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Chevrolet To Spike Camaro after 2024

by | Mar 22, 2023 | 0 comments

Chevrolet Motorsports will continue to compete across the world; Chevrolet announces this is not the final Camaro chapter

A side profile of a preproduction 2024 Chevrolet Camaro with Collector’s Edition package. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)

A side profile of a preproduction 2024 Chevrolet Camaro with Collector’s Edition package. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as credited)

BY MARK MAYNARD

General Motors and Chevrolet have again pulled the plug on the Camaro.

“After nine strong model years in the market, with hundreds of thousands sold, the sixth generation Chevrolet Camaro will retire at the conclusion of model year 2024,” Chevrolet said in a statement.

The final sixth-generation model will come off the assembly line at the Lansing (Mich.) Grand River Assembly Plant in January 2024.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee, and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president of Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.”

Chevrolet has prepared a Collector’s Edition package in tribute to the fabled pony car. It will be available on the 2024 RS and SS trim levels, and a limited number of ZL1-equipped cars available in North America.

“The Collector’s Edition pays homage to Camaro, resurfacing ties that date back to the development of the first-generation Camaro in the 1960s, most notably the program’s initial code name: Panther,” Bell said in the release.

More information on the 2024 Camaro line and Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.

Motorsports

Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 races to a third place finish Sunday, March 5, 2023, during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jim Fluharty/HHP for Chevy Racing)

Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 races to a third place finish Sunday, March 5, 2023, during the NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jim Fluharty/HHP for Chevy Racing)

Chevrolet campaigns the sixth-generation Camaro in various series, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO, NHRA, and the Supercars Championship.

Camaro will continue to compete on track, working with motorsports sanctioning bodies to ensure Chevrolet’s presence in racing moving forward, said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports.

“Chevrolet’s products and our relationship with our customers benefit from motorsports,” Campbell said in the release.

“Our plan is to continue to compete and win at the highest levels of auto racing, Campbell said.”

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2023 San Diego International Auto Show

by | Dec 31, 2022 | 0 comments

The auto show "selfie" icon on blue carpet with a big gold star

The “selfie’ icon at the San Diego International Auto Show. (Photos by Mark Maynard)

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and some things that will totally blow you away

BY MARK MAYNARD

The big San Diego International Auto Show is back after a 2-year pandemic-induced hiatus. The show is ongoing in the San Diego Convention Center through Jan. 2, 2023.

As all regional auto shows in the U.S. regain their footing following the pandemic (and manufacturers’ shift from plowing ad dollars into these shows), this show will look much the same upon entry, but the show floor is smaller. The immense space was cropped at the western end, where the Exotics Vault and other specialty vehicles were displayed. Those show favorites are reorganized in other areas.

There are still many classics and outrageous vehicles to be seen. In my Friday morning visit, I saw no concept vehicles, but several new vehicles were not yet on sale. Among them are the Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid and the Dodge Hornet, which will be the first dedicated plug-in hybrid from Stellantis.

The major automakers on display are Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Ram, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

The New Car Dealers Association of San Diego County presents the San Diego International Auto Show.

Ticket Prices

ADULT, ages 13-61: $18

MILITARY, active duty w/ID: $15 (one ticket per ID)

SENIOR, ages 62+: $15 Child (ages 7-12): $12 Child (6 and younger): Free

CHILD, 12 and younger: Free on Family Day, Sunday, Jan. 1 (when accompanied by a paid adult)

Show Hours

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022 10am-6pm
Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 10am-9pm
Monday, Jan. 2, 2023 10am-6pm

Information:  (858) 550-0080 and SDautoshow.com/

 

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WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Celebrates 65 Years

by | Nov 9, 2022 | 0 comments

Lou Gold, president of the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula stands with Major General William M. Breckinridge during the ribbon cutting. (Photos courtesy of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca)

Lou Gold, president of the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula stands with Major General William M. Breckinridge during the ribbon cutting. (Photos courtesy of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca)

Green Flag Waved Nov. 9, 1957, to Open Laguna Seca Raceway

BY MARK MAYNARD

It was Saturday morning, Nov. 9, 1957, when America’s newest road course opened in Monterey, Calif. — Laguna Seca. The ribbon cutting occurred during the 8th Annual Pebble Beach National Championship Sports Car Road Races. Few of those in attendance might have expected that the hastily-built road course carved into the Fort Ord Army Installation was the beginning of an iconic motorsports venue.

