April 2020

Volkswagen — Horsepower and torque explained by two Atlas engines

(April 16, 2020) Every vehicle for sale in America comes with a set of statistics, and among the most closely watched are engine horsepower and torque. Yet many people probably couldn’t correctly spell out the difference between the two. Put simply: Torque is a measure of energy, and horsepower is the rate at which an engine can produce energy.

You feel torque when you accelerate from a stop; you feel horsepower when you’re building speed on a highway. And to illustrate the relationship between the two, consider the two engines available in the 2021 Volkswagen Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport.

Petersen Automotive Museum to hold its first global digital cars and coffee

(April 16, 2020) LOS ANGELES — Although the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles remains closed to the public due to COVID-19, the museum will continue its eight-year tradition of Breakfast Club Cruise-Ins in a new digital format. The museum has opened submissions for the world’s first global cars and coffee, which will consist of a 90-minute YouTube video featuring vehicle video submissions from enthusiasts all over the world.

First GM-Ventec critical care ventilators ready for delivery

(April 15, 2020) KOKOMO, Ind. – General Motors  today began mass production of the Ventec Life Systems V+Pro critical care ventilator under contract to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Thousands of men and women at GM, Ventec, our suppliers and the Kokomo community have rallied to support their neighbors and the medical professionals on the front lines of this pandemic,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Everyone wants to help turn the tide and save lives. It is inspiring and humbling to see the passion and commitment people have put into this work.”

'Classic Engines, Modern Fuel' is a problem-solving book for old car owners

(April 15, 2020) Paul Ireland has compiled a collection of popular articles previously published by the author in assorted car magazines based on in-depth research carried out at Manchester University. The articles investigate how classic engines respond to modern gasoline, and the results are presented in a new book "Classic Engines, Modern Fuel," in a way that any enthusiast can understand.

Ultra-performance Cadillacs dubbed CT4-V Blackwing, CT5-V Blackwing

(April 15, 2020) DETROIT — Cadillac has announced that the fourth generation of its V-Series sub-brand, currently spearheaded by the 2020 CT4-V and CT5-V, will eventually include ultra-performance variants that carry the Blackwing name. The future, track-capable vehicles will be called CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, representing the apex of Cadillac performance and driver engagement.

VW rolls out loaner fleet of nearly 7,000 vehicles for COVID-19 relief

(April 14, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — Volkswagen is supporting its network of dealers who wish to put their service loaner fleet to use for free pickup and delivery of needed supplies and food. As local delivery services normally relied upon are either shuttered or repurposed for essential needs due to COVID-19, Volkswagen dealerships have been looking for ways to still make an impact in their communities and answer calls to serve local needs the best way they know how.

Ford to produce respirators, masks for COVID-19 protection

(April 14, 2020) DEARBORN, Mich., — Ford is expanding its efforts to design and produce urgently needed medical equipment and supplies for health care workers, first responders and patients fighting coronavirus. In addition to the current production of more than 3 million face shields in Plymouth, Mich., Ford-designed powered air-purifying respirator production begins Tuesday. Ford also is now producing face masks and leading an effort to scale production of reusable gowns for health care workers.

Rolls-Royce challenges young minds to design their own luxury car

(April 13, 2020) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a brand that encourages the pursuit of dreams, and now a new generation of aspiring designers are being encouraged to bring their automotive dreams to life through a special "Young Designer Competition." Launched to provide parents and children with a welcome distraction during the worldwide coronavirus outbreak, Rolls-Royce is calling on aspiring designers up to the age of 16 to design their dream Rolls-Royce of the future.

Porsche, RM Sotheby's to auction last 991-generation 911 for COVID-19 fund

(April 13, 2020) ATLANTA — Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) and RM Sotheby’s will host a unique charitable auction with a money-can’t-buy package for Porsche enthusiasts. With proceeds, excluding taxes and fees, being donated to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund, the auction’s sole lot will be the last-ever 991-generation 911 to enter and pass down the serial production line within serial production at the Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen factory.

Mecum Auctions to launch 'On the Move' podcast

(April 11, 2020) WALWORTH, Wis. — John Kraman, TV commentator for Mecum Auctions’ broadcasts on NBC Sports Network, has teamed with Matt Avery, executive producer of the automotive news website The Transmission, to offer expertise, insights and commentary on the new “Mecum Presents On the Move” podcast, streaming now at Mecum.com as well as on Spotify,
Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud.