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WRC Drivers Protest Profanity Rules With a Vow of Silence
Andrew Evans
March 20, 2025
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Now, on to today’s issue…
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Eddie Jordan's vibrant Formula 1 legacy
UK-based Perseus to create Macan rival
Wreckfest 2 enters PC early access
Amazon to enter used car market
Willow Springs’ new owners evicting tenants
...and more!
INDUSTRY NEWS
Perseus, a newly formed electric vehicle manufacturer in the UK, plans to introduce a compact SUV focused on performance and technology by the end of 2027. The company is collaborating with established automotive partners and design experts to ensure high-quality production and innovative features, although specific details about the vehicle and its collaborators remain limited at this time.
Amazon is preparing to enter the used car market, with plans to expand its Amazon Autos platform beyond new vehicle sales. The company aims to create an online marketplace that allows dealers to offer both new and pre-owned cars, facilitating a fully digital purchasing experience for consumers while also providing the option to visit physical dealerships.
Hyundai appears to be exploring the technology behind the Xiaomi SU7, an electric vehicle that has gained significant traction in China, as evidenced by its recent sighting near the automaker's research facility. With Xiaomi's impressive sales figures and advanced features, including rapid charging and high performance, Hyundai's interest may signal a potential influence of Chinese innovations on its forthcoming electric models.
Rivian's R1S electric SUV, which can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds, is set to become the first EV police cruiser in Palo Alto, showcasing its potential for law enforcement use. With features like a 410-mile range, spacious interior, and impressive off-road capabilities, the vehicle is currently undergoing modifications to meet police requirements before it officially joins the city's fleet.
BMW M is set to launch its inaugural all-wheel-drive M2, known as the M2 xDrive, with production slated to begin in August 2026, while still offering a rear-wheel-drive variant equipped with a manual transmission. Although the addition of the xDrive system may increase the vehicle's weight, it promises enhanced traction and performance, maintaining the M2's appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Volvo is using virtual 3D environments to enhance the testing of in-car safety software, allowing for simulations of diverse traffic scenarios that would be impossible to replicate with real-world data. This innovative approach, supported by advanced techniques like Gaussian splatting and a partnership with NVIDIA, enables developers to create numerous variations of rare edge cases, significantly improving the validation of safety systems.
Volkswagen is set to reveal a special edition of the Golf GTI at the Nürburgring 24 Hours race in June, celebrating the model's 50th anniversary. While specific details are yet to be disclosed, this commemorative version is anticipated to draw inspiration from the updated Golf GTI Clubsport, featuring distinctive design elements that honor its legacy.
Mazda has revised its electrification strategy, reducing its investment by approximately one-third while still planning to introduce a new electric vehicle by 2027. The automaker aims to enhance operational efficiency and flexibility through strategic partnerships, allowing it to navigate the evolving market landscape more effectively.
Peter Stevens, the renowned designer behind iconic vehicles like the McLaren F1, expressed concerns about the current direction of automotive design, particularly in the context of electric vehicles (EVs). He noted a lack of cohesive design language for EVs, criticizing the overly aggressive styling trends that dominate the market and suggesting that the inherent limitations of battery placement are influencing the aesthetics of modern cars.
General Motors is recalling approximately 90,000 vehicles, including the 2020-2022 Chevrolet Camaro and select Cadillac models, due to a potential risk of sudden wheel lockups that could lead to loss of control. This follows a previous recall involving over 460,000 trucks and SUVs, and the solution involves updating transmission control software to monitor valve wear and prevent hazardous conditions.
MOTORSPORT
In anticipation of the Safari Rally Kenya, a coalition of Rally1 and select WRC2 competitors has declared their intention to refrain from speaking or to communicate solely in their native languages to avoid unintentional profanity on live broadcasts. This decision stems from the establishment of the World Rally Drivers' Alliance, formed in response to stringent penalties imposed by the FIA for swearing, highlighted by recent incidents involving notable drivers.
The FIA and ACO, in collaboration with IMSA, have initiated a tender process that will redefine the LMP2 category's powertrain and electronics, moving towards a unified specification rather than allowing individual components. Interested manufacturers must submit their bids by April 30, 2025, with the new powertrain set to be implemented from 2028 through 2032, adhering to specific performance and cost guidelines.
