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Macau Mayhem and Real Rat Rods
Jordan Greer
November 18, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're dealing with the aftermath of another mad Macau Grand Prix, while it turns out that driving isn’t just an activity for humans as rats - yes, rats - get a kick out of being behind the wheel too. As you savor these stories and more, don't forget to share the excitement with friends who might enjoy our daily automotive adventures.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Pagani Huayra R Evo was recently captured on track at the Misano World Circuit, showcasing its performance and distinctive sound from its naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, which produces 888 horsepower. Despite being equipped with optional mufflers to comply with noise regulations, the car's engine sound remains a highlight, providing an engaging auditory experience that emphasizes its racing capabilities.
The Torsus Praetorian and Terrastorm, from a brand founded by Ukrainian Vakhtang Dzhukashvili in 2014, are a pair of off-road buses designed for challenging terrains, including conflict zones and natural disasters. Torsus aims to provide safe transportation solutions in harsh environments, with the 35-seat Praetorian now complemented by a 20-seat Terrastorm based on the Volkswagen Crafter.
Brabus has unveiled its latest creations, featuring bold designs for the Porsche 911 and Range Rover models, in contrast to its usual black, Mercedes-based output. The Brabus 600 and 900 — based on the Range Rover and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet respectively — “Peetch” models boast the usual performance upgrades and a striking peach-coloured paint job.
Mazda in Colombia is now offering optional bulletproofing for the CX-30, CX-5, and CX-50 SUVs, providing Level 2 armor that protects against small arms fire up to 9mm and .357 magnum. This service includes shatterproof glass and ballistic panels, and it does not require special permission from authorities for civilian purchase, reflecting a growing market for armored vehicles beyond luxury brands.
The 2025 BMW M4 CS reintroduces the "CS" badge, combining the powerful 543-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0L S58 inline-six engine from the CSL with a more practical suspension and a four-seat interior, making it suitable for daily driving. Priced at $124,675, the M4 CS offers features like an 8-speed automatic transmission, an all-wheel-drive system, and impressive dynamic capabilities, including a Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes and 21.99 seconds.
A recent report from iSeeCars reveals that despite advancements in vehicle safety features, distracted driving is significantly increasing accident rates, particularly affecting Tesla models. The Tesla Model Y has a fatal accident rate over three times that of the average car, while the Model S is twice as likely to result in a fatal crash, highlighting the critical impact of driver behavior on overall safety.
A recent ruling by the California State Supreme Court determined that used cars purchased with an active manufacturer's warranty do not qualify for the state's "refund-or-replace remedy" under the Lemon Law. This decision, stemming from a lawsuit involving a 2011 Dodge Ram 2500, raises concerns among consumer advocacy groups about the implications for millions of used car owners who may face significant repair costs despite having paid a premium for vehicles still under warranty.
The Volvo EX90, an all-electric three-row SUV, is now available for delivery with a starting price of $79,995, positioning it within the luxury segment alongside competitors like Mercedes-Benz and Audi. While it offers improved battery range of up to 310 miles and a spacious interior, the EX90's high cost and some missing features may challenge its appeal to potential buyers transitioning to electric vehicles.
Stellantis is set to suspend production at its Mirafiori factory in Turin, Italy, in December due to ongoing supply chain issues, affecting the Fiat 500 and Maserati models. This decision follows a recent two-month production pause and comes amid disappointing sales for the Fiat 500e, with the company planning to invest $110 million to enhance the model despite the production challenges.
MOTORSPORT
The qualifying sessions for this year's Macau Grand Prix were marred by 12 red-flag periods, attributed to a combination of the challenging Guia circuit, the debut of Formula Regional cars, and wet weather conditions. FIA officials, concerned about driving standards and safety, held an additional briefing for drivers, emphasizing the need for improvement to preserve the event's reputation and reduce the frequency of accidents.
Antonio Fuoco criticized Raffaele Marciello for a collision that derailed his chances of winning Ferrari's first FIA GT World Cup in Macau, after Fuoco had been leading and showing strong pace in wet conditions. Marciello, who ultimately retired from the race, blamed Fuoco for the penultimate-lap incident, which allowed Mercedes driver Maro Engel to take the victory.
Since Liberty Media's acquisition of Formula 1, the sport's valuation has surged to over $20 billion, with each of its ten teams now worth around $1 billion, a significant increase from a decade ago. Outgoing CEO Greg Maffei attributes this growth to strategic changes and increased fan engagement, particularly through the 'Drive to Survive' series, and he believes F1 has become a model for other sports to emulate.
Jorge Martin secured the MotoGP world championship by finishing third in the Solidarity Grand Prix, maintaining a 10-point lead over Pecco Bagnaia despite Bagnaia's race victory. This achievement marks Martin as the first independent team rider to win the title in the MotoGP era, while he prepares to transition from Pramac Ducati to Aprilia for the 2025 season.
