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The World's Fastest Production Car is Now Chinese
Andrew Evans
September 22, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
How Verstappen made the strategy that won in Baku
Find out how concept cars get made for Gran Turismo
Next Lexus supercar looks set to be a hybrid
Single unified ruleset mooted to replace LMH/LMDh
New Gran Turismo update adds five cars this week
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The Yangwang U9 Xtreme has recently surpassed its predecessor by reaching a remarkable speed of 308mph, establishing itself as the fastest production car and just the second road car to breach the 300mph threshold. Although this speed was achieved only in a single direction and will not qualify for official recognition as a world record, the limited-run U9 Xtreme nonetheless sets a new performance benchmark.
The Lexus LFR, which may also be known as the Toyota GR GT3, is nearing its final design stage following its initial public display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Recent testing at the Nurburgring suggests that the vehicle will feature a hybrid powertrain alongside a twin-turbo V8, and two distinct prototypes are being developed, one of which appears to be aimed at a more performance-oriented road variant.
Porsche will continue to offer internal combustion engine options for the Cayenne, Panamera, and the upcoming K1 SUV, despite initial plans for the latter to be fully electric. This strategic shift aims to address slower electric vehicle adoption and market challenges, while still committing to future electric models, including updated versions of the Taycan and the new Cayenne EV.
Stellantis has reported a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to a third-party service provider responsible for its North American customer support, confirming that only basic contact details were affected and no sensitive financial information was compromised. In light of this breach, the company has initiated an investigation and is advising customers to remain cautious against potential phishing attempts that may arise from the exposed data.
In the coming years, BMW is set to introduce over 40 new or refreshed vehicles, with a significant focus on traditional sedans alongside electric models. As the brand explores various body styles, including a resurgence of wagons in North America, it plans to maintain its commitment to core designs while adapting to shifting consumer preferences.
Porsche has announced a shift in its plans for the next-generation 718 Cayman and Boxster, confirming that these models will feature traditional gasoline engines instead of being exclusively electric. This decision comes in response to a decline in electric vehicle demand, with the company indicating that while base models may remain electric, higher-performance variants are expected to incorporate combustion engines.
Rivian has proposed financial compensation to some customers in exchange for relinquishing their rights to pursue legal action related to warranty issues. One R1S owner reported receiving a $2,000 offer after experiencing significant service delays, indicating a broader trend among users facing similar situations.
BMW is advancing its new generation of vehicles with the upcoming fifth iteration of the X5, following the recent introductions of the iX3 and i3. The next X5 will feature a diverse array of powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cell technology co-developed with Toyota, as the company aims to enhance hydrogen infrastructure through its 'HyMoS' initiative by the time the iX5 Hydrogen is released in 2028.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen secured another commanding victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies highlighting the driver's strategic influence on the race. By opting for hard tyres at the start, Verstappen aimed to capitalize on potential safety car scenarios, a tactic that ultimately paid off despite the inherent risks associated with such a decision.
Recent discussions within the FIA World Endurance Championship's Hypercar class have focused on the possibility of transitioning to a unified platform, moving away from the current dual-specification of LMH and LMDh vehicles. This shift, driven by manufacturers' frustrations with the existing Balance of Performance system, aims to create a more consistent and competitive environment as the series approaches the end of the decade.
George Russell endured a challenging weekend at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to illness, revealing that he might have withdrawn from the race if it had taken place at a more intensive circuit such as Singapore. Despite feeling unwell earlier in the event, he managed to secure a second-place finish, aided by a strong performance on hard tires and some with rivals' mistakes.
McLaren's Andrea Stella has dismissed concerns that Oscar Piastri is struggling under the pressure of the Formula 1 championship, referencing that even legends like Michael Schumacher experienced challenging weekends. Despite a difficult race in Azerbaijan that saw Piastri retire early, Stella remains confident in the driver's ability to learn and bounce back from setbacks, emphasizing that such incidents are not uncommon in the careers of successful racers.
