Good morning. Welcome back to Turbo Times!

The Cybertruck is proving to be a real neck-breaker 👇️ 

News from The Paddock

Ferrari is working on a racing Yacth ⛵️ 

Watch a Tesla Model 3 casually blast through a flooded street 🌊 

Thieves gouged out this poor Porsche Tycan’s headlights 😥 

Unveilings

Volkswagen Refreshes Golf 8.5 with Enhanced Tech and Design 🚗

Volkswagen has revealed the facelifted Golf 8.5, promising improved user experience and updated technology. Set for a spring 2024 release, this refresh features a subtly redesigned exterior with a new front light signature and a glowing VW badge. Inside, the Golf 8.5 boasts a major overhaul with the MIB4 infotainment system on a large screen and reintroduced physical controls. Engine options include TSI petrol, mild-hybrid eTSI, diesel, and an eHybrid variant, ensuring performance and efficiency. The Golf 8.5 aims to remedy past flaws while maintaining its iconic status as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Take a look at the classic 👇️ 

Porsche Electrifies with the New Macan EV 🌟

Porsche has officially revealed the new electric Macan, poised to redefine the SUV market. Starting from £69,800, this all-electric iteration promises up to 383 miles of range, blending Porsche's performance pedigree with sustainable mobility. The Macan EV comes in two variants: the Macan 4 and the Turbo, featuring dual motors and an advanced 100kWh battery. It offers a sleek, more muscular design, enhanced interior space, and cutting-edge technology, including an 800-volt architecture for rapid charging. As Porsche's first all-electric SUV, the Macan EV marks a significant shift in the brand's strategy, showcasing a commitment to zero-emission driving without compromising on luxury and performance.

Sale of the Week

1980 BMW M1 Sells for $552,000: A Milestone in BMW's History 🏁

A 1980 BMW M1, an iconic model in BMW's lineage, has been sold for an impressive $552,000, highlighting its timeless appeal and engineering prowess. This particular M1, with only around 13k miles on the odometer, features a 3,453cc M88 inline-six engine, a five-speed manual transaxle, and a limited-slip differential. Its striking white paint, complemented by BMW Motorsport tri-color stripes and blue leather upholstery, embodies the classic BMW aesthetics. With features like ventilated disc brakes, white 16" Campagnolo alloy wheels, and a Procar-style air dam, this sale marks the first BMW feature in our series, underscoring the enduring legacy and collectibility of the M1.

Buying?

Maximizing Fuel Efficiency: Cars That Stretch Every Gallon

1. Choose Efficient Models:

• Consider hybrids like the Toyota Prius or electric vehicles (EVs) like Tesla Model 3.

• For gasoline cars, Honda Civic and Mazda3 are top choices for fuel efficiency.

2. Drive Smartly:

• Optimal Speed: According to the RAC, 45-50mph is the most efficient speed for saving fuel.

• Gear Management: Shift to the highest suitable gear early to avoid over-revving.

3. Accelerate and Brake Gently:

• Smooth driving and early slowing down at red lights can conserve fuel.

4. Reduce Vehicle Weight and Drag:

• Remove unnecessary items from the car to reduce weight and drag, improving efficiency.

5. Air Conditioning Usage:

• Limit air conditioning use, as it can increase fuel consumption by about 10%.

6. Tire Maintenance:

• Keep tires properly inflated; under-inflated tires can burn more fuel.

7. Regular Car Servicing:

• Regular maintenance, including replacing filters, ensures optimal fuel consumption.

8. Avoid Short Trips:

• Short trips consume more fuel, especially if air conditioning is used initially.

9. Avoid Traffic:

• Use apps like Google Maps to avoid congested routes and traffic jams.

10. Consider Upgrading Your Car:

• Newer models, especially diesels, often provide better fuel economy than older petrol cars.

Pro Tip: Regularly monitoring your driving habits and car's condition can lead to significant fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

Upcoming Automotive Events

Miami Boat Show: Miami, USA, Wednesday, February 14th - Sunday, February 18th (Learn more here)

Atlanta International Auto Show: Atlanta, USA, Thursday, February 29th - Sunday, March 3rd (learn more here)

This Week In Automotive History

Opel's Evolution: From Sewing Machines to Global Automotive Force 

This week marks a significant milestone in automotive history with the founding of Opel on January 21, 1862. What began as a humble sewing machine manufacturer in a cow shed has evolved into a key player in the global automotive industry. Let's take a brief journey through Opel's transformative history.

Opel's Foundation in 1862 

On January 21, 1862, Adam Opel founded his company, initially focusing on sewing machines in a cow shed, later expanding to bicycles in 1888.

Venturing into Automobiles 

After Adam's death in 1895, his sons partnered with locksmith Friedrich Lutzmann, leading to Opel's first vehicles in 1899. Their early cars struggled in the local market.

First Self-Designed Vehicle 

In 1901, Opel began producing vehicles with Opel bodies and Darracq chassis. By 1907, Opel debuted its first self-designed car at the Hamburg Motor Show, becoming an independent automaker.

General Motors Acquisition 

General Motors bought Opel in 1929, marking a new era. Opel stayed with GM until 2017, then joined Groupe PSA and later became part of Stellantis in 2021.

Opel Today 

From a cow shed to part of Stellantis, Opel's journey reflects resilience and innovation, continuing to adapt and thrive in the modern automotive era.

Industry Insights

Tesla's Mid-2025 Plan for New Electric Vehicle 🚗

Tesla aims to start producing a new mass-market electric vehicle, codenamed "Redwood," by mid-2025. CEO Elon Musk confirmed the production schedule, starting in Texas and expanding globally. This compact crossover is expected to boost Tesla's competition against more affordable EVs and gasoline cars. Despite past delays and the challenge of profitable production, Tesla's initiative reflects its commitment to accessible electric mobility and innovative design.

Read More Here →

HYVIA's 2024 Leap in Hydrogen Mobility 🌿

Since its inception in 2021, HYVIA has been significantly involved in the hydrogen sector. In 2024, it announced a partnership with the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region and HYmpulsion, marking a significant step in hydrogen mobility deployment. The partnership will accelerate the integration of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, with around fifty vehicles set for delivery in the region by 2024. HYVIA also unveils the new architecture of the Renault Master Van, showcasing an advanced hydrogen van design. This move indicates HYVIA's commitment to a complete hydrogen mobility ecosystem, contributing significantly to the energy transition and sustainable commercial vehicle mobility.

Read More Here →

Thanks for tuning into this week’s TurboTimes. See you at the same time next week!