Sony Honda Mobility’s direct sales model for its Afeela 1 electric sedan is already facing legal action. The manufacturer, a joint venture between electronics and automotive giants, plans to begin initial deliveries of its vehicle in California next spring. However, this disruptive business approach is not sitting well with the state’s authorized dealerships.

A Direct Attack on the Dealership Network

The California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA) has asked the Los Angeles County Superior Court to prohibit SHM from accepting reservations for the future electric vehicle. “This is a direct attack on the 161 franchised Honda and Acura dealerships in California that have been loyal partners in building the brand’s reputation and success for decades,” said Brian Maas, president of the CNCDA.

A Recurring Legal Conflict in the Automotive Industry

The conflict between franchisees and automakers favoring direct sales has been raging since Tesla began breaking into the market. The crucial difference is that Tesla was not an established automaker before selling its cars directly, allowing it to bypass certain laws. Sony Honda Mobility is partly owned by Honda, a company with an existing distribution network.

Scout Motors, a Revealing Precedent

This situation is not without precedent. Scout Motors, a member of the Volkswagen Group, was also sued for its direct sales strategy. A California law signed in 2024 by Governor Gavin Newsom even prohibits automakers from creating brands that compete with their franchised dealerships.

The Afeela 1: A High-Risk Experiment

The Afeela 1 represents an experiment in several ways. It is the first example in North America of a consumer electronics company venturing into car sales. The vehicle, based on the same platform as Honda’s other electric models, targets customers willing to pay a premium for extensive autonomous driving capabilities, although these are not legally deployable at launch.

Scheduled for 2026, the sedan boasts an announced range of 300 miles (approximately 480 km) and a starting price of $102,990. Despite the legal disputes, Afeela appears to be proceeding with its deployment plan, with the opening of pop-up showrooms and permanent sales points planned this year in California.

NASCAR and the 23XI Racing team are locked in a fierce legal battle. The conflict centers on allegations that NASCAR’s charter system allows it to maintain an anti-competitive monopoly. While the situation had been simmering during the discovery phase since the summer, tensions reached a boiling point during a hearing on Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina. This session revealed text messages in which 23XI co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan expressed their contempt for the France family, owners of NASCAR, and their frustration with the cooperation of other teams, respectively.

A Legal Conflict Escalating

The discovery process allowed each party to access the other’s communications, bringing these messages to light. They collectively illustrate the animosity present in this legal fight. The conflict officially began in October 2024 when 23XI filed a complaint for anti-competitive practices against NASCAR and the France family. The organization retaliated in March 2025 with a counterclaim, accusing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of forming an “illegal cartel” by interfering with broadcast negotiations and organizing a boycott among the teams.

Blunt and Unfiltered Messages

Among the most direct messages are those from Denny Hamlin and 23XI President Steve Lauletta. Hamlin stated: “In short, I am ready to fight NASCAR. My contempt for the France family is deep, but whatever we do, let’s not sabotage our own business on principle. I love you all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this.” Steve Lauletta responded on June 6, 2024: “I would like to know what to do and what is the best investment path. Staying for the long term and waiting for Jim [France, NASCAR CEO] to die is probably the answer.”

Long-Standing Tensions and Deep-Seated Discontent

Although the legal proceedings began less than a year ago, the dispute dates back further. Denny Hamlin had publicly criticized the charter system as early as February 2023, arguing for a “permanent” guarantee of race participation to preserve the teams’ value. Michael Jordan echoed this sentiment in May 2024, warning: “If you don’t fix this, the sport will die—not because of the competition, but because it makes no economic sense for businesspeople.”

Michael Jordan’s Anger Over Lack of Support

23XI Racing deliberately refused to sign the new charter agreement last year. Text messages reveal that Michael Jordan hoped other teams would follow suit. A conversation with his partner Curtis Polk, after learning that Joe Gibbs Racing had signed at the last minute, is telling:
“Gibbs signed?” asked Jordan.
“Yep,” replied Polk. “Looks like they threw him a bone at the last minute.”
Jordan’s response was unequivocal: “Motherfuckers!!! People understand our fight. The teams will regret not supporting us. Assholes!!!!!”

