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- Yangwang Dethrones Xiaomi as EV King of the Nurburgring
Yangwang Dethrones Xiaomi as EV King of the Nurburgring
Andrew Evans
October 22, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Success ballast plan for the World Endurance Series
Closed beta announced for Endurance Motorsport Series
Jaguar’s controversial Type 00 spied in Nurburgring testing
McLaren decides against upgrades to fend off Verstappen in 2025 title fight
Record-breaking Corvette ZR1 highlights exhaust heat danger
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Chinese automakers continue to dominate the Nurburgring electric vehicle lap records, with the Yangwang U9 Extreme recently achieving a remarkable time of 6:59.157, surpassing the previous record set by the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. Despite its impressive performance, the U9's lap time still trails behind several traditional combustion sports cars, indicating that electric vehicles have yet to fully match the capabilities of their gasoline-powered counterparts on this challenging circuit.
Jaguar is continuing the development of its Type 00 electric vehicle, with a prototype spotted undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. Anticipated to debut later this year or early 2026, the model will feature four doors and is expected to achieve nearly 500 miles of range, while maintaining a pricing strategy aimed at competing with high-end brands like Bentley and Rolls-Royce.
Tesla has announced plans for a significant demonstration of the new Roadster by the end of 2025, marking a rare update on the long-delayed project. Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen expressed confidence in the vehicle's groundbreaking performance, indicating that the team has made substantial progress despite previous setbacks.
A forthcoming chip shortage, triggered by tensions between China and the Netherlands, threatens to exacerbate the already strained automotive production landscape in the US Major automakers have expressed concern that disruptions in chip deliveries could significantly impact vehicle manufacturing and ripple through other sectors.
Ford is initiating a recall of nearly 1.5 million vehicles in the United States due to issues with their rearview cameras, affecting a wide range of models from both the Ford and Lincoln brands produced between 2014 and 2020. Owners will need to bring their cars to dealerships for camera inspections and replacements, as the problem stems from the camera hardware itself rather than the vehicle's infotainment system.
Rally driver Miko Marczyk has achieved a remarkable feat by traveling 1,759 miles on a single tank of fuel in a Skoda Superb, averaging 90mpg. This journey, which spanned multiple countries in Europe, highlights the efficiency of diesel vehicles, even as their popularity has declined significantly in recent years.
GM President Mark Reuss has acknowledged the complexities of developing a fully electric version of the Corvette, highlighting technical hurdles and the need to maintain the car's distinctive driving experience. Noting that there are hybrid versions of the current, C8 generation Corvette, Reuss also questioned whether current Corvette buyers are prepared for an all-electric car at present.
Lamborghini has introduced a five-year warranty for its latest models, including the Temerario, Revuelto, and Urus SE, along with an eight-year coverage for hybrid battery systems. Additionally, the Selezione Warranty Extension program offers protection for up to ten years from the initial registration, enhancing the brand's commitment to maintaining vehicle value and customer support throughout ownership.
YASA has recently set a new unofficial world record for power density with its latest axial flux motor prototype, which weighs 12.7 kg and achieves a peak output of 750 kW. This advancement marks a significant leap from their previous model, representing a 40% increase in power density and highlighting the potential impact of the technology on future electric vehicle powertrains.
MOTORSPORT
The Automobile Club de l'Ouest and FIA have released the sporting regulations for the 2026 World Endurance Championship, highlighting the possibility of a success handicap system for the Hypercar category. While discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made, this proposed system aims to address performance disparities and maintain competitive balance throughout the season.
McLaren has decided against introducing any additional updates to its 2025 vehicle, which could hinder Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in their efforts to fend off Max Verstappen in the championship standings. Despite Verstappen's recent success at the United States Grand Prix, where he secured maximum points, McLaren's team principal Andrea Stella noted that while Piastri faced challenges, Norris demonstrated competitive pace that suggested he could contend for victory under different circumstances.
Red Bull continues to advance the development of its 2025 vehicle, aiming to help Max Verstappen surpass McLaren's drivers in the championship standings. While many competitors have shifted focus to next year's regulations, Red Bull remains committed to enhancing its current car, as indicated by recent comments from team officials about ongoing improvements.
