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McMurtry Speirling Dances on the Ceiling
Andrew Evans
April 14, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Piastri dominates Bahrain Grand Prix
Rally car crash demolishes building
EU proposes automotive carbon fiber ban
Cars may be eligible for Oscars
Russell escapes DRS glitch penalty
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The McMurtry Spéirling, an innovative electric fan car, has once again showcased its extraordinary capabilities by successfully driving upside down, a feat made possible by its powerful fans that generate significant downforce even at a standstill. To demonstrate this unconventional maneuver, the team created a specialized rig that allowed the vehicle to navigate an inverted surface, highlighting its unique engineering and performance advancements.
A proposed EU regulation may designate carbon fiber as a hazardous material, potentially impacting automotive manufacturers that use it to reduce the weight of electric vehicles. If enacted, the law would not be implemented until 2029, providing companies with time to adapt to the changes.
Ferrari's chief product development officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, has indicated that the company may consider reintroducing manual transmissions in future models, particularly for its exclusive Icona line, as they approach performance limits with current technology. Despite the brand's recent reluctance to offer manuals due to performance concerns, growing customer interest could prompt a shift back to this traditional feature, reminiscent of the brand's storied past.
Nissan is aiming to regain consumer trust and enhance profitability with a newly developed electric vehicle platform that can accommodate various models, including crossovers and a potential small truck. The automaker plans to pivot away from traditional sedans, focusing instead on versatile vehicles that cater to current market demands, with the first models expected to debut by mid-2028.
Cadillac is redefining in-car dining by introducing the "Cadillac of Reservations," which allows passengers to enjoy gourmet meals from renowned restaurants while seated in the rear of the luxurious Escalade IQ. This initiative will feature exclusive dining experiences at high-profile eateries in cities like Beverly Hills, Miami, and San Francisco, complete with unique culinary pairings and upscale amenities designed for comfort and sophistication.
Senator Elissa Slotkin has proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting the sale of Chinese-manufactured vehicles in the United States, citing national security risks associated with data collection capabilities of these cars. The Connected Vehicle National Security Review Act would implement a review process for Chinese-made automotive technology, potentially impacting both domestic auto jobs and the competitive landscape in the industry.
Classic vehicles will be exempt from the new 25 percent import tariffs imposed by the White House administration, allowing enthusiasts and dealers to continue their transactions without significant price increases. This exemption applies to cars aged 25 years and older, aligning with existing regulations on imports without federal safety certification, and helps preserve the market for vintage cars, which collectively hold substantial value in the United States.
MOTORSPORT
Oscar Piastri secured a commanding win at the Bahrain Grand Prix, narrowing the gap to his McLaren teammate Lando Norris in the championship standings. Despite starting from sixth and facing a five-second penalty, Norris managed to finish third after a spirited battle, while George Russell took second place, leaving Max Verstappen in sixth after a lackluster performance.
The FIA clarified that George Russell of Mercedes avoided a penalty for mistakenly activating his DRS during the Bahrain Grand Prix due to technical difficulties he was facing with his car. Although he inadvertently opened the DRS while not in the proper position to do so, the stewards concluded that he did not gain a significant advantage as he surrendered more time shortly thereafter.
Following a lackluster performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen finished sixth, Red Bull's management convened to address the team's significant challenges, including poor car performance and ineffective pit stops. Despite making some progress during the race, Verstappen's struggles highlighted ongoing issues with the vehicle's balance and grip, prompting team leaders to seek solutions for future competitions.
Liam Lawson received penalty points for two separate incidents during the Bahrain Grand Prix, including a minor collision with Lance Stroll and a more significant clash with Nico Hulkenberg. The stewards assessed the situations, ultimately issuing a five-second penalty for the first incident and a ten-second penalty for the latter, bringing Lawson's total to five penalty points within the last year.
Nico Hulkenberg has been removed from the results of the Bahrain Grand Prix due to his car's failure to meet the required specifications for plank wear during a post-race inspection. The Sauber team acknowledged the error after measurements revealed their vehicle's plank thickness fell short of the mandated minimum, resulting in a standard disqualification penalty.
Carlos Sainz Jnr faced confusion regarding a penalty for an incident involving Andrea Kimi Antonelli during the Bahrain Grand Prix, initially resulting in a three-place grid drop for the next race. However, the FIA later clarified that Sainz had indeed served his 10-second penalty during the event, negating the grid penalty and confirming he would only receive two points on his license.
BMW Motorsport's 2025 season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship has demonstrated impressive qualifying results, yet the team is still seeking its inaugural victory. At Long Beach, Dries Vanthoor secured pole position for the third consecutive race, while Philipp Eng's third-place finish marked the team's initial podium of the year, despite challenges during pit stops that hindered their performance.
FUN STUFF
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a new category for stunt design, set to debut in 2027, which aims to recognize the contributions of stunt professionals in filmmaking. This initiative reflects a growing appreciation for the artistry of stunts, particularly those involving vehicles, and raises the possibility of accolades for both stunt coordinators and performers.
An Arizona dealer has sold a one-of-a-kind Falcon F7, a rare sports car with only six surviving models from a limited production run, for barely half of its original price despite its rarity and powerful 7.0-liter V8 engine. The Falcon went almost unnoticed on its original seven-car production run from 2012-2017, even though it boasted impressive specifications and lightweight construction, due to its high, $225,000 price and no advertising.
A spectacular crash during the Rallye Orvecame Norte in Tenerife saw an abandoned building partially collapse after Rally2 competitor Yeray Lemes collided with it. Lemes lost control on the narrow streets near Arona, spinning his Citroen C3 into structures on both sides of the street, with one building experiencing a collapse of the wall and roof around the point of impact.
In Chester County, Pennsylvania, a woman narrowly avoided injury when a large tree unexpectedly fell on her parked Ford Escape, an incident captured by a nearby gas station's security camera. Although her vehicle suffered severe damage from the impact, she emerged unharmed, highlighting the unpredictable dangers drivers can face beyond the usual road hazards.
Lotus continues to be a notable name in the automotive world, particularly for its unique models like the Excel, which stands out as a rare find from the wedge design era. Currently listed on Cars & Bids, a 1990 Excel SE is available for bidding, showcasing its distinctive features and low mileage, although it does exhibit some typical wear for a vehicle of its age.
A Louisiana resident recently celebrated reaching one million miles with his 2014 Toyota Tundra, marking the second time he’s made this remarkable achievement in automotive endurance. Victor Shepherd, who previously drove a 2007 Tundra to the same landmark, currently runs two examples of the model as Toyota gifted him a 2016 Tundra in exchange for his original in order to inspect it, and still racks up over 10,000 miles a month in the trucks.
Chevrolet's Camaro was launched in 1966 as a competitor to the Ford Mustang, which had already established a strong market presence. A pristine 1969 Z/28 model, notable for its original tires and exceptional condition, is now being auctioned after decades of meticulous restoration, with a current bid of $73,200 and a Buy It Now price set at $175,000.
A 1972 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 that was once owned by Jamiroquai front-man Jay Kay has become available in a classified ad, at a steep asking price of £585,000. Comprehensively restored to original specifications, the model was the first Porsche to bear the Carrera name as well as being an “RS” homologation model for Group 4 racing, and briefly appeared in the band’s video for White Knuckle Ride.
A custom gooseneck flatbed trailer designed for transporting high-performance Bonneville race cars is currently available for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Located in Bennington, Nebraska, this 26-foot trailer features air ride suspension for easy loading and includes storage compartments for tools and a generator, all offered at a price of $20,000.
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