Carlos Sainz has signed a multi-year contract with Williams, but speculation exists about a potential clause that could allow him to join Red Bull as a replacement for Sergio Perez in 2025, following Perez's recent underperformance. Former F1 driver Martin Donnelly suggests that Sainz's experience makes him a strong candidate to partner Max Verstappen, especially as Red Bull seeks to improve its standings in the constructors' championship.
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack emphasized the importance of long-term development for the Silverstone squad amidst significant personnel changes, including the recent appointment of new CEO Andy Cowell and the upcoming addition of Adrian Newey. Despite a promising start to the 2023 F1 season, the team has struggled to maintain performance consistency, leading to questions about its internal structure and recent staff shake-ups.
Lamborghini has announced that its next-generation GT3 car, named the Temerario GT3, will debut in 2026, replacing the successful Huracan GT3, which has been in use since 2015. Track testing for the Temerario is set to begin in early 2025, and while specific technical details remain undisclosed, it is known that the road-going version will feature a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with hybrid components, which will likely be removed to comply with GT3 regulations.
Pedro Boesel, a Brazilian racing driver, revealed that Enzo Fittipaldi was initially selected by Red Bull to drive for AlphaTauri in the 2024 F1 season but was later dropped from the team's driver academy. Despite finishing seventh in the F2 season and winning a race at Spa, Fittipaldi's release, along with several other drivers, has raised questions about Red Bull's decision-making process.
CURIOSITIES
A recent study by University of Richmond neuroscientist Kelly Lambert reveals that rats experience a dopamine rush when driving, indicating they may seek the activity for emotional satisfaction rather than just physical rewards. The updated research involved a redesigned vehicle for the rats, and findings showed that two out of three rats preferred a longer driving route to reach a treat, suggesting they enjoy both the journey and the destination.
Davide Brivio, game director for Assetto Corsa EVO at Kunos Simulazioni, announced that players will have the ability to configure cars from the showroom with various engines and specifications, mirroring real-world options. The game is set for early access on Steam starting January 16, 2025, and will feature a flexible career mode allowing players to earn credits and customize their vehicle purchases without strict requirements.
Aston Martin's limited edition Vanquish Shooting Brake, number 13 of 99 produced by Zagato, is set to be auctioned in Dubai with an estimated price of $450,000 to $550,000. Featuring a 5.9-liter V12 engine and unique design elements, this particular model has had one owner and has been driven 3,067 miles.
A one-off Rolls-Royce Wraith Silver Spectre Shooting Brake, designed by Nils van Roij, has come up for sale. The Wraith's transformation was executed by Belgian coachbuilder Carat Duchatelet, and features extensive customizations, including a hand-crafted carbon fiber roof and a luxurious interior, though its price remains undisclosed.
Four luxury cars, including a McLaren Elva and a Ferrari LaFerrari, were involved in a crash on a mountain road in Pfunds, Austria, resulting in significant damage and a combined value exceeding $7 million. While the specific cause of the incident remains unclear, it raises questions about driving safety in adverse conditions.
Kazunori Yamauchi, head of Polyphony Digital, has announced that a significant update for Gran Turismo 7 will be released next week, featuring a new lineup of vehicles which, though not yet announced, looks set to include the Ford Escort RS Cosworth and the Porsche Mission X Concept. Additionally, the update is expected to include support for the PlayStation 5 Pro, enhancing the game's graphics capabilities, with further details to be revealed on November 20.
Car thefts from airport parking lots are increasingly common, with a recent case involving a group from New York City and Atlanta stealing at least 19 luxury vehicles worth over $1.1 million using stolen identities to book rentals. Additionally, a Houston-based ring has been linked to around 52 stolen vehicles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, with losses totaling approximately $4.9 million, employing traditional car theft methods and tools.
A James Bond enthusiast has created a custom version of the fictional 'Locomotive' roadster, originally driven by Bond in Ian Fleming's novels, after discovering that the model did not exist as a production vehicle. Using a Bentley Type R, designer Troy Hunter incorporated features such as hidden compartments and machine gun buttons, reflecting the spy's adventurous character while also adding personal touches to the design.
A 1969 Dodge Charger, claimed to be the stunt car driven by Kurt Russell's character in Quentin Tarantino's 2007 film Death Proof, is currently listed on eBay for $44,000, despite lacking any evidence to support its film association. The vehicle is missing its V8 engine, gearbox, and interior, and the seller only provides a bill of sale, with no documentation to verify its history or ownership by the film studio.
Japanese car enthusiasts are embracing a trend called USDM-style, where they modify their vehicles to resemble American cars by swapping out parts and adding elements that evoke everyday American life. This includes intentionally cluttering their interiors with items like empty fast food containers and shopping bags to pay homage to the typical American car experience, reflecting a cultural appreciation rather than mockery.
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