News Roundup: July 7, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
See the video here: https://youtu.be/ZiTooI7drlM
Ferrari Amalfi
The Italian supercar maker has often used Italian geography to name their cars, and so the Roma--which ceased production last year--will be replaced by the Amalfi next year as the "entry level" Ferrari. It's not all-new--the greenhouse is carried over--but the simpler, cleaner design doesn't need giant air intakes or intrusive spoilers. The new face is inspired by the F80, and air ducts in the headlamps send more air to the turbochargers while reducing drag. The 3.9L twin-turbo V8 gets a lighter crankshaft and now pumps out 631 hp (+19), and the Amalfi picks up the 296's brake-by-wire system. Inside is a central tunnel milled from a solid block of aluminum, as well as both central and passenger side touchscreens. The big news here is the steering wheel, however, which swap touch-sensitive switches with real physical buttons--and it's a control unit that can be swapped into any recent Ferrari.
WHY IT MATTERS: Ferrari wanted to make their entry-level car (and their data shows that 50% of Roma buyers were new to the company) more accessible, and the move to physical buttons follows similar announcements by VW and Hyundai. It's also worth noting the completely unelectrified powertrain while most other models offer some sort of hybrid option.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The Roma was already a pretty darned impressive vehicle, so Ferrari saw no need to muck about with a successful formula, with just enough improvements to remain competitive.
VW ID.2R
VW's already shown a GTI concept of their upcoming ID.2 small EV hatchback, but VW enthusiasts that R>GTI. VW's R division is reportedly looking at two rear-mounted in-wheel motors for a 400 hp (!) ID.2R that could launch a couple of years after we see the ID.2 production version this fall, likely in Munich. We've already seen in-wheel motors in the short-lived Lordstown Endurance and the upcoming $170,000 Renault 5 Turbo 3E. They offer better packaging, fewer parts, better handling and regenerative braking, and lower noise--but unsprung weight (and its impact on ride), cost, and durability remain challenges.
WHY IT MATTERS: VW's entry-level EV has been delayed multiple times, and a high-margin, high-performance entry is just the thing to boost the program's business case. While some other automakers are looking at more affordable EVs, few of them are looking at affordable performance--the Abarth 500e and Alpine A290 being two recent exceptions.
THE BOTTOM LINE: VW has said that, if they can't get the in-wheel motors to work, they'll add a conventional rear-drive motor instead. But leveraging performance badges like GTI and R are good strategies for VW to keep automotive enthusiasts engaged, even in the age of electrification.
Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum
In the 1960s, the Wood and Pickett Margrave was one of the nicest Minis you could buy--leather, wood, fancy carpeting, the whole works. Now, former design chief Ian Callum--who has since started up his own shop--has teamed up to create a new Wood and Pickett Mini, using Mark 5 bodyshells. Unlike David Brown's Minis--which also sticker for about $100,000--the W&P models aren't deseamed, and so look more like the original. The new cars get bespoke wheels and LED lighting, and an appropriately trimmed interior with a small touchscreen, while a 110 hp 1310cc engine sits under the hood.
WHY IT MATTERS: Coachbuilding isn't dead, and the financial success of bespoke programs at Ferrari and Bentley illustrate there are still plenty of people out there willing to pay for something unique.
THE BOTTOM LINE: While some enthusiasts draw the line at restomods, others like the mix of vintage aesthetics and modern technology, and so Wood and Pickett likely won't have trouble finding buyers.
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