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Pixar's Cars to Star in Magic Kingdom Expansion
Andrew Evans
June 05, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Red Bull seeks young driver exemption for F1
Volvo reinvents seatbelts again, with new adaptive functions
Zeekr 001 crash sparks safety debate
Honda Civic Type R's final edition
Michelin launches new hypercar tires for 2026 season
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The current generation of Honda Civic Type R is set to conclude its sales in the UK and Europe next year due to new emissions standards. To commemorate its legacy, Honda is releasing a limited edition called the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition, with only 40 units available across Europe, including 10 for the UK market, each priced at £57,905.
Volvo has long been recognized for its commitment to automotive safety, having pioneered numerous innovations such as the three-point seatbelt. The company’s latest advancement, featured in the upcoming EX60 electric crossover, introduces multi-adaptive seatbelts that adjust their firmness in real-time to provide tailored protection for occupants based on individual characteristics and crash conditions.
Opel has been teasing the upcoming performance model of the Mokka EV, called GSE to reflect the marque’s classic performance brand, in an unusually eye-catching camouflage bearing luminous yellow markings and “OMG” graphics. Specifications aren’t confirmed at present, though a rally model of the car sports a 207kW, front-mounted motor in identical configuration to the sibling Abarth 600e and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and a reveal is expected soon.
The refreshed Kia Sportage is set to hit UK dealerships this summer, featuring both petrol and hybrid engine options. With updated exterior styling that aligns it with newer models and a modernized interior equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display, the crossover offers enhanced functionality and space, accommodating five passengers and providing ample boot capacity.
Skoda's upcoming electric vehicle, previewed by the Vision 7S concept and referred to in-house as the “Space”, has been spotted during testing at the Nurburgring. This new seven-seater uses the Volkswagen Group MEB platform and will be Skoda’s largest EV to date, sharing technologies with Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.6.
Tesla is engaged in a legal dispute with The Washington Post over the release of crash data related to its advanced driver-assistance systems, arguing that public disclosure could lead to financial repercussions. It contends that competitors might exploit this information to evaluate its technology's performance and effectiveness, while the Post maintains that such data should be accessible.
Utrecht in the Netherlands has launched a pioneering car-sharing initiative, Utrecht Energized, marking the introduction of Europe’s first extensive Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) service. The project features a fleet of battery-electric Renault 5 E-Tech vehicles, managed by car-sharing brand MyFleet, which can be used as storage to balance out energy demands during peak times in a nation which leads the world in solar and wind power generation.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull is seeking an exemption from the FIA for Arvid Lindblad to obtain a Formula 1 superlicence, which would allow the 17-year-old to step in as a potential driver if needed as world champion Max Verstappen is on the brink of a race ban. The decision on this request will be made at the FIA's upcoming World Motor Sport Council meeting, as Lindblad has already accumulated enough points through his junior racing successes, despite being under the minimum age requirement.
Michelin plans to launch a new line of slick tyres for the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2026, featuring 50% sustainable materials, surpassing its previous goal of 40%. This initiative aligns with the company's broader commitment to achieving 100% sustainability in road tyres by 2050, while also enhancing performance and durability in competitive racing.
Johnny Herbert asserts that Max Verstappen's competitors are increasingly willing to challenge him, as evidenced by George Russell's assertive maneuver during the Spanish Grand Prix restart. The former driver contends that this shift in mindset indicates a growing confidence among drivers to confront Verstappen on the track, although he also cautions against the emergence of unsportsmanlike tactics in racing.
Lance Stroll was unable to participate in the Spanish Grand Prix due to complications from a previous wrist injury sustained during a cycling accident, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. With Aston Martin's plans centered on Stroll's recovery, the team may need to consider alternative drivers, including potential options from Mercedes, if he is unable to race.
Kimi Antonelli has faced a challenging period in Formula 1, marked by multiple setbacks that have impacted his performance, according to Mercedes technical director James Allison. Despite these difficulties, Allison remains hopeful about Antonelli's growth, noting that the experiences gained during high-pressure races will contribute positively to his development as a driver.
Red Bull's recent tyre testing in Barcelona has provided insights into the expected reduction in downforce for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with predictions suggesting a decrease of approximately 15-20% compared to current vehicles. During the tests, Yuki Tsunoda drove a modified version of the RB19, revealing wing configurations that align more closely with tracks favoring speed, indicating a significant shift in the performance dynamics anticipated for next year.
On July 2-3, the McLaren Formula 1 team will transform Trafalgar Square into a hub for racing enthusiasts with McLaren Racing Live: London, an event designed to highlight the team's innovations and vehicles ahead of its home Grand Prix. Attendees can engage with various activities, including racing simulations and a merchandise shop, while team members will be present to connect with fans in anticipation of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
ODDITIES
Disney's Magic Kingdom in Florida is to gain a new attraction themed around the "Cars" franchise, named Piston Peak National Park, in what’s set to be the largest expansion in the park’s history. Construction is expected to begin soon, with an estimated opening in 2027, with the venue offering an immersive outdoor experience inspired by the Rocky Mountains and American Frontier.
A recent crash involving a Zeekr 001 FR performance electric vehicle in China resulted in the car splitting apart, with the driver escaping with seemingly minor injuries despite the vehicle's severe damage. The incident has sparked a debate online, with some praising the car's safety features while others criticize its construction despite the model receiving high safety ratings in crash tests.
A Ferrari SF90 Stradale which was involved in a rollover accident in Perth, Australia, last year has become available to buy through a salvage auction, even though the nature of the damage means it can never again be used on the road anywhere in the country. The vehicle, equipped with an optional “Assetto Fiorano” package, bears significant damage, but potential exists to part it out or repair for track-day use, with the high bid at around US$50,000 at present.
Shaquille O'Neal has recently parted ways with several of his older vehicles to accommodate new additions to his custom fleet, including the sale of his adapted Dodge Charger Hellcat. The buyer was reportedly a 15-year-old boy who used a cryptocurrency windfall to purchase the 707hp performance sedan.
Mitchell Kohrmann embarked on an ambitious journey with his 2010 Audi R8, driving 10,000 miles from Ohio to Alaska, and up the gravel-surface Dalton Highway into the Arctic Circle and back. The novelty of seeing such a supercar making the treacherous trip attracted local attention, and the car proved reliable other than a broken water pump caused by striking a rock.
Retromobile is finally set to make its debut in New York City next November after a delay, marking its first appearance outside of Paris since it began in 1976. The event will allow American car enthusiasts to enjoy an array of historically significant and unusual vehicles rarely seen in the US, with 200-250 exhibitors across 400,000 square feet at the Javitz Center.
Three teenagers, all aged 14 and 15, are facing a total of 136 felony charges related to a series of vehicle break-ins in LaGrange, Georgia, including theft and firearms offenses. Local authorities are actively pursuing further evidence and potential victims as they continue their investigation into these incidents.
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