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

• Mercedes F1 car could hit auction record

• Jack Doohan's career already in jeopardy

• Scratch-built V12 Ferrari F40

• Toyota funds climate deniers: report

• High-visibility clothes fail autobrake tests

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Aston Martin unveiled the Roadster version of the updated Vantage coupe, which will begin deliveries in spring 2024 following a lengthy development cycle. The Roadster features the same technical revisions as the coupe, including a more powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine and an overhauled suspension system. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

The year 2025 marks 100 years since Rolls-Royce first used the 'Phantom' name on one of its cars, highlighting the nameplate's long and illustrious history. The Phantom has evolved through multiple generations, maintaining its status as a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship while adapting to the needs of its clientele. [PistonHeads​.com]

New research reveals that some automatic emergency braking systems struggle to detect pedestrians wearing visibility-enhancing clothing at night. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study evaluated three 2023 model vehicles and found that while these systems generally reduce collisions in daylight, their performance is notably diminished after dark, which is when most pedestrian incidents occur. [Motor1]

Mazda offers customers in its home market a hand-controlled MX-5, officially called a "Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle," which allows drivers to operate the car without using the pedals. This adaptation includes a lever for throttle and braking, along with options for enhanced accessibility features. [The Autopian]

Major changes are afoot with the 2025 Alfa Romeo lineup, as the hot Quadrifoglio versions of the Stelvio SUV and Giulia sedan are discontinued and replaced by the new Intensa special editions. These editions offer cosmetic enhancements to the Stelvio, Giulia, and Tonale models, while retaining the same performance specifications as their standard counterparts. [TFLcar]

Toyota has been revealed as the largest auto industry funder of climate deniers in US Congress, according to a report released today by Public Citizen. The report highlights Toyota's increasing financial support for anti-science attitudes while other automakers are reducing their contributions. [Electrek]

Cupra has confirmed it will continue producing combustion-powered versions of the Leon into the next decade, while also planning a future transition to an electric-only model built on the Volkswagen Group's Scalable Systems Platform. The existing Leon will remain available for several years, allowing buyers ample time to purchase the current internal combustion engine variants before the electric version is introduced. [Carscoops]

Jaguar's internal design team expressed dissatisfaction with the company's rebranding project in a leaked letter, citing concerns over outsourcing the branding work and the final logo design. The designers argued that the new logo did not align with the identity of the new EV products and shared similarities with other brands. [Carscoops]

Renault confirmed its plans to build the outrageous Renault 5 Turbo 3E – a handbuilt, rear-wheel-drive electric hot hatchback with more than 500bhp and a six-figure price tag. Renault brand CEO Fabrice Cambiolive indicated that the sporty Alpine off-shoot may develop its own version of the 3E, potentially featuring enhanced power and performance. [AutoExpress​.co​.uk]

Mazda has revealed a CX-60 Rally concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, inspired by tarmac rally cars. The concept, a third from the Spirit Racing sub-brand, features several sporty upgrades, including a distinctive exterior design and enhancements to the interior, while retaining the stock mild-hybrid six-cylinder turbodiesel engine. [Carscoops]

Dartz has shipped over a Prombron Black Stallion Type C from Riga and driven it through the streets of Los Angeles as it prepares for its entry into the US market, with plans to establish local production in Florida and open order books for the vehicle. The company is also accepting pre-orders for the Prombron Iron Diamond CLV, which is based on the Lamborghini Urus and features the original 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. [Carscoops]

MOTORSPORT

Kurt Busch will represent Team USA in the 2025 Race of Champions after receiving medical clearance following his retirement from NASCAR. He will partner with Travis Pastrana for the event, which will take place in Sydney on March 7-8, marking Busch's return to competitive racing since his last RoC appearance in 2017. [Motorsport​.com]

Jack Doohan's place in F1 appears under threat only weeks out from his first full-time season kicking off at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix as he faces pressure to perform after being signed to drive for Alpine alongside Pierre Gasly. Reports indicate that Doohan has only six races to prove himself or risk losing his seat to reserve drivers Franco Colapinto and Ryo Hirakawa. [Drive]

