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McLaren Changes Hands Again
Jordan Greer
October 31, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're reading about a second change of ownership at British supercar brand McLaren this year, while Hyundai is revealing its future and other brands gear up for the SEMA show. As you sip your coffee and enjoy these stories, consider sharing SpeedBites with friends who share your passion for all things automotive. Let's hit the road!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm CYVN Holdings has reached an agreement to acquire 100 percent of McLaren Automotive from Mumtalakat Holding, the sovereign wealth fund of Bahrain, which recently restructured its ownership of the British company. CYVN already owns Chinese electric car brand Nio, which could help McLaren achieve a goal of developing an electric supercar by 2030.
Hyundai has introduced the Initium concept, a hydrogen fuel cell SUV that is expected to preview the next-generation Nexo, featuring a new powertrain that delivers 201bhp and aims for a range of over 404 miles. The vehicle showcases a new design language called 'Art of Steel' and includes vehicle-to-load functionality, but the brand has not confirmed its availability in the UK, where hydrogen refuelling infrastructure remains limited.
The article discusses a conversation with Joakim Rydholm, head of chassis development at Polestar, during the launch of the Polestar 3 and 4 electric crossovers. Rydholm emphasizes the importance of delivering unique driving sensations over traditional performance metrics, highlighting innovations like torque-vectoring technology that enhance driver involvement while navigating everyday speeds.
The Toyota 4Runner TRD Surf concept, set to debut at the SEMA show, features a two-door body and removable top reminiscent of the original 1984 model, along with a wider stance and large 37-inch tires. It retains the standard turbocharged 2.4-liter engine while incorporating custom suspension and design elements, though production of this variant appears unlikely.
Custuning, a Taiwanese firm, is set to unveil three new bodykits for Tesla models at the upcoming SEMA Show, including the Notos for the Model Y, the Boreas for the Model S, and the Eurus for the Model 3, all inspired by Greek mythology. Each kit features distinct design elements aimed at enhancing aerodynamics and performance, with the Notos kit focusing on a more aggressive aesthetic and the Boreas kit utilizing carbon fiber for increased downforce.
Dodge Direct Connection is showcasing new Hemi engine blocks at SEMA, specifically the Hellephant A30 426 and Drag Pak 354, which are available for budget-conscious builders at prices of $8,815 and $10,570, respectively. The company is also offering a standalone Demon 170 supercharger kit for $11,995, aimed at enhancing modern 6.2-liter Hemi engines, while the new blocks will be available for purchase in early 2025.
Mazda is on track to achieve its first 400,000 annual vehicle sales in the U.S. this year, with 313,452 units sold by September, despite the brand not having any EV models in the current line-up. The 15 percent YTD increase over the same period in 2023 has been driven by the introduction new models like the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs, and Mazda is forecasting 450,000 units in 2025 thanks to an expanding hybrid and plug-in hybrid lineup.
Toyota and Suzuki are collaborating to produce a new electric SUV, with Suzuki set to begin production at its Gujarat plant in India in spring 2025. This model, designed exclusively as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), will be part of Toyota's strategy to launch ten EVs by 2026 and aims to enhance their competitiveness against rising market pressures, particularly from Chinese manufacturers.
Volkswagen Group reported a significant decline in third quarter earnings, with sales dropping 8.3% and profits falling 41.7% compared to the previous year, leading to plans for plant closures and layoffs. The company attributed its struggles to higher fixed costs, supply chain issues, and a slowdown in electric vehicle demand, despite some new model introductions across its brands.
Brabus has introduced the Big Boy 1200, a 40-foot RV built on a diesel Mercedes semi truck, featuring a full kitchen, bedroom, and luxurious living areas designed for comfort rather than ruggedness. Weighing over 50,000 pounds and powered by a 530-horsepower diesel engine, the RV includes amenities such as a PlayStation 5, multiple TVs, and a luxury bathroom, although pricing and availability details remain unspecified.
Hyundai is set to debut the Ioniq 9, a large three-row electric SUV, next month, following its 2021 Seven concept. The Ioniq 9 will feature a design inspired by boats, with a focus on curves, and will share the E-GMP platform with the Kia EV9, while its interior is expected to prioritize spaciousness and comfort.
