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McLaren to Offer 2026 F1 Car at Auction Before it Turns a Wheel
Andrew Evans
August 15, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Acura reveals new RSX prototype SUV
Portimao bidding for F1 calendar return from 2027
Florida man trades in an F40… for an Ineos Grenadier
Lawrence Stroll urged to ditch his son for Aston Martin success
Cadillac’s Elevated Velocity off-road concept
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Acura RSX prototype offers a glimpse into the design of the upcoming production model, featuring a compact electric SUV layout with a distinctive fastback silhouette and sporty details. This new model marks Acura's first in-house electric vehicle, set to debut with advanced technology, including a new operating system and dual electric motors for all-wheel drive.
Cadillac's Elevated Velocity concept car explores the potential future of luxury electric SUVs, blending advanced technology with a high-performance driving experience. While it features innovative design elements and a focus on autonomy, this vehicle remains a prototype, allowing the brand to gauge consumer interest in its vision for electric mobility.
Ford has expanded the Mustang lineup with the introduction of the Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon, a model that emphasizes its lightweight carbon fiber construction while enhancing aerodynamic performance. Unveiled during Monterey Car Week, this version not only sheds weight compared to its siblings but also features a striking design that highlights its racing heritage, with pricing details undisclosed.
Lucid is venturing into the off-road segment with its Gravity X concept, which will be publicly unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance after a private preview during Monterey Car Week. This new model features significant modifications, including enhanced approach and departure angles, a raised suspension, and distinctive design elements, such as orange accents and etched topographical maps, to differentiate it from the standard Gravity SUV.
Lamborghini has unveiled the Fenomeno, a striking new supercar that stands out with its radical design and enhanced power, boasting a reworked 6.5-liter V12 engine that now generates 833 hp. With production limited to just 29 units globally, this exclusive model is set to captivate enthusiasts ahead of Monterey Car Week.
Next year, Porsche will introduce an all-electric Cayenne, providing a performance edge over the Turbo E-Hybrid variant while featuring a bolder, more muscular design distinct from its gasoline counterpart. Inside, the vehicle will adopt a modern, technology-focused interior layout, incorporating multiple digital screens to enhance the driving experience.
The Palo Alto Police Department has begun testing its first Rivian R1S electric SUV, which offers more interior space compared to the Ford Explorer. While the vehicle is currently being outfitted with necessary equipment, it remains uncertain if the department will expand its fleet with additional Rivian models.
A new collaboration between Meyers Manx and Tuthill has resulted in the LFG, a reimagined buggy designed for exhilarating off-road experiences, with a limited run of 100 units set to participate in a special Baja tour in 2027. Featuring advanced specifications such as a high-revving engine, carbon fiber construction, and adjustable suspension, this vehicle aims to deliver both thrilling performance and comfort for adventurous drivers.
MOTORSPORT
The Algarve International Circuit, known as Portimao, aims to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar, with Portugal's prime minister expressing optimism about finalizing an agreement for its return by 2027. Despite this ambition, the circuit faces significant competition from several nations eager to host a permanent grand prix as F1's popularity continues to grow.
Ralf Schumacher has urged Aston Martin’s owner Lawrence Stroll to reconsider including his son Lance in the team's driver roster to enhance the chances of winning the F1 constructors' championship. Despite Lance's occasional flashes of pace, Schumacher argues that a change in the lineup is essential for the team's success, especially given the contrast in qualifying performance between him and teammate Fernando Alonso.
Sauber's Jonathan Wheatley has expressed optimism that the new generation of Formula 1 team leaders will prioritize the sport's overall welfare during F1 Commission discussions. Wheatley was commenting on the promotion of Alan Permane’s to lead Racing Bulls, while Laurent Mekies, who left the role to become principal at Red Bull, is working to mend relations with McLaren.
Peter Bayer, CEO of Racing Bulls, recounted a moment involving rookie driver Isack Hadjar that continues to astonish him. Despite a challenging start to the season, including a crash during the formation lap at the Australian GP, Hadjar has emerged as a standout performer, demonstrating exceptional skill and communication with his team, which has caught the attention of Red Bull's management.
Logan Sargeant, a former Formula 1 driver, is set to return to racing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, competing in the last two endurance events of the season with PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports. This unexpected comeback follows his earlier departure from IDEC Sport Racing, and he will partner with ex-IndyCar driver Benjamin Pedersen and Bronze-rated Naveen Rao for the races at Indianapolis and Road Atlanta.
The IMSA Technical Committee has announced significant revisions to the Balance of Performance for GTD PRO and GTD vehicles, set to take effect during the Michelin GT Challenge at Virginia International Raceway. This update includes the introduction of magneto-elastic torque sensors for real-time monitoring of powertrain data, alongside adjustments to weight and power parameters for the different GT models.
Joel Eriksson is emerging as a potential candidate to return to Formula E, following discussions with the Envision team about replacing Robin Frijns, who will not continue with the team. Despite facing competition from other experienced drivers, Eriksson's familiarity with Envision and his cost-effectiveness make him a compelling option as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Christian Horner has officially departed from his position as director of several Red Bull entities in the UK, following his unexpected dismissal from the F1 team a month ago. His removal as team principal and CEO, which occurred shortly after the British Grand Prix, has led to Laurent Mekies taking over with a more focused approach, while recent filings confirm Horner's exit from his remaining directorships.
CURIOSITIES
At the conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season, in Abu Dhabi on December 7, McLaren plans to auction three unreleased race cars, including its 2026 F1 model. Buyers will receive authentic vehicles, but they must wait until the respective racing seasons conclude to take ownership, along with additional perks like a visit to the McLaren Technology Centre.
A recent trade-in at a Florida Ineos dealership involved a customer exchanging a rare Ferrari F40 for a new Ineos Grenadier, resulting in a remarkable transaction where the dealer issued a check for $2.4 million. The F40 was quickly resold for a profit, while the owner plans to use the Grenadier for agricultural purposes.
Car collector Supercar Ron has commissioned a transformation of his Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider for the Monterey Car Week, resulting in a striking rhinestone-covered exterior. The process involved a dedicated team applying over 300,000 rhinestones, which may reduce the car’s overall performance due to disrupting aerodynamics and adding 35lb of weight, but the car is sure to stand out on the famous 17-Mile Drive.
An investigation by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that two officers misrepresented the circumstances surrounding a crash that resulted in injuries to five individuals, with evidence indicating that the civilian vehicle was stationary at the time of the incident. The driver of the police vehicle, Officer Jeremy Harris, was reportedly speeding when he lost control, and he faces legal repercussions for his actions, including a prior DUI charge.
A Ruf CTR 2 Sport recently failed to sell at auction despite a bid of $2.8 million, which represents the highest bid for any 993-generation 911 at auction. After not meeting the reserve price, the rare, one-of-14 example car has subsequently been listed for sale at an asking price of $3.15 million.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is known for its retro design but has not achieved widespread recognition as a collectable vehicle. One example, a low-mileage 2004 model with approximately 20,600 miles on the odometer and a well-documented service history, is being auctioned online, with a current bid of $1,000 for what could be a future classic.
A NATO project designed to simplify fuel logistics by running a wide range of vehicles on a single type of fuel lead to the development of the Hayes Diversified Technologies M1030M1, a versatile motorcycle with a multi-fuel engine. Recently, one of these military bikes has been transformed into a scrambler, revealing potential for off-road fun while maintaining its original rugged functionality.
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!