Toyota GR GT Teased in TV Ad Spot

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

  • 19-car vintage collection crossing the block at Amelia Island

  • FIA and F1 drivers meet to thrash out driving standards guidelines

  • Final Bugatti Bolide leaves Molsheim, concludes W16 production

  • Newey gets a vote of confidence from world champion Verstappen

  • Screen-used Back to the Future police car heads to auction

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

The anticipation surrounding the Toyota GR GT is growing ahead of its official reveal on December 5, following a recent teaser that aired as a traditional TV advertisement in Japan and gave a glimpse at the car. This promotional spot features classic models that inspired the new supercar, hinting at its design while leaving many technical specifications, including its hybrid powertrain and performance capabilities, still under wraps until the launch.

The last Bugatti Bolide, a track-focused vehicle with a limited run of 40 units, has left the factory, marking the conclusion of the brand's W16 engine in its series production models. Its final model, painted in a distinctive baby blue, belongs to a devoted Bugatti enthusiast who also owns a historic Type 35 racer and the last Veyron Grand Sport, highlighting the car's connection to the brand's rich heritage.

Internal images from a Genesis presentation have leaked, showing the upcoming GV90 flagship SUV will come in two different configurations. The regular model will be joined by a longer variant that sports the rear-hinged rear doors previously spied in pre-production vehicles, and will likely come with limo-style seating like the sibling Kia Carnival Hi-Limousine.

Peugeot plans to expand its GTi performance lineup with additional models following the introduction of the e-208 hot hatch, emphasizing a commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences. The e-208 GTi, featuring 278hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds, marks the brand's return to the performance segment, with future offerings aimed at reinforcing the significance of the GTi badge in Peugeot's legacy.

Nissan is committing to a more distinctive design philosophy, with vice president Giovanny Arroba emphasizing the need for the brand to reclaim its leadership position in the automotive market. He noted that the upcoming Micra aims to reintroduce a unique character to the brand's aesthetics, moving away from the more generic designs of its predecessors, while also hinting at developments for models like the Juke and Qashqai.

Hyundai Motor Group plans to introduce vehicle-to-home capabilities for the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV6 in the US, allowing these electric crossovers to supply power to homes during outages and optimize energy costs. While the Kia EV9 already supports this feature with the Quasar 2 system, specific hardware requirements for the other models have yet to be detailed, though they will likely involve similar technology.

BMW Belux recently achieved a significant milestone by delivering 723 electric vehicles to PwC Belgium, marking the largest single shipment in the company's history. This delivery, which included 423 BMW iX1 crossovers and 300 MINI Aceman units, supports PwC's goal of transitioning to a fully decarbonized fleet by 2028, as they enhance their charging infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles.

A new crash test safety dummy, called THOR 05F, aims to close the gender gap in injury statistics as it is gradually introduced to independent tests around the world. Women are 73% more likely than men to be seriously injured in some car crashes, with the dummies used for five decades being designed around the male body and not reflecting anatomical differences that can affect the performance of active safety systems.

UK car manufacturing experienced a significant decline of 24% last month, primarily due to Jaguar Land Rover's disruption from a severe cyber attack that halted its operations. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that the country produced only 59,010 vehicles in October, reflecting a substantial drop compared to the previous year, as industry leaders express concerns over new taxation policies potentially hindering the transition to electric vehicles.

MOTORSPORT

The governing body has announced that the driving standards guidelines will remain unchanged for the final championship rounds, despite ongoing debates surrounding their application. A recent meeting at the Losail circuit addressed several controversial incidents from the season, highlighting concerns that strict adherence to these guidelines may not always reflect the realities of racing.

Max Verstappen has expressed confidence in Adrian Newey's ability to excel in his new position as team principal at Aston Martin, following the recent organizational changes within the team. Newey, who previously served as a chief designer, will now lead the team alongside his technical responsibilities, with support from Andy Cowell, who transitions to a strategic role focused on partnerships.

Carlos Sainz proposed that incorporating a few recent ex-Formula 1 drivers into the stewarding panel could alleviate the issues stemming from the current driving guidelines, which he believes are often misinterpreted. During an upcoming discussion with the FIA, he plans to address the confusion surrounding these guidelines, arguing that they have led to unnecessary penalties and a lack of recognition for genuine racing incidents.

