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Toyota Reveals Its New Le Mans Racer: TR010
Andrew Evans
January 07, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Michael Schumacher to be immortalized in LEGO
Toyota creates new GR brand, alongside Lexus and Century
Gianpiero Lambiase to remain Verstappen’s race engineer in 2026
Remarkable Mario Kart speed run shows precision driving skills
2026 World Car of the Year finalists are all electrified
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota is establishing Gazoo Racing as its fifth distinct brand, following the recent separation of Century into its own entity. This move signals a more defined identity for performance models, which will now carry the GR designation without any Toyota branding, indicating a shift towards a more exclusive lineup.
All contenders for the 2026 World Car of the Year honor incorporate some level of electrification, with Hyundai Motor Group leading the pack with four vehicles in the top ten. The ultimate winner will be disclosed on April 1 during the New York International Auto Show, following evaluations by a panel of 98 automotive journalists from around the globe.
Oliver Blume, the former CEO of Porsche, acknowledged that discontinuing the first-generation Macan was a mistake, as it will be phased out this year without an immediate replacement. Although a new crossover is planned for 2028, it will not carry the Macan name and aims to address the market's evolving demands for combustion engines and hybrids.
Mitsubishi has unveiled a range of customized Delica vehicles at the Tokyo Auto Salon, including the new Delica Mini and the D:5 minivan, emphasizing their adaptability for off-road and camping adventures. Among the highlights are unique models like the Delica Mini Delimaru Festa, which features a playful mascot, and the rugged D:5 Ultima Gear, designed for outdoor exploration with enhanced suspension and protective accessories.
The new electric Renault Twingo will make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show this week, offering a charming retro design. In conjunction with this launch, Renault is introducing 'Twingomania', a series of six mobility accessories inspired by the Twingo, including an electric skateboard, bodyboard, and various electric vehicles aimed at enhancing urban mobility.
Thomas Ingenlath has reassumed his position as chief designer at Volvo, nine years after leaving to join Polestar as CEO. His return comes as Volvo seeks to advance its future vehicle lineup, building on the stylistic foundation he established during his earlier five-year design leadership at the company.
The UK Government's new Road Safety Strategy aims to significantly reduce fatalities on the roads by implementing mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70, establishing minimum learning periods for new drivers, and lowering the drink-drive limit. This plan also includes enhanced enforcement against dangerous driving and the introduction of advanced safety technologies in new vehicles, with the goal of halving road casualties by 2035.
Remarkably, despite the vehicle being discontinued in 2020, Stellantis recorded some 17 sales of the Dodge Journey in 2025 in an example of the zombie car phenomenon. This comes despite no sales at all in 2024, down from 36 in 2023, while other Stellantis models to record sales despite no longer being made include the Dart at six and two examples of the FIAT 500L.
MOTORSPORT
Toyota has unveiled the TR010 Hybrid, an updated version of its Le Mans Hypercar, set to compete in the 2026 World Endurance Championship. This model features a new design and significant modifications, marking the third major update since the introduction of the GR010 Hybrid in 2021, while the Gazoo Racing branding has been replaced with Toyota Racing as part of a broader rebranding strategy.
Gianpiero Lambiase's future within Red Bull Racing has been a point of speculation, particularly following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with discussions about his role for 2026 expected during the off-season due to personal circumstances. Although he is set to continue as Max Verstappen's race engineer and head of racing this year, potential moves to other teams remain a possibility, as no definitive decisions have been made regarding his contract, which extends until the end of 2027.
Sergio Perez joined Red Bull in 2021, facing immense pressure as he struggled to match teammate Max Verstappen's success, which led him to seek psychological support after receiving feedback from the team. Despite achieving some podium finishes, his performance declined significantly in 2024, ultimately resulting in his departure from Red Bull, but he is now set to return to Formula 1 with Cadillac after a year away.
Henk Lategan delivered a commanding performance in the Dakar Rally’s fourth stage, achieving a significant seven-minute lead during the 421km stage to take over at the top of the overall standings. Despite challenges from competitors, including five-time champion Nasser Al-Attiyah, Lategan's rapid ascent through the ranks marked Toyota's resurgence after mixed results so far, while reigning champion Yazeed Al-Rajhi withdrew due to ongoing injury issues.
Philippe Bianchi has taken to social media to alert the public about the theft of several JB17 karts, including one belonging to his late son, Jules, which holds significant sentimental value for the family. He expressed his distress over the loss and urged anyone who encounters these karts to reach out to him.
The European Rally Championship is in search of a new event to fill the gap left by the cancellation of its 2026 season opener in Hungary due to financial difficulties faced by the rally's organizers. As a result, the championship is now expected to kick off in April with Rally Sierra Morena in Spain, while plans for a replacement round are currently underway.
Cadillac Formula 1 drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez participated in the Hot Ones Versus challenge, where they faced personal inquiries and the heat of spicy wings on the First We Feast YouTube channel. As they prepare for the 2026 season, the duo engaged in lighthearted banter, sharing amusing anecdotes while navigating the intense flavors of the challenge, ultimately finishing in a tie.
CURIOSITIES
A new LEGO set featuring Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2004 is expected to be revealed soon after leaking out online, to join the existing Formula 1 Icons collection. The collection includes models of Nigel Mansell’s Williams FW14B and Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/4, with the dominant Schumacher/F2004 combination a worthy addition and expected to be priced similarly to other sets in the lineup.
During the Awesome Games Done Quick event, world record holder Helix demonstrated remarkable expertise in "Mario Kart World", highlighting her talent in a free-roam run. Although the run was slightly off her record pace, the live event showed off the unique tricks required for a speed run while also demonstrating exceptional precision driving.
Originally envisioned as a front-wheel drive Mustang, the Ford Probe GT was eventually created as its own vehicle alongside the classic muscle car and based on Mazda underpinnings. A rare sight on the roads today, a well-preserved example of the Probe is available in a classified listing for under $9,000, presenting in good condition other than some blemishes on the clear-coat despite the age.
Bidders have hesitated to exceed $654,000 for a highly equipped Lamborghini Revuelto, which the current owner, a California-based exotic car dealer, has declined. While this offer aligns with market expectations for a slightly used model, even considering the vehicle's extensive optional features, potential buyers wanting more performance for less money might be considering the upcoming Corvette ZR1X instead.
An investigation revealed that 2,650 drivers in the UK received erroneous speeding fines due to malfunctions in variable speed cameras on parts of the M6 motorway and various A roads. In response, law enforcement will suspend the use of these cameras until their accuracy is verified, and affected motorists will be reimbursed and have their penalty points rescinded.
A 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 Jailbreak Edition, previously owned by Kevin Hart, is set to be auctioned again, with expectations of fetching between $400,000 and $450,000 despite its prior failure to meet the reserve price. This limited-production vehicle, featuring unique color options and only 26 delivery miles, boasts impressive performance specifications, including 1,025 horsepower, with a celebrity former owner as an additional draw.
The enduring appeal of classic Fords continues, particularly in the form of meticulously crafted models like this modified Anglia, which features a powerful 2.0-litre Duratec engine and a host of performance upgrades. Priced at £23,995, this vehicle not only offers impressive engineering but also presents a unique alternative for enthusiasts seeking something distinct from the more common Escort restorations.
As interest in driver assistance technology grows among consumers, professional drivers, particularly in trucking and taxi services, are beginning to adopt these advancements. In a novel initiative, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is testing an autonomous vehicle designed for policing, although its current capabilities are limited and it lacks the functionality to actively enforce laws.
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!