NASCAR Also Under Scrutiny

NASCAR’s leadership was not spared. Messages from its top officials were also exposed. Commissioner Steve Phelps described negotiations with the teams as “abysmal,” adding that the charters “must reflect a middle ground or we are dead—they will sign them but we are screwed for the future.” President Steve O’Donnell, for his part, expressed his dissatisfaction with an initial proposal, stating it would have set NASCAR back to its 1996 state, which he described as “fuck the teams, dictatorship, motorsport, redneck, southern, small-time sport.”

Michael Jordan’s Unwavering Determination

Following the hearing, Michael Jordan delivered a rare statement to the media, reaffirming his determination: “I have been a fan of this game for a long time. From the beginning, I said I wanted to fight for the improvement of the sport. This is not about money. The sport itself must continually evolve for the fans, the teams, and NASCAR itself, if they understand it. I will fight to the end for the good of the sport.”

The Formula 1 summer break is over. While younger fans may have delighted in photos of their favorite drivers on vacation, the only question that really matters is this: how will the hierarchy evolve for the second part of the 2025 championship?

The McLaren show before the holidays

Before looking ahead, a quick look back is necessary. The last Grands Prix before the break can be summed up in three words: the McLaren show. The Woking-based team indeed won the last four consecutive races: Lando Norris in Austria and Great Britain, Oscar Piastri in Belgium, and Norris again in Hungary. You have to go back to the Canadian Grand Prix in June to find another winner, namely George Russell for Mercedes.

An overwhelming dominance

This year, only three non-McLaren drivers have won: Russell in Montreal and Max Verstappen in Japan and Emilia-Romagna. Will Verstappen or someone else manage to break this streak at Zandvoort this weekend? The answer is probably no. From a performance standpoint, McLaren is operating on a different planet from the rest of the grid. The team has not only benefited from good moves, but above all, it has learned to maximize its advantage.

Updates and hope

Rival teams try to react

Despite the mandatory summer shutdown, several teams arrive in the Netherlands with minor updates and tons of hope. Red Bull, for example, is reportedly bringing a new front wing with extended chords, specifically adapted to the Dutch track according to Planet F1. Alpine has also fitted its car with a new rear end, with new fairings and winglets to improve brake cooling and turbulent air management.

Finally, Sauber is unveiling new components, including a new rear brake duct vane, which is supposed to improve airflow around the rear wheels and the diffuser.

A promising start to the weekend for McLaren

Another sign, perhaps unexpected, suggests a continuation of McLaren’s dominance: the reliability of its drivers. Unlike many of their competitors, Norris and Piastri managed to keep their cars on the asphalt during the free practice sessions. Lewis Hamilton had two spins in FP1, while Verstappen ended his lap in the gravel on the outside of turn 1. FP2 wasn’t much better, punctuated by two red flags caused by Alex Albon (Williams) and a heavy crash by Lance Stroll (Aston Martin).

With Norris setting the pace in both practice sessions and Piastri consistently in the top 3, it’s hard to imagine a different scenario for the rest of the season. While the end of Red Bull’s hegemony delights many, one can only hope for an exciting second half of the championship, regardless of which team or driver comes out on top.

BYD’s profits have significantly dropped, marking a turning point for the Chinese automotive leader. This decline, the first in over three years, is directly attributed to the fierce price war shaking China’s automotive market, exacerbated by massive state subsidies.

An Automotive Industry Under Pressure

For the past decade, China has heavily subsidized its domestic automotive industry. While this strategy has borne fruit in terms of production, it has also weakened the sector’s economic foundations. Today, the consequences are being keenly felt.

The country’s largest automaker, BYD, recorded a decline in profits last quarter. In its financial report, the company also acknowledged that July marked its third consecutive month of declining sales. While the initial target for 2024 was to sell 5.5 million vehicles in China alone, BYD is now on a trajectory that could fall short by over one million units.

The Core Problem: Overcapacity and Lack of Buyers

A Saturated Market

The central issue is simple: excessive supply facing insufficient demand. Subsidies have led to massive production of affordable vehicles, whether with internal combustion engines or electric powertrains. Manufacturers are flooding the market far beyond what dealerships can sell, forcing everyone to slash their margins.

