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US Air Force to Buy Cybertrucks... for Target Practice
Andrew Evans
August 07, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Bugatti reveals horse-themed bespoke Brouillard
Objections to DHS use of IndyCar to promote detention facilities
Ferrari’s only factory white 250 GTO heads to auction
Nissan retains Formula E duo for 2025-26 season
Callum Design’s Vanquish shooting brake
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Bugatti has unveiled the Brouillard, a bespoke model crafted for a select customer through its new Solitaire program, which focuses on unique commissions for dedicated collectors. This one-off vehicle, derived from the Mistral, features a closed cabin design, distinctive exterior elements, and retains the powerful W16 engine, all while incorporating personalized touches that pay homage to the brand's heritage.
Callum Designs, founded by former Jaguar design leader Ian Callum, continues to innovate with a new concept based on its own Vanquish 25 restomod, reimagining it as a shooting brake. While this design remains a visual concept for now, it retains many of the performance enhancements of the original, including a more powerful V12 engine and upgraded suspension features.
Bentley has revealed the first customer example of its highly limited Batur Convertible, with each of the 16 units set to be crafted to exacting, personalized specifications by their owners. The first vehicle features an Opalite exterior finish, highlighted by a black gloss central stripe with Mandarin pinstripes, seats in contrasting colors with unique “Batur Pattern” material, and machined titanium controls.
Mercedes is set to introduce a new high-performance electric SUV that will share its platform with an upcoming sedan as the brand aims to enhance its electric vehicle offerings. A concept version of the vehicle was recently spotted circulating the Nurburgring, offering some clues as to the model’s ongoing development.
Ringbrothers has teased its latest project, the Octavia, a transformed 1971 Aston Martin DBS boasting 805hp delivered through a six-speed manual transmission. With a striking carbon fiber body that significantly widens the car's stance, this creation exemplifies the company's commitment to innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship, promising to stand out at the upcoming Monterey event.
Lotus is facing significant leadership changes as Matt Windle, who recently held the position of President and CEO for just four months, is reportedly departing after nearly nine years with the company. This transition follows a period of uncertainty regarding the future of the Hethel facility and comes amid declining sales and financial challenges, leaving the company in need of stable leadership moving forward.
General Motors and Hyundai have announced a partnership to create five new vehicles, primarily aimed at the South and Central American markets, which will include two trucks, a car, and a crossover, while North America will receive an electric commercial van. The collaboration also encompasses joint sourcing initiatives and aims to enhance efficiency in production and logistics, with the first models expected to launch in 2028.
Infiniti is set to reveal three innovative concepts during Monterey Car Week, including two that may expand the QX80 range and one that previews the upcoming QX65 crossover coupe. Among these, the QX80 Terrain Spec emphasizes off-road capabilities, while the QX80 Track Spec offers a sportier design, and the QX65 Monograph hints at a more compact, performance-oriented model.
Daihatsu has unveiled a unique version of its Gran Max van, reimagined with off-road aesthetics, at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia Auto Show. Called the Gran Max Taft Guy, the vehicle was developed in partnership with local tuner Gofar Hilman and the National Modificator & Aftermarket Association, and aims to transform a practical utility vehicle into an adventurous, playful overlanding option.
MOTORSPORT
IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward expressed his surprise over a recent social media announcement from the Department of Homeland Security regarding a proposed immigration detention facility in Indiana, which featured an image of a car associated with him. The post, which included the phrase "Speedway Slammer", has raised concerns among O'Ward, a Mexican national, and IndyCar officials about the use of their branding in relation to this controversial initiative.
Nissan has confirmed that Oliver Rowland and Norman Nato will continue as its driver duo for the upcoming Season 12 of Formula E, following a strong third-place finish in the previous championship. This marks a return to continuity in their driver lineup, a strategy aimed at building on their recent successes and enhancing performance in the next season.
Max Verstappen expressed that his recent lack of podium finishes in the last four races of the F1 season is not unexpected, given the challenges faced by Red Bull with the RB21. After finishing ninth in Hungary, he acknowledged the team's struggles and noted that both he and Helmut Marko have come to terms with the diminished prospects for the championship this year.
