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Mercedes Considering an Electric 911 Rival
Andrew Evans
September 16, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
F1 announces 2026 Sprint Races, including Canada and Silverstone
One-off Lamborghini concept heads to auction
Porsche specialist Indecent to reveal Slantnose-inspired 020
Corvette bursts into flames at the pump, ahead of recall
Perez to throw first pitch at Dodgers game
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Electric vehicles are currently facing a challenging landscape, with shifting regulations and stagnant sales prompting some manufacturers to reconsider their electrification strategies. While Mercedes-AMG is contemplating a potential two-door variant of the upcoming AMG GT XX, the decision hinges on market demand and the financial viability of such an investment.
Indecent is set to unveil the 020, a modern interpretation of the classic 911 Slantnose, featuring a supercharged flat-six engine that produces 600 hp and enhanced aerodynamics. While the company specializes in modifying earlier Porsche 911 models, details regarding pricing and production quantities for this unique offering have not yet been disclosed.
Kia has unveiled its new Carnival Hi Limousine minivan for the Korean market, topping the model range as its most premium, high-specification vehicle. With prices of up to $70,900 for the four-seat Signature hybrid, the Hi Limousine sports luxurious “captain’s chair” rear seating, body and foot massage functions, and thicker floor mats than the outgoing model, as well as improved ride quality.
According to Magnus Ostberg, Mercedes' chief software officer, the integration of AI into software-defined vehicles will significantly transform driver interactions with their cars. He noted that advancements in voice recognition technology will enable a more natural conversational approach, leading to increased usage of voice controls as drivers shift away from traditional touch interfaces.
Audi has revised its previous commitment to phase out combustion engines by 2032, now indicating that it will continue to produce gasoline-powered vehicles for an additional seven to ten years. Despite this shift, CEO Gernot Dollner maintains that electric vehicles are essential for reducing CO₂ emissions and supports the European Union’s planned ban on new combustion cars by 2035.
Volkswagen acknowledges the challenges posed by flush door handles, admitting that while they may enhance aesthetics, they often hinder usability. As the company shifts focus towards more conventional designs in its upcoming electric models, it aims to prioritize customer preferences for practicality and ease of operation.
Ford is set to vacate its long-standing headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, known as the Glass House, which has been the company's central hub since 1956. The new headquarters, significantly larger and designed to accommodate a greater number of employees, will foster enhanced collaboration among staff and is expected to be fully operational by November.
XPeng Motors has commenced production of its G6 and G9 electric vehicles in Europe through a partnership with Magna Steyr in Austria, marking a significant step in the company's strategy to expand its footprint in the European market. This initiative allows XPeng to mitigate tariffs imposed on Chinese imports while exploring further opportunities for local assembly of additional models in the future.
Aston Martin has ventured into the baby products market with the introduction of the Aston Martin egg3 stroller, developed in collaboration with the UK brand egg. Drawing inspiration from the automaker's design elements, the stroller features luxurious materials and the signature wings emblem, though its pricing is expected to reflect the high-end nature typical of the brand.
MOTORSPORT
For the 2026 season, Formula 1 has announced that Silverstone and Zandvoort will join four other venues in hosting sprint races, marking a significant expansion of the format. This year, the Canadian and Singapore Grands Prix will also feature sprints, as the series aims to enhance viewer engagement and excitement with the introduction of new regulations and race locations.
Sergio Perez has recently been appointed as a driver for the Cadillac F1 team, partnering with Valtteri Bottas for its inaugural season in Formula 1. To commemorate his new role and celebrate Mexican Heritage Month, Perez will throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Dodgers game, engaging with players and fans while highlighting the unifying nature of sports.
McLaren is poised to secure the Constructors' Championship for the 2025 Formula 1 season well ahead of the previous year's conclusion, having already achieved its first title in 26 years in 2024. With a significant lead over Ferrari and a strong performance from drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, the team aims to clinch the championship as early as this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, depending on other results.
Aston Martin has disclosed that Fernando Alonso's abrupt suspension failure during the Italian Grand Prix stemmed from gravel debris, likely kicked up by Lando Norris's McLaren, which compromised his vehicle early in the race. Despite initially showing promise by running in eighth place, Alonso's retirement on lap 24 hindered his chances to gain valuable points, leaving him frustrated with his current standing in the championship.
