Auto Industry News: Historic Le Mans, Ambitious Detroit, Nostalgic Camaro & Confirmed Compact RAM

This past week has been one of significant comebacks. Detroit Auto Show organizers are vowing to restore the struggling event format to its former glory, promising big things for this year’s running. Meanwhile, Chevy resurrected a classic code name from the ‘60s for its Collector’s Edition Camaro, and RAM is finally returning to the little truck segment – hopefully picking up where the Dakota left off.

But first, the biggest comeback of all came from Ferrari, which just celebrated its first Le Mans victory in 58 very long years…

100th Anniversary of Le Mans, Big Win for Ferrari

In an action-packed and attrition-heavy centennial celebration of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ferrari enjoyed its own historic achievement – winning the renowned race for the first time since 1965.

Drivers Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovanazzi took home the checkered flag in the Italian manufacturer’s new 499P Le Mans Hypercar, ending Toyota’s winning streak by one minute and 21 seconds. Cadillacs from Chip Ganassi Racing completed the podium.

Even without the momentous victory, this year’s Le Mans lived up to its reputation as one of the world’s most grueling endurance races. Drivers battled everything from exhaustion and changing weather, to mechanical failures, crashes, and at least one rogue squirrel.

The final push between the #51 Ferrari and #8 Toyota was right down to the wire, gifting spectators with a nail-biter of a showdown in the last hours.

Re-starting issues ate into Ferrari’s lead time in the 19th hour, putting a Toyota victory within spitting distance until driver Hirakawa wound up in the barriers with front-end damage during the penultimate hour. While he was back in the race without losing a lap (serious props to that pit crew), the mistake provided enough lead time for Ferrari to take the win – even with a dramatic 30-second engine stall in the final 23 minutes.

“It’s just special,” gushed Giovanazzi after the race. “We ran the car less than a year ago for the first time. To be here is fantastic. We didn’t expect to survive for 24 hours, but the whole team did a fantastic job. We are all here… After 50 years, we are back and we need to be really proud.”

In Case You Missed It…

Ford had a big moment at Le Mans, as well. The automaker unveiled its Ford Performance Mustang GT3 race car and, with the reveal, officially entered Mustang into the global FIA GT3 category. Based on the all-new 2024 Mustang Dark Horse, the bold and colorful new racer is set to compete globally starting in 2024.

“It is not Ford versus Ferrari anymore; it is Ford versus everyone,” said Jim Farley, Ford CEO. “Going back to Le Mans is the beginning of building a global motorsports business with Mustang, just like we are doing with Bronco and Raptor off-road.”

Detroit Auto Show Planning Big Comeback

On the complete other end of the enthusiast spectrum, organizers of the Detroit Auto Show are promising a bigger-and-better-than-ever event for this September. Welcome news, after last year’s lackluster turnout of what was meant to be a triumphant post-COVID return.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association, which runs the show, said it expects twice as many brands to participate this time around and has already secured commitments from the Big Three to appear with their entire brand portfolios in tow. (Last year, only 13 brands appeared and nearly half of them were represented through dealer-sponsored displays.)

A new EV Experience indoor track is also on the agenda, alongside street course ride-and-drives and an inaugural 2-day symposium on emerging mobility technology. Organizers said they expect “multiple” vehicle debuts, but didn’t share how many were confirmed so far. They also teased that a few “firsts” were in store for the show, and plan to announce those attractions soon.

Held at Huntington Place in Detroit, the show opens to the public Saturday, Sept. 16 and runs through Sunday, Sept. 24. News will be trickling out long before then though, so be sure to watch this space for updates.

Commemorative Camaro Gets Throwback Name

As Chevy looks to the electric future, it’s still keeping one eye on the past. Well, where naming inspiration is concerned, at least. The automaker is ending the sixth-generation Camaro after 2024, and plans to commemorate its retirement with a collector’s edition that incorporates the model’s old code name from the 1960s – Panther.