McLaren is enjoying a successful season in IndyCar, marked by a record number of podium finishes and a significant improvement in team competitiveness, despite the challenges posed by dominant rivals. As the team prepares to transition to a new facility next year, it aims to build on current successes and enhance its performance in future championships.
Toto Wolff, the head of Mercedes, has left George Russell in suspense regarding his contract, but recent comments suggest a shift in dynamics following Russell's strong performance at the Hungarian GP. In a recent video aimed at fans, Wolff acknowledged Russell's superior pace last season, a statement that could influence ongoing contract discussions as Russell's position appears to strengthen.
Bernie Ecclestone has advised Lewis Hamilton to consider retiring from Formula 1 to avoid potential harm, suggesting that his continued participation poses unnecessary risks. The former F1 chief also mentioned two candidates who could succeed Hamilton at Ferrari, highlighting the challenges the seven-time champion has faced since his transition to the team.
Bruno Famin, Alpine's motorsport vice president, has called on regulators to clarify the future of hydrogen vehicles in the FIA World Endurance Championship, reflecting the existing challenges stemming from the absence of specific technical guidelines. As interest in hydrogen technology grows among manufacturers like Alpine and Toyota, Famin emphasizes that progress hinges on the establishment of these regulations to facilitate the development of viable racing projects.
Gibson Technology is set to partner with Nissan to develop the engine for the upcoming LMP2 cars, marking Nissan's return to the category after a seven-year hiatus. The new powertrain, featuring a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with direct fuel injection, will debut alongside the next generation of LMP2 regulations in 2028, as Gibson continues its role as the exclusive supplier for these vehicles.
CURIOSITIES
The US Air Force is planning to acquire two Tesla Cybertrucks to serve as targets for weapon testing, reflecting concerns that adversaries may adopt similar vehicles due to the body’s relative resistance to damage. This development comes as Tesla faces challenges in selling the Cybertruck, which has not met initial production expectations.
The Ferrari 250 GTO, produced in limited numbers between 1962 and 1964, is renowned among collectors for its racing pedigree and significant market value, with one unique example, the "Bianco Speciale" set to be auctioned in January 2026. This particular vehicle stands out as the only GTO originally sold in white, a color choice that required special approval from Ferrari, and it has a notable racing history.
A US-specification Ferrari F40, once part of a farm estate, is set to be auctioned next week as part of Santa Paula Hay & Grain’s bankruptcy proceedings. This particular model, which has had a varied ownership history across the United States, is expected to attract significant bids, with an initial offer already placed at $2.55 million.
Interested parties have an opportunity to pick up a one-off vehicle based on the Ferrari Testarossa, produced by niche Swiss manufacturer Sbarro. Only three examples of the Alcador roadster were ever made, created from a shortened Testarossa chassis and unique bodywork while retaining the 180-degree V12, with the car on sale the only one to have been registered for road use.
A Porsche driver was recorded traveling at 199mph in a section of the A2 motorway in Germany where, despite perceptions of the Autobahn’s limitless nature, the speed limit was set at 75mph. In addition to a fine of approximately $1,050, the Panamera-driving individual faces a three-month suspension of driving privileges and two points added to their license for this infraction.
The Lexus LFA, known for its impressive 4.8-liter V10 engine producing 552hp, stands out as a remarkable engineering achievement from a brand not well known for its performance models at the time. Currently available for auction, a 2012 model with a relatively understated color scheme is attracting significant attention, with bids already reaching $800,000, highlighting the car's unique value in the supercar market.
A German company, ECM, is producing a limited run of 80 espresso machines, each crafted from BMW R18 motorcycle engines, priced at $9,185. This unique appliance features advanced brewing technology, including dual water circulation systems and customizable temperature settings, merging automotive design with coffee craftsmanship.
Fans of the AE86 can celebrate AE86 Day as Tomica reveals a collection of intricately designed toy cars to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Initial D. The lineup features notable vehicles such as Takumi's Toyota AE86 and Keisuke's Mazda RX-7, along with a replica of the Fujiwara Tofu Shop, all set to launch in December 2025.
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!