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Category Archives: performance
Truck Wars – 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 470hp V8
Whether this beast is the better choice for off-roading will likely be debated for some time. It has a 2-inch factory lift. True to the trend among performance truck makers, capability is there with larger approach and departure angles (approach, breakover and departure angles of 44.5, 22.6 and 37.5 degrees, respectively), more suspension articulation, and water traversing up to 32.5 inches. Marketing babble alert – a Tri-level Hydro-Guide air intake system can channel up to 15 gallons of water a minute away from engine. A secondary air path built into the hood allows engine breathing up to top speed even if the hood scoop is completely clogged by mud, snow or debris. Continue reading
Nürburgring – Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Beats Porsche
This variant and this lap time are officially listed by Nürburgring GmbH on their homepage. Mercedes-AMG has regained the crown in the class for the moment. The freshened Porsche Panamera Turbo S set a 7m 29.81s earlier this year, bettering the 7m 30.11s lap Schaffert set a couple of years ago. The AMG record run footage shows a mostly clean, albeit with some curb clipping/banging and the Michelin tires screaming during turns. Continue reading
Maserati Notes Tipo 300s Win at Venezuela Grand Prix
On 6 November 1955 the Maserati Tipo 300S, with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel, won the Venezuela GP, marking the start of two years of major successes. Today, Maserati notes this victory to underline its strong connection to the world of motor-racing whose viewership is off roughly 40% in a Covid infested world. Nonetheless, Maserati was born on the track with a tradition and history of wins on roads and circuits all over the world. What happens going forward is anyone’s guess. The new MC20 supercar will mark Maserati’s return to the world of racing. Continue reading
Cadillac V-Series Blackwing to Get Magnesium Wheels
One of the longstanding weaknesses of OE engineering and marketing led to a thriving aftermarket wheel and tire business. Cadillac was among the front-runners ignoring wheels – notably chrome – as its customers customized their rides. Continue reading
Pete Lyons Wins Royal Automobile Club Award for Shadow: The Magnificent Machines of a Man of Mystery
Lyons know whereof he speaks. Pete draws on sizeable first-hand experience: he was present for Shadow’s two big débuts, in Can-Am at St Jovite in Canada (1970) and in Formula One at Kyalami in South Africa (1973). His numerous interviews for the book included six days with Nichols himself not long before the ‘Shadowman’ died in 2017. If you have racing in your blood, this is a must read. Continue reading
2020 Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals Cancelled
“We know that we have all been hoping for the best, but with the uncertainty and the current State of Illinois limitations regarding spectators at indoor events, it is not feasible to continue with the show this year,” said MCACN Managing Member, Bob Ashton. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, economy, environment, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, COVID-19, Ken Zino, MCACN
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All-Electric Mustang Prototype Runs 8.27s Quarter-Mile
By Ford’s math it’s equivalent to the combined output of more than three 2021 Mustang GT V8 engines. Developed by Ford Performance in parallel to the recently unveiled Mustang Mach-E 1400 prototype, both cars were publicizing Ford’s growing EV technologies that are currently lagging leaders such as BMW and Tesla and Daimler. Continue reading
Mercedes-Benz 2021 Model Year Sees SUV Expansion
The all-new GLA now joins the range “as the attractive and sporty gateway” (translation – small and less expensive) to the Mercedes-Benz SUV line. SUV segments have never been more competitive with M-B facing stiff competition from BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Infiniti, Alfa Romeo and Cadillac, among others. Continue reading
WEC SPA – Toyota One-Two. 24 Hours of Le Mans Next
After days of sunshine and high temperatures, the frequently variable Spa weather struck just over an hour before the start, with a heavy rainstorm causing the race to begin behind the safety car. It would have been a vastly different race and outcome if it had remained dry as the rwd Rebellion was clearly faster, until it got wet and had to run against the awd Toyotas. Continue reading
Posted in performance, racing, results
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, lemans, WEC SPA Six Hours
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Team Corvette C8.R Finishes First at Sebring
The race in GTLM had multiple tire strategies. Both Corvettes opted to begin the race on slick Michelin tires despite the wet surface. Gavin, after leading a Corvette 1-2 in qualifying earlier in the day, began first but Taylor was one of quickest drivers in the class early on and managed to go one lap longer on fuel than most of his GTLM competitors during his opening stint. Continue reading
Posted in performance, racing
Tagged autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, GTLM, IMSA Endurance Racing, Ken Zino, Sebring 2020
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Audi R8 V10 Quattro – Kaput, Tschüss
The R8 V10 performance model will continue for the 2021 model year, but given the ongoing global economic crisis, Covid 19 plague, and that most governments increasingly are taking legislative action against global warming and CO2 output – it clearly is on the endangered species list. It could survive only as a model for e-racing simulations. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, performance
Tagged Audi R8 V10 Quattro, auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino
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Covid Coupon – Carryover Pricing on 2021 Corvette
The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has carryover pricing – the same as the introductory model – with MSRP starting at $59,995 for the coupe and $67,495 for the convertible. Continue reading
Posted in marketing, performance, prices
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed, autoinformed.com, corvette stingray, Ken Zino
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COVID Casualty – Woodward Dream Cruise
Southeastern Michigan is in Phase 4 of Whitmer’s Safe Start Plan. This means social gatherings are limited to small groups with social distancing, and outdoor crowds are limited to no more than 100 people. Continue reading
Posted in environment, milestones, people, performance
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, Ken Zino, woodward dream cruise
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2020 Ranger Adds Three New Performance Packages
Ford Performance Level 1 and Level 2 packages for Ranger pickups are available for order in August. The Ford Performance Level 3 package will be available for order next summer. Continue reading
Cadillac to Have Manual Transmission V-Series Blackwings?
Whether there is any market for what used to favored among older driving enthusiasts remains to be seen. Cadillac says that two-thirds of American adults know how to drive a stick shift, and more are interested in learning. Continue reading →