HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Enjoy our year-end issue, and we'll see you back here
on January 6, 2016!
(And scroll to the bottom of the page for news updates during the break!)
Hate to break it to you, but you're stuck in “How Much Is That A Month?” Land until further notice. Cadillac finally got around to cutting the sticker price between $1,000 and $3,000 on the completely overpriced CTS. This just in, the over-aggressive pricing never should have happened in the first place. Cadillac marketers confused the glowing fan boy reviews of the CTS for automatic acceptance by consumers in the market and guess what? It wasn't there. Make no mistake, the CTS is an excellent machine, but pricing it on the nose with BMW was a fool's errand from the get-go. Besides pricing the car right to begin with, I would have cut the price $3,000 - $5,000, because Cadillac marketers have to understand one key point here: Having great cars with great reviews is one thing, but if people aren't willing to pay real money for them then it doesn't matter. Cadillac has to grow its business and it will be a slow, one-customer-at-a-time slog until the brand has real cachet in the market. (1/7/2015)
That all sounds completely legit, but we prefer to think that Governor Chris Christie "hugging it out" in Jerry Jones' suite at the end of the Cowboys-Lions game last Sunday was the last straw. Mercedes-Benz announced that it was moving its U.S. headquarters from New Jersey to Atlanta to cut costs and be closer to its factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The company also wants to be closer to where its sales growth is coming from the "smile" states in the southern part of the country. (1/7)
The AE Quote of the Week, Part I. Holman W. Jenkins Jr., from The Wall Street Journal, had this to say in his column entitled "Google and the Self-Driving Delusion" in reference to how Google is going to hit a growth impasse and has to get realistic about its corporate future: "An obvious place to start cutting might be Google's driverless car efforts. But this would be to misunderstand the point of an elaborate charade. Google's driverless car has become a branding exercise, a ticket to free media, a way to market Google software to auto consumers for onboard infotainment systems. Never mind the false expectations it raises in the driving public. Never mind the pressure it puts on real auto makers to pay lip service to autonomous driving they won't be able to deliver." (1/7)
(newspressUSA)
BMW showed an absolutely hideous M6 Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show that looked so out of place and ridiculous it made our eyes hurt. Why? No one knows, apparently. Needless to say, juxtaposed against the beautiful 3.0 CSL (below), it well and truly sucked. (1/14)
(newspressUSA)
(GM/Buick images)
If you squint real hard and suspend rational thought you're gonna buy into Buick's notion of an "expressive driving experience" and your life will be enriched for it. Seems logical, sure. This is what Duncan Aldred, vice president of Buick had to say: “The new, 2016 Buick Cascada is a beautiful, engaging convertible that represents the very best of the brand’s global development practices. It’s a car that will delight customers with its fun spirit and help drive the momentum that’s fueling Buick’s success.” This is what we said: The 2016 Buick Cascada is a cynical interpretation of a mo-faux "luxury" convertible with "sporty" overtones designed for poseurs and others who don't know the difference. (1/14)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Watch this beautiful piece of image advertising "Made By Sweden" - all four minutes of it - from Volvo here. A stunning piece of work. – PMD (1/21)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Tom Kowaleski, a longtime PR pro with notable stints at Chrysler, GM and BMW, died yesterday in Arizona. Tom was the master of orchestrating first-rate media events - particularly in luxurious settings - throughout his career. He basically redefined the standards for what constituted a proper media event in the modern PR era. He was 63. – PMD (1/21)
(Porsche)
And the Porsche faithful rejoiced. Porsche introduced its new Cayman GT4 saying that it "clearly demonstrates Porsche’s dedication and passion to continue to promote truly industry-leading two-door sports cars in the future – sports cars that are developed at the Motorsport department in Weissach," according to the manufacturer. It also immediately became the driver's Porsche, as far as we're concerned. (2/4)
AE Quote of the Week, Part II. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., in writing about the political mess in Oregon today in The Wall Street Journal - "Oregon Is Greener Than Thou" - had this to say: "But something about our Western longitudes seems to be conducive to a hypocrisy so unaware of itself as to be entertaining. Take Tim Cook of Apple, who sanctimoniously advised investors at Apple's annual meeting to 'get out of the stock' if opposed to shareholder money subsidizing green energy. Too bad taxpayers can't opt out. Mr. Cook's latest $848 million solar project will be profitable, he insists, thanks to taxpayer subsidies that include 30% of the project's upfront costs." (2/18)
(BMW)
The meter is running and the more crap like the 2 Series Gran Tourer that gets pumped out, the closer the propeller brigade gets to Toyota. This is dark day in autodom, my friends, and it's truly pathetic. Yes, you’re looking at a BMW Minivan, aka the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer. It represents, as I've repeatedly predicted, The End of Rational Thinking at BMW. This company's insatiable pursuit of volume to the detriment of everything they once proudly stood for is glaringly apparent in this uh, car. Why does it exist? Flat-out, unrestrained greed, pure and simple. The "bad" faction of bureaucrats inside BMW have finally pounded the "good" True Believers into submission and now chaos roams freely within the once-hallowed halls of BMW. You don't need to know anything else about this rolling abomination other than the fact that it represents everything wrong with the "new" BMW going forward. Does BMW still build some highly desirable cars? Yes, of course it does, but... – PMD (2/18)
(Aston Martin images)
The 25th guy ordered a Bugatti boat. Aston Martin introduced the Vulcan - a track-only supercar - at the Geneva International Motor Show, calling it the company's "most intense and exhilarating creation to date." The 800HP+, all-carbon fiber Aston Martin Vulcan was limited to just 24 examples worldwide. (2/25)
(Porsche)
The new Porsche 911 GT3 RS debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show. It turned a 7:20 lap at the Nuerburgring Nordschleife, surpassing the 911 GT3 by five seconds, making it the fastest current generation 911 on the famous German racetrack. Sticker? $175,900, not including a $995 destination charge. (3/4)
(Images courtesy of Bentley Motors)
Whatever, let's just say it looks fan-fucking-tastic and leave it at that. Bentley unveiled the EXP 10 Speed 6 in Geneva, calling the concept "the future direction of luxury and performance" and "a British interpretation of a high performance two-seater sports car using modern automotive design, highly skilled handcrafting, the finest materials and advanced performance technology." (3/4)
(Ferrari/newspress)
This is the new Ferrari 488 GTB. It's real fast. As in Ricky Bobby, "I'm goin' real fast, momma!" fast. It has aero tricks, tweaks of all kinds, 670 horsepower and did we mention? It's real fast, as in 205 mph. Not available soon at your local Prancing Horse dealer. (3/4)
Just keep smiling and cash the frickin’ checks, Sergio. FCA chief Sergio Marchionne may have been paid over $100 million dollars in 2015 when everything is tallied up, according to Larry P. Vellequette, reporting in Automotive News. Surprised? Not in the least. The last time I checked, Marchionne never took a vow of poverty. And as I said from Day One of his reign, it was always about the money, even though his pronouncements revolved around his altruistic "mission" to do the right thing for Chrysler. But that's okay, because no one associated with Fiat or the Fiat family were capable of doing anything even remotely close to what Marchionne did, so they just keep throwing money at him for saving their collective asses. – PMD (3/11)
(Aston Martin images/newspressUSA)
And after careful review and even though Aston needs it for its very survival, we find it to be too frickin' depressing for words. We didn't bother to show you everything from Geneva, like the all-wheel-drive Aston Martin DBX, for instance. If you squint real hard, this is Aston's first conceptual take at doing a crossover. (3/11)
In every way imaginable it is a giant, steaming bowl of Not Good. This is what Elon Musk had to say at a tech conference in San Jose yesterday, according to Automotive News: “In the distant future, I think people may outlaw driving cars because it’s too dangerous,” Musk said at the conference held by graphics chipmaker Nvidia Corp. “You can’t have a person driving a two-ton death machine.” Musk backed away from that statement on Twitter later in the day by saying, “To be clear, Tesla is strongly in favor of people being allowed to drive their cars and always will be,” he wrote. “Hopefully, that is obvious.” No, Elon, it isn't obvious and I'm not buying it for a second. Musk's fundamental loathing for everything to do with the passion of the automobile shines through with every new foot-in-mouth pronouncement. The aim of Musk, the Patron Saint of the anti-car intelligentsia, and others of his ilk is to eliminate hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of cars from America's highways and byways and remove the human element from the driving equation all together. – PMD (3/18)
No, but you can send me a bottle of Knob Creek and a book about Bill Mitchell. Car Design News reported that Bentley’s chief designer, Luc Donckerwolke, asked Lincoln chief designer David Woodhouse - on his Facebook page - "Do you want us to send the product tooling?" Oh my, really? That Donckerwolke even bothered to say a word is stupid, albeit entertaining. Designers have been “borrowing” looks and lines for years. Ever wonder why cars all start looking alike after awhile except for the "faces" expressed in the grilles? -PMD (4/1)
(Cadillac)
The Cadillac CT6 (above) and the Lincoln Continental will square off in the market at the end of next summer, and it will be very interesting to watch. The CT6 is “restrained” and almost painfully so, while the Continental has more personality and a legendary name with genuine resonance. My gut? The Cadillac will be impressive technically and dynamically, while the Lincoln will have more street cred right out of the gate. –PMD
(Lincoln)
The Lincoln Continental.
