Meet the 7,500hp Lamborghini

Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

  • Vauxhall Grandland's pedestrian-friendly headlights

  • WRC considering mandatory in-event rest periods

  • Coast-to-coast trip on full-self driving lasts just 60 miles

  • Zenos returns from the dead after almost ten years

  • Lamborghini Temerario GT3 heading to Sebring for shakedown test

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Stellantis has introduced an innovative headlight system for the Vauxhall Grandland that communicates with pedestrians, enhancing road safety by signaling the vehicle's movements. This prototype features distinctive colors to convey messages about the car's status, although its implementation on UK roads remains uncertain due to existing regulations on vehicle lighting.

Zenos Cars is making a return with the revamped E10 RZ, which features a new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine sourced from Volvo, delivering 380bhp and improved handling dynamics. Set to enter production in early 2026, the model will include design updates and a starting price of approximately £140,000 for the RZ variant, with plans for a limited production run of fewer than 50 units in its inaugural year.

Reports indicate that Ford is working on a hybrid variant of the S650 Mustang, although the company has not officially acknowledged this initiative. This development hints at a significant shift for the brand as it navigates the balance between its performance heritage and the increasing demand for eco-friendly technologies in the automotive market.

Tesla is embroiled in legal issues following a lawsuit filed by a robotics engineer who sustained serious injuries from a robotic arm while working at the company's Fremont facility. Peter Hinterdobler is seeking $51 million in damages, alleging that Tesla neglected safety protocols and failed to properly secure the robot prior to the incident, which has raised further questions about the company's workplace safety practices.

Dreame Auto has unveiled teaser images of its upcoming SUV, which draws significant design influence from the Rolls Royce Cullinan and is set to debut in 2027. Alongside this model, the company will also introduce a previously announced four-door sedan inspired by Bugatti, with both vehicles being manufactured in Germany near Tesla's facility.

Ferrari is advancing its inaugural electric vehicle, initially announced in 2019, with a dedicated production line now established in Maranello for electrified models. Recent sightings of a new prototype suggest a larger design than typical supercars, with further details expected to emerge during an upcoming investor meeting.

Bentley's Pet Accessory Range enhances the luxury Bentayga experience by incorporating features designed for pet comfort and convenience, such as a custom dog guard and a movable luggage divider to create distinct travel spaces. Additionally, the collection includes protective elements like a quilted load space liner and tailored seat covers, ensuring that both pets and the vehicle's interior remain well cared for during journeys.

Automakers are pushing for a reduction in stringent vehicle emissions standards established during the previous administration, arguing that these regulations could hinder the market for electric vehicles. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing several major manufacturers, has expressed concerns that the current policies may lead to higher costs for EVs and a potential drop in their market presence.

A storm has brought destruction to Toyota’s Porto Feliz engine factory in Brazil, raising concerns about the upcoming launch of the local Yaris Cross model which relies on engines built there. The building sustained significant damage, with the roof being torn off and structural beams exposed and bent, while ten workers required hospitalization for their injuries.

MOTORSPORT

The WRC Commission has introduced a proposal aimed at allowing adequate recovery time for competitors and staff during rally events, following concerns raised during this year’s Rally Portugal regarding the demanding schedules. If ratified by the World Motor Sport Council, these changes could enhance working conditions and safety for all involved, with potential implementation starting in 2026.

Lamborghini is set to conduct its inaugural endurance test of the Temerario GT3 at Sebring International Raceway later this year, aiming for a competitive entry in the 12-hour race next March. Following extensive testing of the new twin-turbo V8 car, the company plans to participate in several upcoming circuits, including a crucial IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona before the Sebring event.

Felipe Drugovich is set to return to single-seater racing by joining Andretti for the upcoming 2025/26 Formula E season on a multi-year contract. After a period of limited opportunities despite a successful junior career and experience as a reserve driver for Aston Martin, Drugovich expressed his eagerness to compete again, particularly in front of his home crowd in Sao Paulo.

Gianpiero Lambiase, Max Verstappen's race engineer, has likened his role to navigating a boat through a river filled with crocodiles, emphasizing the need to focus on immediate challenges rather than getting distracted by external pressures. Their dynamic, characterized by direct communication and mutual expectations, has been crucial for maintaining a productive partnership since Verstappen joined the senior team in 2016.

