Tag Archives: Automotive news and analysis

Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible Debuts

Posted on 14 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Racing today introduced the new Mustang® Dark Horse® SC convertible, the first new high-performance Mustang convertible since 2013. It’s also the most powerful open-air Mustang ever. Orders open this fall, with cars arriving in dealer showrooms in spring 2027. [Just bring money – a lot of it: A Dark Horse SC sticker starts at ~$108,485. Track Pack adds ~$36,500 for a total of $144,985, There were also Track Pack Special Editions at ~$175,965. – AutoCrat]. The drop-top counterpart to the Dark Horse SC coupe brings Ford Racing engineering to the newest member of the Mustang Dark Horse family. The coupe is built for lap times. The ragtop, err convertible is set up for for open-air street driving with unlimited headroom, zero visual barriers, and the sound of a supercharged V8. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2027 Nissan Kicks Rock Creek Edition

Posted on 13 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The 2027 Kicks Rock Creek is for drivers who want more adventure from their daily drive, with trail-ready styling and added confidence when the road ends,” said Marco Fioravanti, vice president, product planning, Nissan U.S. and Canada. “With the addition of Rock Creek to an already well-equipped lineup, the 2027 Kicks continues to deliver the style, capability and value that have made it a favorite among customers.” Continue reading →

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Ford Motor to Stop Producing Lincolns in China

Posted on 13 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) plans to increase Lincoln model production in the U.S. beginning in 2030. Lincoln will phase out importing of vehicles from China for the U.S. market The Nautilus, Lincoln’s best-selling SUV is assembled in Hangzhou, Zhejiang by the Changan-Ford joint venture. It is imported into the U.S. and is thereby caught in President Trump’s ongoing, unstable and unpredictable tariff, trade and shooting wars. Continue reading →

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Audi Nuvolari Debuts in U.S. at Monterey Car Week

Posted on 12 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Once a year, the Monterey Peninsula becomes the pinnacle backdrop for premium and exclusive mobility, which makes it the ideal place to introduce our halo performance model to North America and share our excitement with customers, collectors, and enthusiasts,” said Audi of America President, Vito Paladino. “The Nuvolari is more than an extraordinary supercar; it is a defining moment for Audi, built on substance. Substance that delivers on what has always shaped Audi to be an iconic brand – performance, design, and innovation.” Continue reading →

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The 2027 NTT IndyCar Series Schedule Partially Announced

Posted on 12 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“It has been another remarkable year of growth through our powerful partnership with FOX Sports, and we look forward to focusing on even greater opportunities through the 2027 NTT IndyCar Series schedule,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We are pleased to confirm Phase One of next year’s championship alongside another accelerated start with races in St. Petersburg, Phoenix and Arlington. 2026 has been proof of concept that our sport is fueled by an expanding presence across marquee events and destinations, and we look forward to carrying that momentum into 2027.”

During the current 2026 NTT IndyCar Series season, viewership is up 16% from the previous season, creating the highest viewership of the championship since 2008. Season 2027 will mark the second consecutive year, and just the fifth time in the 118-year history of the IndyCar Series, that a season begins on three consecutive weekends. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Cadillac today announced Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ, extending the brand’s low volume concierge-led experience to its all-electric flagship SUV. The Curated by Cadillac package for the ESCALADE IQ is $54,995. This MSRP does not include the vehicle MSRP, tax, … Continue reading →

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Penske Automotive Group Take Private Proposal Advisors Set

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Ken Zino

The Board established the Special Committee to review and consider the unsolicited, preliminary and non-binding proposal received by the Board on July 22, 2026 from Penske Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that they and their affiliates do not currently own for cash consideration of $210 per share (the “Proposal”).