(Honda)
Does this mean they’re bringing back their famous ad theme: You Meet The Nicest People On A Honda? The HondaJet began a world tour in late April, making its first appearances in Japan and Europe. The HondaJet would travel more than 26,000 nautical miles during the tour and stop in more than 13 countries along its flight route. (4/8)
(Rolls-Royce Motor Cars images)
Another item from the “Too Depressing for Words” File. This is an engineering mule for a future Rolls-Royce, but not just any Rolls. This in fact is the first engineering mule for Project Cullinan - aka the upcoming Rolls-Royce SUV - the high-sided, all-terrain motorcar announced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in February. This early engineering prototype is based on a shortened Phantom Series II body with an all-wheel-drive suspension system that will deliver a ride "that will be Effortless … Everywhere," according to the luxury manufacturer. Project Cullinan engineering mules will spend equal amounts of time testing on- and off-road "to ensure that the customer will experience the same unrivaled ride quality on loose surfaces and challenging terrain as they do on the road today." We can hardly wait. (4/8)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This video for the new Porsche Cayman GT4 - "Rebels, race on" - is worth a look. Watch it here. –PMD (4/15)
Cadillac. Editor-in-Chief's Note: I praised Cadillac's "Dare Greatly" advertising campaign because it's wonderfully conceived, well executed and effective, elevating the brand with a fresh attitude and a sense of urgency that has been lacking for a long while. But too often "high concept" campaigns of this nature come apart violently when it is applied to a retail-marketing task that it was never intended for. And thus is the case of the "Dare Greatly" TV commercial that features the SRX thrown in at the end, complete with leasing numbers boldly displayed. What part of this seemed like a good idea? It has nothing to do with the soaring reach of "Dare Greatly" instead it brings the entire efficacy of the campaign to a screeching halt. The SRX is a tired, lame duck product that the dealers desperately need to move, I get that. But this ad execution doesn't work. At all. I can't tell you how many campaigns I've been involved with over my career that were ruined because the client insisted on shoving a particular product down consumers' throats - or to pacify itchy dealers - even though it made no sense to do so within context of the given campaign. Cadillac took three notable steps forward with "Dare Greatly," but this SRX iteration represented five steps back, at least. Ugh. –PMD (4/22)
(BMW)
This just in: It still sucks. We received a breathless press release from BMW stating that the German automaker had additional pictures of its 2 Series Gran Tourer! Wow. (4/22)
(Chevrolet)
Indiana native Jeff Gordon, the five-time Brickyard 400 winner and four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion who called it a career at the end of the season, drove the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 pace car to lead the field to the green flag for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race - “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - on May 24th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (4/29)
AE Quote of the Week, Part III. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr. who, in writing in The Wall Street Journal about Sergio Marchionne, the whining FCA CEO, had this to say: "You may recall that the Obama administration handed the keys to Fiat in return for CEO Sergio Marchionne's promise to supply small cars to meet forthcoming Obama fuel-economy rules. Credulous media accounts at the time suggested Chrysler's only challenge was to survive long enough so Fiat could begin churning teensy eurocars out of Chrysler's U.S. factories. Uh huh. Today Chrysler's Jeeps and pickups are keeping Fiat afloat, but how much longer when Europe seems embarked on permanent stagnation, and sooner or later a U.S. recession will test Chrysler's survival again?" How much longer indeed? Sergio is getting hot under the collar because his brilliant scheme is now hanging by a thread, and the consolidation he's so urgently insisting that is needed for the industry? It really is only urgently needed by FCA. Boo-frickin-hoo, Sergio. –PMD (5/6)
(GM Images)
General Motors announced Thursday (May 14) that it will invest $1 billion in its Warren Technical Center campus, creating approximately 2,600 new jobs to support future business growth at the National Historic Landmark site. The multiyear project, which is driving new construction on the campus, significant renovations of some existing facilities and expansion of some operations, begins this month with work continuing through 2018. “This is an investment in our people, our products, and, ultimately, our customers, to make the Tech Center a more advanced, more efficient and more collaborative workplace,” said Mark Reuss, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development and Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Developing a new vehicle is a total team effort, and every facet of this project will make us a stronger team.” Initial construction on the 326-acre Tech Center began in 1949, and it opened in 1956. The campus was designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen and landscape architect Thomas Church. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 2014 by the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. Fourteen years earlier, in 2000, the campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1986, the American Institute of Architects honored the Tech Center as the most outstanding architectural project of its era. Editor-in-Chief's Note: For anyone who appreciates and/or loves this crazy business, GM's Technical Center is one of the most impressive places that you'll ever see. Visionary design blends with a unique, campus-like feel to create a facility unlike any other in the automobile business. The GM Design building alone is simply one of the coolest places on earth. As someone who had the privilege to see the inner workings of the Tech Center starting at a young age, what GM is doing is significant, as this place deserves to be nurtured and preserved for the future. –PMD (5/15)
Designed by Kevin Roche, the GM Design lobby staircase is made of 7-foot, 4-inch terrazzo slabs, which overlap each other. They are actually suspended from above. Each tread is caught in tension between pencil-thin stainless steel rods. (5/13)
(Autoextremist Photo)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Our "Quick Take" for the 5/27 issue had us in a 2015 BMW X5 M. What can possibly be said about this 5,100+ lb. monster? Despite all of its M accoutrements, its 567HP rippin' V8 (and make no mistake, it's a magnificent engine, I mean, wow, but it would be even more sensational in a vehicle weighing 2,000 pounds less) and its beautifully turned-out interior, to say that this is a ridiculous conveyance is the understatement of this or any year. The fact that BMW product planners sat around a conference table and said, in unison, "Yah, this is exactly what we need to do!" is mildly horrifying. This thing is as out of place driving around in the urban slog as Ndamukong Suh would be in a ballet class. It's so ponderous at slow speeds, you can literally feel the fuel being slurped down as you watch the gas needle scamper to "empty." Yes, once you get it rolling it's absolutely astounding what that kind of horsepower can do with that kind of mass, because this thing will smash you back in your seat in almost shocking fashion, but, really? The collective brain trust at BMW thought this and the equally ridiculous X6 M are absolutely essential for the BMW brand? That some of these manufacturers need a big bowl of "What the fuck are you guys thinking?" from someone with the cojones to actually speak their mind and throw a hand grenade of rational thought into the proceedings goes without saying. Somebody along the way with the power to do so should have said, "You know what? This thing is so stupid it makes my teeth hurt. Let's walk away before we make complete fools of ourselves." And all of that is before I even get to the price. $115,450 stinkin' dollars? And for what, exactly? So you can look like the biggest tool in the shed? Look, I