Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:

• Honda-Nissan merger faces uncertainty

• Yaris goes skiing

• Moet & Chandon returns to F1

• Ferrari's first EV coming soon

• Fake cop fooling GA, NC drivers

...and more!

INDUSTRY NEWS

Discussions of a potential merger between Honda and Nissan are now uncertain, as reports indicate that Nissan may withdraw due to disagreements over the merger's structure. Honda seemingly prefers a complete acquisition of Nissan, driven by its significantly higher market valuation, rather than the original 50/50 merger, prompting Nissan to reconsider its position. [Car Throttle]

The four-door variant of the Suzuki Jimny is experiencing such overwhelming demand in Japan that the brand has placed a temporary halt in new orders after just four days. With production limited to 1,200 units monthly at the sole facility in India, the backlog of approximately 50,000 orders suggests a significant wait for customers eager to own this versatile and charming vehicle. [Jalopnik]

Ferrari is set to unveil six new vehicles this year, with a strong possibility that one will be an electric model revealed on October 9. The company's CEO, Benedetto Vigna, hinted at a significant shift towards electrification during the upcoming Capital Markets Day, indicating that a hybrid version of the Purosangue and other electrified models are on the horizon as Ferrari adapts to stricter emissions standards. [Car Throttle]

While Hyundai and Kia are both developing electric pickup trucks, Korea’s first may well come from the country’s third-biggest brand, KGM. Formerly known as SsangYong, KGM is set to introduce the Musso EV early this year, with the truck closely resembling its concept design and featuring a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, as well as launching right-hand drive versions for markets like Australia and the UK. [InsideEVs]

Stellantis has proposed a novel approach to enhancing electric vehicle safety through a patented exhaust system designed to vent flammable gases generated during battery failures, thereby mitigating the risk of fires. This innovative solution includes multiple treatment zones to chemically neutralize harmful emissions before they are released, marking a significant step in addressing potential hazards associated with EV battery overheating. [InsideEVs]

MINI has refreshed its vehicle catalog, including new Oxford Editions, as it tries to reverse a decline in the US market, which saw its deliveries shrink by over 21% to just 26,299 vehicles. The brand aims to sell 35,000 cars annually in the USA, but this won’t be helped by the absence of two key subcompact electric models — the three-door Cooper and Aceman — from the American market. [BMW Blog]

Aston Martin is the latest manufacturer to explore unusual methods to enhance the driving experience of electric vehicles, including body vibrations that mimic the feel of a traditional combustion engine. The company’s first EV is expected to arrive this decade, with CEO Adrian Hallmark suggesting that building a frequency map of an engine like the Valkyrie’s V12 and making the body vibrate appropriate to throttle position, a driver may form a more emotional connection than with a traditional EV. [Carscoops]

Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has revealed plans for a fully autonomous taxi service to launch in Austin, Texas, this June, emphasizing that the technology is no longer a distant dream but an imminent reality. While the service will initially use Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, Musk noted that the rollout will be cautious, as Tesla seeks to demonstrate the safety and viability of its self-driving capabilities to regulators before advancing to its planned Cybercab model. [Autoblog]

Despite global uncertainties, luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari are experiencing unprecedented demand, with record sales anticipated through 2026 driven by the popularity of their new V-12 model, the 12Cilindri. Similarly, Lamborghini and McLaren are also seeing strong interest in their offerings, while the shift towards hybrid vehicles is evident, as over half of Ferrari's deliveries in 2024 were electrified, with projections indicating a significant rise in hybrid and electric sales by 2030. [Motor1]

MOTORSPORT

Aston Martin has revealed its new Valkyrie AMR-LMH for the upcoming Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar season. The hypercar will be the only one derived from a road car and the only LMH competing in both championships, with the Le Mans driver lineup including an all-British #007 car of Harry Tincknell and Tom Gamble — who’ll be the two drivers for that car in WEC — with Ross Gunn, who’ll also drive the IMSA car along with Roman de Angelis. [Autosport]

NASCAR will introduce a new incentive, rewarding drivers and teams for achieving the quickest lap in points-paying races. This initiative, called the “Xfinity Fastest Lap”, will apply to all three national divisions, and could significantly impact playoff dynamics as a single bonus point may determine a driver's advancement, and alter strategies in superspeedway events. [Motorsport​.com]

Zhou Guanyu has been appointed as one of Ferrari's reserve drivers for the 2025 Formula 1 season after losing his position at Sauber, where he competed for three years. His return to Ferrari, where he began his racing career, aligns him with fellow reserve Antonio Giovinazzi as the team prepares for potential driver substitutions. [The Race]

