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Toyota Teases Hypercar Updates for 2026
Andrew Evans
October 01, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Porsche 904 to be revived with Dutch restomod
1911 Oldsmobile breaks sales record at $5m
F1 raises pit lane speed limit for Singapore
Bentley Continental Supersports to return
Rumored abandoned Alpina i8 prototype surfaces
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Aerfal Automotive of the Netherlands is planning a modern-day interpretation of the classic Porsche Carrera GTS, by way of a restomod based on the more plentiful Porsche 914. The model, designed by Alan Derosier, will feature subtle exterior revisions and a four-liter, flat-eight engine rumored to be developed by Cosworth, while chassis upgrades will come courtesy of Multimatic and Tuthill.
Bentley is preparing to reintroduce the Continental Supersports as a high-performance, rear-wheel drive model, featuring a V8 engine that delivers approximately 640hp. Set for a reveal later this year, this new iteration aims to blend the brand's luxury heritage with a focus on extreme performance, achieved through lightweighting measures with the car down on power compared to its W12-powered predecessor and the plug-in GT Speed.
Jaguar Land Rover is gearing up to resume vehicle production after a prolonged halt due to a cyber attack that disrupted operations across all its facilities. Although the company hinted at a gradual restart, the exact timeline and details regarding which plants will reopen first remain uncertain.
The upcoming Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance, priced at £48,995, enhances the already sporty GR Yaris with a focus on improved aerodynamics inspired by Toyota Gazoo Racing's motorsport experience. This limited-run model features several unique aerodynamic components, including a prominent cooling duct and an adjustable rear wing, with deliveries set to begin in March 2026.
Kia has announced pricing for its new K4 hatchback in Europe, starting at £25,995 for the base model and reaching £36,195 for the top variant, undercutting the Volkswagen Golf by nearly 10 percent. The K4 offers competitive features and performance options, including a mild-hybrid engine, while also providing a stylish design and spacious interior that may attract buyers away from the established Golf lineup.
The 2026 Polestar 3 electric SUV brings an upgrade to an advanced 800V battery system, significantly reducing charging times while introducing a more powerful rear motor, although the overall battery capacity has been decreased across all variants. Despite this reduction, the updated model boasts improved performance metrics and enhanced driving dynamics, alongside a new processor that elevates its technological capabilities.
The Vauxhall Frontera has introduced a new Ultimate trim, positioned above the existing Design and GS models, offering enhanced features in both electric and hybrid formats. Pricing for the Ultimate Electric begins at £25,695 after the government grant, while the hybrid options start at £28,055, with the Ultimate trim providing additional luxury elements compared to the GS.
Volkswagen Group has reached a settlement regarding a class-action lawsuit concerning the turbocharged EA888 2.0-liter engine, which affects various models from 2008 to 2024, including the Audi Q5 and VW Golf GTI. Although the company denies any wrongdoing, it will provide reimbursements and an extended warranty for affected customers who incurred repair costs for the turbochargers.
MOTORSPORT
Toyota has unveiled initial images of its redesigned contender for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship, indicating significant modifications particularly to the front end. This announcement follows the company's decision to refresh the GR010 Hybrid, which has remained visually unchanged since its debut in 2021, with a testing session scheduled for early October to prepare for homologation.
The FIA has decided to increase the pit-lane speed limit for the Singapore Grand Prix to 80km/h, aiming to introduce more strategic diversity to the race. This adjustment comes in response to the traditionally low number of pit stops and the difficulty of overtaking at the Marina Bay circuit, with Pirelli providing a range of tyres to complement this change.
Virginie Philippot, a journalist and former model, has announced her candidacy for the FIA presidency, joining Swiss driver Laura Villars in the race ahead of the upcoming election in Tashkent this December. Despite lacking formal racing credentials, Philippot aims to promote inclusivity in motorsport, emphasizing the importance of diversity and representation within the organization.
Charles Leclerc expresses confidence that the warmer temperatures at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix will benefit Ferrari, following a disappointing performance in Baku where the team finished eighth and ninth. Despite their struggles in cooler conditions, Leclerc believes the SF-25 will be more competitive in Singapore, as the team aims to close the gap on Mercedes in the constructors' standings.
Flavio Briatore, a long-time collaborator of Fernando Alonso, believes that if the driver were with a top team like McLaren or Red Bull, he would be contending for the championship this season. As Alonso continues his career with Aston Martin until 2026, Briatore expresses optimism about his potential to win again, noting that Alonso thrives when the car is competitive, despite previous misconceptions about his manageability.
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has established a new Global Racing organization to consolidate its motorsport activities under a unified framework, signaling a renewed focus on innovation and performance in racing. Xavier Fraipont has been appointed as vice president to lead this initiative, leveraging his extensive experience to align the racing teams with Goodyear's overall product and brand objectives.
The FIA International Drift Cup will feature 45 competitors from 32 nations, returning to Latvia for a second year in a row. Among the participants is defending champion Jakub Przygonski, who will compete against notable drivers like Hokuto Matsuyama and local favorite Nikolass Bertans, as the competition aims to enhance diversity and participation in the drifting scene.
CURIOSITIES
The intriguing story of a modified BMW i8, known as "Tiger," has resurfaced after years of speculation, following its appearance at ALPINA's 50th anniversary event in Bavaria. This unique prototype, which features significant performance upgrades and distinctive design elements, was ultimately abandoned due to the complexities and costs associated with its production.
A 114-year old vintage vehicle from Oldsmobile recently sold at auction in California for $5 million, thought to be a record for any vehicle in the brand’s history. Produced in the middle of a run of around 800 units, the 1911 Oldsmobile Limited Series 27 came with a 707ci straight six that delivered 60hp to the rear wheels, and three-row seating with captain’s chairs, with this example being part of the Stan Lucas Collection.
Polyphony Digital has begun selling tickets for the highly anticipated World Finals, set to take place in Fukuoka, Japan, marking the championship's first ever finals in its home country. The event will unfold at the Fukuoka International Congress Center over the weekend, featuring various ticket options for fans, including a premium package that offers exclusive merchandise and access to special sessions.
The Kia Challenge, which began after a viral TikTok video exposed a flaw in certain Kia and Hyundai models, has led to a significant rise in vehicle thefts across the United States, particularly among younger individuals known as the Kia Boyz. Despite recent anti-theft software updates from the manufacturers, police reports indicate that theft attempts continue, prompting authorities to recommend additional security measures for owners.
The Volkswagen Phaeton, launched in 2001, aimed to compete with luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes S-Class, yet it remains an obscure choice in the used car market, particularly the rare W12 variant. Currently available for auction, one 2006 model has low mileage and a solid service history, though it does present some minor issues that potential buyers should consider.
A Subaru Forester ended up in a Massachusetts lake after its driver, distracted by nearby immigration enforcement activity, forgot to engage the parking mechanism. Witnesses reported that the vehicle may be salvageable if it was not running when it entered the water, although the driver received a citation for unsafe vehicle operation.
A recent auction in Palm Springs featured a 1964 Pontiac GTO, equipped with a 389 V8 engine and desirable options, but ultimately failed to sell due to a lack of documentation despite a high bid of $42,000. The event highlights the importance of provenance in the collector market, as even iconic vehicles can struggle to meet expectations without proper verification of their history.
A family in Florida is facing financial strain after their 2017 Toyota RAV4, gifted to their daughter, was seized by police due to its stolen status, despite their purchase from a private seller. This incident underscores the potential pitfalls of buying used vehicles privately, where buyers may encounter issues such as stolen titles and lack of consumer protections.
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!