get it. We live in a country where we have the freedom to pretty much buy what we want when it comes to cars and trucks, and that's a beautiful thing. Not everyone can be expected to get off on the same kinds of things, auto or otherwise, because that would be beyond boring, right? But this? It's the new quintessential definition of stupid money, folks. Let's see, for that amount of cash I could buy a Porsche Cayman GTS and a quite decent AWD beater for the winter. Or a brand new Corvette Z06 and have some change left over for a smoke and a pancake. Or a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Or two new Camaros. Or a big fat deposit on a BMW i8, or a Ford GT. Or pay cash for three BMW i3s. I could go on, but feel free to plug in your own vehicle combos, because for that kind of money you could actually get something worth desiring. When BMW does these kinds of things it is completely infuriating. Why? Because if they're that tone-deaf about their own brand and they're that hell-bent about chasing every possible niche - both real and imagined - because they're deathly afraid that they'll miss a pile of money buried under a mattress somewhere that was specially earmarked for them, then I pity these fools. If BMW wants to cover the crossover and SUV market with a brace of vehicles, more power to 'em. But leave the M designation out of it, please. At least then they could retain a modicum of dignity. –PMD (5/27)
Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in "Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee." Just perfect. (6/3)
(Ford)
Ford announced an all-new Ford 5.2-liter flat-plane crankshaft V8, the most powerful naturally aspirated road-going engine in its history: The engine produces 526 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque and will be unique to the Shelby GT350 Mustang and Shelby GT350R Mustang set to go on sale this fall. Not only the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in Ford history, the all-new 5.2-liter V8 is the most efficient in terms of specific output. Without turbocharging or supercharging, the flat-plane crankshaft V8 produces 102 horsepower per liter of displacement. The new engine is also the highest-revving V8 in Ford history – with a redline of 8,250 rpm. Watch - and listen - to the new engine here. (6/3)
(Autoextremist Photo)
Going to Extremes.
Okay, so you all know by now that I am a serious fan of BIG. Some people like small, lightweight sports cars - and they can be a blast - but given my druthers I would opt for big and luxurious every time. That said, I must say that this week's "Quick Take" - the 2015 Cadillac Escalade 4WD Premium - pushed the limits on BIG, even for me. At nearly three tons, the Escalade is truly massive (and to think we had the "small" one - the Escalade ESV is 14 inches longer!). And you are reminded of this fact every second you're behind the wheel. This is a vehicle that demands real focus and a real commitment. You really have to think about where you're going - no zipping around town in this thing - and you can't always park where you want or make it down tight side streets because it is just too damn big! As a workaround, I decided that it is much easier to accept the whole bigness concept if you are a passenger. Let someone else fret over maneuvering the world's most luxurious big rig. You just sit back and enjoy the very nicely done surroundings. I loved the front seats - they just feel "right" - I loved the center console with all of its compartments (I'm one of those people who likes to have phones and other miscellaneous things right at arm's reach). I can't report on the third-row seating or the cargo area - I was afraid I'd get asked for my passport if I ventured back there. Okay, so maybe I'm exaggerating - but only just a bit - at the very least it has to be a different zip code. I did like the power retractable assist steps (a $1695 option), because basically without them I would have to just leap headfirst and hope I landed somewhere close to the seat. They deploy when you open the door and retract when you shift into gear - a sound akin to an airplane's landing gear being retracted, which come to think about it is almost a correct size analogy. One giant annoyance? The warning voice that came on seemingly constantly - "caution: narrow lanes" "caution: road closed" "caution: road construction" - no matter what the route. Enough already! There must be a way to turn this off - not only is it very irritating, it is also dangerous. It is alarming to the point that I can imagine it actually causing a wreck - it's that jarring. (At the very least, how about a way to turn it off just for Michigan during road construction season, so like basically forever.) The bottom line, if you're into what the Escalade is offering, you'll be really pleased. There is no mistaking it for anything else on the road. It has presence and personality to spare. And it is tasteful and elegant without being at all ostentatious. As for me, I guess while I still come down on the side of big and luxurious, I have to draw the line at gigantic. –WG (6/3)
(FCA image)
The Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Watching the automotive Internet "intelligentsia" go completely crazy over the Alfa Romeo Giulia was to be expected. Is it a decent looking car? Yes, of course, I didn't expect anything less. The 8C Competizione was a beautiful machine, so why should we be surprised? But it doesn't change anything about the wildly ridiculous numbers Sergio Marchionne is promising for the brand. (See Peter's breakdown of the numbers in his Autoextremist Brand Image Meter IV column -WG) Before everyone completely loses their shit over the Giulia, let me be the bearer of bad news, because perspective seems to be fleeting at this juncture. 1. It won't arrive here in the U.S. before the fall of 2016, at the earliest (I’m betting spring of 2017). Think about that for a moment. And 2. The launch itself will be one of fits, spits and starts, with nowhere near the volume that Marchionne is promising. And finally, 3. Do you actually think - given FCA's absolutely dreadful track record when it comes to building vehicles with even a modicum of quality - that the Giulia will perform any differently in that regard? Really? You don't honestly believe that a magic switch will be "flipped" that will instantly purge decades of piss-poor quality from the Fiat car making Empire, do you? I suppose if you do, you're exactly the kind of buyer that Marchionne and his espresso-swilling minions are looking for. As for the rest of us, Alfa will continue to fulfill the role that it has always occupied - as that semi-delightful automotive oddity that is nice to look at - but that you pass by so you can sink your hard-earned money into something else. –PMD (6/24)
(Chevrolet image)
Chevrolet took the wraps off of the new 2016 Camaro convertible, saying that it is the only convertible in the segment to offer a fully automatic operation with latches that automatically release and secure the top; capability of opening or closing at speeds up to 30 mph; remote opening with the key fob and a hard tonneau cover that deploys automatically. The electro-hydraulic power roof system features multilayer construction – including acoustic and thermal barriers – designed for a comfortable, quiet driving experience in all seasons. The new Camaro convertible arrives early in 2016. (6/24)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: I'm sure you have noticed of late that the car dialogue has shifted. Yes, among enthusiast True Believers the conversation is still about the array of incredible performance cars available today, and in that regard we're living in a golden era to be sure. But the rest of the discussion centers around autonomous vehicles - see the latest announcements from Ford - and the slow but steady decline of "The Car Thing." I believe we're at a tipping point here, and the future is going to be less than thrilling for a lot of us when it comes to the automobile. Manufacturers - take the intro of the new BMW 7 Series, for instance - routinely talk more about the gee-whiz electronics involved than the actual driving characteristics of the machines in question. And it's only just beginning. Check out Dr. Bud's column from a couple of months ago - "The 'Car Thing' at a Crossroads" - for a bit of sobering perspective. –PMD (6/24)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: The new Dodge TV commercial for their performance car lineup - Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, Challenger SRT Hellcat and Viper GTS – called "Predators" is an unapologetic homage to a different time and different era. Dark and moody in look and feel, with compelling copy and the classic '80s Phil Collins song, “In the Air Tonight,” wafting through the black night, it's as if "Miami Vice" has come back to haunt all of us, in the very best way possible. The spot opens on dark roads and empty streets as you hear the arresting voiceover: "We don’t have to worry about predators like our ancestors did. No sabre-tooth tigers stalking from the brush … no dire wolves circulating the camp.” We see the cars raising hell through the night, being driven as they were meant to be driven. The VO continues: “There are no more monsters to fear, so we have to build our own.” The spots were filmed in Miami over three nights and every image in the commercial was actually shot - which believe me, is a revelation in this digital age - including the alligator that morphs into the front of the Challenger SRT Hellcat. There's a boat scene - another image that conjures up "Miami Vice" - that was captured from a helicopter, and drones were used in the production. The car-to-car shots were taken from cameras mounted on a following Hellcat. Listen, when you really think about it, these cars have no reason for being. They're appealing to a certain demographic - namely mine - that wants one last shot at high performance without the lectures, and the hand-wringing, and the bullshit that's looming just over the horizon masquerading as our Driving Future, with autonomous cars and group-hug car sharing shoved down our throats - aka The Depths of Hell. Then again that is exactly the reason these cars do exist. They're authentically unapologetic, a raised middle finger to the mediocrity and the sameness and the relentless political correctness that have grabbed this country by the throat and reduced it to hordes of card-carrying spineless weasels drooling for their next public hanging by social media. Congratulations to all involved in Dodge marketing and its ad agency, Wieden+Kennedy. It's simply brilliant stuff. Watch an extended-cut version of the new Dodge "Predators" TV spot here. –PMD (7/1)
Editor's Note: It's a rare occurrence indeed when reader mail - and Peter's response - ends up in "On The Table." But, in this case it was well worth it. –WG
Cue the Wicked Witch of the West: "Oh what a world, what a world."
At the risk of never getting published in AE ever again (you know I love you Peter), and freshly delivered to work after another miserable, rainy, traffic-laden 56-minute slog to the salt mines, I would have enjoyed having Audi's Robby/Bobby/Carl autonomous chauffeur this morning. Is it really any more than the evolution of cruise control? Not like you have to turn it on for every drive, right? When I take the back way home tonight, I'll hit my apexes. But this morning…"take me to work, Robert"… would have been plenty nice. Just sayin'.
Tony W.
Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Editor-in-Chief's Note: I know it's coming, but I don't have to like it, do I? First it's the simple relief from a dismal commute. Then, it's the weekend errands. And before long, it will be the complete mindless subjugation, followed by, for scofflaws who don't acquiesce, being strapped down in a Pinto Pony MPG Simulator - complete with electric shocks if you attempt to control the vehicle - for eight hours at a time until your driving spirit is broken. Bud and I are planning our badass, doomsday machines now so we can prowl the night free, unfettered and flat-out. Just sayin'. –PMD (7/15)
"... The blue bus is callin' us
The blue bus is callin' us
Driver, where you taken' us...
This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
It hurts to set you free
But you'll never follow me
The end of laughter and soft lies
The end of nights we tried to die
This is the end."
- The Doors
(PPG)
This gorgeous, Bobby Alloway-built 1937 Chevy coupe won the 2015 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year award at the 18th annual PPG Goodguys Nationals held July 10-12 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. The gleaming machine - owned by Chuck Rowe of Millington, Tenn. - features Alloway’s signature deep black PPG finish and rakish stance. (7/22)
(Ferrari)
Hot on the heels of the launch of its 488GTB, Ferrari is announcing the launch of the 488 Spider, calling it "a car that is aimed squarely at clients seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports car with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound." Duh. The 488 Spider can be seen finished in the new Blu Corsa livery at www.ferrari.com. (7/29)
Editor's Note: Now that we are officially in the Dog Days of Summer – with car shows and car memories running on overdrive (the supreme examples of this being next month's Woodward Dream Cruise and the Monterey Car Week extravaganza) – we thought we’d re-run an excerpt from one of our favorite pieces of automotive prose, which poet, critic and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, James Agee wrote for the September 1934 issue of Fortune. – WG
The characters in our story are five: this American continent; this American people; the automobile; the Great American Road, and the Great American Roadside. As an American, of course, you know these characters. This continent, an open palm spread frank before the sky against the bulk of the world. This curious people. The automobile you know as well as you know the slouch of the accustomed body at the wheel and the small stench of gas and hot metal. You know the sweat and the steady throes of the motor and the copious and thoughtless silence and the almost lack of hunger and the spreaded swell and swim of the hard highway toward and beneath and behind and gone and the parted roadside swarming past. This great road, too; you know that well. How it is scraggled and twisted along the coast of Maine, high-crowned and weak-shouldered in honor of long winter, how like a blacksnake in the sun it takes the ridges, the green and dim ravines which are the Cumberlands, and lolls loose into the hot Alabama valleys . . . Oh yes, you know this road….All such things you know….God and the conjunction of confused bloods, history and the bullying of this tough continent to heel, did something to the American people -- worked up in their blood a species of restiveness unlike any that any race before has known. Whatever we may think, we move for no better reason than for the plain unvarnished hell of it. And there is no better reason. So God made the American restive. The American in turn and in due time got into the automobile and found it good. The automobile became a hypnosis, the opium of the American people... "Whatever we may think, we move for no better reason than for the plain unvarnished hell of it. And there is no better reason.” Amen. (7/29)
(Autoextremist Photo)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Our "Quick Take" at the end of July had us in a 2015 Chevrolet SS Sedan. Our "Regal Peacock Green Metallic" tester (sort of like British Racing Green 3.0) was low key but surprisingly handsome, even though it is an ultra-conservative design. We actually liked the low-key look of the SS because well, truth be told, if you drive around with your foot in it an awful lot like we did, the black-green was understated and not showy at all, which was perfect for the task at hand. And who's kidding whom, here? The whole point of the SS is having a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan with big V8 power and in this case, a six-speed manual gearbox, and it all works beautifully together in this package. You find yourself hammering it if only just to hear that big V8 bark. Not that the SS is a 0-60 mph meathead special by any stretch, because the Magnetic Ride Control makes this 3960 lb. sedan feel composed and sophisticated, and you can hustle it around at - ahem - remarkable speeds over any kind of driver's road, particularly high-speed sweepers, where it absolutely shines. It's no secret that the Chevrolet SS is the last of a vanishing breed (the only other large performance sedan available with a manual gearbox is the BMW M5). In fact GM is going to stop selling it here by 2017, when the plant in Australia that builds it fades away. But the SS is the last of a vanishing breed for other reasons too. With emissions and fuel economy restrictions growing more stringent by the model year, you simply won't be able to buy something like the SS. There is an unmistakable, visceral thrill that comes with a big V8, rear-wheel-drive and a manual gearbox. Some in the anti-car intelligentsia would love to see cars like the SS go away in favor of autonomous cars and the rigid controls that go with them. Hell, even some enthusiasts would love to see manual gearboxes go by the wayside altogether in favor of performance automatics, because they're quicker in maximum testing and they find the whole notion of a manual quaint and superfluous. A manual gearbox can be eminently satisfying, however - certainly not in the stop-and-go urban slog, we get that - but for weekend jaunts and fun driving we'd take a manual over a super automatic any day. So, we liked the SS. A lot. And frankly, for around $46,000 (we'd delete the sunroof) it's a damn good deal too. –PMD (7/29)
