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Toyota's Mysterious Supercar Attacks Goodwood Hill Climb
Andrew Evans
July 10, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
You can buy Han’s Veilside RX-7 from Tokyo Drift
Horner ‘shock’ at Red Bull Racing dismissal
Lanzante reveals three-seat 95-59 homage to McLaren F1
Wicked’s Jon M. Chu will direct a Hot Wheels movie
Ferrari 499P’s dominance and Evo Joker under scrutiny
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota's highly anticipated flagship sports car made an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking part in the hill climb on the first day of the event alongside its racing sibling. The car, which sounds as though it has a V8 of some form, is thought to be nearing its debut, but speculation over its identity remains as it could be presented as either a Toyota or a Lexus model when finalized.
Lanzante has presented the 95-59, a three-seat supercar that pays tribute to the legendary #59 McLaren F1 which won Le Mans in 1995. Built on a modified carbonfibre chassis to accommodate a 1+2 seating arrangement, this limited-edition model will be produced in a run of just 59 examples, and sports a mid-mounted, 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 that produces 850hp.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has officially arrived, building on the success of the 5 N with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system that delivers 641hp. Enhanced with a reworked suspension setup, this electric saloon promises a thrilling driving experience and features distinctive design elements, including a prominent rear wing and other aerodynamic enhancements.
The new Rimac Nevera R has eclipsed its standard sibling by breaking 24 performance records in a single day, recapturing some from rival brand Koenigsegg. Among the records were new acceleration, top speed, and braking benchmarks, as the 2,107hp Nevera R became the first production car to beat an eight-second quarter mile and reclaimed the 0-250-0mph and 0-400-0km/h times.
Maserati has marked the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed with the debut of its MCPura supercar, a refreshed version of the MC20 that introduces both coupe and convertible options from the outset. While it retains the powerful Nettuno V6 engine, slight adjustments in torque and weight have been made, alongside subtle design updates that enhance its aesthetic appeal.
MG has expanded its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the IM6, a new SUV that aims to elevate the brand's presence in the premium segment, succeeding the previous ZS EV. Set to debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed alongside the IM5 saloon, the IM6 will be available in three versions, featuring a standard 100kWh battery that is anticipated to offer a range of up to 345 miles and rapid charging capabilities.
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has undergone significant enhancements, featuring a more refined design and an upgraded interior that aligns with consumer preferences while maintaining its versatile character. Additionally, it introduces the innovative SkyActiv-Z hybrid engine, promising improved efficiency and performance, alongside a spacious cabin and modern technology that cater to both traditional and contemporary driver needs.
Jaguar Land Rover has introduced a distinctive new logo for its Range Rover division as part of its broader branding strategy, featuring mirrored and stacked Rs along with a novel checker pattern composed of interlocking Rs. While this fresh design aims to enhance brand identity, it will not replace the existing script logo found on the vehicles.
The upcoming RS6 Avant is set to feature a hybrid V6 engine generating around 725hp, replacing the existing twin-turbo V8, alongside a fully electric variant that may surpass traditional internal combustion performance. Recent spy images reveal a refined rear design with centrally positioned oval tailpipes and updated LED lighting, while the vehicle maintains an aggressive front profile with prominent air intakes and distinctive wheel designs.
The White House has announced new tariffs on copper, which could significantly increase the costs of vehicles, particularly electric ones, due to the metal's extensive use in automotive wiring and components. As these tariffs take effect, analysts predict that the price of both new and used cars may rise by thousands of dollars, potentially altering consumer purchasing decisions.
MOTORSPORT
Christian Horner has expressed his surprise at being removed from his role as team principal of Red Bull Racing, a position he held since 2005, during which he guided the team to significant success in Formula 1. Following his departure, Laurent Mekies has been appointed as his successor, while several of Horner's close associates also left the organization on the same day.
Ferrari's dominance in the Hypercar category has come under scrutiny as it prepares for the upcoming race in Interlagos, with questions raised over the car’s 2024 “Evo Joker”. The modifications made to the 499P, aimed at enhancing its braking efficiency and versatility, have sparked discussions among competitors regarding the legality of these changes, raising questions about the effectiveness of the regulations in ensuring fair competition.