The 2024 Camaro Collector’s Edition equips LT/RS, LT1 and SS trims with a new Panther Black Metallic Tintcoat paint, Satin Black accent stripes, 20-inch Satin Black or optional Polished Forged Wheels, and the front splitter from the 1LE package, while coupes receive the rear spoiler from the ZL1 package.

Speaking of the ZL1, Chevy will offer a limited run of 350 Collector’s Edition versions. The 650-hp LT4-powered model will feature a Panther Black Matte exterior color – interestingly, the first matte paint offered on Camaro from the factory. A Black Metallic ZL1 stripe, red brake calipers and black lug nuts round out the exterior styling, while a serialized steering wheel badge on the inside represents where the vehicle was built in sequence.

All Collector’s Edition models also gain a few other sleek-looking upgrades. These include unique front fender script badging that integrates a panther into the “R,” as well as a panther on the steering wheel badge.

Package pricing starts at $4,995 and rises steadily through the trims, reaching almost $15k on the ZL1. Though, on the top tier at least, you get to take home a bespoke Canfield Sport 45mm watch from Shinola.

Did you know…?

GM followed its hometown rival, Ford, last week in its decision to make new EV models compatible with Tesla Supercharging equipment. The deal aims to help drive EV adoption, and will open GM customers to twice as many fast-chargers starting in 2025.

It also quietly acknowledges Tesla’s infrastructure as the best-engineered and most reliable option currently available – a harsh reality for other third-party charging network manufacturers. Indeed, if other major automakers like Toyota or Hyundai/Kia follow suit, then Tesla’s standard will become everyone’s standard.

Volvo Eyes Up Younger Markets with Fast & Affordable EV

Cute, quick and pretty darn affordable – that seems to be the thesis of Volvo’s new EX30.

Debuting in Milan, Italy last week, the electric crossover showed off its sporty styling with modern, two-tone accents, aerodynamic design cues, and a high-class minimalist interior. The boyish good looks succeeded in turning more than a few heads, as did the model’s impressive performance specs.

According to Volvo, when the EX30 lands on U.S. soil, it will have two powertrains on tap: a rear-wheel-drive base version, called “Single Motor Extended Range,” good for 268 hp, 253 lb-ft of torque, and 275 miles of estimated range; and an all-wheel-drive “Twin Motor Performance” variant that makes an astounding 422 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, giving it a 3.4-second 0-60 time on par with the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

Range drops a little in the performance version (down to 265 miles); but with that kind of pep, we can’t imagine drivers will care – especially when they peek at that starting price.

Beginning at $36,145 including shipping, the 2025 Volvo EX30 will be the least expensive Volvo on the U.S. market, and one of the more affordable EVs in general. The automaker is hoping to capture Millennial and Gen Z interest, acknowledging that premium brands often (naively) ignore these demographics.

So far, the tactic may be working. Volvo Car USA CEO Michael Cottone told Automotive News that more than 80% of the people who signed up to receive updates on the EX30 are new to Volvo. “This has the potential to really take off, as it’s going to basically own its segment for the foreseeable future,” he said.

RAM Smaller Hauler Set for U.S.

It’s official – the compact Ram pickup truck recently announced for the South American market and being built in Brazil will be making a North American debut.

According to The Drive, which broke the news on Thursday, a “well-sourced informant with inside knowledge of Stellantis plans” confirmed the RAM Rampage will arrive stateside later this year. The news came right as two prototypes were spied testing in Colorado – adding plausibility to the claims.

It’s been a long time since RAM had a smaller pickup on the American market. (The Dakota bowed out in 2011.) But as Ford struggles to meet demand for its popular Maverick, and the Hyundai Santa Cruz finds its footing within the compact truck space, the moment is ripe for a capable hauler with better fuel efficiency and a starting price that won’t make you choke.

The Engine Block is your one-stop source for any and all auto industry news. Keep an eye on our weekly round-up of enthusiast coverage, product reviews, vehicle spotlights, auto show/expo features, and more. Be sure to check back Wednesday for tips on improving fuel economy in your pickup truck. And come back around on Friday for a rundown on everything you didn’t know you needed to know about cleaning those garage tools.