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Now You Can Drive, Sail, and Live in a Lexus
Andrew Evans
October 31, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Massa’s lawyers accuse F1 bosses of covering up Crashgate
Longbow reveals prototype lightweight EV, developed in six months
400hp time attack Toyota bZ4X heading to SEMA
Toyota sub-brand Century confirmed for US, takes on Rolls-Royce
How Aston Martin’s Valkyrie LMH went from also-ran to contender
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
British electric vehicle startup Longbow has introduced a prototype of its lightweight sports car, the Speedster, which was developed in just six months, a significantly shorter timeframe compared to traditional automotive manufacturers. Priced at £84,995, the Speedster is set to deliver its first units by the end of next year, while a more affordable coupé version, the Roadster, is expected to follow a year later at £64,995, with both models currently available for pre-order.
In 1990, Toyota entered the luxury automotive market with the Lexus brand, targeting established players like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and now it plans to introduce the Century to compete with high-end names such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Although Lexus has confirmed the upcoming launch, it may take several years before the Century arrives in the US due to the need for extensive infrastructure and compliance with franchise regulations.
At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a new two-car collection from Aston Martin named Above & Beyond was introduced, merging the elegance of yacht design with the artistry of grand tourers. Commissioned by Holman Motorcars and inspired by two upcoming yachts, this unique pair of V12 Vanquish models features nautical elements in their design and interior, reflecting the luxurious lifestyle associated with the region.
Automotive component manufacturer and supplier ZF Friedrichshafen is scaling back its production in Germany due to a semiconductor shortage linked to geopolitical tensions involving chipmaker Nexperia, which has faced export restrictions from China following Dutch government intervention. The situation underscores the fragility of global supply chains, as major automakers like Volkswagen express concerns over their ability to meet financial goals amid the ongoing crisis.
Stellantis is facing scrutiny from Canadian lawmakers following its decision to shift production of the next-generation Jeep Compass from Brampton to Illinois, a move attributed to challenging economic conditions and trade policies. The future of the Brampton facility remains uncertain, with the company exploring alternative models for production while stating the need for a stable trade environment to support investment and operations in Canada.
Japanese car manufacturers are exploring the possibility of bringing US-made vehicles back to Japan as a strategy to alleviate trade tensions with the United States. This initiative, which could involve a limited number of American vehicles, would require significant modifications to comply with local regulations, and raises questions about consumer demand for larger models in a market that typically favors smaller cars.
The new managing director of Vauxhall in the UK is urging the government to investigate potential state subsidies that may be giving Chinese automakers an unfair advantage in the market. This call for action follows a significant increase in their market share, which reached 12.8% in September, raising concerns about the competitive landscape for established brands.
At the Japan Mobility Show, Toyota reiterated its commitment to addressing consumer needs by introducing a new Corolla concept that combines a compact gas engine with an electric vehicle design. The company’s leadership, including CTO Hiroki Nakajima, expressed a desire to continue producing internal combustion engines, highlighting their role alongside hybrid technology and synthetic fuels in the future automotive landscape.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated three separate investigations into nearly 710,000 Honda vehicles, including the Odyssey, Pilot, and CR-V Hybrid, due to various safety concerns. These inquiries examine issues such as unexpected airbag deployments, a malfunctioning seat belt warning system, and potential power loss while driving.
MOTORSPORT
Felipe Massa's legal team claims that Formula 1 officials intentionally obscured details surrounding Nelson Piquet Jr.'s crash during the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, which is central to Massa's lawsuit contesting the championship results from that year. Seeking £64 million in damages, Massa's case is being reviewed in a pre-trial hearing in London, where arguments have been made regarding the results of the crash on the title race.
At the conclusion of the IMSA SportsCar Championship season, the Heart of Racing team achieved an impressive second-place finish with its Aston Martin Valkyrie at the Petit Le Mans, demonstrating significant improvement after a challenging start to the year. This performance, alongside earlier signs of progress in the World Endurance Championship, follows the team's commitment to enhancing both the car's reliability and competitive edge as it prepares for future races.
Formula 1 will kick off its partnership with Disney during the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend from November 20-22, 2025, featuring a special event at the famous Fountains of Bellagio. This collaboration will introduce a new merchandise line and include performances by Disney characters, aiming to blend sports and entertainment for fans of all ages.
