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Rimac Rumored for Bugatti Buyout
Andrew Evans
April 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Secret road tunnel’s role in developing record-breaking car
Doohan crashes at 185mph in F1 practice
Sim rig made from a Super Touring car for sale
F1 engine manufacturers meet over potential V10 revival
Zenvo's reveals most powerful V12 ever
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Rimac Group currently holds a 55% stake in the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, with Porsche owning the remaining 45%, but recent reports suggest Rimac is exploring options to acquire Porsche's share. If successful, this move could grant Rimac full control over Bugatti, potentially leading to a shift towards electric powertrains for future models.
The world of hypercars is experiencing a revival, highlighted by Zenvo's introduction of the Mjølner, which boasts a powerful V12 engine capable of generating 1,267 horsepower along with an additional electric boost. This engine, developed in collaboration with Mahle Powertrain, not only meets stringent emissions standards but also lays the groundwork for future models within Zenvo's new modular architecture.
The upcoming Ferrari 296 VS is anticipated to feature a revised turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating over 850 horsepower, along with lightweight materials and improved aerodynamics for enhanced performance. Set to be revealed digitally via the MyFerrari app on April 29, this model continues Ferrari's tradition of producing high-performance, track-oriented vehicles that remain street-legal.
CYVN Holdings has officially merged McLaren with the British startup Forseven, resulting in the formation of McLaren Group Holdings, which will leverage technology from both Nio and Gordon Murray Technologies. Under the leadership of CEO Nick Collins, the new entity will focus on developing innovative models while maintaining McLaren's design heritage, with plans to expand its offerings and enhance vehicle technology.
Volkswagen has informed its US dealerships of temporary changes to vehicle deliveries and pricing in response to new tariffs affecting imported cars. This move highlights the broader impact of these tariffs on the automotive industry, as manufacturers and consumers alike brace for potential price increases and supply chain disruptions.
Honda showcased its 0-Series SUV prototype, driven by Red Bull's Max Verstappen, during a Tokyo event ahead of the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, marking the vehicle's first public appearance since its CES 2025 debut. Set to enter production in 2026 at Honda's Ohio facility, this mid-size electric SUV will be part of a new lineup that includes a distinctive 0 Saloon model.
Hyundai N is actively developing hybrid versions of the i20 N and i30 N, despite previous assumptions that the brand had fully transitioned to electric vehicles following the discontinuation of these models in the UK and Europe. In a recent interview, Joonwoo Park emphasized the importance of their internal combustion engine heritage and hinted at the potential for hybrid technology to enhance their performance offerings in the future.
The Audi RS3, already known for impressive performance, has been further enhanced by Abt Sportsline, which has introduced the RS3-R variant that boosts power to 503bhp and reduces the 0-62mph time to just 3.3 seconds. Alongside engine modifications, the vehicle features upgraded suspension components and distinctive visual enhancements, with a limited production run of 125 units for each body style.
Toyota is set to introduce an upgraded version of the GR Corolla hot hatch, although it looks like it won’t be the rumored GRMN variant. A sportier version had been spotted in testing at the Nurburgring last year, but the model revealed in camouflage by Toyota looks to be the regular GR model with some enhancement - raising some hopes that the car will be made available in Europe.
MOTORSPORT
During the Japanese Grand Prix practice session, Jack Doohan of Alpine experienced a high-speed crash due to an error in disabling the DRS system, resulting in reduced grip as he approached the first corner. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed, while the session was interrupted multiple times, including incidents that involved grass igniting near the track, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri ultimately recording the fastest lap ahead of his teammate, Lando Norris.
The FIA is set to meet with Formula 1 engine manufacturers to explore the feasibility of reintroducing V10 engines, a concept that is gaining traction following recent comments from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem regarding sustainable fuel options. While no formal proposals have emerged, discussions suggest that a return to V10s could be possible before the end of the current engine cycle in 2031, reflecting a shift in focus towards sustainable technology in the automotive sector.
Yuki Tsunoda has noted that driving the Red Bull RB21 presents greater challenges in reality than what he experienced during simulator training. Despite a promising start in the first practice session at the Japanese Grand Prix, his performance in the second session was hindered by interruptions, leaving him to reassess his confidence in the car's handling.
Oscar Piastri kicked off his Japanese Grand Prix weekend strongly by achieving the fastest lap in both practice sessions, narrowly outpacing teammate Lando Norris. Meanwhile, Red Bull faced challenges with Max Verstappen struggling for grip, while Isack Hadjar showcased solid performance, finishing third in the afternoon session.