The Impact of Dumping Practices

This dumping phenomenon, already visible in late 2023, is only worsening. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about low-end electric vehicles. A significant portion of the stock exported abroad, particularly to Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, consists of internal combustion engine models tailored to these markets’ demands.

Economic Warning Signs

A worrying indicator highlights tensions in the supply chain: BYD is among the manufacturers that recently signed a commitment to better adhere to payment deadlines for its suppliers. This initiative, although presented positively, raises questions about the financial health of the entire industrial ecosystem and concerns over unpaid receivables.

Jonathan Wheatley was always destined to become a Formula 1 genius. Appointed as the team principal of Sauber in 2024 before taking the helm of the Audi F1 team in 2026, his journey is one of exciting evolution over 35 years. From being a mechanic at Benetton alongside Michael Schumacher to architecting the Red Bull Racing empire, Wheatley methodically climbed the ranks.

Promising Beginnings

Born into a family passionate about motorsports, Wheatley was immersed in this world from a young age. His father raced cars, and Jonathan grew up frequenting racetracks. At 12, he was already cleaning the workshops of DK Engineering, a Ferrari restoration company. His technical apprenticeship began early, fueled by a natural curiosity for how mechanics work.

The Benetton Turning Point

His F1 career began thanks to a chance encounter with Kenny Handkammer, then an employee at Benetton. During his job interview with Nigel Stepney, Wheatley arrived in a rush, swerved in the parking lot, and then parked perfectly. This incident almost immediately earned him the job. He became a mechanic for Roberto Moreno’s car at the 1991 French Grand Prix.

The Rise to Leadership

At Red Bull, Wheatley contributed to setting world records for pit stops and developed his management philosophy: “The way a team performs its pit stops reflects its overall mindset.” His ability to handle pressure and his positive vision made him a natural leader. After two decades at Red Bull, he joined Sauber and then Audi to take on a new challenge.

The Audi Challenge

Alongside Mattia Binotto, Wheatley shares an ambitious vision: to win races and championships by the end of the decade. Aware of the upcoming challenges against F1’s historical giants, he focuses on building a cohesive and high-performing team. For this car enthusiast, working for Audi represents the ultimate opportunity, having grown up admiring Audi in rally racing.

A Positive Philosophy

Unlike many visibly stressed team principals, Wheatley defines himself as “a happy team principal.” He transforms pressure into positive energy and cultivates an environment where everyone can thrive. This human approach, combined with his exceptional technical expertise, makes him a unique figure in the Formula 1 paddock.

General Motors (GM) has announced a partial production halt at its Factory Zero plant. This decision directly affects the manufacturing of the GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and GMC Sierra EV. A spokesperson confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that two production shifts would be halted, impacting 160 employees. This measure, following the temporary layoff of 200 other workers, aims to “align with market dynamics” and will reduce production for just over a month.

Other Automotive News of the Moment

Subaru Increases Price of 2026 Forester Wilderness

The new Wilderness version of the 2026 Subaru Forester will have a starting price of $39,835 when it arrives at dealerships this fall. This represents a significant increase of $2,130 compared to the previous model.

A Tax Loophole for the Federal Electric Vehicle Tax Credit

A loophole discovered by the IRS will allow consumers to claim the federal electric vehicle (EV) tax credit. This credit, which had been eliminated by the Trump administration after September 30, could therefore be exceptionally claimed.

Innovations in the Electric Charging Network

Several major announcements are shaking up the charging sector. ChargePoint has partnered with Eaton to deploy microgrid technology, promising cheaper, more efficient, and more compact charging equipment. Meanwhile, Rivian has opened its “Adventure Network” charging network, over 75% of it, to all electric vehicles. Ford, for its part, is deploying its own network with nearly 1,200 charging stations across more than 320 dealerships.

GM Prepares for NACS Plug Adoption

General Motors has unveiled four new EV charging adapters. This announcement comes as the manufacturer prepares to launch the 2026 Cadillac Optiq, which will be natively equipped with an NACS port, the Tesla standard.