Nissan plans to introduce a new, unnamed electric city car that will be positioned below the upcoming Micra supermini, utilizing technology from Ampere, a Renault Group subsidiary aimed at reducing EV development costs. While details are limited, the new model is expected to share components with the forthcoming Renault Twingo, which is set for a 2026 release, and may feature a price around £17,000.
The Brabus 700 Blue Sky is a heavily modified Rolls-Royce Cullinan featuring a 'Widestar' bodykit with extensive carbon fiber elements, a power increase to 700hp, and a bespoke interior that replaces the original materials with custom upholstery. Priced at €753,400 before taxes, this version offers significant enhancements in performance and aesthetics compared to the standard Cullinan, including wider wheels and a new 'SportXtra' mode that lowers the ride height.
MOTORSPORT
Fernando Alonso will miss the media day ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix due to a delay in his travel for medical treatment related to an intestinal infection, which he sought after falling ill before the previous race in Mexico City. Aston Martin confirmed that his return to Europe for treatment was necessary to ensure he is ready for the sprint weekend, which features a shorter race on Saturday and the main grand prix on Sunday.
Max Verstappen is facing an engine penalty ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix after experiencing multiple engine issues, including a failure during practice in Mexico and a previous one in Canada. This will mark the sixth internal combustion engine used by Verstappen this season, exceeding the permitted limit, and the penalty will affect his starting position in the main race but not the sprint race.
Lando Norris has expressed concerns about Max Verstappen's aggressive racing tactics following their recent encounters, with a collision between the pair at the Mexico Grand Prix preventing Norris from fighting for the win. Norris emphasized his desire for fair competition, stating that while he expects tough battles, they should be conducted within the rules.
Former F1 driver and steward Johnny Herbert has defended the impartiality of the stewards, following suggestions of bias from the father of world champion Max Verstappen after his son collected a total of 20 seconds of driving standards penalties at the Mexico Grand Prix. Herbert emphasized that decisions were made collectively by the four stewards and in accordance with FIA guidelines.
Mercedes has halted further development of its Formula 1 car due to a series of costly crashes, including those involving George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, which have strained their budget under the cost cap. Team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the impact of these incidents on their upgrade plans, stating they will only introduce two new floor packages in Brazil while remaining cautious about potential aero imbalances.
Former F1 world champion Damon Hill has likened Max Verstappen's tactics to those of the cartoon character Dick Dastardly, suggesting that his approach to racing is more about blocking opponents than maintaining fairness. Verstappen has recently clashed at two grands prix with Lando Norris, receiving 20 seconds’ of penalties during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
CURIOSITIES
A 2021 Nissan GT-R50, one of the limited production units developed by Nissan and Italdesign, is currently listed for sale by Legendary Motor Car Company through the luxury marketplace James Edition. This particular model, number 11 of a supposed 19 produced, features a modified twin-turbo V6 engine producing 710 horsepower and has never been driven, though its price remains undisclosed.
Trick Rides, a new company founded by Jason Engel in Yukon, Oklahoma, has introduced the Scorched, a limited-edition 1969 Mustang restomod with a production cap of 20 units. The vehicle features three V8 engine options, a bespoke chassis, advanced suspension systems, and a starting price of $429,000, targeting high-end automotive enthusiasts.
Charles F. Taylor, an inventor from Colorado, envisioned a one-wheeled off-road vehicle as a solution to the limitations of traditional four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles, which he believed were not suited for tight mountain trails. Despite his innovative designs and prototypes, Taylor's work gained recognition only after his death in 1997, with his son Glenn now seeking to revive and modernize his father's dream.
A photographer in Japan known as u_photo_k has shared some pictures of a newlywed couple posing with their his and hers, Z31-generation Nissan Fairlady Zs. The couple, who initially connected on Twitter, first met at a rest stop after an All Fairlady event, and their Instagram handles suggest they are active within the automotive community.
The 1989 film Lonesome Hitman features a Toyota Chaser in a notable car chase against a W116 Mercedes sedan, highlighting the vehicle's robust suspension during intense action scenes. The film, based on Yukio Yamanouchi's book about the Yamaguchi-gumi yakuza clan, reflects the violent realities of the Yamaichi Conflict, a significant gang war in Japan's history.
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