The management of Formula 1 race officiating has sparked renewed discussions about the potential for permanent and compensated stewards. Drivers have reiterated the need for stewarding to improve, with George Russell arguing that consistent and well-compensated officials are essential for fair decision-making in the sport.

McLaren sought a special allowance from the FIA prior to the Qatar Grand Prix practice session due to complications with both vehicles, particularly that of Lando Norris, who leads the championship. The team conducted non-destructive testing on Norris' car to inspect for potential internal damage, raising questions about the condition of the vehicle just before the event.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, expressed that he feels no remorse about his transition to Ferrari, despite experiencing a challenging season highlighted by a disappointing performance in Las Vegas. While he initially voiced concerns about the upcoming 2026 season, he later clarified that his comments were made in frustration and emphasized his enthusiasm for collaborating with his new team moving forward.

George Russell disclosed that he and Lewis Hamilton faced restrictions from a health and safety officer when they attempted to test the effects of porpoising in their car. The Mercedes W13 struggled significantly with this issue during the 2022 season, prompting concerns about driver safety after Hamilton experienced back pain due to the intense bouncing on track.

BBM Sport has acquired two wingless Peugeot 9X8 vehicles in preparation for their independent entry into the Hypercar category of the 2026-27 Asian Le Mans Series. A recent social media update from the team, led by Bob Berridge, featured the cars being loaded for transport to their facility in the UK, with plans to field up to two entries and Greek driver Kriton Lendoudis confirmed as the initial racer.

CURIOSITIES

Gooding & Co. will feature an impressive selection from the Curtis Leaverton Collection at the upcoming Amelia Island Auctions, scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2026, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. The 19-lot collection includes a range of vintage and modern vehicles, highlighted by a 1932 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Series V Gran Sport and a low-mileage 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, all offered without reserve.

A prop police car made for the 2015 scenes in Back to the Future Part II is heading to auction, with an expected valuation of around $100,000. The vehicle, a police cruiser built by famed movie car-maker Gene Winfield as one of two produced for the 1989 film but the only one using a functioning powertrain, was restored in 2015 for the 30th anniversary of the first film in the series and isn’t road legal but retains original features.

A Ford GT, built in 2005, suffered an expensive crash when driven on track by the owner’s friend just two years later, and remained in this state for almost 18 years before a rebuild in 2025. The nine-month project finished in October, allowing the car to appear at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, now sporting a Doran Racing IMSA GT2 body kit among other upgrades, with the whole rebuild documented on the Throtl YouTube channel.

Texas has implemented a new requirement mandating proof of legal residency for vehicle registration and renewal, a move intended to enhance road safety. However, this policy may inadvertently lead to an increase in unregistered and uninsured drivers, shifting the financial risks associated with accidents onto others.

The Nordic Horizons DLC is now available for Euro Truck Simulator 2, extending the game’s expansive map into Northern Scandinavia, featuring regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. This update introduces 40 new cities, including notable locations like Trondheim and Lapland, while also adding various industries and 200 depots for players to explore and engage with.

This well-preserved 1963 Corvette, which has remained in a climate-controlled storage for decades, is now available for sale by the original owner's daughter. It comes with extensive documentation detailing its history and condition, making it an appealing option for collectors, while the current auction price stands at $15,100 with a reserve still in place.

A recent video reveals Arkansas State Police successfully terminating a high-speed chase involving a Chevrolet Sonic, which reached speeds exceeding 130mph. The pursuit, which began after an officer spotted the vehicle speeding and weaving through traffic, culminated in the driver's arrest following failed attempts to evade capture, including a PIT maneuver that ultimately halted the sedan.

A limited edition model of the Chevrolet Beretta is now available at auction, sporting not only rarity but a relatively low 16,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle, located in Utah, is one of the 7,500 Beretta GT Indy Pace Car Edition models, of which only 1,500 were presented in this yellow color option, and includes original features like the 16-inch aluminum wheels with body-color accents and original decals.

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!