- SpeedBites
- Posts
- The First Fully Robotic Car Factories are Coming, and Soon
The First Fully Robotic Car Factories are Coming, and Soon
Andrew Evans
January 16, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Meet the 400hp, rotary-swapped AZ-1 kei car
Ford’s Le Mans Hypercar will be Mustang-powered
Rolls-Royce’s electric SUV spied in winter testing
Imola circuit undergoing significant redevelopment
Mansell memorabilia heads to auction
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The automotive industry is on the brink of a major transformation, with predictions indicating that fully automated factories may emerge by 2030, particularly among Chinese manufacturers. While this shift promises increased efficiency, it raises concerns about job displacement, prompting discussions about the evolving roles of human workers in areas like maintenance and quality control amidst advancing automation.
Rolls-Royce is developing an all-electric SUV, set to launch in 2027, which will become the brand's second electric vehicle alongside the Spectre coupe. Recent spy images indicate that this new model features a longer and more streamlined design compared to the Cullinan, showcasing distinct Rolls-Royce elements like a prominent grille and unique LED lighting accents.
The Polestar 3 has received recognition from Euro NCAP as the safest Executive Car of 2025, highlighting its exceptional safety features and advanced driver assistance systems in the competitive electric SUV market. This accolade not only underscores the vehicle's impressive performance in occupant protection but also aligns with Polestar's strategy to enhance its appeal amid evolving consumer expectations and recent pricing adjustments.
The Genesis GV90, which draws inspiration from the Neolun Concept, is now anticipated to debut in late 2026 due to ongoing internal evaluations and the development of advanced autonomous driving capabilities. Despite potential changes in design features, the GV90 is positioned to represent a significant luxury offering for Genesis, aiming to compete with established high-end brands.
In a notable shift in trade relations, Prime Minister Mark Carney has established a new agreement with China that reopens Canadian markets to Chinese electric vehicles, allowing for the import of 49,000 units annually at a reduced tariff. This development not only aims to enhance the affordability of EV options in Canada but also encourages Chinese investment in the local automotive supply chain.
Mercedes has resumed taking orders for its EQ electric vehicles in the US after a six-month hiatus, coinciding with the introduction of the new electric CLA model. The company previously paused orders due to perceived market challenges, but it now appears ready to meet demand as it rolls out updated models featuring enhancements like increased horsepower and access to Tesla's Supercharger network.
Ford is exploring a potential collaboration with BYD to source lithium-ion batteries for its hybrid vehicles, which could enhance its offerings in both domestic and international markets. This move comes as the company adjusts its electric vehicle strategy following a decline in sales and the discontinuation of certain EV models in the US.
Law enforcement agencies have a long history of incorporating pickup trucks into their fleets, and this trend continues to grow, with manufacturers like Ford, GM, and Stellantis offering tailored packages for these vehicles. The Ram 1500 SSV and Heavy Duty SSV provide various enhancements suitable for police and other government functions, featuring robust engine options and practical upgrades designed for diverse operational needs.
MOTORSPORT
Ford is set to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2027 with a new 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, derived from the Coyote platform and linked to the Mustang GT3 and GT4 models. The racing effort will feature drivers Sebastian Priaulx, Mike 'Rocky' Rockenfeller, and Logan Sargeant, with the vehicle being developed in collaboration with ORECA under the LMDh regulations.
The Imola circuit is undergoing significant renovations to enhance its facilities and broaden its range of events, all while keeping the possibility of hosting Formula 1 in the future. Although it will not feature in the 2026 calendar, the venue is committed to modernizing its infrastructure and diversifying its offerings, including non-racing activities, to attract nearly one million visitors annually.
Max Verstappen expressed his enthusiasm for Red Bull's newly unveiled livery for the 2026 season during a launch event in Detroit, highlighting the shift to a glossy finish and the incorporation of Ford's signature blue. The upcoming season will not only introduce fresh regulations but also mark the beginning of a collaboration between Red Bull Powertrains and Ford, which both Verstappen and his teammate Isack Hadjar find exciting as they prepare for the changes ahead.
Red Bull is set to debut its own Formula 1 power unit this season, marking a significant milestone after four years of development at its Milton Keynes facility. The collaboration with Ford, which began after previous partnerships with other manufacturers, aims to enhance Red Bull's control over its racing future, despite the challenges of starting an engine program from scratch.
