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Penske Addresses IndyCar Cheating Scandal
Andrew Evans
May 22, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
BMW tests solid-state battery in i7 prototype
F1 calls for social platforms to do more about toxic fan culture
Endurance Motorsport Series to deliver unique co-op racing sim experience
Nissan plans more Nismo models and new GT-R
Esteban Ocon accidentally lets F1 movie spoilers slip
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
BMW has begun real-world trials of solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles, collaborating with Solid Power to enhance energy efficiency and reduce weight in future models. The prototype, an i7 sedan, aims to evaluate thermal management challenges and benefits, positioning BMW alongside competitors like Volkswagen and Stellantis in the race for commercial viability by 2027.
Nissan is working on a revival strategy centered around a new generation of vehicles, with a particular emphasis on its high-performance Nismo sub-brand. While specific details on new Nismo offerings remain unconfirmed, the company acknowledges the challenges of developing a new GT-R in the electric vehicle era.
The 2026 Toyota RAV4 has arrived, marking a significant moment for the brand, especially considering its strong sales performance last year. This new generation is exclusively offered as a hybrid, featuring options for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and introduces a sporty GR Sport trim that enhances its design and handling characteristics.
Fiat is preparing to launch a new SUV, referred to as GigaPanda, alongside a Fastback crossover that aims to replace several existing models. The Fastback, which is set to debut by the end of 2025, will play a crucial role in Fiat's strategy to regain a stronger presence in the global automotive market.
The Nissan Micra is making a return, now fully electric and based on the new Renault 5, reflecting the ongoing collaboration between the two automakers. With a distinctive design overhaul that includes a modernized interior and two battery options, the Micra is set to launch in Europe in late 2025, although pricing details remain unannounced.
The updated Tesla Model 3 has received a 5-star overall safety rating from Euro NCAP, reflecting the brand's commitment to vehicle safety. This sedan not only performed well in occupant protection tests but also excelled in safeguarding pedestrians and cyclists, with advanced features like an Active Hood and enhanced automatic emergency braking systems.
Lotus is currently facing challenges in its production output, having sold only 5,272 vehicles in 2024, despite its affiliation with the British monarchy. To improve financial stability, Matt Windle, the new head of Lotus in Europe, aims to expand manufacturing capabilities at its Hethel plant by incorporating products from the Geely group and is actively involved in the integration with Lotus Technology.
Vauxhall is developing the Mokka GSE Rally, a prototype that aims to enhance the brand's small SUV by integrating performance features, while maintaining its affordable and efficient nature. This vehicle, designed in accordance with the FIA’s new eRally5 regulations, features a powerful electric motor and advanced rally modifications, hinting at the exciting potential of the forthcoming Mokka GSE model.
The Abarth 695 Club Italia represents a unique collaboration between Abarth and Club Italia, celebrating Italian automotive heritage through a limited run of just eight specially designed vehicles. While it features distinctive aesthetics and exclusive badges, the model retains the familiar performance characteristics found in standard versions, emphasizing the joy of driving rather than groundbreaking mechanical changes.
Jaguar Land Rover has reaffirmed its commitment to UK manufacturing, explicitly stating it will not establish production facilities in the United States despite the challenges posed by recent tariffs. The company has temporarily halted exports to the US while it evaluates its strategy in light of the evolving trade landscape, which has significant implications for the British automotive sector.
MOTORSPORT
Following the Indianapolis 500 qualifying controversy, Penske's IndyCar team has seen the departure of team president Tim Cindric and two other key executives as part of necessary organizational changes. The team faced penalties after modifications to the rear attenuator of Josef Newgarden's car led to disqualifications and sanctions from IndyCar, prompting a reevaluation of leadership within the organization.
Formula 1 has called on social media companies to enhance their measures against online harassment following incidents involving drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Jack Doohan, who faced significant abuse from fans. The situation escalated during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, prompting both the FIA and Alpine to advocate for respectful treatment of all competitors while urging the platforms to take stronger action against harmful comments.
Red Bull Racing showed significant improvements between the Miami and Imola races, with Max Verstappen transitioning from struggling against McLaren's pace to securing a dominant victory while effectively managing tire performance. The team introduced key upgrades to the RB21, including a new floor and revised side inlets, which enhanced aerodynamic stability and cooling efficiency.
