NOVEMBER 4, 2015

VW. Editor-In-Chief's Note: So, to those who suggested that this VW diesel "thing" would just be a bump in the road and we'd all forget about it soon enough, well, think again. The EPA now says that emissions “defeat devices” were used on another diesel engine under the VW Group umbrella, this time in the 3.0-liter V6 diesel (VW’s 2.0-liter diesel was exposed several weeks ago), which was developed by Audi. Vehicles included are the 2015 Porsche Cayenne, the 2016 Audi Q5, A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, A8 and A8L, plus the 2014 VW Touareg. This just in... VW is in DeepShitVille and the Sergeant Schultz "I Know Nothing" defense is ringing hollow right about now. -PMD

(John Thawley  ~  Motorsports Photography @ www.johnthawley.com  ~ 248.227.0110)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: George Barris, the undisputed "King of the Kustomizers" and a true original, passed away Wednesday night of a brain tumor. He was 89. The following statement was released by his son, Brett, on his Facebook page: "Sorry to have to post that my father, legendary kustom car king George Barris, has moved to the bigger garage in the sky. He passed on peacefully in his sleep at 2:45 am. He was surrounded by his family in the comfort of his home. He lived his life the way he wanted till the end. He would want everyone to celebrate the passion he had for life and for what he created for all to enjoy. Thank you all for the posts and calls, your love is deeply appreciated. Peace." A creative visionary and a legend in the most authentic sense of the word, Barris dominated the L.A.-based custom car culture scene for the better part of two decades. Though he was responsible for some of the most celebrated and recognizable "TV" cars like the first Batmobile, his impact as one of the founding fathers of the California custom car culture and the chief influencer of the essence of that automotive art form will live on. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes-Benz PR minions are calling the new GLS the "S-Class among SUVs." A bit of a stretch, but, whatever. The replacement for the GL features improved efficiency, additional DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, improved air suspension system (AIRMATIC) with enhanced damping system (ADS), nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, state-of-the-art assistance systems and the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics, which includes internet access and remote-start capability. If you just have to have more of everything in your seven-seat Euro SUV, there's always the new Mercedes-AMG GLS63. With 577HP, independent suspension and the revised AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, it represents "the pinnacle of the GLS model line," according to Mercedes. Standard features on the GLS63 include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes that provide optimum flexibility and a rear-biased AMG Performance all-wheel drive system. Mercedes designers insist that with the 2017-model-year facelift their full-size luxury SUV has been updated to the current Mercedes-Benz design idiom. Well, if you squint real hard, maybe.

(Cadillac images)
Cadillac has announced that the 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan, which begins production in Detroit in January, will begin shipping to dealers in March. According to Cadillac PR minions, "... the CT6 achieves dynamic performance, efficiency and agility previously unseen in large luxury cars." A little much, but hey, they gotta stir up interest somehow. In the US market, the 2016 Cadillac CT6 2.0L Turbo will start at $53,495, the CT6 3.6L V6 with AWD starts at $55,495, the CT6 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 with AWD starts at $64,395 and the full-zoot CT6 Platinum starts at $83,465 (prices do not include a $995 destination charge). The all-new Cadillac 3.6-liter V6 delivers 335HP, while the all-new Cadillac 3.0L Twin Turbo V6 is rated at 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 400 lb-ft of torque (543 Nm). GM is touting the rigid, lightweight architecture in the CT6 as well as its active-on-demand all-wheel drive, active rear steering and Magnetic Ride Control on the available Active Chassis System. Other CTS features include a HD Rear Camera Mirror, Enhanced Night Vision technology and a 34-speaker Bose® Panaray® audio system. Details for the CT6 Plug-In Hybrid model will be announced closer to that vehicle’s launch. The 2016 Cadillac CT6 will be built at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant on the east side of Detroit (they don't call it the Motor City for nothin'). Customers can place orders now with dealers and view additional product information at cadillac.com. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Time will tell whether the "restrained" styling of the CT6 will catch on, or not, because there is a real danger that at first glance it will look too much like the CTS to the average consumer and not be viewed as being "special" enough. (I find it errs on the "restrained" side too much, in fact.)  It will be interesting to see what happens when the new Lincoln Continental hits dealers next August. The Continental isn't nearly as technologically advanced as the CT6, but the design - and the name - may resonate more with consumers. It's a giant "we'll see" as we like to say. -PMD

(Images courtesy of Chevrolet)
The auto manufacturers all love going nuts at the SEMA Show, and this year Chevrolet is demonstrating the evolution of high-performance and the latest in crate-engine technology with a turbocharged 1967 Nova 2.0 executed as a contemporary hot rod. Back in the day, the 3,100 pound 327-powered Nova SS was widely praised for a strong power-to-weight ratio, which helped make it one of the industry’s quicker muscle cars. This new Chevrolet Performance concept replaces the all-iron V8 with an all-aluminum turbo-four, for a more advantageous 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution. And in place of the original four-speed transmission is a modern six-speed manual. The Nova 2.0 goes from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

(Lotus)
The Lotus Evora 400 is the most powerful production Lotus ever, "a superior machine to the previous model in every aspect," according to Lotus PR minions. Powered by a supercharged and charge-cooled mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6 engine, the Lotus 400 has 400HP (406 PS; 298.3 kW) at 7,000rpm, with 302 lbs ft (410 Nm) of torque. Watch a video of the new Lotus here.

Check out The Autoextremist on AutoextremistTV below...we're already on Episode 4! -WG