Moet & Chandon has re-established its presence in Formula 1 as the official champagne, marking a return to the podium after previously being replaced by Ferrari Trento. This partnership, part of a broader ten-year agreement with LVMH that also includes the return of Tag Heuer as official timekeeper, highlights the shared values between the luxury brand and the motorsport series, coinciding with F1's 75th anniversary. [Autosport]

Allan McNish has suggested that a more gentle approach, such as private discussions, could help address the issue of swearing among Formula 1 drivers, following recent rule changes by the FIA that impose penalties for such behavior. The former driver emphasizes the emotional challenges faced by competitors in the heat of the moment, while also acknowledging the evolving nature of overtaking in modern racing compared to his own experiences. [RacingNews365]

Nearly five decades have passed since Lella Lombardi became the only woman to score points in Formula 1, raising ongoing questions about the potential for female drivers in a predominantly male sport. A new initiative, More Than Equal, is conducting research on how menstrual cycles influence athletic performance, aiming to equip young female participants with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful motorsport career. [BBC Sport F1]

Mick Schumacher will team up with Frederic Makowiecki and Jules Gounon at Alpine for the 2025 World Endurance Championship, with last year's drivers transitioning to new roles within the organization. The team aims to maintain continuity with its existing lineup in the #35 entry, as it focuses on building upon the progress made in the inaugural season with the A424. [Motorsport​.com]

Lewis Hamilton has gained additional experience as a Ferrari driver during a Pirelli tyre test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, aimed at preparing for the upcoming 2026 F1 regulations. Alongside teammate Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, Hamilton participated in testing various tyre constructions and compounds, focusing on performance in dry conditions. [RacingNews365]

Daniil Kvyat, a former Formula 1 driver, is set to participate in a rookie practice session for the DS PENSKE team ahead of the upcoming Saudi Arabian E-Prix. This marks his third experience with Formula E vehicles, as he aims to familiarize himself with the new GEN3 Evo car and contribute to the team's preparations for the race weekend. [RacingNews365]

FUN STUFF

Authorities in Georgia and North Carolina are alerting the public about a potential police impersonator using a black Dodge Charger to pull over unsuspecting drivers. The Towns County Sheriff's Office and Hiawassee Police Department, in Georgia, both emphasized that they do not operate Charger patrol vehicles, with North Carolina’s Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office issuing a similar warning and advising residents to report any suspicious encounters to law enforcement. [Carscoops]

Toyota has released a video featuring the GR Yaris navigating a snowy slope, as part of a collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Yumi “Yuming” Matsutoya. The production draws inspiration from a classic Japanese film and promotes Yuming’s Surf & Snow concert at the Naeba resort where fans can experience driving the GR Yaris alongside rally demonstrations. [The Drive]

Kia is hosting a special interactive contest for this coming weekend’s Super Bowl, comprising sweepstakes that will award four vehicles worth up to $300,000. The Kia Squares event invites players to choose from a 10×10 grid, with each square represented by a car and winners determined by the game's score at the end of each quarter. [Carscoops]

A unique 2014 Pagani Huayra, dubbed Oceano Pacifico, is currently up for auction, featuring a striking white and blue exterior color scheme that sets it apart from other examples of the vehicle. With only 2,000 miles on the odometer and a starting bid of $2 million, this one-of-a-kind vehicle has been listed for sale multiple times recently, likely due to its bold design choices. [Jalopnik]

Shelby enthusiasts typically hold a strong appreciation for the limited-edition black and gold GT-H models associated with Hertz, but interest in the Shelby Mach-E GTs appears to be waning. The rental company is offloading these vehicles less than a year after their introduction, with 67 units currently listed for sale at reduced prices despite just 4,000-15,000 miles on the clocks. [Motor1]

A barn-find Mk1 Volkswagen GTI has been brought back to life by WD Detailing with its first wash in 25 years, showcasing its original charm despite some lingering rust. This 1983 model, notable for its production at Volkswagen America's Westfalia plant and its appealing black and red color scheme, has undergone a remarkable transformation, particularly in its interior, which was previously marred by mold but now appears nearly pristine. [The Drive]

Authorities in Australia have successfully located a stolen Ferrari 488 GTB following a series of vehicle thefts in a Melbourne suburb. The incidents, which involved multiple cars taken over two nights, remain under investigation as police seek information from the public regarding the culprits. [Carscoops]

While car meets such as Cars & Coffee remain popular among enthusiasts, incidents of reckless driving from participants leaving them remain unabated. A recent incident in Oklahoma City involving a Ram SRT-10 pickup resulted in the vehicle striking a curb and losing a wheel, just avoiding onlookers, with the owner subsequently launching a GoFundMe campaign and an Instagram account to document the repair process. [The Drive]

That's all for today! Join the discussion about this issue here. 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!