NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Ford has reached out to The Outside for its new Chief Marketing Officer: Suzy Deering, eBay's former North American CMO. Before that she was CEO of Atlanta-based ad agency Moxie, and also spent time in marketing roles at Home Depot and Verizon. Deering has no significant experience with automotive marketing, but her selection is in line with CEO Jim Farley's grandiose thinking about what his - and Ford's - place is in the universe. In a statement, Ford described Deering as being “accomplished at using technology, data and analytics to anticipate customer needs and fulfill them with human-centered products and services.” Oh, that is just such a wonderfully predictable pronouncement from the PR minions at Ford; one perfectly aligned with Farley's delusional thinking about Ford's future juxtaposition - and importance - with Silicon Valley. Demonstrating her early fealty to Ford's smarmy Dear Leader, Deering had this to say: “Technology will be a powerful part of Ford’s transformation and how we enhance and release the huge value of our iconic brands. My team will be involved from end-to-end on behalf of customer—better connecting with them, using data to foresee and deliver what they need, and earning and keeping their trust.” Deering replaces Joy Falotico, Ford's former CMO, who was a Farley placeholder until he figured out what he wanted to do. Falotico is now toiling away on Lincoln. Some reports have suggested that Farley is giving more strength and importance to the CMO role, but those reports are delusional as well. Deering will report for duty on January 4th, allegedly reporting to Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Americas and International Markets Group. But don't kid yourselves, because Deering will be CMO in name only, as "Jimmy Har-Har" performs his usual M.O. of parachuting-in and helicoptering-out of major marketing issues at random, leaving chaos, piss-poor decisions and mediocrity in his wake. Welcome to The Jungle, Deering, and to prepare you for your role, look up the definition of "Hell On Earth." And even then you'll have only an approximation of what your life will be like come January. -PMD 

Editor-In-Chief's Note: The one question I get asked all the time is, "How is the Bolt?' After 400+ miles, my first impressions are solidified. It is silky smooth, eerily quiet, and it is really fun-to-drive. So much so that I have to watch it because I am always over the speed limit, and by a bunch. I know that in terms of GM's current BEV universe, the Bolt's battery technology is decidedly yestertech compared to what's coming, but it is an impressive piece of engineering just the way it is. Things it needs? A dramatically updated interior, but I expect that will be addressed in the next-gen Bolt due soon. And an RS version would be nice too. -PMD

(Jeep images)
Sometimes you just gotta give the people what they want, and the operatives at FCA's Jeep know exactly what Jeep people wanted: And it is not another proposed EV off-roader, but a Wrangler with a honkin' V8 stuffed in it. Jeep PR minions are calling the 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 "the most capable and powerful Wrangler yet." The potent 6.4-liter V8 in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 has 470HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Jeep PR minions says that the Wrangler Rubicon 392 delivers "the best of both worlds" with greater off-road capability with greater approach and departure angles, suspension articulation, maneuverability and water traversing up to 32.5 inches and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds – 40 percent faster than a V6 Wrangler Rubicon. The new Wrangler Rubicon 392 marks the return of a production V8 to the Wrangler for the first time in nearly 40 years. The good stuff? A TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters is standard; Trail Rated capability in any condition with a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case and intuitive full-time four-wheel-drive; heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials and electronic front sway-bar disconnect; upgraded frame rails, factory 2-inch lift, unique suspension geometry, heavy-duty brakes and FOX high-performance shocks and standard 33-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. Jeep operatives say that the 6.4-liter V8’s abundant torque and engine braking, combined with a 48:1 crawl ratio and unique torque converter locking strategy, enables Wrangler Rubicon 392 to "confidently crawl up and down steep grades at engine idle speeds." More good stuff? Functional exterior appointments include active dual-mode exhaust sound and unique quad tailpipes; a functional hood scoop feeds cool, outside air to the V8; the tri-level Hydro-Guide™ air intake system can channel up to 15 gallons of water a minute away from the engine; a secondary air path built into the hood allows engine to power the Wrangler Rubicon 392 up to top speed even if the hood scoop is completely obscured by mud, snow or debris; the leather-wrapped steering wheel features an aggressive rim section for extra grip and ergonomic comfort; the aluminum paddle shifters are a first for Wrangler; integrated upper bolsters in the front seats keep driver and passenger comfortably secure; the Off-road Plus drive mode lets drivers lock the rear axle at high speeds while in 4 High; unique exterior bronze accents denote Wrangler Rubicon 392 and new half-doors are available for those who crave an open-air feeling. “This is the most powerful, quickest, most capable Jeep Wrangler we’ve ever built,” said Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA North America. “The factory lift and abundant low-end torque from the V-8 makes the Rubicon 392 the king of the hills, whether you’re rock crawling at low speeds or powering up an incline. And, when pavement replaces dirt, Rubicon 392 makes quick work of the road.” The 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 goes on sale in the first quarter of 2021. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We love this thing. -PMD