The practice sessions for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix this weekend have been interrupted by multiple red flags, including two because of the grass next to the Suzuka circuit had caught fire. It’s likely that the culprit is sparks from passing cars, and the FIA has sought to mitigate the issue by cutting the grass as short as possible, removing loose, dry grass, and dampening it ahead of Saturday’s running, with response teams positioned around the track in case the issue reoccurs.
Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll received official warnings for overtaking other competitors in the pit lane during practice sessions, breaching established guidelines. Their respective teams were also cautioned for not adhering to the race director's protocols regarding how drivers should safely enter the fast lane after leaving the garages.
The FIA has introduced a revised circuit map for the Japanese Grand Prix, aimed at minimizing the frequency of safety car deployments by guiding drivers on optimal locations for car recovery. This initiative follows an evaluation of the 2024 season's safety car usage, revealing that many situations could have been managed with alternative measures, such as yellow flags or Virtual Safety Cars, rather than full safety car interventions.
TOCA has announced that the entire race day for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship, along with all support series events, will be available for live streaming on the BTCC YouTube channel, excluding the UK and North America due to existing broadcasting agreements. This initiative complements the extensive UK television coverage provided by ITV, ensuring that fans worldwide can access live broadcasts of every competitive session and marking a significant milestone for the BTCC and its associated series.
Jann Mardenborough, whose gamer-to-racer story inspired the Gran Turismo movie, is set to re-enter the competitive racing scene in 2025, securing a full-season position in a factory-supported Ford Mustang GT3 for the GT World Challenge. This opportunity marks his return to championship racing after a hiatus, following a diverse career that included stints in various Nissan GT-Rs and recent appearances in different series.
FUN STUFF
The iconic Super Touring cars, celebrated for their thrilling performances in the BTCC and other series, are surprisingly scarce in the gaming world, despite some appearances in titles like the Grid franchise and RaceRoom's recent DLC. A unique opportunity has arisen to enhance the gaming experience by using a sim rig built into an authentic Super Touring Ford Mondeo, originally a test vehicle from the late 1990s, now available for auction, which could elevate the nostalgia of playing classic TOCA Touring Car games.
To refine the aerodynamics of its cutting-edge electric supercar, engineers at McMurtry use the historic Catesby Tunnel in England, a nearly two-mile structure repurposed for aerodynamic testing since 2017. Originally built for railway use, this Victorian-era tunnel now serves as a vital resource for optimizing the performance of the McMurtry Spéirling.
The Porsche 917, originally developed in the late 1960s, achieved significant racing success, including multiple Le Mans victories, while the modern LMK 917 is a replica crafted in Australia that features a flat-six engine and a distinctive Gulf livery. This re-creation, built on a steel frame with various performance enhancements, is currently available for sale in Ohio, complete with documentation from its construction and engine testing.
A Cybertruck owner witnessed a man vandalizing his vehicle while recording the act, prompting him to alert law enforcement instead of confronting the individual directly. The quick response from police led to the man's arrest, highlighting the increasing prevalence of such incidents involving Tesla vehicles.
A third-generation Toyota Supra is available through a classified ad, which set the price at $9,000 for a classic Japanese vehicle which features a targa roof and retractable headlights. The car sports relatively humble underpinnings, with a mere 200hp from the straight six engine which is mated to an automatic transmission, and while showing 159,000 miles on the odometer it appears mechanically sound and well cared-for.
The 1970 Boss 302 Mustang remains a sought-after model, particularly for enthusiasts drawn to its performance capabilities, even as it nears the end of its production run. Currently listed for auction, this particular vehicle is in need of extensive restoration, missing several crucial components, including its original engine, and is being offered at a starting price of $20,000 in Newton Square, Pennsylvania.
Organ transportation for transplants presents significant logistical hurdles, particularly in ensuring rapid delivery from the airport to medical facilities. In New South Wales, Australia, authorities optimize traffic flow by creating designated routes that prioritize ambulances and police escorts, allowing for quicker access to hospitals when organs are en route.
A 2022 Karma GS-6 sports car, which has spent most of its life parked at a dealership with only 260 miles driven, is currently up for auction at a significantly lower price than its original $135,000 tag. Despite its sleek design and modern features, the model has struggled to attract buyers since its production, leading to its discontinuation as the brand shifts focus to new offerings.
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