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Maserati Grounds Electric MC20
Andrew Evans
March 07, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ford Focus ends production after 30 years
Honda looking to more customers for F1 engine
Staggering £500m car collection sold
Lotterer in for Sargeant at Genesis
UK tests graphene for pothole solution
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Maserati has decided to abandon the development of its electric MC20 Folgore supercar, which was initially expected to debut in 2025 with a powerful tri-motor setup. Instead, the brand will focus on enhancing its existing MC20 model with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, citing insufficient market demand for electric supercars among its target customers.
Ford will cease production of the Focus in November, marking the end of a model that has been part of the UK automotive landscape since its debut in 1998. This decision, which follows the discontinuation of the Mondeo and Fiesta, aligns with the company's shift towards electric vehicle development, despite facing challenges in EV demand and recent job reductions.
In the next decade, the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles will be significantly restricted in Europe, as the European Commission aims for zero CO₂ emissions by 2035, although this does not outright ban internal combustion engines. To support this transition, manufacturers will have extended deadlines to meet emissions targets and will receive assistance in ramping up electric vehicle production, while consumers can expect more incentives and affordable options in the EV market.
Bentley has expanded its customization options for the Continental GT, now claiming to offer an almost limitless array of choices, including new pinstriping and wheel specifications in various finishes and colors. Additionally, the Flying Spur and Bentayga models will also benefit from similar personalization features, allowing for a unique look tailored to individual preferences.
The demand for customized Range Rovers is on the rise, with enthusiasts seeking both classic restorations and rugged off-road variations. Overfinch, a pioneer in the field since 1975, has introduced its latest Velocity Edition, featuring 620 horsepower and enhanced engineering alongside a sporty design.
McLaren is advancing the use of carbon fiber in automotive applications by implementing a novel technique called Automated Rapid Tape Carbon, which streamlines the manufacturing process by reducing material waste while maintaining component strength. This innovative approach, inspired by aerospace manufacturing methods, enhances design flexibility and opens new possibilities for future lightweight supercar architectures.
Tesla's sales have significantly declined in key markets, with reported drops of 59.5% in Germany and 65.5% in Australia during the early months of 2025. Additionally, the company's performance in China shows a 49.16% decrease in sales, indicating a troubling trend for its market presence amidst increasing competition.
Graphene, a remarkably strong carbon-based material, is being utilized in a new asphalt formulation aimed at enhancing road durability and reducing pothole formation. The initial application of this innovative surfacing material has been implemented on a public road near Middlesbrough, marking a significant advancement in the use of graphene for infrastructure improvement.
MOTORSPORT
Andre Lotterer, a veteran of the Le Mans 24 Hours with three victories, will participate in this year's race for the 14th time, driving an LMP2 ORECA with IDEC Sport. His inclusion follows Logan Sargeant's exit from the program, allowing Lotterer to share the car with Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert while also contributing to the Genesis brand's development efforts ahead of their 2026 World Endurance Championship debut.
Team France claimed a third title at the Race of Champions, defeating Team Australia in the final match of the Nations Cup. The French pair, featuring rally icon Sebastien Loeb and Formula 2 competitor Victor Martins, showcased strong performances throughout the event, including a notable victory over Team Finland, which included Valtteri Bottas.
Honda is exploring the potential to supply its F1 power units to additional teams in the future, following its return to the sport next year after a brief hiatus. While the company is currently focused on establishing a successful partnership with Aston Martin, it remains open to opportunities for expansion as the new engine regulations take effect in 2026.
Max Verstappen has acknowledged that his new Red Bull RB21 is unlikely to contend for the top spot at the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, following a less-than-ideal pre-season performance. Despite previously dominating season openers, he noted that rival teams such as McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes appear to be ahead, though he remains optimistic about potential improvements in the car's performance in the coming races.
Mercedes has announced its junior driver roster for the upcoming season, featuring 12 participants, including two graduates who will compete in Formula 1 for the first time. The lineup, which includes drivers aged 11 to 21 and three female racers, showcases a mix of talent from karting to higher categories, with a focus on new challenges and opportunities for growth within the program.
