Good morning. Welcome back to Turbo Times!

We’re reshaping things around here, and we’re going to a new cadence of once every two weeks to make sure you only get the best and most relevant news from the car world in your inbox.

Let’s dig in, shall we?

News from The Paddock

Watch U.S. Navy aircraft carriers fling cars off the flight deck (link)

Delta is using a Porsche 911 to help fliers make light connections (link)

Man steals truck carrying 10 Corvettes says “I just needed a ride home” (link)

Unveilings

McLaren Unleashes Artura Spider: A New Era of Hybrid Supercars

McLaren has unveiled the Artura Spider, its inaugural hybrid convertible, boasting significant enhancements over its coupe counterpart, including powertrain and chassis upgrades. This model introduces a sophisticated retractable roof that adds only 62kg, maintaining the car's nimble handling. Notably, the Artura Spider and the updated coupe version see a 20bhp increase, pushing the maximum power to 690bhp, thanks to a 3.0-litre V6 hybrid engine. The improvements enable a 0-62mph acceleration in just three seconds, with a top speed of 205mph. McLaren offers existing Artura owners a complimentary power boost update, further sweetening the deal. The Artura Spider is priced at £221,500 (or $288,150 USD) in the UK, with deliveries expected in mid-2024.

Porsche Panamera Goes Greener: New V6 Hybrids Join the Lineup

Porsche expands its Panamera lineup with new V6 hybrid models, the 4 E-Hybrid and 4S E-Hybrid, promising more power and efficiency. The hybrids feature a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine paired with a more potent electric motor, offering up to 537bhp and a 59-mile electric range thanks to a larger 25.9kWh battery. Despite its familiar appearance, Porsche insists the third-generation Panamera is entirely new, with subtle aesthetic and technological upgrades, including a new Active Ride suspension option for enhanced handling. The entry-level Panamera starts at £79,500, with the hybrid models ranging from £90,300 to £141,500 for the Turbo E-Hybrid. Porsche also hints at future variants, including a return of the Turbo S E-Hybrid as the flagship.

Industry Insights

Polestar's Electric Surge: Secures $950M to Power Future 🌱

Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, has successfully secured USD 950 million in external funding, marking a significant milestone in its business development. The funding, provided by a syndicate of 12 leading international banks, will finance Polestar's next development stage, aligning with its ambitious 2025 targets, including achieving cash flow break-even. This move is supported by Geely Sweden Holdings and includes a comprehensive efficiency program, leading to job cuts but also the expansion of Polestar's model range with two high-margin SUVs. The introduction of these SUVs, along with the financing and a new shareholder structure, signals a robust phase in Polestar's business, aiming for strong volume growth and profit margin progression in the latter half of 2024.

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BMW and Ubigi Unveil Premium In-Car Connectivity Across Europe 🚙

BMW has launched a new Personal eSIM service in collaboration with Ubigi, enhancing connectivity options in its vehicles. Starting in Germany and France, with plans to expand across Europe, this service is available for BMW models equipped with Operating System 8, 8.5, and 9, featuring the Personal eSIM option. It offers customers unlimited data for €10 per month, supporting features like WiFi hotspots, first-row video streaming, and, in 7 series vehicles, entertainment via Amazon Fire TV on the BMW Theatre Screen. This partnership between BMW and Ubigi, a subsidiary of NTT DATA’s global MVNO Transatel, represents a significant step in connected car technology, providing flexibility and enhanced digital content access for BMW owners.

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UNI-ONE: Honda's Gateway to Virtual Adventures Debuts at SXSW 🕶️

Honda is set to unveil a revolutionary Extended Reality (XR) Mobility Experience at SXSW 2024, blending virtual reality (VR) with its new hands-free, personal mobility device, UNI-ONE. This innovative experience allows users to navigate through digital environments by simply shifting their center of gravity. UNI-ONE is equipped with advanced self-balancing technology and Honda’s Omni Traction Drive System for smooth, multidirectional movement, aiming to enhance entertainment in spaces such as theme parks and retail areas. This immersive VR integration allows SXSW attendees to explore virtual adventures, like floating in the sky or gliding on a half-pipe. With demonstration testing already underway in Japan, Honda is exploring UNI-ONE’s potential in entertainment applications and seeks partners for further digital experience development.

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Sale of the Week

2005 Porsche Carrera GT Commands $1,199,999

A remarkable sale occurred on February 25, 2024, when a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, showcasing just 7,000 miles, changed hands for $1,199,999. This particular Carrera GT, known for its rarity as one of only 1,270 produced, blends iconic design with exhilarating performance. It is driven by a 5.7-liter V10 engine coupled with a six-speed manual transaxle and a limited-slip differential. Its GT Silver Metallic exterior and Ascot Brown leather interior underscore Porsche's commitment to luxury and aesthetics.