The 8th annual event was a first for Laguna Seca. The name was a carryover of the races that began in 1950, racing through the Del Monte Forest of Pebble Beach, which had also added a Concours d’Elegance to bring a social atmosphere to its race weekend.

Six years later in 1956, the Pebble Beach Road Races showed the imperative need for a safer, larger race track to host one of North America’s most famous competitions.

Following Ernie McAfee’s death during a crash that year, organizers decided that the current Pebble Beach course was “not enough track” to house the rising horsepower being created annually.

Inaugural Laguna Seca race winner Pete Lovely (car no. 125) starts in third position on Nov. 10, 1957.

The nine-turn Laguna Seca road course was created in just 60 days at a cost of $125,000. In this image, inaugural race winner Pete Lovely (car no. 125) starts in third position on Nov. 10, 1957.

Military Approval

The Army brass was in attendance for the race because it was on an active military reservation. Negotiations to use the site began with Major General Gilman Mudgett, then commander of Fort Ord. Maj. Gen. Mudgett sent the request up the chain of command to the Sixth Army in San Francisco, which approved. However, in January 1956 the Defense Department withheld permission because a military reservation was not suitable for an event of this kind because of liability and public opinion.

After several months of lobbying by Fort Ord and Sixth Army officials — and members of the California Congressional district, the DOD reversed its opinion and left it up to the Fort Ord Commander.

Mudgett gave his permission with the stipulation that a property lease be drawn up between the military and the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, which then admitted the newly formed SCRAMP as a member to oversee the race.

The U.S. Army and the Monterey Chamber of Commerce signed a lease for the Fort Ord property on Aug. 7, 1957. But another entanglement had to be addressed. Two lessees retained cattle grazing rights from the Army on a portion of the property. Two separate leases were required, which took another three weeks’ time.

By the time all the property rights were retained, it was September when plans could be finalized for a Nov. 9 race weekend. Incredibly, the nine-turn road course was created in just 60 days at the cost of $125,000, just in time for its inaugural race on Nov. 9 and 10, 1957.

Carroll Shelby racing in 1960 at Laguna Seca in a red Maserati Type 61

Carroll Shelby in 1960 on the Laguna Seca course in car No. 98, a red Maserati Tipo 61.

Laguna Seca Track Design

Wallace Holm, a young Salinas, Calif., architect, was the site development chair. He explained the track design by drawing a rough diagram in the dirt, staked the course, and the bulldozers went to work.

One of the most famous, one-of-a-kind turns in motorsports sits atop the circuit — the Corkscrew. As the story goes, the construction foreman drove up the hill and informed the bulldozer driver that he was going to lunch. The dozer driver asked the plan for the next phase of the track, to which the foreman said, “just get down the hill any way you can.” And notorious hard-left, hard-right combination of turns was created.

The first race program included some cautionary advice for visitors, such as: “Stay away from the hay bales. They were put there because experts felt that was where a car going wild would hit. Don’t try to prove the experts wrong the hard way,” and “Don’t try to cross the track. At the least, you are exposing yourself to arrest. And you may be tempting a quick and painful and final end to your day’s spectating.”

Sir Stirling Moss in 1961 Laguna Seca as he won his second straight Pacific Grand Prix.

Sir Stirling Moss in 1961 as he won his second straight Pacific Grand Prix.

Laguna Seca Greats

Sixty-five years later, the “dry lagoon” has been the venue for countless memorable moments. As a non-motorsports entertainment site, Laguna Seca has hosted such dignitaries as The Pope, the Beach Boys, and Grateful Dead.

Its reputation in motorsports is a legendary Who’s Who of racing. Among its veteran racers are Dan Gurney, Sir Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, Bruce McLaren, Bobby Rahal, Roger Penske, Valentino Rossi, and Wayne Rainey, all Hall of Fame athletes. Even actor-racer Paul Newman favored the location by constructing garages for his race team. The Newman Building remains in use today.

If You Go

Get information on camping, special events, and an update on the capital improvements at WeatherTechRaceway.com, or call for tickets and accommodations at (831) 242-8200.

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Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo: A Collaboration of Mutual Desire

by | Oct 26, 2022 | 0 comments

An exterior studio shot of the pink Maserati Grecale

The Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo is a trident effort from Maserati, Mattel, and Neiman Marcus. (Photos courtesy of Maserati)

BY MARK MAYNARD

The House of the Trident and the world’s most famous fashion doll have embraced the power of pink for a bespoke edition of the Barbie Maserati Grecale Trofeo.

The unprecedented collaboration with Mattel, Inc. is motivated by a “mutual desire to break boundaries and showcase the unique flair of both brands,” Maserati said in a press release.

