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Nissan Breathes New Life Into NISMO
Andrew Evans
December 16, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
F1 returns to Portugal for 2027/2028
European Space Agency tests lunar rover for 2030
Daihatsu to present huge kei car range next month
Latest on Genesis’s LMDh development from drivers
Thousands of UK drivers incorrectly fined for speeding
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Nissan is set to revitalize its Nismo performance division by expanding its lineup from five to ten models, aiming to boost sales from approximately 100,000 to 150,000 units annually. The company also plans to support existing racing series, introduce new racing models, and increase its availability of restoration parts for iconic models, indicating a strategic focus on emotionally appealing vehicles.
Daihatsu is set to unveil an eclectic array of kei car concepts at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, featuring standout models like a chrome-adorned Hijet Truck and sportier versions of the Move and Tanto. The company has also hinted at performance-oriented designs under the Daihatsu Gazoo Racing banner, suggesting a blend of style and enhanced capabilities in its upcoming offerings.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has expanded a recall to include an additional 6,000 units, bringing the total to 27,000 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrids due to potential brake pedal failures. The reported issue involves the brake pedal arm, which may collapse during use, leading to a risk of brake failure, although there have been no reported injuries linked to this defect.
The 2027 iX3 electric crossover is set to debut in the US next summer, with a local release of the i3 sedan anticipated later that year following its global premiere. Although specific pricing remains unconfirmed, estimates suggest the iX3 will start around $60,000, while the i3 could begin in the low $50,000 range, as BMW prepares to introduce a range of new models, including the electric M3, by the end of 2027.
Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant, which has been operational for 70 years, is set to close for an extensive retooling process aimed at transforming it into a center for electric vehicle production. By 2027, the facility will begin manufacturing a new $30,000 electric truck, employing innovative assembly methods and focusing on affordability in the EV market.
Luminar has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing liabilities between $500 million and $1 billion, following the loss of a significant contract with Volvo. The company plans to sell its LiDAR division while continuing operations and fulfilling employee compensation throughout the bankruptcy proceedings.
As Volkswagen prepares for a busy 2026, the company is set to introduce a range of new and updated electric vehicles, including the ID. Polo and ID. Cross, which will align with the brand's existing models. Additionally, enhancements to the ID.3 and ID.4 are planned, featuring a new design language and improved interiors, while the automaker continues to explore hybrid options for the US market.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is set to present the GR GT and GR GT3 models to the public for the first time at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, following their initial reveal earlier this month. The event, taking place from January 9 to 11 at Makuhari Messe, will also feature a range of activities, including live demonstrations of various vehicles and the debut of new merchandise, including collaborative sunglasses with Oakley.
In 2026, Mercedes-Benz will commemorate significant milestones in its history while launching an extensive range of new models, marking 140 years since the invention of the automobile and 100 years since the formation of the brand. This celebration will coincide with a growing interest in both classic and contemporary Mercedes vehicles, as the company aims to connect its rich heritage with the future of electric and SUV offerings.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 will reintroduce a race in Portugal at the Algarve International Circuit, which previously hosted two events during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, for the 2027-28 seasons. This addition will take the place of the Dutch Grand Prix, set to conclude at Zandvoort next year, with Portimao's 2.89-mile track known for its challenging layout across hilly landscapes.
Daniel Juncadella has reported on his testing progress with the Genesis GMR-001 LMDh car ahead of its World Endurance Championship Hypercar debut in 2026. Experienced GT racer Juncadella believes that, despite the challenges of transitioning to a prototype, the the Hypercar's characteristics are more akin to those of a powerful GT than traditional prototypes, requiring very little additional time with familiarization.
Honda plans to unveil its new Formula 1 engine for 2026 during an unconventional event in Tokyo in January, marking the company's return as a works partner for Aston Martin after a period of reduced involvement. This launch will highlight the innovative features of the upcoming power unit, including advancements in energy recovery systems, and will be accompanied by discussions from key figures.
