Order now for delivery …. In 2015
Available for vehicles of all years

The California DMV is now taking pre-orders for replicas of California license plate designs issued in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
The Legacy License Plate program, which became available at the start of 2013, is available for any model year car or truck, commercial vehicle, motorcycle or trailer. The plates are $50 a set, sequential or personalized, and $40 for the renewal.
But there’s a catch in getting the plates. Plate pre-orders are being accepted now … for delivery in 2015 or later.
A total of 7,500 pre-order applications have to be received before the manufacturing process can begin, said California spokeswoman Jessica Gonzalez. “Once we receive 7,500 pre-orders it could still take up to one year to get the plates in the hands of customers,” she said.

If the 7,500 pre-orders are not secured, the pre-order money will be returned to customers, she said.

As of April, the DMV had received 2,626 pre-paid applications for the 1960’s plate, 850 for the 1950’s and 590 for the 1970’s plate.

The actual plates will have as many characteristics of the originals as possible, Gonzalez said, but they will not be exact replicas due to changes in manufacturing processes and for the legal requirement that the plates be reflectorized.

The webpage for the Legacy License Plate program will update the pre-order tally on a monthly basis.

Order plates online at www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm. The completed form and payment must be mailed to Sacramento (address is on the form). Payment can only be made by check, money order or cashier’s check. Pre-orders cannot be processed at DMV Field offices or Auto Club offices.
The Legacy plates are separate from plates for Horseless Carriages ($25), which the DMV defines as motor vehicles with an engine of 16 or more cylinders manufactured prior to 1965, or any motor vehicle manufactured in 1922 or before. There also are plates for Historical Vehicles ($25), which are for vehicles built after 1922, are at least 25 years old and of historical interest. These vehicles will be limited to use in historical exhibitions, parades and historic vehicle club activities. Details: http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/forms/reg/reg17a.pdf
=======================
Mark.Maynard@UTSanDiego.com

This should be a killer show and party.

May 18: “Over the Border” reception, 5 to 9 p.m., San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park. Tijuana’s Lowrider enthusiasts will join San Diego clubs for the reception that centers on the current special display “Lowrider Legends.” The evening, $15, includes music by Grupo Casinos and a viewing of the documentary “Everything Comes from the Streets,” featuring the historic lowrider experience of San Diego and Tijuana. There also will be catered food for purchase. A prepaid RSVP is required by May 3. Tickets can be purchased at the museum, online at www.sdautomuseum.org
or call (619) 398-0307.

Definitely of interest.

GM and Ford to Jointly Develop Advanced Automatic Transmissions.

For the third time in the past decade, General Motors and Ford are collaborating on transmissions. GM’s 6T70 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive transmission was developed out of one such collaboration.

2014 Maser Ghibli makes its public debut April 20 at the Shanghai Auto Show.

Maserati released a few pix today of its new E-segment sedan (BMW 5-Series, etc.), which will makes its public debut April 20 at the Shanghai Auto Show. It also will debut a 404-hp, turboed V-6, a joint effort with Ferrari. But we’ll get the big bong hit of details on 4-20 and interactive stuff at Maser’s FB page and www.ghibli.maserati.com.

The Ghibli competes with such sedans as the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class, etc.

The MKZ has moved upscale with rich leathers, genuine wood trim and a hand-tooled presence.

Lincoln is in a growth year. Renamed the Lincoln Motor Co., the brand is introducing the new direction with a completely remodeled and refined MKZ sedan.

For those who believe beauty is skin deep, just open the doors to this jet-setting car. It’s as if a flagship Audi was modeled for fit and finish. The doors close with a machined tightness and the wraparound lines of the cockpit align with precision.

This car has a head-turning style that is American drawn. It was carved from fresh clay at the Lincoln Design Center in Dearborn, Mich. The new midsize is its own power statement and does not borrow, copy or steal design cues from others.

This car has made an exponential advance upscale since the 2012 model. While it is a corporate partner with the Ford Fusion and European Mondeo, the MKZ has a hand-tooled imprint. There really doesn’t appear to be much fusion with the Blue Oval on the elements that are seen, felt or touched.

The car and brand are on a trajectory toward contemporary luxury that is more elegant than unpretentious. And its expression of luxury is more fulfilling than that of some established brands.

It is as if a flagship Audi was benchmarked for interior quality.

The MKZ is a versatile platform, sold in front- or all-wheel drive with three engine choices, including a dual-mode hybrid.

Starting prices range from $36,820 (including the hybrid) to $39,940. The Hybrid test car was $45,795 with options, including the Hybrid Preferred package, $5,330. Its upgrades include a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, premium floor mats, 110-volt power plug, 14-speaker THX II audio upgrade and 19-inch alloy wheels. And it requires the sunroof, $1,200.

The Technology package, $2,250, has highlights of adaptive cruise control, active park assist and lane-keeping assist. Collision warning and Brake Support are part of the adaptive cruise and watch the road ahead for stopped or slowing vehicles and will sound an alert and flash a warning light if necessary. Lane Keeping Assist will vibrate the wheel if the car strays from the lane and even turn the wheel to stay between the lines.

The 300-hp V-6 (not available for the Fusion) and 2.0-liter, 240-hp turbocharged four cylinder are paired with six-speed automatic transmissions with paddle shifters and a Sport mode.

The Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder and 35kw lithium-ion battery for a total system power of 188 horsepower. Drivability is calm but confident with good power for merging and passing. The 2.0-liter engine is downsized from last year’s 2.5-liter with about the same total horsepower, 188 versus 191. And fuel economy is up by 4 to 9 mpg city/highway.

The operation of this hybrid system is so stealth that I forget I’m driving an electrified car. In an afternoon drive of 100 miles, the computer indicted an average of 32.4 mpg, and I was not trying to conserve. The EPA ratings of 45/45 city/highway compare to 22/33 for the front-drive four-cylinder model and 19/28 for the V-6.

The local dealer said he can coach any MKZ Hybrid driver to get mileage from the mid-30s to 49.7 mpg, as he does in his daily-driver MKZ-H.”

The lithium-ion battery pack allows driving speeds of 62 mph, which takes a little practice to engage. Hybrid elements include auto start-stop and regenerative braking.

There is a comfortable ride on the highway and clean, taut cornering when desired. Braking is strong and straight, particularly in emergency stops. Sightlines over the shoulder are not compromised by styling and the 38-foot turning circle is not restrictive.

The back seat has a generous 37 inches of legroom and good footroom for adult comfort.

The interior is rich and accommodating. The aluminum trim ($195) has a contemporary appeal and enhances the long rake of the cabin. The center console multitasks with pass-through dual level storage, which also adds an air of openness. But the angle of the console that sweeps up to the dashboard can pick up glare on sunny days that washes out the 8-inch touchscreen. The touch-sensitive controls, part of the LincolnMyTouch system, have been refined and are responsive for changing the various controls such as fan and audio volume.

A dramatic panorama glass roof ($2,995) is 4.1 feet long by 3.7 feet wide. The roof retracts to a sunroof position and has a full length sunshade that can be powered back to enjoy the big view.

Voice controls also are simple enough now to easily set a navigation destination and pull up alternative music sources.

The back seat has a generous 37 inches of legroom and good footroom for adult comfort. Rear-seat belt air bags are $195.

A repackaging of the battery pack allows more trunk space than before. At 11.1 cubic feet the space seems large enough for plenty of luggage. Plus the seatbacks now fold to stretch space.

Lincoln met the devil as it scrutinized the details going into this car and the corporate rebirth. And Lincoln won. MKZ styling will drive interest in the brand, but the details give it substance.