Tag Archives: ordered

Motorsport

Donald Trump’s Lamborghini Diablo VT Just Sold For $1.1 Million

A custom-pained Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster ordered new by former President Donald Trump offered on Saturday at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale public sale for $1.1 million, making it one of the invaluable Diablos on the planet.

Trump ordered this Diablo VT Roadster new in 1997, selecting to have it painted within the Blu Le Mans paint colour you see right here. That colour wasn’t out there for ’97, however in line with Barrett-Jackson, Trump had a particular relationship with Lamborghini and received the colour authorized. That means that is the one 1997 Diablo VT Roadster painted on this colour, making it a real one-of-one. 

 

In addition to the colour, the Diablo VT Roadster was additional personalized by Lamborghini for Trump with a particular plaque put in on the door that reads “Donald Trump 1997 Diablo,” in line with Barrett-Jackson. The 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 making 492 hp remained unchanged, able to catapulting the mid-engine supercar to a high velocity of 202 mph. 

Trump offered the automobile in the summertime of 2002, however that is not the place the story ends. It was spotted for sale on eBay again in 2016, listed by an proprietor that reportedly purchased the automobile in 2005. It’s unclear if the Lamborghini has modified possession since then up till now.

Barrett-Jackson says the sale of Trump’s former Diablo marks a world document for Diablo public sale costs. Diablo VT Roadsters in related situation with out the celeb connection are routinely bid to round half the value of this one (or much less), going by recent Bring A Trailer auction results:

screenshot of recent auction results for the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster on Bring A Trailer

Despite its provenance, this Diablo VT Roadster did not sit undriven for the primary half of its life. When it was listed on the market in 2016 on eBay it had 14,655 miles on the clock. Sadly whoever acquired the automobile did not drive it a lot; when it crossed Barrett-Jackson’s public sale block on Saturday the odometer learn simply 15,431 miles. Hopefully the brand new proprietor places some miles on the clock and enjoys this automobile to the fullest.


Cars

Everything Starsky And Hutch Fans Should Know About The 1976 Ford Grand Torino

After failing to safe the Camaro, the Gran Torino was ordered by Spelling-Goldberg Productions from Ford’s Studio-TV automotive Loan Program and given its now-famous paint job to make it pop. Air shocks have been slapped on the again so the nostril was decrease, a chrome tip was positioned on the exhaust pipe, and “U.S.” five-slot aluminum alloy wheels with a lot greater tires on the rear have been put in.

Several automobiles have been created for the present (some sources declare a minimum of ten, however that is still unverified), and solely three are believed to nonetheless exist. Thankfully, we know where the original “Starsky & Hutch” car is today.

Those unique automobiles have been powered by totally different engines based mostly on the mannequin yr used on the time. Some had a 400-cubic-inch, whereas others had a 351 Windsor V8. Another rumor mentioned a number of even had a novel 460-cubic-inch V8 below the hood.

In 1976, Ford factory-built 1,305 Gran Torino Starsky & Hutch Special Editions, a few of which have been used on set. Those automobiles have been outfitted with a 409-ci high-performance crate V-8 engine mated to an computerized transmission. Despite that, you hear a sound that mimics what a normal stick shift would make within the present.

The SEs have been first painted in Ford’s Wimbledon White, with the stripe masked off. Then, it will get painted with Ford’s Bright Red paint. Additional options on the Special Edition included an upgraded radiator, Edelbrock gas injection, exhaust, cross-drilled disc brakes, aftermarket suspension, and cabin devices.

It’s well-known that Paul Michael Glaser hated the automotive and his function as Starsky and would have give up if the present hadn’t been canceled after the ’79 season.

Motorsport

Feds Fine Toyota $60M For Unfair Lending Practices and False Credit Reports

Toyota Motor Credit Corporation (TMCC), the financing arm of Toyota, has agreed to a $60 million settlement with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB accused TMCC of unlawfully preventing consumers from canceling bundled products often included in vehicle purchases and making false reports that negatively impacted buyers’ credit reports.

