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Renault Espace F1 is Coming to Gran Turismo 7
Andrew Evans
November 10, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Toyota reveals new Hilux, offer EV for the first time
Norris takes victory in Brazil, despite Verstappen’s star turn
First drive of Yas Marina in Gran Turismo
Debate rages over Piastri/Antonelli/Leclerc crash at Interlagos
Porsche reveals one-off “Ocelot” 911 GT3
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The latest, ninth-generation Toyota Hilux introduces an electric variant equipped with a 59.2kWh battery and dual-motors all-wheel drive system, offering 193hp and a range of 150 miles. A hydrogen fuel cell model is also planned for Europe by 2028, while the traditional 2.8-liter turbodiesel option remains available, featuring a mild hybrid system and updated interior technology, set to launch in the UK in June 2026.
Porsche's Sonderwunsch division has unveiled a distinctive 911 GT3 model, known as the "Ocelot", inspired by the biodiversity of Colombia's Amazon rainforest. This unique vehicle not only marks the 25th anniversary of Porsche Latin America and the 30th anniversary of its Colombian importer, Autoelite, but also features custom design elements that reflect the region's wildlife and culture.
Mercedes-Benz is offering a substantial $50,000 reduction on the 2025 EQS 680 SUV, significantly lowering its price and making it one of the most notable discounts for electric vehicles this year. Additionally, the 2026 model will see a price cut of $23,000, as the automaker aims to clear its inventory ahead of new electric models entering the market.
Hyundai's IT services division has disclosed a data breach that occurred earlier this year, affecting the personal information of approximately 2.7 million vehicle owners, including sensitive details like Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The breach lasted from late February to early March, but customers were only informed of the incident in October, prompting the company to offer a two-year credit monitoring service to those impacted.
Electric vehicles have become an integral part of the automotive landscape, with many manufacturers pledging to transition to full electrification. Meanwhile, Mazda is taking a distinctive approach, balancing the development of electric models like the Mazda 6e with innovative solutions to reduce emissions.
Porsche is set to unveil the highly anticipated Cayenne Electric next week, which is projected to deliver up to 1000 horsepower. Slated for release in early 2026, this electric SUV will complement the existing Cayenne lineup while maintaining its position alongside the traditional internal combustion engine models.
A recent discussion among Ioniq 5 N owners highlights concerns regarding Hyundai's restrictive software that complicates basic maintenance tasks, such as changing brake pads. The situation raises significant questions about the Right to Repair movement, as the necessary tools and access appear to be limited to certified technicians, effectively excluding DIY enthusiasts from performing routine vehicle upkeep.
Kia has announced a recall for a limited number of its popular SUVs, the Telluride and Sorento, due to the installation of improperly sized spare tires during production. This issue, which arose from a single incident in August 2025, poses a compliance concern as it could affect vehicle safety systems, prompting the company to notify owners for free replacements while ensuring that future production adheres to the correct specifications.
MOTORSPORT
Following the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Lando Norris dismissed thoughts of the championship despite significantly increasing his lead over his teammate, Oscar Piastri. With his recent victories, Norris has established a commanding position in the standings, while Piastri's earlier dominance has diminished, leading to a remarkable turnaround in just seven races.
Andrea Stella, the head of McLaren Formula 1, believes that Oscar Piastri's penalty during the Brazil Grand Prix was excessively severe, suggesting that Kimi Antonelli also shares responsibility for the incident. Despite the stewards attributing full blame to Piastri for the collision, both he and Charles Leclerc have expressed disagreement with the ruling, prompting Stella to emphasize the need for a more balanced view of the situation.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration after receiving a five-second penalty for a collision with Franco Colapinto during the Brazilian Grand Prix, marking his second consecutive race with a time sanction. Despite Ferrari's efforts to repair his car, which suffered significant damage, Hamilton ultimately retired from the race after struggling with handling issues linked to the incident.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has expressed disappointment with the performance of drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, urging them to concentrate more on racing rather than discussing their challenges. Following a disappointing Brazil Grand Prix that saw the team drop in the constructors' standings, Elkann emphasized the importance of unity within Ferrari to achieve success, highlighting the need for the drivers to improve their focus as the season progresses.
Toto Wolff discussed Andrea Kimi Antonelli's unexpected success at unfamiliar circuits during his rookie Formula 1 season, noting that the young driver secured his second podium finish in Brazil despite struggling at more familiar tracks. Wolff noted that lower expectations and reduced pressure at these non-European venues may have contributed to Antonelli's strong performance, which included fending off Max Verstappen to maintain his position.
