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Category Archives: performance
Toyota Announces an All-New 2026 TRD Pro Color
“We had a few years of warm natural hues inspired by traditional landscapes like Terra and Mudbath as signature colors. With Wave Maker, we were inspired by unexplored areas of adventure including extreme territory and even beyond earth,” says Benjamin Jimenez, general manager at CALTY’s Ann Arbor Michigan location. “Wave Maker expresses an elemental spirit that evokes images of glacial depths and the thrill of new frontiers.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, news analysis, performance
Tagged 4Runner, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Benjamin Jimenez, Ken Zino, sequoia, tacoma, Toyota TRD Pro colors, Truck marketing, tundra, X @KenAutoinformed
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GMC Hummer EV – 2026 Model Year Adds Carbon Fiber Option
“The refreshed Hummer EV enhances an already amazing vehicle with new software innovations and forward-thinking design,” said Al Oppenheiser, GMC Hummer EV chief engineer. “From the start, we aimed to provide Hummer EV owners over-the-air software updates. All 2026 Hummer EV owners will have access to our latest software going forward, allowing new features to be introduced throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, electronics, engineering, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, performance
Tagged Al Oppenheiser, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, GM Energy PowerShift Charger, Ken Zino, King Crab, X @KenAutoinformed
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Indianapolis 500 Practice Starts Today!
Practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts today May 13 with a field consisting of eight former winners of what is promoted as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and five NTT IndyCar Series champions. There are 34 entries set to contest for the 33 starting spots for this year’s 500. That will be determined at the PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying runs May 17-18.
All track activity on the 2.5-mile oval leads into Race Day, Sunday 25 May at the “Brickyard.” Live Race Day coverage begins on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports app and the IndyCar Radio Network at 10 a.m. (ET). The green flag is set to drop for 12:45 p.m. That’s when the B.S. stops so to speak, barring a weather delay. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Helio Castroneves, Jacob Abel, Josef Newgarden, Ken Zino, Kyle Larson, Louis Foster, Nolan Siegel Robert Shwartzman, NTT IndyCar Series, Takuma Sato, X @KenAutoinformed
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Spa-Francorchamps – LeMans Dress Rehearsal this Weekend
The third race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will see a multi-brand battle at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. In what is the dress rehearsal for the 24 hours of LeMans in June at Circuit de la Sarthe. Aston Martin, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Lexus, Porsche and Toyota, among others will take to the 4.352 mile, 19 turn track with fast sweeping corners.*
Ferrari AF Corse took its third successive pole position in 2025. Antonio Fuoco drove a 1:59.617s lap take the top spot in the #50 Ferrari AF Corse 499P. Fuoco took the pole by a mere 0.347s. The #83 AF Corse Ferrari joined the #50 car on the front row of the grid, as Robert Kubica was the only other driver to dip below the two-minute mark with a 1:59.964s best run. Making it a 1-2-3 for Ferrari was Antonio Giovinazzi in the Imola-winning #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P. He set a 2:00.201s best in the car that had been repaired after the Italian crashed in the FP2 session on Thursday afternoon. Giovinazzi survived a late scare with a gravelly slide on the exit of Les Combes. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, car sharing, performance, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged 2025 TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Aston Martin THOR, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Hertz Team Jota Hypercar, Ferrari AF Corse, FIA World Endurance Championship, Ken Zino, Peugeot TotalEnergies 9X8 Hypercar, Porsche Penske, Toyota Gazoo Racing, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cabin Fever at Corvette?
Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) said today that for the 2026 model year, the entire Corvette* lineup of Stingray, E-Ray, Z06, and ZR1will have an interior cabin with larger and more advanced driver-centric displays and fresh interior colorways, finishes and materials.
