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    Ford Has Patented an All-Wheel-Drive EV Line Lock Burnout Mode

    If you’ve ever driven one of the newest Ford Mustangs, you’ll know that there is a mode that enables line lock, essentially a way of keeping the brakes on the front wheels while letting the rear wheels do a burnout to heat the tires for the optimum drag strip launch.Now, Ford has patented a system for EVs that’ll allow a different sort of line lock, one that’ll work on all-wheel-drive models. It’ll brake the front wheels to spin the rear tires, and then it can brake the rear wheels to spin the front tires. The patent, published March 2, specifies it’s for track use only, of course, and for tire heating. It’s also said that this is achievable with current hardware, so it could be a software update that makes it function.U.S. Patent and Trademark OfficeThe patent drawing shows a Mustang Mach-E, so perhaps the GT model would be the first recipient of a mode like this.Of course, Ford did make a drift-ready Mach-E, which had seven motors and 1400 horsepower, so it wouldn’t be the first tire-smoking electric crossover from the brand.World of MustangsEditor-at-LargeTravis is an editor at Road & Track. He was previously the Editor-in-Chief of Jalopnik.com and is a little too fond of the Mazda Miata. More

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    EV Blocks The Way – Electric Car And Gearbox: Myth Or Reality?

    The gearbox of my Nexon EV Max has suddenly stopped working – Electric Car Gearboxes: What You Need to KnowEV got stuck – Blocking the way. Image – Akash BhangreThe positioning of an immobile car is a part of the intrigue of this viral post we saw. While someone drew a parallel to the Ever Given situation, what caught our attention were queries regarding the gearbox in electric cars. Does an EV have a gearbox? Do electric cars have/need transmissions? Gear box in EV? EV with gearbox? You get the gist.Akash Bhangre’s situation as mentioned on Twitter, “The gearbox of my Nexon EV Max has suddenly stopped working and the car is currently stuck in this position blocking the whole lane. This has created a big scene in my society. ‘I am located in Thane. I have contacted Tata Motors helpline and they are sending a towing car from Wadala. The wait time for the same is 1.5Hours as per the towing car vendor. Why can’t you send someone from Thane, Mulund or some other nearby location. I need your urgent help here.”Tata Nexon EV got stuck – Blocking the wayTo Gear or Not to Gear: The Evolution of Electric Car TransmissionElectric cars generally do not have transmission in the traditional sense. This is because the electric motor can provide power directly to the wheels without the need for a complex system of gears. Instead, electric cars typically use a single-speed or fixed-gear transmission that is optimized for a specific speed range.This type of transmission is less complex than the multi-speed transmissions found in petrol / diesel powered cars. In turn, this can reduce maintenance costs and increase efficiency.Tata Nexon EV got stuck – Blocking the wayThe Gearbox Conundrum: What happens when it stops working in an EV?The gearbox of an electric car can suddenly stop working due to a variety of reasons. Modern electric cars rely heavily on electrical and software components. And a failure in these systems can cause the gearbox to stop working.Electric motors generate a lot of heat during operation, and if the gearbox is not adequately cooled, it can overheat and fail. Moreover, the gearbox in an electric car can wear out over time due to regular use, just like any mechanical component, and this can cause it to stop working.Gearbox Failure in Electric Cars: Causes and ConsequencesIf the gearbox of an electric car suddenly stops working, the car will likely become immobile or have difficulty moving. Symptoms such as difficulty in changing gears, strange noises, or the car not moving at all may be experienced. To address the issue promptly and ensure safety and longevity of the vehicle, it’s best to take the electric car to a certified repair shop or dealer to have it diagnosed and repaired. Depending on extent of damage, repair could be as simple as a software update or as complex as a full gearbox replacement.Electric cars are generally reliable and have fewer moving parts than traditional cars. But they are still complex machines that require regular maintenance and care. Regular servicing and keeping an eye out for any unusual noises or performance issues can help catch potential problems before they become more severe. More

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    2024 Hero Karizma 210cc Launch Planned – Pulsar 200 Rival