Alpine has announced that Paul Aron will participate in the first practice session at the Mexico City Grand Prix, stepping in for Pierre Gasly as part of the team's rookie requirements. Aron has previously driven for Alpine and Sauber in FP1 sessions earlier this season, and will be one of seven rookie participants in the session in Mexico that will include Arvid Lindblad at Red Bull and Pato O'Ward for McLaren.
Fernando Alonso indicated that, while Aston Martin's internal assessment ranks the team eighth in overall speed, performance during the US Grand Prix weekend would lead him to think that the car was actually slower than that. The team added that the race in Austin was influenced by various external factors including different and unexpected race strategies, with Sunday’s result not reflecting the car’s qualifying pace.
Acura and Cadillac are preparing to implement additional aerodynamic updates for their LMDh vehicles in anticipation of the upcoming 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship seasons. The move will take advantage of a mandated re-certification process requiring prototypes to be validated at the Windshear wind tunnel, with several other manufacturers also planning enhancements.
Super Formula is contemplating the possibility of extending the use of its Dallara SF23 chassis beyond 2027, as discussions about the design of a future car are still in the early stages. JRP president Yoshihisa Ueno emphasized the importance of gathering input from fans and teams while considering various factors such as performance, aesthetics, and cost before making any decisions regarding a successor vehicle.
The Driver Advisory Council has filed an amicus brief in the ongoing antitrust case involving NASCAR and two racing teams, emphasizing the need for drivers to maintain a significant role in discussions that affect their interests. Their objectives include safeguarding the future of current and prospective drivers, ensuring they have a collective voice in the sport, and prioritizing fan experience during the mediation process.
CURIOSITIES
Drivers of high-performance vehicles may not be aware of the extreme temperatures that can develop during operation, as shown by the effects of a prolonged, high-speed event on a C7 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. During the recent Big Bend Open Road Race, owner John Anhalt achieved a record-breaking average speed of 173.004 mph over 118 miles, while leaving his car with noticeable heat damage.
KT Racing has revealed that a closed beta for its upcoming racing simulation, Endurance Motorsport Series, will take place from November 7-9, 2023, with registration required by October 27. This unique title allows players to switch between various roles during races, including driver and race engineer, and offers both solo and cooperative multiplayer experiences, with the title set to launch on multiple platforms in 2026
An auction listing for a law enforcement-focused electric vehicle failed to meet its reserve price, with the highest bid reaching $30,725, leaving the dealer in a challenging position regarding its market value. While the vehicle boasts impressive specifications, including a dual-motor setup and a robust performance profile, its appeal may be limited to specific buyers, particularly those in security roles, given the availability of more affordable alternatives in the market.
A Ferrari 458 Spider crashed while navigating the challenging curves of North Carolina's Tail of the Dragon, colliding with a U-Haul truck after misjudging a tight turn. The incident, which appears to have occurred during a driving tour, resulted in significant damage to the supercar and highlighted the risks associated with this popular yet treacherous route.
The GMC Syclone, a limited-production performance pickup from the early 1990s, is notable for its powerful turbocharged V6 engine and impressive speed, previously outpacing sports cars like the Ferrari 348ts. Currently listed for sale, a 1991 model with low mileage and a notable previous owner is attracting bids nearing $29,000, but historical sales indicate its value could be significantly higher.
Tuksedo Studio, located in Bali, Indonesia, produces six meticulously crafted models inspired by classic cars that are not legal to import, using original drawings and hand-formed aluminum panels. Each vehicle, built by a dedicated team of artisans, features components made in-house, with prices starting at $200,000, reflecting the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in their creation.
A right-hand drive example of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has become available through a classified listing in the UK. Equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 that produces 710hp, the Trackhawk stands out in the SUV market for its impressive performance, and presents a compelling option for enthusiasts looking to experience a blend of American muscle and practicality.
A proposed piece of legislation aims to prohibit commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for undocumented immigrants, and mandates that all testing be conducted exclusively in English. This initiative, introduced by several Republican senators, seeks to enhance federal oversight of state licensing practices in response to recent safety concerns linked to illegal drivers.
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