Andy Cowell is optimistic that Adrian Newey's debut at the track for Aston Martin in Monaco will enhance the team's insight into necessary improvements. Although Newey has primarily focused on developing the 2026 car since his arrival in March, his presence during race weekends is expected to provide valuable perspective on the current performance of the AMR25.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, has indicated that the squad will completely reassess its approach for the Monaco Grand Prix in an effort to address its struggles with qualifying performance. Despite recent race pace improvements, Vasseur acknowledges the need to enhance single-lap speed to achieve better results, especially given the unique challenges presented by the Monaco circuit.
Max Verstappen has shared insights about his discussions with Toto Wolff from last year, when Mercedes was looking to recruit Verstappen as a potential replacement for Lewis Hamilton. The conversation helped to heal tensions stemming from their intense championship rivalry in 2021, while also touching on broader future opportunities beyond Formula 1.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed that ongoing allegations from competitor teams regarding the legality of the MCL39 car are beneficial for his squad. He believes that such distractions allow rivals to misdirect their attention away from the true factors contributing to McLaren's competitive performance.
The Monaco Grand Prix provides a unique challenge for drivers, and the 2025 race will see the introduction of new tire regulations aiming to enhance the racing experience despite the inherent difficulty of overtaking. Teams must now use three different tire sets during the race, which will lead to increased pit stop activity and potentially more exciting on-track dynamics, although the overall impact remains to be seen.
Fred Vasseur has called for an end to the scrutiny surrounding Lewis Hamilton's performance with Ferrari, emphasizing that the focus should not solely be on him as other drivers face similar challenges. Following a commendable fourth-place finish at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Hamilton expressed optimism about future potential, while Vasseur highlighted the importance of teamwork and collective effort.
IndyCar is looking to enhance the integrity of the sport following the controversy at Indianapolis. Plans are underway to establish an independent oversight group that will operate free from Penske Entertainment's influence, a move aimed at reassuring manufacturers about their continued participation in the series.
FUN STUFF
Esteban Ocon inadvertently disclosed details about an upcoming Formula 1 film during a private screening attended by some drivers and team executives in Monaco. Although drivers are bound by confidentiality agreements, Ocon shared insights about the film’s immersive racing scenes and expressed his thoughts on its realism, while also suggesting that some elements could benefit from a more cinematic approach.
The Endurance Motorsport Series, set to launch in late 2025, aims to immerse players in the collaborative dynamics of endurance racing, allowing them to switch between driving and engineering roles seamlessly during gameplay in single- and multiplayer modes. With a focus on teamwork and realistic race management, the game features a variety of renowned endurance racing vehicles and a mixture of real and fictional tracks inspired by the real world.
This week, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the unique Wienie 500, a whimsical race featuring Oscar Mayer's iconic large, hot dog-shaped Wienermobiles. The event will feature six specially themed Wienermobiles, each representing a different regional hot dog, and will be streamed live on Fox's IndyCar channels.
A TikTok challenge has highlighted a security flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai vehicles, enabling thieves to start engines with a USB cable after breaking windows and damaging steering columns, often without taking the cars. In response to a rise in thefts in Copperas Cove, Texas, local authorities are urging affected vehicle owners to inquire about available anti-theft updates or steering wheel locks to protect their cars.
A new Texas law has been enacted to allow the registration of imported Japanese mini trucks that are at least 25 years old, addressing inconsistencies in the previous enforcement of vehicle registration policies. This legislation, which simplifies the registration process without defining mini trucks, follows a sustained advocacy effort and aligns Texas with other states that have recently updated similar regulations.
Various regions across the United States are experimenting with different strategies to address the issue of speeding, including the use of digital speed displays and speed cameras. In Washington, a pilot initiative by the Department of Transportation employs speed cameras to send non-punitive reminders to drivers caught exceeding the limit, with the effectiveness of this approach still under evaluation.
PBS recently released a detailed documentary that explores a simulated multi-vehicle collision, conducted with some human drivers unaware of the nature of the event operating vehicles by remote control to ensure safety and genuine responses. Filmed on a repurposed airbase in Scotland, the one-hour and forty-minute program delves into the testing methods and the subsequent analysis, appealing to both enthusiasts and casual viewers interested in automotive safety.
A dump truck in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, crashed through a home after the driver lost consciousness due to a medical emergency, resulting in significant structural damage. Fortunately no life-threatening injuries occurred, though the incident could have had far more severe consequences for nearby pedestrians and drivers.
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!