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Rwanda Makes F1 Race Bid
Andrew Evans
December 16, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s edition features yet more strife for Audi and Nissan, while Mazda continues to tease the return of the rotary engine in the Iconic SP. Meanwhile Rwanda is looking to bring Formula 1 back to Africa with a formal race bid, though F1 heavyweights Helmut Marko and Toto Wolff are concerned about the sport's increasingly demanding schedule. As you sip your morning coffee, consider sharing SpeedBites with a friend who shares your passion for all things automotive. Enjoy the ride!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Audi has decided to close its factory in Brussels by the end of February 2025, leading to the discontinuation of the Q8 E-Tron and Q8 E-Tron Sportback due to insufficient sales. Despite attempts to sell the plant, which has been operational since 1949 and is known for its carbon-neutral production, no buyers were found, prompting the closure as the facility's capacity far exceeded the demand for these electric SUVs.
Nissan has announced a significant leadership reshuffle, appointing Jeremie Papin as Chief Financial Officer and Christian Meunier as head of Nissan Americas, in response to declining profits, rising debt, and an outdated product lineup. Despite these changes, analysts caution that deeper structural and strategic issues must be addressed for the company to regain its competitive edge, particularly in the hybrid and electric vehicle market.
Mazda's CEO, Masahiro Moro, has confirmed the company's plans to produce the rotary sports car, Iconic SP, which debuted at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show and has received a positive reception. The vehicle will feature a new hybrid powertrain with a two-rotor engine design, aiming for a combined output of 365 horsepower, while also reflecting Mazda's future design direction and commitment to producing engaging driving experiences.
Bugatti has partnered with Fahrengold to create the Bugatti Edition FG-01 Garage, a customizable storage solution for hypercars that features a galvanized steel frame, security glass windows, and a range of museum-inspired amenities including temperature control and a security system. The garage is designed to showcase the vehicle with dimmable LED lighting and personalized elements, while an alternative option, the Bugatti Edition CarPads, offers a more compact solution with similar design features.
Tesla is converting some Foundation Series Cybertrucks into regular models to address slow sales in the US, while also sending hundreds of units to Canada for homologation. The company has reduced lease prices and discounted the Cybertruck, but is facing challenges in meeting its sales goals, particularly with the higher-priced Foundation Series vehicles.
Lamborghini's Esperienza Neve test track in Inner Mongolia allows customers to explore the capabilities of the brand's all-wheel drive technology on a frozen lake, featuring models like the Huracán Sterrato, Urus Performante, and the 1001-horsepower Revuelto. The three-day program includes winter driving exercises with professional instructors, luxurious hospitality, and showcases partnerships with luxury brands that enhance the driving experience.
Hyundai has introduced its XCIENT HFCEV Class 8 hydrogen semi trucks in Georgia, which will be utilized for logistics at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, supported by a joint venture with Glovis America. The fleet, comprising 21 trucks, features electric motors producing 470 hp and 1650 lb-ft of torque, and aims to establish a hydrogen logistics ecosystem with plans for a mobile refueling station at the site.
General Motors has filed a patent for an Autostereoscopic Campfire Display, a system designed to project holographic images, such as a campfire, directly to the eyes of passengers using a complex projection mechanism. The technology includes a passenger monitoring system that tracks eye positions to deliver individualized 3D images, although the practical applications and timeline for its implementation in vehicles remain uncertain.
MOTORSPORT
After not hosting a Formula 1 race in over 30 years, the sport is looking to return to Africa through a bid to stage a race in Rwanda. The country recently hosting the FIA’s General Assembly and Prize Giving events, with Rwandan President Paul Kagame stating during his opening address in Kigali that a formal bid had been placed.
Helmut Marko and Toto Wolff have expressed concerns about the increasing demands of the Formula 1 schedule, advocating for a reduction in workload and travel as the season expands to 24 races, including six sprint events. They highlight the challenges faced by team mechanics, particularly during grueling travel schedules, and suggest that maintaining the current number of races may not be sustainable without significant changes to how the calendar is structured.
Juan Pablo Montoya predicts that Lewis Hamilton will eventually dominate at Ferrari after a brief adjustment period when he joins the team for the 2025 F1 season, despite Charles Leclerc initially having an advantage. Montoya believes that while Leclerc may excel in qualifying, Hamilton's experience and racing skills will allow him to quickly overcome any early challenges, provided Ferrari delivers a competitive car.
Daniel Ricciardo has indicated that he is likely finished with his Formula 1 career, explicitly stating "Nah, I'm done" when asked about joining the Cadillac F1 project during a recent fan interaction. His comments follow a disappointing stint with AlphaTauri, where he was unable to secure a competitive position, ultimately leading to his sidelining in favor of teammate Liam Lawson.
The Andretti Formula Racing project has been rebranded as Cadillac Formula Racing, and it is now expected to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026 following a change in the Formula One Management's stance after the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The team is focused on establishing its foundation, including building facilities, developing a power unit with Ferrari, and hiring key personnel, despite facing challenges related to supplier agreements and the competitive landscape of F1.
