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Mercedes Reveals Art Deco-Inspired Vision Iconic Concept
Andrew Evans
October 14, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
FIA Extreme H World Cup takes place in Saudi Arabia
Willow Springs regeneration highlighted in special public event
Mazda to present renewable-fuel sports car in Tokyo
Five-phase traffic signals confusing Massachusetts’ road-users
McLaren working on a fix for pit stop woes… by next year
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
The Mercedes Vision Iconic concept, revealed by the brand's design chief on social media, features a striking two-door coupe design that pays homage to the luxury vehicles of the 1930s. While it showcases innovative elements like a large illuminated grille and a sophisticated interior with advanced technology, this prototype is unlikely to enter production, serving as a glimpse into the future direction of Mercedes' design.
Mazda is set to unveil a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show, which will be a four-door coupe model powered by renewable fuels instead of recently popular battery-electric systems. In addition to this concept, the company will introduce a CO2 capture technology that aims to reduce emissions with increased vehicle use, alongside a carbon-neutral fuel derived from algae.
Twelve years after Nissan introduced the IDx Freeflow and IDx Nismo concepts, the company has reflected on unrealized potential for an affordable rear-wheel drive coupe, which was ultimately shelved due to concerns about market demand and production feasibility. Looking ahead, CEO Ivan Espinosa envisions a vehicle that captures the brand's essence and resonates with younger consumers, although he acknowledges the significant challenges Nissan faces amidst ongoing financial difficulties.
Genesis has inaugurated a new design studio in El Segundo, California, which spans 80,000 square feet and will serve as its western creative hub, complementing existing centers in Seoul and Frankfurt. This facility, staffed by over 40 designers, aims to enhance the brand's luxury offerings by focusing on Western aesthetics and facilitating a continuous workflow to innovate across various automotive and digital experiences.
Toyota's manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Kentucky, has recently integrated a solar energy system that spans 30 acres, projected to produce around 15 million kilowatt-hours annually. This initiative is part of the company's commitment to sustainability and aligns with its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across all production sites by 2035, coinciding with the upcoming launch of its first US-made electric vehicles.
Electric vehicle sales are experiencing a downturn, which is beginning to impact automakers' financial performance. General Motors announced a projected $1.6 billion reduction in earnings due to declining asset values tied to its electric vehicle initiatives, alongside potential future charges as it reassesses its production capabilities and supplier agreements.
More than ten years after the initial Dieselgate scandal, several major automotive companies are defending themselves in court against allegations of using devices to manipulate emissions tests. The ongoing trial involves five manufacturers who face accusations from 220,000 car owners, with the potential impact extending to 1.6 million vehicles, while public trust in the industry remains low.
European van manufacturers are urging the EU to reconsider stringent emissions regulations aimed at achieving full electrification by 2035, citing concerns over the financial viability of such targets despite indications of increasing electric vehicle adoption. Industry leaders argue that the accelerated transition mandated by lawmakers is unrealistic and could jeopardize the financial stability of original equipment manufacturers.
Toyota has identified a safety concern involving the second-row seats of approximately 55,000 2025 Sienna hybrid minivans, stemming from improper welding that could compromise seat stability during a collision. While the company plans to rectify the issue at no cost to owners by December, it has not reported any injuries related to this defect, suggesting that the immediate risk remains low.
MOTORSPORT
The inaugural Grand Final of the FIA Extreme H World Cup took place against the dramatic backdrop of the Tuwaiq Escarpment in Saudi Arabia, featuring eight hydrogen-powered race cars in a groundbreaking competition. Jameel Motorsport emerged victorious, marking a significant milestone in the country’s motorsport aspirations and highlighting the potential of hydrogen technology in racing as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels.
McLaren anticipates that it won't fully resolve its persistent pitstop issues until next year, although the team is optimistic about making short-term enhancements. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have experienced race setbacks due to slow pitstops, prompting an investigation into the consistency of their pit crew's performance, which has revealed no significant bias favoring either driver.
The upcoming 2026 regulations in Formula 1 are set to significantly alter brake design, presenting teams with complex engineering challenges as they adapt to a new balance of combustion and electric power. With changes allowing for larger front rotors and more flexible caliper configurations, teams must also navigate a stricter weight limit while optimizing their braking strategies to enhance performance across diverse track conditions.
