logo
Ford Gets Picky With The Mustang GTD

Ford Gets Picky With The Mustang GTD

Yahoo17-02-2025
Read the full story on The Auto Wire
Ford already has experience combatting car flippers, but people still seem surprised the Mustang GTD will be subject to a mountain of restrictions. It's almost like everyone has forgotten how selective and provisional the Ford GT buying process was just a few short years ago. Among the not-shocking details is an agreement in the purchase contract that keeps Ford Mustang GTD owners from selling the vehicle for the first two years of ownership. That's exactly the same as what Ford GT owners agreed to, so it's just not surprising in the least.
On top of that, you can't just plunk down the cash and get a GTD, no. Ford is requiring prospective owners to apply for the privilege, just like it did with the GT supercar. And yes, the Blue Oval will opt to not sell the hopped-up pony cars to some people because it thinks they won't help promote the car's and brand's image.
As Ford Authority, which was given this contractual information by a Ford insider, points out, many of those who are getting approved to own the Mustang GTD are celebrities. Among them are famous tuners like John Hennessey as well as some YouTubers. We imagine names from motorsports are also going to be in the exclusive circle of owners.
In all honesty, compared to how Ferrari does business, this move with the Ford Mustang GTD is no big deal. Sure, some will argue since the vehicle costs beyond $300,000 anyone with the cash should be able to buy it, no questions asked. But the reality is Ford is using the street-legal racecar to boost its image further, and that won't be accomplished as well by letting just anyone buy the thing brand new.
As the Mustang GTD starts going to owners, we'll see who bought what soon enough.
Image via Ford
Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

AI in education's potential privacy nightmare
AI in education's potential privacy nightmare

Axios

time16 minutes ago

  • Axios

AI in education's potential privacy nightmare

AI is now firmly entrenched in classrooms, but student privacy rules haven't caught up. Why it matters: Chatbots can expose troves of personal data in ways few parents, students or teachers fully understand. The big picture: The 2025-26 school year is shaping up to be one where educators feel that they must embrace AI to keep students competitive. Here are three top concerns with classroom AI, according to privacy advocates and AI companies Axios spoke to. 1. Student work could be used to train AI models AI firms are constantly seeking data to train their models. They're not required to say exactly where they get it, but they do have to say how they're using customer data, especially when they're dealing with students. Guidelines like The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) don't guarantee meaningful protections for students. FERPA was signed into law under President Ford in 1974 and has not been significantly updated since. "Penalty for violating FERPA is that your federal funding is withheld," Elizabeth Laird, director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, told Axios. "And that has been enforced exactly zero times. Literally never." Most educational AI firms say they're not training models on classroom work. Content submitted by teachers and students is not used to train the foundational AI models that underlie Khan Academy's AI tutor, Khanmigo, the company's chief learning officer, Kristen DiCerbo, told Axios. But training on a diverse set of student data would make the models less biased, DiCerbo said: "There's no easy answer to these things, and it's all trade-offs between different priorities." Institutions technically could allow student work to be used for AI training, though they're unlikely to do so, several educators told Axios. Yes, but: Data that's "publicly available" on the web is a different story. Business Insider recently reported on what it described as a list of sites that Anthropic contractors were allowed to scrape — including domains from Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Northwestern and other universities. Funding mandates often require universities to post student research online, meaning more of it is considered freely available data for training AI. An Anthropic spokesperson told Axios that it could not validate the list of sites found by Business Insider because it was created by a third-party vendor without Anthropic's involvement. 2. Off-the-shelf AI tools could expose student data Many teachers are experimenting with free chatbot tools. Some are from well-known players like OpenAI, Google, Perplexity and Anthropic. Others are from lesser-known startups with questionable privacy policies. In many cases, educators use these apps without district approval or formal guidance. Accelerating pushes from both big tech and President Trump for school and student adoption of AI have changed the vibe around AI heading into the new academic year, ed tech experts told Axios. "Where in the 2024-2025 school year most schools had the LLM on lockdown through their filter, this year all flowers will bloom," Tammy Wincup, CEO of Securly, a software company that builds safety tools for K-12 schools, told Axios. Products designed for educational use, like ChatGPT Edu, do not train on student data, but some of the consumer-facing free and paid versions of ChatGPT and other chatbotshave different policies. "That's where things get tricky," says Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure, the company behind the learning management system known as Canvas. "If AI tools are used outside our system, the data may not be protected under the school's policies." Yes but: Teachers are often the best judges of AI tools for their students. Ed tech is "a bottom-up adoption industry. It grows and thrives on teachers finding tools they like for teaching and learning and then getting districts to adopt," Wincup says. 3. Hacks are an increasing threat Earlier this year, a breach at PowerSchool — a widely used student information system — exposed sensitive personal data of tens of thousands of students and parents. "When you introduce any new tool, when you collect any new piece of information, you are necessarily introducing increased risk," Laird says. That makes thoughtful planning critical, she added. If AI tools store or process student data, a breach could expose not just grades and attendance records but also behavioral data, writing samples, and private communications. One way to prevent leaks is to delete data periodically. DiCerbo says Khan Academy deletes chats after 365 days. Yes, but: The advantage of using chatbots is that they can remember and learn from previous conversations, so some users want to store more information than might be safe. Between the lines: AI is steamrolling into classrooms and colleges and privacy is just one on a long list of concerns these institutions must manage. Khan Academy's DiCerbo says AI adoption is moving faster than anything she's seen in her 20 years working in ed tech. Khan Academy expects to reach a million students with its AI-powered tutor Khanmigo that launched in 2023. Earlier this year the California State University system introduced ChatGPT Edu to more than 460,000 students and over 63,000 staff and faculty across its 23 campuses. Google just started offering its AI Pro plan for free to students over 18 for a year. What we're watching: Some ed tech providers are looking beyond OpenAI, Anthropic and Google and using services like AWS and Microsoft's Azure to keep student data separate from the model providers. Brisk Teaching, a classroom AI assistant, uses this approach to mitigate concerns that student data might be used to train new models — even though OpenAI and Google say that their education-focused models don't train on user data. Brisk Teaching founder Arman Jaffer told Axios that there's a lot of "lost trust" between schools and the big AI providers. "It's just easier for us to say Google is not touching your data because they could potentially use it to train the next version of their model," he said.