Guenther Steiner, the former team principal of Haas in Formula 1, criticized the FIA for its inadequate penalties and the management of the virtual safety car during the recent Mexico Grand Prix. He expressed concerns over the chaotic race start and the decision to deploy the virtual safety car, suggesting that better oversight and permanent stewards could prevent similar issues in the future.
James Calado has extended his contract with Ferrari for multiple years, effective from the upcoming World Endurance Championship season. This agreement solidifies his ongoing association with the team, which began in 2014, as he heads into the WEC 2025 finale in Bahrain while leading the championship standings alongside his teammates.
Jenson Button announced his retirement from professional racing, set to conclude after the upcoming 8 Hours of Bahrain, marking the end of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. The 45-year-old, who won his only F1 drivers’ championship with Brawn in 2009, expressed that his increasingly busy life and family commitments made it impractical to continue with the demands of high-level endurance racing.
Charles Weerts and Kelvin van der Linde are set to test the BMW M Hybrid V8 during the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship rookie session in Bahrain, following a successful season in GT racing with Team WRT. Although both drivers have limited experience with high-downforce prototypes, they have previously driven LMP2 vehicles and are eager to take on this new challenge.
Sacha Fenestraz is set to experience driving the Toyota GR010 Hybrid for the first time during the upcoming rookie test at the Bahrain FIA World Endurance Championship. The Argentine driver, who recently rejoined Toyota for a dual campaign in SUPER GT and Super Formula, is eager to explore this new category and has expressed a long-standing ambition to compete in world championships like the WEC.
Formula E is set to host its second all-female test, expanding the schedule to include two three-hour sessions on the same day. Among the 13 participants are notable drivers such as Jamie Chadwick, who will return with Jaguar, and Abbi Pulling, representing Nissan, alongside other talented competitors including Juju Noda, who brings significant experience from her Super Formula career.
CURIOSITIES
Lexus is the latest brand looking to expand its offerings beyond cars, presenting a catamaran concept, a Lexus House, and a community Lexus Hub at the Japan Mobility Show. The catamaran features twin sails, a large interior, and operates autonomously, while the house has an open design and multiple levels that include a showroom space for your cars, along with a landing pad for a Joby eVTOL air taxi.
Toyota has unveiled a modified version of the bZ4X, named the bZ Time Attack, which boasts enhanced performance with a power output exceeding 400hp, alongside significant aerodynamic improvements. This one-off vehicle, featuring a lowered stance, specialized racing components, and a stripped-down interior, serves as a prototype for future advancements in electric motorsport technology.
Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has hinted at upcoming creative endeavors following the success of the F1 film he helped produce, which has earned nearly $630 million globally since its June 2025 release. He expressed a strong passion for storytelling, mentioning potential projects in television and animation, while preferring a focus on quality over quantity in his future work.
Shaquille O’Neal's specially modified 2025 Range Rover has gone missing during transport, with authorities suspecting it was stolen through a sophisticated scam involving a hacked transport company. A reward of $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the recovery of the luxury SUV, which was being prepared for modifications before its disappearance.
A unique Fiat Coupe prototype with minimal mileage has surfaced in a classified advert, presenting in pristine condition after decades in a private collection. The vehicle, a rare 16v Turbo which is distinguishable from the production model by a few incomplete internal areas and different trim parts, escaped the destruction that usually awaits prototype models after it was sold to an employee at the Pininfarina Experience Centre.
Authorities in Columbine Valley, Colorado, mistakenly identified a woman as a package thief based on vehicle tracking data, leading to a confrontation that left her needing to prove her innocence using footage from her Rivian truck. Despite the lack of evidence linking her to the crime, the incident raises significant concerns about police practices and the implications of surveillance technology in everyday life.
Hyundai has collaborated with the YouTube duo BigTime to develop an off-road version of the Ioniq 9, set to be unveiled at the upcoming SEMA Show. This concept vehicle combines elements of electric luxury with off-road capability, featuring a lifted suspension, rugged tires, and enhanced lighting for trail use.
BMW continues its collaboration with Real Madrid by delivering a new fleet of electric vehicles to the women's football team, following the earlier distribution to the men's teams. Among the selections, the iX xDrive60 emerged as the favored choice, while other models like the iX2 xDrive30 and i5 M60 xDrive also gained popularity among the players.
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!