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Renault 5 Turbo Returns
Andrew Evans
December 13, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! In our latest edition we’re hearing about the reborn Renault 5 Turbo, coming back as a 500hp EV hot hatch, a limited-edition Lotus Emira, and a continuation/resto-mod Ford Escort RS. Tire technology is highlighted too, as the Porsche Carrera GT beats its original Nurburgring lap time on modern rubber, while a dinky kei truck shod with F1’s wet-weather tires proves virtually unstoppable off-road. If you enjoy our round-up, why not share it with like-minded friends?
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Renault's upcoming 5 Turbo 3E concept car, set for production in 2026, will feature a bespoke platform and in-wheel motor technology, delivering over 500bhp and a 0-62mph time of less than 3.5 seconds. The design aims to enhance agility and performance, with a focus on aerodynamics and cooling, while production numbers are expected to be limited and priced above £100,000.
Volkswagen is contemplating relocating Golf production from Germany to Mexico to enhance profit margins amid rising labor costs and increased demand for affordable vehicles. The move could facilitate the return of the hatchback to the North American market, although production of performance variants like the GTI and Golf R would remain in Germany.
Genesis has unveiled the updated Electrified GV70, featuring a larger 84 kWh battery, refined interior with a 27″ OLED display, and enhanced exterior design elements, including a redesigned grille and new lighting. The electric SUV is expected to offer a driving range of over 250 miles and will begin arriving at US dealers in the first half of 2025, with lease incentives available to promote sales.
The BMW i8's anticipated successor, the i16, was nearly completed with a 560-horsepower hybrid drivetrain before BMW's M division decided to cancel the project in favor of the XM SUV. Author Steve Saxty revealed that the i16 retained key design elements from the i8 and was 95 percent finished, highlighting the challenges faced by automakers in balancing market demands with the development of performance-focused vehicles.
Lotus has introduced a limited series of the Emira, featuring five classic motorsport liveries, each limited to 12 examples, in homage to the brand's racing history. The series includes designs inspired by iconic Lotus cars, such as Jim Clark's Type 25 and Ayrton Senna's 97T, and serves as a precursor to the upcoming 'Chapman Bespoke' program, which will allow for further customization options starting in 2025.
Tesla has urged the UK government to impose higher costs on consumers purchasing new polluting vehicles, advocating for stronger regulations on zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) despite opposition from other manufacturers facing stringent targets. A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that Tesla has been lobbying for these changes, emphasizing the need for "revenue neutral" incentive schemes to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Boreham Motorworks has unveiled its Ford Escort Mk1 RS, a continuation model that is entirely new yet retains the original's dimensions and design elements, set to be produced in a limited run of 150 units. The car features two engine options, including a standard 1,845cc Twin Cam and an optional 2,100cc unit, and emphasizes a driving experience reminiscent of the original, with modern amenities and a focus on performance without electronic aids like ABS or traction control.
Mercedes-AMG is developing two new electric performance vehicles: a high-powered SUV and a four-door coupe, both utilizing the brand's new AMG.EA architecture. The SUV, recently spotted in cold-weather testing in Sweden, is designed with a four-door coupe-like appearance and is expected to exceed 1,000 horsepower, while the coupe will replace the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and share similar powertrain technology.
Brembo and Michelin are collaborating to develop car-management software that integrates real-time tire data—such as load, wear, and grip—with brake control systems, aiming to enhance vehicle safety and performance. Their project, which includes Brembo's Sensify system leveraging AI and predictive algorithms, is still in development and has shown promising results in testing, including improved braking distance and traction management.
BMW is recalling several thousand vehicles from its 2024 model lineup due to a defect in the steering system that could lead to dangerous driving conditions. The recall affects various models, including the 5 Series, 7 Series, i5, i7, and the hybrid M5, with issues stemming from a faulty double universal joint in the steering spindle, although no accidents or injuries have been reported in either Germany or the United States.
A Norwegian court has ordered Tesla to pay a former employee, Lukasz Krupski, nearly $190,000 in damages and legal fees after finding the company violated his rights as a whistleblower. Krupski had disclosed significant security flaws and data protection issues within Tesla, including problems with the Autopilot system, leading to his aggressive dismissal and subsequent legal action against the company.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates that taller vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups, significantly increase the risk of serious injuries to pedestrians, especially at higher speeds. The research analyzed 202 pedestrian crashes and found that while the risk of severe injury rises with speed, it escalates dramatically when a vehicle with a taller front end is involved, prompting discussions about potentially lowering speed limits in residential areas.
As Donald Trump prepares for his second presidency, the automotive industry is closely examining Project 2025, a blueprint from The Heritage Foundation that outlines potential changes to fuel economy standards, emissions regulations, and the future of electric vehicles. The document suggests a shift in regulatory authority from the EPA to the DOT, critiques existing emissions regulations, and raises concerns about the implications for both traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and the development of autonomous vehicles.
MOTORSPORT
Following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren's rear wing deformation was noted, prompting the FIA to implement new technical regulations for 2025 that address bodywork rigidity and specify minimum gaps between rear wing elements when DRS is not activated. Additionally, new rules will require teams to enhance driver cooling systems and adjust weight limits in response to declared heat hazards during races.
