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Toyota Wants to Sell Fords
Jordan Greer
June 26, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Chinese sedan sets Nurburgring record
Toyota wants to sell Ford cars at its dealerships
Owner destroys record-setting supercar
Max Verstappen avoids race ban question
Brad Pitt's F1 movie Crashgate inspiration
Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept unveiled
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Xiaomi has made headlines by setting a new record for production vehicles at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, surpassing the previous benchmark held by AMG's One hypercar. Their modified Speed Ultra 7 Ultra sedan achieved a remarkable lap time of 6:22.09, demonstrating significant improvements in speed and performance over its earlier record as the fastest four-door car.
Cadillac has introduced the Celestiq, a meticulously crafted electric sedan that aims to redefine American luxury, with a starting price of approximately $350,000. This model, featuring advanced technology and impressive performance specifications, is part of Cadillac's broader strategy to strengthen its position in the competitive luxury EV market.
Mercedes has introduced a revolutionary concept vehicle, the AMG GT XX, designed to redefine high-performance electric automobiles. This four-door supercar features innovative axial flux electric motors, developed by YASA, which are significantly smaller and lighter than traditional motors while offering enhanced power density, and will influence future Mercedes models set to debut soon.
U.S. automakers are expressing frustration over federal safety regulations, which they believe hinder innovation and fail to keep pace with modern automotive technology. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation has called for a reevaluation of these outdated standards to better support advancements in vehicle design and safety features.
Marcos, a once-defunct British sports car manufacturer, has resurfaced under the leadership of Howard Nash, who acquired the brand's rights in 2022. The company plans to introduce a reimagined classic model, a new design that emphasizes lightweight performance, and continuation versions of its historical vehicles, while also supporting existing owners with parts and maintenance.
The development of the AMG One has faced significant hurdles since its concept unveiling in 2017, with production delays pushing the launch to 2022 and customer deliveries starting in early 2023. Recently, a recall affecting nearly 80% of the limited 275 units produced has been issued due to a potential fire hazard linked to the rear spoiler's hydraulic line, prompting inspections for a critical missing component.
Stellantis has reiterated its commitment to Maserati amid speculation about a potential sale, emphasizing that the brand remains a valuable part of its portfolio despite current challenges. While the company has engaged consultants to explore various strategies for Maserati's future, internal divisions and a limited product lineup complicate the situation, raising questions about the brand's direction and sustainability.
Mercedes-AMG is set to discontinue its four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system found in the C63 and GLC 63, signaling a significant transition in its engine offerings. Future models are expected to feature either an enhanced inline-six or a new V8 engine designed to meet forthcoming emissions standards while addressing feedback from traditional customers regarding performance and character.
A Texas man has filed a class action lawsuit against General Motors, claiming that their keyless entry systems make vehicles like his GMC Sierra susceptible to theft without any signs of forced entry. The suit alleges that GM was aware of this security flaw yet failed to implement any recalls or effective solutions to protect vehicle owners.
The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 boasts a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine, officially rated at 1,064 horsepower, but independent testing revealed a wheel output of 1,028 horsepower, suggesting that the manufacturer's figures may be conservative. While variations in factory components once led to unexpected performance in some vehicles, modern production methods significantly reduce the likelihood of such discrepancies in today's models.
The fourth-generation Jimny is making a final appearance in Europe and the UK, marked by a limited edition called the 55th Anniversary, which is exclusively available in France. This special model celebrates Suzuki's 55 years in the 4x4 segment, featuring unique design elements and a robust off-road capability, while being powered by a modest 1.5-liter engine.
Aston Martin is enhancing the DB12 Volante's performance at the Nürburgring, incorporating improved aerodynamics, a lowered suspension, and a revised exhaust configuration. This model, which retains the powerful AMG-sourced V8 engine, aims to appeal to driving enthusiasts while still offering the luxury expected from the brand.
Automakers are exploring innovative strategies to mitigate the financial impact of tariffs on imported vehicles, with Toyota's technology chief proposing collaboration with American manufacturers to sell their cars through Toyota's dealership network. Similarly, Mercedes' CEO has suggested a reciprocal arrangement where U.S.-made cars could enter the European market without tariffs, potentially fostering a more balanced trade relationship between the regions.
