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Tommykaira ZZII Supercar Prototype Reappears After 20-Year Pause
Andrew Evans
June 03, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
A Subaru WRX STI could be on the way
Forza Horizon founder's new studio is making a racing game
Nissan remains committed to Super GT despite troubles
Faraday Future’s Model Y-slaying FX4 teased
Brad Pitt thinks F1 drivers have it tougher than actors
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Faraday Future has unveiled a teaser for its upcoming electric vehicle, tentatively named the FX 4, which is anticipated to rival the Tesla Model Y while potentially being priced similarly to the Toyota RAV4. Further information regarding this new SUV is expected to be disclosed in the third quarter, with pre-orders planned to open by the year's end.
Subaru's chief technical officer recently hinted at the development of a new high-performance vehicle during the 24 Hours of Fuji, generating excitement among enthusiasts. A teaser image suggests a more aggressive design, possibly indicating a hatchback variant that could be based on the Levorg, with an official unveiling expected at the Japan Mobility Show in October.
Genesis is preparing to introduce a new electric luxury SUV, the GV90, designed to compete with models like the Range Rover EV and Volvo EX90. This vehicle will share its platform with the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9, featuring a premium design while likely offering a spacious six-seat configuration and advanced charging capabilities, all set for a 2026 debut.
Mercedes-Benz has faced disappointing sales with its electric G-Class, as only 1,450 units were sold within a year of its launch, starkly contrasting with the nearly 9,700 sales of the traditional gasoline and diesel models. This lack of consumer interest has prompted the company to reconsider the future of its smaller G-Class variant, which may now include internal combustion engine options alongside electric power.
Experiencing a defect in a newly purchased vehicle within the first year can be frustrating, especially when the dealership dismisses the issue and declines to address it. A Vancouver owner of an Alfa Romeo Tonale has reported rust forming on the tailgate due to a design flaw, and while the dealership claims this condition is typical, they have not provided adequate support or solutions.
In Norway, Tesla experienced a remarkable surge in sales, increasing by 213 percent in May compared to the same month in 2024, largely driven by the introduction of the updated Model Y which captured a significant market share. Conversely, neighboring Sweden saw a sharp decline in Tesla demand, with sales plummeting by 54 percent during the same timeframe, reflecting trends in other European countries.
In 2019, BMW revealed plans for a new plug-in hybrid supercar inspired by the M1, known as the Vision M Next, which was expected to deliver 600 horsepower and enhance the legacy of the i8. However, recent reports indicate that the project has been abandoned in favor of focusing on the XM performance SUV, as the company prioritizes its resources amid various market challenges.
Tesla's CEO Elon Musk faced internal backlash after publicly disputing a report about the cancellation of the much-anticipated $25,000 Model 2, which had already been terminated weeks earlier. This denial not only confused Tesla executives but also raised concerns regarding Musk's compliance with a previous SEC agreement, as his statement appeared to stabilize the company's stock following a decline.
Nissan is facing challenges, including a potential sale of its headquarters in Japan and the discontinuation of its budget model in the US, but it remains focused on the Chinese market with the introduction of the N7 electric vehicle. This new model, developed in partnership with Dongfeng, features innovative seating technology that has led to the creation of a unique office chair, equipped with smart sensors and a massage system, now available for purchase in China.
MOTORSPORT
Nissan's new CEO, Ivan Espinosa, has emphasized the company's ongoing dedication to participating in the Super GT GT500 class, despite recent challenges and significant restructuring efforts. He highlighted the importance of the NISMO GT500 program for fostering brand loyalty and expressed interest in expanding the series' reach within the Asia-Pacific region, while also maintaining a focus on cost management.
Brad Pitt has acknowledged the intense scrutiny faced by Formula 1 drivers, suggesting that their challenges may surpass those experienced by celebrities in the film industry. He draws parallels between the isolation felt in both professions, highlighting the relentless pressure and criticism that athletes endure, which often extends beyond their performance on the track.
Helmut Marko, an advisor for Red Bull, expressed confusion over Max Verstappen's decision-making during a controversial moment with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. After initially complying with team orders to relinquish a position, Verstappen unexpectedly accelerated and collided with Russell, leading to a penalty that significantly impacted his race outcome.
