Monday
Nov182019
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
Monday, November 18, 2019 at 09:27AM 
(Ford images)
When it arrives in late 2020 (read Peter's column here), the Ford Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles, according to Ford PR minions. In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E is targeting 332 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque – with the standard all-wheel-drive variation targeting quicker times to 60 mph than the base Porsche Macan series, again according to Ford. There will eventually be two special performance versions: The GT is targeting 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, and the GT Performance Edition is targeting a comparable 0-60 mph in the mid-3-second range. Both GT configurations are targeting an estimated 342 kW (459 horsepower) and 830 Nm (612 lb.-ft.) of torque. Customers can visit the Mustang Mach-E reservation site to make a $500 reservation deposit. A limited First Edition will be available in extended-range all-wheel drive, with red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate marked First Edition. Those looking for the the Mach-E GT can make reservations now for deliveries starting in spring 2021. The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a MagneRide® damping system and adaptive suspension technology. The Mustang Mach-E offers three drive settings – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – each offering "finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience," according to Ford. Features include sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior. When the vehicle launches, a new Mach-E 4 all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles. Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions. Mach-E is the first production vehicle to be tuned by the Ford Performance team utilizing Ford’s racing simulator in North Carolina. No prices were announced.
When it arrives in late 2020 (read Peter's column here), the Ford Mustang Mach-E will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive, Mach-E has a targeted EPA-estimated range of at least 300 miles, according to Ford PR minions. In extended-range all-wheel-drive configurations, Mach-E is targeting 332 horsepower and 417 lb.-ft. of torque – with the standard all-wheel-drive variation targeting quicker times to 60 mph than the base Porsche Macan series, again according to Ford. There will eventually be two special performance versions: The GT is targeting 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds, and the GT Performance Edition is targeting a comparable 0-60 mph in the mid-3-second range. Both GT configurations are targeting an estimated 342 kW (459 horsepower) and 830 Nm (612 lb.-ft.) of torque. Customers can visit the Mustang Mach-E reservation site to make a $500 reservation deposit. A limited First Edition will be available in extended-range all-wheel drive, with red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate marked First Edition. Those looking for the the Mach-E GT can make reservations now for deliveries starting in spring 2021. The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a MagneRide® damping system and adaptive suspension technology. The Mustang Mach-E offers three drive settings – Whisper, Engage and Unbridled – each offering "finely tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience," according to Ford. Features include sportier steering controls, ambient lighting, sounds tuned for an authentic all-electric experience, and dynamic cluster animations that are tied to driving behavior. When the vehicle launches, a new Mach-E 4 all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles. Ford tuned this system to provide excellent traction on the road, rigorously testing the vehicle in wet and snowy terrain to help control for slippery conditions. Mach-E is the first production vehicle to be tuned by the Ford Performance team utilizing Ford’s racing simulator in North Carolina. No prices were announced.
(Audi images)
Audi is presenting the e-tron Sportback, the second model in its e-tron product line. The SUV coupé offers up to 300 kW of power and a range of up to 277.1 miles (in the WLTP cycle) from a single battery charge. Its digital matrix LED headlights are a new feature now available for the first time in a mass-production vehicle. Their light is broken down into tiny pixels and can be controlled with exceptional precision. This makes safe lane centering easier on narrow stretches of road and shows the position of the vehicle in the lane. The Audi e-tron Sportback can be ordered as of the end of November. Market introduction in Europe is scheduled for the spring of 2020. The U.S.? Later.
Audi is presenting the e-tron Sportback, the second model in its e-tron product line. The SUV coupé offers up to 300 kW of power and a range of up to 277.1 miles (in the WLTP cycle) from a single battery charge. Its digital matrix LED headlights are a new feature now available for the first time in a mass-production vehicle. Their light is broken down into tiny pixels and can be controlled with exceptional precision. This makes safe lane centering easier on narrow stretches of road and shows the position of the vehicle in the lane. The Audi e-tron Sportback can be ordered as of the end of November. Market introduction in Europe is scheduled for the spring of 2020. The U.S.? Later.
(VW images)
From the L.A. Auto Show: The Volkswagen ID. SPACE VIZZION electric concept "combines the aerodynamic design of a Gran Turismo with the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV," according to VW PR minions. With an 82 kWH battery and an admirably low drag coefficient of 0.24, the vehicle has a predicted range of up to 300 miles on the EPA cycle. The seventh member of the ID. concept family, the ID. SPACE VIZZION previews a potential production car for Europe and North America.
