Welcome

We’re closing out the first month of the year. If you’ve stuck to your New Year’s resolution to this point, congratulations! Statistically, you’ve made it further than 80% of people and have successfully surpassed the 21 days it typically takes to develop a habit.

If you’re a procrastinator and have yet to come up with a resolution for this year, we suggest reading and sharing one newsletter per week. If you’d like a less tactful suggestion, we’ll add a few at the bottom. But before you get there, here’s what’s in store:

• Oh look, another Mustang - but not made by Ford? 🐍

• A Lesson on an Automotive Icon 🚐

• An Iconic Triumph Event 🏍️

Industry News

2025 Shelby GT350: The Pony Car That Stands Alone

Shelby American just dropped the 2025 Shelby GT350, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. Here’s the twist—it’s not technically a Ford Mustang anymore, Shelby went solo on this one, crafting their high-performance masterpiece independently of Ford.

Fortunately, Shelby keeps it naturally aspirated, with a 5.2-liter V8 engine, pumping out 580 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. And yes, it’s paired with the Tremec six-speed manual transmission, so purists, rejoice! The upgrades? A Borla exhaust system for that ear-popping growl, Ford Performance half shafts for better durability, and MagneRide suspension for corner-carving precision.

On the style front, it has a carbon-fiber hood, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and Shelby-exclusive badging—just enough flair to stand out without screaming for too attention (the engine will do that itself).

Here’s the kicker: only 100 of these bad boys will be made, starting at $109,995 (base Mustang GT sold separately). Shelby’s clearly playing the exclusivity card here.

And where’s GM in all this? Nowhere. There’s no direct rival to this pony car, making the GT350 a lone wolf in the muscle car game right now.

Watch Larry Chen’s Interview with Shelby —>

Other News

• Mazda Miata sports a red coat and tan interior to celebrate it’s birthday with the 35th Anniversary Edition. Read More

• The newest Caddy is the fastest Cadillac yet - but it’s not what you expect it to be. Meet the Lyriq-V.  Read More

• Next generation 718 Porsche Cayman and Boxster to become a lightweight EV only - and we’re conflicted. Read More

Politics

Trump Pulls the Plug on Biden’s EV Targets

President Trump has signed an executive order reversing several of the Biden administration's electric vehicle policies. This includes eliminating the goal for 50% of new car sales to be electric by 2030 and halting federal funding for EV charging infrastructure.

The order also challenges California's authority to set stricter emissions standards, potentially affecting plans to phase out gas-powered vehicles by 2035. (ICE fans cheer in background)

Automakers, who have invested heavily in EV development, now face uncertainty due to these policy changes.

While the long-term impact on the EV market remains uncertain, the shift in federal policy is expected to slow the transition to electric vehicles.

Read Full Story—>

Featured Story

Remembering Hal Sperlich, The Visionary Behind the Mustang and Minivan

Hal Sperlich, a name many may not immediately recognize, passed this week at the age of 95.

He is responsible for some of the most influential and iconic vehicles in automotive history. His visionary contributions to the Ford Mustang and the Chrysler minivan reshaped the industry, leaving an undeniable legacy that has influenced both car culture and the way people think about transportation.

In the early 1960s, while at Ford, Hal Sperlich and his colleague Lee Iacocca saw an opportunity to create a vehicle that would combine performance and style into something accessible to the average consumer. That vision became the Ford Mustang, a car that launched in 1964 and became an instant hit.

Read Full Story—>

Local Listings

Because who doesn’t looking at cars they shouldn’t (or can’t) buy.

Top Pick of the Week: 2024 Lotus Emira First Edition

Price: $98,000 (obo) | Milage: ~300
The new Lotus’ are pretty sleek and come at a good price. Here’s your chance to get a launch edition locally from a private seller in Rancho Santa Fe. Contact → (951)588-9405

Other Listings:

• 1974 BMW 2002 | 24,346 miles | Makellos Classics

• 2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta | $284,900 | Ferrari San Diego

Have a cool car for sale? Email us at [email protected] to get listed.

What’s Happening

Friday, January 31

• Triumph Icons Tour, 7pm-10pm (RSVP required)

• The Red Chickz Car Meet, 10pm

Saturday, February 1

• Bonita Cars & Coffee, 6am-9am

• Carlsbad Cars & Coffee, 7am-9am

• Point Loma Cars & Coffee, 7:30am-10am

• Rancho Santa Fe Cars & Coffee, 8am-12pm

• South OC Cars & Coffee, 9am-11am

Sunday, February 2

• Escondido Cars & Coffee, 8am-12pm

Have an event coming up? Let us know at [email protected] to be featured!

Final Thoughts

Wow! You Made it This Far!

As promised, here is a list of our recommended New Year’s Resolutions for you procrastinators.

• "Learn how to cook one meal that doesn't involve microwaving" – For the self-proclaimed culinary expert who mostly survives on takeout.

• "Cancel all my plans on time" – Master the art of saying no with grace, or at least in time to save face.

• "Actually read the terms and conditions" – Embrace the true adulting challenge and finally check those pesky boxes.

• "Become a morning person, but only after 10 AM" – A resolution that's more about managing expectations.

• "Get better at texting back, or at least texting with more emojis" – It's 2025, after all. Time to upgrade your texting game.

We Want to Hear From You!

Have any recommendations? We’re always looking to improve, if you have any feedback, email us at [email protected]. 

Stay tuned, and keep the spark alive!