The 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Datsun 240Z will be celebrated with a special class at the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance. Get all the latest auto industry news in the Executive Briefing.
Today’s Headlines:
+ The inventory of unsold new cars on U.S. dealer lots rose 2.1 percent last month to around four million units, a 21-month high that could foreshadow a downturn in sales. More at the Detroit Free Press.
+ Tesla Inc. has signed an agreement with Chinese lenders for $521 million in funding for the automaker’s $2 billion gigafactory in Shanghai, which is to be completed in May. More at CNBC.
+ The European Union will not support a comprehensive trade agreement with the USA that includes agriculture, says the EU’s top trade negotiator, and will seek a narrower deal. More at Reuters.
+ Williams chief technical officer Paddy Lowe has taken a leave of absence from the Formula 1 team following its delayed and troubled performance in preseason testing. More at Autosport.
+ An all-star legal team led by Takashi Takano orchestrated the release of deposed and jailed Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn after more than 100 days. More at Automotive News Europe.
+ The next-generation Honda Civic Type R performance hatchback due in 2012 will be powered by a hybrid powertrain similar to the one in the NSX sports car. More at The Drive.
+ Noteworthy product introductions at this week’s Geneva Motor Show include the BMW X3 xDrive30e, Bugatti La Voiture Noire, Ferrari F8 Tributo, and Kia Imagine Concept. More at Autoblog.
+ North Carolina governor Ray Cooper has proposed an $8 million grant for Rockingham Speedway to repurpose the former NASCAR track as an entertainment complex. More at NBC Sports.
+ The 2019 Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance on September 13-15 in Lake George, New York will celebrate 50 years of the Datsun Z sports cars. More at Hemmings Daily.
+ Porsche will debut the Cayenne coupe later this month with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 440 hp and a 550 hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, with deliveries in October. More at Motor Trend.
+ After splitting with the Harding-Steinbrenner IndyCar team last month, 2018 Indy Lights champion Patricio O’Ward has landed a 13-race deal with Carlin Motorsport. More at Motorsport.com.
Review the previous Executive Briefing from March 4 here.
Photo courtesy of Nissan.
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What a strange legal system in Japan. An extremely wealthy man accused of a non-violent white collar crime spent more than 100 days in jail. That could never happen in America.
Wish that it could.
The 24 oz. We got it here in Oz in early 69. Tough, sporty and reliable enough,, and rust came as a free extra!!
They might have been supposed to handle well but generally understeered like a pig.
I rallycrossed in the 70s against a couple of rallycars but they were never a threat.
I have never owned a 24 oz but have had several [as tradeins] [ or any shorty] of 26 oz 2+2. All rusted and most had the twin carbs removed and either fitted with a 240K 2bbl or 350 Holley.
Though actually a surprisingly good a highway car, the 5y/o 2+2 I had [another trade in] was a thirsty pic around town but came into its own at 75-85mph,,, but was still thirsty. And the drivers door was cracked like most and it had rust in the sills. That one went to a dolly blond.
I also had a mid 80s 300 turbo. Again a gutless slug until you got it on boost. That one went to dolly Greek lass. Both red cars
A girlfriend had a 370, quite nice but you nearly sat on the floor!! Near impossible for my wonky joints to get out of the passenger door against the kerb. Her 24oz with 2.8 Lseries and Webers was far more fun though!~