Special Editions Dream or Nightmare?

Posted on 20 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Mustang Ice White Edition Appearance Package

Maybe Ford should spend a little more money on locations?

Today in what Ford Motor says is in celebration of the Woodward Dream Cruise kickoff, Ford is introducing the new Mustang Ice White Edition Appearance Package for both Mustang coupe and Mustang Mach-E models. This marks the first time in 28 years Ford is offering a white-on-white Mustang and the first time ever for the coupe. This of course begs the question are special editions special given that Mustang by some measures [1] is the most popular sports car in the world?

“Mustang has always had the power to attract attention on the road, but the new Mustang Ice White Edition could – just like the original ’93 Triple White Fox body feature Mustang – become one of the hot collectibles of future generations,” counters Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager, not without self-interest. “We are proud to continue a longstanding Mustang tradition of continuously offering fresh, new styling options for customers to empower them to make their Mustang an extension of who they are.” Continue reading →

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Ford Sending Three Broncos to 2021 Desert Navigational Rally

Posted on 20 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on 2021 Rebelle Rally

Ford Bronco 2021 Rebelle Rally Left to Right: Dale, Hall, Fischer, Reinhardt.

Ford is sending its full Bronco lineup of all-4×4 SUVs to compete in the 2021 Rebelle Rally – an all-women off-road event that challenges participants to conquer the harsh desert terrains of Nevada and California. (Ford Bronco Production Underway at Michigan Assembly Plant; Personalization – Bronco Riptide Project Vehicle Shown; Ford Bronco Sequel Appears with First-Ever Four-Door)

Three two-women teams will compete in a Bronco two-door, Bronco four-door and Bronco Sport at the October event. The rally will start near the Hoover Dam on Oct. 8, wind its way across rugged, parched and perhaps on fire swept terrain in Nevada and California. The finish is at Imperial Sand Dunes in California Oct. 16. Participants spend their nights at designated checkpoint basecamps along the way. Continue reading →

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GM and AT&T Set Auto Connectivity Goal at 5G

Posted on 19 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on GM and AT&T Set 5G Automotive Connectivity GoalGeneral Motors and AT&T said today they will bring 5G cellular connectivity to millions of GM vehicles coming off the assembly line during the next decade in the United States. GM and AT&T want to set the benchmark for automotive connectivity with a fifth-generation cellular network architecture to meet the needs of an all-electric and autonomous future. GM and AT&T are collaborating to build a high performance 5G core network.

5G connectivity will first be available in some model year 2024 vehicles. Additionally, through GM’s fifth generation network, current 4G LTE-equipped model year 2019 and newer vehicles will experience faster connectivity speeds and many of the same performance benefits of future 5G-equipped vehicles., it’s claimed. Current Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac owners in the U.S. with 4G LTE-capable model year 2019 and newer vehicles will migrate to the new network infrastructure once available. (GM Adds New Hands-Free Super Cruise to 6 MY 2022 Vehicles; 911 Safety Technology – OnStar Expands with RapidDeploy) Continue reading →

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First Look – 2022 Hyundai Elantra N

Posted on 19 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Hyundai 2022 Elantra N

Looks to be a good sports sedan. Simple ordering: 2- or 3-pedal, which one of the five colors?

Hyundai today unveiled an all-new 2022 Elantra N for the North American market in a virtual debut. With the introduction of Elantra N, Hyundai says it continues N brand line of “Everyday Sports Cars.” Elantra N is a high-performance variant of the new Elantra. It adds – at least virtually – dynamic driving capabilities and insistent design elements to the standard front-wheel drive model. Hyundai says there are more than 40 specialized N elements applied to the Elantra N to enhance driving performance. The N has two meanings – Namyang, where Hyundai develops vehicles and Nürburgring, where it runs cars. However, Hyundai doesn’t publish lap times? Pricing not until year-end.

Elantra N is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine with a 52-mm turbine wheel and a 12.5-mm turbine passage – with an area increased by 2.5 mm. These enhancements, along with the optimization of the shape and material of the cylinder block, improve both performance and durability it’s claimed. As a result, the so-called flat-power technology makes maximum output from 5,500 rpm for quick acceleration. Continue reading →

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FAA – $531,545 in Fines For 34 Unruly Airline Travelers

Posted on 19 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on FAA Fines for Unruly Airline Travelers

If you travel, you are still required to wear a mask on planes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has proposed another $531,545 in civil penalties against 34 airline passengers for alleged unruly behavior, bringing the total for 2021 to more than $1 million. Since Jan. 1, 2021, the FAA has received ~3,889 reports of unruly behavior by passengers, including ~2,867 reports of passengers refusing to comply with the federal facemask mandate.