Porsche's motorsport director, Thomas Laudenbach, advocates for a unified regulatory framework among the FIA, ACO, and IMSA for future prototype racing, expressing concerns over the current disparities between LMH and LMDh regulations. He emphasizes the importance of initiating discussions among manufacturers to establish a cohesive set of rules, while also downplaying the potential of hydrogen technology in sports cars and highlighting the need for budget-conscious planning as the sport evolves.
Aston Martin's Valkyrie will debut in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a power cap of 509 kW (682 hp), reflecting a reduction from its previous test configuration. This adjustment, alongside a weight decrease of 12 kg, is part of the balance of performance changes, in which only the Porsche and Cadillac saw power increases ahead of the race at Sebring International Raceway.
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham expressed his surprise at being allowed to drive a GEN3 Evo car during a recent event in Miami, where 11 content creators were given the chance to experience high-speed racing under the guidance of coaches. Formula E's initiative aims to attract a broader audience by leveraging the social media influence of these creators, with early metrics indicating significant engagement and interest in electric racing.
FUN STUFF
A remarkable assortment of Formula 1 cars, previously owned by Bernie Ecclestone and estimated to be worth approximately $500 million, has been acquired by Mark Mateschitz, the heir to the Red Bull fortune. Following his decision to sell the collection due to his age, Ecclestone expressed confidence that Mateschitz would honor the historical significance of the vehicles, which include notable models driven by legendary racers.
Competition Company and Tayon Studios have revealed that their driving simulator, Rennsport, will expand beyond PC to include ninth-generation consoles later this year via Nacon. Initially slated for a PC launch, the game has progressed through various development phases, including closed and open beta testing, and will feature cross-platform play among PC, PS5, and Xbox Series users, with a full release anticipated in 2025.
Restoring a vehicle can be a captivating process, especially when it involves transforming a neglected find into a gleaming classic. A recent video showcasing the paint and rust removal on a De Tomaso Pantera highlights the intriguing details of this transformation, revealing the enjoyable journey that occurs between the initial state and the finished product.
Ben & Jerry's has partnered with Rivian to create eco-friendly ice cream trucks, utilizing Rivian's electric commercial vans for this initiative. These specially designed vehicles will debut at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, before being deployed nationwide for community events and promotional activities.
In Vancouver, a Mercedes-AMG GT R lost control while attempting a powerslide on wet pavement, leading to a collision with a small tree and a grassy bank. The incident, which occurred shortly after leaving a car dealership, resulted in damage that may require costly repairs, though the low speed of the crash suggests that the vehicle is likely salvageable.
In early January 2025, Makayla Starks visited Kunes Buick GMC in Greenfield, Wisconsin, for a routine service, only to later receive a call from the dealership claiming a tool had been left in her engine bay. However, an honest employee revealed that the dealership was actually attempting to retrieve an oil change sticker from her windshield that contained a racial slur, indicating a misguided effort to cover up the incident rather than address the underlying issue.
Michael Kittredge, the late founder of Yankee Candle, was not only a successful entrepreneur but also an avid car enthusiast, amassing an impressive collection of luxury and performance vehicles within his expansive Massachusetts estate. After his passing in 2019, his property, which features numerous amenities and spans 60 acres, was put on the market for $23 million, raising questions about whether the extensive car collection is included in the sale.
A recent incident in Denver highlighted the potential benefits of dash cams when a driver captured a troubling encounter with a Hummer H2 that involved aggressive maneuvers and possible insurance fraud. Although no injuries occurred, the situation raised questions about the motivations behind the H2 driver's actions, leaving observers to speculate whether it was a case of road rage or an attempt to stage an accident.
The Lamborghini Sian FKP 37, a hybrid-electric supercar limited to just 63 units, combines striking design with advanced technology, featuring a powerful 6.5-liter V12 engine alongside an electric motor for a total output of 808 horsepower. Currently listed for auction, this particular model, which has only been driven 63 miles since its delivery, comes with a range of luxurious features and a hefty price tag reflective of its exclusivity and performance capabilities.
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