“Corvette is the ultimate American sports car, which is why it has remained the luxury sport segment leader for more than 20 years – with the next competitor a distant second in terms of market share,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “With these updates, the mid-engine Corvette will continue to cement its leadership for years to come.” Continue reading
Nostalgia Marketing – 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition
Toyota (NYSE:TM) said today in Texas that for the 2026 model year, the Corolla Hatchback will have an FX edition, which has been dormant in the model since the 1987 FX16. Based on the SE grade Corolla, it should appear in Toyota Dealerships during fall of 2025. The new Hatchback FX Edition will be available in three color choices: Inferno, Ice Cap, and Blue Crush Metallic. There will be 1600 Corolla Hatchback FX Editions assembled for the U.S. Additional details and pricing for the full Corolla lineup will be shared later this year.
“The Corolla Hatchback FX adds a black vented sport wing for aggressive flair and improved aerodynamics. The 18-inch gloss white-finished alloy wheels with black lug nuts give an unexpected wow factor,” Toyota said. Power of the Corolla Hatchback FX Edition is a 2.0-liter Dynamic-Force direct-injection inline four-cylinder engine with claimed ratings of 169 horsepower at 6600 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. peak torque at 4800 rpm. It has a Toyota-estimated 33 combined MPG rating. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, connected vehicles, marketing, new vehicle, performance, shows and events
Tagged 2026 Corolla Hatchback FX Edition, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, Ken Zino, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, X @KenAutoinformed
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Annals of Marketing – Lotus Emira Clark Edition
Lotus* said today that it will honor one of its works drivers with the introduction of the Emira Clark Edition, in collaboration with the Jim Clark Trust. This model, limited to just 60 cars for selected markets, will make its world debut leading at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. The Emira Clark Edition pricing will be £115,000 in the UK,€140,000 in Germany.
“The legacy of Jim Clark and Team Lotus is forever etched into the history of motorsport. In 1965, Clark secured the Formula 1 World Championship with Team Lotus and triumphed in the iconic Indianapolis 500 – a remarkable double victory that remains unmatched to this day. That same year, Clark further demonstrated his extraordinary talent with championship victories in Formula 2 and the Tasman Series in Australia and New Zealand, as well as winning touring car races in a Lotus Cortina,” Lotus said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Formula 1, Formula 2, Jim Clark and Team Lotus, Ken Zino, Lochcarron Scotland, Lotus Emira Clark Edition, Tasman Series, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Seven Million U.S. Assembled BMWs
“This beautiful BMW ALPINA XB7 is a testament to the great products we have, the quality of our supplier network, and the unwavering commitment and dedication of our valued associates,” said Dr. Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing. “For over 30 years, BMW has proudly invested in South Carolina and its people, creating a remarkable legacy. We are excited about our future as we prepare to assemble fully electric vehicles at this plant.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, manufacturing, milestones, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, BMW South Carolina plant Spartanburg, Dr. Robert Engelhorn, Ken Zino, Seven Million U.S. BMW ALPINA XB7, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche 911 GT3 – Sets Nordschleife Record
“More and more 911 GT3 customers are opting for the six-speed manual transmission. And more and more often we are asked by these customers how fast a 911 GT3 with manual transmission would be on the Nordschleife,” said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Model Line. “We have now answered this question and – although we know that the variant with PDK seven-speed is significantly faster – we drove our official lap time with a manual six-speed gearbox. Even without the automated, super-fast and precise gearshifts of the PDK, and with a conventional instead of electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the new 911 GT3 shaved ~3.6 seconds off the time of its predecessor with PDK.” Continue reading
VW Shows 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo
Volkswagen of America has unveiled the all-new 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo at the New York Auto Show, which will be the nameplate’s top trim beginning in the 2026 Model Year starting this fall. The Tiguan Turbo incorporates the “refined” aspects of the 2025 Tiguan adding 67 more horsepower to give the compact SUV more oomph. The 2.0-liter EA888 turbo four-cylinder engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 67 hp and 51 lb.-ft. compared to the base engine
“The improved performance compared with the base engine comes from a number of changes. The engine has a larger turbocharger that enables higher boost pressure, combined with a lower 10.5 to one compression ratio. Internally, the engine benefits from stronger pistons and connecting rods, as well as a nitrided crankshaft. The engine also has oil cooling for the pistons, as well as variable valve lift on both the intake and exhaust side. It still uses Miller-cycle technology to help improve fuel economy compared to a conventional four-cycle engine, and runs on regular gasoline,” VWoA said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, marketing, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MQB evo platform, new york auto show, VW 2026 Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo, X @KenAutoinformed
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FIA WEC – Aston Martin Valkyrie Makes EU Debt at Imola
Aston Martin said today that this weekend its Valkyrie hypercar makes its European race debut at the second round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), the 6 Hours of Imola to be contested on 20 April 2025.
