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Mustang GTD Sets New 'Ring Record
Andrew Evans
May 01, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Racing Bulls pretty in pink for Miami
Rare Bugatti EB110 GT listed at auction
New Jeep Compass images leak out
Mexico Grand Prix extends F1 contract
Design a livery for the upcoming Afeela EV
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ford’s second visit of the Mustang GTD to the Nurburgring Nordschleife has resulted in an improvement to its lap record for American cars by more than 5.5 seconds. The new time of 6:52.072, confirmed in a video from the marque, moves the track-focused Mustang past the times of several Porsche models, including a recent record set by a manual 911 GT3.
The upcoming Jeep Compass showcases a refreshed, boxy aesthetic and will be introduced in Europe this spring, though its arrival in the US may face postponements. This new SUV will feature a variety of powertrain choices, including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options, all built on a new Stellantis platform.
A recent study reveals that pedestrians are at a greater risk of fatality when struck by SUVs and pick-up trucks compared to standard passenger vehicles, with the likelihood of death for adults rising by 44% and for young children by 130%. Conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the analysis suggests that a shift from larger vehicles to lower-profile cars could prevent a significant number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths annually, particularly in North America.
Tesla's board has reportedly begun to take steps toward addressing concerns regarding CEO Elon Musk's leadership, including exploring potential candidates for a new chief executive, though the company has denied it. Recent discussions indicate that board members have urged Musk to devote more attention to Tesla, while also considering the addition of an independent director to enhance governance.
Aston Martin has announced a price increase for its vehicles in the US due to new import tariffs, which will affect both the company and its customers. The automaker is also limiting new imports while relying on existing dealer inventory, which is anticipated to last until early June 2025.
Ford's presence in the European automotive market has significantly weakened, with a notable decline in vehicle sales leading to a reduced market share of 3.3 percent. In response to a diminishing lineup, the company is focusing on electric vehicles through its collaboration with Volkswagen, recently launching the ID.4-based Explorer and ID.5-based Capri, with rumors that the Fiesta may return as a reskinned ID.2.
The latest Pagani Zonda Roadster, rebuilt from an existing chassis as the company no longer makes the vehicle, pays homage to the Kunlun Mountains in China, with a striking blue carbon fiber exterior and several aerodynamic enhancements. While the exact specifications of its powertrain remain undisclosed, it is expected to feature the same 760-horsepower V12 engine found in other models from the 760 series, with potential value estimates reaching upwards of $10 million.
Despite being a famously empty place, the sparsely populated state of Montana has the highest per capita vehicle ownership in the nation due to a legal loophole that allows cars to be registered to LLCs without attracting sales taxes. Utah has become the latest state to implement measures to curb the practice among its residents, with a new law investigating tax evasion under the Montana LLC loophole, joining California in what could be the first steps to eliminating it nationwide.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 has secured a new three-year agreement with the Mexico Grand Prix organizers, ensuring the race will remain part of the schedule until 2028. Following the conclusion of the current contract in 2025, this extension reflects the event's popularity and continued governmental support, highlighting its significance for both local tourism and the sport's global presence.
The Racing Bulls Formula 1 team has introduced a unique livery for the second Miami Grand Prix in a row, featuring a vibrant pink and white design. Inspired by the Red Bull Summer Edition White Peach seasonal flavor, the livery extends to striking magenta suits for the drivers, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, and team personnel.
Ferrari is among the teams introducing a unique design for the Miami Grand Prix, marking a year of partnership with its title sponsor, HP. This special livery features an increased amount of blue on the engine cover and includes distinct changes to the wheel covers and rear wing.
The FIA has updated the regulations in Formula 1 to avoid confusion similar to what occurred during the Australian Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen encountered a lapped car unexpectedly during a Safety Car period. The new rules empower the race director to close the pit lane entrance when drivers are un-lapping themselves, ensuring a clearer process for managing lapped cars during such situations.