The vehicle comes equipped with 19" and 20" Carrera GT center-lock alloy wheels, ceramic composite brakes, and an electronically actuated rear spoiler, enhancing both its dynamic capabilities and visual appeal. Additional features include removable roof panels, xenon headlights, and a Porsche Online Pro CD stereo, making this Carrera GT a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.

Sold by the dealer 1600veloce in North Salem, New York, this sale underscores the continuing allure and investment potential of Porsche's legendary Carrera GT, combining historical significance with unparalleled driving excitement.

Buying?

Choosing Your Next Car: Hybrid, Electric, Petrol, or Diesel?

Deciding on the type of propulsion for your next car is a pivotal choice in today's automotive landscape. With considerations like low emission zones, the impending ban on new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and cost per use, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of hybrid, electric, petrol, and diesel vehicles.

Hybrid Cars: A Middle Ground

• Types: Standard (self-charging), Plug-in, and Mild hybrids.

• Economy and Emissions: More economical and lower CO2 than petrol cars.

• Cost: Higher initial purchase price but potential tax benefits.

• Best For: Drivers wanting better fuel efficiency without fully committing to electric.

Electric Cars: The Future Now

• Simplicity: Fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars.

• Emissions: Zero local emissions, offering significant environmental benefits.

• Charging: Longer charging times; variable range capabilities.

• Best For: Urban drivers, eco-conscious consumers, and those with access to charging.

Petrol Cars: The Traditional Choice

• Economy: Generally less economical but cheaper to buy and maintain.

• Reliability: Known for reliability; cheaper insurance than diesel or hybrids.

• Best For: Those seeking lower upfront costs and simplicity.

Diesel Cars: Efficiency Meets Decline

• Economy: High economy figures and low running costs.

• Emissions: Higher NOx emissions, falling out of favor.

• Best For: Long-distance drivers and those prioritizing fuel efficiency over environmental impact.

Navigating Low-Emission Zones

• ULEZ and Beyond: Charges in zones like London's ULEZ encourage driving less polluting vehicles.

• Exemptions: Most petrol cars post-2005 and diesels post-September 2015 are exempt; all-electric and most hybrids qualify.

Making Your Choice

Your decision will depend on your driving habits, environmental priorities, and budget. With the landscape of automotive propulsion evolving, consider how each option fits into future regulations and potential restrictions in low-emission zones.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding each option's implications can help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Upcoming Automotive Events

World of Wheels: Chicago, USA, Friday, March 8th - Sunday, March 10th (learn more here)

New York International Auto Show (NIYAS): New York, USA, Friday, 29th March - Sunday, 7th April (learn more here)

This Week In Automotive History

Plymouth Superbird Soars to Victory at 1970 Daytona 500

On February 22, 1970, a landmark moment in NASCAR history unfolded at the Daytona 500, signaling the dawn of a new era in stock car racing. This race saw the Plymouth Superbird, a car designed with aerodynamics in mind, clinch its first NASCAR win, a victory that remains iconic in the annals of motorsport.

A Race to Remember

Piloted by Pete Hamilton of Petty Enterprises, the No. 40 Plymouth Superbird edged out the competition, securing a win that was anything but assured. The race, witnessed by nearly 105,000 fans, was fraught with 24 lead changes and numerous challenges, including a significant portion under caution due to various incidents on the track.

Dramatic Moments on the Daytona Asphalt

One of the most dramatic moments came when Buddy Arrington’s Dodge Charger Daytona, another "winged warrior," crashed, sending its wing flying and nearly causing a major accident. This incident led to the introduction a rule requiring wings to be tethered to the cars, ensuring the safety of the drivers and the integrity of the race.

The Superbird's Legacy

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird went on to win a total of 18 NASCAR races, including events in the USAC and ARCA series. However, its time on the track was limited as aerodynamic cars like the Superbird faced power restrictions to maintain competitive balance in the sport. This marked the beginning of the end for "stock" car racing as it had been known, with NASCAR evolving into a series featuring specially designed race cars rather than modified street vehicles.

Celebrating a Milestone in Motorsport

The victory of the Plymouth Superbird at the 1970 Daytona 500 remains a pivotal chapter in NASCAR history, reflecting a period of innovation and change in auto racing. As we look back, we celebrate not only the triumph of Pete Hamilton and the Superbird but also the enduring legacy of this race in shaping the future of NASCAR.

Thanks for tuning into this week’s TurboTimes. See you at the same time in 2 weeks!