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Yangwang U7: The Most Advanced Car in History
Andrew Evans
March 28, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
New Fast & Furious short on the way
Dino Beganovic to make F1 debut in Bahrain practice
BMW’s M3 EV spied testing at the ‘Ring
Gran Turismo World Series calendar reveal
Red Bull's unique Japanese GP livery
...and more!
Join the discussion: click here to chat about today's issue!
INDUSTRY NEWS
The Yangwang U7, a new luxury electric sedan from Chinese manufacturer BYD's Yangwang sub-brand, is designed to compete with top-tier vehicles, possessing remarkable features underpinned by its “God’s Eye” driver assistance system and advanced DiSus-Z suspension technology. Among the feats demonstrated for the $85,000 U7 were a new speed record in the “Moose Test” - performed without a human driver - a negative roll system, and individual wheel maneuvering courtesy of four independent 321hp motors.
BMW is currently evaluating its upcoming electric M3 at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, where it is anticipated to feature multiple electric motors and exceed 1,000 horsepower. Set to be unveiled in 2027, this model aims to retain essential characteristics of traditional M cars while introducing a distinct electric performance experience.
Toyota is leveraging the Hilux's impressive performance in rally raids by introducing the new GR Sport II variant, which draws inspiration from its racing success. This updated model features a mild hybrid system for improved efficiency and handling, alongside notable design changes that enhance its off-road capabilities and aesthetic appeal.
Ineos, whose owner was a staunch Brexit supporter, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the European Union for its lack of action regarding impending US tariffs, which the company warns could lead to significant price increases for its vehicles. CEO Lynn Calder emphasized the necessity for immediate political engagement to mitigate the tariffs' adverse effects on employment and the automotive sector.
Auto loan defaults reached over 2.3 million last year, surpassing figures recorded during the Great Recession, while vehicle repossessions also hit a peak not seen in over ten years. Despite a slight anticipated drop in March sales, concerns about tariffs and economic instability continue to loom, casting uncertainty over the future of the automotive market.
The Nürburgring has resumed operations for the 2025 season, attracting manufacturers to evaluate their latest vehicles, including a strikingly unmasked Volkswagen Golf R spotted during a recent testing session. Featuring distinctive black fender flares and an elevated ride height, this model raises questions about whether it is a prototype for a rally-inspired variant or simply a test vehicle for various components, as automakers often use existing models to conceal new designs during evaluations.
The outlook for hydrogen as a viable automotive fuel has taken a downturn this year, particularly in Germany and California. H2 Mobility is closing 22 hydrogen stations to concentrate on commercial vehicles, while Shell plans to shut down most of its hydrogen stations in California, further complicating the situation for Toyota Mirai owners facing dwindling options and high fuel costs.
Mansory continues to showcase its distinctive tuning style with the latest iteration of the Bentley Continental GT, featuring a blend of bold design elements and subtle enhancements. The vehicle boasts a raft of forged carbon parts, partially concealed by the black exterior paint finish, including a new vented hood, a sporty rear diffuser, as well as a luxurious light brown leather interior adorned with the tuner’s branding.
MOTORSPORT
Red Bull will showcase a distinctive livery at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, marking a special tribute to its partnership with Honda. This race will be significant as it represents Honda's final home event with Red Bull before the manufacturer transitions to support Aston Martin in the next season.
Ferrari's young talent Dino Beganovic is poised to participate in his inaugural F1 practice session during the Bahrain Grand Prix in April. As part of new regulations for the upcoming season, he will take over Charles Leclerc's SF-25 while also competing in the F2 series, following a promising 2024 season where he secured two victories in FIA F3.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has made a strong impression at Mercedes as he replaced Lewis Hamilton, with trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin expressing optimism about the rookie's future potential. Following Hamilton's departure to Ferrari, the team has elevated the 18-year-old from Formula 2, and his initial performances have generated enthusiasm within the organization as they support his development in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
Esteban Ocon acknowledges that while Haas has shown significant improvement between the first two races of the 2025 season, the team still needs to bolster its confidence. After a disappointing performance in Australia, Haas rebounded in China with a strong points finish, but Ocon emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent competitiveness moving forward.
