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Mazda Reveals Turbo Rotary Hybrid Vision X-Coupe
Andrew Evans
October 29, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Massa's legal battle over 2008 title begins
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 5 now available
TV manufacturer Sharp presents its first car
Rovanpera’s single-seat shift begins with successful F2 test
Take a virtual TransAmerica Trail drive with new Google Maps scan
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Mazda's latest concept, the Vision X-Coupe, presented at the Tokyo Motor Show, features a unique design that blends elements of a hatchback with a crossover aesthetic, featuring four doors and an eye-catching rear lighting setup. Beneath its striking exterior lies a turbocharged twin-rotor engine with a plug-in hybrid setup, with the vehicle also designed to run on sustainable fuel.
Sharp is the latest electronics brand to enter the automotive sector, revealing its LDK+ concept, a versatile vehicle designed to function as a mobile entertainment space. Built on Foxconn's Model A EV chassis, this compact minivan offers a spacious interior that can transform into a theater or workspace, although details about its performance specifications and release timeline remain unclear.
After a teaser earlier in the year, Lexus has transformed its LS model into an innovative six-wheeled MPV, aiming to reshape the luxury vehicle landscape. This new concept, introduced at the Tokyo motor show, is designed to maximise personal space and signals a significant shift in the brand's design philosophy as it adapts to changing consumer preferences, particularly in the luxury MPV segment.
Daihatsu unveiled a concept at the Japan Mobility Show that hints at a new iteration of the beloved Copen roadster, with the car switching to a rear-wheel drive layout. While specific technical details remain scarce, the concept is expected to adhere to kei car standards, likely featuring a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine and a folding hardtop, although its return to European markets appears unlikely.
Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, expressed admiration for the Xiaomi SU7 after his team conducted a teardown, highlighting its effective integration and technology. He noted that while he would consider purchasing the vehicle if he lived in China, the economic conditions and government support in that country create a business environment that is markedly different from that of the United States.
Honda has introduced the Alpha, the latest addition to its 0-series of electric vehicles, which emphasizes affordability while resembling the previously unveiled SUV model. Set for a global launch in 2027, the Alpha will primarily target markets in Japan and India, with no confirmation of availability in the United States.
Bentley is set to disclose further information about its inaugural electric vehicle on November 5, coinciding with the anticipated introduction of the new Continental Supersports. While specifics regarding the EV's powertrain remain undisclosed, it will use a modified version of the PPE platform, suggesting a close relationship with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric.
Lucid Motors has partnered with Nvidia to integrate Level 4 autonomous driving technology into its forthcoming mid-size vehicle platform, which will include advanced hardware such as cameras and lidar. The collaboration aims to enhance Lucid's driver-assistance systems, ultimately leading to a consumer vehicle capable of fully autonomous driving in the future.
Mazda has unveiled an innovative carbon-capture device integrated into the exhaust system, designed to extract carbon dioxide from emissions before they exit the vehicle. This technology, which operates similarly to larger carbon-capture systems but benefits from the higher carbon density in automotive exhaust, is part of Mazda's broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of combustion engines, potentially working alongside low-carbon e-fuels for greater sustainability.
MOTORSPORT
Felipe Massa is pursuing legal action regarding the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, where a controversial crash significantly impacted his chances of winning the championship, ultimately claimed by Lewis Hamilton. During the initial day of his court hearing in London, Massa argued that a conspiracy deprived him of the title, while the defence contended that errors made by him and his team were to blame for the lost opportunity.
Kalle Rovanpera has recently taken his first steps into Formula 2, preparing for a transition to single-seater racing in 2024 after concluding his World Rally Championship career. The Finnish driver aims to compete in Japan's Super Formula series next year and is eyeing a potential move to Formula 2 in 2027, with aspirations for Formula 1 in the future.
Max Verstappen reflected on the chaotic beginning of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he drove over the grass at the first corner but managed to avoid crashing into the barriers as he re-entered the track. He expressed his astonishment at seeing all his competitors on soft tires while his team opted for medium compounds, a choice he had not anticipated.
George Russell expressed his frustration following a contentious encounter with Max Verstappen during the Mexican Grand Prix, where he lost positions after Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided. Russell, recalling previous clashes with Verstappen, criticized his driving style, suggesting that the incidents reminded him of his early karting experiences.
