Good morning. Welcome back to Turbo Times!

This time, the idiot is OUTSIDE the car…

News from The Paddock

Scammers steal entire driveway from Florida woman’s house 🥷 

Moose licks a car in Canada (yes, really) 🦌 

Electric Mercedes G-Class do synchronized spins on Vegas strip 🌀 

Unveilings

Honda Unveils Futuristic 0 Series with Saloon and Space-Hub Concepts at CES 2024 🚗

At CES 2024, Honda electrified the crowd with the launch of its 0 Series, featuring two groundbreaking concepts: the sleek, low-slung Saloon and the versatile Space-Hub. Embodying Honda's new 'Thin, Light, and Wise' design mantra, these concepts mark a bold reentry into the electric vehicle segment. The Saloon, poised for production by 2026, sits on a dedicated EV platform, while the Space-Hub blends MPV functionality with SUV style. With Honda's commitment to a fully electric lineup by 2040, these concepts not only showcase innovative design but also signify the brand's renewed focus on efficiency, space, and driving pleasure. Watch the unveiling here 🔽 

VW Golf 8.5 Gets Tech Boost with ChatGPT-Enabled Interior, Debuting at CES 2024 🚘

Volkswagen unveils the facelifted Golf 8.5 at CES 2024, featuring a cutting-edge ChatGPT-enabled interior as part of its MIB4 infotainment system. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Golf 8.5, showcased with a camouflaged GTI version, promises an updated design and advanced technology integration. Volkswagen leads the charge in AI integration in vehicles, making the ChatGPT AI a standard feature, reflecting the growing role of artificial intelligence in everyday life. The refreshed Golf also boasts a revised front light signature and a glowing VW badge, aligning with relaxed lighting regulations. Stay tuned for the official launch later this January 🔽

Sale of the Week

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC Commands $480,000 at Auction

The auction scene in 2024 continues to astonish, with a 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC selling for a remarkable $480,000. This Italian classic, offered by DSFM2005 and stationed in Houston, Texas, is a shining example of Ferrari's mid-60s grand touring mastery. Displaying just 16,000 kilometers (approximately 10,000 miles), this Ferrari is a well-preserved jewel. Under the hood lies a 4.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, equipped with triple Weber carburetors and paired with a freshly overhauled five-speed manual transaxle. The car's stunning red paintwork complements its beige leather interior and red carpeting, creating an aura of timeless elegance. Riding on 14" Borrani wire wheels and featuring servo-assisted disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension, this 330 GTC blends classic Ferrari styling with exemplary performance. The sale includes a Marcel Massini report and detailed service records dating back to 1977, ensuring its storied history is well-documented. This sale highlights vintage Ferraris's enduring allure and value in the collector car market.

Take a closer look at this automotive masterpiece… 👇️

Buying?

Customizations and Car Value: Do's and Don'ts

Enhancing your car's value through customization can be a smart investment, but not all modifications are created equal. Here’s a quick guide on what works and what doesn't:

DO's:

1. Quality Wheels and Tires: Upgrading to high-quality wheels and better-performing tires can improve aesthetics and handling, potentially increasing your car's appeal.

2. Professional Paint Jobs: A professional and tasteful paint job or vehicle wrap can protect your car's exterior and boost its visual appeal.

3. Interior Upgrades: High-quality interior upgrades like leather seats or a state-of-the-art infotainment system can enhance comfort and functionality, appealing to potential buyers.

4. Performance Enhancements: Performance upgrades such as improved suspension or a high-quality exhaust system can be attractive, especially if they are from reputable brands and installed professionally.

5. Tech Additions: Adding modern tech features like a rearview camera, advanced navigation systems, or Bluetooth connectivity can make an older car feel more current.

DON'Ts:

1. Extreme Body Modifications: Over-the-top body kits or drastic structural changes can deter buyers who prefer a classic look or worry about maintenance issues.

2. Loud Exhaust Systems: While a quality exhaust system can be a plus, overly loud or obnoxious exhausts can reduce your car’s appeal to a broader market.

3. Cheap Modifications: Low-quality or poorly installed modifications can decrease your car's reliability and value.

4. Extreme Lowering: Lowering a vehicle can enhance its look but doing it excessively can lead to practicality issues and deter potential buyers.

5. Personalized Customizations: Highly personalized touches like eccentric paint jobs or custom decals might suit your style but could turn off potential buyers.

Upcoming Automotive Events

Washington Auto Show: Washington DC, USA, Friday, January 19th - Sunday, 28th January

This Week In Automotive History

Debut of the Chevrolet Corvette – The Dawn of an American Icon

The Unveiling That Changed Everything

On January 17, 1953, at the GM Motorama in New York City, the Chevrolet Corvette made its debut, setting the stage for a new era in American sports cars. This event heralded the arrival of what would become a legendary symbol of performance and style in the automotive world.

Revolutionizing American Sports Cars

The Corvette was a game-changer, breaking away from Chevrolet's traditional designs. It introduced a fiberglass body, a novelty at the time, combined with a distinct aesthetic that captivated the public. The Corvette stood out for its innovative approach to design and engineering, redefining American sports car standards.

A Symbol of High-Octane Dreams

Beyond its technical prowess, the Corvette embodied the spirit of post-war America: bold, ambitious, and relentlessly forward-looking. It became more than a car; it was a symbol of freedom and adventure, resonating deeply with the American psyche and representing the nation's drive and optimism.

A Legacy That Cruises On

Decades on, the Corvette continues to evolve, incorporating cutting-edge technology and design while maintaining its essence. Its continued popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal, making it not just a piece of automotive history but a continuously evolving legend that inspires generations of car enthusiasts.

Industry Insights

BMW's E-Mobility Milestone: Munich Plant's Full Electric Shift by 2027 🔌

BMW Group has announced a historic transformation for its Munich plant, committing to produce all-electric models by the end of 2027 exclusively. This shift begins with the production of the Neue Klasse sedan in 2026. The Munich plant, a symbol of BMW's adaptability and innovation, is set for extensive renovations, including a €650 million investment. This change marks the end of a 75-year era of combustion engine vehicles from Munich, starting with the BMW 501 in 1952. The transition to e-mobility at the plant, which currently outputs around 1,000 vehicles daily, showcases BMW's commitment to future-oriented automotive technology and sustainability, aligning with the principles of BMW iFACTORY for digitalization and integration.

Read More Here →

Porsche's Electric Leap: The New Macan Prototype Put to the Test 🚀

Porsche is rigorously testing its all-electric Macan prototype, preparing for the SUV's world premiere and marking a new chapter in the Macan's legacy. As the first model built on Porsche's new Premium Platform Electric (PPE), this prototype represents a complete redevelopment, focusing on performance, efficiency, and design. The testing process is comprehensive, combining real-world trials and advanced simulations. Porsche has achieved a drag coefficient of 0.25, optimizing the Macan's aerodynamics for greater efficiency, with a WLTP range of over 500 km. The vehicle features an 800-volt architecture for fast charging, with a capacity of up to 270 kW, ensuring quick and efficient charging across various standards globally. The testing also emphasizes the vehicle's driving dynamics under extreme conditions, ensuring the Macan's signature driving experience in its all-electric form.

Read More Here →

Thanks for tuning into this week’s TurboTimes, and we’re all wishing you a happy new year!