NOVEMBER 4, 2020

(VW images)
Volkswagen has unveiled the latest generation of the Golf R. It is powered by a turbocharged 1,984 cc four-cylinder TSI® engine (evo4) that delivers 315HP, 27 more than the engine in the last U.S. Golf R. Maximum torque has increased to 310 pound-feet, available from 2,100 rpm and remaining constant at this high level up to speeds of 5,350 rpm. The engine transfers its power to the standard 6-speed manual transmission — a key feature for the U.S. and Canadian markets — or an optional 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. With standard 4Motion® all-wheel drive, the Golf R can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, on its way to a top track speed of 155 mph. Other standout features of the new Golf R? A newly developed torque vectoring 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and a Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The new 4Motion setup features selective wheel torque control on the rear axle. The new rear differential distributes the power between the front and rear axles, and also between the two rear wheels. As a world first, the all-wheel drive is also networked via a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) with other running gear systems such the electronic differential locks (XDS®) and the DCC® adaptive damping system. Thanks to this close integration of the different systems, the new Golf R offers optimal traction and neutral handling. The new Golf R underwent its final tuning on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, and includes new “Special” and “Drift” driving profiles in addition to the traditional Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual profiles in Driving Mode Selection. The Sport profile is the dynamic and ideal basic mode for the Golf R. The Comfort profile is tailored more for a high level of comfort, while still offering a high degree of steering precision. In the Race profile, the coasting function (freewheeling without drive power) is deactivated, the engine sound is increased, and the DSG, DCC, steering and the all-wheel-drive system are adjusted to a more aggressive setup. In the Special driving profile, all of the main drive system parameters were configured for the Nordschleife, including the new 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The result is that the DSG® dual-clutch automatic version of the Golf R is up to seventeen seconds quicker in internal tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife than its predecessor. There is a raft of other stuff included like bigger brakes, a heavily re-worked front end, and other detailed exterior and interior mods.The new Golf R can be configured in three different colors: Lapiz Blue Metallic (the signature color for the R), but it will also be available in Pure White or Deep Black Pearl Effect. The next-gen Golf R will go on sale in the U.S. as a 2022 model about one year from now.

This is the Aznom Palladium. This is what the PR minions at Aznom have to say: "Palladium is without any doubt a unique and surprising automobile and, as in the intention of the manufacturer, is ready to fill a rather interesting and exclusive niche." The designers have dubbed it a “hyper-limousine” as it "unites the traditional characteristics of great luxury sedans (such as comfort, quality of materials and manufacturing, ample space and reliability) with outstanding capabilities usually peculiar to other types of cars." “We have produced this vehicle choosing artisanal manufacturing techniques that are almost lost today, such as panel beating and hand-crafting the body of the car, together with other technological solutions," said Aznom’s founder Marcello Meregalli. "Engine builders, tanners, panel beaters, designers and engineers who have worked on this project are heirs to a tradition that has made Italian cars famous all around the world.” The name of the vehicle itself "points to majestic and classic esthetics, taking inspiration from the mansions of renowned Italian architect Andrea Palladio," (famous for using ancient Greek and Roman styles as the base for his creations). Just shy of 2 meters in height and almost 6 meters in length, the Aznom Palladium is equipped with a 5.7 liter biturbo engine capable of delivering more than 700HP and 950 Nm of torque. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Sometimes words won't suffice, but initials will, as in WTF? They plan on building just ten of these mobile atrocities. Oh, and one more thing. Why? -PMD