AE Quote of the Week, Part IV. Holman W. Jenkins, Jr., writing in The Wall Street Journal about Tesla in a column entitled, "Tesla Is a Compliance Company - The electric-car maker’s entire business model is rapidly becoming a regulatory creation." In a piece filled with many excellent perspectives and tidbits (including priceless bits about environmental shills Margo Oge, the recently retired chief of the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel-mileage efforts, and Mary Nichols, delusional head of California’s Air Resources Board), Jenkins had this to say, while referring to Diarmuid O’Connell, Tesla vice president of business development, who made a much-touted appearance at the auto industry conference in Traverse City last week: "In reality, Mr. O’Connell’s conspicuous plumping for tougher mileage mandates is about something else. Tesla seeks to foster a political mood favorable to the extension of the tax credit without, you know, actually publicly lobbying for a grotesquely regressive handout. Yet it’s easy to extrapolate that Tesla’s entire market capitalization of $34 billion is nothing but the discounted present value of its expected future subsidies. Tesla, like any business, doesn’t leave money on the table in its pricing. And the tax credit will become even more important, and a bigger part of Tesla’s implicit revenue, when it launches its $35,000 Model 3 for the mass market." (8/12)
(Hyundai/newspressUSA)
Hyundai revealed the “Vision G” Concept Coupe at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). “The concept was designed with coordinated input from Hyundai design studios around the world, but was led by our team here in the U.S.,” said Peter Schreyer, Hyundai’s president and chief design officer. “The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don’t need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues.” Uh, okay, whatever you say... The “Vision G” is powered by the 5.0-liter Tau V8 engine producing 420 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 383 lb. ft. of torque at 5,000 rpm. The concept was shown again in Monterey, Calif., at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. (8/12)
The Automakers, every last one of them. Editor-in-Chief's Note: J.D. Power says that 20 percent of new vehicle owners have never used sixteen of the 33 technology features in their cars. The 2015 J.D. Power Driver Interactive Vehicle Experience Report evaluates the typical owner's experience in the first 90 days of ownership of a new car or truck. What does this survey really say? That the auto manufacturers are loading up vehicles with expensive technology in a technological arms race that adds cost upon cost and to what end? Bragging rights at the auto shows? We're talking billions of dollars here in the most egregious case of technology for technology's sake that this industry has ever seen. But then again this business has been burdened with rational thought only for fleeting moments in time throughout its history. And this isn't an "age" thing either in case you're wondering, because Millennials don't bother - or look to - the center stacks of their cars for technological sustenance. They have their smart phones and tablets for that. When will this absurdity stop? Not anytime soon, you can count on that. –PMD (8/26)
Sergio Marchionne. Editor-in-Chief's Note: As you have probably figured out, I was not impressed in the least with Marchionne's bombastic performance in his now infamous Automotive News interview. But it did manage to accomplish one worthwhile thing, and that was to strip another layer of veneer off of his carefully constructed persona, exposing him for what he well and truly is - which is a carpet bagging mercenary searching for his next deal. But what he said about Mary Barra, GM's CEO - "I'm not trying to date Mary, for the record, but I tried to get to see her." - was not only completely inappropriate, it was simply unconscionable and unforgivable. He crossed the line, and there's no sugar coating that fact. In considering Marchionne's dreadful faux pas, you have to ask yourself the following question: Would he have deigned to say the same thing if there was a man at the top of General Motors? And the answer is flat-out no. Mary Barra deserves to be treated with a measure of respect; something Marchionne is incapable of giving her because after all, in his mind everyone is beneath him. Marchionne's contemptuous behavior toward Mary Barra says more about who he really is than anything I could ever write. –PMD (9/2)
(Bentley/newspressUSA)
Scotland’s historical seat of power, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, hosted the 2015 Concours of Elegance on September 4-6, and an impressive array of Bentley models took center stage. The prestigious, invitation-only event – which showcased 60 of the world’s rarest and most valuable cars – featured six Bentley models ranging from a 1927 6 ½ Litre Vanden Plas tourer to a 1960 S2 Continental with H.J. Mulliner Fastback coachwork. It was the R-Type (above) that first brought the Continental name into the Bentley lexicon in 1952. With a top speed of 120 mph this was the fastest four-seater in the world at the time. Many of the 208 examples produced were coach built by Mulliner. (9/2)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Now that Consumer Reports has flaunted its true colors - yet again - it's a relief that the "consumer" magazine's agenda has finally, finally, been exposed for all to see. The continued canonization of everything Tesla by CR, including its latest review, which had them discarding their own rating scale - because, well, you know, the car was so damn good that it broke their own rating scale - is the direct result of the magazine's not-so-closeted agenda. Pop-up consumer come-ons saying “Tesla’s innovation shows we don’t have to compromise. Stand with Consumer Reports as we fight for better cars” were all over CR's website after the review of the P85D, and the magazine's chief auto-tester, Jake Fisher said in an accompanying video, “At Consumer Reports, we believe improving fuel efficiency is a vital initiative.” Wow. Thanks for clarifying that, Jake, because the thought that manufacturers are catering to your every whim and busy currying CR's favor when in fact your testing results are the furthest thing from being objective and unbiased is indeed a noteworthy revelation.
I have been appalled at the lemming-like idolatry that the auto manufacturers - and consumers - have reserved for Consumer Reports long before we started this publication. Why? Because I know auto journalists bring to the discussion a set of biases and preconceived notions that color everything they write about or say - me included - and to pretend otherwise is simply ludicrous. And to suggest that CR was made up of a strain of advanced robots where none of those preconceived notions applied was flat-out laughable.
But the manufacturers and unfortunately the consumers continue to assign CR with far too much gravitas and influence, because somehow they buy into the contrived reputation that CR was pure and only delved in testing results that were black & white. Well, now we can all let out a giant sigh of relief, because the CR act has been exposed as pure, unmitigated bullshit, x 100.
