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The Grand Tour (Sort Of) Returns
Andrew Evans
March 18, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
FIA toughens F1 rear wing test ahead of Shanghai race
More first-time Ferrari owners are now under 40
New Toyota GT3 car is coming soon, as a Lexus?
Mercedes ends A-Class for “baby” G
SEMA backs law to allow Kei cars in Texas
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Ferrari is witnessing a notable increase in younger buyers, with nearly 40% of new customers now under the age of 40, reflecting a significant change in the brand's demographic. As the company prepares to introduce its first electric vehicle, it remains committed to maintaining limited production and extended wait times, emphasizing exclusivity over mass-market appeal.
Ford's CEO recently shared on social media that the 2026 Explorer Tremor, an off-road variant of the popular SUV, is set to debut soon, likely featuring both the 3.0-liter V6 and the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engines. This new model will succeed the Timberline trim and is expected to incorporate enhanced off-road capabilities along with updated technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment screen.
Toyota and Subaru are set to introduce a new lineup of electric compact SUVs in 2026, building on their previous collaboration with the bZ4x and Solterra models. These upcoming vehicles will adopt a more traditional SUV design while sharing key components from the e-TNGA platform, with production taking place at Subaru's Yajima plant.
The most accessible Mercedes model, the A-Class hatchback, will not return after the end of the current model’s life cycle, as Mercedes has opted to discontinue it in favor of a new “baby” G-Class — reportedly to use the lower case “g” for its name. Mercedes is set to resolve its compact offerings to CLA/CLB sedans and GLA/GLB crossovers, with the all-electric EQA and EQB models being incorporated into the GL lines with a new design, while the g-Class won’t share their underpinnings.
In response to new tariffs on Chinese imports, Honda has opted to procure batteries for its hybrid models from Toyota's North Carolina facility, aiming to supply around 400,000 vehicles. Additionally, the company has shifted plans to manufacture the next Civic Hybrid in the US rather than Mexico, as part of its strategy to mitigate the financial impact of rising tariffs.
Stellantis is inviting high school students to participate in its Drive for Design contest, where they can submit innovative concepts for the future of Chrysler until April 25. The top entry will earn an Apple iPad Pro and a summer internship at the Ram design studio, while other finalists will receive similar prizes and opportunities for networking within the automotive design field.
Elon Musk's previous assertion that Teslas are "appreciating assets" now seems far from reality, as the brand's stock and used vehicle prices are plummeting, prompting many owners to sell their cars before values drop further. The dramatic depreciation, particularly notable in models like the Cybertruck, is attributed to a combination of increased competition in the EV market and growing dissatisfaction with the brand's image, leading to a surge in owners opting for alternatives.
Mazda is set to introduce a new petrol engine called Skyactiv-Z for the upcoming CX-5, which will comply with Euro 7 emissions regulations and feature a hybrid system. In conjunction with this development, the company has scaled back its electrification budget and plans to collaborate with partners like Toyota and Changan to enhance its electric vehicle offerings.
BYD has introduced innovative fast-charging technology that enables drivers to gain 400 kilometers of range with just a five-minute charge, alongside plans to install over 4,000 of these chargers throughout China. The new system, which can deliver charging speeds of up to 1,000 kW, will first be available in the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, both starting at approximately $37,330.
Hyundai is recalling 1,508 units of the Ioniq 5 N due to a braking issue associated with the Left-Foot Braking feature, which may compromise safety during high-performance driving. Owners are advised to refrain from using this mode until dealers implement necessary software updates to resolve the problem.
MOTORSPORT
The FIA has implemented stricter testing protocols for rear wings ahead of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix, following observations made during the Australian Grand Prix. These new regulations will limit the allowable gap between the mainplane and flap of the rear wing to 0.75mm under a specified load, with further reductions planned for future races.
Toyota's upcoming GT3 race car, expected to be unveiled later this year, is on track for a competitive debut in 2026, according to a company official who confirmed that the launch timeline remains unchanged. The new model, likely to be branded as a Lexus and potentially named 'LFR,' has undergone extensive development in Japan and Europe, with plans for participation in various racing series, including the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship.
McLaren's team principal, Andrea Stella, has urged his team to maintain a humble approach following a strong start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, echoing their successful finish from the previous year. Despite their recent achievements, including a constructors' championship win, Stella emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant, as rival teams have yet to reveal their full potential.
