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Porsche to Withdraw from World Endurance Championship
Andrew Evans
October 07, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
The Walking Dead auction features iconic vehicles
Lamborghini Manifesto concept previews future design direction
Toto Wolff wants F1 to head back to “untapped market” of Korea
Ferrari opens dedicated EV facility and test track at Fiorano
Japan's next PM owns and restored a Mk3 Toyota Supra
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Lamborghini has introduced the Manifesto, a striking concept car revealed informally via Instagram by the brand's design chief, Mitja Borkert, rather than through a typical launch event. This futuristic design retains key elements of Lamborghini's aesthetic, featuring a glass canopy and prominent rear tire display, while hinting at potential influences for future models without any plans for production.
Ferrari has constructed a new testing facility named E-Vortex adjacent to its iconic Fiorano track, aiming to shift prototype evaluations away from public roads. This 1,887-meter circuit, completed in under four months, features various sections tailored for assessing different vehicle characteristics, while a dedicated workshop supports static testing and development work.
In late 2024, Tesla began distributing FSD v13 to vehicles equipped with the latest HW4 hardware, marking the most substantial update to its Full Self-Driving initiative in nearly a year. The forthcoming FSD v14 incorporates insights from the company's Robotaxi project and introduces various enhancements, including improved parking options and navigation capabilities, although it still requires driver oversight at all times.
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme recently took the single-direction speed record for a production road car from the Bugatti Chiron with a 308mph pass, but Engineering Explained believes that it could be capable of far more. Without an official figure for the 2,977hp electric car’s drag coefficient an exact calculation isn’t possible but it’s estimated that, with a sufficiently long road and speed-appropriate tires, the U9 could hit more than 400mph if the battery pack held enough charge to do so.
Skoda has introduced a new special edition of the Fabia to commemorate its 130th anniversary, marking it as the quickest iteration of the supermini to date despite not wearing the sporting vRS badge. This limited model, based on the Fabia Monte Carlo, features an upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that now delivers 174hp, while also incorporating various mechanical improvements and a sportier design.
Mercedes has decided to discontinue the EQB electric vehicle, which had a starting price of $53,050, as it prepares to introduce a revamped GLB model featuring EQ technology. The decision follows a significant decline in EQB sales, which fell by 36% last year in the US, prompting the company to focus on upcoming electric SUVs inspired by the new CLA.
California regulators have initiated enforcement actions against Tesla Insurance Services and its partners for repeatedly breaching state laws related to claims processing, resulting in a dramatic increase in consumer complaints. With nearly 2,000 grievances filed in 2025 alone, the companies face potential license suspension and hefty fines if they do not adequately address the allegations within a specified timeframe.
Kia has announced that production of the Soul will conclude in October 2025, following the sale of over 1.5 million units in the US This distinctive crossover, which played a pivotal role in reshaping Kia's brand identity, leaves behind a notable legacy despite declining sales in recent years.
Italy has introduced a trade-in scheme for low-income buyers that will award them up to $13,000 off a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) when trading in a car made up to August 2015. A similar plan in Germany saw buyers pick up cheaper models and run the cars for a short time before selling to customers in other European countries to buy newer cars than their original vehicles, resulting in higher sales of imported brands and little impact on domestic fleet electrification.
MOTORSPORT
Porsche has officially announced the conclusion of its World Endurance Championship program at the end of the current season, redirecting its focus towards the IMSA SportsCar Championship and Formula E amid ongoing financial challenges. This shift marks a significant loss for the WEC, as Porsche's legacy and competitive presence in endurance racing will be deeply felt, particularly given its historical achievements and strong brand association with the sport.
Toto Wolff has commented on the potential for reviving the South Korean Grand Prix, highlighting the country's significant yet underexplored market for Formula 1. He noted that with the sport's growing popularity, particularly among younger demographics, there is an opportunity to reintroduce a race in South Korea, which has been absent since 2013.
Nico Hulkenberg attributed his spin during the Singapore Grand Prix to Franco Colapinto's unexpected braking, which he felt was significantly earlier than anticipated. Despite Hulkenberg's criticism, Colapinto maintained that he was ahead and had no obligation to adjust his line, while both drivers faced challenges throughout the race, with Hulkenberg finishing last and Colapinto expressing frustration over the lack of pace.