Listen, every single writer covering the auto business has biases, even the staid scribes toiling away for the uptight newspapers and news services have them. Read between the lines and they're easy to see. As for me, I have plenty. As in, you can spend a lot money on exotic, multi-valve engines but for me there's no substitute for a crackling good V8. Want more? There are two cars that define the American sports car aura: The Chevrolet Corvette and the Shelby Cobra. I like early- to mid-70s 911s because you had to take them by the scruff of the neck and will them to go fast. If you paid attention they delivered a level of driving satisfaction I haven't experienced since. And I liked the fact that if you weren't paying attention they'd bite you in the ass and you'd be going backwards in an instant. Fair enough and a worthy trade-off. I think the original Corvette Sting Ray racer is still, to this day, the most beautiful design of all time. Aerodynamically challenged to be sure, but the most stunning car in person that I've ever seen, or ridden in (yes, Bill Mitchell was driving it at the time). I think the Golf GTI - and even more so the Golf R - are the two best everyday enthusiast cars built. The Ford Focus ST and the upcoming RS have a long way to go before I'll be convinced otherwise. I think the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is the most beautiful car on the road today. And I think the Cadillac Ciel and Elmiraj are the two best concepts of the last decade. As for brands and branding, no one does it better than Porsche, with Audi being a close second. And their cars are sublime. In fact, if given one more shot at "a last chance power drive" I'd order a Cayman GT4 and grin about it until I croak. And if it had to be American, no, it wouldn't be a Corvette Z06, it would be a ZL1 Camaro (until they do one off the new car). I could go on, but suffice to say anyone who writes about the car business has countless biases of their own as well. So do the editors of CR. And if they want us all to drive electric cars - preferably anything built by Tesla - then fine, at least we know where they're coming from now. Oh and by the way? They still suck, exposed biases or no. –PMD (9/2)
(Porsche)
Porsche took the wraps off its new 911 Carrera at the Frankfurt International Auto Show. The big news? Twin-turbo engines with a 20HP power increase compared to the previous models. The 3.0 liter engine in the standard Carrera now develops 370HP with 331 lb.-ft. of torque. While the Carrera S makes use of turbochargers with modified compressor wheels, a model-specific exhaust system, and a different tune for 420HP and 368 lb.-ft. of torque. Porsche PR minions say that both powertrains supply generous torque over a broad powerband, with a 7,500 RPM redline "accompanied by the familiar Porsche sound." (Well, there's that at least.) All new 911 Carrera variants are offered with a manual seven-speed transmission as standard (halle-frickin'-luja). The other result of the new turbo engines? They're up to twelve percent more efficient. (9/9)
(Rolls-Royce)
From the Rolls-Royce PR Minions: “Our new Rolls-Royce Dawn promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date, and begins a new age of open-top, super-luxury motoring. Dawn is a beautiful new motor car that offers the most uncompromised open-top motoring experience in the world. A true four-seater; it will be the most social of super-luxury drophead motor cars for those who wish to bathe in the sunlight of the world’s most exclusive social hotspots. Quite simply, it is the sexiest Rolls-Royce ever built. The name ‘Dawn’ perfectly suggests the fresh opportunities that every new day holds – an awakening, an opening up of one’s senses and a burst of sunshine. In its tentative, inchoate, anticipatory state, dawn is the world coming to light from the ethereal dark of the night. The early-day chill of dawn provides an erotic tingle on the skin, awakening the senses and passions as the day begins. Like Eleanor Thornton, thought by many to be the inspiration behind the Spirit of Ecstasy, the Rolls-Royce Dawn will itself prove to be the muse that leads its owner to believe that at the start of the day, anything is possible.” And that, friends, is a press release. Wow. That is all. (9/9)
(Bentley)
This is the Bentley Bentayga, which the automaker is calling "the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world." Powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine with 608 PS (600 bhp/447kW) and 900 Nm (663 lb. ft) of torque, the monster SUV goes 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds) with a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). Bentley also insists that the Bentayga "boasts the world’s finest automotive cabin, with unrivaled levels of precision." Get your Ya-Yas out, ladies and gentlemen. (9/9)
(Images courtesy of Porsche)
This is the Porsche Mission E, the first all-electrically powered four-seat sports car in the brand's history. Porsche PR minions say that the concept car "combines the unmistakable emotional design of a Porsche with excellent performance and the forward-thinking practicality of the first 800-volt drive system." Key details? Four doors, four single seats, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, over 600HP (440 kW) and over 500 km driving range. (9/16)
The drive system of the Mission E features two permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) – similar to those used in this year's Le Mans-winning 919 hybrid prototype racer – to accelerate the sports car and recover braking energy. Together the two motors produce over 600HP and propel the Mission E to a speed of 100 km/h in less than 3.5 seconds and to 200 km/h in under twelve seconds. In addition to their high efficiency, power density and uniform power development, they offer another advantage: unlike today's electric drive systems, they can develop their full power even after multiple accelerations at short intervals. (9/16)
(Ford)
The long-awaited, all-new 2016 Ford Focus RS is the real deal. Powered by a specially-engineered version of Ford’s new 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine, it will deliver a projected 350 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque and will go from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 165 mph. The Focus RS comes quipped with a super trick Ford Performance All-Wheel Drive system with Dynamic Torque Vectoring for "outstanding traction and grip with dynamic agility and cornering speed," according to the automaker. Focus RS drivers can select from four different drive modes that configure the all-wheel-drive system, damper controls, electronic stability control, steering and engine responses, and exhaust sound to deliver optimum performance in road or circuit driving conditions. Normal, sport or track settings are available, along with a special drift mode to help the driver achieve controlled oversteer drifts at the track. The pocket supercar will start at $36,605 when it becomes available next spring. (9/16)
(Ferrari)
(Ferrari)
Ferrari has revealed its C7 Z06, er, we mean the F12tdf, a special edition that pays homage to the Tour de France, the endurance road race that Ferrari dominated in the 50s and 60s with its 250 GT Berlinetta (I mean, come on, it looks eerily similar to the Corvette, right? -PMD). Ferrari PR minions call the F12tdf, "the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track." It's lighter, more powerful and faster: 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds. Just 799 will be built and it will cost a giant boatload of cash. (10/14)
(Chevrolet)
Why not just call it the Bolt LG and get it over with? GM announced on Tuesday that it will partner with LG Corp. to bring the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt EV to reality. Following joint planning and research with GM engineers, LG Electronics Vehicle Components led a team of LG companies to help develop the Bolt. LG supplied an array of new components and systems, including the electric drive motor (built from GM design), power invertor module (converts DC power to AC for the drive unit), on-board charger, and battery cells and pack. The Bolt can travel more than 200 miles on a single electric charge and is expected to be priced around $30,000. The Bolt EV will go into production at GM’s Orion Township assembly plant in late 2016. (10/21)
(Chevrolet)
Domino’s has chosen the 2015 Chevrolet Spark as the basis for the company’s new Domino’s DXP™ (Delivery Expert), a specially designed and built pizza delivery vehicle. The vehicle, adapted from a crowd-sourced concept submitted as part of the Domino’s Ultimate Delivery Vehicle Challenge, was converted and delivered through a partnership between Domino’s and Roush Enterprises. Domino’s expects to see the first DXP’s to hit the streets this month. (10/21)
The AE Quote of the Year. Peggy Noonan, The Wall Street Journal columnist, had some excellent advice for young journalists this week. "She took her seat in the hearing room handsomely coiffed, beautifully made up, wearing a sober, dark high-end pantsuit. Young journalists tell me I'm not allowed to describe how she's dressed or whether she looks tired (no, well rested) or stressed (no, cool as a cucumber). I tell them if they're going to be journalists they can't start out as word cops. Nor should they in their work put politically correct limits on their ability to describe a scene. If you mean to be a craftsman, you cannot start your career as a sensor." Amen. (10/21)