Fernando Alonso expressed that stepping away from Formula 1 at the conclusion of 2026 would be challenging if Aston Martin does not perform well in the upcoming season. The two-time world champion, whose contract ends next year, indicated that achieving a competitive car might influence his decision to retire, as he has long sought that level of racing.

Liam Lawson has dismissed claims that the Racing Bulls car is the easiest to handle this season, emphasizing that one cannot accurately judge a vehicle's drivability without firsthand experience of all options on the grid. Following a strong performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he achieved his best career finish, Lawson noted the car's consistent speed across various tracks while acknowledging the need for continued improvement to secure competitive results.

The ongoing tension between Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs remains unresolved, with Hamlin urging team management to intervene. Kevin Harvick has raised concerns on his podcast about whether this conflict could jeopardize Hamlin's chances for the 2025 championship, while Gibbs has signaled his agreement with Harvick's assessment through a social media post.

Jason Plato, a record-setting winner in the British Touring Car Championship, is set to return next year as a team owner rather than a driver, marking a new chapter in his motorsport journey. After facing significant personal challenges following his retirement in 2022, Plato is enthusiastic about launching a new racing team with two cars and anticipates sharing further details after the current season concludes.

CURIOSITIES

The Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT is a striking yacht that draws design cues from Lamborghini's exclusive Fenomeno and measures nearly 31 meters in length. Powered by three V16 engines producing a total of 7,496hp, this vessel can achieve speeds of up to 45 knots, making it a luxurious option for those seeking a weekend escape on the water.

Drivers attempting a US coast-to-coast road trip relying solely on the “Full Self-Driving” of their Tesla Model Y didn’t get very far, with the vehicle colliding with a metal ramp on the highway as neither the system nor the driver intervened despite ample warning. After the impact caused significant damage to the vehicle's suspension, it highlighted the limitations of the Level 2 driver-assistance system, which still requires constant driver attention and intervention.

The September 2025 update for Gran Turismo 7, version 1.63, has launched earlier than anticipated, introducing a substantial amount of new vehicle content and requiring a longer download time for players on both PlayStation 4 and 5. This update features five new cars, a range of new races, and various enhancements, although it notably lacks any expansions for the GT Sophy AI or additional menu books.

A 1986 Toyota MR2, until recently originally the property of its first owner before being purchased by a dealership, was sold for $14,750 at auction, reflecting a rebounding current market value. While the vehicle exhibits signs of wear and requires restoration, it retains classic features such as pop-up headlights and a five-speed manual transmission, along with some recent maintenance updates.

By comparison to its modern, mid-engined V8 sibling, the original Corvette when introduced in 1953 was a more modest affair, lacking conventional door handles and windows, and only built in an initial 300-unit run. Recently the very first example was rediscovered after being thought lost, only being identified as #001 after a prolonged period in a workshop, and presented in an unrestored state at an event in Pennsylvania.

The Honda NSX-R, a highly sought-after variant of the legendary NSX, brings a driver-centric experience through significant weight reduction and performance enhancements, making it a standout in the realm of supercars. With its rarity and unique features, including a hand-built engine and stripped-down amenities, one particular model is now listed at an astonishing £729,995, reflecting the increasing value of rare Japanese performance vehicles.

Floyd Mayweather, known for his boxing prowess, recently found himself embroiled in a legal dispute over a luxury vehicle purchase after attempting to return several cars valued at over $2 million. The dealer refused the return of a Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, whereupon Mayweather determined that the car was significantly overpriced, leading him to sue the dealership for alleged misrepresentation.

Approximately 70 high-end cars were damaged in attacks across two dealerships in Oregon, resulting in total losses of $155,000. The suspect, identified as Brian Werner from Montana, was arrested after a series of vandalism incidents and had prior criminal charges related to firearms.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum, located within the iconic racetrack, has evolved since its 1956 opening from a modest display of 12 cars to a significant repository of over 150 vehicles and numerous motorsport artifacts. Following the recent resignation of its president, the museum is now seeking a new leader with extensive management experience, particularly in fundraising and organizational growth, to oversee its operations and future initiatives.

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