F1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, has engaged in talks with Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, regarding the possibility of hosting a race in the country, which has shown interest in joining the racing calendar. If successful, the event would likely take place as a street race in Bangkok, adding to the growing number of locations vying for inclusion in the increasingly popular F1 schedule.
Aston Martin's team principal, Andy Cowell, announced that Adrian Newey is now concentrating on the design of the 2026 car at the Silverstone facility after transitioning from Red Bull. With the recent opening of a new wind tunnel, Cowell expressed optimism that this development will enhance the team's aerodynamic capabilities and overall performance on the track.
Mercedes used an unconventional strategy during the rain-soaked final laps of the Australian Grand Prix by deploying a team member as a weather observer at St. Kilda beach, which provided crucial information about the approaching rain. This timely insight enabled drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to make an effective switch to intermediate tires, ultimately securing a strong finish for the team despite the challenging conditions.
Christian Horner has expressed disagreement with Helmut Marko regarding the latter's lack of empathy towards Isack Hadjar, who was visibly upset after crashing during the formation lap of his Formula 1 debut. Despite Hadjar's earlier strong performance in qualifying, he lost control of his car due to slippery conditions, leading to an emotional reaction that Horner found understandable given the significance of the situation.
Ferrari's team principal, Frederic Vasseur, acknowledged that the team erred by keeping its drivers on slick tyres too long during the rain-affected Australian Grand Prix, which ultimately hindered their performance. He emphasized the need to learn from the misjudgment while remaining optimistic about the season ahead, citing the team's potential shown in earlier practice sessions.
Oscar Piastri reflected on the disappointment of spinning out during the Australian Grand Prix, acknowledging that while it was a setback, he was able to leverage some unconventional skills learned over the winter at broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson’s eponymous farm to keep his race alive. Despite the frustration of losing a strong position, he remains optimistic about his performance and the overall potential of the McLaren team moving forward.
FUN STUFF
Despite the conclusion of their previous collaboration, Clarkson, Hammond, and May are set to return with a new series called "The Not Very Grand Tour", which is scheduled to premiere on April 18. While the show will feature archival footage of Clarkson, reports indicate that Hammond and May will handle the commentary, marking a shift in the trio's dynamic.
The 1965 Ford GT40 Roadster Prototype, a rare model with a storied racing history, is set to be auctioned by Mecum Auctions after being owned by Dana Mecum for over ten years. This particular vehicle, known as GT/109, is notable for being the only GT Roadster to have participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it features a Cobra-spec 289 cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
A new legislative proposal in Texas, introduced by State Senator Kelly Hancock, seeks to facilitate the import and registration of extremely compact Japanese Kei cars, which are becoming increasingly popular among enthusiasts but remain beholden to red tape. The Specialty Equipment Market Association supports this initiative, highlighting its potential to streamline the titling process while ensuring compliance with local safety regulations
California's strict emissions regulations may see a significant change with the introduction of Senate Bill 712, which aims to exempt vehicles over 35 years old from smog checks if they are insured as collector cars. This proposed legislation, named after renowned car enthusiast Jay Leno, would gradually expand the exemption, potentially allowing cars manufactured in 1991 or earlier to avoid testing by 2026, thus supporting the preservation of classic automobiles in the state.
A rare example of Audi's B7-generation RS4 is available for purchase, at a notable premium over similar models due to its remarkably low mileage. Audi introduced a powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine, similar to the one used in the first-generation R8 supercar, for this model, ahead of a similar approach from its rivals at BMW and Mercedes, while this Navarra Blue sedan has covered just 228 miles since it was registered in 2007.
The Mazda Miata is cherished for its compact and lightweight design, traits that many contemporary car manufacturers often overlook. Rob Dahm is undertaking a unique project by replacing the Miata's four-cylinder engine with a single-rotor rotary engine, which not only reduces weight significantly but also has the potential to substantially enhance the vehicle's horsepower with the right turbocharger.
Hillclimb cars are among the most extreme track vehicles around, with this Clio-based example being a particularly effective demonstration. The car is actually a spaceframe chassis wearing a Clio suit, packing a Megane RS-derived 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of delivering over 700 horsepower to all four wheels, and a uniquely engaging soundtrack courtesy of a very hard-working anti-lag system.
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