Paul Aron quickly emerged as a frontrunner in the Formula 2 championship and became the highest-placed driver in the standings without a Formula 1 seat for 2025. His promotion to Alpine's reserve driver status comes amid competition from Franco Colapinto and Ryo Hirakawa, raising questions about his future in the sport. [The Race]

Max Verstappen crashed out of the IMSA Esports Daytona Michelin 240 during the first corner after attempting an aggressive maneuver against the polesitter, resulting in both cars being sidelined early in the race. The incident is far from the first involving the F1 world champion in either the real world or the virtual one. [Jalopnik]

Carlos Sainz described his first outing for Williams as "crazy" after experiencing "a different car completely" but is confident he can help the team "fine tune" going into the new F1 season. His comments came during a behind-the-scenes look at his initial day with the team at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, where he engaged in detailed discussions about the car's performance. [RacingNews365]

Melchior Wathelet, the president of the Belgian Grand Prix, has claimed that F1 will stage a maximum of eight races in Europe in the future. Spa-Francorchamps recently agreed a new deal with F1 that will see the circuit rotate on the calendar, hosting races in at least four of the next six seasons under the new agreement. [RacingNews365]

Maurizio Leschiutta has been named Lamborghini's new Head of Motorsport, filling the space vacated by Giorgio Sanna in 2024. Leschiutta, who has over 30 years of motorsports experience, will oversee the development of Lamborghini's racing programs, including the SC63 LMDh car and the new Temerario GT3. [Sportscar365]

Lamborghini driver Luca Engstler was unable to walk and required a wheelchair in the aftermath of his 140mph crash at Macau in November. Despite his injuries, Engstler remains determined to return to racing and has made significant progress in his recovery, aiming to get back behind the wheel by February. [Autosport]

Formula E teams have been informed that pitstops will definitely return to the championship for the first time in seven years at the next round in Jeddah, marking a significant change in race strategy. The introduction of mandatory 'pit boost' stops aims to showcase fast-charging technology while raising questions about their impact on race dynamics and championship standings. [The Race]

FUN STUFF

An iconic Mercedes streamliner from the 1950s is being put up for auction by RM Sothebys, potentially breaking the record for the highest sale of an F1 car. This particular model, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, is only the second of the 14 W196 machines built to be offered for private ownership. [RacingNews365]

New York City's congestion pricing officially went into effect this month, requiring drivers to pay $9 to enter certain areas, and has led to reduced traffic and faster bus speeds according to early observations. The MTA reports improvements in traffic flow and commute times, with some buses experiencing significant travel time reductions compared to previous years. [Jalopnik]

Stanceworks’ Mike Burroughs is creating his own Ferrari F40 from scratch, using a bespoke tubular frame based on an original F40 chassis CAD model and body panels from an original car. The F40 will also use a 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated Ferrari V12 engine from an 812 Superfast, along with a custom sequential gearbox. [Carscoops]

Aero Over has produced a bodykit to convert the Toyota Crown Sport into a facsimile of a Ferrari Purosangue while still retaining its Toyota identity. The kit features a redesigned front splitter and additional exhaust outlets, enhancing the crossover's aesthetic appeal despite its underlying hybrid engine. [Jalopnik]

The Goodwood Members Meeting brings together vintage car owners for a weekend of fun and competition, featuring events like the S. F. Edge Trophy race that showcases racing vehicles over 100 years old. A 20-minute mini-documentary offers viewers a glimpse into the experience of driving a historic racer, highlighting both the thrill and challenges involved. [Jalopnik]

Kesha's music video for "Joyride" features a thrilling car chase with eclectic vehicles that reflects her liberation as an independent artist. The video showcases a mix of vintage cars, including a Jaguar XJ-SC and a Steyr-Punch Pinzgauer, while Kesha navigates a fantastical narrative filled with action and humor. [Jalopnik]

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!