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Opel/Vauxhall Reveal 800hp Corsa GSE Concept in Real and Virtual Forms
Andrew Evans
August 20, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Xiaomi to bring its electric cars in Europe in 2027
Cadillac F1 reportedly completes Bottas signing
More approachable iRacing Arcade title launching in 2026
Ford influence at Red Bull Racing set to expand
McLaren MP4/4 engineer reveals analog supercar for the road
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Xiaomi is set to introduce its electric vehicles to the European market by 2027, following the successful launch of its first two models in China. Despite facing production challenges and long wait times for customers, the company is preparing for international expansion while aiming to position its EVs as premium offerings in Europe.
Steve Nichols, the engineer behind one of F1’s most dominant cars has revealed the Nichols N1A ICON 88 at Monterey Car Week. Paying homage to the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 as driven by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to 15 grand prix victories in the 16 races that season, the N1A features a lightweight design employing graphene and a seven-liter V8 engine, all crafted to deliver a driving experience reminiscent of classic motorsport.
The upcoming Cupra Tindaya concept car, set to debut at the Munich motor show on September 8, will introduce a new phase in the brand's design evolution, particularly emphasizing interior aesthetics. Named after a volcanic mountain in Fuerteventura, the vehicle is anticipated to feature a striking cabin design and will be unveiled alongside a camouflaged version of the new Raval, Cupra's forthcoming entry-level model.
Bugatti has confirmed that both the Bolide and Tourbillon are completely booked until 2029, with the limited production run of the Tourbillon exceeding its 250-unit limit and leaving many potential buyers on a waiting list. This high demand reflects the brand's strong market position, contrasting sharply with other manufacturers grappling with production challenges and evolving automotive trends.
Owners of the Tesla Cybertruck are facing difficulties as several insurance providers are discontinuing policies due to concerns over the vehicle's low production figures and distinctive design, which complicates repair assessments. With sales dropping significantly in recent months, many Cybertruck owners are now compelled to search for alternative insurance options amid these challenges.
BMW is addressing the issue of counterfeit spare parts with an innovative security feature: a digitally verifiable hologram strip created in collaboration with KURZ SCRIBOS. This advanced strip combines physical and digital verification methods, making it difficult for counterfeiters to produce replicas, thereby enhancing the integrity of BMW's extensive parts network and ensuring customer safety.
The California Energy Commission is launching its Fast Charge California Project, which provides up to $55 million in funding to fully cover the installation of DC fast chargers at public locations, with applications open until October 29. This initiative, part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project, emphasizes equity by prioritizing sites in underserved communities and aims to facilitate the installation of additional fast chargers to support the state's transition to zero-emission vehicles.
In urban areas across the United States, the rise of e-bikes and electric scooters is reshaping transportation, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional vehicles. However, the rapid integration of these modes into existing traffic systems has sparked debate among lawmakers and citizens alike, as they grapple with the challenges of creating regulations that accommodate both conventional bicycles and high-speed electric models.
MOTORSPORT
Cadillac has reportedly signed Valtteri Bottas as its first driver for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, marking the Finnish veteran's return to the sport. As the team prepares for its debut, Bottas is expected to begin early preparations, potentially including test sessions with older cars, while the identity of his teammate remains uncertain.
Ford has announced an expanded role in its collaboration with Red Bull as the team prepares for its return to Formula 1 in 2026, focusing on the development of the new power unit and its integration with the vehicle. The automaker's involvement has grown to include contributions beyond the engine, as it aims to enhance various aspects of the car's design and performance amid significant changes in regulations and team personnel.
Rookie driver Oliver Bearman has experienced a significant boost in confidence following Haas's upgrade at the British Grand Prix, which enabled him to achieve his best qualifying result of the season. Despite facing challenges in subsequent races, including mechanical issues and strategic setbacks, Bearman remains optimistic about building on his recent progress as he aims to contribute to Haas's competitiveness in the midfield during the remainder of the season.
