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Porsche Reveals Special 911 Honoring F.A. Porsche's 90th Birthday
Andrew Evans
December 12, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
FIA President Ben Sulayem re-elected without opposition
Three million Brits caught speeding in 2025, 1,500 north of 112mph
Genesis Magma GT; cabrio and hardcore GT3 road car coming
Why Helmut Marko is leaving Red Bull Racing
McLaren's $1,999 gaming chair unveiled - with no takebacks
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Porsche has introduced the 2027 911 GT3 90 F.A. Porsche, a limited-edition model priced at $387,000, with only 90 units set to be produced in honor of F.A. Porsche's 90th birthday. This collector's car features personalized design elements that pay homage to F.A. Porsche's legacy, including unique interior materials and a special exterior color inspired by his own 911.
Genesis is set to introduce a diverse lineup of its upcoming mid-engine Magma GT, which will include variants such as a convertible and a performance-oriented GT3 model. Although the GT3 class requires a minimum of 250 road-legal units for homologation, the brand plans to produce significantly more, emphasizing a range of options that blend luxury with high performance.
A prototype of what could be the Range Rover Sport SVR has been observed in testing at the Nurburgring, with new design elements and indicating higher performance expectations. Likely featuring BMW M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, anticipated to deliver more than the SV’s 626hp, the car is set for an official unveiling in 2026 with a price in the region of $200,000.
Mercedes has introduced a new initiative named XX Tomorrow, focused on enhancing the efficiency of recycling, reusing, and reducing materials in its vehicles. This program addresses the complexities of modern car manufacturing by prioritizing sustainable design practices, beginning with innovations in headlight construction to facilitate easier disassembly and recycling.
Rivian has challenged Tesla's reliance on cameras for self-driving technology by introducing its proprietary silicon chip and a new lidar system during its AI and Autonomy Day in California. The automaker plans to implement lidar in its upcoming R2 model, enhancing its hands-free driver-assist system with improved spatial awareness and detection capabilities, also indicating that R1 models will benefit thereafter.
SK On has decided to take control of the Tennessee battery plant previously part of its joint venture with Ford, while Ford will manage two adjacent factories in Kentucky following the dissolution of their partnership. This shift comes amid declining electric vehicle sales in the US and a reevaluation of a significant government loan initially allocated to support their collaboration.
Stellantis is currently evaluating its extensive lineup of 14 automotive brands to assess their future viability, particularly in Europe, where several brands are struggling with market overlap. While some brands may face retirement, the company aims to enhance overall sales volume by developing more affordable models and adjusting its electric vehicle strategy.
Mansory, renowned for its lavish modifications, has unveiled an extensive aerodynamic kit for the 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost, while also enhancing the car’s performance. This upgrade includes a redesigned front bumper with new LED features, a sporty rear diffuser, and an impressive power boost to 720hp from the original V12 engine.
The new Fiat Fastback, has been spotted in testing with the camouflage disguising a striking red exterior on the compact sport utility vehicle. Based on the Grande Panda, this model draws inspiration from the 2024 Fastback concept and aims to attract European and UK buyers with its sporty crossover appearance, a modern interior with a digital instrument panel, and powertrain options ranging from electric to a three-cylinder engine.
MOTORSPORT
Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been re-elected as president of the FIA, having stood unopposed due to specific election regulations that barred other candidates. He secured over 91% of the votes during the FIA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and will continue in his role for another four years, concluding in December 2029.
Helmut Marko has announced his departure from Red Bull's Formula 1 program at the end of the year, attributing his decision largely to the disappointment of Max Verstappen narrowly missing the championship title in 2025. After a lengthy tenure with the team, Marko noted that his choice to leave was influenced by the challenges faced during the season and the upcoming regulatory changes in F1.
Max Verstappen, who finished second in the 2025 F1 championship, will miss the FIA Awards due to seasonal flu, opting not to travel to Tashkent after a recent visit to Red Bull's factory. Despite his absence, he received a nomination for the FIA Action of the Year for a notable overtaking maneuver at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix earlier in the season.