(Bugatti images)
The latest from the "Too Much Time - And Money - On Your Hands" File: Just in time for the holidays, the limited-series Bugatti Baby II has arrived in Southern California. This marks the vehicle’s first appearance in North America since Bugatti announced plans to reimagine the original 1926 Baby at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Since its launch, "the car has gathered international attention due to its exquisite modern-day engineering coupled with authentic nods to the original Type 35 on which it is based." In partnership with The Little Car Company, Bugatti will produce just 500 of these 75% scale Type 35 vehicles. While a majority of the units have been accounted for, a small amount of the build slots have been reserved for Bugatti customers and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Bugatti Baby II is built on an electric, rear-wheel-drive platform, offering short- and long-range battery options with a range of up to approximately 31 miles, depending on driving style. The little Bugatti is said to combine "authentic" Type 35 handling (whatever that means -WG) and modern technological elements, including regenerative braking, adjustable dampers and a Bugatti Speed Key, giving drivers the ability to reach the top speed of 42 mph. There are three versions of the Bugatti Baby II including the Base starting at (gulp) $36,600; the Vitesse at (you have to be kidding) $53,000; and the Pur Sang at (WTF?) $71,400 (the latter offers handmade aluminum bodywork, so there's that). The Base model is available in French Racing Blue with black leather interior, while the Vitesse and Pur Sang offer a line of vintage colors that pay homage to Bugatti’s memorable racing liveries and drivers in history. Also available for these two models is a contemporary palette that features colors offered for the Chiron1, allowing existing customers to match their new Bugatti Baby II to their current vehicle (oh, isn't that just lovely -WG). Once purchased, Bugatti Baby II owners receive automatic membership to the prestigious Bugatti Owner’s Club and The Little Car Club, both offering the chance to drive their Bugatti Baby II on some of the world’s most celebrated racing circuits. The Bugatti Baby II will also be on display in Bugatti Newport Beach and Bugatti Beverly Hills showrooms until December. If you must have more information, go to www.bugattibaby.com. 

AE Song of the Week:

I didn't ask, they shouldn't have told me
At first I laughed but now
It's sinking in fast, whatever they sold me
But, baby

I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)

It gets hard, when memory's faded
And who gets what they say
It's likely they're just jealous and jaded
Or maybe

I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)

Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)

I can't let it get me off
Or break up my train of thought
As far as I know nothing's wrong
Until I hear it from you

Still thinking about not living without it
Outside looking in, 'til we're talking about
Not stepping around it
Maybe

I don't want to take advice from fools
I'll just figure everything is cool
Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)

Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)
Until I hear it from you (hear it from you)
Until I hear it from you, oh no
It's gonna carry on
You, oh no
It's gonna carry on

(Won't take advice from fools)
(Figure everything is cool)
'Til I hear it from you
(Won't take advice from fools)
(Figure everything is cool)
'Til I hear it from you

"'Til I Hear It From You" by Gin Blossoms from the album "Congratulations... I'm Sorry" (1996)*. Written by Jesse M. Valenzuela, Marshall Howard Crenshaw and Robin Wilson. Watch the video here.  Publisher: Warner Chappell Music, Inc., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, FOX MUSIC, INC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind.
*The music industry trade magazine Billboard called this "The closest thing to a perfect pop song to hit radio in recent memory," a sentiment appreciated by the band's guitarist. "This song reminds me why I work. I can count on hearing it in grocery stores, and I like playing it. It's really nice pop perfection, and just saccharin enough," says Gin Blossom Jesse Valenzuela with a chuckle. "As an artist, you have to start realizing what you do carries some value, even monetarily. And this song is a pretty big one for me to help me realize that this is what I'll do for a living from now on. And how lucky I am - because it's all I really love doing, and I get to do it all the time." The first time Jesse heard this song over the public announcement system at a grocery store, he says he almost wanted to tell somebody, "Hey! That's my song!" he laughs. But he resisted. He remembers being proud, but being very anonymous at the time. Then there was the trip to Lowe's. "One time my wife and I went there for lighting fixtures, and she wanted one. I said, 'Let's go for the cheaper one.' And she wanted one that was just a little more expensive. And I was like hemming and hawing, and all of a sudden one of my songs came on the radio, and she said, 'It's not as if you can't afford to get me the more expensive one.' I was like, 'All right.' She did have a case." (read the full interview with Jesse Valenzuela) In early 1997, right as the band was splitting up, the Gin Blossoms accepted an award from ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers) for this song (along with "Follow You Down") in recognition of having the two most-played songs the previous year. Gin Blossoms lead singer Robin Wilson wrote the lyrics to this song. The music was composed by the band's guitarist Jesse Valenzuela with help from Marshall Crenshaw, most famous for his 1982 hit "Someday, Someway." Crenshaw tells us that he and Valenzuela didn't know each other, but Jesse tracked him down to help finish the song. Crenshaw wrote the verse melody and worked on the ending. (Knowledge courtesy of songfacts.com)