Fernando Alonso acknowledges that Aston Martin may not compete at the front of the Formula 1 grid in the upcoming season but anticipates progress with new regulations in 2026, aided by increased wind tunnel testing opportunities for lower-ranked teams. Following a strong start in 2023, Aston's performance declined, leading to the removal of its technical director, but Alonso expresses optimism about the team's future, highlighting the importance of learning from past challenges and drawing inspiration from McLaren's successful upgrades.
IMSA has announced the provisional entry list for the 63rd Rolex 24 at Daytona, featuring 61 entries across four classes, including a record 12 in the Grand Touring Prototype category. Notable entries include Cadillac's expansion to three cars, the debut of the Lamborghini SC63, and a significant number of TBD driver line-ups, particularly in the GTD PRO category, ahead of the race scheduled for January 23-26.
During the Super Formula Championship's winter test at Suzuka Circuit, Honda's factory drivers dominated the sessions, with Tadasuke Makino setting the fastest time of 1m35.597s. The testing also highlighted the performance of rookies, including Igor Fraga, who consistently led the sessions and is a leading candidate to replace retired champion Naoki Yamamoto.
Michelin has extended its exclusive tire supply agreement for the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class until at least 2029, having been the sole supplier since the class's inception in 2021. Next year, 18 Hypercar entries from eight manufacturers will utilize Michelin tires, while the company plans to delay the introduction of new tire technologies for these top racing classes until 2026 due to limited testing opportunities.
Hertz Team JOTA has conducted its first full-scale test of the Cadillac V-Series R LMDh car at Circuit Paul Ricard, marking a significant milestone ahead of its two-car campaign in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship. The three-day test involved all six drivers and aimed to enhance team dynamics and car understanding before an additional outing prior to the WEC Prologue in Qatar.
Pascal Wehrlein experienced a significant crash during the Formula E season-opener in São Paulo, Brazil, after making contact with Nick Cassidy, which caused his car to flip and collide with the wall. Fortunately, Wehrlein was unharmed thanks to the halo device and was later discharged from the hospital after precautionary checks, while fellow drivers expressed their concern over the incident, highlighting the inherent dangers of motorsport.
World champion Thierry Neuville has expressed concerns that the new 2027 World Rally Championship regulations may lead to Rally2 cars outperforming the top-level Rally1 cars, due to a cost cap and shared components. Both Neuville and Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala emphasize the need for a significant performance gap between the two classes to maintain interest in Rally1, while Neuville also criticizes the FIA for not including driver input in the technical working group.
CURIOSITIES
The Porsche Carrera GT, now 20 years old, has received a significant performance boost with the installation of new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, provided free of charge by Porsche. A recent test by factory driver Jörg Bergmeister demonstrated that these tires enabled the Carrera GT to achieve a lap time of 7 minutes, 12 seconds, surpassing its previous record and outperforming several modern sports cars.
The Wyoming Highway Patrol has reminded drivers that displaying red and blue lights on vehicles, including Christmas lights, is illegal due to safety concerns, as these lights can distract other drivers and impair reaction times. Similar regulations exist in other states, such as Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, where authorities have also warned against using festive lights on vehicles, emphasizing the importance of keeping roads safe and clear of distractions.
A recent incident involving a Tesla Cybertruck stuck in a few inches of snow in Quebec has sparked widespread ridicule on social media, highlighting the vehicle's perceived shortcomings. However, the situation underscores the importance of appropriate tire selection for winter conditions, as the Cybertruck's likely worn all-season tires were inadequate for the snowy environment.
Pirelli's extreme wet weather tires, originally designed for Formula 1 racing, have been tested off-road by a collaboration between YouTube channels Quadrant and Grind Hard Plumbing, using a modified Mitsubishi Kei truck. The tires demonstrated effective traction on various surfaces, including sand, mud, and snow, although their high cost and limited durability make them impractical for everyday truck use.
A LEGO version of the Nissan Skyline GT-R from 2Fast 2Furious has been revealed by a well-known industry source, confirming that it will join the recently announced Toyota Supra set from The Fast and the Furious. Both models will be part of the LEGO Technic range, with the Supra set to launch on March 1 2025, with a price of $139.99, while pricing hasn’t yet been confirmed for the Skyline — which is also available as a smaller Speed Champions car.
A 19-year-old man in San Diego has been arrested for allegedly stealing approximately $42,000 worth of gas over six months by manipulating fuel pumps to avoid credit card charges. The scheme came to light when Chevron's IT department noticed discrepancies in fuel sales, leading to an investigation that revealed the suspect's repeated visits to the station, ultimately resulting in his arrest while filling containers with gas.
Thieves broke into a GM storage lot in Detroit and stole multiple electric Cadillac Escalade IQs, with one vehicle becoming stuck on a concrete barrier during the attempted escape. An Instagram video captured the incident, showing one Escalade with spinning front wheels while the rear remained stationary, and the investigation into the thefts is ongoing, with GM's OnStar system potentially aiding in tracking the stolen vehicles.
Valtteri Bottas raised £4,000 for the men's health charity Movember by auctioning a unique trading card that included a lock of his hair and a piece of his race suit. The auction, which took place on the F1 Authentics platform, was inspired by a light-hearted moment during a podcast where Bottas suggested incorporating his signature mullet into a collectible item.
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