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Category Archives: performance
Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center
More than three months before its first race in Formula 1, Audi provided a preview of its presence at its Brand Experience Center in Munich. Just like in future production models, Audi will bring uncompromising clarity to the racetrack and beyond. Carefully crafted statements were made by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella.
“Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger. It’s the next step in the company’s renewal, designed to strengthen our competitiveness on the global stage. In Formula 1, every second counts. Success demands performance, precision and teamwork. This mindset will drive a new performance culture across the entire company and a catalyst for change towards a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jonathan Wheatley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Massimo Frascella, Mattia Binotto, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Motorrad Shows 2027 F 450 GS
BMW Motorrad USA in conjunction with its global siblings revealed the new 2027 BMW F 450 GS. It’s said to be a completely redesigned, new construction for the 48 horsepower 400 – 500 cc class.
“With the new BMW F 450 GS, BMW Motorrad presents a genuine BMW GS in the 48 hp A2 class. It embodies the essence of a GS: Get on, twist the throttle, have fun – with full control and maximum confidence. Its low weight, superior performance and perfect balance between agility and stability ensure a particularly intuitive riding experience. Thanks to its precise handling and typical GS expertise, it performs impressively both on and off the road. The F 450 GS is the perfect ‘best buddy’ for every riding situation. It is uncomplicated, robust, and always ready. It sets the benchmark for sporty adventure bikes in its class.” Markus Flasch, CEO BMW Motorrad. Continue reading
Posted in design and styling, engineering, marketing, mobility company, motorcycles, news, performance, shows and events, transportation
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW Motorrad 2027 F 450 GS, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Markus Flasch, X @KenAutoinformed
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Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire Debuts
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT)* has started sales of the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season. The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season is now available through Goodyear’s retail network and authorized dealers in the United States and Canada.
“Eagle F1 All Season is a premium ultra-high-performance tire engineered to deliver exceptional handling, grip and comfort in dry, wet and light snow conditions,” Goodyear said. Continue reading
Posted in aftermarket, auto news, marketing, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season tire, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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First FIA Extreme H World Cup Starts Tomorrow
The first-ever FIA Extreme H World Cup kicks-off tomorrow, Thursday 9 October, with the Time Trial contest.* Eight teams and 16 drivers have been getting their first runs of the new Pioneer 25 hydrogen-powered race car in Qiddiya City ahead of the real racing.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and it’s been great to hear the teams are talking about how to get the best performance out of the car, rather than talking about reliability issues,” explained Mark Grain, Technical Director, FIA Extreme H World Cup. “The drivers are using all the tools that are available to them, the new tools like the Fox live valve and those damper maps are actively being used. The more toys you can give great racing drivers, the better – they love all this.” Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Catie Munnings, Extreme E Odyssey 21, FIA Extreme H World Cup Start, Jameel Motorsport’s Molly Taylor, Johan Kristoffersson, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mark Grain, Pioneer 25, Qiddiya City, X @KenAutoinformed
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Goodyear Tire & Rubber to Form a Global Racing Unit
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) today announced the formation of its new Global Racing organization. This combines all motorsport operations under a single global structure. Xavier Fraipont will lead the newly formed organization as vice president, Global Racing, effective 1 October.
“Goodyear has been synonymous with car racing since the very beginning of our history,” said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and chief technical officer. “With Xavier’s deep expertise and leadership at the helm, we’re advancing our commitment to innovation – enhancing performance and elevating our competitive edge worldwide.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BTCC, Chris Helsel, Goodyear Global Racing, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, nascar, nhra, WEC LMGT3 class, Will Roland, X @KenAutoinformed, Xavier Fraipont
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Caterham Competitor – New Zenos E10 RZ
Zenos Cars today revealed in engineering prototype form the new Zenos E10 RZ. Zenos Cars is a partnership between former Caterham Cars CEO Ansar Ali and COO Mark Edwards. They both also worked together at Lotus. Ali and Edwards have more than 30 years of experience in the niche sports car sector. The Zenos name is a combination of ‘Zen’ to represent purity, and ‘os,’ roughly Latin for ‘vertebra.’
“The start of a new generation of cars for Zenos, the marque will once again focus on innovation and ingenuity as it seeks to do more with less, in the tradition of the Great British sports cars manufacturers that inspired the company’s founding,” Zenos said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, people, performance, shows and events
Tagged Ansar Ali, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, British sports cars, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Lotus, Mark Edwards, X @KenAutoinformed, Zenos Cars
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Extreme H to Hold First Hydrogen Powered World Cup Race
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport has signed a multi-year agreement with Extreme H to deliver the world’s first hydrogen-powered World Cup event.