Inspired in part by the Barbiecore phenomenon, the Barbie Maserati Grecale is an ultra-limited Fuoriserie edition (Italian for “customized”) that is available in only two (maybe three) custom units globally. One of them was unveiled on the evening of Oct. 25 as one of the 2022 Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts at the luxury retailer’s holiday launch soirée in Los Angeles.

The pink and black interior

The interior features black leather seats with pink leather accents throughout.

A portion of the sales price will benefit the Barbie Dream Gap Project. The charitable initiative is a global outreach to help provide equal opportunities and remove barriers for girls.

Additional details regarding the second custom Barbie Grecale will be announced in 2023.

Black wheels of the Barbie Maserati

Gloss black elements include Neiman Marcus and Barbie logos.

The Maserati Grecale Trofeo

The bold pink Barbie Maserati Grecale is based on the Trofeo trim level, powered by a 530-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V-6. In full Barbie fashion, the iconic pink hue covers nearly every inch of the compact SUV with fine acid-yellow pinstriping inspired by the Trident’s racing heritage. The Grecale Trofeo (Italian for “trophy”) has a starting price of $102,500.

The pink paint is sealed with an iridescent topcoat, creating a rainbow effect in sunlight. The black interior features full-leather seats, dashboards, carpets, doors — accented with pink stitching — and headrests embossed with the unique “B” badge.

A rear view of the pink Barbie Maser

Acid-yellow pinstriping highlights the iconic pink hue.

Barbie Maserati Grecale Price

The asking price for the Barbie Maserati Grecale is $330,000. With the purchase, Mattel will donate 10 percent of the sales price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project page on GoFundMe.org. No sale portion is tax deductible, and the promotion will run through March 31, 2023. The Fantasy Gift is available for residents in the lower 48 U.S. states.

For details, visit NeimanMarcus.com/FantasyGifts.

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Bentley Debuts 3 Hollywood-Inspired Continental GTCs

by | Oct 4, 2022 | 0 comments

The curated, pastel-colored Continental convertibles were created for Bentley Beverly Hills to showcase bespoke design and craftsmanship

The 3 pastel-colored Bentley Continental convertibles

The three special-edition hues and finishes recall the golden age of Hollywood. Sage Green is in the lede. (Photos courtesy of Bentley Motors)

BY MARK MAYNARD

Bentley Motors, with its exclusive Mulliner division, has just released three new, curated, and pastel-colored 2023 Continental GTCs for the Bentley Beverley Hills dealership  . The hues and finishes recall the golden age of Hollywood, Bentley says.

The special-edition models are available in colors of Jetstream Blue, Sage Green and Hollywood Blush Pink.

Pricing for such a prized Bentley is difficult to determine and was not included in the press release. However, the starting price for a 2022 Bentley Continental GTC is around $222,000. But the BH models are unique with a V-12 engine and all-wheel drive and the prestige of having a special-edition model.

TheBlush Pink paint of the special edition Bentley Mulliner GTC

The Blush Pink GTC.

The Blush Pink interior

The Blush Pink interior.

The 650-horsepower W12 engine can launch the four-seat, 5,644-pound Bentley Continental GTC to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph.

Special body features include color-coordinated 22-inch 10-spoke wheels with pinstripes to the wheel edge. Highlights of the interior include Linen main hide and contrast stitching with secondary leather in shades of the exterior color.

All models feature the Styling, Touring, and City specifications. The words “The Beverly Hills” in a 1930s typeface on the illuminated sill plate are a nod to Hollywood’s golden era.

Bentley Mulliner

Mulliner is Bentley’s in-house commission division. The relationship has endured for 99 years and continues to represent the ultimate in Bentley design and craftsmanship.

Bentley says that Mulliner plays a key role in defining the company’s future design DNA. Among the recent limited-edition design concepts are the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, a series of 12 two-seat barchettas (open top), and the Bentley Mulliner Batur coupe, a run of 18 hand-built cars.

The Bentley Mulliner Batur, Bentley Mulliner Batur coupe, a run of 18 hand-built cars.

The Bentley Mulliner Batur, a run of 18 hand-built cars.

Bentley Bacalar, a series of 12 two-seat barchettas.

The Bentley Bacalar.

Bentley says that customers are showing an increasing appreciation of the individuality that a Mulliner feature can bring to their vehicle. That luxe treatment includes special features and finishes for unique and limited-edition coach-built vehicles.

