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Nurburgring to Raze Its Rollercoaster
Andrew Evans
July 30, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Audi to reveal an all-electric sports car in September
Real Madrid’s Courtois dreams of post-football racing
Seiko releases Initial D 30th anniversary watch
British tuner gives Mustang Dark Horse a 788hp makeover
Revolut revealed as Audi’s F1 title sponsor
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Audi plans to introduce a new electric sports car concept at the upcoming IAA Mobility show, as confirmed by CEO Gernot Döllner. This forthcoming vehicle is anticipated to bridge the gap between the TT and R8 in terms of size and performance, and is expected to enter production within two years.
London-based tuner Clive Sutton has introduced a tuning package for the seventh-generation Ford Mustang, bumping power for the detuned European-market Dark Horse model up to 788hp. The power hike comes courtesy of a supercharger, while the full CS800DH package includes other performance and aesthetic improvements, all while maintaining compliance with Ford's warranty standards.
Tesla has closed the option for European customers to order new Model S and Model X vehicles, limiting availability to existing inventory only. This decision reflects a broader trend of declining sales for these once-prominent electric models, now overshadowed by the more popular Model 3 and Model Y.
Lamborghini sold more than 5,500 vehicles in the first half of 2025, reporting an operating profit of €431 million and a turnover of €1.62 billion. Company CEO Stephan Winkelmann attributed its success to the introduction of hybrid models like the Revuelto and Urus SE, while also anticipating further sales boosts with the upcoming launch of the Temerario.
Nissan has confirmed the impending closure of its Civac plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with plans to transfer its production to other facilities within the country. This decision, driven by the plant's aging infrastructure and low operational efficiency, is part of a broader strategy to enhance profitability amid the brand’s ongoing global challenges.
Tesla is contemplating the development of a compact pickup truck following disappointing sales of the Cybertruck, which has fallen significantly short of its production targets. Although discussions about a smaller pickup have emerged, the company's current focus remains heavily on autonomous vehicle technology, raising concerns about its ability to compete effectively in the electric vehicle market.
Helsinki, Finland, achieved a significant milestone by going a full year without any traffic fatalities, attributed to a combination of measures including reduced speed limits and enhanced infrastructure for non-motorized road users. This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of comprehensive safety strategies, which have also led to a notable decrease in traffic-related injuries in the city.
General Motors is facing a new lawsuit regarding the recall of its 6.2L V8 L87 engine, with claims that the proposed remedy does not adequately resolve the fundamental issues affecting numerous vehicles. Filed in Wisconsin, the suit alleges that GM has misled consumers by continuing to provide defective engines and seeks more than $5 million in damages.
MOTORSPORT
Audi's Formula 1 Team has partnered with fintech company Revolut as its primary sponsor for the upcoming 2026 season, marking a significant milestone for both entities. This collaboration goes beyond traditional sponsorship, as Revolut will play a crucial role in enhancing the team's financial operations and enriching fan engagement experiences.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois aims to elevate his motorsport team, TC Racing, from Formula 4 to higher categories like Formula 3 and potentially Formula 2, while expressing a desire to participate in GT3 racing after his football career. A dedicated motorsport enthusiast, Courtois has been involved in racing since acquiring his team in 2023 and manages an esports outfit in addition to the real-world team.
Tim Mayer, a candidate for the FIA presidency, has expressed concerns that many within the Formula 1 community are hesitant to voice their support for change due to fears of repercussions from the current leadership. He argues that this climate of intimidation underscores the need for a new direction in the organization, highlighting issues such as high staff turnover and a lack of inclusivity under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The Lamborghini SC63, which is currently participating in the IMSA SportsCar Championship's Endurance Cup, has struggled to make a significant impact since its introduction in early 2024, achieving a best finish of seventh at the 6 Hours of the Glen. With uncertainties surrounding its future and a recent split from its partner Iron Lynx, there are doubts about the car’s viability in the coming seasons.
