• SpeedBites
  • Posts
  • The Porsche 911 Gets More Expensive

The Porsche 911 Gets More Expensive

Author

Jordan Greer
July 16, 2025

Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

  • Volvo's EX90 faces major issues

  • Hero deacon receives new truck

  • Tesla's diner concept nears completion

  • Mazda RX-7 sells for $1.2 million

  • UK reintroduces EV discounts program

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tesla is set to launch a unique diner featuring Supercharging stations and large screens, a concept that has been in development since 2018. After overcoming various regulatory hurdles and relocating the project to Hollywood, the diner is now nearing completion, with preliminary tests already underway.

Hyundai is set to introduce the Ioniq 6 N in South Korea this September, with plans to expand availability to Europe by late 2025 and the U.S. market in early 2024. The phased launch is influenced by regional regulations and production logistics, as the vehicle is exclusively manufactured at the Asan plant in South Korea, which also produces other models like the Ioniq 5 and Sonata.

Volvo faced significant challenges in launching its first software-driven vehicles, the EX30 and EX90, which were plagued by delays and unresolved software issues upon arrival. Consumer Reports highlighted numerous malfunctions in the EX90 during its initial testing phase, raising concerns about the vehicle's readiness for market and the implications for Volvo's reputation among buyers of high-end SUVs.

Tesla is set to face a jury regarding a tragic incident from 2019, where a driver using its Autopilot feature collided with a parked vehicle, resulting in two fatalities. The case raises critical questions about the responsibilities of drivers versus the capabilities of driver-assistance systems, potentially influencing future legal standards for automotive technology.

Volvo is reportedly planning to start manufacturing the XC60 and XC90 models at its South Carolina facility, with production potentially commencing as early as January 2027 for the XC60 and October 2028 for the XC90. This strategy aims to enhance the plant's efficiency, which is currently underutilized, and align production with the brand's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. market.

Nissan has announced plans to close its historic Oppama plant by March 2028, shifting production to improve cost efficiency and streamline operations as part of a broader restructuring strategy. This decision, which affects approximately 2,400 employees, is anticipated to have a significant impact on the local economy and marks a pivotal moment in the company's history, given the plant's long-standing role in Nissan's manufacturing legacy.

Many automotive enthusiasts continue to aspire to own the cars they admired in their youth, but recent price hikes from Porsche may extend the wait for those dreaming of a 911. The latest increases, attributed to shifting market conditions, have raised the base price of the 911 Carrera by $4,700, making it increasingly challenging for dedicated savers to reach their goal of ownership.

Current U.S. crash test protocols primarily rely on male dummies that do not accurately represent the diverse population, particularly women. In response to ongoing concerns about this issue, a bipartisan group of senators has introduced the She Drives Act, which mandates the inclusion of a female dummy that better reflects the size and anatomy of women in crash testing procedures.

The slow uptake of electric motorcycles in the U.S. is largely due to their high costs and limited capabilities compared to traditional gas models, prompting manufacturers like LiveWire to develop more affordable options. Recently, LiveWire introduced two prototypes aimed at providing accessible electric riding experiences, featuring swappable batteries and designs suitable for urban commuting and light off-road use.

The UK government is reintroducing a financial support program for electric vehicles, offering discounts between £1,500 and £3,750 on qualifying models priced up to £37,000. This initiative, backed by a £650 million investment, aims to enhance the appeal of EVs while addressing concerns about charging infrastructure and the transition away from internal combustion engines by 2030.

Tesla has officially entered the Indian market after multiple previous attempts, but the pricing of its Model Y vehicles appears misaligned with local expectations. Despite a recent agreement that could have alleviated import tariffs, the company has opted not to manufacture in India, resulting in costs that are significantly higher than those in the United States.

MOTORSPORT

The competition for the 2025 Hypercar World Endurance drivers' championship has intensified following the recent 6 Hours of São Paulo, with the gap between the leading Ferrari team and the second-place AF Corse drivers narrowing to just 12 points. Meanwhile, the Cadillac team has climbed to second in the manufacturers' standings after a strong performance, while other competitors like the No. 50 crew face challenges that have impacted their title aspirations.

Alpine, currently at the bottom of the Formula 1 standings, anticipates a potential turnaround thanks to an increase in its aerodynamic testing allowances for the latter part of 2025, following a reset of F1's testing restrictions. Meanwhile, Mercedes faces a significant reduction in its testing time after climbing the rankings, highlighting the competitive nature of the sport as teams prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.

Laurent Mekies, the new team principal of Red Bull, acknowledges the significant legacy left by Christian Horner, who led the team for two decades. Transitioning from his previous role at Racing Bulls, Mekies recognizes the challenge ahead as he steps into a position that has seen the team evolve from its humble beginnings to a dominant force in Formula 1.

Cadillac's F1 CEO Dan Towriss acknowledged the competitive landscape for acquiring seasoned drivers, highlighting Valtteri Bottas as a particularly appealing option for the team's inaugural season. With the team set to join the 2026 grid alongside a significant regulatory shift, Towriss emphasized the importance of selecting experienced drivers while navigating ongoing discussions and competition from other teams.

The Sachsenring will host the German Grand Prix as part of the MotoGP schedule through at least 2031, following a successful event that attracted over 250,000 attendees. However, this extension is contingent upon implementing essential safety improvements, a concern raised by riders after a series of serious incidents during the weekend's races.

CURIOSITIES

The DeKalb Lumberjack, a compact flatbed truck designed for efficient lumber delivery, emerged in the 1950s as a solution to the cumbersome and costly trucks of the time. Although it was a unique design that catered to the needs of lumber yards, the DeKalb Commercial Body Company ultimately faded from the market by the 1970s, unable to compete with evolving vehicle preferences.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has emerged as a premier automotive gathering in the UK, replacing traditional motor shows with a vibrant celebration of motorsport and automotive innovation. Set in the picturesque grounds of Lord March's estate, the event attracts a diverse array of manufacturers and thousands of fans, showcasing everything from classic racing cars to cutting-edge electric vehicles.

A Michigan deacon named Richard Pryor took swift action to thwart a potential mass shooting at his church by colliding with an armed assailant, ultimately leading to the gunman's death at the hands of a security guard. In recognition of his bravery, a local dealership presented Pryor with a new F-150 to replace the vehicle he lost during the incident.

A notable vehicle from the Fast and Furious series, a 1992 Mazda RX-7 FD featured in Tokyo Drift, recently fetched £911,000 ($1.2 million) at a Bonhams auction. This particular car, one of only two used during production, showcases unique modifications and retains its cinematic heritage, including camera mount remnants and character labels.

The increasing weight of vehicles, particularly electric models, has raised concerns about their impact on infrastructure, highlighted by a viral incident involving a heavy Rivian R1T crashing through a safety barrier. However, experts indicate that the challenge lies not just in vehicle weight but also in the unique design of EVs, which complicates the development of effective universal guardrails due to their lower center of mass and the aging vehicle fleet on the roads.

Navigation applications like Google Maps and Waze have become essential tools for drivers, particularly when traveling unfamiliar roads, as they provide turn-by-turn directions and real-time updates on traffic conditions. However, a recent study reveals the risks of relying solely on these apps, highlighting that many drivers have encountered serious incidents due to misinterpretations of navigation instructions, leading to crashes and dangerous situations.

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!