Max Verstappen faced multiple challenges during the Singapore Grand Prix, where he managed to maintain second place despite difficulties with his car's performance. Although he started on soft tyres in an attempt to gain an early advantage, issues with grip and mechanical reliability shifted his focus to defending his position rather than attacking the leaders.
George Russell has expressed that contracts in Formula 1 should prioritize fairness for both parties, while he downplayed claims of being a tough negotiator amid ongoing discussions regarding his future with Mercedes. As negotiations extend towards the 2026 season, Russell emphasized that he is not concerned about the timeline, despite speculation surrounding his desire for a longer-term agreement.
After the Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton shared a lighthearted video on social media in response to Fernando Alonso's frustrated radio messages during the race. Despite struggling with brake issues and receiving a time penalty that dropped him to eighth place, Hamilton humorously referenced Alonso's disbelief with a clip featuring a well-known sitcom character expressing a similar sentiment.
Red Bull Racing is actively enhancing its RB21 model with recent upgrades, including a new floor introduced at Monza, which Max Verstappen noted has contributed positively to the team's performance. However, team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged that while these developments may provide immediate benefits, they could also complicate preparations for the 2026 regulations due to the constraints imposed by the cost cap and aerodynamic testing restrictions.
Legal representatives for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports recently met with NASCAR's counsel to discuss their ongoing antitrust dispute, but no resolution was reached. Consequently, NASCAR has requested a judicial settlement conference in North Carolina, emphasizing the potential benefits of having a judge facilitate discussions, while the two teams advocate for continued mediation with their current mediator.
CURIOSITIES
A month-long auction of more than 1,000 items that featured in the TV series The Walking Dead and associated spin-off shows includes several vehicles, from motorbikes up to an RV which all had roles to play in the plot. Among the lots on offer is a six-wheeled “MRAP” as driven by Maggie Grace’s character Althea, a Winnebago Chieftain which starred in the first two seasons, and a selection of motorbikes ridden by Norman Reedus’s Daryl.
Sanae Takaichi has recently been elected to lead Japan's ruling party, positioning her to become the country's first female Prime Minister pending confirmation. Takaichi is also well-known for her long-standing connection to a Mk3 Toyota Supra, which she restored after years of storage, sparking excitement among automotive fans, who hope her leadership will positively influence Japan's automotive industry.
BMW has ventured into the watersports arena with the BMW x SipaBoards, an electric stand-up paddleboard developed in collaboration with the Slovakian company and inspired by Neue Klasse design. Priced at approximately €3,990, the board includes an integrated motor for enhanced paddling ease and is equipped with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to track their performance and routes via a smartphone app.
InstaVolt, a leading fast charging provider in the UK, is implementing advanced security measures to combat cable theft by incorporating GPS tracking technology into its charging cables. This initiative, which also includes cut-resistant sleeves and forensic dye, aims to enhance the protection of charging infrastructure and assist law enforcement in recovering stolen equipment.
In a peculiar incident in Indianapolis, former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was stabbed during a confrontation with a truck driver, leading to his arrest while he was hospitalized. The altercation began when Sanchez insisted that the driver move his vehicle, resulting in a physical struggle that escalated dramatically.
A recent incident involving a Xiaomi SU7 sedan in Weihai, China, raised alarms when the vehicle appeared to drive itself, prompting the owner to chase after it. Xiaomi clarified that the unexpected movement was triggered by a valid remote parking command from the owner's iPhone, which was misidentified during initial communications, leading to confusion and concern.
A well-preserved 1996 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, with only 2,530 miles on the odometer, is currently available for sale in Fort Myers, Florida, having been kept in a climate-controlled environment since its purchase. This model, featuring a 4.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 305hp, is accompanied by all original documentation and has recently undergone maintenance, including fluid changes and new tires.
A high-speed pursuit in California ended dramatically when a yellow C7 Chevy Corvette crashed violently after the driver lost control on surface streets. The incident, which took place in Jurupa Valley, left the vehicle destroyed with significant damage to its front end and mechanical components scattered, while the driver was hospitalized and is now facing multiple charges.
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