(Chevrolet images)
Chevrolet will showcase a 1977 K5 Blazer converted to all-electric propulsion at SEMA360. The K5 Blazer-E is a functional proof of concept of the upcoming Electric Connect and Cruise package Chevrolet Performance plans to sell in the second half of 2021. The new K5 Blazer-E retains as much of the stock Blazer as possible and approximately 90 percent of the new parts installed for the eCrate package are factory components from the Chevrolet Bolt EV. To convert the 1977 K5 Blazer, the team first removed from the Blazer the original 175-horsepower 400 cubic-inch V-8, three-speed automatic, fuel system and exhaust. Then, the team installed a Bolt EV electric motor, delivering 200 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Chevrolet Performance electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The rest of the Blazer drivetrain remains untouched, including the transfer case, driveshaft and axles. Power is supplied by a 400-volt Bolt EV battery pack with 60 kilowatt-hours of usable energy installed in the cargo area. Using production controllers and wiring harnesses preserves many Bolt EV features, including shock protection, battery heating and cooling, battery-overcharge protection and even regenerative braking. The aftermarket components include an electric power steering kit, an electric pump providing vacuum to the stock brake system, and an electronic controller to drive inputs to the vintage Blazer gauges – such as displaying the battery’s state of charge on the original fuel gauge. To prepare for the eCrate launch, Chevrolet Performance is certifying Electric Connect and Cruise installers. Participating Chevrolet dealers and aftermarket companies will receive the training, tools and equipment needed to work with high-voltage systems and charging stations to service customers’ vehicles. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering in Brighton, Michigan will be the first company to pilot the training and certification program. This experience will help inform the certification process for future installers. The 60-kWh Electric Connect and Cruise package, expected to be available in the second half of 2021, includes:

• 60-kWh battery pack
• 200-horsepower electric motor
• DC-to-AC power inverter to drive the electric motor
• DC-to-DC power converter to power low-voltage systems
• Wiring harnesses, controllers and water pumps for battery heating and cooling

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is another significant step by GM. Leveraging their considerable EV technology knowledge and delivering it to enthusiasts who are interested in the E-conversion idea is going to pay huge dividends for the company in the aftermarket. -PMD

(Cadillac)
Cadillac has unveiled one of the first exterior images of its V-Series Blackwing vehicles: a close look at the cars’ exclusive magnesium wheels. The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be the only GM products to offer magnesium wheels in the near future. The optional forged magnesium alloy wheels will help reduce the unsprung weight of the vehicle, improving ride, handling and the overall driving experience. The 2022 CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing will be available beginning the summer of 2021. Visit the V-Series Blackwing future vehicles page on Cadillac.com to sign up for future product updates.
Five facts about magnesium from Cadillac:
1. Magnesium has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all commonly available metals.
2. Magnesium wheels absorb road vibration and transform it into heat, which is dissipated.
3. Magnesium was first discovered in 1755 and is the eighth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
4. Formula 1, MotoGP and World Endurance Championship teams use forged magnesium wheels to improve acceleration times and enhance safety.
5. Magnesium is a mineral needed by every cell in the human body.

A “GET OFF MY LAWN, YOU DAMNED KIDS!" MOMENT...

By Tom Pease

Beverly Hills. One of the things I like to do in my spare time is look at the old cars for sale online and think which one I would like to buy. Of course I know that modern cars are better, stronger, faster, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but older cars have their charms, including (usually) simplicity, workability, and if it's old enough, not having to have it smogged. And although in reality getting my vintage Belchfire 3000 up on jack stands and actually doing an oil change would happen right after I won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, it's nice to know I could.

So, looking at modern cars through the filter of those dim, dead days where Mercedes gave you manual drivers seat adjustments and mirror (because, you know, you're sitting there) here are a five things I think we could do without.

1. Configurable Digital Dashboards. I would bet that 99.9% of people scroll through the choices, pick one, and then never touch it again. Nobody cares whether the battery is at 14 volts or the temp is at 195F, they just need to know whether that's a good thing. Bar graphs, people. Stirling Moss managed to soldier through the Mille Miglia without being able to reconfigure his tach into a bar graph with light effects and vroom sounds piped in. You should too.
2. Vroom Vroom sounds piped in. You bought a car with an engine that sounds like a Cuisinart. Cope.
3. Configurable Ambient Lighting. While I admit that I am momentarily amused by welcoming puddle lights, theater-style dimming, and the Twilight Sentinel Cadillac has had since about 1957, I really don't see a pressing need to be able to shift the footwell lighting from cobalt to cyan. And those light-up grill logos are just this generation's version of Opera Lamps.
4. Redundant Rear Seat controls. Okay, maybe you moonlight for Uber. Maybe you've decided that in your position you need a driver, don't want the ostentation of a limo, but still don't want to have to ask Sneaves to turn up the AC or change the radio to “All Things Considered.” Maybe you are in possession of one of the four kids not of voting age yet who do not have an iPad or other device hermetically attached to their person. In that case you may need rear seat climate and entertainment controls. You also need a minivan. No matter how often or how hard you tell yourself otherwise.
5. Giant Wheels and Tires. Especially on an SUV. The fashion (and that is what it is) for giant wheels with pancake aspect-ratio tires is one that I would like to see end. I know that for some 195/55's are the vehicular equivalent of wearing duck boots with a tuxedo, but for those of us who live places where there are potholes (i.e., planet earth) that extra little bit of rubber and air between our expensive rims and the road can mean the difference between a bump and a costly replacement. On an off-roader it's like climbing Annapurna in a tutu and Louboutin pumps.
6. BONUS ROUND! Paying more for getting less. Paying a premium for getting a “sport” version of a car, deleting the radio, the door-pulls, the carpeting, and the HVAC while making you climb out to put the top up using old sail-cloth and discarded Lincoln Logs makes about as much sense to me as paying the gas station to actually suck the gas out of your tank. Yes, Porsche, I am looking at you.