Racing Bulls marked their return to scoring with Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar finishing seventh and eighth at Interlagos, despite a last-lap clash that nearly derailed their results. While Lawson executed a successful one-stop strategy, Hadjar expressed frustration over an early pit stop that hindered his race, although both drivers acknowledged the importance of their points finish for the team's standings.
Yuki Tsunoda faced a challenging race at the Brazilian Grand Prix, finishing in 17th place after incurring two penalties that hampered his performance. Despite his difficulties, Tsunoda remains optimistic about improving in the remaining races of the season, acknowledging the strong effort of his teammate Max Verstappen, who achieved a podium finish despite starting in the pit lane.
McLaren is seeking clarification from the FIA regarding the implications of Max Verstappen's recent engine replacement at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Red Bull's cost cap. The situation raises questions about the regulations governing engine changes, particularly whether such swaps for performance reasons should be included in the financial limits set for teams.
Oliver Solberg has officially joined Toyota's World Rally Championship roster for the 2026 season, taking over the seat previously held by Kalle Rovanpera. The 24-year-old driver, who recently triumphed in the WRC2 series and made a notable appearance in a Rally1 car, is set to compete alongside established drivers Elfyn Evans, Sebastien Ogier, Takamoto Katsuta, and Sami Pajari.
The Lamborghini Super Trofeo, a prominent racing series designed for aspiring GT drivers and affluent enthusiasts, will transition from the Huracan to the new Temerario model starting in 2027. This shift introduces a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, replacing the outgoing V10, while maintaining a focus on performance with a rear-wheel drive setup and advanced racing features.
CURIOSITIES
After a 25-year hiatus following its sole series appearance in Gran Turismo 2, the iconic Renault Espace F1 is set to return in the Gran Turismo 7 Spec III update, joining a lineup that includes eight new vehicles. Alongside the Espace F1, the update will introduce the Polestar 5, the brand's first sedan, while two additional vehicles remain to be unveiled.
At the Gran Turismo World Series event in Los Angeles, excitement surrounded the Yas Marina circuit featured in the upcoming Gran Turismo 7: Spec III update, with attendees experiencing the track firsthand and capturing high-quality gameplay footage. While the Yas Marina layout has faced some criticism in the past, the intricate details and immersive driving experience have garnered positive reactions, though the release date remains unannounced, with speculation pointing to early December.
At the inaugural Gran Turismo Fan Fest in Los Angeles, the first GT Award in seven years was awarded to Big Mike for his unique Prelude build, which has undergone multiple transformations over the past 15 years. This iteration features a custom F20B engine boosted by a Garrett turbocharger, with a minimalist design that highlights both performance and aesthetic refinement, and the car may now appear in a future title.
A Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Nismo, a rare model with only 560 units produced making it a notable find for enthusiasts, is currently available for auction. This particular vehicle features several modifications, including upgraded suspension and brakes, and while it has been repainted and shows some wear, it represents a significant piece of automotive history linked to Japan's racing heritage.
The upcoming Spec III update for Gran Turismo 7 will introduce the Polestar brand to the series, highlighting the marque with the Polestar 5 Time Trial Challenge 2025. This hotlap event will place players into the new 870hp electric sedan at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit, offering a VIP trip to the Gran Turismo World Series World Final in Fukuoka to the fastest time.
The 2017 BMW i8 Coupe Protonic Red Edition, owned by the seller since January 2023, has accumulated approximately 15,500 miles and is being sold to make garage room. This model features a variety of luxury options and is powered by a hybrid system delivering a combined output of 357hp, though bidders before the auction concludes on November 14 may wish to note it was once bought back by BMW under a lemon law for seat issues.
The creation of the Gordon Murray S1 LM pays homage to the iconic GTR that triumphed at Le Mans in 1995, reflecting the vision of its designer, who previously crafted the McLaren F1. With only five units produced, one of which is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s with an estimated value of $20 million, this model features a powerful 700bhp V12 engine and a lightweight design that promises an exhilarating driving experience.
GM's hidden concept, known as the Pegasus, features a Ferrari V12 engine nestled within a Pontiac Firebird, reflecting a blend of Italian design and American muscle. This unique vehicle, born from the creative vision of Chevrolet stylist Jerry Palmer, incorporates elements that would later influence the production models of the Camaro and Firebird.
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