1 ‘Strong Buy' Dividend Stock to Buy to Protect Your Portfolio
1 ‘Strong Buy' Dividend Stock to Buy to Protect Your Portfolio

Yahoo

time5 hours ago

  • Yahoo

1 ‘Strong Buy' Dividend Stock to Buy to Protect Your Portfolio

While gold (GCZ25) is usually seen as a defensive asset and investors don't really expect it to keep outperforming risk assets like equities over the long term, things have been different over the last few years. The precious metal is outperforming the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) this year, something it has also done over the last two-year and three-year periods. Gold miners are a leveraged bet on gold as they tend to rise or fall more than the precious metal. We see something similar with other commodity producers, given their earnings sensitivity to the underlying commodity. More News from Barchart Is Ford Stock's Juicy Dividend Still Safe Amid the Global Tariff War? After Hitting 30th 52-Week Low, Is Adobe Too Cheap to Ignore? Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, analysis, and headlines. In the gold mining space, Agnico-Eagle Mines (AEM) is one name that looks like a good bet. The stock has outperformed the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) this year and looks set to continue its good run, as we'll discuss in this article. But, before that, let's look at gold's outlook. Gold Has Outperformed Stocks in 2025 Gold is a hedge against the volatile equity markets, and often the two assets tend to move in opposite directionntals. While stocks tend to do well in periods of economic boom and macro and geopolitically stability, the yellow metal outperforms when there is economic turmoil or geopolitical tension. Invest in Gold Thor Metals Group: Best Overall Gold IRA Priority Gold: Up to $15k in Free Silver + Zero Account Fees on Qualifying Purchase American Hartford Gold: #1 Precious Metals Dealer in the Nation Over the last few years, though, both gold and the S&P 500 Index have been moving in tandem and rewarded investors. Notably, while the S&P 500 Index has hit record highs and put the tariff tantrum behind it, there are several risks that markets are wary of. These include a burgeoning U.S. national debt, geopolitical tensions as China and Russia push for a new world order, and the trade tensions which are testing the current global system. While stock markets have learned to live with these issues, unless they seem to threaten the world economy in a significant way, investors are increasingly pivoting to gold to hedge their bets. Global central banks have also been increasing gold's share in their foreign currency reserves, creating a tailwind for gold demand and, by extension, prices. Why Agnico Eagle Mines Looks Like a Good Buy AEM is one of the largest gold mining companies globally, with mines in 'safe' jurisdictions in Canada, Mexico, Australia, and Finland. Its all-in sustaining costs (AISC) were $1,279 per troy ounce in Q2, and management reaffirmed the 2025 guidance of between $1,250-$1300 per troy ounce. The company is in the second-quartile of the global cost curve, which places it in a sweet spot, as it has good leverage to any upside in gold prices. On the downside, the company's costs are significantly below what gold prices currently trade at, providing it ample cushion to survive any gold price slump. AEM Has Paid Dividends for 42 Consecutive Years While being a 'non-yielding' asset is one of gold's drawbacks, gold mining companies make it up through dividends. AEM has paid dividends for 42 consecutive years, and the bonanza is expected to continue as higher gold prices lead to an increase in earnings. In Q2 2025, Agnico-Eagle Mines generated free cash flows of $1.3 billion, of which it used $200 million for dividends and another $100 million for share repurchases. The company also pared its debt by $550 million in the quarter and now has a net cash position of almost $1 billion. The company aims to return around a third of its free cash flows to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. It is also investing in organic growth, which bodes well for its production profile in the coming years. While the current dividend yield of 1.2% is a tad below the S&P 500 Index, AEM should increase the dividend either later this year or early next year as higher gold prices lift its cash flows. AEM stock trades at a forward enterprise value-to-earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EV-to-EBITDA) ratio of 9.6x, which, although higher than its historical averages and some of its peers, is not yet frothy, given the structural tailwinds for gold prices. Moreover, Agnico-Eagle has historically commanded a premium over peers given its relatively safe business and strong balance sheet. Overall, with a growing production profile, favorable position on the global cost curve, rock-solid balance sheet with a net cash position, and finally reasonable valuations, I find AEM a good dividend stock to buy. Agnico-Eagle Mines Stock Forecast Brokerages are also quite bullish on AEM, and it has a consensus rating of 'Strong Buy' from the 15 analysts covering the stock. AEM's mean target price of $142.56 is 5.2% higher than the Aug. 11 closing price. The stock has continued to rally since the last time I covered it in June, and I expect it to build on its YTD gains in the coming months, even as there might be some downward pressure in the short term. On the date of publication, Mohit Oberoi did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio

QC Fuel Reopens in Davenport With New Ownership and New Location on Utica Ridge Road
QC Fuel Reopens in Davenport With New Ownership and New Location on Utica Ridge Road

Business Upturn

time8 hours ago

  • Business Upturn

QC Fuel Reopens in Davenport With New Ownership and New Location on Utica Ridge Road

Davenport, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Local favorite returns to the Quad Cities; doors now open at 4650 Utica Ridge Rd. DAVENPORT, Iowa — Aug. 11, 2025 — QC Fuel, a locally loved Quad Cities coffee shop, officially reopened this morning under new ownership at 4650 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807. The comeback follows the brand's late-2024 closure and anchors a new chapter for QC Fuel on Davenport's growing east-side corridor, welcoming commuters, students, and neighborhood regulars back to a familiar name with a renewed focus on service and consistency. 'QC Fuel is back—and we're here to do more than pour a great cup of coffee,' said Dara Dietrich, owner of QC Fuel. 'Reopening in Davenport with a community-first mindset means every guest should feel recognized, every drink should be consistent, and every visit should be easy. Whether you're headed to work, meeting a friend, or taking a quick break, we want QC Fuel to be your daily stop.' The Utica Ridge Road café brings QC Fuel's streamlined workflow to the morning rush and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. Guests will find handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks alongside a selection of teas and other café staples, with an emphasis on friendly, efficient service and a welcoming environment for quick visits and casual meetups alike. The brand's return highlights what local owners can bring to a neighborhood: hospitality that feels personal, an eye for consistency, and a simple promise to be reliable seven days a week. 'Small businesses thrive when they listen,' Dietrich added. 'The message from the Quad Cities has been clear: people miss places that make their day easier. We're grateful for the support and excited to serve Davenport from our new home on Utica Ridge.' QC Fuel's operating hours are designed around local routines: Monday–Friday 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Guests can check for updates and follow QC Fuel on Facebook at for announcements and behind-the-scenes looks at the shop. As the team expands its digital footprint, information will continue to be centralized on the website to make it easy for customers and the media to find hours, location details, and contact information in one place. Today's opening also underscores the role of local entrepreneurship in neighborhood momentum. Reviving a known brand within the Quad Cities not only restores a daily ritual for coffee drinkers but also signals steady confidence in Davenport's retail and dining mix. QC Fuel's emphasis on consistency and hospitality is intended to meet the region's practical needs—good coffee, friendly service, dependable hours—while creating a space that contributes to everyday community life. Fast Facts: What: QC Fuel is officially open under new ownership When: Reopened Aug. 11, 2025 Where: 4650 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807 Hours: Mon–Fri 6:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Sat 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.; Sun 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Web: Facebook: Phone: (708) 548-5021 The brand's return allows QC Fuel to focus on what made it a local favorite in the first place: a straightforward menu of handcrafted coffee and tea, a staff committed to friendly service, and a commitment to consistency that respects customers' time. While the café builds out additional community partnerships and programming over time, the immediate priority is delivering an experience that guests can count on every day. Media inquiries, collaborations, and interview requests can be directed to Dara Dietrich at the contact information below. About QC Fuel QC Fuel is a locally owned Davenport coffee shop dedicated to friendly service, consistent quality, and community connection. Reopened on Aug. 11, 2025, QC Fuel serves the Quad Cities from its new location at 4650 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport, IA 52807. Learn more at or call (708) 548-5021. Media ContactDara Dietrich, OwnerQC Fuel(708) 548-5021 [email protected]

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store