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Supra Gets a 435-Pony Send-Off
Jordan Greer
November 28, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're revving up with a 435hp final edition of the Toyota Supra A90, while the motorbike community pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Mary McGee. There’s more intrigue in motorsport as a key F1 steward departs, while grooved brake discs are set to make a comeback and sustainable aviation fuels help the sport tackle its environmental impact. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or just love a good automotive story, don't forget to share the joy of SpeedBites with friends who might enjoy our daily dose of car culture.
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Toyota Supra A90 generation will conclude with two special editions, the Final Edition and Lightweight Evo, both featuring manual gearboxes. The Final Edition boasts a significant power increase to 435 hp and enhanced suspension and braking systems, while the Lightweight Evo focuses on improved driving dynamics with a new active differential and aerodynamic upgrades.
The new Range Rover Electric is undergoing rigorous testing in the extreme conditions of the United Arab Emirates, where temperatures can exceed 50 degrees Celsius and humidity is high. The vehicle's thermal management and traction control systems have shown promising results in maintaining performance during off-road challenges, including the demanding ascent of "Big Red," a notable dune in the Al Badayer desert.
Stellantis is pausing production of the Fiat 500e at the Mirafiori plant due to low demand, with operations halted from December 2 to January 5, 2025. The company is also suspending production of Maserati models during this period, citing ongoing uncertainty in electric vehicle sales across European markets and plans to introduce a hybrid version of the Fiat 500 in 2026.
Maserati has introduced a special edition GranTurismo Folgore, named the 110 Anniversario, to celebrate its 110th anniversary, with only 110 units available in two specifications: Rame Folgore and Blu Inchiostro. The vehicles feature unique wheels, custom interior options, and a special Trident logo with '110' on the C-pillar, while maintaining the same high-performance mechanics as the standard model, which can exceed 200 mph.
Volkswagen is restructuring its operations in response to financial challenges, which may involve closing factories in Germany for the first time, as well as selling a joint venture facility and two test tracks in China amid external pressure regarding human rights issues. Despite these cutbacks, the automaker plans to expand its partnership with SAIC, committing to introduce 18 new electric models by 2030 and extending their collaboration until 2040.
Nissan is facing significant challenges, including dealer losses, reduced production, job cuts, and a divestment of its stake in Mitsubishi, leading executives to warn that the company may have only 12 to 14 months to survive. In response, Nissan is exploring options for new long-term investors and has not dismissed the potential for Honda to take a majority stake, while also pursuing a partnership with Honda and Mitsubishi for electric vehicle development.
MOTORSPORT
As Formula 1 approaches its penultimate race in Qatar, McLaren is in a position to secure the constructors' championship, needing strong performances to potentially clinch the title ahead of the final round. Meanwhile, concerns arise for Ferrari regarding their competitiveness on the challenging Qatar circuit, especially after a disappointing performance in Las Vegas where they were outscored by McLaren's rivals.
The Italian Grand Prix will continue to be part of the Formula 1 calendar until at least 2031, following a six-year extension of its existing agreement. While Monza, known for its high-speed racing and rich history, remains secure, the future of the Imola circuit is uncertain as it faces potential changes after its current agreement ends in 2026.
Franco Colapinto discussed Williams team principal James Vowles' reaction to his recent crash during qualifying at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he experienced a significant 50G impact after hitting a wall. This incident marked the 15th major accident for Williams this season, following a series of crashes at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, and Colapinto emphasized Vowles' supportive leadership and positive mindset in the face of ongoing challenges.
Sauber's decision to replace Valtteri Bottas with Formula 2 leader Gabriel Bortoleto has left Bottas seeking a return to Formula 1, with Cadillac's entry in 2026 presenting a potential opportunity. Bottas, who has significant experience and performance history, could serve as a valuable asset for the new team, especially as it navigates the challenges of entering a competitive field.
Mary McGee, a pioneering motorsports figure who was the first woman in America to race motorcycles and achieve significant milestones in the sport, has died aged 87, shortly after a tribute event to her achievements. Hundreds of women gathered to honor her legacy at a recent screening of the documentary "Motorcycle Mary", celebrating her contributions to the motorcycle community - which included being the first woman to finish the Baja 1000 and to solo the Baja 500 - which have inspired new generations of female riders.
Mick Schumacher will leave his reserve driver role at Mercedes at the end of the season, with Valtteri Bottas expected to take over in 2025. After two years with the team and a stint in the World Endurance Championship, Schumacher aims to focus on securing a full racing position, although he currently has no viable options in Formula 1 for next year.
