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Valkyrie Rides to Silverstone Record
Jordan Greer
November 21, 2024
Good morning, SpeedBites readers! Today, we're learning about the incredible Aston Martin Valkyrie’s production car lap record at Silverstone, smashing the old mark by ten seconds, while Formula One gears up for the Las Vegas Grand Prix with more twists and turns off the track than on it. As you read through these stories and more, why not share the thrill with a friend who might enjoy our daily automotive adventures?
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY NEWS
The Aston Martin Valkyrie has set a new production car lap record at Silverstone GP, completing the circuit in 1:56.42, which is significantly faster than the previous record held by a modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Featuring a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 1,160bhp, the Valkyrie is designed to generate substantial downforce through its aerodynamic design.
Lotus has halted its plans to exclusively produce electric vehicles by 2028 and will instead focus on developing long-range hybrid technology in response to declining demand for EVs. The company will introduce a new plug-in hybrid system that combines a turbo-petrol engine with a battery pack, allowing for a claimed driving range of up to 1,094 kilometers, while the future of existing models like the Emira remains uncertain.
Jaguar is set to unveil a concept car at Miami Art Week on December 3, which will showcase its new design language, including a distinctive 'strikethrough' feature. This concept is part of Jaguar's transition to an all-electric luxury brand, following the cessation of new car sales in the UK, with the first production model - a four-door GT - expected to debut next year and offer a range exceeding 400 miles.
Solid-state batteries, which promise improved driving range and faster charging, are still not yet available in consumer electric vehicles despite ongoing development by various manufacturers. Honda is advancing its solid-state battery technology with a demonstration production line set to begin operations in January 2025, aiming to launch its first solid-state EVs by the latter half of the 2020s.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9, the brand's largest electric vehicle, offers seven seats, up to 429bhp, and a maximum range of 385 miles, positioning it as a competitor to models like the Volvo EX90. Set to debut in the UK around mid-2025 with a starting price in the low £60,000s, the Ioniq 9 features an 800V battery system, a spacious interior, and advanced design elements aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and passenger comfort.
Suzuki's recent $8,000 sedan achieved a five-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test, highlighting that affordable vehicles can offer strong safety features. In contrast, the Citroën C3 Aircross, priced at $20,000, received a zero-star rating from Latin NCAP due to inadequate safety measures, including only two standard airbags and poor performance in various impact tests.
Tesla is showcasing its Cybercab, a concept self-driving coupe which features no steering wheel or pedals and operates using artificial intelligence and cameras, in the UK. Elon Musk anticipates production of the Cybercab by 2027, with a projected price of $30,000, while also planning to certify "unsupervised" full self-driving technology for existing Tesla models by 2025.
Ford of Europe is facing significant challenges, leading to the announcement of 4,000 job cuts, primarily in the UK and Germany, by 2027, as the company grapples with declining sales and losses in its passenger vehicle segment. The decision to discontinue popular models like the Mondeo and Fiesta, coupled with external pressures such as tough emissions regulations and increased competition, has contributed to a sales drop of 17.9% for Ford, significantly outpacing the overall market decline of 6.1%.
Nissan has urged the UK government to revise the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, warning that its current targets could hinder future investments and manufacturing viability in the UK automotive sector. During a meeting with government officials, Nissan and other manufacturers expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting the increasing sales percentages of zero-emission vehicles amid declining consumer demand, against the government’s commitment to the 2030 phase-out of combustion engines.
Audi's Brussels plant, currently dedicated to producing the Q8 E-Tron, is facing potential closure as the automaker has ceased its search for a buyer amid declining demand for the electric SUV. Protests by workers over job security have escalated, and the situation reflects broader challenges within Volkswagen, which may lead to further factory shutdowns and significant job cuts across Europe.
Ineos has announced that production of the Grenadier SUV and Grenadier Quartermaster pickup will resume in early January 2025 after a pause attributed to supply issues linked to seat supplier Recaro's bankruptcy. The vehicles, which feature turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engines from BMW, are noted for their traditional construction methods and are built in France following engineering in Austria.
Ford has denied allegations of a data breach involving the personal information of over 44,000 customers, stating that the issue was related to a third-party supplier and involved only publicly available business addresses. Meanwhile, Mazda has acknowledged vulnerabilities in its Connect infotainment system but reassured customers that exploitation requires physical access to the vehicle and is unlikely to occur remotely.
MOTORSPORT
Formula 1 drivers, represented by the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, have expressed frustration with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's leadership style, particularly regarding communication and decision-making processes. The drivers are seeking greater collaboration with the FIA and transparency on issues such as fines, while also reacting to the recent dismissal of race director Niels Wittich, which they feel was poorly timed and indicative of ongoing instability within the FIA.
The FIA has implemented a technical directive to address teams exploiting a loophole related to plank wear regulations in Formula 1, particularly affecting the use of additional skid blocks. This directive, effective immediately for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, restricts the installation of protective skids, requiring teams to adjust their ride heights to avoid exceeding the 1mm wear allowance, a change that could impact performance in the upcoming season.
The Visa Cash App RB cars, driven by Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, will feature a new livery inspired by the Cash App Visa Glitter Card at the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, unveiled with the help of "Entourage" actors Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara. In addition to the special car livery, event will also include limited edition glittering jumpsuits for the team and a takeover of Top Golf in Las Vegas, aiming to engage fans through nostalgia and a unique promotional strategy.
As Formula 1 approaches the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ferrari and McLaren are considered the leading contenders, although they face challenges related to tire management and track conditions. Meanwhile, Red Bull, buoyed by Max Verstappen's recent successes and improvements in aerodynamic efficiency, could pose a significant threat, particularly given the unique characteristics of the 3.9-mile circuit.
Yuki Tsunoda experienced a tense situation upon arriving in the United States for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as immigration officials questioned his entry despite having the necessary visas. He expressed concerns about potentially being sent back home, noting that he was not allowed to communicate with his team or travel companions during the interrogation process.
Max Verstappen has hinted at the possibility of retiring from Formula 1 when his current contract with Red Bull expires in 2028, citing concerns about the increasing race calendar and a desire to explore other motorsport opportunities. Despite his success in F1, the 27-year-old expressed interest in participating in events like the Daytona 24 Hours and Le Mans, emphasizing the importance of enjoying his racing experience.
Lando Norris has had a strong Formula 1 season but is unlikely to secure his first championship, primarily due to Max Verstappen's recent dominance. Norris acknowledged that his cautious approach in racing has sometimes cost him points, as he prioritizes keeping his car undamaged and racing fairly.
Carlos Sainz will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to join Williams on a multi-year deal, expressing both pride in his contributions to Ferrari's recent successes and sadness about departing before what could be a championship-contending year. Despite Ferrari's strong performance this season, which includes two race wins, Sainz acknowledged the team's ongoing improvements and challenges, particularly in qualifying and race strategy.
Mercedes-AMG is set to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025 after a 26-year absence, entering two Mercedes-AMG GT3s in the LMGT3 class with the Iron Lynx team. The company is currently homologating its car for the FIA World Endurance Championship, which will also enable other Mercedes-AMG customers to compete at Le Mans in the future.
The FIA investigated Toto Wolff's family due to potential conflicts of interest linked to his wife Susie's role in the all-female F1 Academy, but the inquiry was dropped after other F1 teams issued a joint statement of support. Wolff criticized Red Bull's Christian Horner for his initial reluctance to endorse the statement, suggesting that Horner's actions reflected a lack of respect for his wife's achievements in motorsport.
Ott Tanak will compete without restrictions at the Rally Japan, where he and teammate Thierry Neuville are vying for the drivers' title, with Neuville holding a 25-point lead and needing just six points to secure the championship. Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul emphasized the importance of maintaining their 15-point advantage over Toyota for the manufacturers' title while acknowledging the dynamic between the two drivers as they balance individual and team responsibilities.
CURIOSITIES
The Toyota Automobile Museum in Japan showcases a diverse collection of vehicles from various manufacturers, including a rare limited edition Mazda RX-7 known as the Summer Shot '79, which was only available for purchase on July 7-8, 1979. This unique model, based on the RX-7 GT trim, features a slicktop design and distinct Cyclone Red finish, and is part of a broader history of special edition RX-7s released by Mazda.
Between 1968 and 1974, Japan's expressways were patrolled by the Porsche 912, chosen for its reliability and fuel efficiency over the more powerful 911. The last surviving example, owned by Takahiro-san, served on the Tomei Expressway and now stands as a historical artifact of Japan's unique approach to highway law enforcement.
Jeremy Clarkson experienced alarming symptoms consistent with a heart attack while waiting for a truck at his farm and realized he needed medical attention after noticing pins and needles in his arm and a tight chest. Following tests at a hospital, he discovered he had three severely blocked arteries, leading to the placement of two stents, and he has since adopted a significantly healthier lifestyle, avoiding many of his former dietary habits.
The Lexus LFA, initially launched in 2009, has transitioned from a niche supercar to a sought-after collectible, with its values reflecting this change. With only 500 units produced, the LFA features a bespoke design, including a Yamaha-developed V10 engine and a carbon fiber chassis, showcasing a unique engineering approach from Lexus during a time when cost-cutting was prevalent in the automotive industry.
Jay Leno, the 74-year-old comedian and automotive enthusiast, recently suffered further significant injuries to compound those sustained in a fire in 2022 and a 2023 motorcycle accident after falling 60 feet down a hill and hitting his head on a rock. Despite his swollen face, bandaged wrist, and eye patch, Leno performed a comedy show later that evening, stating that he went to the hospital only after the performance.
Throtl showcased its heavily modified 1999 Nissan Skyline ER34 GT-T at the 2024 SEMA Show, with the car transformed into a drag racing machine with an all-wheel-drive setup and a powertrain capable of producing over 1,200 horsepower. The build features a Garrett turbocharger and a MoTeC engine management system, while future plans include upgrading to a custom RB-based engine designed to deliver 1,400 horsepower.
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