- SpeedBites
- Posts
- McLaren's Breaks 26-Year Drought
McLaren's Breaks 26-Year Drought
Andrew Evans
December 09, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition is packed with electrifying updates and intriguing tales from the automotive world, as McLaren breaks its 26-year dry spell to take the F1 constructors’ championship to join Williams as the second most successful team ever. Meanwhile Mercedes has introduced a unique SL convertible with an F1-style Halo instead of a roof, and Toyota has built a one-off Land Cruiser for world famous Australian children’s musical group The Wiggles. As always, if you enjoy our daily dose of automotive excitement, feel free to share SpeedBites with fellow car enthusiasts. Let's hit the road!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed in Abu Dhabi, marking the debut of its exclusive Mythos family, with production limited to 250 units. Based on the existing SL model, the PureSpeed features a unique design without a traditional windshield, a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and a range of performance enhancements, while maintaining a similar power output to the standard SL 63.
Stellantis and Zeta Energy are collaborating to develop a new generation of lithium-sulfur batteries, which aim to offer the same usable energy as current lithium-ion batteries but at half the cost, along with 50% more driving range and faster charging. These batteries, which do not require cobalt or other scarce materials, can be produced using existing facilities and domestic supply chains, supporting Stellantis' goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2038.
The Tesla app has been updated to allow Apple Watch users to utilize their device as a digital key for Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, enabling functions such as checking battery status and controlling climate settings without a smartphone. An upcoming 2024 Holiday update is expected to enhance this functionality further, while recent developments in the automotive landscape include Tesla's competition with BYD and Apple's halted plans for an electric vehicle.
General Motors (GM) is facing a $5 billion financial setback as it restructures its operations in China, where it has experienced a nearly 20% drop in sales and a decline in market share from over 15% in 2015 to 6.8%. The company is struggling against fierce competition from local electric vehicle manufacturers like BYD and Geely, which have captured more than half of the vehicle sales in the market, prompting GM to reevaluate its strategies and investments in the region.
Infiniti's US sales have dropped over 50% in the past five years, with only 42,567 vehicles sold through the third quarter of this year, leading to financial strain on dealerships. In response, Infiniti is allowing dealerships to co-locate with Nissan stores to reduce costs, although this strategy raises concerns about diluting the brand's identity and may not address the need for significant product innovation and strategic changes.
Electric truck startup OX Delivers has secured a $163 million deal to establish a franchise called OX East Africa, aimed at providing electric trucks and related services in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi. The initiative seeks to meet the rising demand for electric vehicles in the region, leveraging the company's recent success in Rwanda, where it generated over $920,000 in revenue this year.
Mazda's Soul Red Crystal paint will be available on the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross, specifically for the gas-powered LE and XLE models, as well as the Hybrid SE and XSE, due to the partnership between Mazda and Toyota at their joint manufacturing plant in Alabama. The Corolla Cross will also feature minor updates for 2025, with pricing for gas models starting at $24,035 and hybrid models beginning at $28,395, excluding delivery fees.
The Praga Bohema, a road-legal race car, has officially entered production with the first delivery made to a customer in the Netherlands, attended by racer Romain Grosjean. Featuring a 700 horsepower twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a lightweight carbon fiber construction, the Bohema is designed for exceptional performance both on the track and the road, with a production cap of just under 20 units per year priced at €1.36 million.
The Sherpa XLE, developed by Nevada-based Hunter RMV, is a motorhome built on a military-spec M1089 A1 6x6 chassis, featuring a 22-foot habitat box with 18 feet dedicated to living quarters and a garage for recreational equipment. It includes amenities such as a queen-sized bed, kitchen with modern appliances, dual showers, and a robust power system supported by solar panels, while its Caterpillar 3126B turbo diesel engine provides significant off-road capabilities and a range of 800 miles when fully fueled.
German customization shop HOF has created a unique G-Wagen called the "Sir Class" to honor Lewis Hamilton's departure from Mercedes F1, featuring a powerful 1,048-horsepower V8 engine and a striking design with Tiffany Green accents and a fading paint finish. The interior features a steering wheel from the Mercedes-AMG One, while performance enhancements include a lowered stance and a carbon-ceramic braking system, although the vehicle's price and availability remain unspecified.
MOTORSPORT
McLaren has secured its first Constructors' Championship in 26 years, a moment marked by intense competition and drama which included a first-lap collision between Max Verstappen and McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. Despite nearest rival Ferrari finishing second and third, McLaren took the title courtesy of Lando Norris’s race win.
Max Verstappen criticized his punishment for swearing during a news conference at the Singapore Grand Prix as "ridiculous," and initially responded with short answers in official FIA press events. As part of his penalty, Verstappen will participate in a grassroots development program for junior competitors in Rwanda, coinciding with the FIA's prize-giving event in Kigali.