Kondo Racing has expressed support for Jack Doohan after his challenging debut in Super Formula, which included three crashes at the same corner during the Suzuka post-season test. Despite these setbacks, team manager Nobuaki Adachi highlighted Doohan's potential and stated the team's commitment to helping him improve before the next test.
The upcoming RallyX Americas series is set to launch next year, featuring three double-header events at renowned racetracks in the US and Canada, marking a revival for rallycross in North America after several previous series ended. The inaugural season will include a mix of established and new classes, catering to both professional and grassroots competitors, with the first event scheduled for June at Crandon International Raceway.
Vanwall is preparing to re-enter Hypercar racing in the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series with an enhanced version of its 680 model, following a hiatus since the conclusion of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship. The team, led by Colin Kolles, has made significant modifications to its powertrain and overall design, aiming to resolve previous performance issues ahead of a potential return to the World Endurance Championship.
Virginia International Raceway has announced its complete acquisition of the land on which it operates, a move that the management believes will facilitate future growth and development. This transition from a long-term lease to ownership is expected to enhance strategic planning and enable the facility to expand its offerings in the motorsport arena.
A new ownership consortium, spearheaded by Peter Thomson of the Woodbridge Group, has acquired Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, while retaining the current management team led by Myles Brandt. The group plans to honor the venue's rich heritage and engage with its community, revealing its vision for future development at the upcoming Canadian International Auto Show in February.
As the festive season approaches, Silverstone has revived its popular Lap of Lights event, allowing attendees to drive their own vehicles around the iconic circuit adorned with vibrant light displays. This family-friendly experience features various attractions, including an ice skating track and a Santa’s grotto, making it a memorable outing for visitors of all ages.
CURIOSITIES
In the past year, over three million drivers in the UK have been recorded for speeding, with 1,570 of those exceeding 112mph, leading advocates for road safety to call for enhanced education and stricter enforcement measures. A report revealed that Northamptonshire had the highest number of extreme speed violations, while overall speeding incidents were most prevalent in London, prompting calls for a cultural shift to make such dangerous driving behavior socially unacceptable.
Secretlab has partnered with McLaren to produce a limited edition gaming chair featuring a carbon fiber design inspired by the automaker's supercars, with only 100 units available at a price of $1,999 each. Buyers should note that all sales of the seat, based on Secretlab’s Titan Evo seat and featuring microsuede and four-way lumbar support, are final, meaning no returns, cancellations, or exchanges will be permitted after purchase, while a less expensive Titan Evo McLaren Edition is also available at $799.
Ohio's Bureau of Motor Vehicles has rejected nearly 900 custom license plate requests this year, many of which feature humorous or inappropriate content. While some submissions included explicit references and drug-related terms, others were simply quirky or benign, highlighting ongoing debates about government regulation of personal expression on vanity plates.
The trailer for the upcoming live-action adaptation of Street Fighter has sparked excitement among fans, particularly for its inclusion of a nostalgic car-destroying scene reminiscent of the iconic bonus stage from Street Fighter II. Set to release in October 2026, the film’s trailer features a short clip of a Lexus LS400 being attacked, reflecting the game's history with these additional sequences.
California is exploring a mileage-based road usage fee to address the anticipated decline in gas tax revenue, which currently funds a significant portion of road maintenance. A recent pilot program assessed various methods for tracking mileage, but concerns about equity, privacy, and the impact of different vehicle types on road wear have emerged alongside the proposal.
A man in Ormond Beach, Florida, was arrested after allegedly stealing an unlocked BMW convertible while the owner was away, claiming that he was teleported into the vehicle by the X-Men. Following a high-speed crash that left him injured, he was taken to the hospital and subsequently charged with grand theft and driving with a suspended license.
A California man found himself in legal trouble shortly after purchasing a Ford Mustang, as he was arrested for allegedly driving at 139mph just an hour after leaving the dealership. The California Highway Patrol impounded the vehicle, citing reckless driving that posed a significant danger to other road users.
The unique Haagen-Dazs Cadillac, a remarkable blend of luxury and artistry, has been donated to the Petersen Automotive Museum, marking its evolution from a marketing concept to a celebrated cultural artifact. Following its exhibition in The Vault, the museum plans to auction the vehicle, with proceeds dedicated to supporting educational programs in automotive history and innovation.
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