Marcos, a British sports car manufacturer that ceased operations in 2007, is set to make a return nearly two decades later, as announced by its new CEO William Storey. The revival will kick off with the introduction of a supercar inspired by Formula 1, although some industry observers express skepticism about the brand's direction and its historical focus on lightweight, accessible sports cars.
MOTORSPORT
Lance Stroll addressed suggestions for his replacement at Aston Martin, stemming from a lack of points since the Miami sprint race, despite an encouraging start to the season. He acknowledged the volatile nature of public opinion in Formula 1 and emphasized his focus on personal performance and teamwork, rather than external criticism.
The FIA has publicly released its guidelines on driving standards and penalties in Formula 1, aiming to enhance clarity regarding the decision-making process. This initiative, which has been in development for several years, is intended to provide fans and media with a better understanding of how stewards enforce rules during races.
George Russell has suggested that Formula 1 teams should be required to pay a higher deposit when filing protests, following the complications surrounding his Canadian Grand Prix investigation. He argued that increasing the financial stake could deter teams from submitting unfounded complaints, especially given the minimal impact of the current €2,000 deposit on teams with substantial profits.
Max Verstappen opted not to respond to a particular question during the pre-race press conference for the Austrian Grand Prix, concerned about the potential for incurring a penalty point from the FIA. Currently on the brink of a race ban with 11 points on his super license, he aims to avoid penalties this weekend, which would allow his total to drop to nine after two points are removed.
Max Verstappen expressed his openness to having former teammate Sebastian Vettel join Red Bull in a consulting capacity, following Vettel's discussions with advisor Helmut Marko about a potential future role. Marko, who has been integral to the team since its inception, has yet to confirm his plans beyond 2026, while emphasizing the importance of finding a suitable successor to maintain the team's high standards.
Beginning with the Quaker State 400 in Atlanta, the NASCAR Cup Series will introduce a new in-season tournament aimed at enhancing the excitement of the regular season, similar to formats seen in other sports. A total of 32 drivers will compete in a single-elimination bracket, with the top performers from three qualifying races determining their seeding, culminating in a champion who will receive a $1 million prize.
Brad Pitt disclosed that the narrative of F1: The Movie draws from notable incidents in Formula 1 history, particularly the 2008 Crashgate controversy that led to significant penalties for members of the Renault team. The film intertwines various storylines inspired by these real events, while the creative team aimed to balance authenticity with an engaging plot, ensuring that casual viewers can enjoy the racing action without focusing on the underlying controversies.
FUN STUFF
Renault has created a distinctive, custom version of the Kangoo Express van, modifying it for tours at their Santa Isabel Factory in Argentina. This unique vehicle features an extended body with three rows of seating, a vibrant design that incorporates elements of the Argentinian flag, and a practical access layout for passengers.
In 1978, the Cadillac Eldorado was available in four different versions, including a base coupe and the luxurious Biarritz, which featured premium amenities like a brushed stainless steel roof and plush seating. Currently listed as a barn find, a 1978 Eldorado Biarritz with low mileage presents a rare opportunity for collectors, though potential buyers should verify its condition and history before making a purchase.
The Buick Riviera transitioned from a trim designation to an independent model in 1963, with its most memorable designs emerging in the early 1970s. Despite the personal luxury market thriving during that era, the Riviera's sales declined significantly, yet it remained in production until 1999, capturing the affection of enthusiasts like Dave Miller, who fulfilled a lifelong dream by acquiring a 1972 model decades later.
Jerod Shelby founded a supercar company in 1999, initially named Shelby Super Cars, to create an American competitor in the high-performance automotive market, later rebranding as SSC North America to differentiate from Carroll Shelby's legacy. In 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero set a new production car speed record of 256.14 mph, only to face a controversial fate years later when its owner donated it to a monster truck event, leading to its destruction, which Jerod Shelby condemned as a loss to automotive history.
On Boxing Day, when the usual festivities lead to a desire for entertainment, imagine enjoying a game of Pictionary while traveling, now made possible by Audi's integration of AirConsole in their latest models. This adaptation allows passengers to engage in the drawing game during drives, while the driver remains focused on the road, thanks to a feature that restricts their access to the screen.
A suspect attempting to steal a Chevrolet Corvette became trapped on a windowsill during a failed escape from a dealership, leading to their swift arrest by authorities. After breaking in and accessing the vehicle, the thief miscalculated their exit strategy, resulting in the car getting stuck just moments after taking off.
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!