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Nurburgring Will Count Virtual Experience Towards Race License
Andrew Evans
November 17, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Audi’s Scout-based Defender rival will be US-built
“Group B” FIAT 126 wins Hot Wheels Legends, will become a die-cast
Safety concerns bring maximum tire stint limit for Qatar GP
260mph Oldsmobile makes rare public appearance
Ford Focus reaches the end of the line after 27 years
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Audi is preparing to manufacture its first vehicles in the United States to mitigate the impact of tariffs, focusing on a new hybrid SUV tailored for American consumers. This model will be produced at a facility in South Carolina operated by Scout Motors, which is set to launch its own vehicles by late 2027.
Ford has officially ceased production of the Focus after 27 years and 12 million units sold, as the final vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Saarlouis, Germany. This decision aligns with the company's strategy to shift towards electric vehicles, leading to the introduction of new models like the Explorer and Capri, leaving the future of the Saarlouis plant uncertain.
Nissan has revealed a new plug-in hybrid of the Rogue model for the US market, comprising a badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV rather than a version of the Rogue itself. The Rogue PHEV is expected to be available in early 2026 and is largely identical to the pre-facelift Outlander PHEV, with Nissan badging and grille, bringing a 2.4-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors for a combined 248hp and an electric-only range of 38 miles.
Mazda is currently in the prototype testing phase for its inaugural dedicated electric vehicle, slated for release in 2027, which may share design elements with the CX-5. As part of a significant investment to transition its lineup towards electrification, the company is developing its own EV platform, marking a shift from its previous reliance on existing architectures.
Volkswagen is set to introduce a new generation of the T-Roc R, a performance crossover that elevates the standard model's height while delivering enhanced power and mild hybrid technology. Although this updated version will not be available in the US, it promises to offer European customers an impressive 328 horsepower and advanced features, aligning it more closely with the Golf R.
India is emerging as a significant center for automotive manufacturing, attracting substantial investments from major global brands, including Tesla, Ford, and Toyota, as they shift focus from China. After previously withdrawing from the Indian market, Ford is now committing $370 million to enhance its Chennai facility, while other manufacturers like Toyota and Suzuki plan to invest $11 billion collectively to boost production and establish India as a vital export hub.
A jury in New York has held BMW accountable for injuries sustained from the soft-close door feature in a 2013 X5, resulting in a $1.9 million judgment against the automaker for failing to adequately warn consumers about potential dangers. Despite BMW's attempts to contest the ruling, the court upheld the decision, citing violations of consumer protection laws regarding deceptive practices.
Chery's ambitious attempt to demonstrate the capabilities of its Fulwin X3L SUV on Tianmen Mountain ended in failure when the vehicle lost traction and blocked the popular tourist route for nearly two hours. The incident, attributed to a malfunctioning safety rig rather than the SUV itself, has raised concerns about the risks associated with high-profile marketing stunts in challenging environments.
MOTORSPORT
Germany's motorsport authority has revised the DMSB Permit Nordschleife (DPN) regulations to include participation in official sim racing events for the first time, following Max Verstappen's impressive performance earlier in the year. The updated criteria for Permit B now allow drivers to use results from the Digital Nurburgring Langstrecken-Serie as part of their qualification.
Pirelli has announced that during the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix weekend, each set of tyres will be limited to a maximum of 25 laps due to concerns over tyre degradation. This decision, made in collaboration with the FIA and teams, will necessitate at least two pit stops during the 57-lap race, while the shorter sprint event will not require any stops.
The FIA has announced that Mohammed Ben Sulayem is the sole candidate eligible for the upcoming presidential election. Despite initial interest from other contenders, they faced challenges in meeting the requirements for nomination, which include assembling a team of ten individuals, among them seven regional vice presidents, leading to a lack of viable opposition.
Audi's Formula 1 team principal, Mattia Binotto, acknowledged the challenges faced during the development of its proprietary power unit, describing the process as complex and time-consuming. As the German automaker prepares to enter the grid next season, Binotto emphasized that while creating the engine presents significant hurdles, achieving championship success entails overcoming a multitude of difficulties.
