March 2019

Karma Automotive invests $7.5 million in new test labs

(March 18, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — Southern California-based automaker Karma Automotive celebrated its five-year anniversary by continuing major investments in its U.S. operations and by sharing a glimpse of an all-new 2020 Revero luxury-electric vehicle.

Karma’s latest investment of nearly $7.5 million resulted in the installation of a new suite of state-of-the-art powertrain test labs at the company’s global headquarters in Irvine, Calif.  The new equipment strengthens Karma’s in-house engineering capabilities as the automaker readies for a period of rapid new product introductions.

Vintage Air releases updated 1969 Camaro SureFit climate control systems

(March 18, 2019) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Vintage Air, the leading manufacturer of complete performance air conditioning systems for muscle cars, hot rods and street rods, has announced the release of its updated Gen IV SureFit air conditioning system for the 1969 Camaro. The new system is available as both a Complete Kit and Evaporator Kit and features several new upgrades including fenderwell hose routing and infinite blower fan speed adjustments.

New Mercedes GMG GT53 4-door coupe to start at $99,995

(March 18, 2019) Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for the GT 53 variant of the highly anticipated Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Starting from $99,995 including destination charge, the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 is powered by an AMG-enhanced 3.0L Inline-6 Turbo Engine with EQ Boost and Electric Auxiliary Compressor that produces 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet peak torque.

Musk unveils Tesla's Model Y crossover; deliveries to start in late 2020

(March 17, 2019) LOS ANGELES — The Tesla Model Y was revealed Thursday, the electric automaker's second crossover with deliveries set to begin in the fall of 2020. It is built on the same platform as the Model 3. A long-range version will arrive first, followed by a standard version in the spring of 2021. Tesla says he Model Y will start at  $39,000 for the Standard Range version, and will also come in Long Range, Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive, and Performance variants that are expected to start at around $47,000.

Heritage-inspired Grabber Lime arrives for 2020 Mustang

(March 16, 2019) DEARBORN, Mich. — Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, Ford is unveiling Grabber Lime for the 2020 Mustang. More potent than krypton-ite, this high-impact green inspired by a vintage Mustang color from the 1970s is sure to leave other muscle cars green with envy.

“It’s lime green on steroids,” said Barb Whalen, Ford color and materials manager. “This color traces back to a Mustang heritage color while bringing it forward with more modern, dynamic pigments and bold new energy.”

Kia teams with Amazon to provide one-stop home-charging for EVs

(March 15, 2019) IRVINE, Calif. — Kia Motors America (KMA) has begun a new program with Amazon to provide plug-in vehicle customers with easy, one-stop shopping for a home charger and installation services using the same easy digital Amazon shopping experience they have come to love.

Before they even bring home their new Soul EV, Niro EV, Niro PHEV or Optima PHEV, customers can visit www.amazon.com/ChargeMyKia to learn everything anyone needs to know about choosing a charger, having it installed, and charging at home.

Toyota announces an additional $750 million investment in U.S. plants

(March 15, 2019) WASHINGTON — For over 60 years Toyota has been growing its manufacturing presence in the United States, and today the company announced it will exceed its 2017 pledge to invest $10 billion over five years with a new commitment to reach nearly $13 billion over the same period.

Part of that commitment is seen this week with an investment announcement of nearly $750 million in five different states, with more to come.

Route 66 spectators



A 1950s Renault Dauphine and a Volkswagen Beetle reside side-by-side as they watch passing traffic on old Route 66 in Carterville, Mo. The rear-engine Dauphine was built from 1956 through 1967 with more than 2 million sold. (Photo by Jim Meachen)

Ducati continues to be profitable in 2018

(March 14, 2019) BORGO PANIGALE, Italy — The end of 2018 shows Ducati to have consolidated the growth trend of the past few years for the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. 53,004 motorcycles were delivered to clients all over the world; a result which remains over the 50,000 level for the fourth consecutive year, despite a 2.7% decrease in the global market for motorcycles over 500 cc.

Conditions proved to be especially challenging in the United States as Ducati’s number one market, declining by nearly 9%.

Ultra-fast sequential shifting available for MK2 Ford Focus

(March 14, 2019) BRENTWOOD, UK —  A new Quaife sequential gearbox has been launched by mountune to provide owners of Mk2 Ford Focus models in England with lightning-fast gearshifts. The 5-speed sequential gear kit has been designed for Ford’s M66 gearbox, fitted predominantly to the Mk2 Focus models, including ST and RS derivatives, but also some Volvo models.

“We are excited to bring Mk2 Focus owners the quick and consistent Quaife sequential gearbox they’ve always wanted, available exclusively through mountune,” explains David Moore, director of mountune Performance