Major Recalls at Ford

Ford has issued two major recalls. The first involves nearly 500,000 vehicles for a potential brake fluid leak issue. The second affects over 105,000 vehicles for a lighting defect.

iRacing has just given virtual drivers a cutting-edge tool from Formula 1. The simulator announced a technical partnership with Cosworth, a giant in automotive engineering. This groundbreaking collaboration natively integrates Cosworth’s Pi Toolbox telemetry software directly into the iRacing ecosystem, providing users with professional features for free.

Pi Toolbox: The Power of F1 Telemetry for Everyone

Concretely, an upcoming version of Pi Toolbox will be able to read and analyze “.IBT” data files generated by the iRacing simulator. Drivers will thus be able to visualize and dissect their on-track performance with the same software used by professional motorsport teams. The integration promises to be seamless and intuitive.

Professional Features and Real-Time Teamwork

The agreement includes the creation of custom and pre-built workbooks, specifically designed for iRacing and new users. The most impressive feature is undoubtedly remote live telemetry. Your teammates or spotters will be able to follow your data live during a session and provide you with real-time feedback via voice communications.

A Native Integration for Unprecedented Analysis

Although third-party software already existed, this native integration with iRacing makes Pi Toolbox much more powerful and capable. In theory, drivers will be able to compare their simulation data with that of a real race car equipped with Cosworth technology, all within the same application.

Proof of Authenticity for iRacing

While many developers boast of technical partnerships, iRacing and Cosworth approach the issue from a different and much more functional angle. This partnership is a true testament to the authenticity and realism of the simulator, capable of interfacing with the same tools as real motorsport.

According to iRacing, members will be able to start using Pi Toolbox from September 16th.

Bobby Adams thought he had acquired a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Sport Coupe for $31,000 at a Mecum auction. His final bid was the highest when the hammer fell, but immediately afterward, the auctioneer accepted a new bid, raising the offer to $32,000. Adams, furious with the decision to continue the sale, has since strongly criticized Mecum on social media, where thousands have taken his side.

A Filmed Scene and a Public Dispute

The entire incident was filmed by Adams’ personal team and Mecum’s filming crew. The widely shared video footage allows everyone to form their own opinion on the contentious sequence: had the hammer already fallen and the sale been announced as “sold” before the new bid was accepted?

Adams, along with thousands of internet users, is convinced that the Lincoln rightfully belonged to him. Witnesses in the crowd immediately challenged the Mecum staff’s decision, with some supporting Adams as he expressed his dissatisfaction in a very direct manner to the auction house.

Mecum Auctions’ Defense

Mecum, for its part, maintains that the sale was fair and was conducted in accordance with the regulations. Sam Murtaugh, Mecum’s Chief Operating Officer, provided an official response:

“If you listen carefully to the video on social media, you can clearly hear a bid being announced before the hammer fell. At that moment, the auctioneer exercised his discretionary power to accept the bid and continue the sale, in accordance with California law. Mecum Auctions represents both buyers and sellers, and the auctioneer has a dual responsibility, which includes ensuring that sellers get the highest possible price for their car.”

A Question of Legal Interpretation

The legality of the sale is being questioned based on the California Commercial Code, which states that ‘an auction sale is complete when the auctioneer so announces by the fall of the hammer or in another customary manner.’ Ironically, Mecum cites this same regulation to justify its actions, arguing that the announcement had not been definitively formalized.

The auction house also emphasizes that the bidder’s contract states that ‘the auctioneer’s determination in these circumstances is both final and non-appealable.’

No Lawsuit, but a Desire for Change

When contacted for comment, Adams indicated that several lawyers had offered to sue Mecum pro bono. However, he explained that this was not part of his plan for the time being.

“I’m not dying to sue anyone. But I want to see things change. I don’t think going to court would fix much. Even if I win, it won’t change how things operate. The real impact comes from people speaking out and showing what’s happening. That’s why I shared the video.”

Toward a New Project

Adams, a regular at auctions, is now working on launching his own platform. He states: “It’s time to bring about a change in how auctions work, and I intend to be the one to lead it.”

One thing is certain: Adams is not the happy owner of the 1956 Lincoln, and this case has dealt a serious blow to Mecum Auctions’ image.