Christian Horner, the principal of Red Bull Racing, revealed that the team opted to maintain the lead during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite the risk of a penalty for Max Verstappen, who had initially lost his pole position to Oscar Piastri. Although Verstappen's actions led to an investigation, Horner argued that relinquishing the lead would have compromised their performance due to dirty air and tire degradation, ultimately stating that the decision to keep the lead was strategic rather than advantageous for winning the race.
Mecachrome, a long-time engine manufacturing collaborator with Renault in Formula 1, will transition to a partnership with Audi's new works team starting in 2026, following Alpine's decision to switch to Mercedes engines. This shift comes after Alpine has also opted to manage its World Endurance Championship engine program internally, marking a significant change in Mecachrome's involvement in motorsport.
Shaila-Ann Rao has returned to the FIA as an advisor to president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, marking her third tenure with the organization after previous roles as legal director and interim secretary general. In her new position, she will provide guidance on various regulatory and commercial issues, contributing to the FIA's ongoing transformation during a crucial period for the organization.
Rally Portugal is set to feature its most competitive Rally1 lineup since 2022, with twelve cars ready to navigate 24 gravel stages from May 15-18. This event will showcase notable entries, including five Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 vehicles led by Sebastien Ogier, alongside a strong presence from Hyundai and M-Sport-Ford, while the WRC2 class sees a record 45 cars, including former champions Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo.
FUN STUFF
A rare Bugatti EB110 GT supercar, built under the brand’s Romano Artioli stewardship to mark its 110th anniversary, will be auctioned this weekend with an expected price of around $1.5m. Only 84 GTs were made, in a total run of fewer than 140 cars, with the high-tech approach and formula laying the path that the subsequent record-breaking Veyron would follow.
Polyphony Digital and Sony Honda Mobility have launched a design competition for custom liveries on the Afeela Prototype electric vehicle within Gran Turismo 7, which will be open for submissions until May 22. Participants can create and share their designs using the game's livery editor and will have the chance to win recognition, with two winners selected to have their designs featured in future promotional materials.
In an unexpected announcement, Codemasters has revealed that it has ended work on the WRC game, with the championship itself commenting on social media that the series will be going in a new direction in the future. Following the release of the latest expansion, the studio confirmed it has ceased all work on not just WRC but any rally games, leaving the F1 franchise as its sole focus amid ongoing layoffs at EA.
Iowa's House Bill 645, set to take effect on July 1 2025, will shield motorsport facilities from legal challenges related to noise and disturbances, provided these venues were established prior to the construction or purchase of adjacent properties. This unanimous legislative support underscores the importance of racetracks as vital contributors to local economies, ensuring their continued operation without the threat of nuisance lawsuits from new neighbors.
Mansory, an aftermarket tuner famous for its excess in vehicle modifications, has revealed one of the most opulent vehicles it’s ever produced in the form of an extended-wheelbase G-Class known as the Grand Entree. The vehicle is adorned with gold trim and sports a matte gold exterior finish, along with “captain’s chairs” in the rear that are accessed by rearward opening doors, while the 4-liter, twin-turbo engine now produces 820hp.
The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 3LZ Convertible, created for the National Corvette Museum's 30th anniversary and awarded in a raffle, was then sold at auction for $136,000, despite having only 183 miles on the odometer. This unique vehicle features a distinctive graphics package, luxurious interior options, and a powerful 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine, making it a noteworthy acquisition for the buyer at a price below its original catalog value.
A 1996 Ford Taurus SHO with just 2,924 miles is now available for $22,900 at a Minnesota dealership, making it a unique collectible from the mid-90s automotive era. This low-mileage vehicle features a 3.4-liter V8 engine and retains its original interior and exterior finishes, reflecting its well-preserved condition.
A truck driver in Pennsylvania had a lucky escape after driving his propane tanker onto a wooden bridge not rated for a load of this weight, with the bridge subsequently collapsing. Despite signs warning of a five-ton limit, the driver continued onto the bridge, which buckled under the weight and dropped the truck a fortunately short distance into the creek below, allowing them to escape injury and without any leak of the cargo.
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!