Testing with older vehicles has become a crucial aspect of Formula 1 operations, particularly for developing junior drivers, though teams like McLaren have also involved their current drivers in these sessions. As the sport prepares for significant engine supplier changes in 2026, the FIA has established a two-year obligation for departing power unit manufacturers to continue providing engines, despite potential increases in costs.
Oscar Piastri has set a new benchmark for Australian drivers in Formula 1 by achieving six victories in a single season, surpassing the previous record held by Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones. Following his win at the Belgian Grand Prix, Piastri has increased his lead over teammate Lando Norris to 16 points as he heads into the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix.
Marcus Gronholm is set to make his return to the World Rally Championship at the upcoming Secto Rally Finland, driving a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 sponsored by Red Devil. Although he will participate in the Harju Special Stage, his runs will not count towards the official results, and he emphasized that this appearance is more about enjoyment than a serious comeback, as he focuses on supporting his son’s motorsport endeavors.
Austin Hill has received a one-week suspension from NASCAR following an incident where he appeared to deliberately crash Aric Almirola into the wall during a race at Indianapolis. While Hill contended that the collision was not intentional and his team opted not to contest the penalty, he will now miss the race in Iowa and start the playoffs with no points, as his prior bonus points will be forfeited due to the suspension.
CURIOSITIES
The Nurburgring has faced many financial challenges over the years, including an overspend on a troubled roller coaster that’s now set to be dismantled to make room for an event space. Originally intended to attract visitors with its Formula 1 theme, the Ring Racer ride encountered myriad issues, including a catastrophic failure of its launch system during testing, which resulted in injuries and property damage.
The release of a limited edition watch commemorating the 30th anniversary of the influential manga Initial D reflects its lasting impact on automotive culture. Designed in collaboration with Seiko, the timepiece incorporates elements inspired by Takumi Fujiwara's iconic Toyota AE86, featuring a two-tone face and gauges reminiscent of the car's dashboard.
The newest vehicle in President Trump's security detail is a uniquely armored Polaris Ranger XP 1000, which made its debut during his recent trip to Scotland. While this specialized four-door vehicle, informally referred to as 'Golf Force One,' is designed for potential emergency situations, Trump opted for a standard golf cart during his time on the course.
A 19-year old woman from Sydney was apprehended three times for speeding during a single trip to Melbourne, culminating in her vehicle being seized by authorities. After being caught driving her Jaguar F-Pace at speeds exceeding 200 km/h, she faces several charges, including operating a vehicle with a suspended license and tampering with confiscation notices.
The Callisburg Volunteer Fire Department in Texas recently responded to an unusual rescue involving a cat named Limpy, who found herself trapped under the hood of a Cadillac Escalade. Firefighters, lacking automotive expertise, carefully removed part of the vehicle's fender to safely free the feline without injury.
An unusual example of a Group B homologation model is available through a classified advert, in the form of the roadgoing Lancia Delta S4 Stradale. Built in a limited run of 200 vehicles to homologate Lancia’s first ever four-wheel drive rally car, the Delta S4 also features a twincharged engine which uses both turbocharging and supercharging to help deliver 250hp from the 1.8-liter engine.
A unique Ferrari 360 Modena limousine, with a mileage of 36,903 and a clean title, is currently available for sale in San Diego, though its operational status remains uncertain. Previously listed on eBay in 2018 for $95,000, this vehicle features luxury modifications such as TVs and enhanced lighting, but it may struggle to meet contemporary expectations for technology and usability.
A recent video has emerged showing a high-speed chase involving Arkansas State Police and a driver of a Chevy Blazer, who is believed to have been under the influence. The pursuit, which took place on July 10, 2025, escalated with the suspect driving recklessly at speeds nearing 100mph before ultimately being apprehended after multiple attempts by law enforcement to disable the vehicle followed by a physical confrontation.
Pontiac's limited 10th anniversary edition Trans Am, with only 7,500 units produced, features a dual-tone grey finish and is equipped with the full range of options, although most came with automatic transmissions. A 403ci engine model, which has been in storage since 1999 but which will require inspection due to body corrosion, is currently listed on eBay with the seller open to offers starting at $10,000.
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