Williams has named Luke Browning as their reserve driver for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, a decision endorsed by team principal James Vowles via social media. Browning, who has shown considerable promise within the Williams Driver Academy since 2023 and is currently competing in Japan's Super Formula, is eager to contribute to the team's efforts while furthering his own development in motorsport.
Red Bull's engine chief indicated that the team is operating at the edge of Formula 1's new power unit regulations following the revelation of a compression ratio strategy by Mercedes. As the 2026 regulations lower the compression ratio from 18:1 to 16:1, concerns have arisen among manufacturers regarding potential engineering tactics that could exploit temperature variations to gain performance advantages.
Racing Bulls unveiled its 2026 Formula 1 design in a collaborative event with Red Bull Racing and Ford in Detroit. Although Red Bull Racing's new livery features a significant amount of Ford blue, Racing Bulls has opted for minimal changes from its previous year's design, with a distinct appearance compared to the senior team's model.
Nasser Al-Attiyah edged closer to securing his sixth Dakar Rally title by winning the penultimate stage of the 2026 event, dominating his closest rival — Ford’s Nani Roma — throughout the 311km stage. Despite challenges from competitors, including a brief lead change, Al-Attiyah ultimately finished the stage with a winning margin of over a second, marking his 50th stage victory and placing him alongside rally legends in the record books.
CURIOSITIES
The modified Autozam AZ-1, unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, dramatically departs from kei car regulations with its extensive widebody design and a 402hp rotary engine swap. This unique creation, developed by Goda Bodywork in collaboration with RE Amemiya, features significant upgrades to both its suspension and aesthetics, transforming the original compact model into a striking performance vehicle.
Nigel Mansell, the 1992 Formula 1 champion, is set to auction various pieces from his personal memorabilia collection on February 10, 2026, in collaboration with Budds, with no minimum bids. Among the items available are his 1993 IndyCar Rookie of the Year trophy and a signed replica helmet from his time with Williams-Renault, with the trophy expected to fetch between £2,500 and £3,000.
The Little Rock Police Department operates 116 automated license plate readers throughout the city, capturing extensive vehicle data including time, location, and physical characteristics. While officials claim these devices enhance crime-fighting efforts, critics raise concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse, as the data can be shared with agencies nationwide without the need for warrants.
At the end of this month, Paris will host an auction organized by RM Sotheby’s, attracting affluent car enthusiasts eager to acquire rare and historically significant vehicles for personal enjoyment rather than resale. Among the highlights are a highly sought-after 1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider SWB, expected to fetch around $16.3 million, and a 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S, anticipated to sell for up to $4.9 million, both of which boast impressive racing pedigrees and extensive documentation.
This summer, the Ford GT Mk IIs that achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans will reunite for the first time in a decade at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, followed by an appearance at the Goodwood Revival in September. The event will commemorate their legendary performance while also featuring family members of Carroll Shelby, who will present an award honoring his legacy.
Washington, D.C. is considering a proposal to eliminate all traffic enforcement cameras, which currently number 546 and have generated significant revenue for the city. If enacted, this measure could lead to a substantial financial gap in the city’s budget and shift the responsibility for traffic regulation back to law enforcement.
US authorities are raising concerns about dangerous airbag inflators from China that may be present in salvaged and rebuilt vehicles, which have been linked to eight fatalities and several injuries due to their tendency to eject metal shards during accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging vehicle owners, especially those with cars that have salvage or rebuilt titles, to have their airbags inspected promptly to ensure safety.
A Ferrari F310B, famously piloted by Michael Schumacher during the 1997 Formula 1 season, is scheduled for auction in Paris at the end of January. This particular chassis, which played a role in Schumacher's championship pursuit, is notable for being the last of its kind to feature slick tires before the sport transitioned to grooved rubber.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz plays a significant role in Bradley Cooper's film, Is This Thing On?, reflecting themes of family and personal transformation while emphasizing its importance in the narrative. This strategic placement as a vehicle picked by Will Arnett’s lead character highlights the brand's focus on lifestyle and identity rather than just technical specifications.
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!