As Formula 1 teams prepare for the 2026 season, significant uncertainties remain regarding the performance of both power units and chassis. Pirelli's tire development process is complicated by the wide discrepancies in teams' early predictions for downforce and brake dimensions, highlighting the challenges of creating accurate simulations that do not necessarily reflect actual competitive performance on the track.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, suggested that the influence of Netflix's Drive to Survive has affected Christian Horner, the former team principal of Red Bull Racing, despite their previously amicable relationship. Brown expressed concerns about Horner's competitive tactics and the impact of fame on his behavior, indicating that the pressures of the sport have altered his approach over the years.
McLaren Racing is enhancing its Driver Development Programme by adding two new drivers and introducing a second entry in the F1 Academy series. Ella Lloyd will be joined by fellow racer Ella Stevens in 2026, while 14-year old Ella Hakkinen, the daughter of former F1 champion Mika Häkkinen, will begin testing single-seaters in preparation for the 2027 season.
Porsche is set to introduce a new junior team for the 2026-27 Formula E season, marking the brand's entry as the first to field four factory cars in the series. This strategic move aims to enhance talent development across various roles within the team, while also confirming a partnership with Cupra Kiro as its primary customer team for the upcoming Gen4 era.
Susie Wolff, managing director of F1 Academy, expressed her aspiration to increase the grid to 20 cars in the future, building on the series' growth since its inception in 2023. The all-female championship has enhanced its visibility by aligning its events with F1 weekends and introducing initiatives like wild card entries, which have helped showcase emerging talent and foster greater participation among young female drivers.
Williams Racing will take over a grandstand at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, offering fans the chance to buy tickets that include exclusive merchandise and a chance to meet team drivers. This initiative aims to enhance fan engagement and create a vibrant atmosphere at the event, which is scheduled for May 1-3, 2026.
CURIOSITIES
The annual Hot Wheels Legends Tour has announced its latest winner, a unique custom car based on the iconic Polski Fiat 126, which has been transformed to reflect the spirit of 1980s Group B rally cars. This Polish creation, known as the 126B, features a significantly upgraded engine and bodywork, along with a striking design that pays homage to classic rally aesthetics, and will soon be available as a 1:64 scale die-cast model.
The Oldsmobile Aerotech made a rare appearance at the 2025 Las Vegas Concours, standing out among contemporary hypercars due to its remarkable history of speed records. Originally developed in the 1980s to demonstrate the capabilities of Oldsmobile's Quad 4 engine, the Aerotech achieved impressive closed-course speed milestones, with its longtail variant averaging 267.399 mph.
The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport, first revealed at Monterey Car Week in 2021, is a version of the Chiron that enhances agility and driver engagement through various performance alterations, including a lighter frame and a refined suspension system. One example of the 60 built has been listed on eBay for nearly $6 million, sporting a unique blue and gold color scheme and just 3,000 miles on the odometer.
Ford has partnered with Amazon Autos to offer certified pre-owned electric vehicles through the e-commerce platform, enabling customers to explore dealer inventories, manage financing, and prepare necessary documentation online. Each vehicle comes with a warranty and inspection based on its certification level, ensuring buyers have access to reliable options while enjoying the convenience of online shopping.
Cody Detwiler, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel WhistlinDiesel, faces legal trouble after being arrested for tax evasion linked to the purchase of a Ferrari F8 that ended up burned to the ground along with a second vehicle. His initial court appearance is scheduled for November 19 in Williamson County, Tennessee.
James May is auctioning his 2010 Porsche 911 Carrera, a model known for its blend of classic dimensions and modern enhancements, after owning it for 15 years. This particular vehicle features desirable options, including a unique badge and a limited-slip differential, though it is currently ineligible for import to the United States.
Traveling north from Atlanta leads you to a notable site marked by a sign proclaiming it as "the world's oldest junkyard." Nestled in a forested area of North Georgia, Old Car City spans 34 acres and features a vast assortment of vintage American vehicles, offering a glimpse into automotive history while also serving as a unique outdoor museum.
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!