“There can be no assurance as to whether an agreement relating to the Proposal or any proposed transaction will be reached or as to the terms thereof if an agreement is reached. The Company does not intend to comment further or disclose any developments regarding the Proposal unless and until it deems further disclosure is appropriate or required. The Company’s shareholders do not need to take any action at this time,” PAG said. Continue reading →

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Alex Palou All But Assured of 2026 NTT IndyCar Series Title

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Alex Palou is now clearly the favorite to post a record-tying fourth consecutive NTT IndyCar Series championship and fifth overall title with his victory Sunday in the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.* Palou earned his sixth victory of the season and 25th of his career, driving his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a 4.1167-second victory over the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda of NTT P1 Award winner Felix Rosenqvist of Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajani, finishing second. Continue reading →

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Seat Belt Recalls – Alfa Romeo Tonales and Dodge Hornets

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling ~49,000 model year 2023-2025 Dodge Hornet and 2023-2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale vehicles. The rear outboard seat belts may become twisted and fail to retract properly. No warning is given before the failure.*

“Seat belts that do not freely retract or maintain tension do not provide the designed occupant restraint function, which can increase the risk of injury to occupants during certain types of crashes, FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which made the recall public this morning. FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall to replace the rear outboard seat belt retractors from Autoliv ASP. The remedy component is a new seat belt retractor. Dealers will replace the retractors, free of charge as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety regulations. Continue reading →

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Ram 2019-26 Model-Year Seat-Belt Recall on ~1.3M!

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

Chrysler (aka FCA US) is recalling More than 1,271,294 model year 2019-2026 Ram 1500 pickups. The second-row seat-belt buckle anchors may have been improperly installed.

“Some 2019-2026 MY Ram 1500 vehicles may have been built with second-row seat belt buckle anchors not properly attached to the body structure, which may result in reduced occupant restraint capabilities. FCA US told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the mandatory safety defect recall filing that NHTSA made public this morning. Continue reading →

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California Starts MyFirstEV Instant Rebate Program

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced late last week that three automakers are now offering instant rebates through California’s MyFirstEV program. Californians can walk into any Hyundai, Lucid or Tesla dealer or sales center and buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) with a $3500 discount on a new model or $1750 off used.

“California is once again leading with bold, decisive action and expanding access to the benefits of zero-emission vehicles with the launch of the MyFirstEV program,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “This program means more than just new technology for California families – it means cleaner air for their children, lower maintenance costs, and the opportunity to be part of California’s clean air future.” Continue reading →

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Brawley GTS ROVS Recalled for Sudden Acceleration

Posted on 10 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Consumers should stop using their vehicles immediately and contact Vanderhall North America for instructions on how to update their vehicles to at least firmware version 7.1.0 through the Vanderhall customer mobile app. The updated software was released on 15 April 2026, and can be identified by the Vanderhall logo. Owners requiring assistance updating their firmware should contact their dealer or Vanderhall directly for assistance,” Vanderhall said in a recall filing released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Continue reading →

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Premium Vehicle Buyers Defecting to Mainstream Brands!

Posted on 7 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“The result is a measurable migration. Premium owners are not necessarily leaving the new-vehicle market when trading in. Instead, many are simply choosing a different class of vehicle. Affordability is shaping what they buy rather than whether they buy. Younger, value-conscious, and some rural and suburban buyers are shifting away from premium vehicles toward well-equipped mainstream models, a trend driven by the appeal of strong features at non-premium prices,” said the estimable J.D. Power this week in its latest Automotive OEM Intelligence Report. Continue reading →

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Federal Offense! Higher Prices, Transportation Costs, and Other Economic Blows From King Trump Tariffs

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“We’ve heard over and over again from Michiganders that DC Republicans’ irresponsible tariffs are hurting their pocketbooks, and these newest reports back that up,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michiganders are facing higher prices at the grocery store and the gas pump, and businesses are having to choose between laying off employees or passing costs onto customers. That’s why Michigan is among two dozen states suing over this latest round of tariffs. I’ll keep fighting for a commonsense trade policy that lowers costs, supports businesses at home, and promotes stability for working families. Let’s get it done.” Continue reading →

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Subaru to Enter the ‘Captive Finance Business’ by 2030

Posted on 6 August 2026 by Ken Zino

“Entering the captive finance business will help us support our sales division and our retailers, and strengthen our relationship directly with our customers, which will provide long-term value for our shareholders and partners. This is a strategic opportunity to create future growth and continue our focus on customer loyalty,” said Yoichi Hori, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, SOA. Continue reading →

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