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Toyota to Expand Premium Century Brand Worldwide
Andrew Evans
October 16, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today, in our one-year anniversary issue:
iRacing Arcade's launch confirmed for December 2
Antonelli and Russell remain at Mercedes for 2026
Spyker revival with original founder
Newey’s trance-state designing Aston Martin’s next F1 car
Ford to auction off 2006 GT from heritage fleet
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota is preparing to elevate its Century luxury sub-brand on a global scale, aiming to compete with established names like Bentley and Rolls-Royce. A new concept vehicle is set to debut at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, marking the beginning of Century's independent operations, which will focus on producing a limited number of exclusive models that extend beyond the current offerings.
Spyker is making an effort to return after its bankruptcy nearly ten years ago, with original founder Victor Muller at the helm of this revival. Although specific details about new models or a comprehensive business strategy are not yet available, the recent announcement signals a positive step for fans of the brand and its unique approach.
The Slate truck, a low-cost American electric vehicle, is currently being tested in Nevada to evaluate its thermal management systems under extreme heat conditions. During these trials, the prototypes successfully handled a significant payload and towing capacity while ascending a steep incline, providing valuable insights for further development.
Kia is set to significantly increase its electric vehicle output in Europe, targeting nearly 300,000 units over the next two years with the introduction of the EV2 and EV4 models. The automaker plans to produce approximately 100,000 units of the compact EV2 and over 80,000 of the EV4 annually at its Zilina facility, capitalizing on positive market feedback to enhance its electric lineup.
Dongfeng's Nammi Box EV received a disappointing three-star rating in recent Euro NCAP crash tests, primarily due to failures in spot-weld integrity during the offset front impact assessment. Concerns were raised about inadequate airbag performance and malfunctioning door locks, which could hinder emergency response efforts in the event of a collision.
Cadillac has announced that the CT4 and CT5 sedans will cease production following the 2026 model year, although a new model with traditional gas engines is planned to succeed the CT5. While the timeline for this upcoming vehicle remains uncertain, it is set to be manufactured at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan.
Fastned plans to transform an old warehouse in Aberdeen into the UK's first indoor drive-through ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging hub, aiming to provide a sheltered alternative to traditional petrol stations. Set to open in late 2026, the facility will feature 12 high-capacity chargers and additional amenities such as restrooms and a shop, all while maintaining the existing structure to enhance sustainability.
Cardiff City Council is poised to vote on implementing increased parking fees for vehicles above a certain weight threshold, potentially making it the first UK city to do so. This initiative aims to encourage the use of smaller cars by imposing additional charges on vehicles exceeding a certain weight, with safety concerns regarding the impact of SUVs on cyclists and pedestrians serving as a key motivator.
MOTORSPORT
Mercedes has confirmed that George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will remain with the team for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Russell, who is currently fourth in the drivers' championship, and Antonelli, who has shown promising speed despite a challenging rookie year, are both focused on finishing the current season strong while preparing for significant regulatory changes ahead.
Aston Martin has prioritized the upcoming 2026 regulations since early this year, a strategic decision that has made the 2025 season challenging but is expected to yield future advantages. With Adrian Newey fully dedicated to the design of the 2026 car, the team is benefiting from his expertise, while Enrico Cardile focuses on enhancing organizational efficiency and team dynamics.
At the upcoming United States Grand Prix, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Racing Bulls will debut unique liveries alongside Haas, each reflecting distinct themes and partnerships. McLaren's design, featuring chrome elements, celebrates their recent constructors’ championship win, while Aston Martin's science-themed livery promotes innovation with its sponsor, and Racing Bulls introduces a bold new look with a striking pattern to highlight a product from Cash App.
Williams has introduced a unique design for the United States Grand Prix, joining four other teams in presenting a special livery at the Circuit of the Americas. This retro-inspired look pays homage to the team's 2002 design while celebrating its partnership with Atlassian, reflecting both the team's legacy and its aspirations for future success.
Red Bull's Helmut Marko has indicated that the team will finalize its driver lineup for the 2026 Formula 1 season following the Mexico City Grand Prix. While Max Verstappen's position is secure through 2028, the fates of Isack Hadjar, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson remain uncertain as they vie for their spots in the evolving competitive landscape, and Marko appears to have ruled out ex-McLaren academy racer Alex Dunne.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem recently dined with McLaren Racing's CEO Zak Brown and former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner ahead of the United States Grand Prix, though the purpose of their gathering remains unclear. The meeting is particularly notable given the history of rivalry between Brown and Horner, which has intensified since McLaren's recent success in the constructors' championship.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes in Formula 1, initially expressed doubts about the Netflix series Drive to Survive due to its inaccuracies, leading the team to skip participation in its first season. However, as the series gained popularity and attracted new fans, including friends of Wolff, he recognized that the absence of major teams allowed for a focus on lesser-known drivers, ultimately contributing to the show's success.
The ongoing legal battle between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR continues to revolve around previously stated claims, with both parties reaffirming their positions ahead of a potential mediation session. As the December trial date approaches, the teams have reiterated their arguments against NASCAR's practices, highlighting concerns about market control and the implications of the NextGen car's exclusivity.
CURIOSITIES
A recent trailer for iRacing Arcade has announced that the game will be available on December 2 on Steam, with console versions expected to launch in early 2026. The footage highlights various gameplay elements, including a city-building aspect where players can develop a motorsport hub and hire drivers, while also teasing a selection of tracks and cars that includes both real and fictional content.
Ford is preparing to auction a unique 2006 Ford GT with a Gulf-inspired paint scheme, marking the first time it has sold a vehicle from its extensive heritage collection, with proceeds aimed at supporting the restoration of other cars in the fleet. This particular model, one of only 343 produced, has a history of minor incidents and is being offered without a reserve at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A Pennsylvania judge has dismissed a lawsuit alleging that a 2015 Chevy Silverado caught fire due to a defect that General Motors failed to address, with the plaintiff claiming GM acted recklessly. The court found that the accusations lacked the necessary detail to substantiate claims of recklessness or justify punitive damages, as the complaint did not specify the defect, GM's awareness of it, or potential corrective actions.
The M3 GTR Strassenversion is an exceptionally rare variant of the E46, with only three units produced to homologate a racing machine, all currently owned by BMW. One of these models was recently driven on public roads around the company's Munich headquarters, providing a rare glimpse of the car in motion.
A 1991 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, with a verified mileage of 31,700 miles, has a history of a minor accident in 2005 but has since been repaired and maintained, including recent service in 2024. Currently listed for auction, the vehicle comes with original documentation and factory accessories, as the seller seeks a more family-friendly vehicle due to growing responsibilities.
Noel Neill, famed for her portrayal of Lois Lane in the classic Superman serials, was the original owner of a 1971 Thunderbird, which is currently being offered for sale by Thiel Motor Sales along with its original purchase documentation. While this model may not be the most sought after among collectors, its celebrity history and well-preserved condition could attract interest, especially with a recent price reduction to $17,997.
An unusual UK-specification, right-hand drive 2023 Alpina D5 S is available to buy through a classified ad. Based on a post-facelift version of the G30 BMW 5 Series, the car is likely to be exceptionally rare and not represented by a successor due to both the original model being replaced and Alpina’s acquisition by BMW, making the £70,000 vehicle an opportunity to pick up a blend of performance, comfort, and exclusivity.
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!