Of course, all of this is only my opinion, which you are free to disagree with, or add to the list as you wish. If you regularly change the color of your puddle lighting, or having little Johnnie and Janie able to fight over the rear-seat heaters keeps you sane on the drive to the mall, then more power to you.

You still need a minivan. So there.

AE Song of the Week:

How many times do I have to try to tell you
That I'm sorry for the things I've done
But when I start to try to tell you
That's when you have to tell me
Hey, this kind of trouble's only just begun
I tell myself too many times
Why don't you ever learn to keep your big mouth shut
That's why it hurts so bad to hear the words
That keep on falling from your mouth
Falling from your mouth
Falling from your mouth
Tell me

Why
Why
I may be mad
I may be blind
I may be viciously unkind
But I can still read what you're thinking
And I've heard it said too many times
That you'd be better off
Besides

Why can't you see this boat is sinking
Let's go down to the water's edge
And we can cast away those doubts
Some things are better left unsaid

But they still turn me inside out
Turning inside out turning inside out
Tell me
Why
Tell me
Why
This is the book I never read
These are the words I never said
This is the path I'll never tread
These are the dreams I'll dream instead
This is the joy that's seldom spread
These are the tears

The tears we shed
This is the fear
This is the dread
These are the contents of my head
And these are the years that we have spent
And this is what they represent
And this is how I feel
Do you know how I feel?
'Cause I don't think you know how I feel
I don't think you know what I feel
I don't think you know what I feel
You don't know what I feel

"Why" - by Annie Lennox from the album "Diva" (1992)*. Published by Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. Watch the official video here. 

*This was the first single Annie Lennox released after the 1990 breakup of Eurythmics, her duo with Dave Stewart. Unlike Stewart, Lennox is rather introverted and often questioned herself. And while Stewart was always very encouraging, she wasn't sure she could make music without him. In November 2007, Lennox was interviewed extensively by Malcolm Bragg on The South Bank Show. On this program she said that "Why" was a personal song related to her going solo; she wasn't sure that she could write songs by herself, or where she was going in music or in life. It took her about 10 minutes to write. "It's weird," she added, "Some songs are like that, while others are not." "Why" showed that Lennox had the goods to go solo, something her fans already knew. It charted in a number of territories and propelled the Diva album to #1 in the UK. The album sold over two million copies in America. Lennox had plenty to write about when she started work on the Diva album: She had recently become a mother, her father had died, and she was just getting going as a solo artist. All these tribulations bonded together into this song, where she asks a simple question: Why? When asked about this song in Daniel Rachel's book The Art of Noise: Conversations with Great Songwriters, Lennox replied: "It's basically about the point we humans inevitably come to when we realize that the knots and twists in relationships simply can't be untangled, and we're left dangling with a massive question mark with no apparent resolution. Why? Why? Why? Haven't we all asked that question of ourselves and the universe?" Lennox wrote this track herself, but she had a lot of help putting it together. Her primary collaborator was Marius De Vries, a keyboard player/programmer who worked on the track. It was produced by Stephen Lipson, who had worked on the Frankie Goes To Hollywood album Welcome To The Pleasuredome. (Knowledge courtesy of songfacts.com.)