Issue 1274
November 20, 2024
 

About The Autoextremist

@PeterMDeLorenzo

Author, commentator, "The Consigliere."

Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com.

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Monday
Jul232018

JULY 25, 2018

Editor-in-Chief's Note: It's official, the 2020 Detroit Auto Show or whatever it will be called - I suggested Motorama Detroit a couple of weeks ago - is moving to June. There will be a throwaway show next January, then there will be a full eighteen month wait before the new concept show, which will be a city-wide festival. I started talking about the fact that the Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) was beyond stale four years ago. And I started pushing the idea of moving the show to June three years ago. When I discussed the Motorama Detroit, I suggested a city-wide festival that would break the mold and leave the idea of a traditional auto show in the dust. I am glad the auto show operatives decided to finally make the change. And you're welcome. -PMD
(Hyundai)
The new Le Fil Rouge (common thread) concept "is a reflection of Hyundai’s belief that the brand’s past, present and future designs are all connected," according to Hyundai PR minions. The concept introduces Hyundai’s new "Sensuous Sportiness" design theme, which will appear on all future Hyundai vehicles, ranging from sedans to SUVs. The Sensuous Sportiness design language "will bring instinctive beauty, emotional value and desirability to Hyundai vehicles. Sensuous Sportiness is defined by the harmony between four fundamental elements in car design: proportion, architecture, styling, and technology," according to Hyundai. Michigan residents will have the first opportunity to see the Le Fil Rouge concept when it makes its North American debut at the 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America in Plymouth, Michigan, July 27–29. 
(Lamborghini images)
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini’s Espada (above) and Islero models. The Espada was the first series production four-seater model in the history of Lamborghini. Of all the marque’s historic cars, it also boasts one of the highest numbers of units produced: 1,226 during its 10-year production run. The Espada was designed by Marcello Gandini for Carrozzeria Bertone. It sits very low to the ground (standing at little less than 1.20 meters high) but is nevertheless extremely spacious. The Islero – whose official name was initially the Jslero – was produced from 1968 to 1970 in two versions: the Islero and, for 1969, the Islero S. The Islero was based on the 400 GT, but revised for larger tires and wider wheels. It was designed by Mario Marazzi of Carrozzeria Marazzi. It was equipped with a longitudinal, front-mounted 4.0-liter (3,929 cc) V12 engine with dual overhead camshafts per cylinder, with six twin-barrel Weber carburetors. The maximum speed was approximately 250 km/h (260 km/h for the S version). It is a very rare model. Only 225 units were produced: 155 under the name Islero and 70 with the name Islero S. Lamborghini Polo Storico, the division devoted to the House of the Raging Bull's historic cars, has completed the restoration of the Islero and the Espada that belong to the Lamborghini Museum. The 50th anniversary celebrations of the Espada and the Islero will culminate with a tour in Umbria (September 7-11, 2018), organized by Polo Storico Lamborghini. The schedule, which sees collectors driving their cars for more than 650 kilometers along some of the most renowned roads in central Italy, features the city of Perugia as the center of activities for the tour’s first days. From there, the cars will pass through and pay visit to the city’s cathedral and museums (including the chocolate museum), in addition to the region’s most important local wineries.
The Lamborghin Islero, above and below.
(Audi images)
The Audi Q3 has been refreshed. The second generation is longer and has more room and includes a bunch of stuff added and available. We won't see it here before next spring. That is all.
(Mercedes-Benz images)
The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class has been introduced in Brooklyn, New York. 
The A-Class Sedan will be available as an A 220 and as an A 220 4MATIC, both equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo with 188HP and 221 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch transmission. The key dimensions of the new A-Class Sedan: Length: 179.1 in.; Width: 70.7 in.; Height: 56.9 in. and Wheelbase: 107.4 in. The new A-Class is also the first vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup to introduce the intuitively operated MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system. (Oh, joy.) It will go on sale in the U.S. late this year.
(Ford Images)
Do you want extra cheese on your Whopper? Ford has got you covered. The 2019 Ford F-150 Limited gets the Raptor's high-output 
3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine with 450HP and 510 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful light-duty pickup in America. The new F-150 Limited also offers a kaleidoscope of Ford technologies ranging from optional Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ to standard 360-degree camera system; a FordPass™ Connect 4G LTE modem provides Wi-Fi access for up to 10 devices; an updated interior incorporating new Camel Back two-tone color and heated, ventilated and massaging leather front seats, genuine ash swirl wood trim, and premium aluminum-wrapped bezels; and a new dual exhaust system with exhaust tips smoothly integrated into new rear bumper cutouts. The 2019 Ford F-150 Limited will be in showrooms later this year.

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