The upcoming United States Grand Prix will introduce a notable change in Pirelli's tyre selection, marking the second instance this season where the tyre supplier has altered its range for a race. This event at the Circuit of the Americas will serve as the first real evaluation of this strategy, as teams will navigate the unique challenges posed by the sprint format and limited practice time.
Mercedes' unexpected victory in the Singapore Grand Prix has resulted in the team pondering if recent steps forward can be maintained during the remainder of the season. Despite initial doubts about their performance in challenging conditions, the team made effective adjustments that led to a surprising win, and now it faces the challenge of adapting to diverse track layouts in the Americas.
James Vowles, the principal of Williams, reassured fans that the performance gap between F1 power units in the upcoming season will not mirror the extreme disparities seen in 2014. He commented that there are ongoing discussions to prepare for various scenarios, aiming to ensure a competitive environment among teams as new engine regulations are introduced.
McLaren Racing's CEO Zak Brown has stated that the team is committed to concentrating on upcoming races, even as discussions about establishing a legacy gain momentum following its recent successful constructors' championship defense. With significant regulatory changes on the horizon for 2026, Brown acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic about the team's trajectory under Andrea Stella's leadership.
Hyundai Motorsport has named Andrew Wheatley, the former FIA Road Sport Director, as its new sporting director for the World Rally Championship, effective immediately. In this newly established position, Wheatley will collaborate with key team members to enhance performance and address various sporting challenges throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.
Dorna Sports' Carlos Ezpeleta confirmed that MotoGP has no intention of increasing its race count beyond 22 in the foreseeable future, stating that this number provides the right balance for the championship. He also reassured that Moto2 and Moto3 will continue to accompany MotoGP at all events, highlighting their significance as independent world championships.
CURIOSITIES
Willow Springs International Raceway has recently transitioned to new ownership, with CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Singer Vehicle Design committed to enhancing the facility rather than pursuing residential development. The new management has initiated significant upgrades to the racetrack and its amenities, as demonstrated during the recent Willow Springs Reimagined event, which attracted a large crowd of automotive enthusiasts and notable figures from the racing world.
Motorists in Massachusetts are facing challenges with newly implemented pedestrian hybrid beacons, which feature a complex system of five light phases that often lead to confusion regarding stopping rules. Research indicates that a significant portion of drivers either ignore solid red signals or stop unnecessarily at inactive lights, suggesting a need for clearer communication regarding these traffic devices.
Subaru is enhancing its dealership experience by incorporating lifestyle elements that reflect its outdoor-oriented brand image, including decorative features and social spaces. While the initiative aims to create engaging environments, the willingness of many dealers to participate remains uncertain due to concerns about the associated costs.
A former employee of a parts distributor in Milton Keynes, UK, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting to stealing approximately $1.3 million worth of car parts over a two-year period. His arrest followed an investigation initiated by colleagues who noticed discrepancies in inventory, leading police to uncover a significant stash of stolen items at his home.
A driver of a C8 Corvette Z06 in Tempe, Arizona, was apprehended after fleeing from police while exceeding speeds of 140mph on public roads, significantly above the legal limit. The incident, which was recorded by the car's Performance Data Recorder, revealed a pattern of reckless driving behavior, leading to the driver's arrest and the vehicle's impoundment after a police pursuit.
In just two months, Indiana has sold over 40,000 blackout license plates, reflecting a strong preference for the sleek design among residents. Priced at $45 for new vehicles and $9.50 for replacements, these plates have generated more than $1.3 million in revenue, which will be reinvested to enhance the operations of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Duracell is set to introduce its inaugural electric vehicle fast charging network, Duracell E-Charge, in the UK, marking a significant expansion for the brand. With a commitment of over £200 million in investments, the network aims to enhance the charging experience by providing ultra-fast chargers and strategic locations to support the increasing demand for electric vehicles.
Volvo is facing legal action in New Jersey after a woman, Megan Kohr, claims that a malfunction in the hands-free liftgate of her SUV resulted in a serious head injury. The lawsuit raises significant questions about the safety of modern motion-activated vehicle technologies, as it alleges that the system failed to recognize her presence when it closed unexpectedly.
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