This extremely original 1968 Corvette, one of 80 L88 models produced that year, will be among the featured offerings at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.

Today’s Headlines: 

+   General Motors has released official prices, photos, and specifications of the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer midsize SUV that is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in early spring. More at Autoblog.

+   BMW is facing a $10 million fine and a criminal probe by South Korea’s transport ministry involving nearly 23,000 cars with coolant leaks that could lead to fires. More at Automotive News Europe. 

+   Subaru confirmed that the limited-edition WRX STI S209 will make its official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 14. More at Motor Trend. 

+   Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul says the cost of winning in Formula 1 needs to come down if the team is to continue to view the sport as a viable venue. More at Racer.

+   After a 21-year hiatus, the Land Rover Defender will return to the North American market sometime in 2020, following a new model reveal in 2019. More at Car and Driver. 

+   The Italian government is floating a controversial proposal to offer purchase subsidies on electric vehicles while imposing stiff taxes on gasoline and diesel autos. More at The Drive.

+   In the continuing saga of deposed Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn, new accusations have been leveled involving improper payments of company funds to a Saudi businessman. More at CNBC.  

+   Following the acquisition of 12 more significant automobiles, the Historic Electric Vehicle Foundation in Kingman, Arizona is in search of a larger museum space. More at Hemmings Daily. 

+   Noteworthy Corvettes at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction will include a 1968 Corvette L88 with its original build sheet and fewer than 25,000 miles. More at Classic Cars.com Journal. 

+   Hyundai announced that the Sante Fe five-passenger SUV will be available with a thumbprint-recognition starting system in select markets in 2019, including America. More at Digital Trends. 

+   Veteran open-wheel driver Mike Hiss, who raced in the Indianapolis 500 four times and was the Speedway’s Rookie of the Year in 1972, has passed away at 77. More at the Indianapolis Star. 

Review the previous Executive Briefing from December 24 here.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson. 

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