    As opposed to the 223cc air-cooled engine with 20 bhp in its pocket, upcoming Hero Karizma with a liquid-cooled 210cc engine will be more potentImage for illustration purpose onlyIndian motorcycle manufacturers seem to be going back to their roots. Products that seem to be the next big thing, often disappoint where sales are concerned. Products that they replace, often come off as the more prominent and popular. We always crave what we can’t have, right? We observed this pattern with Pulsar 220F re-launch. Now, Hero is at it as well.Remember the Karizma series of faired motorcycles from Hero. How can you not? For, they were so memorable. We’re not talking about facelifted models launched in 2014, but the OG Karizma R and Karizma ZMR. Get ready to hear about them again, as they are reportedly making a grand comeback with a new liquid-cooled 210cc engine.Hero testing a new fully faired motorcycle – New Karizma?2024 Hero Karizma New Gen – 210cc Engine With Liquid CoolingEver since they were launched, Karizma series offered a lot of bang for the buck and were some of the most sought-after in its segment, rivaling Pulsar 220. Hero priced them right and even marketed them right. Bollywood star Hritik Roshan even nullifies a freaking tornado in a Karizma ZMR. I remember this because it was effective and memorable marketing.Facelifted models designed by EBR (Erik Buell Racing) were the sole holes in the ship as they single-handedly took down Karizma brand into an abyss. Hero did launch Xtreme 200S, which was supposed to be Karizma’s replacement, but really wasn’t. Now, Hero is set to bring in a new platform on which the upcoming Karizma will be based.Hero Xtreme 300S Fully Faired Motorcycle?We’re talking about a brand new frame, housing a brand new 210cc liquid-cooled engine and coupled to a brand new 6-speed gearbox. Exact specifics about this new engine are not yet out. But 25 bhp of power and 30 Nm should be reasonably adequate for this motorcycle. It would be launched as a fully faired motorcycle. Good thing about the upcoming 2024 Hero Karizma lineup is they are reportedly being designed with inspirations from OG Karizma series and not facelifted models. Phew!More Tech, More Power – Faster Than Ever BeforeGiven that Hero Karizma line represented value for money in the past, competitive pricing is likely to be the main strength. In favour of competitive pricing, Hero might skimp on USD forks and other fancy hardware like slipper clutch, ride-by-wire and more. However, we should expect disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS (at least as an option).LED lighting, Bluetooth connectivity with turn-by-turn navigation, side stand sensor with engine cut off are features that are highly likely to make it to production. Elements like 6-speed gearbox, oil-cooling and USD front forks are firsts for any production-spec Hero MotoCorp offerings. It might be launched around the all-important festive season. 2024 Karizma price could be in the range of Rs 1.5 lakh.We really hope Hero would install the same engine in Xpulse 200 as well, breathing new life into an already potent platform. With 25 bhp and 30 Nm, Hero Xpulse would absolutely fly in trails and off-roading situations. We are likely to see more “KariPulse” too, plonking this new 210cc engine in Xpulse chassis.Source More

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    2002 Chrysler 300M Special Is Our Bring a Trailer Auction Pick of the Day