Ferrari's announcement of Lewis Hamilton joining the team for the 2024 season left Carlos Sainz reflecting on his future with Williams, where he has taken on the challenge of revitalizing a struggling team. After a difficult transition from Ferrari, Sainz celebrated a significant milestone by securing his first podium with Williams in Baku, marking a hopeful turn in his career amidst a tumultuous period.
Oscar Piastri will not incur a grid penalty for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, despite having received a five-second time penalty during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix that he could not serve due to an early crash. Recent changes to the regulations stipulate that if a driver is unable to fulfill a single five-second penalty because of retirement, it will not be converted into a grid penalty for future races.
Lewis Hamilton expressed regret to Charles Leclerc after not relinquishing eighth place during the final lap of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, despite Ferrari's strategy to have Leclerc allow Hamilton to pass in pursuit of a better position. While Hamilton acknowledged his late realization of the situation, Leclerc downplayed the incident, emphasizing that the outcome of eighth versus ninth was not significant to him.
Ferrari has decided against implementing significant modifications to its 499P for the upcoming 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season, asserting that it currently sees no necessity to activate any of its remaining Evo jokers. Despite its competitors planning to introduce updates, Ferrari is satisfied with its performance and aims to maintain its existing specifications throughout the season.
Christian Horner has officially parted ways with Red Bull after reaching a severance agreement following his dismissal as team principal in July. Although the official announcement did not disclose specific figures, sources indicate that he received a substantial payout estimated at 60 million euros (£52 million), marking one of the largest severance packages in the realm of sports.
CURIOSITIES
A forthcoming update for Gran Turismo 7 has been confirmed for next week, following an announcement from series creator Kazunori Yamauchi after the Gran Turismo World Series in Berlin, revealing several new vehicles. Among the five cars set to be introduced, notable additions include the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo and the Hyundai Elantra N, with further details about the update expected to emerge soon.
The recent unveiling of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision GT highlights the collaborative effort between manufacturers and Polyphony Digital in creating vehicles for the Vision Gran Turismo program, emphasizing a blend of design and technical input. This partnership involves not only the exchange of foundational data but also iterative feedback that refines the virtual representation of these concept cars, bridging the gap between imagination and realistic simulation.
A pilot faced a mechanical issue while flying a 1968 Cessna 172K, prompting an emergency landing at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, where a track day was underway. Fortunately, both the pilot and passenger sustained only minor injuries, and the incident is now being investigated by the FAA and local authorities.
In the second round of the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series, Team Subaru and Spanish driver Jose Serrano continued their impressive performances, each securing maximum points in their series to maintain their perfect start. The event in Berlin, part of a series leading to the World Final in Fukuoka, featured intense competition across the races, with diverse strategies and tire management playing crucial roles in the outcomes.
A fire in Chattanooga resulted in the loss of five exotic vehicles, including two McLarens, two Corvette C8s, and an Audi R8, while en route to the Crown Rally. Although the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, it is suspected that one of the cars may have ignited the fire, leading to significant damage estimated at $1.5 million, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Willow Springs, recognized as the oldest permanent road course in the US, has long been known for its deteriorating track surface, which presents challenges for drivers. However, recent improvements by the new ownership include resurfacing and enhancements to the Streets of Willow and the kart track, aimed at revitalizing the experience for visitors.
Polyphony Digital has announced a partnership with Dunlop, naming the tire manufacturer the official supplier for Gran Turismo 7 and the Gran Turismo World Series, starting with the 2025 season. This collaboration, which follows a previous five-year arrangement with Michelin, aims to incorporate Dunlop’s branding and technology into the game while enhancing the driving experience through their expertise in motorsport.
The racing simulator Rennsport is set to officially launch on November 13, 2025, with pre-orders now available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series users, offering exclusive content and early access. Originally intended as a free-to-play PC title, the game has transitioned to a retail model and will be released in both Standard and Deluxe Editions, featuring a variety of cars and tracks, along with future downloadable content.
A rare B3 GT3 from BMW specialist tuning company Alpina — now part of the BMW brand itself — is available through a classified advertisement in the UK. One of only 99 made, and just four in white, the B3 GT3 is based on the E92 335i and was created by Alpina to mark a successful season with the B6 GT3 race car, increasing power and reducing the weight as well as improving aerodynamics.
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!