Eddie Jordan, who passed away at the age of 76, was a distinctive figure in Formula 1, known for his vibrant personality and unconventional approach to team management. Despite his controversial reputation and the challenges he faced throughout his career, he was often remembered fondly for his humor and warmth, which endeared him to many in the motorsport community.
Liam Lawson is looking to start fresh at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix after a challenging debut weekend with Red Bull in Melbourne, where he faced various setbacks, including a crash and technical issues. Eager to demonstrate his capabilities, Lawson believes his simulator training will help him adapt to the Shanghai International Circuit, a track he has long anticipated.
James Vowles, the principal of the Williams team, explained that Carlos Sainz Jnr's crash during the Australian Grand Prix was primarily due to a combination of slippery track conditions and an unexpected power fluctuation while the car was in Safety Car mode. Following the incident, Sainz contributed valuable insights from the pit wall to assist his teammate Alexander Albon, who ultimately secured a commendable fifth place finish.
Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies acknowledged a critical error during Yuki Tsunoda's pit-stop strategy at the Australian Grand Prix, which significantly impacted the driver's performance. Despite a strong start and competitive positioning, Tsunoda's decision to remain on track during a rain resurgence ultimately led to a disappointing finish outside the points, prompting Mekies to emphasize the need for improved decision-making processes in the future.
Lando Norris has expressed concerns that the creators of F1's Drive to Survive series misrepresent his friendship with Max Verstappen, suggesting that the show exaggerates their rivalry. He emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, criticizing the series for fabricating drama and urging a more factual representation of their relationship.
Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren Racing, has suggested that Max Verstappen may depart from Red Bull and potentially join Mercedes, especially given the team's impending transition away from Honda engines. This speculation arises amid Red Bull's recent staff losses and the uncertainty surrounding their future performance, with Brown expressing confidence that Verstappen will not fulfill his contract, which extends to 2028.
FUN STUFF
Wreckfest 2 is set to enter early access on Steam starting March 20, offering players a chance to experience enhanced demolition racing, albeit with limited content initially. The developer, Bugbear Entertainment, plans to expand the game over the next year, introducing new vehicles, tracks, and customization options based on player feedback ahead of a potential full launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series in 2026.
Changes are underway at Willow Springs International Raceway following its acquisition by a private equity firm, with tenants recently receiving eviction notices as part of the transition. While some scheduling modifications have been confirmed, the overall atmosphere at the facility remains subdued, reflecting a longstanding pattern of limited investment and activity.
A suspect in a recent bank robbery has gained attention for his choice of a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan as a getaway vehicle, despite only stealing $3,400. Dorian Sykes, identified by the FBI, is wanted for two robberies this month and had rented the high-end SUV for $1,750 per day, which he could barely afford with the amount he stole.
In South Florida, the demand for DMV appointments has reached such extremes that it resembles the frenzy surrounding a major concert. The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector's Office has identified a group of scalpers who manipulated the appointment system using automated tools and fake identities, charging as much as $250 for access, while the agency works to eliminate this unfair practice.
The Toyota Land Cruiser can be transformed into a fortified vehicle through Inkas Armored's extensive upgrades, enhancing its toughness while maintaining a discreet appearance. This conversion includes features like ballistic protection, run-flat tires, and optional enhancements such as an oxygen filtration system and reinforced suspension to support the added weight.
In Japan's northern regions, heavy snowfall poses significant challenges for transportation, prompting the development of a system that uses warm water to melt snow on roadways. Originally conceived by Yosaburo Imai in the 1960s, this innovative approach has since been widely adopted, featuring underground pipes that distribute heated water to sprinklers embedded in the asphalt, effectively managing snow accumulation.
A rare, first-generation Honda NSX Type R has come up for sale in the UK, offering a chance to pick up the pinnacle of the NA platform albeit at a lively price of £299,995. Produced in a limited run of fewer than 500 cars globally, the Type R brought in a raft of chassis, gearbox, and handling changes as well as more advanced lightweighting methods, and this UK-market, one-owner car has just 24,000 miles on the clocks.
This month, the 2025 R34 Festival took place in Hong Kong, organized by Skyline Hong Kong, where car enthusiasts gathered to honor the Nissan Skyline R34 and its legacy. The event, initiated by Pluto Mok and his associates, has evolved from a local celebration into a platform for fostering community among JDM fans, featuring a variety of vehicles and activities, including a lucky draw with prizes.
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