F1 teams are reintroducing grooves on brake disc rotors, with Carbone Industries testing them at recent races, including experiments by Williams and Alpine. This development aims to enhance initial braking performance and prepare for future regulations, particularly as teams adapt to changes in brake drum design due to the switch to 18-inch tyres.
Tim Mayer has stepped down as chairman of the stewards for Formula 1 grands prix, having last served in that role during the United States and Mexico City Grands Prix. His departure follows the FIA's recent dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, with Rui Marques taking over and receiving favorable feedback from drivers during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Hyundai Motorsport has provided insight into the construction of its €200,000 i20 N Rally2 car, detailing a meticulous process that involves approximately 3,000 parts and takes around 200 hours to complete, with two to three mechanics working on each vehicle. The i20 N Rally2, which shares about 25% of its components with the road-going version, is designed for quick assembly and disassembly to facilitate rapid changes during races, and the production process has been refined to improve efficiency while maintaining quality.
Nico Hulkenberg will miss media day ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix due to a cold, as confirmed by Haas, which is taking preventative measures for the remainder of the weekend. His absence follows an eighth-place finish in Las Vegas, helping Haas reclaim sixth place in the constructors' championship.
Sergio Perez described his 2024 Formula 1 season as "terrible," having scored only two points in the last three races and a total of 49 points since May, while speculation about his future with Red Bull continues. His performance has significantly declined, with an average finishing gap of 34.890 seconds behind teammate Max Verstappen this season, marking the largest split between a champion and teammate since 1995.
Peugeot has named Theo Pourchaire as its new test and development driver for the FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar program, following his participation in the post-season Bahrain rookie test. The 2023 FIA Formula 2 champion will engage in private testing and technical development of the Peugeot 9X8, while also serving as a reserve driver after Malthe Jakobsen's promotion to a race seat.
Formula 1 has announced a partnership with Qatar Airways to invest in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of its strategy to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2030, with expectations of a 19% reduction in emissions during the 2024 season. This initiative follows a similar investment with DHL and includes efforts to rationalize the race calendar to further decrease carbon footprints across the sport.
Mario Andretti has expressed that there is no lingering sadness over the transformation of his family's racing team into Cadillac for its entry into Formula 1, emphasizing a sense of celebration despite his son Michael's reduced role in the project. He noted that the approval of Cadillac's plans, which include aspirations for a works team and a potential ladder system for American drivers, reflects a culmination of various factors rather than a singular issue related to Michael's involvement.
CURIOSITIES
At the International Historic Motoring Awards in London, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance was named the Motoring Event of the Year, with Concours Chairman Sandra Button highlighting the contributions of 1,200 volunteers and the importance of car authenticity. The event also recognized Fritz Burkard's 1934 Bugatti Type 59 Sports as Car of the Year, while Robert Kudela's 1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Grand Sport Saoutchik Fastback Coupé received the Restoration of the Year award.
Liberty Walk is set to modify the Lamborghini Miura, with founder Wataru Kato previewing the project on Instagram, where the car's odometer shows 42,587 kilometers. Dubbed the "LB-silhouette works Lamborghini Miura," the project will debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon on January 10, 2024, and follows the company's history of customizing iconic Italian cars.
A 25-year-old man reported his Ford Escape stolen, leading to a police chase after officers spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The driver, a 30-year-old woman, crashed into multiple cars during the pursuit and now faces numerous charges, including assault on a police officer and grand larceny, while her passenger also faces serious charges.
If you happen to have a C4-generation Chevrolet Corvette and are a fan of the 1989 TIme Burton/Michael Keaton Batman movie, a fibreglass replica of the Batmobile designed to fit the ‘Vette has become available on eBay. Current bidding for the kit is $10,000, which may look expensive but is low compared to the values of original Batmobile replicas and other licensed versions.
While modern advertising can seem a little strange at times, the practice of confusing and absurd automotive marketing strategies is nothing new. Charles Friswell, owner of Friswell’s Automobile Palace at Holborn Viaduct in London, introduced innovative and quirky advertising for Peugeot cars, including the Baby Peugeot models, later going on to become chair of car manufacturer Standard and being knighted for his services.
Buying a classic, Luton-produced Vauxhall is the ideal way to mark the long-serving plant’s demise as Stellantis shutters the famous factory in order to consolidate production elsewhere. This listing for a very well-preserved 1990 Cavalier L model, an entry-level model with a modest 1.6-litre engine, is a timely opportunity, with the car’s low mileage and good condition a particular draw.
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