(Acura)
This is the new 2017 Acura NSX. Suffice to say you won't be able to move over the next few months without reading about it. The NSX Sport Hybrid power unit features a mid-mounted, 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged, 75-degree DOHC V6 engine with dry sump lubrication, mated to an all-new 9-speed dual clutch transmission (9DCT) and Direct-Drive Motor. This is augmented by the front Twin Motor Unit (TMU) driving the front wheels. Total system peak output is estimated at 573HP: 500HP from the gasoline engine and 73HP from the front TMU. It weighs 3,800 pounds without options. There will be more to come on the NSX, much more, but… Editor-in-Chief's Note: 3,800 pounds for Honda's world beating (allegedly) supercar of the future? What the Hell is going on, exactly? Where is the lithe and agile engineering mindset that propelled Honda to such great heights in the past? Where is the "add lightness" component? GM's True Believers just took 300 pounds out of the all-new Camaro, and this is the best Honda can do? A flat-out disappointment and a terrible miss. –PMD (10/28) The 2017 Acura NSX will have a base MSRP of $156,000 in the U.S., with loaded versions topping out at $205,700. The first NSX - VIN 001 - will be auctioned off for charity at the Barrett-Jackson collecter car auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, the last week of January, 2016. (12/18)
(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 (11/4)
(Cadillac)
Cadillac announced that the 2016 Cadillac Touring 6 sedan, which begins production in Detroit in January, will begin shipping to dealers in March. 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 (11/4)
(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. (11/4)
(FCA)
This is the Fiat 124 Spider, a car based on the new Mazda MX-5 Miata. FCA PR minions say "it delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design." We say that it represents a new low in the illustrious annals of badge engineering. If you were hoping for some sort of oomph in its Italian wrapper, well, we bet you're bitterly disappointed. A blatant cut-and-paste job designed to keep FCA dealers believing in the Marchionne school of smoke-and-mirrors marketing, the Fiat 124 is a cynical carnival barker of a car. Guess what? That sound you hear? It's FCA dealers clicking off their computers en masse and knocking off early for the day. And tomorrow they'll go to work and start figuring out how to extricate themselves from Marchionne's tentacles, aka "The Nightmare" and the biggest mistake of their professional careers. –PMD (11/18)
(Lamborghini)
Automobili Lamborghini has introduced the Lamborghini Huracán LP 580-2: a rear-wheel-drive version of the Huracán coupe. With its naturally aspirated V10 5.2 l engine sending 426 kW/580HP to the rear axle, the Huracán LP 580-2's dry weight is just 1,389 kg - 33 kg lighter than the all-wheel-drive version. Weight distribution is biased 40% at the front/60% at the rear. An entirely new power management set-up, encompassing modified suspension, tweaked steering set-up and recalibrated stability and traction controls connects the driver as directly as possible with the road. The selectable Lamborghini driving modes STRADA, SPORT and CORSA are tuned to provide over-steering characteristics, emphasizing its authentic rear-wheel drive character. The Huracán LP 580-2 is expected to be priced substantially lower - by as much as $50,000 - than the all-wheel-drive Huracan. (11/18)
The Two Cadillacs. Here we go again with the perpetual conundrum facing the Cadillac brand. Desperate for recognition - and ranking - along with the widely accepted and respected German road stars, there are now two Cadillacs emerging, seemingly in conflict with each other. In one corner we have the Cadillac Extremists, the True Believers reporting to GM product development guru Mark Reuss, who regularly crank out stunning high-performance machines every time they set their minds to it. Validating GM's capability and high-performance credentials, the Cadillac V-Series machines are impressive pieces of work by any measure.
But then there's the "other" Cadillac, fueled by the runaway success - and incredible profitability - of the Escalade, and soon to be joined by the XT5 (the SRX replacement), a brace of new crossovers, and the new CT6 sedan, this "other" Cadillac is the Cadillac that must thrive if the division ever hopes to get out of its own way. People point to Mercedes and BMW as examples of car companies that can do high-performance machines (AMG and M), while still cranking out crossovers and SUVs with abandon, so why can't Cadillac do the same to accomplish an image makeover? Because quite simply, Cadillac's legacy isn't high-performance. Not that there haven't been high-performance Cadillacs in the past, because there certainly have been, but that's clearly not Cadillac's raison d'etre and I'm not sure these V-Series machines will serve to change that fact.
The ATS-V and CTS-V exist as islands unto themselves, and beyond convincing a few enthusiasts to give the stellar V-Series cars a look on their way to the Mercedes-Benz and BMW dealers, they are but a mere footnote in the bigger picture for Cadillac. This is a division, after all, that has presented two of the most stunning concepts in the world over the last five years - the Ciel and the Elmiraj - and yet the Cadillac brain trust has done nothing to burnish the intense imagery of those machines into the American consumer consciousness. Instead, we have the highly restrained CT6, which doesn't have nearly the impact that it should, which is regrettable. As I said, the V-Series machines are impressive testaments to the will and the vision of the True Believers at GM and selfishly, as an enthusiast, I am thrilled that they exist. But in the end, they're not going to move the image needle enough to make a difference for Cadillac. What will? Big, imposing, distinctive luxury automobiles that make as memorable of an impression as the Escalade does on the street. Until that happens, Cadillac will continue to effectively run in place, taking three steps forward and five back, not moving the needle nearly as much as it needs to. –PMD (11/18)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: While perusing the prices for the new generation 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S (see below), it's clear to me that we've officially reached the point of no return when it comes to Porsche. Yes, the wildly successful purveyor of sporty SUVs and delicious sports cars has made a return to racing prominence with its Le Mans-winning 919 Hybrid, but once upon a time the Porsche 911 was at least somewhat affordable, at least if you swallowed real hard anyway. But over the last few years, sticker "creep" has completely overwhelmed the brand. A "base" 911 Coupe is now $89,400. A 911 Carrera S is $103,400, the 911 Targa is $108,600 and a 911 Carrera GTS comes in at $114,200. And the 911 Turbo starts at a whopping $159,200. Now I'm sure an argument can be put forth that these prices are in line with the performance/value equation that Porsche presents and that they're consistent with the sticker "creep" that has overwhelmed the industry, but $200,400 for a 911 Turbo S Cabriolet? Really? That's moving into a price territory that's borderline ridiculous. Yes, this is coming from someone who owned many 911s back in the day but still, back then a 911 was at least somewhat reachable. Now, Porsche has decided that they will move into super luxury price territory with the 911. But then again maybe that's fitting when it comes right down to it. After all, the 911 stopped being a 911 years ago. Today the 911 is actually a large car brimming with luxury accoutrements and (for the most part) an automatic transmission. It has become an "arrival" car for those who think it's what they should be driving, people blissfully unaware of what the Porsche 911 once represented, both to the car company and the people who lusted after them. It's no secret that hardcore Porsche driving enthusiasts are gravitating to the Cayman and all of its variants for the "true" Porsche driving experience. I guess we should be thankful that option still exists. –PMD (12/2)
(Porsche images)
The 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S will make their debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The top-of-the-line 911 models will be available in both coupe and convertible and offer improvements throughout. The 3.8-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine powering the 911 Turbo now develops 540HP, an increase of 20HP. The increase is achieved through modified intake ports in the cylinder heads, new fuel injectors, and higher fuel pressure. For those who must have more, the 911 Turbo S now has 580HP thanks to new turbochargers with larger impellers. In addition to a higher maximum torque (553 lb.-ft. in overboost compared to 523 lb.-ft. on the Turbo), the Turbo S also has a higher redline (7200 rpm instead of 7000). Porsche is still the only manufacturer to use turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in gasoline engines. The 911 Turbo S Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Its top track speed of 205 miles per hour has increased by 7 miles per hour. The 911 Turbo reaches 60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds, with a top track speed of 198 miles per hour. (12/2)