    The 2002 Chrysler 300M Special was the most performance-oriented of the LH cars. The Special isn’t much more powerful than the standard 300M, though, with just five more horsepower and three more pound-feet of torque, but the overall package stands out. This well-preserved example is up for sale on Bring a Trailer, and the auction ends on March 26. Bring a TrailerWhen Chrysler released the 2002 Chrysler 300M Special, our foredrivers felt it was an obvious effort to win back their adulation after our affection for the 300Ms began to wane. The model made our 10Best list in 1999 and 2000, then fell off as more potent competitors appeared on the scene. The Special’s smidge of extra horsepower and torque weren’t quite enough to totally do the trick, however. Still, the 300M’s “cab-forward” design was advanced for its time, and it’s aged well. This fine-looking example, currently up for auction on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos), could turn heads even today.As recounted by one of the commenters, the 300M was a last-minute addition to the Chrysler brand’s LH lineup. Supposedly, the car was designed as the second-gen Eagle Vision, but when the Eagle division was dropped, Chrysler ended up with the model, to sell alongside the Concorde and the LHS. Compared to those two, the 300M was a more tidy, international size, at just five meters long.Bring a Trailer Chrysler put a slightly more powerful version of the 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engine in the Special than it did in the standard 300M. The Special version produced up to 255 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to 250 and 255, respectively, in the standard 300M. The Chrysler 300M Special also came with a stiffer suspension, and the four-speed automatic transmission had a shorter final-drive ratio (3.89 compared to 3.66). There was also a Special-specific dual exhaust system. And, unusual for a front-wheel-drive car, the engine was mounted longitudinally in the 300M, which helped create a roomy and comfortable interior.Bring a TrailerThis car features a retro-tastic four-disc in-dash CD player and a factory cassette stereo, and its Light Taupe leather interior appears in fine shape. This Chrysler is also equipped with a power sunroof, heated and power-adjustable front seats with position memory, and HID headlights. The exterior is painted in Bright Silver Metallic, and the car has 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 Michelin Pilot Sport All-Season 3 tires.Chrysler 300, from the Late 20th CenturyThe example up for auction has seen some use, with around 60,000 miles on the odometer and a repainted front bumper cover. It was originally sold in California and has a Pennsylvania title. It also has a clean CarFax record, but there is some corrosion on the exhaust and suspension components. At the time of their debut, the LH cars were a big deal, and even the second-generation models were well ahead of their domestic competition, at least in terms of design. This car is the sportiest of the bunch and would have been a stylin’ ride in the post-Y2K era.Contributing EditorSebastian Blanco has been writing about electric vehicles, hybrids, and hydrogen cars since 2006. His articles and car reviews have appeared in the New York Times, Automotive News, Reuters, SAE, Autoblog, InsideEVs, Trucks.com, Car Talk, and other outlets. His first green-car media event was the launch of the Tesla Roadster, and since then he has been tracking the shift away from gasoline-powered vehicles and discovering the new technology’s importance not just for the auto industry, but for the world as a whole. Throw in the recent shift to autonomous vehicles, and there are more interesting changes happening now than most people can wrap their heads around. You can find him on Twitter or, on good days, behind the wheel of a new EV.  More

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    Top 10 150cc To 200cc Motorcycles Feb 2023 – Apache, Pulsar, Gixxer, Xpulse