According to the CFPB, consumers who wanted to cancel unwanted products were directed to internal customer service teams where the process of getting them removed or refunded was unnecessarily difficult. The specific types of products are not specified, but the added costs ranged from $750 to $2,500 per auto loan. In some cases, Toyota dealerships allegedly misrepresented these products as mandatory, and refunds were sometimes not issued for the full amount. The CFPB reported that 118,000 customers encountered obstacles when trying to cancel unwanted services between 2016 and 2021.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra stated, “Toyota’s lending arm illegally withheld refunds, made borrowers run through obstacle courses to cancel unwanted services, and tarnished their credit reports. Given the growing burdens of auto loan payments on Americans, we will continue to pursue large auto lenders that cheat their customers.”

On the credit front, the CFPB announced that TMCC falsely reported some accounts as delinquent to credit agencies, even though customers had returned lease vehicles. Furthermore, TMCC did not promptly correct these errors, resulting in incorrect data on the credit reports of 27,500 TMC customers, which lowered their credit scores.

Although Toyota admitted no wrongdoing, it agreed to the terms of the settlement. In a statement to Motor1, Toyota said, “Toyota Motor Credit Corporation is committed to doing what’s right for our customers and strives to consistently follow all federal and state laws in our sales, customer service, and administrative practices.”

As part of the settlement, TMCC will pay $48 million to affected customers and a $12 million penalty to the CFPB victims relief fund.

Volkswagen

Configurator open: pre-sales of the all-new Passat have now started

  • Ninth Passat generation can now be ordered in Europe. Base price with extensive equipment and 110 kW mild hybrid (eTSI): 39.995 euros
  • Next-generation cockpit design with large displays and self-explanatory menu structure developed in response to feedback from Volkswagen customers
  • High travel comfort thanks to maximum space, effective noise insulation, new seats and optional adaptive chassis control DCC Pro

The completely newly developed ninth generation of the Passat can now be ordered in the first countries in Europe. The model impresses with a new aerodynamic design, high quality and new high-efficiency drives. Deliveries of the new Passat, which is offered exclusively as a spacious Variant model, will start in the first quarter of 2024. With more than 34 million units sold so far, the Passat is one of the bestsellers of the Volkswagen brand.

New top Volkswagen duo in the mid-sized class: with the Passat and the likewise new all-electric ID.7, Volkswagen will offer two ultra-modern product lines in the high-volume mid-sized class in future. The new Passat is available with the complete spectrum of petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI), mild hybrid (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) drive systems. With an electric range of up to 100 km and a DC fast charging function, the optimised eHybrid models bridge the gap to electric mobility – they are designed for all drivers who want to cover short and medium distances under electric power but want to complete long journeys without stopping to a charge. At the market launch, the new Passat will initially be offered with engines from the particularly successful 110 kW class (150 PS). In addition to a Passat “Business” 1.5 eTSI (from 44,995 euros3), the entry-level version – the Passat eTSI – will also be available soon from 39,995 euros. Both are equipped with a mild hybrid drive (48-volt technology), which is used for the first time in this model series. Also on offer: a 110 kW (150 PS) 2.0 TDI (from 48,495 euros) with extensive standard equipment.

Largest Passat of all times: thanks to its generous space, the new Volkswagen breaks down all the usual class boundaries.: The 50 mm longer wheelbase compared with the predecessor benefits above all the legroom in the rear. With its significantly enlarged luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres (previously 1,780 litres), the new Passat is the perfect all-rounder for business and leisure.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat

Passat TDI (110 kW) – combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.3-4.9; CO2 emissions combined in g/km: 138-129. Only consumption and emission values in accordance with WLTP and not in accordance with NEDC are available for the vehicles. Where ranges are stated, the values for consumption and CO₂ emissions depend on the selected vehicle equipment.

