March 2020

2021 range-topping 911 quickest, most powerful Porsche 911 Turbo ever

(March 9, 2020) ATLANTA — Porsche is presenting the new-generation 911 Turbo S. The new range-topping 911 is the quickest and most powerful 911 Turbo model ever. With 640 horsepower, it offers an unprecedented combination of power, driving dynamics, and everyday usability.

A new 3.8-liter boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers represents the beating heart of the car and puts out 60 horsepower more than its predecessor. Maximum torque now stands at 590 lb.-ft. — an increase of 37 lb.-ft. The engine is paired with a Turbo-specific eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission.

Auction starts March 19 for rare 1979 Volkswagen GTI 1.6 Mk 1

(Mach 8, 2020) LONDON, England — A rare 1979 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1.6 Mk1 Series 1 in museum quality condition will go under the hammer with leading online classic car auction house, The Market. The very early UK, right hand drive, 4-speed has covered less than 17,000 miles from new in the hands of only three registered owners, making it possibly the best preserved, most original and most well-known Golf GTI Mk 1 on the planet.

2020 Audi SQ8 delivers 4.3-second 0-60 performance with 500 hp V8

(Mach 7, 2020) HERNDON, Va. — The 2020 Audi SQ8 offers the perfect balance of SUV functionality and emotional design with exceptional S model performance. The SQ8 carries an all-new engine for the U.S. market, a 4.0-liter TFSI V8, capable of producing 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. The available Sport Package adds active roll stabilization and a quattro sport differential, along with red brake calipers, to further enhance driving dynamics.

BMW introduces first new brand logo in 20 years

(March 6, 2020) MUNICH, Germany — After more than 20 years, the BMW brand has a new corporate identity for online and offline communication purposes. The BMW, BMW i and BMW M communication logos have been completely reworked, with a new logotype and new design principles. BMW says the brand now delivers on the expectations and visual style of today and is better-suited to the digital age.

The new design is an expression of the revised brand identity, which places the customer at the center of all activities. Pared-down and two-dimensional, it conveys openness and clarity.

FCA to invest $400 million to convert Indiana plant to build engines

(March 6, 2020) KOKOMO, Ind. — FCA has announced that it will invest $400 million to repurpose an idled transmission plant in Kokomo, Ind., to build the GMET4 engine — the company’s 2.0-liter Global Medium Engine inline four-cylinder turbo that is currently offered on the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee. With this investment, 1,000 Indiana jobs will be retained with nearly 200 new jobs added to support production, bringing total employment in the state to more than 8,300.

Genesis reveals all-new G80 with 'Athletic Elegance' design language

(March 6, 2020) FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. —  Genesis has unveiled the all-new G80 to online audiences via a series of design renderings. The all-new G80 is the third-generation model which leads Genesis in the luxury market as a mid-sized, executive luxury sedan.

Maserati starts testing prototype of new MC20

(March 6, 2020) MODENA, Italy — Following the "mule" tests, the first full prototype of the new Maserati MC20 super sports car has emerged from the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena.

Maserati has 100% Italian DNA and is in continuous movement: the brand has identified and selected a series of iconic locations in Italy that effectively convey the “Masters of Italian Audacity” global statement, of which the new MC20 is the first and ultimate expression.

2021 Ram ProMaster unveiled at Work Truck Show

(March 5, 2020) INDIANAPOLIS — Ram Commercial has revealed the 2021 Ram ProMaster at National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) “The Work Truck Show” in Indianapolis, Ind. Aimed at one of the largest commercial customer categories — vocational use — the 2021 Ram ProMaster is a hardworking full-size van designed for businesses, construction job sites and commercial fleets.

“Ram Commercial was formed in 2014 and our full-size van customers have enjoyed Ram’s benchmark durability ever since,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram Brand.

Barrett-Jackson heads to Florida with some desirable convertibles

(March 5, 2020) PALM BEACH, Fla. —  Barrett-Jackson heads to the Sunshine State with a docket of unique and desirable convertibles during the 18th Annual Palm Beach Auction April 16-14 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Among some of the noteworthy drop-tops crossing the block in the Orange State is a stunning Larkspur Harbor Blue 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible. The nut-and-bolt restored Bel Air is powered by a 283ci Power Pack V8 engine with a 4-barrel carburetor and dual exhaust.

GM reveals new Ultium batteries and a flexible global platform

(March 5, 2020) WARREN, Mich. — Starting now General Motors is gathering hundreds of employees, dealers, investors, analysts, media and policymakers to share details of its strategy to grow the company’s electric vehicle (EV) sales quickly, efficiently and profitably.

“Our team accepted the challenge to transform product development at GM and position our company for an all-electric future,” said Mary Barra, GM chairman and CEO. “What we have done is build a multi-brand, multi-segment EV strategy with economies of scale that rival our full-size truck business with much less complexity and even more flexibility.”