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Verstappen Rails Against Jeddah Penalty & FIA Censorship
Andrew Evans
April 21, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Mazda mulling more rotary engines
Ex-Nic Cage XKSS replica for sale
Ferrari takes WEC win in Imola
BMW M2 CS performance figures touted
Meet the weirdest fleet of Ferraris ever
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Mazda is exploring the revival of its rotary engine across various vehicle types, following positive feedback from the Iconic XP concept presented at the Japan Mobility Show. Despite challenges in meeting emissions regulations, the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, is optimistic about the potential for new rotary applications, which may include a sports car and a sporty sedan, while also considering existing engine options for future models.
The upcoming M2 CS is expected to come with some improved performance figures, considering its power increase and weight reduction, with an industry insider claiming a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of around 3.8 seconds. This limited-edition, track-focused model is set to debut next month, featuring distinctive styling elements as well as a significant horsepower increase over its predecessor.
Nissan is planning to develop its own version of the Renault Twingo and Dacia Spring electric vehicles for the European market, aiming for a swift production timeline of just 18 months. Set to debut in 2026, the new Nissan model will feature a crossover design and is expected to share components with its counterparts, all manufactured in Slovenia.
Ford has decided to stop exporting several vehicle models, including the F-150 pickup, to China due to escalating tariffs affecting American-made cars. While this move impacts the shipment of assembled vehicles, the company will still export engines and transmissions to the Chinese market.
After more than two decades since a groundbreaking demonstration of an innovative suspension system developed by Bose, the technology has finally made its way into production vehicles. This advancement, developed by ClearMotion and implemented the electric Nio ET9 in China, marks a significant step toward widespread implementation, with plans to integrate the system into millions of cars and collaborations with major automakers like Porsche.
The Onvo L90, an upcoming three-row electric SUV from Nio's mass-market brand, will offer seating for six and is expected to deliver 590 horsepower through its dual-motor setup. With dimensions similar to the smaller L60 and design elements reminiscent of Genesis vehicles, the L90 aims to compete in the electric SUV segment alongside models like the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.
A new automotive startup named Slate has taken an unconventional approach to unveil its electric SUV by showcasing it on a popular street in Venice, California, without any formal announcements or promotional materials. The vehicle, wrapped in an eye-catching design featuring whimsical elements, has sparked curiosity among passersby, setting the stage for its official reveal scheduled for April 24.
Christina Balan, a former Tesla engineer, alleges that she faced intimidation and was forced to resign after raising safety concerns about the Model S directly to Elon Musk, who had previously encouraged open communication within the company. After successfully challenging Tesla's arbitration ruling against her, Balan aims to present her case in court, potentially impacting corporate arbitration practices across the nation.
Ford has introduced a unique concept by transforming its E-Transit electric van into a mobile sauna, reflecting Finland's cultural connection to this wellness tradition. This innovative vehicle allows users to enjoy the benefits of a sauna on the go, powered by the van's battery with minimal impact on its driving range.
MOTORSPORT
Max Verstappen chose not to express his dissatisfaction with a penalty received during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, citing concerns over potential backlash from the FIA. The reigning champion's five-second penalty, incurred for gaining an advantage after leaving the track, all-but ended his chances of winning the race against McLaren's Oscar Piastri.
Ferrari secured a hard-fought victory at Imola, marking its second win of the 2025 World Endurance Championship season, with the #51 Ferrari 499P Le Mans Hypercar finishing just 8.4 seconds ahead of the BMW. The race saw multiple safety car interventions, resulting in a number of different strategies coming into play as BMW and Alpine achieved their best results of the season, in second and third place respectively.
Toto Wolff expressed his disappointment after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, labeling it as Mercedes' poorest showing of the season, with George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. Both Wolff and Russell noted issues with tire management, which hindered their performance despite a promising qualifying session, leading to a need for urgent improvements as they reflect on contrasting results from earlier races.
Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly have both declined to take responsibility for their collision that ended their races during the 2025 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Tsunoda, who was involved in the incident at Turn 4, emphasized that he attempted to avoid contact, while Gasly noted that the crash was unintentional despite having a strong racing line.
Fernando Alonso expressed concern about potentially finishing the season without any points after placing 11th in the latest race, indicating that this was the maximum performance his Aston Martin could achieve. He noted the team's lack of competitiveness compared to last year and highlighted that their position was somewhat misleading due to incidents involving other drivers.
Mercedes has expressed skepticism regarding discussions aimed at modifying a crucial aspect of the 2026 Formula 1 engine regulations, labeling the situation as absurd. While some teams, like McLaren, advocate for a collaborative approach to ensure the regulations enhance the sport's competitiveness, Mercedes remains critical of the proposed changes and their timing.
The race in Jeddah marked a significant change for the F1 Academy, as prominent Formula 1 drivers and team leaders are visibly engaging with the series and its participants. This increased involvement, which includes social media interactions and on-site visits, suggests a growing recognition of the importance of supporting female talent in motorsport, enhancing the Academy's integration within the broader F1 community.
FUN STUFF
British man Scott Chivers owns a selection of Ferraris that are unusual and not the type of car that typically appeal to the discerning collector, buying vehicles that are unfinished projects, the wrong color, or with questionable provenance. A uniquely modified Testarossa, which he has nicknamed the "Ratarossa", typifies his collection, with a very weathered exterior and an unsanctioned soft-top conversion carried out in California.
A Lynx-built Jaguar XKSS replica once owned by Nicolas Cage has come up for sale in a classified ad, with the car sporting period correct features that make it a faithful clone of the ultra-rare original. This particular example spent time with famous owners on both sides of the Atlantic, being part of Top Gear presenter Chris Evans’s collection following a restoration, and while commanding a six-figure price is still significantly cheaper than a genuine XKSS.
The qualification phase for the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series Manufacturers Cup has concluded, with the Nations Cup qualifiers set to begin on April 23. This year's race lineup features a narrower selection of vehicles and tracks, emphasizing a focused competition that will determine the finalists for the live events.
Xiaomi's inaugural electric vehicle, the SU7, has achieved recognition as the safest car in China, highlighted by its role in protecting a family during a dramatic cliff plunge with minimal injuries. This incident, coupled with the vehicle's exceptional safety ratings and structural integrity, led the family to purchase a second SU7, demonstrating their trust in the brand's commitment to safety.
This 1953 Jaguar XK120, available for auction, features an enhanced 3.8-liter inline-six engine and a lightweight alloy body, making it significantly faster than the original model. With its striking light green metallic finish and custom interior, this vehicle embodies the classic Jaguar spirit while offering a unique driving experience reminiscent of its Le Mans heritage.
New York City is facing a significant issue with certain drivers, dubbed ‘super-scofflaws’, who collectively owe over $200,000 in unpaid fines, with one individual alone amassing 563 tickets in 2024. Despite the presence of numerous traffic cameras designed to enforce regulations, many offenders continue to violate laws without fear of penalties affecting their driving records.
The process of obtaining a driving license in the UK has become increasingly challenging due to a shortage of examiners and significant backlogs, resulting in wait times that can exceed six months. In an effort to address these delays, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency is implementing a comprehensive plan that includes increasing the number of examiners and tightening cancellation policies to ensure that appointments are made only by those genuinely prepared to take the test.
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