The new generation Porsche 911 Turbo will reach dealers in April 2016. Base MSRP is as follows (not including the destination charge): 911 Turbo, $159,200; 911 Turbo Cabriolet, $171,500; 911 Turbo S, $188,100; 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, $200,400. Remember when a 911 Porsche was semi-affordable? Yeah, we don't either. (12/2)
(Porsche)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: As I predicted when it appeared at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September, Porsche will build a production version of the four-seat Mission E concept. It will be the first all-electric Porsche. "We are making a clear statement about the future of the brand," Chairman Wolfgang Porsche said in the statement. "Even in a greatly changing motoring world, Porsche will maintain its front-row position with this fascinating sports car." I also said that because of the the VW Group's disastrous diesel emissions scandal, that all of the German auto manufacturers have been embarrassed and that they would double-down on advanced technology to reestablish their reputation as the creators of most of the finest cars in the world. And it now looks like Porsche will take the lead in doing this. Porsche will spend 1 billion-euro ($1.09 billion) to produce the Mission E, which will be manufactured near the company's headquarters in Stuttgart, creating 1,000 jobs. The Mission E (or whatever they'll call it) will arrive in showrooms for the 2020 model year. –PMD (12/2)
(Bugatti images)
Bugatti and the motor yacht builder Palmer Johnson are teaming up to build real expensive and exclusive boats. Under license granted by Bugatti, Palmer Johnson has designed a new series of open carbon-fiber sport yachts, featuring distinctive Bugatti design elements and advanced materials. The series bears the Niniette name and is available in three models from 42ft to 88ft. Prices for the smallest model start at €2 million. (12/2)
Company founder Ettore Bugatti also developed racing boats and yachts in the 1930s. Niniette was the pet name of his daughter Lidia. Now, more than 80 years later, this tradition has been revived and the brand motto of “Art, Forme, Technique“ is once again being applied to a boat. (12/2)
The PJ63 Niniette has a length of 63 feet and a beam of 20.3ft. On request, Bugatti can tailor the interior to meet customers’ individual requirements. (12/2)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Porsche is renaming its mid-engine sports cars the 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman, respectively, when the models are introduced over the course of 2016. The 718 designation is a reference to the famous Porsche racer – a successor to the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder – introduced back in 1957. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman will share more similarities than ever before, both visually and technically. And the Roadster will be positioned at a higher price level than the Coupe, as is the case with the 911 models. The 718 model range will be powered by flat four-cylinder turbocharged engines. Now, for the billion-dollar question, as in, why? Or better yet, WTF? It's going to say 718 Boxster or 718 Cayman on the back of the cars. And Why? Why not dispense with the names altogether and call them the Porsche 718 Coupe and the Porsche 718 Spyder? It would make more sense, frankly. This smacks of classic German marketing over think on Porsche's part and I am completely underwhelmed. WTF? indeed. –PMD
(Photo by Joe Imel for Chevrolet)
An Engine Builder performs an SIDI Check on a Corvette LT4 engine in the Performance Build Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at the plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. General Motors announced that it will invest $44 million in the Bowling Green Assembly plant to support increased capacity in its Performance Build Center, adding 36 new jobs. Construction and tool re-arrangement is planned to begin in January 2016. The expansion of the Performance Build Center is fueled by the runaway success of the Corvette Z06, which currently accounts for nearly one third of all Corvettes produced at Bowling Green Assembly. The Performance Build Center also offers the unique, Build Your Own Engine program, which allows customers to assemble the supercharged 650HP LT4 engine for their own ordered cars. The $5,000 option package includes a full day with a Performance Build Center engine assembly technician who instructs and oversees the build, a personalized engine plaque identifying the customer and professional photography. (12/9)
Shinola. The company that touts its watches and other goods as being "Built in Detroit" and that relentlessly portrays itself as a booster of American manufacturing has been forced to alter its claims about the origins of its watch parts as federal regulators take aim at the resurgent U.S. watchmaking industry over “Made in USA” marketing. After Detroit Free Press inquiries last week, and after Shinola has consistently made statements that components of its highly precise watch movements are all made in Switzerland, the company revised its consumer disclosure section on its website to add that the components are also from Thailand. The company said that about one-third of the watch movement components come from the Asian country. But, that didn't stop the company from insisting that it's still right. “This is building. For us, it’s not assembling,” Shinola President Jacques Panis told the Free Press last week during a tour of the factory line inside the company’s Detroit headquarters. “These folks are highly trained, and for us to say that they’re assembling something is not accurate in our mind.” As the Free Press reported this morning in a front page story, "Such fine distinctions in language matter to a company that has invested great time and money marketing a rebirth in domestic manufacturing centered in Detroit." And it's a bunch of Bush League Bullshit too. This isn't the first time that a company has tried to take advantage of the whole "rebirth of Detroit" thing. And it won't be the last, unfortunately. (12/16)
Sergio Marchionne. Editor-In-Chief's Note: The carpetbagging mercenary/flim-flam artist is at it again, this time insisting that it would be a good idea for Alfa Romeo to return to Formula 1, according to a Reuters report. WTF? Now even if it did happen - which is only a remote possibility, at best - an "Alfa Romeo" racer in F1 would simply be a badge-engineered Ferrari F1 machine, such is the pathetic state of the international racing series. Ferrari is already committed to supplying three non-factory teams with engines next season - Swiss-based Sauber, the new American-owned Haas F1 Team and the Red Bull-owned Toro Rosso (although Toro Rosso will use a 2015 spec engine), so spending all that cash generated from selling Jeeps on another two F1 cars would be incremental spending, in Sergio's eyes. But true to form, Sergio just couldn't help himself from launching a bombastic, bullshit comment saying, "It's incredible how the Alfa marque remains in people's hearts. For that very reason we are thinking about bringing it back, as our competitor, to racing, to Formula One. It's important for Alfa to return." A longtime AE reader, Mark W., had this to say about Marchionne's latest fanciful boast concerning Alfa's place in the automotive world: "In the words of Jerry Seinfeld 'Who are these people ?!?!?' Yes it is ‘incredible’ Sergio… it’s incredible that anyone even knows what Alfa is anymore thanks to the dereliction of duty FIAT has sullied upon the Alfa brand over the last 30+ years." The High-Octane Truth, indeed. Marchionne has been beating the Alfa drum to no avail for so long now that he is simply devoid of even a shred of credibility. He has broken every promise to the dealers, missed every target for the relaunch of the brand and yet he still insists it will be on par with Audi in the U.S. market by 2018. As if. With each new utterance about the golden promise of Alfa, Marchionne looks more and more foolish and that's really saying something, especially since he has compiled quite a dossier of stupidity ever since he was gifted Chrysler by the Obama administration. Continuing to tout the long-faded brand is nothing but an affront to the reality of where Alfa Romeo is and where it's going, which is nowhere good - and fast. -PMD (12/16)
(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz will replace the SLK with the SLC in the Spring of 2016. Mercedes PR minions, phoning it in, say: "With significantly optimized technology and an enhanced look, the name change acknowledges the traditionally close relationship with the C-Class, from which much of the roadster’s technology is derived." Whatever. Oh, and there's also a Mercedes-AMG SLC43 (below) with a 3.0-liter, 362HP biturbo V6 and a 9G-TRONIC sport transmission, so there's that. (12/16)
Check out the latest episode of The High-Octane Truth on AutoextremistTV below. -WG