in Italy.
Fans of the Fast and Furious series are set to see the return of Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Conner, in the upcoming final installment of the franchise. While it remains to be seen how this will be achieved given the actor’s death in 2013, co-star Vin Diesel announced at Fuel Fast in LA that this was one of three conditions for the film's production, along with a return to the series' roots in street racing and its Los Angeles setting.
During her performance at Houston's NRG Stadium, Beyoncé experienced a frightening moment when the “flying” prop car she was using began to tilt while she sang "16 Carriages". Although she maintained her composure and continued performing for nearly two minutes, the incident raised concerns about the safety of aerial stunts in live shows, prompting discussions about potential risks to both performers and audiences.
A creative enthusiast in Utah has transformed a 2004 Toyota Prius into a whimsical vehicle dubbed the Cybercop, blending elements of a Tesla Cybertruck with humorous police-themed features. This unique build, which retains the Prius's original mechanics, aims to raise funds for a charitable organization dedicated to supporting families of fallen peace officers, with the entire sale price of $4,550 directed towards this cause.
A 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS recently surfaced for sale, boasting original features aside from added seatbelts for enhanced safety. While it houses an underwhelming 283ci V8 engine, the vehicle's condition reflects careful maintenance though potential buyers should be aware of some minor leaks and the unknown true mileage.
A film-maker specialising in abandoned places has explored the former Bugatti facility at Campogalliano, Italy, which produced the EB110 supercar from 1991 to 1995. The structure of the deserted factory, known as Fabbrica Blu, is still intact along with the centerpiece showroom, though many features were removed or destroyed after the company declared bankruptcy in 1995.
A New Jersey man experienced a frustrating situation after his Ford Mustang Dark Horse caught fire just months into ownership, shortly before Ford delivered a delayed Dark Horse welcome kit. Despite agreeing to have the damaged vehicle repaired, he remains dissatisfied with the lack of communication from the automaker and has decided to pursue legal action.
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