Since 2020, the percentage of Bentleys with bespoke features has grown. The demand for Mulliner special paint finishes has more than doubled, and the number of personal commissions has tripled, Bentley says.

The exterior of the Jet Stream Blue Bentley

The Bentley Mulliner GTC in Jetstream Blue.

The Jet Stream Blue interior

The Jetstream Blue interior

Mulliner Legacy

Mulliner was founded in 1760 with a contract to provide coaches for the Royal Mail. The Northampton-based firm of F. Mulliner still made horse-drawn carriages into the 20th century. That direction changed when pioneer motorist Henry Jervis Mulliner steered the company into the automotive age.

His coachbuilding business of H.J. Mulliner established ties with Bentley Motors, starting with the coachwork for a Bentley 3 Litre at the 1923 Olympia Motor Show. That unique treatment began a family tree of Mulliner Bentleys, defined by lightweight materials and aerodynamic design, as seen in the 1952 R Type Continental.

The Sage Green interior

The Sage Green interior

Bentley Motors Headquarters

All Bentley Motors operations are in Crewe, England, including design, R&D, engineering, Mulliner, and vehicle production. Under the Bentley brand are five model lines: Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga SUV, and Bentayga EWB. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.

Follow Bentley Motors here.

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Lamborghini Debuts New Dealership Design Aesthetic In San Diego

by | Sep 14, 2022 | 0 comments

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi attends Sept. 7 and 8 ribbon cutting for the redesigned Lamborghini San Diego showroom 

An exterior view of the Lamborghini San Diego dealership

Lamborghini debuted the new corporate identity and brand environment at Lamborghini San Diego, at 7440 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, Calif. (Lamborghini photo) 

VIP event follows record half-year sales for 2022

BY MARK MAYNARD

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi was in San Diego on Sept. 7 and 8 for the ribbon cutting of the redesigned Lamborghini San Diego showroom (O’Gara Coach) in La Jolla, Calif.

The new design aesthetic “affirms the brand’s commitment to its customers and new design direction for the future,” Lamborghini said in a statement.

The 4,430 square-foot retail space is more boutique than a typical automotive showroom, but Lamborghini’s presence is unmistakable. Like all Lamborghini models, the architectural treatment is thoroughly modern with polygonal geometric shapes, sharp forms, and diffused light and color.

Guests enjoying the dealership grand opening

The 4,430-square-foot retail space has a 360-degree client experience. (Mark Maynard photo)

Corporate Identity

The design treatment is in accordance with Lamborghini’s corporate identity, said San Diego Lamborghini General Manager Joe DeSantis. “All the U.S. dealers will have a similar look with consistent styling aspects.”

The exclusive event by VIP invitation drew around 120 potential intenders and showcased several special models. The new Urus Performante was displayed following its global debut last month at Monterey Car Week. Also showcased was the Pikes Peak record-breaking Urus in orange-and-black camo paint, still in its as-raced condition since the 100th mountain run in late June. Also on view were a Huracán Tecnica, in the electric green paint of Verde Selvan, and a Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), a street-drivable race car in a lighter shade of Verde Aries. Details below.

A display of fashion items and Lamborghini lifestyle accessories

The showroom includes an array of lifestyle accessories. (Mark Maynard photo)

Also open for perusing was the Ad Personam customization room. The space features bespoke options for paint colors, leathers, wheels, and carbon fiber accents. The idea is to have car buyers physically touch and play with combinations of colors and materials.

In the main show space are Lamborghini’s Collezione and Accessori Originali fashion offerings. Anyone can shop for clothing, lifestyle accessories, luggage, and collectibles like diecast Lamborghini models.

Introducing CEO Andrea Baldi

Andrea Baldi, 46, almost 47, was appointed last August as CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Americas. He is responsible for the company’s commercial operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Among the region, there are 48 Lamborghini dealers.

He lives in Maryland within distance of the VW Group headquarters in Herndon, Va., and Washington, D.C. He is married with two daughters, ages 17 and 9. Baldi grew up in Bologna, Italy, near Lamborghini and Ducati manufacturing in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi at Lamborghini San Diego

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi. (Mark Maynard photo)

He began his career with Ducati (a VW Group subsidiary) and has had work stints in New York and at Ducati’s U.S. headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., per an interview in Robb Report

He moved with his family to Shanghai, China, in 2008, where he was responsible for sales in the Asia Pacific market.