Liam Lawson expressed uncertainty about his future in Formula 1 amid speculation he may replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull, following a challenging race where he initially ran 10th but faced issues during a pit stop and received a penalty for an unsecured wheel. Lawson had replaced Daniel Ricciardo mid-way through 2024, but questions remain over Red Bull’s driver line-ups for 2025.
McLaren chief executive Zak Brown revealed that the team was close to shutting down in 2020, needing urgent outside investment to survive following the COVID-hit season. Brown also told of insulating the team’s personnel from its imperilment, as it secured the funding it needed and has since gone from strength to strength as the team won the 2024 title and driver Lando Norris was in contention for the driver title until the penultimate race.
Christian Horner has indicated that Sergio Perez's lack of points in the 2024 Formula 1 season has been costly for Red Bull, as the team considers replacing him despite his contract extending through 2026. Going into the season finale, Perez had scored 133 points less than the previous season and sat eighth - against team-mate Max Verstappen who scored a fourth successive title - with the team third in the constructors' championship.
Fernando Alonso has expressed frustration with Formula 1's portrayal of him as a "grumpy guy" due to selective broadcasting of his radio messages. He criticized the practice for misrepresenting his private conversations with his engineer, emphasizing that the context of these discussions is often lost in translation.
Lewis Hamilton's final qualifying session with Mercedes ended prematurely in Q1, resulting in a 16th-place starting position due to a significant downforce loss after hitting a bollard. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff apologized for the team's mistake in sending Hamilton out into traffic, acknowledging that they had the pace to advance with a more cautious strategy.
Max Verstappen has stated that he does not anticipate that becoming a father with partner Kelly Piquet will alter his approach to his Formula 1 career, emphasizing his focus on racing while ensuring his child will be well cared for. He also dismissed the idea of taking a break from racing, reaffirming his commitment to the sport despite his impending fatherhood and addressing his recent disagreement with George Russell.
Gabriel Bortoleto secured the driver's title in Formula 2 after a successful campaign, building on his previous championship win in Formula 3 as a rookie. The decisive moment came when rival Isack Hadjar stalled early in the final race, allowing Bortoleto to focus on his performance and ultimately leading to his promotion to Formula 1 with Sauber.
CURIOSITIES
The Spirit of America Sonic I, built by Craig Breedlove, was the first land vehicle to exceed 600mph, achieving a record speed of 601mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1965. Currently housed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, it is set to be auctioned at RM Sotheby's in February 2025, with an estimated value between £395,000 and £800,000, although it lacks an engine.
Drive a Tank, located in Kasota, Minnesota, offers individuals the chance to drive armored vehicles and participate in demolition activities, with packages ranging from basic tank driving to comprehensive experiences that include multiple vehicles and firearms. Since its inception in 2006, the facility has attracted both civilians celebrating milestones and veterans sharing their military experiences, featuring a diverse fleet of tanks and an extensive collection of firearms from various historical periods.
Toyota has introduced a one-off electric vehicle called the Big Red Ute, designed specifically for the Australian children's music group The Wiggles. This playful vehicle features a unique design inspired by Toyota's off-road heritage and includes elements such as LED screen headlights and a bubble machine, while being fully functional with a 48V electric powertrain and a limited top speed of 20km/h (12mph).
In the early 1990s, Zagato transformed the Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione into the two-door Zagato Hyena, producing only 24 units due to challenges in sourcing chassis. Currently listed for auction at ISSIMI with a buyout price of $299,000, a restored 1992 model featuring a Ferrari-sourced paint and upgraded engine now delivers 320 horsepower, with just 19,387 miles on the odometer.
A 2002 Ford Thunderbird with only 20 miles is currently up for auction, featuring its original window sticker, a clean Carfax report, and a Georgia title. The car appears well-preserved, and while there are risks associated with prolonged inactivity, it has had its fluids and fuel pump changed ahead of sale.
A rare, championship-winning Lamborghini Murcielago R-GT — converted into a road-legal vehicle — has become available for sale, currently priced at £775,000. Despite Lamborghini not traditionally embracing the race track, having also recently withdrawn the SC63 hypercar after one season, it has seen some privateer success including an Asian Le Mans Series win with this specific vehicle under the Japanese Lamborghini Owners Club (JLOC) team.
The Nationales Automuseum, established by Prof. Dr. Friedhelm Loh in 2023, showcases a vast collection of approximately 150 rare vehicles valued at $1.5 billion, highlighting significant milestones in automotive history. Located in Dietzhölztal-Ewersbach, Germany, the museum features both a permanent collection and a temporary Ferrari exhibition, with notable displays including classic cars from brands like Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz, as well as a special exhibition celebrating 125 years of Opel.
Leaked images of an upcoming Lego set featuring a Fast & Furious-themed A80 Supra reveal a design that deviates significantly from the original car, showcasing inaccuracies in its shape and details, such as a misrepresented rear and an incorrect engine depiction. Scheduled for release in 2025 at a price of $59.99, the set has drawn criticism for its lack of fidelity to the iconic model, with fans expressing disappointment over the choice of design.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!