Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Illegal drift costs rally driver dearly

• Hydrogen iX5 to join BMW SUV lineup

• F1 fans oppose new FIA measures

• Hot Wheels revives Ferrari models

• We have Cybertruck at home…

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Mazda is marking the 35th anniversary of the Miata with a special edition model that embodies the essence of the beloved roadster, featuring enhanced performance and appealing design elements. However, with only 300 units available in the US, securing one may prove challenging despite its reasonable price for a limited edition vehicle. [Autoblog]

The Toyota Land Cruiser J250 has been enhanced by Arctic Trucks into the AT37, designed to tackle extreme terrains, including potentially reaching the North Pole. This modified version features robust off-road tires, a reconfigured rear axle for improved stability, and a sophisticated suspension system, making it well-suited for challenging environments. [Car Throttle]

BMW is set to expand its SUV lineup with the introduction of a hydrogen-powered iX5 in 2028, alongside a BEV and a new fifth-generation X5 that will retain combustion engine options. Both models will be produced at the Spartanburg facility, with the iX5 benefiting from enhanced electric drive technology and the X5 maintaining its traditional design elements while adapting to modern performance standards. [Autocar]

Factory Five Racing has launched the Mk5 Roadster, a contemporary interpretation of the classic Cobra, featuring a rectangular space-frame chassis and a carbon-fiber hardtop. This new model enhances rigidity and interior space while maintaining the essence of its predecessor, offering options for various Ford V-8 engines, including the powerful 7.3-liter Godzilla crate engine. [Car and Driver]

The Aptera, a unique three-wheeled electric vehicle, has emerged as a contender in the EV market with its solar-powered capabilities and a claimed range of 400 miles, despite its compact battery size. As the company prepares for production, it aims to attract both individual consumers and fleet operators with its innovative design and potential for reduced reliance on traditional charging infrastructure. [Car and Driver]

Mercedes is set to introduce a new passenger version of its V-Class EV, expected to offer an impressive range exceeding 311 miles and advanced Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities by 2030. While the luxury van market is expanding, the V-Class aims to provide a more understated and sophisticated alternative to retro-styled competitors like the VW ID. Buzz. [Carscoops]

Toyota has been resolute in sticking to transitional hybrid cars while most other car manufacturers have rushed to produce electric vehicles, and the latest developments in the industry look to have proven CEO Akio Toyoda’s stance correct. The EV market share is increasing more slowly than anticipated despite legislation forcing brands to abandon ICE by 2035, as customers remain wary of adopting unfamiliar and expensive technology, with more marques revisiting the idea of hybrids in recent months. [Autoblog]

In 2024, BMW's Leipzig facility achieved a record production level, assembling 245,652 vehicles, which marks a 30% rise from the previous year, largely due to the introduction of several new models. The plant not only produces BMW and MINI vehicles but has also significantly increased its output of electric models, contributing to a substantial portion of the company's electrification efforts. [BMW Blog]

Mitsubishi appears to be hesitant about its potential role in a merged Honda-Nissan concern, with sources quoting reservations about its more junior status. Although Mitsubishi values its partnerships with both companies, it appears wary of losing its autonomy in a larger corporate structure, leading to a decision on its involvement expected by the end of January. [InsideEVs]

MOTORSPORT

Oliver Solberg faced a five-minute penalty for "exhibition driving" during the 2025 Monte Carlo Rally after performing a prohibited drift maneuver while returning to the paddock, despite the crowd's excitement. This incident marks a repeat offense for the driver, who previously incurred a similar penalty at the 2023 Rally Portugal, ultimately impacting his standings in both events. [Motor1]

The Mazda MX-5 Cup support race for the 24 Hours of Daytona featured a chaotic opening, with almost half of the grid involved in a huge pile-up just after the green flag. This single-make series is known for its tightly contested races among nearly identical vehicles, and despite the relatively high-speed collisions all drivers emerged from the carnage uninjured. [Car Throttle]

Nick Tandy has made history by becoming the first driver to secure overall victories in all four prestigious 24-hour races - Le Mans, Daytona, Nürburgring, and Spa - while driving for Porsche. His recent triumph at Daytona, alongside teammates Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor, marked Porsche's 20th overall win in the event, further solidifying Tandy's remarkable legacy in endurance racing. [Sportscar365]