Baldi joined Lamborghini in 2010 and relocated to Singapore and then Beijing as the general manager for mainland China and, soon, all of Asia Pacific. In 2018, his career with Lamborghini advanced, managing a second region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Supply Chain Shortages

“I’ve been extremely lucky,” Baldi said. “Demand is above supply, and it is demand we have never seen.”

His biggest challenge today is keeping customers engaged until new Lamborghinis become available.

The United States continues as Lamborghini’s No. 1 market globally, with 1,521 vehicles delivered in the first half of 2022. Within the brand’s top region, California is the best performing market, representing 23 percent of total U.S. sales, followed by Florida at 15 percent.

But will the momentum continue? At this time, there are no new Lamborghinis for sale in any dealership in the U.S., Baldi said in an interview at the San Diego dealership opening. And worse, the shortage of new Lamborghinis is expected to last for the next 1 ½ to 2 years. Dealerships are buying up preowned vehicles to resell.

The lack of available new models has less to do with the microchip shortage and has more to due with the demand being so high, said dealership GM DeSantis in an email. “The Lamborghini models are in such high demand that our current waitlist for new vehicles is anywhere from 1-2 years, depending on the model.”

An image with Lamborghini San Diego General Manager Joe DeSantis receives a grand-opening silhouette model from Lamborghini CEO Americas Andrea Baldi and signed by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Lamborghini San Diego General Manager Joe DeSantis receives a grand-opening silhouette model from Lamborghini CEO Americas Andrea Baldi and signed by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. (Mark Maynard photo)

Lamborghini Electrification

The Italian manufacturer of supercars is at a shift point of change. Baldi said that the company is in its last year of selling only pure combustion engines in its sports cars. According to Automotive News, Lamborghini has allocated $1.7 billion for the shift to plug-in hybrids.

The iconic brand of super sports cars will launch its first hybrid model, possibly a plug-in, in 2023 as it moves to electrify its entire lineup by 2025. And with that electrification, Baldi said there would be a full battery-electric Urus SUV by 2028.

While Lamborghini is hybridizing its lineup, the company is celebrating the combustion engine to its end, Baldi said: “For a Lamborghini buyer, it is less about the price and more about value.”

New Lamborghini Models

Huracán Tecnica

The Huracan Tecnica, in Verde Aries paint.

The Huracan Tecnica, in Verde Aries paint. (Mark Maynard photo)

The Tecnica is the latest evolution of the V10-powered Huracan since the nameplate debuted in 2014. The 640-hp, rear-wheel drive car with rear-wheel steering can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. Pricing starts at $239,000.

Huracan STO

a Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), a street-drivable race car in a lighter shade of Verde Aries

a Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), a street-drivable race car in a lighter shade of Verde Aries. (Mark Maynard photo)

Beneath its somewhat familiar exterior is an all-new street-homologated race car. The Lamborghini Huracán STO — Super Trofeo Omologata — is a collaboration with Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s one-make race series with Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. It has technical features of rear-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, a wider wheel track, and Lamborghini’s MagneRide 2.0 suspension.

Its 5.2-liter V-10 engine produces 640 horsepower and 417 foot-pounds of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. Lamborghini says that the Huracan STO will accelerate to 62 mph in 3 seconds.

With an aluminum and carbon fiber body, the Huracan STO has a dry curb weight of 2,951 pounds. (Carbon fiber is used in more than 75 percent of its exterior panels, Lamborghini says.) Pricing starts at $327,838.

Urus Performante

The Lamborghini urus that raced Pikes Peak

The Pikes Peak record-breaking Lamborghini Urus, still in its as-raced condition since the 100th mountain run in late June. (Mark Maynard photo)

Lamborghini’s big SUV recently tackled the 156 bends of Pikes Peak in 10:32.064, beating the previous 2018 record set by the Bentley Bentayga (10:49.902) by 17.838 seconds. The Urus Performante is wider, lower, and almost 104 pounds lighter for competition. Some light-weighting comes from using a sophisticated steel suspension rather than the standard air suspension. And with a body comprised of aluminum and composite materials, including a lot of carbon fiber, the Performante has a dry weight of 4,739 pounds.

The Performante’s uprated, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine has 627 hp and 627 lb.-ft. torque from 2,300-4,500 rpm. With all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, Lamborghini cites 0-62 mph acceleration in 3 seconds. Pricing for the 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante starts in the U.S. at $260,676, excluding the shipping fee and gas guzzler tax. However, Baldi said there is a 1 ½-year wait for Urus Performante, and its limited production will be sold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about Lamborghini here. Contact Lamborghini San Diego here. And read more Lamborghini reports in Maynard’s Garage.

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