The FIA's recent acknowledgment of its error in penalizing Carlos Sainz for his incident with Liam Lawson at the Dutch Grand Prix highlights broader concerns regarding the consistency and clarity of racing regulations. This re-evaluation not only clears Sainz's penalty points but also opens the door for discussions on refining the rules to ensure fairer outcomes for drivers in similar situations moving forward.
Chevrolet is considering becoming a registered manufacturer in the Intercontinental GT Challenge, as indicated by Corvette Racing program manager Jess Dane, who noted the advantages of participating consistently in SRO Motorsports Group’s GT3 series. With increased involvement in this year's races, including podium finishes for customer teams, the brand is exploring opportunities to enhance its presence in key markets.
Porsche’s 963, currently leading the IMSA GTP championship, will see an increase in minimum weight and a small power reduction for the upcoming Indianapolis race due to adjustments in the Balance of Performance regulations. With Porsche holding a lead over Acura in both championships, the Acura machine will see a power reduction and a drop in minimum weight, while Cadillac and BMW also have power reductions and weight increases, leaving the Aston Martin and Lamborghini cars unaltered.
Jack Miller faced a €2,000 penalty for riding against the flow of traffic after the MotoGP San Marino Grand Prix, as he aimed to give his gloves to a fan who had offered a beer in exchange. Despite the fine and finishing 12th in the race, Miller expressed satisfaction with his gesture, emphasizing the positive connection between MotoGP riders and their supporters compared to other sports.
CURIOSITIES
Lamborghini's 1998 Pregunta concept, the last model designed before Audi's acquisition of the brand, is set to be auctioned next month with an estimated value of €2.5-3.5 million. This unique vehicle, featuring a striking design inspired by military aircraft and powered by a 530hp V12, has undergone restoration and underscores a distinct era in the brand's history with its Diablo origins.
A recent incident involving a Corvette Z06 igniting during refueling has raised concerns about a potential design flaw in certain models, prompting General Motors to temporarily suspend sales and issue a recall for over 23,000 vehicles. The company is working on a solution to prevent gasoline vapors from reaching the engine, while other Corvette models remain unaffected by this issue.
The Honda NSX, which made its debut on September 14, 1990, represented a significant milestone in automotive history, embodying the aspirations of its engineers to compete with established supercar brands. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, Honda has released a video reflecting on the NSX's evolution, highlighting its innovative all-aluminum construction, the global introduction of the VTEC system, and advancements in suspension technology, all while maintaining reliability for everyday driving.
Recently, a handcrafted wooden replica of a Ferrari engine was auctioned for $9,200, capturing attention on the Bring a Trailer platform. Created over three years by a skilled California furniture maker, this intricate piece mimics the Colombo V12 engine from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, but lacks any functional components, making it more of a decorative item than a true automotive part.
CarFest 2025, founded by Chris Evans, has reached its 14th year with a focus on raising funds for children's charities in the UK, featuring a unique art car created in collaboration with Mazda. The Mazda CX-30 was transformed into a vibrant canvas during the event, with contributions from children and celebrities, and will now serve as a promotional vehicle for future activities at Mazda's UK headquarters.
A California woman faced an unusual predicament after receiving 15 traffic citations from various states due to a novelty license plate that mimicked her legitimate "LUVSICK" plate. Following her attorney's intervention, the retailer responsible for selling the imitation plates agreed to take them down from their website, but the incident highlights the ongoing risk of confusion surrounding novelty plates.
The rise of online information has led to a decline in traditional car brochures, once cherished collectibles for automotive enthusiasts. However, a dedicated website has preserved an extensive collection of these brochures in digital format, allowing users to explore a rich history of vehicles from well-known brands to obscure manufacturers.
Ontario Highway 401, the busiest roadway in North America, sees an astonishing volume of traffic, particularly in Toronto, where congestion can be severe. A recent incident captured on video shows two drivers engaging in a physical altercation on the highway, raising concerns about safety and the appropriate response to road rage situations.
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