    Sales of motorcycles in the 150-200cc range saw YoY growth of 20.03 percent but MoM sales ended in the redImage – Shahrukh AkhtarLike motorcycles in the 350cc segment that improved on a YoY basis but dipped in terms of MoM sales, it was the same scenario where motorcycles in the 150-200cc segment were concerned. Sales in the past month saw motorcycles in the 150-200cc segment at 1,02,591 units, up 20.03 percent when compared to 85,473 units sold in Feb 2022. This was a volume growth of 17,118 units. MoM sales however, fell by 16.16 percent from 1,22,369 units sold in Jan 2023 relating to a volume de-growth of 19,778 units.Top 10 Selling Motorcycles Feb 2023 in 150cc to 200cc segmentTVS Apache was the No. 1 seller in this segment in Feb 2023. It saw sales of 34,935 units in the past month, up 112.94 percent YoY when compared to 16,406 units sold in Feb 2022. This was an 18,529 unit volume growth with a 34.05 percent share. MoM sales also ended positively up 21.26 percent when compared to 28,811 units sold in Jan 2023. Market share went up from 23.54 percent to 34.05 percent MoM.150cc-200cc motorcycle sales Feb 2023 vs Feb 2022 – YoY analysisTVS Apache overtook the Bajaj Pulsar which was the no. 1 best-selling model in this segment in Jan 2023. The Apache also recorded milestone sales of 5 million (50 lakh) units ever since the series was launched in 2005. Bajaj Pulsar sales improved by 18.11 percent YoY to 26,539 units in Feb 2023 from 22,470 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales however suffered a 22.64 percent de-growth from 34,307 units sold in Jan 2023. This took market share down to 25.87 percent from 28.04 percent MoM.Sales improved both YoY and MoM for the FZ to 17,262 units in Feb 2023. This was a 28.87 percent YoY and 34.63 percent MoM growth. The Yamaha FZ was the most sold model in the company lineup in Feb 2023 followed by the R15 and MT15. Yamaha R15 sales increased 20.17 percent YoY to 7,697 units in Feb 2023 from 6,405 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales fell marginally by 2.88 percent over 7,925 units sold in Jan 2023. It was followed by the MT15 with 6,132 units sold last month. MoM sales suffered a 29.82 percent de-growth from 8,738 units sold in Jan 2023.Motorcycle sales 150cc to 200cc segment – Feb 2023Outstanding growth was seen for the KTM 200 which improved by 40.38 percent YoY to 3,254 units in Feb 2023 from 2,318 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales growth stood at 53.64 percent from 2,118 units sold in Jan 2023. This saw market share improve to 3.17 percent from 1.73 percent MoM.Suzuki Gixxer sales dipped 6.45 percent YoY to 1,698 units from 1,815 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales in Jan 2023 had been down to 0 units. The 2023 Gixxer has also been updated recently with sales set to be more positive in the months ahead.XPulse 200, Avenger, Unicorn, XtremeLower down the sales list was the XPulse with YoY and MoM decline in sales to 1,640 units. Avenger sales improved 75.54 percent YoY to 1,543 units in Feb 2023 over 879 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales suffered a decline of 9.29 percent from 1,701 units sold in Jan 2023. Thereafter, every model on this list has seen significant YoY and MoM de-growth.150cc-200cc motorcycle sales Feb 2023 vs Jan 2023 – MoM analysisHonda Unicorn slipped to No. 10 on this list in Feb 2023 as against a No. 3 spot on the 150-200cc motorcycle sales list in Jan 2023. Sales in Feb 2022 stood at 12,812 units which fell 89.55 percent to 1,339 units in the past month. In Jan 2023 sales had stood at 22,019 units relating to a 93.92 percent MoM decline.Xtreme 160R/200 sales dipped to 462 units while there were also 79 units of the Kawasaki W175, 6 units of the X-Blade and 5 units of the Hornet 2.0 sold in the past month with each posting YoY and MoM de-growth. CBX 200X sales were also down to 0 units even as there had 538 units sold in Feb 2022 and 3 units sold in Feb 2023. More

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    2023 Yamaha XSR125, R125, MT125 Debuts – New Updates

    The 125cc single-cylinder screamer with 15 PS and 11.5 Nm of torque is the common powertrain between Yamaha XSR125, R125 & MT1252023 Yamaha XSR125Despite the advent of premium 125cc motorcycles in India, the segment hasn’t caught on like one would have liked. No matter what tech they come equipped with, the smaller displacement figure is what is off-putting for many. That said, smaller engines weigh less and are very lively on a racetrack.For enthusiasts and novice racers, the 125cc motorcycle segment caters most of their needs. Hence sporty 125cc products exist. At Yamaha’s booth in Osaka International Motor Show, there were three 125cc motorcycles showcased. These are XSR125 Cafe Racer style motorcycle, YZF-R125 and MT-125.2023 Yamaha XSR1252023 Yamaha XSR125 Showcased – New featuresWe have similar styled products as YZF-R125 and MT-125 vehicles in the form of YZF-R15 V4 and MT-15 respectively. Hence, the XSR125 comes off as the most interesting product among this trio. Underneath its new Cafe Racer styled bodywork, it appears to be underpinned by the same frame as that of MT-125. Albeit, with a different subframe.We have a fairly handsome cowl around its headlight which neatly flows into its handlebars. There are minimal body panels below a teardrop-shaped old-school fuel tank. It is less aggressive than R125 and MT-125 and gets scrambler-ish appeal. This is reflected in matte-black chunky exhaust can with a perforated heat guard.2023 Yamaha XSR125There is a stitched single-seat, an underbelly bash plate, and block pattern tyres that round off its scrambler appeal. Headlight and tail lights are round, giving it a neo-retro vibe. It gets USD front forks finished in Black, while a mono-shock unit suspends rear.2023 Yamaha MT1252023 Yamaha YZF-R125, MT-125 Get exciting new updatesWhere design is concerned, 2023 Yamaha R125 and MT125 are similar to the R15 and MT15 that are on sale in India. Pound-to-pound, these are identical to their 150cc counterparts, except for their powertrains. They get the same frame, body panels, and everything. In India, Yamaha only offered USD front forks with MT-15 with Ver 2.0 and with R15, on V4.Both YZF-R125 and MT-125 showcased at Yamaha’s pavilion at Osaka Motor Show, get USD front forks finished in gold, unlike XSR125. Also special to these is an aftermarket full-system Akrapovic exhaust system, which is not offered in India even as an option. These particular motorcycles were also showcased with adjustable clutch and brake levers too.2023 Yamaha R125The Osaka Auto Messe is an annual automotive show since 1997, held at Intex Osaka in Osaka, Japan. All three Yamaha motorcycles are powered by the same 125cc single-cylinder engine with a 4V head that kicks out 15 PS of power and 11.5 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. They are donning a steel delta box suspended by 41mm USD front forks and a rear mono-shock. At the rear, we get a 140-section fat tyre as well.In India, the sporty and premium 125cc segment is not very hot. In fact, this segment currently favours budget commuter motorcycles with a ton of features, perfectly represented by something like TVS Raider 125. Yamaha is not likely to launch any of these in India and the only sporty 125cc offerings are RC125 and 125 Duke from KTM.Source More