From the L.A. Auto Show: The Volkswagen ID. SPACE VIZZION electric concept "combines the aerodynamic design of a Gran Turismo with the spaciousness and versatility of an SUV," according to VW PR minions. With an 82 kWH battery and an admirably low drag coefficient of 0.24, the vehicle has a predicted range of up to 300 miles on the EPA cycle. The seventh member of the ID. concept family, the ID. SPACE VIZZION previews a potential production car for Europe and North America.
(Aston Martin images)
Aston Martin is calling its DBX "an SUV with the soul of a sports car." We stopped reading after that. It was revealed in China.
Aston Martin is calling its DBX "an SUV with the soul of a sports car." We stopped reading after that. It was revealed in China.
(Lexus images)
Lexus introduced the LC 500 Convertible at the L.A. Auto Show. We like the Coupe better but at least it's not another SUV intro.
Lexus introduced the LC 500 Convertible at the L.A. Auto Show. We like the Coupe better but at least it's not another SUV intro.
(MINI)
The new MINI John Cooper Works GP, which is making its debut at the L.A. Auto Show, is the fastest model of the British brand that has ever been approved for road use. Based on the MINI 3 door, the two-seater is powered by a 306HP twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 265 km/h. The new MINI John Cooper Works GP will be produced in a limited edition of 3,000 units at the MINI plant in Oxford. Delivery to enthusiasts around the globe will get underway in March 2020. Other highlights: Model-specific oil supply and cooling concept geared towards maximum performance; model-specific sport exhaust system; 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheels; tuned sport chassis design and set-up (suspension lowered by 10 mm as compared to the MINI John Cooper Works);high-performance braking system; model-specific front and rear bodywork; roof spoiler with double-wing contour; flared carbon wheel arch covers and model-specific cockpit enhancements.
The new MINI John Cooper Works GP, which is making its debut at the L.A. Auto Show, is the fastest model of the British brand that has ever been approved for road use. Based on the MINI 3 door, the two-seater is powered by a 306HP twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed of 265 km/h. The new MINI John Cooper Works GP will be produced in a limited edition of 3,000 units at the MINI plant in Oxford. Delivery to enthusiasts around the globe will get underway in March 2020. Other highlights: Model-specific oil supply and cooling concept geared towards maximum performance; model-specific sport exhaust system; 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheels; tuned sport chassis design and set-up (suspension lowered by 10 mm as compared to the MINI John Cooper Works);high-performance braking system; model-specific front and rear bodywork; roof spoiler with double-wing contour; flared carbon wheel arch covers and model-specific cockpit enhancements.
(Ferrari images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is the new Ferrari Roma. The latest coupé from Maranello features "timeless and sublimely refined design and has all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma," according to Ferrari PR minions. Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma's design approach is very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2 are the most iconic examples, and from which the car takes its inspiration. I could bore you with the rest of the details - yup, it's fast - but you're better off just soaking it in. It's what the Camaro should look like. And remember, while some of the assembled automotive media go ape-shit over the Mustang Mach-E on Sunday night (it's yet another crossover box with Mustang styling "overtones" and electric propulsion, and yes, we can wait), remind yourselves what compelling automotive design really looks like. -PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is the new Ferrari Roma. The latest coupé from Maranello features "timeless and sublimely refined design and has all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma," according to Ferrari PR minions. Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma's design approach is very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2 are the most iconic examples, and from which the car takes its inspiration. I could bore you with the rest of the details - yup, it's fast - but you're better off just soaking it in. It's what the Camaro should look like. And remember, while some of the assembled automotive media go ape-shit over the Mustang Mach-E on Sunday night (it's yet another crossover box with Mustang styling "overtones" and electric propulsion, and yes, we can wait), remind yourselves what compelling automotive design really looks like. -PMD
AE Song Lyrics of the Week:
Wadin' through the waste stormy winter,
And there's not a friend to help you through.
Tryin' to stop the waves behind your eyeballs,
Drop your reds, drop your greens and blues.
Thank you for your wine, California,
Thank you for your sweet and bitter fruits.
Yes I got the desert in my toenail
And I hid the speed inside my shoe.
I want you to come on, come on down Sweet Virginia,
I want you come on, honey child, I beg of you.
I want you come on, come on down, you got it in you.
(honey child)
Got to scrape the shit right off your shoes.
"Sweet Virginia" - The Rolling Stones from Exile On Main Street, 1972.