Lando Norris received his Formula 1 world championship title during the FIA Prize Giving Gala in Tashkent, where awkward interactions with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sparked lively discussions on social media. As Norris delivered his acceptance speech, he humorously reflected on the team's journey and acknowledged the support of his teammate Oscar Piastri and the challenges posed by competitors like Max Verstappen.
Oliver Bearman has cautioned Arvid Lindblad about the challenges he will face as he enters Formula 1 next season with the Racing Bulls team alongside Liam Lawson. Despite having only one season in Formula 2, where he finished sixth, Bearman believes Lindblad possesses the necessary talent to succeed, although he acknowledges that adapting to the sport will be demanding, especially with a new set of regulations in place.
Recent social media clips reveal highlights from McLaren's festive gathering, featuring amusing moments from Zak Brown's address and Oscar Piastri's lighthearted remarks about the team's recent disqualification in Las Vegas. The event celebrated Lando Norris's championship win and the team's constructors' title, with both drivers engaging in playful banter that kept the atmosphere lively.
Max Verstappen has traveled to Portugal for a GT3 test, continuing his exploration of endurance racing following a competitive season in Formula 1. Just over a week after narrowly missing a fifth championship title, he is testing a Mercedes AMG GT3 with 2 Seas Motorsport at Estoril amid suggestions he may engage in a GT3 campaign in the future.
IndyCar is engaging with current and potential engine manufacturers to shape the specifications for its upcoming 2028 powertrain, which will feature a 2.4-liter twin-turbo V6 and an enhanced hybrid system. The series is focused on fostering collaboration and understanding the needs of both existing suppliers and new entrants, ensuring that the future direction aligns with the interests of the automotive industry.
CURIOSITIES
Venturi Space has introduced the Mona Luna, a lunar rover designed for semi-autonomous exploration, which aims to support missions from the European Space Agency and France's CNES. Recently tested in Germany, the rover demonstrated its capabilities, including advanced deformable wheels and robust traction on challenging terrain, as it prepares for a planned launch to the Moon's South Pole in 2030.
Since 2021, a significant number of drivers have received incorrect speeding fines due to a malfunction in speed cameras on smart motorways, according to National Highways. The organization has identified 2,650 instances of wrongful activations linked to a timing issue between variable speed limit signs and cameras, affecting 154 devices across the Strategic Road Network, and is now working on a solution while ensuring that affected motorists will receive refunds and have points removed from their licenses.
Mitsubishi has restored its original 1985 Dakar-winning Pajero, reviving it to operational status while preserving its historical imperfections. This project not only celebrates the vehicle's legacy as a champion in one of the world’s toughest races but also suggests a potential revival of the Pajero nameplate in the near future.
Carl Rinsch, a former commercial director, has been convicted of defrauding Netflix out of millions, following a trial that revealed he misappropriated funds intended for a television project. Despite his established career in Hollywood, including directing a feature film, he attempted to justify additional funding requests, but evidence of embezzlement ultimately led to his conviction for multiple financial crimes.
XPeng has obtained a permit for L3 autonomous testing in Guangzhou, marking a significant milestone in China's EV landscape. The company demonstrated its VLA 2.0 software's capabilities by successfully navigating a police sobriety checkpoint autonomously, highlighting its ability to interpret human gestures without human intervention.
A rare Audi Q7 V12 TDI, standing out as a remarkable example of automotive excess which blends a 6.0-liter V12 diesel engine with the large SUV, is available through a classified ad. With limited availability and a striking design, this unique vehicle remains a nostalgic reminder of a time when bold engineering choices were celebrated, even as it now faces challenges in terms of fuel economy and environmental impact.
On Monday, a group of almost twenty states and the District of Columbia submitted a revised complaint in the Federal Trade Commission's case against Uber. The allegations include unauthorized charges for the Uber One subscription, premature billing during free trials, and deceptive information regarding potential savings, along with a cumbersome cancellation process for subscribers.
The Oldsmobile Fiesta, first introduced in 1953 as a limited-edition convertible on the 98 platform, stands out for its unique design features and rarity, with only 458 units produced. One particular model, recognized for its meticulous restoration and distinctive black color, is set to be one of the highlights at the upcoming Mecum auction, where it has the potential to achieve a record-breaking sale price.
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