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    RE Sales Breakup Feb 2023 – Classic, Meteor, Himalayan, 650 Twins

    Royal Enfield had the Classic 350 as their best-selling model in domestic markets while the 650 Twins garnered the most attention globallyImage – Lost Together 4everRoyal Enfield has seen YoY growth both in domestic and global markets in Feb 2023. Domestic sales were not as promising when compared to sales in Jan 2023 but exports improved on a MoM basis. Total sales (domestic + exports stood at 71,544 units in Feb 2023.RE Domestic Sales Feb 2023 Breakup – Classic 350 TopsRoyal Enfield reported 64,436 units sold in domestic markets in Feb 2023. This was a 23.59 percent YoY growth from 52,135 units sold in Feb 2022. This led to a volume growth of 12,301 units. MoM sales however, dipped by 4.82 percent when compared to 67,702 units sold in Jan 2023 relating to volume decline of 3,266 units.RE Sales Breakup Feb 2023RE Classic 350 topped sales charts with 27,461 units sold in Feb 2023. This was an 8.71 percent de-growth when compared to 30,082 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales however, grew by 5.08 percent over 26,134 units sold in Jan 2023. Share percentage increased from 38.60 percent held in Jan 2023 to 42.62 percent in the past month. Not only was RE Classic 350 at the top of company sales charts but this model also was at No. 1 on the list of 350cc bikes sold in the country in the past month.Relatively new comer Hunter 350 was at No. 2 with sales of 12,925 units sold in Feb 2023. It was however a MoM decline in sales by 15 percent when compared to 16,574 units sold in Jan 2023. Bullet 350 sales increased by 27.99 percent on a YoY basis while sales fell 15 percent MoM to 8,232 units. There had been 6,432 units sold in Feb 2022 and 9,685 units sold in Jan 2023. This dip in MoM sales brought share percentage down to 12.78 from 14.31 held in Jan 2023.Royal Enfield Domestic Sales % Share – Feb 2023Sales of RE Meteor 350 have fallen both YoY and MoM to 6,698 units. this was a marginal 0.76 percent YoY decline from 6,749 units sold in Feb 2022 while it was a 12.12 percent de-growth over 7,622 units sold in Jan 2023. Royal Enfield has seen sales growth for the Electra 350 by 49.12 percent YoY to 5,109 units in Feb 2023 from 3,426 units sold in Feb 2022. MoM sales also improved considerably by 21.41 percent from 4,208 units sold in Jan 2023.In the more powerful segment, sales of RE Himalayan (2,841 units) and 650 Twins (1,170 units) fell 4.57 percent and 52.61 percent respectively in Feb 2023. The two models did experience MoM growth by 13.69 percent and 19.39 percent respectively as against 2,499 units and 980 units sold in Jan 2023. In more recent news, the company has brought in the 2023 Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 with new feature updates. It now receives alloy wheels along with a new LED headlight unit, new colour schemes and USB charger.RE Exports Feb 2023 – 650 Twins dominateRoyal Enfield has seen both YoY and MoM growth where exports were concerned. Exports which had stood at 7,108 units in Feb 2023 improved by 1.18 percent YoY from 7,025 units shipped in Feb 2022. MoM sales were higher by 0.91 percent over 7,044 units sold in Jan 2023.RE Exports Breakup Feb 2023It was the 650 Twins that commanded the most attention despite a YoY and MoM decline in sales. Sales dipped 10.63 percent YoY to 1,951 units in Feb 2023 from 2,183 units sold in Feb 2022 while MoM sales fell by 7.14 percent from 2,101 units shipped in Jan 2023. Share dipped to 27.45 percent in Feb 2023 from 29.83 percent held in Jan 2023. Sales increased YoY and MoM for the RE Classic 350 in global markets to 1,731 units up 18.89 percent YoY and 14.11 percent MoM.RE Exports % Share Feb 2023The new Hunter 350 posted exports of 1,645 units which was a 9.12 percent MoM decline from 1,517 units shipped in Jan 2023. In the 350 cc segment, the RE Meteor also saw a YoY decline in exports by 24.65 percent to 1,009 units from 1,339 units shipped in Feb 2022 while MoM exports increased 59.40 percent over 633 units shipped in Jan 2023. Himalayan exports fell considerably to just 772 units in Feb 2023. This was a YoY and MoM decline of 62.29 percent and 21.46 percent over 2047 units and 983 units exported in Feb 2022 and Jan 2023 respectively. More

