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McLaren W1 Soars Through Hot Weather Tests in Arizona
Andrew Evans
October 30, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
FIA presidential candidate sues over election process
Las Vegas reveals Cybertruck police fleet
New MX-5 engineers survey current and classic MX-5 owners
Meet the unique Porsche Boxster camera car
Honda looking forward to Aston Martin F1 partnership
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
McLaren's new W1 hybrid hypercar, featuring a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor, generates a remarkable 1,258 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 2.7 seconds. Recently tested in Arizona's extreme heat over 3,106 miles, the W1 aims to combine everyday drivability with track-ready performance, potentially surpassing the capabilities of its P1 predecessor.
Mazda engineers recently attended MiataCon to engage with passionate Miata enthusiasts, gaining insights into what makes the MX-5 special to its dedicated fanbase. As it works on the next generation of the model, the company remains focused on maintaining its lightweight design, naturally aspirated engine, and manual transmission, while exploring a partnership with Toyota for sports car development.
Chinese electric vehicle brand Leapmotor, partly owned by Stellantis, has teamed up with German tuning company Irmscher to produce a limited run of 250 cars based on the C10 SUV. Irmscher, which is best known for tuning models from Stellantis brands Opel and Vauxhall, provides some visual updates and a firmer suspension setup for the i C10, though the car is otherwise mechanically unchanged from the 590hp AWD model.
Toyota has confirmed the development of a new twin-turbo V8 engine, which will be based on its recently introduced turbocharged four-cylinder platform. This engine is expected to power the upcoming GR GT, potentially generating close to 800hp, and may also feature in a more refined version for an upcoming Lexus sports car.
Mazda is testing its first dedicated electric car platform, which is expected to debut on an unknown model in 2027 as the brand makes a push into pure-electric vehicles. Although the company already produces battery EVs previously, the MX-30 was based on an existing ICE model while the upcoming 6e sedan is a shared platform with Chinese partner Dongfeng.
An updated and camouflaged Range Rover Sport SV has been spotted testing near the Nurburgring, previewing changes for a facelifted model expected to come towards the end of next year. While largely similar, the new model has sportier front- and rear-end treatment as well as a new, center-mounted exhaust system.
Designer Paul Smith has teamed up with Mini to create a new special edition of the current hatchback and convertible models, with colors inspired by classic Mini shades. Along with the exclusive Statement Grey and Inspired White body colors, the cars feature Nottingham Green accents as well as a Paul Smith Signature Stripe on the roof of the three- and five-door models and the steering wheel, as well as unique interior trims.
Toyota is preparing to introduce solid-state batteries in a production vehicle by 2028, initially focusing on a performance-oriented electric model. This advanced battery technology promises to enhance energy density, enabling longer driving ranges while minimizing vehicle height, and is seen as vital for the future of electric mobility.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating brake performance issues reported by owners of the 2019 and 2020 Acura ILX models, although the exact cause remains undetermined. Should this inquiry lead to a safety recall, up to 22,146 vehicles in the U.S. may require repairs to address the potential braking failures.
Porsche is set to implement a third price increase for its US customers in response to ongoing tariffs that are significantly impacting its profitability. The company's CFO indicated that while new pricing details are still being finalized, adjustments have already been made across its 2026 model range to address the financial strain caused by these trade policies.
MOTORSPORT
Laura Villars, a candidate for the FIA presidency, has initiated legal action against the organization regarding its electoral practices, with a preliminary court session scheduled for November 10. The upcoming election on December 12 is complicated by the requirement for candidates to assemble a team of vice-presidents from all FIA regions, leaving only one viable candidate, which has sparked concerns over the integrity of the democratic process within the federation.
Honda celebrated the anniversary of its first victory in F1 at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but also highlighted the upcoming partnership with the Aston Martin team. Toshihiro Mibe, Honda president and CEO, remarked on the potential for the team in the 2026 season, with Honda engines powering the cars designed by the legendary Adrian Newey.
Chevrolet NASCAR driver Kyle Busch is facing challenges in the 2025 season, compounded by a legal battle against Pacific Life Insurance Company, which he and his wife Samantha accuse of fraud regarding misleading insurance policies. They allege that the company misrepresented Indexed Universal Life policies as tax-free retirement plans, leading to significant financial losses and a complaint filed in North Carolina.