Sauber's team principal, Jonathan Wheatley, expressed relief following Nico Hulkenberg's surprising fifth-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix, attributing the success to the effectiveness of their recent upgrades. The enhancements, which included significant modifications to the car's design, allowed Hulkenberg to achieve the team’s best result in three years as it prepares for its transition to Audi's factory program in 2026.
Fernando Alonso has urged Aston Martin to enhance its straight-line performance after he had to resort to unconventional overtaking maneuvers during the Spanish Grand Prix. Although he secured his first points of the season with a ninth-place finish, Alonso expressed disappointment with the car's race pace and highlighted ongoing challenges with tire degradation and speed on the straights.
Felipe Drugovich has expressed that his main focus remains on Formula 1, suggesting he might forgo his participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours to step in for the injured Lance Stroll at the Canadian Grand Prix. Stroll, who withdrew from the Spanish GP due to complications from a wrist injury sustained earlier, leaves Aston Martin with limited options for a replacement driver, as the team could not field one after qualifying.
British Touring Car Championship veteran Dan Cammish has raised concerns that the new tyre regulations may compel teams to alter their race strategies to secure better results. He noted that the recent rule changes, which limit the top finishers in race one to using harder tyres in the subsequent race, could lead to a situation where aiming for a podium might not be the optimal approach for scoring points across a weekend.
Will Power's collision with Kyle Kirkwood during a practice session in Detroit drew attention for its lack of repercussions, despite the significant damage caused. While Kirkwood managed to recover quickly and even subsequently win the race, the incident raises concerns about the implications of allowing aggressive driving without penalties in a high-stakes racing environment.
FUN STUFF
The Tommykaira ZZII, a one-of-a-kind supercar powered by a modified Nissan RB26 engine, was originally conceived as Japan's answer to the Porsche Carrera GT, but the project ultimately stalled after producing only a single prototype despite gaining popularity through its appearance in the Gran Turismo game series. A recent video reveals that the car not only still exists but is still functional, and allows viewers to hear insights from one of its creators, who is still eager to see the car enter production.
Lighthouse Games, a new studio founded by former Playground Games employees, has announced its development of a racing game, marking its entry into the genre. While the studio's focus aligns with its founders' backgrounds, CEO Gavin Raeburn emphasized that the team aims to create a unique experience distinct from the Forza Horizon series.
The NA Mazda MX-5, once a staple on lists of affordable used sports cars, has seen its market value soar due to its dwindling availability and increasing demand. A particular 1995 model, with only 6,313 miles and in pristine condition, is currently up for auction, and its price is expected to rise significantly from the current £4,000 top bid.
After five years apart, Rich Benoit has reconnected with his modified Tesla Model S, which now features a V8 engine instead of its original electric powertrain. Despite facing criticism for the conversion, he is determined to address the car's numerous mechanical issues and reflect on the unique modifications that distinguish it from its former self.
A 2008 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible is currently up for auction without a reserve, allowing the highest bidder to take ownership of this modified sports car. Despite some cosmetic wear and mechanical issues, including a malfunctioning alternator, this model boasts significant upgrades, a striking color, and a clean title.
A rare Fernando Alonso Edition of the Alpine A110 R is available in a classified listing, with the special variant limited to just 32 units and featuring enhancements tailored by the two-time F1 champion. Although launched at an awkward time, when Alonso was transitioning to a rival team, the car commands a higher price than the standard model due to its exclusivity and features like adjustable dampers and unique visual elements.
During the Memorial Day weekend, California Highway Patrol issued numerous speeding citations, with a total of 410 tickets recorded in the Santa Cruz area alone. Following this enforcement period, officers continued to target speeders, resulting in dozens of additional citations for two Porsche 911s caught exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone shortly thereafter.
The Palisades Fire in southern California consumed nearly 37 square miles and took 24 days to control, resulting in significant destruction to homes and businesses, though one Volkswagen Bus managed to endure the flames. On International Volkswagen Bus Day, the automaker revealed that restoration efforts for the damaged vehicle, named "Azul" by its owner, are underway at its Oxnard facility, with plans to complete the repairs by year’s end.
In a creative twist on automotive customization, a derelict 1929 Ford Model A is being transformed using components from a wrecked Polaris RZR, blending vintage aesthetics with modern performance. The ongoing project, led by Papa Wheelie, showcases the vehicle's evolution from a neglected classic to a street-legal off-road machine, complete with updated features and a distinctive new look.
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!