Electric Cars

This article spotlights a unique 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix, a rare Richard Petty special edition, currently available for auction. Created to honor racing icon Richard Petty's retirement, this limited-run vehicle stands out due to its five-speed manual transmission, a feature uncommon among the 1000 units produced. The car's collectibility is further enhanced by the authentic signatures of both Richard Petty and his son, Kyle Petty, on the glove compartment. Equipped with a powerful 3.4-liter V-6 engine delivering 210 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, and premium tires, this Grand Prix offers a blend of performance and historical significance. Its well-preserved condition and low mileage make it an attractive acquisition for automotive enthusiasts and racing memorabilia collectors alike, embodying a distinctive piece of NASCAR history.

Rare 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix Richard Petty Edition with Manual Transmission Goes Up for Auction

A truly exceptional piece of American automotive and racing history has emerged on the auction block: a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix, one of only a thousand special editions created to commemorate NASCAR legend Richard Petty's final season. What makes this particular model extraordinarily rare is its five-speed manual transmission, a feature rarely specified in these tribute cars. Adding to its profound sentimental value, the vehicle's glovebox proudly displays the authentic signatures of both Richard Petty, affectionately known as 'The King' of NASCAR, and his son, Kyle Petty.

In 1992, as Richard Petty concluded his illustrious racing career, Pontiac honored his legacy with a limited production run of these special edition Grand Prix models. While most were equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, this manual variant represents a distinct collector's item. Under the hood, it boasts a robust 3.4-liter V-6 engine, featuring a "twin dual" cam and 24 valves, capable of producing an impressive 210 horsepower. With only 55,000 miles on the odometer, this car has been remarkably preserved, offering a glimpse into early 1990s automotive engineering with its luxurious amenities such as cruise control, a power sunroof, and a multitude of steering wheel and dashboard controls. Beyond its comforts, the car is engineered for performance with a sport-tuned suspension and 225-series tires mounted on 16-inch basket-weave wheels, hinting at its sporty grand tourer aspirations.

Richard Petty's enduring association with the 'King' moniker dates back to his stellar 1967 racing season. Although primarily linked with Mopar muscle cars—even lending his voice to a Plymouth Superbird in the animated film 'Cars'—Petty's career saw him pilot a diverse range of vehicles, including a Porsche 911 and a Chevy Monte Carlo. He famously concluded his career driving an STP-sponsored Pontiac, battling through a mid-race fire to reach the finish line, a testament to his indomitable spirit. This 1992 Grand Prix, therefore, serves as a tangible link to a pivotal moment in his career and a symbol of his iconic status. The auction for this remarkable vehicle is scheduled to conclude on March 4, presenting a unique opportunity for collectors to own a piece of automotive and NASCAR heritage.

This unique 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix serves as a fascinating example of how automotive design intersects with sports history and personal legacies. Its rarity, particularly the manual transmission and the Petty family signatures, elevates it beyond a mere collectible car to a rolling piece of cultural memorabilia. It reminds us of an era when special editions truly honored sporting heroes and offered unique mechanical configurations. For enthusiasts, it's not just about owning a car; it's about possessing a narrative, a tangible connection to the past glory of NASCAR and one of its greatest figures. Such vehicles inspire a deep appreciation for the craft, the history, and the human stories embedded within them, encouraging a re-evaluation of what makes a car truly valuable.

Audi of America is undergoing a significant leadership change with the appointment of Vito Paladino as its new President, effective April 1, 2026. This strategic move comes as the luxury automaker navigates a challenging period in the U.S. market, marked by a substantial 16% decline in sales during 2025—the lowest performance in a decade. The downturn is largely attributed to the company's vulnerability to tariffs on imported vehicles, stemming from its lack of a manufacturing presence in the United States. Paladino, with a proven track record of elevating Audi Canada to the top of the premium sales charts in 2022, is tasked with revitalizing the brand's performance and addressing its operational hurdles in the American landscape.

The German automotive giant currently finds itself in a precarious position within the U.S. market, largely due to its lack of a domestic production facility. This absence makes Audi highly susceptible to import tariffs, which significantly impacted its sales figures last year. In 2025, the brand's deliveries in the U.S. plummeted to 164,942 units, a stark contrast to the 388,897 vehicles sold by its main competitor, BMW, during the same period. This underperformance underscores the urgent need for strategic shifts and renewed leadership to counter the economic pressures and competitive landscape.

Vito Paladino's arrival heralds a new chapter for Audi in the United States. His journey with Audi Canada began in sales operations in 2013, culminating in his appointment as president in 2020. Under his guidance, Audi Canada achieved an unprecedented milestone, becoming the leading premium automaker in Canada in 2022. This success story offers a hopeful precedent for the U.S. division, which is now looking to replicate similar achievements under Paladino's leadership. His extensive experience and demonstrated ability to drive growth in a competitive environment are seen as crucial assets for addressing Audi of America's current challenges.

Despite the optimism surrounding Paladino's appointment, significant hurdles lie ahead. Audi's top-selling model in the U.S., the Q5 compact luxury crossover, is manufactured in Mexico, while most other models are imported from Europe. This exposes the brand to ongoing tariff risks. Although discussions have taken place regarding potential strategies to mitigate these risks, such as manufacturing electric vehicles like the Q4 e-tron at Volkswagen's Tennessee plant, these plans have yet to materialize. Paladino, who also took on additional responsibilities as President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada in 2024, acknowledged the critical nature of his new role, expressing his honor to lead Audi of America during such a pivotal time and emphasizing the passion and dedication within the Audi family.

In related organizational adjustments, Daniel Weissland, the outgoing President of Audi of America, will transition to a new role as President of the FAW Audi Sales Company in China. China represents one of Audi's most significant global markets, alongside the U.S. and Europe, where the company operates multiple manufacturing facilities and has introduced a dedicated sub-brand focusing on electric models. Furthermore, Khaled Soussi, currently overseeing Commercial Strategy and Customer Experience at SEAT, will succeed Paladino as head of Audi Canada, while Edgar Estrada, the current President of the Volkswagen brand in Canada, will assume the role of President and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada. These leadership changes across the North American and Asian markets reflect a broader organizational restructuring aimed at optimizing performance and strategic alignment.

As Audi of America welcomes Vito Paladino to its helm, the automotive world watches closely to see how his leadership will steer the brand through its current difficulties. With a focus on leveraging his past successes in Canada, Paladino is expected to implement innovative strategies to combat the ongoing sales decline and tariff-related challenges. The success of these initiatives will be critical in shaping Audi's future trajectory in the highly competitive American premium automotive market.