Welcome Car Enthusiasts to the first edition of Turbo Times - your gateway to the world of cars!

News from The Paddock

Nissan is reusing batteries from old Leaf EVs to make portable power sources

Mercedes launches OTA entertainment update for over 700,000 vehicles covering everything from audio improvements to screen capability

Cruise is bringing its Robotaxis to Seattle and Washington DC

Unveilings

Alfa Romeo Unveils the 33 Stradale: A Nod to Heritage with Modern Power

Alfa Romeo is back in the spotlight with the unveiling of its 33 Stradale, a limited-edition supercar priced above €1 million. This two-seater marvel comes with a twin-turbo V6 engine or an electric powertrain, boasting over 620bhp and 740bhp, respectively. The car pays homage to Alfa's storied racing history and is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1967 33 Stradale. Remarkably, all 33 units were sold even before the public knew of its existence. With first deliveries expected in December 2024, this is Alfa's bold statement of blending heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Have a look at the masterpiece 👇

Cupra Unveils Electric DarkRebel Concept: A Crowd-Sourced Marvel

Straight from the 2023 IAA Munich Motor Show, Cupra, SEAT's performance brand based in Spain, has pulled the covers off its electric DarkRebel concept.

Born from crowd-sourced ideas via Cupra's Metaverse platform, the DarkRebel boasts a blend of aggressive aerodynamics and a futuristic cabin filled with ambient lighting that changes according to your driving mode. While the powertrain details are still under wraps, the car's design is already turning heads.

Cupra aims to capture a younger audience and is setting sights on new markets like Mexico and Turkey.

This one's a game-changer. Check it the reveal video below 👇

Sale of the Week

1987 Porsche 959 Komfort - sold for $1,650,000

A 1987 Porsche 959 Komfort recently went under the hammer, fetching an eye-watering $1.65 million. This German masterpiece, one of only 292 produced between 1986 and 1988, was listed by Silver Arrow Cars and is a collector's dream. It sports a Guards Red paint job and black leather upholstery and is powered by a 2,849cc six-cylinder engine with advanced turbocharging.

The car also features a six-speed manual gearbox and PSK All-Wheel Drive, making it a true marvel of German engineering. Additional luxuries include heated & power-adjustable front sport seats, a Blaupunkt Bremen Cassette Stereo, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The car has undergone recent upgrades, including a Canepa 959SC Suspension Conversion and repairs to the ABS system.

This sale is a testament to the enduring allure of classic Porsches, especially those that blend technological innovation with timeless design. The car was initially brought into the U.S. under a Show or Display exemption and now holds a clean Illinois title as of August 2023.

Here’s a look at this Porsche on the road

Buying Guide

Diesel vs. Hybrid - The Ultimate Showdown

The automotive landscape is ever-changing, and as we steer into an ever-growing electric future, the choice between diesel and hybrid vehicles has never been more pertinent. So, what's the best route for you? Let's hit the gas and find out.

Hybrids have been around since the early 2000s, but they've gained a lot of traction as an alternative to traditional combustion engines in the past five years with Elon Musk and Tesla doing a lot of the heavy lifting. These cars cleverly combine an electric motor with a combustion engine, usually petrol, to offer a more eco-friendly driving experience. They shine brightest in city driving, where their electric-only mode can be utilized for short distances, reducing both emissions and fuel costs. However, the initial cost of a hybrid can be a speed bump for some, often costing up to 20% more than their diesel counterparts.

On the flip side, diesel engines have undergone a transformation too. Gone are the days of clattery, smoke-spewing machines. Today's diesels are refined and offer excellent fuel economy, especially on long motorway journeys. They're generally cheaper upfront, but it's essential to factor in the higher fuel and tax costs.

Pros and Cons

Hybrid Cars

Pros:

• Lower tax bills

• Most are congestion charge-free

• Lower costs when driven on electric power.

Cons:

• More expensive to buy or finance

• Charging times are much longer than refueling

• Limited electric range compared to fully electric vehicles

Diesel Cars

Pros:

• Cheaper to buy

• Known residual values

• Quick refueling

Cons:

• Higher fuel costs

• Higher tax bills

• May not be as quiet to drive (which could be a pro depending on who you are!)

The Verdict

What’s the verdict? It depends. If your daily commute involves short distances and city driving, a hybrid could be your best bet. You'll benefit from lower tax bills, and if you opt for a plug-in charging car, you could see substantial fuel savings.

However, if you're a motorway driver who’s consistently covering long distances, a diesel engine's fuel economy might make it the more economical choice in the long run.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to your specific driving needs.

F1 Roundup

Podium Finishes:

1. Max Verstappen

2. Sergio Pérez

3. Carlos Sainz

There we go. Max Verstappen smashed the record and made it 10 wins in a row at Monza. After starting the race in second position behind Carlos Sainz in pole, Verstappen took over at lap 15 and never looked back. He was followed 6.802 seconds later by teammate Sergio Pérez and then Carlos Sainz 11.082 behind.

The victory sees Max take his lead in the championship to an enormous 145 points in what is a crushingly dominant season for the Dutchman.

Upcoming Automotive Events

Munich IAA Mobility: Munich, Germany, Tuesday September 5th - Friday 8th September

Adirondack Nationals Car Show: Lake George, New York. Thursday, September 7th - Sunday, September 10th.

This Week in AutoMotive History

This week in 1989, the automotive landscape was forever altered when Toyota unveiled its luxury division, Lexus, in the United States. The debut vehicle, the Lexus LS 400, was more than just a car; it was a statement.

Setting new benchmarks with a 250-horsepower 4-liter V8 engine, the LS 400 set out to rival European luxury titans like the BMW 7 series and Mercedes-Benz S Class. Its meticulous design and groundbreaking technology were evident from the moment it left the Tahara Plant near Nagoya, Japan.

To ensure unparalleled quality, each LS 400 was rigorously tested at speeds up to 100 mph on a factory track in Japan before undergoing a final inspection in the U.S. This commitment to excellence became the cornerstone of the Lexus brand, setting it on a path to become synonymous with luxury, reliability, and innovation.

But Lexus didn't stop at the LS 400. The ES 250, a four-door executive sedan, soon joined the lineup, broadening the brand's appeal.

By the end of 1989, Lexus had not only reached its ambitious sales target of 16,000 units but had also garnered critical acclaim, solidifying its place among the world's top luxury automakers.

Today, Lexus continues to embody the daring vision that started with that first LS 400. Lexus didn't just enter the luxury car market; it redefined it, leaving an indelible mark that continues to resonate with car enthusiasts worldwide.

Industry Insights

Smart Automobile Gains Financial Boost for Electric Cars 

Smart Automobile has secured up to $300 million in new funding to strengthen its electric car lineup. Major backers include the company's main shareholders, Geely and Mercedes-Benz, as well as a significant investment from Tianqi Lithium, a leading producer of lithium for car batteries. The new funds aim to help Smart compete more effectively in the electric vehicle market.

Hyundai & LG Energy's $2B Boost to Georgia's EV Sector 🌿🔋

Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution are investing an additional $2 billion in their Bryan County, Georgia, joint venture, bringing the total to $4.3 billion. This move aims to solidify Georgia's status as a burgeoning hub for electric vehicles (EVs) and will create 400 new jobs. The facility will have the capacity to produce 300,000 EV units annually. Governor Brian Kemp lauded the investment as a milestone in making Georgia the "e-mobility capital of the nation," signaling a bright future for the state in the green transportation arena.

Thanks for tuning into this inaugural edition of Turbo Times! We’ll see you the same time, next week!