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US GP Stewards a "Total Joke", Says Toto Wolff
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today’s news includes a look back at a controversial US GP in Texas, with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff not holding back on some strong comments on stewarding. As always, if you enjoy our daily dose of automotive excitement, don't forget to share SpeedBites with your fellow car enthusiasts!
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
Toyota has introduced portable hydrogen energy cartridges at the Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2024, designed for versatile applications that include its fuel-cell vehicles. The company aims to facilitate the development of hydrogen technology by offering these cartridges to start-ups.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled a limited edition of the G-Class, named "Project G-Class Past II Future," in collaboration with Italian fashion brand Moncler during The City of Genius show in Shanghai on October 19. This special series, inspired by the 1990s and featuring design elements from that era, will be limited to just 20 units, with deliveries expected to start in April 2025.
Ferrari of Houston is suing former Purosangue owner Todd Carlson for allegedly violating an "Opportunity Agreement" that required him to offer the dealer first refusal on the vehicle if he chose to sell it within 18 months of delivery. The lawsuit is the latest in a number of incidents between automakers and customers over resale rights, as brands seek to combat flipping on high-profile vehicles.
Chery Auto, the fifth-largest automaker in China, may be interested in acquiring Maserati to revitalize the struggling luxury brand, although Stellantis has publicly stated its commitment to keeping Maserati within its portfolio despite looking to cut costs and Maserati’s sales decline.
Ford F-150 Lightning sales more than doubled in the third quarter compared to last year, prompting the automaker to incentivize dealers with cash bonuses to boost orders. Dealers can earn up to $22,500 by ordering new F-150 Lightning trucks from Retail Replenishment Centers, with the program aimed at enhancing distribution efficiency ahead of a model year change.
Stellantis plans to close its Arizona Proving Ground by the end of the year, a facility with a 70-year history of automotive testing and development, shifting its hot-weather operations to Toyota's larger proving grounds nearby.
Lamborghini has filed a lawsuit against Gold Coast Exotics, an Illinois dealer, alleging fraudulent sales practices involving the sale of vehicles to known luxury car flippers, resulting in over $4 million in bonuses for the dealer.
MOTORSPORT
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff criticized the FIA's decision-making during the United States Grand Prix, labeling it "biased" after George Russell and Lando Norris received penalties while Max Verstappen did not. Wolff expressed frustration over the inconsistency of penalties, calling Russell’s punishment a “total joke” and highlighting specific incidents where similar actions went unpunished.
Pirelli Confirms its Austin GP Trophies Were Pulled Due to "Potential Similarities" to Other Designs
At the US Grand Prix in Austin, podium finishers Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, and Max Verstappen received different trophies than the ones promoted by Pirelli ahead of the event. The originals, designed by Matteo Macchiavelli, were withdrawn after discussions with the FIA and race promoters due to potential design similarities with existing products.
Tyler Reddick won the opening stage at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but crashed on lap 89 after making contact with Chase Elliott, resulting in his car flipping over and finishing the race in 36th place. The incident also involved Brad Keselowski, who was collected in the crash, while Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric hit the wall in an attempt to avoid the wreck.
RM Sotheby's is auctioning a 2006 Ferrari 248 F1 car, previously driven by Michael Schumacher, who achieved five race victories and set a pole position record with this chassis. The car, which features a 2.4-liter V-8 engine that increased from 730 to 785 horsepower during the season, has been certified by Ferrari Classiche and will be available for bidding starting November 14.
Formula 1's 2026 cars are expected to be approximately two seconds per lap faster due to recent regulatory changes aimed at enhancing downforce and overall performance. Key modifications include adjustments to the front wing, diffuser size, and the introduction of new aerodynamic elements, which collectively aim to bring the performance of the new cars closer to that of the current models.
Ferrari will maintain its six-man Hypercar lineup for the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, featuring the same drivers who led the team to victory at Le Mans. Additionally, Arthur Leclerc, a Ferrari development driver and brother of F1's Charles Leclerc, is scheduled to participate in a post-season rookie test in Bahrain, although he is not expected to join the team for the upcoming season.
The Porsche 9R3, also known as the LMP2000, was completed but never raced, with its first significant run occurring recently under the control of Allan McNish. Originally designed to feature a 3.2-liter flat-six engine, it was ultimately equipped with a repurposed 3.5-liter Formula 1 V10, which Porsche later considered increasing to 5.0 or 5.5 liters.
CURIOSITIES
McLaren's P1 hypercar, launched over a decade ago, includes the rare P1 LM variant, which features a more powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing 1,000 horsepower. Currently, a refurbished P1 LM engine is available for sale on eBay for $230,000, complete with updates and servicing, offering enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of this limited-production vehicle.
Mac's Speedway, a 9.31-hectare private race track in Mackay, Queensland, is up for sale at $AU1.15 million, offering a 400-meter oval track, commercial infrastructure, and a house, although it requires significant repairs. The venue has a history of racing events but faced safety issues, including a $60,000 fine after a grandstand collapse in 2016, highlighting the need for restoration efforts by potential buyers.
Sammy Hagar's one-off Bianco Avorio LaFerrari set a new record for the halo hybrid hypercar, fetching $4.675 million at the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale auction. The unique hue was specified by Hagar when ordering the car in 2014, and features a unique color scheme inspired by a vintage Ferrari and his own private Bombardier jet.
Assetto Corsa EVO Latest: Free Roam Mode, Career Mode with Game Economy, Car Customization, and More
Kunos Simulazioni announced details about the upcoming early access launch of Assetto Corsa Evo during a keynote at the 2024 ADAC Sim Racing Expo, highlighting the development of a new in-house engine designed to enhance VR and dynamic weather features. The game will include a free-roaming mode, an engaging career system with in-game currency, and a commitment to maintaining realistic simulation without microtransactions.
AC Milan has received another fleet of vehicles from its automotive partner, BMW Italy, comprising 26 XM models for the 2024-2025 season. The handover event featured five vehicles with unique paint options and will be accompanied by a planned photo gallery and video release later this month
A dashcam video posted to TikTok shows an incident in New York where the driver of a Honda Civic appears to attempt to stage an accident. The Civic reverses into the camera car and the occupants, who appeared to switch places after the collision, quickly sought her insurance information before realizing they were being recorded and leaving the scene.
An historic exhibit in New York City features a range of Land Rover vehicles formerly owned by Queen Elizabeth II. Presented by Jaguar Land Rover, the display highlights the longstanding relationship between the automaker and the British Royal Family.
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