One of only 23 produced, this 1965 427 Competition Cobra is expected to bring up to $3.3 million at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona auction later this month. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s headlines:
+ In an interview with National Public Radio in Detroit, VW CEO Matthias Müller asserted that the automaker “didn’t lie” in its dealings with federal emissions officials. More at Autoblog.
+ General Motors will build the plug-in hybrid version of the new Cadillac CT6 sedan only in China, importing the vehicle to the USA for domestic buyers. More at The Detroit News.
+ The Obama administration has proposed a 10-year, $4 billion federal program to fuel the development of autonomous cars and technology. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ The Jeep brand confirmed that it will offer a pickup model of the redesigned Wrangler in 2017, as well as a 707-hp Hellcat version of the Grand Cherokee. More at Fox News.
+ Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1 via a branding agreement with the Silverstone, UK-based Force India team has been placed on hold, though discussions continue. More at Racer.
+ French automaker Renault reports that fraud investigators have inspected emissions testing equipment in a number of its facilities, raising fears of a Volkswagen-type cheating scandal. More at Autocar.
+ Hedge fund investor Harry Wilson, who in 2009 helped to engineer the federal government’s bailout of GM, sharply criticized Mary Barra’s dual appointment as chairman and CEO by the company. More at Reuters.
+ Mini has introduced a high-performance John Cooper Works version of the Mini convertible with a 228 horsepower turbocharged four and a list price of $36,450. More at Automobile.
+ A 1965 427 Competition Cobra (CSX3010) with an extensive racing history in the U.S. and Canada will be among the headliners at the RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale on Jan. 28-29. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Ford has reworked the bodywork of its NASCAR Sprint Cup Fusion to give the racer a greater resemblance to the Fusion production car. More at NBC Sports.
Read the previous Executive Briefing from January 11 here.
Photo by David Bush, courtesy RM Sotheby’s.