Category Archives: shows and events

Milltek Performance Exhausts Debut for BMW, Porsche

Milltek* is debuting high-performance exhausts for BMW and Porsche Hybrids at the Goodwood Festival of Speed now underway. Both exhausts for the BMW and Porsche fit after the standard particulate filter. Therefore there is no change to their official emissions certification numbers. Continue reading

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Climate Change – Pope Leo XIV Care of Creation Mass

The Vatican said today that Pope Leo XIV celebrated the first “Mass for the Care of Creation,” with a new formulary of the Roman Missal, produced by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. The Pope celebrated this private Mass during his holiday with the staff of the “Borgo Laudato Sì” (“Laudato Sì Village”), an educational center located in the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo.

“With this new formulary, the Church is offering liturgical, spiritual and communal support for the care we all need to exercise of nature, our common home. Such service is indeed a great act of faith, hope and charity,” said Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. “This Mass dedicated to taking care of creation, calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us – not only in daily choices and public policies, but also in our prayer, our worship, and our way of living in the world.” Continue reading

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BMW Motorrad Days – 40,000 Visitors in the Alps

BMW Motorrad in Munich today said that 40,000 visitors attended Motorrad Days 2025 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It is the world’s largest BMW Motorrad gathering, which is held in the Bavarian Alpine Mountains.

“For the 20th anniversary in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at the Hausbergbahn – overall the 23rd BMW Motorrad Days – the international BMW Motorrad community celebrated with product innovations, exhibitors, shows, test ride opportunities, and not least with rustic Bavarian lifestyle and great party atmosphere,” Motorrad said. Continue reading

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IndyCar – Cunning Scott Dixon wins at Mid-Ohio

Veteran IndyCar driver Scott Dixon was  the third different winner in the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season, in the number 9 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to the win in the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Presented by the All-New 2026 Passport yesterday. Dixon scored his record seventh win at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. He made completed all 90 laps on just two pit stops using his considerable “lift and coast” racing skills. His other Mid-Ohio victories were in 2019, 2014, 2012, 2011, 2009 and 2007. Continue reading

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Happy Fourth of July 2025! Let’s Return to our Founding Ideals

On this day, the Fourth of July 1776, the Continental Congress after considerable debate released our Declaration of Independence. AutoInformed notes that this is or should be our still continuing guide to what were then awakened American ideals. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston – the so-called Committee of Five – did much of the enlightenment conceptual work. Jefferson, the most eloquent writer in the Congress, created one of our essential documents with the input of what were 56 men of the opinion that all of us equals could and would work at Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Then in the course of human events these ideals led to our following War of Independence. It turns out that these ideas were powerful. So powerful that they were bigger than the despots, Redcoats, Hessians and other mercenaries deployed against us. We overcame this oppression and the Divine Right of Kings against impossible odds with the help of the French. Who also later  added the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. Continue reading

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Nürburgring – BMW M2 CS Beats Audi RS-3 Record

BMW said today that the new BMW M2 CS setsa new benchmark on the legendary Nordschleife racetrack of the Nürburgring on 11 April 2025. Driven by BMW M development engineer Jörg Weidinger, it completed the 12.9-mile Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:25.5, beating the previous best time for compact cars by eight seconds. In March Audi set a new record lap in the compact vehicle class on the Nordschleife at 7:33.123 minutes. Depending on the ongoing Trump tariff wars, Audi might still retain the lower price entry point for a top Nordschleife runner., depending on who you value – in currency units – the ~8 seconds in elapsed times. Continue reading

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Bungling Fireworks Use Can Cause Tragedies

The Trump administration is amid a political purge of CPSC Board members. It requested earlier this week that the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss three Democratic members appointed by President Biden to seven-year terms on the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They were fired in May by President Trump. However, they were then reinstated by a federal judge.

The Trump mis-administration asked the court for an immediate order to allow the firings to go forward. Lawyers for the commissioners objected of course. More fireworks will be coming here – safe or unsafe for Democracy. Bungling presidencies can cause tragedies too. Continue reading

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Penske Automotive Adds Ferrari Dealership in Modena!

