Cadillac Formula 1 Team to Run in 2026

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General Motors (NYSE: GM) said today that the Cadillac Formula 1 Team has received final approval run in Formula One. It will be the 11th team as new F1 regulations are put in place that year. Supported by TWG Motorsports* and General Motors, the team will join the FIA Formula One World Championship in March 2026.

“We’re thrilled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team is official, as the team has been accelerating its work,” said GM President Mark Reuss. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the FIA and Formula One Management leadership for us and for our collaboration with TWG. The excitement only grows as we get closer to showcasing GM’s engineering expertise on the prestigious global stage of F1.” Continue reading

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Interlagos Lap Record – Taycan Turbo GT

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A Taycan Turbo GT* set a time of 1:42.1 minutes on the 4.3-kilometer Interlagos circuit on 5 February 2025, Porsche said today. The lap time trimmed almost eight seconds off the record set by the Taycan Turbo S in 2022 (1:49.8 minutes). It was also just under a second inside an earlier production-car lap record set by the 911 Turbo S (1:43.087 minutes).

“Coming to Interlagos and getting behind the wheel of the Taycan Turbo GT right after winning the 24 Hours of Daytona was an incredible experience. I expected the strong acceleration and brutal torque but, ultimately, it was the overall performance that really impressed me,” said Porsche works driver Felipe Nasr who drove. Continue reading

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Genesis Magma Racing in 2026 FIA WEC

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Genesis is into motorsports with plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027 with an Oreca-based car called GMR-001 Hypercar. “At Genesis Magma Racing, hyperspeed isn’t just a concept – it’s a reality,” said Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul in a recent interview with the Genesis newsroom.

“Building the team together and putting the different building blocks together is a challenge because nothing existed at first. It’s not just a car that we need to build. It’s a racing team. An organization. A new identity,” said Abiteboul. “Another big challenge, from a timing and engineering perspective, is the powertrain. And anyone who knows about engines will appreciate that we only had six months to develop a complete engine. Continue reading

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McLaren Automotive Using Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber

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McLaren Automotive* said today it has developed a world-first application of an aerospace industry composites manufacturing method scaled appropriately for volume supercar manufacturing. Deployed at the McLaren Composites Technology Center (MCTC) in Sheffield, UK, the new Automated Rapid Tape (ART) production method produces McLaren ART carbon fiber structures that can be optimized to be lighter, stiffer and stronger via advanced structural optimization. They are also produced with less waste material generation.

“With more than four decades of experience in exploiting the benefits of carbon fiber as an enabler of light weight, high performance, and structural strength, McLaren has driven key developments in racing and automotive uses for the material, making it not only the standard across the Formula 1 grid, but bringing it to the road, too. Every single McLaren ever made has been based on a carbon fiber monocoque, while McLaren also maximizes the benefits of this lightweight, strong and durable material in body structures and aerodynamic systems, to unlock maximum performance and thrilling driving dynamics without compromise,” McLaren said. Continue reading

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First Look – 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL EV

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Cadillac is expanding the Escalade lineup with the introduction of the all-electric 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQL. The Escalade IQL build off the Escalade IQ, but adds additional passenger and cargo capacity to meet the lifestyle needs of customers who require extra space. Escalade IQL will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in mid-2025 at General Motors’ Factory ZERO plant in Detroit. Since its launch, the Cadillac Escalade has dominated the full-size luxury SUV segment for more than 25 years, selling more than 1 million units globally. [see footnote 1]

“Escalade has been the best-selling luxury full-size SUV in North America since 2014. The Escalade IQL is an important addition to the Escalade franchise and the Cadillac portfolio,” said John Roth, vice president, Global Cadillac. “With the Escalade IQL, Cadillac now offers a full lineup of internal combustion and all-electric Escalade options for our customers, no matter the propulsion.” Continue reading

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January U.S. International Trade Deficit Sets Record

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The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis said today that the goods and services deficit was $131.4 billion in January, up $33.3 billion from $98.1 billion in December, revised.

This was the highest on record, and is the beginning of a rerun of the previous Trump Administration’s economic mishaps. January exports were $269.8 billion, $3.3 billion more than December exports. January imports were $401.2 billion, $36.6 billion more than December imports.

The January increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $33.5 billion to $156.8 billion and an increase in the services surplus of $0.2 billion to $25.4 billion. Continue reading

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Annals of  Off-Road Marketing – Silverado EV ZR2

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Chevrolet (NYSE: GM) today unveiled the Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck “concept” at the Mint 400 off-road race, where the truck will also compete as part of the Hall Racing team’s lineup. The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept joins the team’s Silverado ZR2 and Colorado ZR2 race trucks. Chad Hall will drive the all-electric off-road race truck in the Open Production EV class.

“There is no better proving ground to test the limits of our vehicles than competitive racing,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “The Silverado EV ZR2 race truck concept, which uses 98% GM production parts, showcases some of the best of Chevrolet to produce a beyond-capable pickup to tackle a challenging race of the Mint 400’s magnitude.” Continue reading

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First Look – All-Electric Volvo ES90 Hatchback

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Volvo Cars (VOLCAR B:STO)* today debuted an all-new, fully electric ES90. With order-books open now in some markets, the ES90 is the latest addition to  Volvo cars. It is the sixth fully electric model in the line, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30 as Volvo continues to covert to full electrification. US specifications and EPA range are not currently available.**

“The ES90 combines the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs. It’s a versatile car that does not compromise on comfort or space. A car that allows for bigger adventures and families, striking the perfect balance between your professional and private life, and allowing you to embrace the special moments in life,” Chinese-owned Volvo Cars said. Continue reading

