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- Porsche Teases its 963 RSP Roadgoing Racer
Porsche Teases its 963 RSP Roadgoing Racer
Andrew Evans
May 30, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Ferrari’s WEC dominance causing BOP concerns among rivals
Judges rule that movie cars are props, not characters, in Eleanor litigation
Czech made Praga Boheme sets ICE-only Top Gear track record
Piastri reaffirms team-first dynamic at McLaren
F1 movie merch now available
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Porsche has further teased a street-legal variant of its 963 endurance racer with a new short video featuring ASMR showing some of the construction techniques required for the vehicle. Now bearing the name “963 RSP”, the precise meaning of which is yet to be revealed, the car appears to include a slightly more upmarket interior and a hybrid powertrain but looks set to be a one-off creation rather than any kind of production model.
The Praga Bohema, a supercar from the Czech Republic, made its debut last year and has since made headlines by achieving a remarkable lap time at the Top Gear Test Track, outpacing all previous combustion engine-only vehicles. Powered by a modified Nissan GT-R V6 engine, this lightweight car combines impressive aerodynamics with a powerful 700hp output, allowing it to accelerate to 62 mph in under three seconds.
Recent legislation proposed by the White House seeks to eliminate a significant portion of clean energy tax incentives established under the previous administration, raising concerns among automakers like Ford. The company warns that the potential loss of tax credits for domestic battery manufacturers could jeopardize its Michigan battery facility, which is integral to its electric vehicle production plans and currently employs 1,700 workers.
Toyota is navigating uncertainty regarding its upcoming product lineup due to new tariffs imposed by the White House, which have raised concerns about the affordability of many models. The automaker is currently assessing the potential impact on pricing and production strategies as it awaits clearer guidance on how these tariffs will be implemented.
The Bentley Blower Jnr is a scaled-down version of the classic 1929 model, measuring 85 percent of the original and powered by a 20 hp electric motor, allowing for a maximum speed of 45 mph. Crafted by Hedley Studios, this road-legal tribute features a blend of traditional design elements and lightweight materials, with production set to begin soon despite its premium price point of approximately £90,000.
Tesla had indicated that it plans to introduce more budget-friendly electric vehicles in early 2025, although recent developments suggest that these may simply be modified versions of existing models rather than entirely new offerings. A recent sighting of a prototype resembling a smaller Model Y has generated speculation, but it remains uncertain whether this vehicle will feature significant design changes or enhancements.
At the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW unveiled its Concept RR, a prototype that signals a significant evolution in the design and performance of its superbike offerings. This model emphasizes lightweight construction and advanced aerodynamics, drawing inspiration from the M 1000 RR, while aiming to enhance the riding experience for both street and track enthusiasts.
Major US cellular providers have phased out their 3G networks, which has led to the discontinuation of remote services for older connected vehicles, including many Acuras from 2014 to 2022 that will lose access to the AcuraLink platform. This situation highlights the fleeting nature of automotive technology, as car owners face the reality that features tied to external networks may become obsolete long before the vehicle itself.
The Jeep Cherokee is set to return later this year after a two-year hiatus, much to the delight of its fans. Its new sixth-generation version will feature a more traditional boxy design, and while details remain limited it has been confirmed that a hybrid variant will be available, with potential for other powertrains depending on regional markets.
Elon Musk's long-promised Tesla robotaxi service is reportedly set to launch in Austin, Texas, on June 12, according to an unnamed source within the company. While preparations are underway, including recent autonomous vehicle tests on public roads, the timeline remains subject to change, reflecting Tesla's history of shifting project deadlines.
MOTORSPORT
As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, Oscar Piastri finds himself in a tight battle with his teammate Lando Norris for the drivers' championship, with only a three-point lead separating them. Both drivers have expressed their commitment to maintaining a collaborative team spirit, emphasizing the importance of their long-term goals at McLaren while navigating the competitive dynamics of their rivalry.
The recent 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps highlighted a significant disparity in performance among leading manufacturers, with both Toyota and Porsche struggling to secure podium finishes despite their previous successes. This situation has reignited discussions about the Balance of Performance regulations, as teams express concerns over the impact of past race results on current standings and the potential implications for the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours.
Max Verstappen has announced that he received a 'platinum' driver rating from the FIA, a status that could enable him to participate in upcoming GT events. This classification, which ranks drivers based on their competitive experience, places Verstappen among a select group of current F1 drivers holding the highest rating, potentially paving the way for his participation in races like the KW 6h ADAC Ruhr-Pokal-Rennen during F1’s summer break.