John Malone will resign from his role as chairman of Liberty Media and Liberty Global, with Robert R. "Dob" Bennett set to succeed him at the beginning of next year. Malone, who has guided the company's growth in motorsports, will transition to chairman emeritus, while Bennett, a long-time director, will join the executive committee alongside current leadership.
At the Mexico Grand Prix, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expressed admiration for Oliver Bearman's performance, as the young driver achieved a career-best fourth place finish for Haas. This result not only marked Bearman's third consecutive points finish but also demonstrated the team's growing competitiveness, with the former Ferrari junior optimistic about building on this momentum in future races.
Marco Andretti has officially announced his retirement from racing, concluding a career that saw him come close to victory at the Indianapolis 500 but ultimately resulted in only two wins over 253 races. Although he had the option to continue participating in the prestigious event, he has chosen to shift his focus towards family and personal business endeavors.
NASCAR teams often mix brake pad compounds on their cars to enhance handling and performance, particularly at tracks like Phoenix where the layout presents unique challenges. While this technique can improve stability during turns, it carries risks such as overheating and potential brake failure, necessitating careful consideration by teams as they prepare for competition.
The Supercars Championship has announced an updated schedule for 2026, featuring an increase to 14 race weekends and the introduction of Toyota alongside Ford and Chevrolet. Notable highlights include a historic double-header in New Zealand and complimentary admission for fans on the first day of each event, emphasizing the organization's commitment to enhancing the spectator experience.
CURIOSITIES
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has introduced a fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks, marking a pioneering step in electric vehicle integration for law enforcement. Funded through private partnerships, this initiative aims to evaluate the performance of these electric vehicles in demanding operational conditions while potentially influencing future police vehicle strategies across the nation.
Camera cars are specially modified vehicles designed to carry filming equipment and personnel for various visual projects, with one particularly unusual example being built from a Porsche 718 Boxster S. Transformed by a team of apprentices into a functional camera car, featuring a roll bar, enhanced mounts for cameras, and safety harnesses, it has been used for filming at Porsche's Experience Center Leipzig since its creation in 2017.
Mattel, AirConsole, and BMW have collaborated to introduce Hot Wheels: Xtreme Overdrive, a racing game designed for BMW's in-car entertainment system, accessible via AirConsole while the vehicle is stationary. Featuring eight Hot Wheels vehicles, including a model inspired by the BMW iX3, the game allows up to four players to compete on various tracks, with the collaboration remaining exclusive to BMW until mid-2026.
The General Motors EV1, a pioneering electric vehicle with a limited production run, remains a rare find today, with only a small number still in existence after most were destroyed. Recently, a 1997 model, which had been abandoned and in poor condition, sold for $104,000, highlighting its historical significance and the enduring interest among collectors.
A Tesla Model Y driver inadvertently found themselves on a live motorcycle racing circuit at Buttonwillow Raceway Park in California, creating quite a stir during an American Federation of Motorcyclists event. The unexpected appearance of the electric vehicle, which was captured on a live stream, prompted immediate action from race officials, while the commentators expressed their astonishment at the unusual situation.
The Dune Patrol concept, based on the Nissan Armada, features a fully customized suspension system and various prototype components that reflect the heritage of the Nissan Patrol. While it may not enter production in its current form, this model serves as a platform for Nissan to explore consumer interest in off-road enhancements and NISMO accessories.
Garage 54, a group known for its unconventional experiments, decided to test the effects of pure oxygen on a car engine, leading to unexpected results. While the Subaru initially exhibited improved performance, the excess oxygen ultimately caused mechanical failures, highlighting the necessity of balance in combustion processes.
Recent data from the NHTSA indicates that Tesla's Robotaxi service in Austin has experienced multiple crashes, despite the presence of safety monitors designed to mitigate such incidents. While Tesla has begun reporting these accidents, the lack of transparency in its crash data makes it difficult to fully assess the safety performance of their autonomous vehicles compared to competitors like Waymo.
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!