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Qualified Vehicle Modifier Tweaked at Ford Pro

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Ford Pro today announced a search tool to find upfitted vehicles. The commercial division of Ford Motor Company said it is creating an open marketplace between upfitters and vehicle owners with its launch. Developed in collaboration with Work Truck Solutions®, the new app can search the nationwide inventory of upfitted versions of Ford F-Series Super Duty® Pickup and Chassis Cab, Ford Transit commercial van; and E-Transit™, the electric cargo van.*

“LocateFordWorkTrucks.com helps reduce the wait times associated with traditional upfitting, helping ensure our customers can get the vehicles they need to drive their businesses forward,” said Esteban Plaza-Jennings, upfit strategy manager, Ford Pro. “This is just another example of how we’re committed to simplifying operations and helping customers be more efficient.” Continue reading

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Trump Tariffs – His Next Economic Catastrophe

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Trump Tariffs - His Next Economic Catastrophe

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Shoot from the lip President Trump, aka Calamity Donald, today imposed tariffs of 25% across North America disrupting the North American auto market that has thrived on 30 years of free trade. Any new tariffs in place for any significant length of time will be disruptive. The tariffs at 25% are significantly higher than the profits made by the automakers and their suppliers. It is widely – if not universally – held by economists that this is an economic disaster.

The tariffs are a sharp violation of the free trade deal with Canada, Mexico and the United States that Calamity Donald, renegotiated during his first administration. Using the dispute-settlement system to eliminate or adjust the tariffs could take years. Calamity Donald has already said he won’t act on any ruling against the United States. Roughly 44% of the new vehicles sold in the U.S. last year were imported from countries across North America, Europe and Asia. The automotive business involves a large and complex global supply chain, so new tariffs will challenge an industry that is already facing high costs. Higher costs mean fewer affordable vehicles for consumers. Higher costs result in lower sales volume in an industry that is central to U.S. economic health. (Read AutoInformed.com on: EV Satisfaction Improves But Trump Chaos Looms and Tariffs – Trump’s Next Economic Disaster Looming) Continue reading

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Counterfeit Airbag Threat Still Growing

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Counterfeit Airbag Threat Still Growing

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“Most consumers have never even heard of counterfeit airbags.* Tragically, it’s not just that these products don’t protect people in the event of a collision, they can inflict their own serious injuries or even death, often acting quite literally like a bomb when deployed American Honda Motor Co. said today.” 

These ‘airbags’ come from illicit businesses operating in China and other overseas markets and are primarily sold in the dark underbelly of the secondhand parts market, before being installed in the vehicles of unsuspecting customers here in the U.S. While the full scope of any underground economy is impossible to fully quantify, data indicate the threat is growing. In the first half of 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported there were at least five fatalities or serious injuries caused by counterfeit airbags. NHTSA issued an advisory encouraging consumers to protect themselves and their loved ones. Continue reading

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Holy St Pete! Vivid IndyCar 2025 Season Opener

Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com on Holy St Pete! Vivid Indy Car 2025 Season Opener

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The 2025 IndyCar season is going to a racing skills and strategy spectacle judging by the opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg yesterday. Three-time series champion Alex Palou – who started eighth – raced to his 12th career victory in the series. The Ganassi team he drives for took its first 1-2 finish since July 2023 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course with Palou driving his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a 2.8669-second victory over teammate and six-time series champion Scott Dixon. Dixon said afterward that he contested the last 90 laps of the 100-lap race without radio communication in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

“What an amazing job by everybody,” Palou said. He is who is known for his racing smarts and the ability to adjust to conditions to earn points. “They gave me everything we needed this weekend to win. I told you yesterday we had a really, really fast car. Our strategy changed a lot during that first yellow, but I’m so glad we got that No. 10 in Victory Lane. It’s been 138 days since Nashville (2024 season finale), and I’ve been dreaming about this every single night,” said Palou, a charming  and thoughtful Spaniard. Continue reading

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Subaru of America to Sponsor 2025 Overland Expos

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Subaru of America today said it is joining the Overland Expo® as a title sponsor for 2025. Overland Expo is an outdoor travel gathering. It will have the latest Subaru adventure models, including the new 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid, as well as the Wilderness editions of the Subaru Outback, Subaru Crosstrek, and Subaru Forester.

“We are all-in on off-road adventure, and excited to join the thousands of Subaru owners making their way to Overland Expo, a destination event for outdoor enthusiasts. With our unique onsite experiences, Subaru is ready to amplify our customers’ stories and show our appreciation for their dedication to our brand,” said Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America. Continue reading

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Who’s Driving? Ford Recalls Mustang Recall

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is recalling a previous recall covering 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles. The secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly, which can cause the steering wheel to turn side to side against the driver’s intentions.

“They were previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 24V-493,” Ford told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the mandatory safety defect recall filing. Continue reading

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Kia Recalls Seltos and Soul Models for Fires

Kia America is recalling more than 137,000 model year 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage, causing  a vehicle stall or fire, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

“Due to a quality deviation by the piston oil ring supplier, Dongsuh Federal-Mogul, the piston ring may, over time, damage the surface of the cylinder wall. This may lead to increased oil consumption which will eventually result in abnormal noise from the engine and/or illumination of the oil pressure warning light. If the vehicle is continually operated in this condition, engine damage and/or seizure can occur, resulting in loss of motive power. In limited cases, a fire may occur from engine oil leaking onto a hot exhaust component due to a hole in the engine block,” Kia said in the mandatory safety defect recall filing to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is apparently still operating with hard-working people in spite of the Trump Administration. Continue reading

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