Next-generation interior: Volkswagen has completely re-designed the high-quality interior. The clearly structured, large display landscape is characterised by the standard 32 cm (12.9 inch) display, optionally available up to 38 cm (15 inches). The technical basis for this is the latest-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4). The new Passat shares the menu structure and graphic design with the all-electric ID. models, among others. The Passat additionally sets new standards in terms of comfort. This is particularly true in the case of the optional new adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro). Thanks to the use of two-valve shock absorbers in a Volkswagen for the first time, this system permits an unusually large spread between dynamics and comfort. The new Passat is also equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager for the first time. This standard system ensures especially neutral, stable, agile and precise handling. The excellent long-distance driving comfort is enhanced further by the optionally available ergoActive seats with a new, pneumatic pressure point massage function.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat

Basic specification with high level of standard equipment: the new Passat can be configured in the four equipment lines “Passat”, “Business”, “Elegance” and “R-Line”. They have all been significantly enhanced compared with previous versions. Thebasic specification “Passat” already includes features such as the new MIB4 display, Car2X warning system, App Connect (wireless Apple and Android integration), automatic air conditioning, USB-C ports with 45 W charging capacity at the front, black roof rails, LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and numerous assist systems.

These standard systems include:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Side Assist (lane change assist)
  • Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
  • Lane Assist (lane keeping system)
  • oncoming vehicle braking when turning function
  • Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals at the front and rear)
  • Rear View (rear view camera system)
  • Dynamic Road Sign Display

“Business” specification for frequent drivers: In view of the fact that the Passat is one of the most successful company cars in Europe, Volkswagen is also offering the optional “Business” specification in the new generation. From the outside, this model can be recognised by chrome trim on the side windows, silver-anodised roof rails and chrome elements at the front and rear, among other things. In Germany, dark privacy glass is added for the rear windows. On the inside, the Passat Business is characterised, among other things, by seat covers in ArtVelours, own interior applications, partially electric seats with massage function, additional 45-watt USB-C ports in the rear and three-zone automatic air conditioner. Systems such as Light Assist (automatic lighting control, Park Assist (assisted driving into and out of parking spaces) and Travel Assist (partially automated driving) additionally come as standard. Also standard in Germany is the new IDA voice assistant. This can be used to control functions such as navigation or to ask general knowledge questions to obtain information such as a weather forecast, for example.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat

“Elegance” and “R-Line” as the top versions: Volkswagen has positioned the “Elegance” and “R-Line” versions above the “Business” equipment line. With these specifications, the Passat can be made either more stylish (“Elegance”) or more dynamic (“R-Line”), depending on preference. Compared to the Business version, both lines share additional equipment details such as:

  • the new-generation IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance main beam (range of up to 500 m)
  • LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signals
  • seat heating
  • extended seat massage (12 instead of three pneumatic massage elements)
  • keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access
  • electrically operated boot lid
  • 30-colour background lighting
  • IDA voice control (for all markets)
  • the new Park Assist Plus with memory function
  • Dynamic Light Assist main-beam control system

The Passat R-Line is equipped with sports seats with integrated head restraints. In the top-of-the-range R-Line Signature model, the roof pillar trims and headliner are finished in dark ArtVelours in the Passat R-Line. These features are complemented by matching aluminium decorative trims with a dark anodised finish. “Puglia” leather that has been sustainably tanned with olive-leaf extract is optionally available – this made its debut in the premium-class Touareg. The front and rear ends of the Passat R-Line have a sporty R design. Its roof and the exterior mirror caps have a sporty Black paint finish.

Optional 19-inch alloy wheels. Further custom features of the top models include specific 17-inch alloy wheels (optionally 18-inch) for the Passat Elegance and 18-inch alloy wheel rims for the R-Line version. Both top versions can also be optionally ordered with 19-inch alloy wheels.

The all-new Volkswagen Passat

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Motorsport

Delays in Deliveries of 2023 Corvette Z06 Due to Parts Shortages

Buyers who have ordered a 2023 Corvette Z06 are experiencing delays in receiving their cars. These delays are a result of ongoing production challenges caused by parts shortages. Despite the completion of the first year of production, customers who placed orders for a 2023 Z06 are finding that their vehicles are stuck in limbo, indicating that the cars have been built but do not have a scheduled delivery date yet.

CorvetteBlogger.com reports that there are hundreds of 2023 Corvette Z06 cars waiting for parts in a lot outside the Bowling Green assembly plant. This means that many buyers have their vehicles stuck at production code 3800, which signifies that the cars are built but are awaiting shipment. With the recent UAW strike further complicating matters, concerns have grown about the extended wait for this high-performance version of the sportscar.