Today’s fines are part of the agency’s Zero Tolerance campaign against unruly passenger behavior. Earlier in August, the FAA sent a letter to airports requesting they coordinate more closely with local law enforcement to prosecute egregious cases since the FAA does not have criminal prosecutorial authority. The letter also requested that airports work to prevent passengers from bringing “to-go” cups of alcohol aboard the aircraft. (AutoInformed.com on: Trump Legacy – FAA Adopts Stricter Unruly Passenger Policy; FAA Wants $14,500 Fine Against Drunken Passenger for Causing an Emergency Landing at JFK Airport; FAA Cuts Boeing a Deal on More 737 Airworthiness Violations?; FAA – Global COVID-19 Testing Required for ALL Entering US) Continue reading →

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Ford – Flip Flops Stamp “Float to Live” on UK Beaches

Posted on 18 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Ford - Flip Flops Stamp Float to Live on UK Beaches

Click to Enlarge.

While the people in the UK appear daft sometimes to ‘Mericans, here’s a useful bit of treacle. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) with their partners at Ford created a unique flip flop using recycled car tires They will print the charity’s vital ‘Float to Live’ message in the sand. Alas, new data show a decline in awareness of this simple but important life-saving action.

‘We want people to enjoy the coast but urge everyone to respect the water, think about their own safety and know what to do in an emergency,” said Guy Addington, RNLI Water Safety Lead. “Think about planning your trip to a beach where lifeguards are patrolling to keep you, your family and friends safe, and also ensure you are aware of the RNLI’s safety advice before getting into the sea, wherever you are holidaying… We’ve seen high numbers of people at UK beaches this summer so it’s imperative that we continue to raise awareness of important water safety advice,” he concluded.
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Nissan Shows All-New 2023 Z Sports Car

Posted on 18 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on 2023 Nissan Z

In a first for a rwd Nissan, Z Performance models with a manual transmission have launch-assist.

Abandoning the German style of nomenclature it emulated, Nissan has just revealed the latest version of what began as the 1970 Datsun 240Z. This time numeric designations are dropped; the redesign will be known in the United States by just one letter – Z. The 2023 Z is offered in Sport and Performance grade levels each with a choice of a 6-speed manual or new 9-speed automatic transmission and a “Proto Spec” edition, which is limited to 240 units. (See AutoInformed.com on Nissan Motor Posts ¥75.7B Operating Profit for Q1 FY)

“When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” claimed Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Company. Continue reading →

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Personalization – Bronco Riptide Project Vehicle Shown

Posted on 17 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Ford Bronco Riptide Project The new Bronco Riptide project vehicle revealed today is designed for outdoor adventures. With the roof off, doors removed and replaced with tubular doors, and surfboard rack and boards above, there is open air for the fun and sun to shine in. It is part of Ford’s newly launched outdoor brand “Built Wild” with only-4×4 vehicles. Marketing Babble Alert> The 2021 Bronco Riptide custom build is designed with “West Coast fun and factory-backed accessory personalization in mind.” (See AutoInformed.com on Ford Bronco Sequel Appears with First-Ever Four-Door; Ford Bronco Production Underway at Michigan Assembly Plant)

Based on the 2021 Bronco four-door with Sasquatch Package for even more Built Wild capability, the Bronco Riptide vehicle has 35-inch mud-terrain tires mounted to 17-inch factory wheels with optional Ford Performance beadlock rings, Dana Advantek  electronic-locking front and rear axles, a high-clearance suspension system with Bilstein position-sensitive long-travel shock absorbers, plus the Bronco Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. Modes designed to help ensure Bronco goes over any type of terrain. Continue reading →

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Sam’s Scrapbook by Sam Posey Now Available in the US

Posted on 17 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Sam's Scrapbook by Sam Posey     A release out of London today says Sam’s Scrapbook by Sam Posey is now available in the US. Sam Posey, as motorsport fans likely know, raced a huge variety of sports cars, saloons and open-wheel machines in numerous racing segments such as Can-Am, USRRC, Trans-Am, IMSA, Indy, NASCAR, Formula 5000 and Formula 1. His formidable rivals and friends include George Follmer, Parnelli Jones, Mark Donohue, Peter Revson, Dan Gurney, David Hobbs and Brian Redman.

