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Toyota FJ Cruiser Revealed
Andrew Evans
October 21, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
McLaren’s Brown apologizes to Hulkenberg after USGP collision
The Crew Motorfest Year 3 updates revealed, with track creator coming soon
Waymo probed after school bus incident
M-Sport planning to develop new Ford WRC car
Mario Kart used to train autonomous driving systems
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota has introduced the Land Cruiser FJ, a compact version of its renowned off-road vehicle, built on the same platform as the Hilux Champ. Equipped with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a part-time four-wheel drive system, this rugged vehicle emphasizes customization options and practicality, with plans for its debut in Japan in 2026.
Waymo is facing renewed scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration following an incident where one of its autonomous taxis failed to stop for a school bus while students were boarding. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in establishing accountability for traffic violations involving driverless vehicles, as the legal framework remains inadequate for addressing such incidents.
Volkswagen has temporarily halted production of the ID Buzz electric minivan due to a decline in demand, with operations at its Hanover facility paused from October 20 to October 24. The company plans to adjust its production strategies in response to market shifts, as it faces challenges from rising costs and increased competition in the electric vehicle sector.
Ford is introducing the Mustang Mach-E GT California Special for 2026, a variant that honors the legacy of the original 1968 Mustang California Special while embracing the electric SUV format. This model features distinctive design elements like 20-inch gloss black wheels and Rave Blue accents, while maintaining the same performance and range specifications as the standard Mach-E GT.
A fire at a Novelis aluminum facility has led to the temporary closure of Jeep and Ford plants, hindering vehicle production and delaying deliveries of the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. As the automotive industry grapples with escalating costs and potential shortages exacerbated by tariffs and China's export restrictions, consumers may soon experience increased vehicle prices and limited availability.
DeepDrive, a Munich-based startup, is developing a dual-rotor electric motor that could enhance efficiency by up to 20%, potentially transforming the design and manufacturing of electric vehicles. As the company tests its technology with major automakers, it aims to enable smaller and lighter battery packs, which could reduce costs and environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for affordable EVs.
Porsche has filed a patent for an innovative W-shaped combustion engine featuring 18 cylinders, arranged in a space-efficient design that allows for variations in cylinder count. This unique configuration aims to enhance performance by minimizing airflow friction and optimizing intake cooling, although it remains uncertain if the company intends to bring this design to market.
Runge Cars has introduced the Hetzer, a new air-cooled 5.3-liter flat-eight engine that combines contemporary engineering with classic design elements, achieving a remarkable 9,000rpm redline and compatibility with air-cooled Porsche 911 models. This engine will power the Runge R3, a lightweight mid-engine supercar featuring a six-speed manual transmission, reflecting a blend of retro inspiration and modern performance.
MOTORSPORT
Zak Brown extended a personal apology to Nico Hulkenberg following a controversial incident during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix sprint, where Hulkenberg's actions were initially blamed for the early retirements of McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Despite the initial backlash, which Brown later retracted after reviewing the situation, Hulkenberg went on to finish eighth in the subsequent race, marking his first points since July and elevating him to ninth in the championship standings.
M-Sport is focusing on developing a new vehicle to comply with the World Rally Championship's upcoming 2027 regulations, rather than enhancing its existing Rally2 model. The team is currently hesitant to commit to this project until the future direction of the WRC's promotional strategy becomes clearer, as they await the outcome of a tender process for new commercial rights.
Franco Colapinto disregarded a team directive from Alpine to stay behind Pierre Gasly during the US Grand Prix, believing that his faster pace and the presence of Gabriel Bortoleto behind warranted his move. Following the race, Alpine management expressed disappointment over the situation, while Gasly acknowledged the team's need for internal review to address their overall performance issues.
Oliver Bearman raised concerns about Yuki Tsunoda's defensive maneuver during the United States Grand Prix, which he deemed excessively aggressive, while also facing scrutiny himself regarding his restart after a Virtual Safety Car. Despite his opinion, the race stewards opted not to investigate the situation, leaving Bearman frustrated with the outcome of the race.