Fernando Alonso has remarked that contemporary Formula 1 drivers exhibit greater politeness when discussing the Monaco Grand Prix compared to the more forthright responses of legends like Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. The recent two-stop race controversy has ignited discussions about potential changes to the circuit, with suggestions from former driver Alex Wurz aimed at enhancing overtaking opportunities.
Liam Lawson has defended the Racing Bulls' strategy during the Monaco Grand Prix, asserting that their tactics were within the rules. Despite concerns about potential manipulation among teams, Lawson successfully secured eighth place, marking his first points of the season, while emphasizing that the unique characteristics of the track allowed for their approach.
Lewis Hamilton has expressed concerns regarding the FIA's decision to tighten regulations on flexible wings, arguing that this move removes a temporary solution to existing design flaws in the current cars. He believes that teams will now face greater challenges in achieving optimal performance, as they will need to rely more on mechanical adjustments to address issues like low-speed understeer and high-speed oversteer.
Max Verstappen's contract with Red Bull includes an exit clause that could allow him to leave the team for the 2026 season, but this option will expire if he remains in the top four of the drivers' championship by the end of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. Verstappen currently sits third in the standings, with a comfortable advantage over fourth and fifth, and can close the clause early with a good result in Barcelona this weekend.
George Russell acknowledged that opting for a penalty after cutting a corner in Monaco ultimately led to a better race outcome, despite recognizing the importance of adhering to rules. He expressed frustration with the tactics of his rival, Alexander Albon, who was deliberately slowing down to aid his teammate, and emphasized that his decision was driven by a desire to enhance his own race experience rather than gain an unfair advantage.
Pirelli has revealed the tyre compounds for the upcoming races, notably adjusting the selections for the British and Belgian Grands Prix. At Silverstone, the company has opted for softer compounds compared to previous years, while in Belgium it will introduce a gap between the hard and medium compounds, aiming to create more strategic variability during the races.
FUN STUFF
Shelby has successfully defended its rights in an appeals court against the widow of the director of the original Gone in 60 Seconds, who claimed that the car Eleanor was a copyrightable character. With this ruling, enthusiasts can now more freely create their own versions of the Mustang inspired by Eleanor, as the court determined that the car does not possess the necessary traits to qualify for character copyright protection.
Formula 1 is capitalizing on the excitement generated by the upcoming release of 'F1 the Movie' by introducing a new line of official merchandise ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix. The collection, which features items like caps and t-shirts adorned with the fictional APX GP team branding, is set to launch just as the film, starring Brad Pitt, prepares for its global premiere later this month.
Maryland police arrested a 16-year old after they allegedly broke into a staggering 121 vehicles during a one-night crime spree. The Laurel Police Department said it identified a suspect and executed a search warrant for his residence in Beltsville, discovering stolen items including credit cards and keys to 25 vehicles, but Maryland Department of Juvenile Services ordered his release due to a lack of prior record or violence in the offenses.
A 1999 Toyota Century, often called Japan's Rolls-Royce, is currently available for bidding in Salinas, California, with a mileage of approximately 165,900. The vehicle features a V12 engine and a significant number of in-era amenities but requires some cosmetic attention, with bids starting at $4,400 in an online auction without a reserve price.
Beginning June 5, Pennsylvania will enforce a new regulation prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, including when stopped, in an effort to combat distracted driving. Initially, offenders will receive warnings for the first year, but starting in 2026, violators will face fines, with additional penalties for those convicted of causing fatal accidents while distracted.
The Mecum auction in Indianapolis this May saw limited success for sellers, with many vehicles remaining unsold, though it still garnered attention due to the sale of two Pontiac Catalina Super Duties for over $1 million combined. Among them a 1963 Pontiac Catalina Super Duty Swiss Cheese, one of only 14 produced before the AMA racing ban, fetched a record $742,500, while a 1962 model, linked to racer Jim Wangers and featuring rare aluminum components, sold for $440,000.
Police "hood slides" on vehicles are a law enforcement technique that are a staple of movies, but can cause a surprising amount of damage to the vehicle being vaulted. A test on a Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet - which actually served as a test for a paint protection film - revealed significant damage to the car’s paint that was effectively mitigated by the product.
A 1972 Dodge Charger currently up for auction has undergone a complete restoration and significant modifications, including the installation of a NASCAR-derived 358 cubic-inch V8 engine, enhancing its performance capabilities. While the car has some cosmetic and functional imperfections, it is expected to attract interest due to its unique upgrades and classic muscle car appeal.
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