“The World Cup will test the boundaries of what can be achieved in motor sport and the wider automotive and energy industries, opening up opportunities for further investment into hydrogen infrastructure by showing what is possible, and driving progress towards a low-carbon future,” said Extreme H, which is an extension of Extreme E racing that uses electric vehicles. Continue reading
Posted in alternative fuels, auto news, electric vehicles, engineering, environment, global warming, marketing, milestones, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Extreme E, Extreme H, fuel cell technology, hydrogen as a clean energy source, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Saudi Arabia, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar announces 17-Race 2026 Schedule
“Our growth is industry-leading and will only accelerate faster as we continue our powerful partnership with Fox Sports and increase investment in our events,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “The 2026 NTT IndyCar Series schedule provides a dynamic showcase for our sport and its stars, blending fan-favorite race weekends with incredible showcases at exciting new venues. We cannot wait for 2026.” Continue reading
Posted in marketing, news, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2026 NTT IndyCar Series, Alex Palou, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, eNASCAR, Fox Sports, J. Douglas Boles, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corporation, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Priced – Bring Money
Mercedes-Benz USA said today that 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid* arrives at U.S. dealerships in early fall 2025, starting from $93,3502. That excludes a $1150 destination and delivery charge as well as options. AutoInformed speculates that Trump Tariff chaos had something to do with the price. Green would be an appropriate color under the circumstances. No U.S. photos or the rear interior area of the wagon were provided. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, electric vehicles, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MBUX Superscreen Package, Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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New Porsche 911 Turbo S Most Powerful 911 Ever
Porsche (P911.DE) showed the new 911 Turbo S series at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The twin-turbo powertrain with so-called T-Hybrid technology makes the new 911 Turbo S the most powerful production 911 thus far. The sports car, available as a coupé and cabriolet, claims more intelligent aerodynamics, an optimized chassis and more exclusive equipment. Prices, inevitably high, are thus far are unknown. They will be influenced negatively by the ongoing Trump Tariff economic chaos.
“The 911 Turbo S is the most complete and versatile form of driving a Porsche 911. Whether in daily use, on long autobahn journeys or on the racetrack – we have made the new 911 Turbo S even more comfortable, more individual and significantly faster than its predecessor,” said Frank Moser, Vice President of the 911 and 718 model line. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, performance, shows and events, software defined vehicles
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Frank Moser, IAA Mobility motor show, Ken Zino, nürburgring nordschleife, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, X @KenAutoinformed
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WEC – Porsche Penske Motorsport Finally Win
Porsche Penske Motorsport finally took its first victory of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship campaign in monsoon conditions at Circuit of The Americas yesterday in Texas. United Autosports put McLaren in the winners’ circle in LMGT3. Corvette got thumped. Unseasonable rain in Texas resulted in the early stages of the six-hour race taking place behind the safety car, and following a red flag interruption, the competitive action finally got underway just before one-third of the distance. At the start, the front row-sitting #83 and #51 Ferraris led the 18-car Hypercar class, but the #6 Porsche driven by Laurens Vanthoor clung to third place, which became second when Philip Hanson lost more than half-a-minute due to a pit-stop delay. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, global warming, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R, circuit of the Americas, Ken Zino, Kévin Estre, Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of The Americas, X @KenAutoinformed
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New Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing Car Debuts
“The comprehensive further development of the Mercedes-AMG GT2, unveiled at the end of 2022, combines the fundamental characteristics of the base GT2 with technology and design inspired by the current Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E PERFORMANCE. An outstanding power-to-weight ratio and numerous new aerodynamic components, such as active louvers above the front wheels, a Push2Pass function and the integrated Drag Reduction System (DRS), make the GT2 Edition W16 the most powerful Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing car of all time,” Mercedes said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, milestones, new vehicle, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing
“This is not a marketing exercise. This is a promise. It signals a new, more focused mission to tear down the wall between our race teams and the engineering of the vehicles you drive every day on and off road. Under one global Ford Racing banner, our engineers and designers will develop our performance road cars right alongside our race cars. The technology that survives the Baja 1000 will be in the DNA of the next F-150 Raptor. The aerodynamic lessons we learn at Daytona and Le Mans will be sculpted into the body of the next Mustang,” said Will Ford.
The move comes during a period of intense change at the upper levels of Motorsport in Formula 1, endurance racing or the World Endurance Championship, and various international and national forms of sports car racing where Ford Motor in the past has had considerable success. This could be a rite pf passage for Will moving him out of the protective family environment into bare-knuckled competitive realms. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Baja 1000, F-150 Raptor, Ford Performance Rebranded as Ford Racing, Ken Zino, le mans, mustang, William Clay ‘Will’ Ford III, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Aston Martin F1 Safety Car
Aston Martin said today that it is “increasing the intensity at the front of the F1® grid as the new Vantage S becomes an Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1®” This latest addition to Aston Martin’s line of high-performance ‘S’ models. The Aston Martin Vantage S is painted in the same Podium Green as the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team cars.
“Vantage S represents the peak of performance for the model that is the beating heart of the Aston Martin brand. With increased power and even greater dynamic prowess, this car was destined to take on the prestigious role as an F1® Safety Car and it will be a source of great pride for our colleagues and our customers to see it leading the pack whenever it is called upon. In terms of brand awareness, nothing can compete with Formula 1® and we are proud to play our part in what we believe is the greatest show on earth,” said Alex Long, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Alex Long, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team cars, Aston Martin Vantage S, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car, Ken Zino, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Begins Test of Onboard CO2 Capture System
Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced that it has begun demonstration experiments of Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture, Mazda’s unique CO2 capture system in a popular endurance racing series in Japan, with a wide range of car models.
“Mazda aims to realize mobility where ‘driving more leads to CO₂ reduction’ by 2035. Mazda believes that if its vehicles run on carbon-neutral fuel and capture the CO₂ emitted, it will be possible to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere in proportion to the distance traveled,” the Japanese company said. Continue reading →