Colton Herta, currently a test driver for Cadillac in Formula 1, is set to transition from IndyCar to Formula 2 with Hitech in 2026, where he will also engage in development tasks for Cadillac's new racing team. This move, aimed at enhancing his skills and experience on F1 circuits, comes after Herta's recent departure from IndyCar, with the intention of meeting the requirements for an FIA superlicence.
Antonio Felix da Costa is set to rejoin the World Endurance Championship in 2026 as a member of Alpine's factory team in the Hypercar division, following a stint with Porsche and a focus on Formula E. While he continues to compete in the all-electric series with Jaguar, he aims to leverage his extensive experience to help Alpine achieve success in endurance racing.
Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, addressed recent speculation regarding Christian Horner's potential move to the team, following a statement from CEO John Elkann expressing confidence in Vasseur's leadership. After the United States Grand Prix, Vasseur noted that Elkann's message serves to clarify the team's direction and helps shift focus away from external distractions.
George Russell has voiced his concerns regarding the increasing monotony of Formula 1 races, particularly highlighting his experience at the recent United States Grand Prix. He noted that the lack of tyre degradation is contributing to a trend of one-stop races, suggesting that a more drastic approach to tyre performance could enhance competition, although he recognizes the challenges in achieving this.
Antonio Fuoco, a driver for Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship, will participate in the first practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix on Friday, while also fulfilling his role as a development driver for the Formula 1 team. Fuoco secured victory for Ferrari AF Corse in the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this year, and will be joined by several other rookie drivers during the practice session.
CURIOSITIES
The upcoming Season 8 of The Crew Motorfest, launching this November, introduces a range of new vehicles, including several BMW models, and enhances player customization options with features like adjustable vehicle stance and licensed wheels. Following this, Season 9 is set to debut in March 2026, promising significant additions such as a track creation tool and new NASCAR-themed content, further expanding the game's offerings.
Researchers from the University of Maryland are using the popular video game Mario Kart to assess the reliability of autonomous driving technologies prior to real-world applications. By simulating driving scenarios within the game, they aim to refine these systems, ensuring they comply with traffic regulations and enhance their overall performance.
Two vehicles in the security detail of the US Vice President were struck by shrapnel from a live artillery fire exercise over California's Interstate 5 when the shell detonated prematurely. The situation could have been much worse had the governor not closed part of the freeway beforehand, reinforcing questions about the wisdom of live-fire over active highways.
Authorities apprehended six teenagers linked to the theft of a Hyundai Elantra and a Kia Soul, which were reportedly taken for joyrides, after police spotted the vehicles in residential areas. The arrests followed a pursuit that began when officers attempted to stop the Hyundai, leading to the capture of its driver, a 15-year old, while the Kia Soul's occupants were later caught after fleeing on foot.
Two suspects apprehended following a detailed undercover investigation reportedly employed Google Maps to identify potential burglary targets. Their method involved analyzing high-resolution imagery to assess properties and traffic patterns, enabling them to plan their crimes and escape routes effectively.
A recent law in Florida, named Trenton's Law in memory of a young victim of drunk driving, significantly increases penalties for repeat offenders, allowing sentences of up to 30 years. The legislation also imposes stricter consequences for first-time offenders who flee the scene after an incident, and introduces penalties for refusing a breathalyzer test, including potential fines and license suspensions.
A rogue firework detonated beneath a Toyota 4Runner in Hawaii, with the entire event captured on video, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old man for Reckless Endangering. Although no injuries were reported, police emphasized the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and their potential to endanger both people and property.
A remarkably preserved 1982 Mercedes-Benz 500SL, with only 42 miles on the odometer, has been discovered in the UK after four decades in storage, highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The vehicle is now in the hands of SL specialist company SL Shop, and will serve as a standard reference model.
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