Nico Hulkenberg was considered for a seat alongside Max Verstappen in 2021, but Red Bull ultimately chose Sergio Pérez after his unexpected win at the Sakhir Grand Prix shifted the team's focus. Helmut Marko reflected on the decision, suggesting that Hulkenberg, who has since returned to Formula 1, could have provided a more stable performance alongside Verstappen.
Formula 1 is striving for carbon neutrality by 2030, with significant progress already made towards reducing emissions by achieving a 26% reduction at the end of the 2024 season. This initiative extends beyond vehicle design to encompass all aspects of the sport's operations, with advancements in sustainable fuel and hybrid technology expected to influence the automotive industry at large.
JLOC's leader Isao Noritake has indicated that the team is contemplating a shift to Lamborghini's upcoming Temerario GT3 for the 2026 season, although it has yet to finalize this decision due to ongoing challenges with the Balance of Performance regulations. The team, which has been competing with the Huracan since 2016, opted out of the Suzuka 1000km race, citing concerns over current performance limitations and the need to reassess its competitive strategy.
The entry of TGM Grand Prix as Toyota's latest Super Formula team has diminished the presence of independent squads within the series, which has long been influenced by the dominant engine suppliers. However, the emergence of Delightworks Racing, with plans to expand its roster and a commitment to fostering talent outside the established giants, could help restore balance and diversity to the grid in the coming years.
Austin Dillon's recent victory at Richmond Raceway secures him a spot in the NASCAR playoffs, despite his team not being viewed as serious championship contenders. This situation highlights ongoing debates about the playoff eligibility criteria, as several drivers with strong overall performances remain outside the post-season, raising questions about the fairness of the current format.
CURIOSITIES
Vauxhall and Opel jointly revealed an 800hp concept car called the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, which will be available in Gran Turismo 7 later this year and highlights the GSE performance sub-brand. This electric vehicle, featuring impressive performance specifications, will be presented as a full-sized model at upcoming events in Germany, including the IAA Mobility Show and the GT World Series, with a potential in-game release in late September.
iRacing Studios has announced the upcoming release of iRacing Arcade, designed to attract a broader audience and set to debut on PC this fall and consoles in 2026. Developed in collaboration with Vancouver's Original Fire Games, this title aims to merge officially licensed vehicles and tracks with a more playful aesthetic, while still emphasizing competitive gameplay through weekly events and player progression.
Straight4 Studios has unveiled a new trailer for Project Motor Racing for Gamescom, revealing significant features and car and track additions. The video highlights the inclusion of the Nurburgring Nordschleife, the dynamic weather system, and confirms a lineup of vehicles from Porsche and Ford, along with several iconic racing circuits.
Hertz has begun offering its used rental cars for sale on Amazon Autos, initially available in select cities such as Dallas and Los Angeles, with plans to expand to additional locations. Customers within a 75-mile radius of these cities can start exploring the inventory soon, as Hertz aims to increase its presence to 45 sites nationwide, providing a broader selection of vehicles from various manufacturers.
A one-off Polaris RZR, reportedly created in collaboration with Porsche Engineering for development and testing purposes, has emerged for sale at auction despite it being common for such cars to be destroyed once surplus to requirements. This unique variant sports Porsche and Audi braking components, seats from a 911 GT3 RS, and is rear-wheel drive rather than the usual all-wheel drive.
Navigation application Tmap, the most popular such app in Korea, has asserted that its gamified driving score system has contributed to a reduction of over 31,000 accidents in South Korea. 19 million users have engaged with the app, which uses tracking data to rate driving and gives rewards for smooth driving, but this innovative approach also raises significant privacy concerns.
Nacon's newly launched Revosim line is set to expand its offerings with the recently released RS Pure wheelbase soon to gain Xbox- and PlayStation-compatible variants. While details on pricing and release dates remain undisclosed, the company aims to ensure compatibility with existing accessories and is expected to provide more information in the near future.
During Monterey Car Week, a rare Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster collided with a Jaguar F-Pace SVR after it hit a third car, resulting in significant damage to the supercar. Fortunately, despite the incident, all individuals involved emerged uninjured, and police removed the damaged vehicle from the roadway by pushing it with their cruiser.
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!