Carlos Sainz defended his decision to retire from the Mexico Grand Prix, stating that he acted in the safest manner possible after experiencing a spin that led to a late virtual safety car deployment. He expressed frustration over a series of problems throughout the race, including damage from an early incident and penalties that ultimately hindered his performance.
Max Verstappen successfully navigated the Mexican Grand Prix weekend without accruing additional penalty points, alleviating the immediate threat of a race ban. As a result, he will see a reduction in his penalty points from nine to six, while fellow competitors Oscar Piastri and Oliver Bearman will also experience similar deductions before the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton raised concerns with Ferrari multiple times regarding potential penalties for drivers who exceeded track limits at the race's start, specifically referencing his teammate Charles Leclerc. Despite several drivers gaining positions by cutting corners, including Max Verstappen, Hamilton ultimately received a ten-second penalty for a separate incident, expressing frustration over the lack of accountability for others involved.
Lando Norris has commented that his retirement during the Dutch Grand Prix is still fresh in his memory, even as he currently leads the Formula 1 drivers' championship by a narrow margin. Although he has regained the top position after a strong performance in Mexico City, he acknowledges that his earlier retirement due to a chassis problem significantly impacted his title chase.
NASCAR's claim of excessive payments to teams in the 2025 Charters was deemed a private financial issue rather than a competitive harm, as stated by Judge Kenneth D. Bell in his dismissal of the organization's antitrust counterclaims against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The judge stated that the collective negotiations did not impede competition, highlighting that NASCAR successfully reached agreements with most teams through both individual and group discussions.
Genesis Magma Racing will extend its Trajectory Program into 2026 following a productive first year in the European Le Mans Series' LMP2 category, supported by IDEC Sport. This initiative not only aims to prepare the team for its upcoming FIA WEC Hypercar entry but also serves as a valuable opportunity to evaluate and develop driving talent, with notable successes leading to promotions within the team.
CURIOSITIES
A year after its initial release, KT Racing is still enhancing Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown with the launch of Season 5, which introduces new features and improvements. This update includes new vehicles, a poker game in the Casino, taxi missions, and various economic adjustments, with additional updates planned for the coming months.
The TransAmerica Trail, a 5,900-mile network of largely unpaved routes stretching from Oregon to North Carolina, has been fully documented on Google Street View, allowing users to explore its remote landscapes virtually. This initiative, a collaboration between Ford and Google Maps, involved a dedicated team that traversed the trail over 32 days, capturing extensive imagery to help off-road enthusiasts plan their adventures.
Lamborghini Americas has hosted a third female-only Lamborghini owners’ event in California, following previous iterations in Arizona in 2024 and the first event in Connecticut in 2023. Created to celebrate an increasing number of female owners of Lamborghini models, against the brand’s stereotype, the event welcomed 30 customers with a range of vehicles from various Huracan models to the Revuelto flagship and Urus SUV at a multi-day experience that included canyon roads and the Thermal Club circuit.
How on Earth Did This Driver’s Jeep Not Hit Anything After Their Grand Cherokee Took Off in Reverse?
A recent incident involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee has highlighted the necessity of checking that the vehicle will remain stationary when exiting. In this case, the driver stepped out to inspect the engine, inadvertently allowing the car to roll backward without anyone at the wheel, narrowly avoiding multiple collisions before the owner was able to arrest the Jeep.
A nearly new 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with only 132 miles is currently being auctioned on Bring a Trailer, attracting a bid of $310,000. This model features the coveted Weissach package and additional options, while speculation about future turbocharged or hybrid variants may enhance its appeal among collectors.
Honda is set to unveil several unique vehicles at the upcoming SEMA show, including an off-road version of the Civic Type R designed for rally competition, featuring enhancements from its racing division. Additionally, the Passport HRC Concept previews potential upgrades for the TrailSport model, emphasizing improved ground clearance and off-road capabilities.
Unveiled at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the Islero was Lamborghini's most understated model of the era, yet it still offered impressive luxury and performance powered by a V12 engine. With only 225 units produced before its discontinuation in 1969, this rare grand tourer is now a sought-after classic, particularly a pristine 1969 version with a unique color combination that was once owned by a member of the Spanish Royal family.
In West Hartford, Connecticut, residents are facing challenges adapting to a newly constructed roundabout, leading to confusion and unsafe driving behaviors. Despite the design aiming to accommodate larger vehicles, many drivers are ignoring the intended traffic flow, resulting in erratic maneuvers and hazardous situations.
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