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    Glorious-Sounding Ford Mustang GT3 Race Car Could Be Coming in a Street Version

    Ford CEO Jim Farley posted a video to Twitter showing the company’s upcoming Mustang GT3 race car lapping at Sebring.This is the first we’ve seen (or heard) anything about the upcoming factory GT3 car since Ford announced it in September.Farley also tweeted a rhetorical question, hinting at a potential future roadgoing version of the GT3 racer. This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Wherever you are right now, stop. Now turn your volume as high as it will go and enjoy the beautiful soundtrack of a naturally aspirated V-8. Ford CEO Jim Farley took to Twitter today to show the company’s upcoming Mustang GT3 race car turning laps at Sebring, and the audio is glorious. This is the first we’ve seen (and, more important, heard) of the factory GT3 Mustang since Ford announced its plan to launch six new racing versions of the S650 Mustang back in September. The GT3 won’t officially debut until the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2024, but that isn’t stopping Ford from building hype now. Ford RacingThis version of the GT3 is being developed jointly by Ford Performance and Multimatic, and it will be powered by a revised version of the Coyote V-8 bored to 5.4 liters. The images show a Mustang that has undergone serious and necessary modifications to complete 24-hour races like Daytona and Le Mans. Huge fenders wrap around a set of meaty racing tires, while every visible piece of bodywork looks to be made from lightweight carbon fiber. The car has an extremely aggressive lip at the front, and a large diffuser at the rear. Visually, the real show stopper is the rear wing mounted not to the rear decklid, but instead to the rear pillars of the car. Ford made sure to remind us that the despite being a thoroughbred race car, the GT3 car shares DNA with the upcoming Mustang Dark Horse. Wes Dunkel, Ford PerformanceWes Dunkel, Ford PerformanceBut we already knew race cars looked and sounded great. The really interesting part came from Farley’s second tweet. The Ford CEO got back on Twitter an hour after he posted the clip of the GT3 and asked his followers if Ford should make a road version. Mr. Farley, I think we all agree. The answer is a resounding yes. Please send your first example to the Car and Driver office ASAP.This content is imported from twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Associate News EditorJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More