“The first ‘Le Mans Hypercar’ (LMH) to be produced by Aston Martin, Valkyrie is the only car in the WEC’s premier category derived from a road-legal hypercar. Its global debut, masterminded by the works Aston Martin THOR team in at the Qatar 1812km of Qatar in February, began an historic season for the British machine. Valkyrie is the only LMH to compete in both the FIA WEC and in North America’s IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and scored a top-10 finish on its US debut at the 12 Hours of Sebring – renowned as North America’s toughest endurance race – in March,” Aston Martin claimed. (It was an all Ferrari at Qatar in February with the Italians Placing One, Two and Three after the 1812km race. Moreover Imola is Ferrari’s home circuit. – AutoCrat) Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Aston Martin DBR1, Aston Martin THOR Team, Aston Martin Valkyrie, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, carroll Shelby, Harry Tincknell, Ian James, Ken Zino, Marco Sørensen, Roy Salvadori, Tom Gamble, X @KenAutoinformed
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Concepts of What Could be a C9 Corvette Concept?
The algorithmic-driven world of electronic media is taking over traditional automotive marketing communications. In the latest example, General Motors (NYSE:GM) used the opening of a new UK advanced design studio to show a concept of what a future concept of the next generation C9 Corvette might look like. The publicity ploy involves multiple studios that will see additional Corvette concepts revealed throughout 2025. Concepts of what could ultimately be a concept of what could be a production hypercar. In short, concepts, almost ad infinitum.
“Our advanced design team’s mandate extends well beyond creating production vehicles,” said Michael Simcoe, senior VP of global design. “While they collaborate within our global design network on production and concept vehicle programs, these teams are primarily tasked with imagining what mobility could look like five, 10, and even 20 years into the future and driving innovation for GM.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, C9 Corvette, Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, GM global design studios, Julian Thomson, Ken Zino, Michael Simcoe, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-AMG Hybrid Wagon Coming to the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) said today that its first performance hybrid wagon from Mercedes-AMG will be offered in U.S. later in the 2025 calendar year. There will be 12 exterior paint colors, including four MANUFAKTUR hues, along with the optional AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package Plus and AMG Exterior Carbon Fiber Package. Standard are 20-inch AMG 5-Twin Spoke wheels with 20-inch AMG 10-Twin Spoke and 21-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels in several finishes are optionally available. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, electric vehicles, marketing, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, shows and events
Tagged AMG E 53 HYBRID wagon, auto industry commentary, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino, MANUFAKTUR customization, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz USA, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mercedes-Benz USA Posts Q1 Sales Drop
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) reported Q1 2025 group* sales of 67,400 Passenger Cars. Mercedes-Benz Vans reported Q1 2025 group sales of 7700 units, bringing MBUSA to a total of 75,100 vehicles for the first quarter of the year. Amidst the generally tepid sales results is a sharp 52% decline in van sales.
“I am proud to see our teams and valued dealer partners continue to work together with an unwavering focus on the core of our business – our valued customers. We closed Q1 in a very strong position for wholesale group sales and celebrated our best-ever March in MBUSA’s history for retail sales,” said Dimitris Psillakis, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. Continue reading
Rookie Robert Shwartzman in a Chevy on Indy 500 Pole
Robert Shwartzman posted a four-lap average speed of 232.790 mph in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet during the Firestone Fast Six yesterday at the Indianapolis brickyard in Speedway Indiana. PREMA joined the NTT IndyCar Series this season after years of success in European racing, became the first team to claim the 500 pole in its first attempt since Mayer Motor Racing with driver Tom Sneva took the pole in 1984. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato (Honda) and Pato O’Ward (Chevrolet) will join Shwartzman on the front row for the 109th running of the race this Sunday 25 May.* Continue reading →