🏎 The New Rolls-Royce Droptail

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

We're thrilled to bring you this inaugural issue of Turbo Times, and we're sure you share our excitement. (Though let's hope you're not flipping with excitement like NASCAR driver Ryan Preece, who managed to flip his car 10 times without receiving a scratch!)

Unveilings

Second Rolls Royce Droptail Revealed: This time in Amethyst

Following the unveiling of the red La Rose Noire variant a few weeks ago, Rolls Royce has introduced us to the purple Amethyst version of the Droptail, the second of four models promised by their Coachbuild department in Goodwood.

The Amethyst offers a two-seater, two-door convertible experience, boasting a turbocharged V12 engine within a custom-built chassis composed of steel, carbon fiber, and aluminum. It also sports a detachable hardtop. And the price tag? A cool $30 million…

This one’s a real showstopper. Check it out below 👇

Ford Unveils Limited-Run Mustang GTD: A $300K High-Performance Rival to European Sports Cars

Ford has introduced the Mustang GTD, a road-legal, high-performance model set to rival European legends like the Porsche 911 and the Aston Martin Vantage. With a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 targeting 800 horsepower, the GTD offers luxurious features not allowed in racing, including adjustable aerodynamics and a flexible suspension system. Retailing for $300,000 in the U.S., this limited-edition beauty will be sold through a selective application process, with the date still to be announced. Dive into Ford’s reveal below.

Sale of the Week

14-Mile 2021 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition - sold for $1,385,000

A 2021 Ford GT '66 Heritage Edition recently hammered down at auction for a whopping $1.385 million. Crafted to commemorate the 55th anniversary of Ford's first 24-hour victory at Daytona, this pristine example dons a Frozen White coat accentuated with black and red graphics, and red Alcantara upholstery. It roars to life with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, dishing out 660 horsepower, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle. Noteworthy features include 20-inch gloss carbon-fiber wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and an array of advanced amenities such as an adjustable hydraulic pushrod suspension system and a touchscreen infotainment suite. Initially tagged at $748,600 at the auction, it also boasts a slew of premium extras.

In a captivating turn, just a week prior to this sale, another Heritage Edition GT was auctioned at Monterey car week for an almost identical $1,380,000. Two consecutive grand sales like these signify a thriving market for collectible cars, particularly those blending historic importance with modern-day performance, like the GT.

Rapid Fire News

VW recalls Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models over engine concerns

The new V4 Tesla Supercharger, open to all electric cars, debuts with improved payment screens and whispers of faster charging times.

The 2023 BMW X2 M35i is seen donning a camouflage wrap.

F1 Roundup

Podium finishes:

1. Max Verstappen

2. Fernando Alonso

3. Pierre Gasly

Without much surprise, Max clinched another P1 finish on his home track. Trailing him was Fernando Alonso, securing second after a fierce race. Pierre Gasly snatched the final podium spot after Sergio Perez, initially third across the line, was docked for speeding in the pit lane.

This victory marks Max's ninth consecutive win, leveling the all-time record set by Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

Can Max shatter this record at Monza this weekend? The odds seem favorable, but the race will decide.

Upcoming Automotive Events

Miami International Autoshow: Miami beach, Florida. September 1st - September 10th.

Springfield Swap Meet & Car Show 2023: Springfield, Ohio. September 1st - September 2nd.

This Week in AutoMotive History

Porsche Cayenne began production in 2002.

Journeying back to 2002, Porsche dropped a bombshell in the automotive realm with the debut of its first-ever SUV, the Cayenne, redefining what a high-performance vehicle should embody.

This audacious stride expanded beyond sports cars, presenting a vehicle merging the opulence and utility of an SUV with the heart of a race car. Initially garnering attention as Porsche's premiere four-door production car, the Cayenne rapidly became the top pick for enthusiasts demanding versatility paired with velocity.

In 2010, a revamped second-gen Cayenne graced the scene, wowing audiences with further refinements and greener engine choices.

Zooming to 2017, the third-generation Cayenne still held center stage, reflecting Porsche's unwavering quest for innovation and grandeur. Over the past 20 years, the Cayenne hasn't just diversified Porsche’s lineup but has also reshaped the luxury SUV sector, proving that performance and practicality can indeed coexist.

Projecting ahead, the Porsche Cayenne is poised to continue evolving with emerging automotive trends, potentially embracing more electric and autonomous facets. Given Porsche's trailblazing legacy, a fully electric Cayenne or advanced driver-assistance systems in future renditions wouldn't be out of the ordinary. The Cayenne will undoubtedly persist as a key player in Porsche's vision to synergize luxury with state-of-the-art tech.

Industry Insights

Hybrid Vehicles Gain Renewed Momentum as Major Automakers Offer Sustainable Alternatives 🔌​​

Defying the escalating shift to purely electric vehicles, major brands like Ford, Toyota, and Stellantis are strategizing to manufacture and vend hundreds of thousands of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. in the coming half-decade, per industry analysts. These automakers are promoting hybrids as a green yet moderate alternative for retail and commercial clientele who may not be prepared for a full electric transition.

Ultium LLC, General Motors and LG Energy's Joint Venture, Nears Deal to Boost Wages at Ohio Battery Plant 💵

Ultium LLC, the coalition between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, is on the brink of inking a deal to enhance salaries at its Ohio battery production hub for EVs. As reported by Bloomberg, the prospective pact would escalate starting wages from $15.50 per hour to over $20 and compensate tenured staff with back pay.

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