Running alongside the images, Posey’s commentary is both amusing and emotional. This is a must read memoir by one of America’s racing stars. Surely it will appeal to all motorsports enthusiasts and those who are just getting to know the giant motorsports money machine. I knew Posey from my long association with the International Motor Press Association in New York. He was friendly, intellectually curious and colorful in a latter-day Connecticut Yankee kind of way at Racing’s court. Sam’s Scrapbook is a first-hand account of a golden era in racing, through pictures no outsider has seen and stories not heard. Continue reading →

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Toyota, Lexus Debut Mobile Collision Assistance App

Posted on 16 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Toyota Mobile Collision Assistance App

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Toyota and Lexus drivers now can have an assistance service available to them in the moments following a collision. Collision Assistance, a just-in-time support service, is now available to drivers within the Toyota and Lexus mobile app. The feature within the Toyota and Lexus Owners Apps offers guided instructions to help drivers navigate a post-collision repair process.

Toyota worked with CCC Intelligent Solutions, a Software as a Service* platform for the insurance economy, to develop Collison Assistance. CCC mobile technology combines guided accident documentation and access to claims and management services to assist drivers following a collision. Toyota transmits accident and vehicle telematics data to CCC to initiate the program. Collision Assistance is designed to let the customer choose how they’d like to handle the claim and repair processes, providing convenience and safety while also ensuring owners are informed about the process through completion.
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Spin E-bikes and E-scooters Linked to Google Maps

Posted on 16 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Spin and Google maps Spin, a mobility business of Ford Motor, is working with Google Maps to provide e-scooters and e-bikes as a transportation option on the platform in Spin’s markets*. While looking for directions, Google Maps users can locate Spin vehicles in 84 towns, cities and campuses in the United States, Canada, Germany and Spain, Spin said in a release today. (Read AutoInformed.com on Ford Buys E-Scooter Company Spin)

Google Maps users can see, in real-time, the nearest available Spin e-bike or e-scooter, including how long it will take to walk to the vehicle, as well as the estimated battery range and expected arrival time. Users will then be directed to the Spin app to pay for the vehicle, unlock it and take their ride. Spin claims integration will bring wider public awareness to Spin’s vehicle availability and point people towards a more sustainable option for short journeys in urban areas. Continue reading →

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Global Warming – EPA Raising Data Centers Energy Star Specs

Posted on 16 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced expanded efforts to increase energy efficiency improvements among U.S. data centers. EPA has launched an updated specification for Energy Star certification of data storage products, unveiled a brand-new website designed to serve as the go-to place for data center energy efficiency resources, and will be updating its 1-100 Energy Star score for data centers. EPA rates the energy efficiency of an entire facility compared to similar facilities nationwide.

Data centers are one of the most energy-intensive building types, consuming 10 to 50 times more energy per square foot than a typical office building. In 2014, data centers in the U.S. consumed an estimated 70 billion kWh, representing about 1.8% of total U.S. electricity consumption. Based on estimates in 2016, U.S. data centers were projected to consume approximately 73 billion kWh in 2020. Continue reading →

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Brickyard Sunday – Allmendinger in Chevy Wins NASCAR Cup

Posted on 16 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway -Verizon 200

Allmendinger, 39, was considered a favorite by many because of his road course background.

AJ Allmendinger, driver of the #16 HyperIce Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE won the NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. It was part ofa great weekend for Chevrolet racing, which also won the Indy Car race on Saturday. (Brickyard Saturday – Power, Cindric Win for Penske)

The first NASCAR Cup Series road course race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was ether exciting or disastrous depending on how you view racing. A.J. Allmendinger led only the last two laps of overtime to secure his second career NASCAR Cup Series victory Sunday.

“The best part is when you’ve got Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice on the radio just going, Hey, we’re not here for friends, we’re not here for points, we’re here to win this race, so win it or basically bring it back on the hook. That kind of frees up a race car driver to go after it,” said Allmendinger. Continue reading →

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Brickyard Saturday – Power, Cindric Win for Penske

Posted on 15 August 2021 by Ken Zino
Ken Zino of Auto Informed.com on Indy Car and NASCAR at Brickyard

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Will Power took his front row starting position into a win as he led 56 of the 85-laps of The Big Machine Coolers Grand Prix on the Road Course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is the fifth win of the season for Team Chevy in INDYCAR. Moreover the race lacked the usual idiocy of allegedly professional drivers wiping out on the early laps of Indy Car races such as last week in Nashville when the Pace Car led more laps than any racing car  – and in AutoInformed’s view won the demolition derby like race.

“Roger Penske has had a rough year as far as the team goes. I’m really happy for the whole group. Because it’s not for lack of effort,” said Power. They worked really hard during the Month of May and we were all scratching our heads at the end. I’ve been here six times now (five for road course wins, one Indy 500 win) in this Victory Lane; pretty special place for me. This win goes to the whole group; they deserve it more than me.” Continue reading →

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