Fernando Alonso reflected on McLaren's recent Formula 1 championship win in Abu Dhabi, noting that it serves as a form of payback for team boss Andrea Stella, who was Alonso's race engineer during his 2010 title loss with Ferrari. Alonso highlighted McLaren's significant turnaround over the past 18 months, particularly crediting a performance-enhancing package introduced at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix as pivotal to their success.
Jenson Button suggests that Max Verstappen will continue to compete in motorsport after his Formula 1 career, despite uncertainties surrounding his future with Red Bull beyond 2028. Button emphasizes that Verstappen's passion for racing will lead him to pursue other forms of competition, such as endurance racing, once he steps away from F1.
Max Verstappen has expressed skepticism about using the number of championships as a measure of an F1 driver's greatness, emphasizing that factors like luck and team dynamics play significant roles in success. He also conveyed his contentment with his current team, Red Bull, and suggested that a long-term commitment to one team can be a meaningful aspect of a driver's career.
F1 fans have expressed dissatisfaction with rookie Gabriel Bortoleto racing with the number five next season, leading to calls for the retirement of certain numbers associated with legendary. The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the current numbering system, which allows previously-used numbers to re-enter circulation two years after their last use, and raises questions about whether F1 should implement broader number retirement policies to honor its most celebrated talents.
Genesis has decided to pursue an LMDh program for the 2026 World Endurance Championship instead of entering Formula 1, after evaluating various motorsport opportunities. The brand's commitment to endurance racing is driven by its alignment with their vehicle lineup, technological aspirations, and sustainability goals, as outlined by chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.
The FIA has granted official World Cup status to the Extreme H racing series, set to launch in 2025 as the first hydrogen-powered FIA-sanctioned championship. This initiative aims to promote hydrogen as a zero-emission energy source while maintaining gender parity among drivers, with further details expected in early 2025.
Optimum Motorsport's No. 69 McLaren 720S GT3 Evo was disqualified from its victory in the Lenovo Gulf 12 Hours in Abu Dhabi due to two pitlane speeding infractions. Consequently, the No. 25 Sainteloc Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo II, driven by Zhou Bihuang, Gilles Magnus, and Dennis Marschall, was elevated to first place, marking Audi's first win in the event since 2019.
In his debut season in FIA Formula 3, young driver Arvid Lindblad faced significant challenges after transitioning from F4, ultimately achieving notable success, including becoming the youngest F3 race winner. He expressed gratitude for the support from his team and mentors, particularly highlighting the importance of preparation and learning from experienced figures as he looks forward to competing in Formula 2 with Campos Racing next year.
CURIOSITIES
A Tesla Cybertruck owner reported a repair bill exceeding $34,000 after his vehicle sustained significant damage from a pothole, leading to a nearly four-month wait for repairs. Despite the extensive damage, which included the need for a full rear frame replacement and multiple suspension components, the owner maintains a positive view of the truck's durability and capability.
British police have been using unmarked police cars for various operations since the late 1970s, with the vehicles transformed into high-performance machines capable of pursuing offenders and rapid response times. There’s been many notable models from various decades, including V8-powered MGBs and modern sleeper cars like the BMW M340i, which blend performance with an inconspicuous appearance, and they can be attractive second-hand cars when they reach the end of their service lives.
Devon & Cornwall Police are trialing AI-enabled cameras to identify potentially impaired drivers by analyzing image data from passing vehicles, aiming to enhance road safety during December. The technology, developed by Acusensus, flags suspicious vehicles to officers who can then conduct roadside tests for alcohol or drugs, addressing the challenge of limited police presence on extensive road networks.
An Indian entrepreneur has assembled a complete set of Bugatti's World Record Edition models, which includes the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, Chiron Super Sport 300+, and the one-of-a-kind W16 Mistral, all stored in an extensive garage. Recently, these hypercars were photographed at the Ehra-Lessien track in Germany, a site known for high-speed testing, highlighting their record-setting capabilities and performance modifications.
Volkswagen's V10 TDI engine, originally featured in the Touareg SUV, was removed from the US market in 2008 due to emissions issues, becoming a notable example of engineering ingenuity. A recent teardown by the HumbleMechanic YouTube channel highlights its unique gear-driven system, which uses 20 individual gears for timing and accessory operation, a design typically reserved for racing applications.
Liberty Walk has collaborated with Original Konbini to create a limited edition mechanical keyboard inspired by the Ferrari F40 and JDM automotive culture, featuring custom design elements and RGB underglow. Only 500 units will be produced, and the keyboard comes with a diorama desk pad that reflects popular parking areas in Japan, though the price has not been disclosed.
A unique automotive project, involving a 1963 Ferrari California 250 GTE body mounted on a 2010 Ferrari California chassis, is available at auction, with the project originally started by the seller's father as a restomod effort. The listing includes essential components like the modern drivetrain, 3D scan files, and a detailed guide, with the current bid at $7,600 and no reserve price.
The RX-7 Spirit R Type A, a limited-edition model from 2002, remains highly sought after for its performance enhancements and unique features, including lightweight Recaro seats. This model is currently available for £79,500 after being well-preserved since its import from Japan, and with Mazda looking to bring rotary-engined performance cars back it could be a good time to get one.
That's all for today! We would love to hear your feedback, so just reply to this message to let us know what you thought about this issue. See you next time!