Max Verstappen expressed his gratitude to Christian Horner on social media following the latter's departure from Red Bull after two decades of leadership. Reflecting on their shared achievements, Verstappen acknowledged the significant milestones they reached together, including his four world championships and numerous race victories.
Helmut Marko has addressed the recent dismissal of Christian Horner from his role as CEO and team principal of Red Bull, a position Horner held for two decades. In his statement, Marko expressed gratitude for their long collaboration, highlighting their achievements in the sport, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges.
Jake Dennis, Red Bull's development driver and the recent Formula E champion, expressed his astonishment at Christian Horner's departure from the team, initially mistaking the news for a prank. He acknowledged the significant impact of Horner's exit on Red Bull, despite the swift appointment of Laurent Mekies as his successor, and noted that the transition would be challenging given Horner's long tenure with the organization.
McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency as the team moves into the latter half of the season, following a disappointing incident at the Canadian Grand Prix. He acknowledged that while the team has enjoyed significant success, it must remain diligent to avoid giving competitors an opportunity to close the gap in the championship standings.
Oscar Piastri's reactions in losing out on victory at the British Grand Prix revealed a rarely seen aspect of the Australian driver since joining Formula 1. Despite finishing in second place, the controversy surrounding his 10-second penalty for a braking incident at the safety car restart has sparked debate, particularly when compared to George Russell's similar situation in Canada which went unpunished.
McLaren's unsuccessful efforts to secure its Formula E team highlight the challenges facing the series, which operates in “a bubble” despite reported growth in viewership and social media engagement. As the championship grapples with questions about its financial viability and the lack of new investment and manufacturers, the departure of a prestigious team raises concerns about the true health of the series.
CURIOSITIES
The orange Mazda RX-7 that played a central role in the events of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift is set to be auctioned at Bonhams Cars, offering a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This road-legal vehicle, which has undergone meticulous modifications and retains its original film markings, is expected to sell for between £250,000 and £350,000.
A movie based on the Hot Wheels toy franchise first mooted back in 2022 has progressed, with a director and scriptwriter now attached to the project to be produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot. Tony Retternmaier and Juel Taylor, writers of Creed II, will prepare the script, with Wicked’s Jon M. Chu directing.
A man in China transformed his father's aging pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz S-Class into a modernized version, complete with an upgraded interior reminiscent of a Maybach. The extensive refurbishment included a complete overhaul of the vehicle's components, from the engine to the exterior, resulting in a strikingly elegant sedan that would be unrecognizable to its original owner.
A Ford Galaxie 500 7-Litre recently sold at auction for a surprisingly low $19,000, despite its rarity and original condition. Sold for one year only in 1966, the Galaxie was a full-size vehicle that combined luxury with impressive performance, featuring a powerful “Thunderbird Special” 428ci V8 engine, good for 345hp, with only 2,368 convertible examples ever sold.
A recent analysis by LendingTree examined DUI rates across 50 major US cities, revealing that BMW owners had the highest incidence of driving under the influence, while younger drivers from Gen Z exhibited the most significant rates among all age groups. The study highlighted that Omaha, Nebraska, topped the list for cities with the most DUIs, whereas Chicago recorded the lowest rate of offenses.
A Tesla Model Y driver has been charged with murder following a fatal collision with a motorcyclist on a California freeway. Prosecutors allege that Ulysses Jimenez, frustrated by the motorcycle's presence in the carpool lane, accelerated to 126mph before crashing into Jorge Uribe, resulting in the motorcyclist's death and injuries to six people in another vehicle involved in the incident.
Kasia Vuorinen, known as the "Queen of Supercars," has transformed her passion for high-performance vehicles into a thriving digital brand since relocating to Dubai in 2018. With a dedicated team of content creators, she shares her experiences driving luxury cars and engaging with the automotive culture, all while balancing her roles as a mother and wife in the vibrant city.
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!