Formula 1 will implement significant changes to its chassis and engine regulations next season, marking a pivotal shift in the sport's framework towards an “engine formula” according to Aston Martin’s newly recruited Adrian Newey. The revised rules will maintain the V6 turbo-hybrid engines while simplifying their design and enhancing electrical output, alongside new aerodynamic guidelines aimed at improving performance and efficiency. [The Race]

A majority of fans believe that the new behavioral new guidelines unveiled by the FIA for the upcoming 2025 season are too severe. The new rules are designed to reduce offenses such as inappropriate language and criticism of the organization, with fines and even points deductions for breaching the rules. [RacingNews365]

Former Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert has expressed concerns about McLaren's team dynamics, suggesting that Oscar Piastri may seek a departure if he feels undervalued compared to Lando Norris. As the new season approaches, Herbert believes Piastri's determination and competitive spirit could significantly impact the team's hierarchy, especially as he aims to establish himself as the leading driver. [RacingNews365]

Max Verstappen has confirmed his commitment to Red Bull amid speculation about a potential switch to Mercedes, which team principal Toto Wolff clarified never materialized into a formal plan. Despite ongoing discussions between the two parties, Verstappen ultimately chose to stay with Red Bull, prompting Mercedes to pursue alternative options for their driver lineup. [RacingNews365]

Madrid will host a significant gathering of more than 300 FIA officials in February, including stewards and race directors representing various motorsport disciplines. This event, the first of its kind since 2020, aims to facilitate networking and discussions on key topics such as stewarding principles, decision-making processes, and educational resources, while reinforcing the FIA's commitment to supporting its officials and volunteers in the motorsport community. [FIA Press Releases]

FUN STUFF

The upcoming update for Gran Turismo 7 is scheduled for release this week, likely on January 30, bringing four new vehicles to the game. Details dropped during the Gran Turismo World Series finals last year revealed the Hyundai IONIQ 5N and a fictional F1 car as two of the cars, while a “silhouette” teaser from the studio's head suggest a classic Honda Civic and a modern compact crossover are the other two. [GTPlanet]

After a ten-year hiatus, Hot Wheels is set to reintroduce Ferrari die-cast models, as announced during the Nuremberg International Toy Fair. This new collection will feature a variety of products, including limited-edition pieces and remote-controlled cars, showcasing both contemporary and classic Ferrari vehicles, with the first releases expected in the upcoming spring. [The Drive]

Two engineers from Pakistan have built a scaled-down imitation Tesla Cybertruck for a client, costing approximately $10,800. Since its introduction by Elon Musk in 2019, the Cybertruck has garnered international attention, but its availability remains limited outside North America, often due to local safety regulations. [Carscoops]

A Lotus E21, previously raced by Kimi Räikkönen in the 2013 Formula 1 season, is set to be auctioned, although it currently stands in a non-operational state. Currently owned by the Alpine F1 team, the car retains its original livery and has an impressive history from multiple Grands Prix that includes six podium finishes, with the auction scheduled for February 5th in Paris, organized by RM Sotheby's. [Drive]

It took a detailer almost eight hours to transform the interior of severely neglected, moldy Kia Optima from a biohazard into an acceptable environment, with the process being documented on a Reddit thread. There were significant challenges involved in cleaning the car, which had extensive mold throughout, while the $450 fee - of which little went to the detailer themselves - hardly seems to reflect the risk or transformation. [Carscoops]

A custom design shop in Indonesia, known as Mr. Simply Custom, specializes in creating unique footwear that showcases automotive liveries and pop culture themes. With collaborations featuring notable figures in the car community and a range of sneaker options available for purchase, the shop offers enthusiasts a way to express their passion through personalized designs. [The Drive]

Two seperate live-streamed crashes involving dangerous driving could indicate a troubling new social media trend. The incidents both involved Mercedes-Benz vehicles weaving through traffic at high speed and streamed on-board from mobile phones - with one recorded by the driver as he reached 120mph with one hand on the wheel - and in both cases saw the cars crash into innocent motorists. [Carscoops]

A Virginia State Trooper recently engaged in a high-speed pursuit after spotting a Dodge Charger exceeding the speed limit, all while initially enjoying a cigar. The chase, which reached speeds of up to 130 mph, concluded safely with the suspect surrendering without any physical confrontation, leading to multiple felony charges. [Carscoops]

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