McLaren is reportedly among the “four or five” teams said to have been forced to change its rear wing ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at which a new directive over part flex will be implemented. The change came ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, but included a tolerance to account for the short time-frame for adapting the components which will be eliminated for Suzuka, seemingly compelling McLaren to make adjustments to its rear wing setup to adhere to the new standards.
Christian Danner, a former Formula 1 driver, has cautioned Red Bull that focusing solely on Max Verstappen has rendered their car difficult to handle for other drivers. Following the announcement of a driver swap between Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Danner emphasized that the team's challenges stem from the car's design rather than the performance of its second driver.
Helmut Marko has acknowledged that Red Bull is feeling the absence of Adrian Newey as the team grapples with the challenges of the RB21, which has contributed to Liam Lawson's recent demotion. Following a disappointing stint, Lawson has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda, with Marko admitting that Lawson struggled under pressure and that the current car's performance issues are linked to Newey's departure last year.
Giedo van der Garde, a former Formula 1 competitor, has voiced his discontent regarding Red Bull's decision to replace Liam Lawson after only two races this season. He criticized the team's approach, suggesting that their actions resemble bullying rather than a fair assessment of performance - and his comments on Instagram were liked by Max Verstappen and former Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly.
FUN STUFF
As the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series online qualifiers approach, Polyphony Digital has announced the full race schedule that will determine participants for the live Manufacturers Cup finals. This season features six races over three weeks, with competitors' top five performances contributing to their overall scores.
Vin Diesel has announced plans for a new Fast & Furious short film that will act as a precursor to the franchise's upcoming finale, hinting at a potential Middle Eastern setting while reflecting on past filming experiences. The series has previously used short films on two occasions to connect its main installments, with Turbo-Charged Prelude following Brian O’Conner's move to Miami and Los Bandoleros explaining Dom’s travels between the first and fourth films.
The classic car scene is filled with beautifully restored models, yet many more languish in neglect, hidden away in forgotten locations. A recent exploration video showcases a derelict property in the UK, revealing a range of classics, including several MG models, all suffering from significant deterioration after years of abandonment.
Cutaway engines offer a unique glimpse into the intricate workings of automotive technology, and a Ford Model A cutaway engine is set to be auctioned by Mecum with no minimum bid. This nearly century-old, restored 3.3-liter four-cylinder engine, previously used for mechanic training, will be available in Indianapolis on May 17, 2025, complete with a display stand and vintage tools.
For enthusiasts who admire the classic 1971 Plymouth Barracuda but prefer a contemporary model, a modified Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat styled to mimic the iconic muscle car is set to be auctioned soon. This unique vehicle, featuring a custom exterior and retaining the powerful Hellcat engine, has only 55 miles on the odometer and took over 3,000 hours to create, making it a rare tribute with modern performance capabilities.
On March 12, a group of four men attempted to steal nearly a million dollars worth of Porsche 911s in El Paso, Texas, but their plan quickly fell apart as they were apprehended just hours later. After breaking into a storage facility and taking several high-value vehicles, they abandoned two cars nearby and were caught by police before they could execute their intended escape to Mexico.
In a surprising auction result, a 1993 GMC Typhoon recently fetched $226,000, surpassing the cost of a new Porsche 911 Turbo, highlighting the model's rarity and performance pedigree. With only 688 miles and a distinctive Apple Red finish among just 77 produced in that color, this particular Typhoon exemplifies a unique blend of collector appeal and automotive history.
Google is introducing gaming capabilities to Android Auto, allowing users to play select titles like Candy Crush Soda Saga and Angry Birds 2 directly from their vehicle's touchscreen, although this feature is currently limited to vehicles parked and requires the games to be installed on the user's smartphone. This update, part of the beta rollout for Android 14.1, represents a significant step towards enhancing the app's functionality, aligning it more closely with the gaming options already available in vehicles equipped with Google built-in.
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