Penske Automotive Group (NYSE: PAG)* said today that it has completed the acquisition of the Ferrari dealership in Modena, Italy. Located in Emilia Romagna, the heart of the so-called Italian Motor Valley that is home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, Ducati and Dallara, this Ferrari dealership expands the PAG’s existing luxury presence in Italy to 29 automotive retail locations. PAG now represents nine Ferrari locations worldwide, including Maranello Classic Parts, the only official Ferrari classic parts distributor in the world. The forecast estimated annualized revenue of the Modena location is $40 million. Continue reading

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Annals of Marketing – Mercedes-Benz VLE Test Drive

Mercedes-Benz said today that two prototypes of its new Van Electric Architecture (VLE) drove from Stuttgart through the Alps to Rome with only two 15-minute charging stops under “real‑life “driving conditions. Starting in 2026, Mercedes-Benz will launch its newly developed modular and scalable Van Architecture. This new platform is attempting to successfully straddle luxury-focused Grand Limousines and commercial vans where Mercedes has a longstanding market presence. Continue reading

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Dealers Now Have the Infiniti 2026 QX60 SUV

The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is now on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,200. The first-ever QX60 SPORT grade, which elevates the model with its “most statement-making appearance yet,” is priced from $61,700. The QX60 is offered in four grades: Pure, Luxe, Sport and Autograph. Destination and handling charge on all grades adds $1350.

“QX60 continues to be a cornerstone of our lineup and a compelling choice for today’s premium SUV buyer,” said Brian Maragno, director, Product Marketing, Infiniti USA. “Accounting for 45% of Infiniti sales last quarter, QX60 reflects our product strategy at work – blending bold design, advanced technology and thoughtful features that resonate with our Infiniti clients.” Continue reading

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IIHS President – NHTSA Must Act Decisively on Fatal Crashes

Faster, more decisive action is required from America’s vehicle safety regulator is needed “to reverse a drastic escalation in fatal crashes on the nation’s roadways,” David Harkey, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said at a Congressional hearing today.

“The United States is in the middle of a road safety emergency, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is failing to meet the moment,” Harkey said in written testimony submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce’s Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, which convened the hearing on the state of NHTSA and motor vehicle safety. Continue reading

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Audi Adds AirConsole Gaming for Passengers

AirConsole and Audi claimed progress in the controversial area of in-car entertainment with the launch of AirConsole’s interactive gaming platform today. In Audi models equipped with a passenger display, Audi’s Active Privacy Mode, a so-called digital curtain that blocks the screen from the driver to perhaps prevent distraction, allows the front passenger to enjoy gaming while the vehicle is in motion. Previously limited to parked scenarios, in-car gaming now allows non-driving passengers to play throughout the ride. This electronic doodad now available in the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, and Q6 e-tron model series equipped with Android-based infotainment systems, in all markets where Audi operates. Continue reading

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UAW Praises NYC Mayoral Runner Zohran Mamdani

In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran as the Democratic primary candidate for New York City mayor. At the time, the UAW noted that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform was to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare. This confirmed the UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters. On 30 May 2025, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed its support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first. It was to AutoInformed’s knowledge, the only major union to do so.* Continue reading

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First Look – 2026 Nissan Armada NISMO

Nissan said today that it is expanding the Nissan Armada range just one year after the introduction of the all-new 2025 model. Offered in SV, SL, Platinum, PRO-4X, the new NISMO, and Platinum Reserve trims, the full-size SUV is in the center – crossfire? – of the extreme off-road vehicle marketing wars well underway in the United States. The 2026 Armada is arriving at Nissan dealerships this fall. Continue reading

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Classic Land Rover Defender Coming to U.S. as an EV

“We’ve always believed that great design should last – and with the right technology, it can have a second life that’s even more meaningful,” said Osman Boyner, Founder and CEO of BEDEO. “Partnering with Monarch Defender feels natural; we both share a deep respect for the Defender’s legacy, and a passion for pushing things forward. This partnership is about bringing our technology to the right hands. Monarch Defender understands what makes the Defender so special to people – and they know how to elevate that experience without losing its soul.” Continue reading

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