The “Godfather of the GT-R,” Hiroshi Tamura, expresses his personal wish that future legendary Nissan models retain a combustion engine. As production of the R35 has just ended after an 18-year career, with no immediate successor, the Japanese brand’s sports car ambassador shares his vision for the future of the icon.

The End of an Era for the Nissan GT-R R35

Production of the Nissan GT-R R35 officially ended this week, closing 18 years of reign without a direct successor ready to take over. Nissan’s Chief Planning Officer for North America had mentioned a provisional R36, potentially turbocharged and electrified, developing over 600 horsepower, with a launch planned between 2028 and 2031. A horizon still far off.

The Personal Preference of the “Godfather”

Hiroshi Tamura, the former Chief Product Specialist of the R35 nicknamed the “Godfather of the GT-R,” offered his personal opinion on what he would like to see for the next generation. Spoiler: he wants it to keep its internal combustion engine.

“For any future generation of the GT-R, this is just a personal preference, but I would still like it to retain the sound of a combustion chamber,” Tamura said in a recent interview. However, he is keen to clarify: “This is not a hidden hint of the company’s intention, or a clue about a potential direction Nissan might take, but just my personal preference.”

A Passionate Ambassador

It is important to note that Tamura has since retired from his position in GT-R planning to take on the role of Nissan sports car ambassador. A role that suits him perfectly, as he witnessed the Hakosuka Skylines roaring on the Fuji circuit and drove a 240ZG daily in the 70s.

Customer Smile as a Philosophy

Beyond the powertrain, Tamura shares a crucial point regarding the future of the GT-R, which should reassure the most impatient fans.

“The starting point and the goal must always be to bring a smile to the customer’s face, to deliver genuine driving pleasure,” he states. “I tell people to be patient. We had a seventeen-year gap between the second generation and the R32, but Nissan never abandoned the GT-R.”

An Enduring Legacy

The GT-R emblem was indeed dormant before the arrival of the R32 in 1989, a decade that marked the beginning of its golden age. Despite its recent difficulties and corporate upheavals, Nissan still seems to regard the GT-R as its guiding star. The brand has not lost sight of its importance and clearly wants to perpetuate this legacy. While awaiting the next chapter, Tamura’s words leave us nostalgic, but confident in the future of the legend.

The Ford Mustang GTD is so wide that, in theory, it should be equipped with amber marker lights like a Ford Raptor. But Ford found a regulatory loophole to avoid them on this $325,000 gem.

A Width That Pushes Legal Limits

There is a reason why very wide vehicles, like the Ford F-150 Raptor or the Ram TRX, feature amber clearance lights at the front and rear. The reason is not aesthetic; it’s legal. The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 108) states that any vehicle 80 inches (about 203 cm) wide or more must be equipped with clearance and identification lights.

A standard Mustang is about 75 inches wide. The Mustang GTD, however, spans 81.8 inches, giving it almost cartoonish proportions. Theoretically, this width required the addition of the famous amber lights. Ford’s team was not enthusiastic about this idea and sought—and found—a way out.

The Loophole: Single-Purpose vs. Dual-Purpose Vehicle

Anthony Colard, head of design for the Mustang GTD, explained that the key to the problem lies in the vehicle’s certification. The regulation on clearance lights mainly applies to pickup trucks, SUVs, and trailers, as they are considered “dual-purpose” vehicles. This means they can be purchased by businesses and registered then used as utility vehicles.

Ford certified the Mustang GTD not as a dual-purpose vehicle, but as a “single-purpose” vehicle. In other words, its primary purpose is not work but performance. As Colard clarified: “It’s not a utility vehicle. It’s not like a big truck. You’re not going to tow anything with it.”

A Clever Technical Interpretation

Ford thus relied on a very precise technical interpretation of the FMVSS regulation to avoid having to add lighting reminiscent of a pickup truck. This move preserves the supercar’s clean and aggressive lines.

One question remains: what happens if an owner, who has a business, still decides to use their GTD as a service vehicle (for example, as a “taxi” on the track)? Technically, this could fall into the dual-purpose category. Ford relies on good faith and the intended use of the car, considering this an exception that proves the rule and validates their clever interpretation.