MARCH 4, 2020

Editor's Note: Today was GM EV Day, an event at GM's Design Dome at the Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, during which GM outlined in detail its path toward an all-electric future. GM showed several EVs from its four divisions, which will all be launching new EVs starting this year. GM showed the Hummer electric pickup and SUV, the Cadillac Lyriq electric crossover and the Cadillac Celestiq, a stunning EV flagship sedan. In addition to a new version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, launching in late 2020, we also saw the Bolt EUV, which will launch in summer 2021 as a 2022 model. The Bolt EUV will be the first vehicle outside of the Cadillac brand to feature Super Cruise, the industry's first true hands-free driving technology for the highway. GM will expand Super Cruise to 22 vehicles by 2023, including 10 by next year. The heart of today's story is Ultium, GM's new modular EV architecture, which will be capable of 19 different battery and drive unit configurations, 400-volt and 800-volt packs with storage ranging from 50 kWh to 200 kWh, with the latter enabling a GM-estimated range of up to 400 miles or more on a full charge. This architecture will also enable front, rear and all-wheel drive configurations. -WG Editor-in-Chief's Note: GM brought its full EV story forward today in what was an outstanding presentation. The GM battery design/development/technical execution/manufacturing/performance strategy was particularly impressive. And I was wowed by the gutsy call to commit to building a dramatic Cadillac showpiece sedan - the stunning Celestiq. It not only demonstrates genuine design reach in the glorious Harley Earl-Bill Mitchell tradition, it's a statement of confidence that was not only unexpected, but emotionally compelling. The Celestiq is a showstopper and I absolutely loved it. One point of interest for the assembled media was that GM CEO Mary Barra said that these new GM EVs would be profitable from the get-go. That seemed to pique their interest, but I'm not sure it should be the focus for these next-generation machines. Given the pricing of EVs in general (as in high), I'm not sure I would have talked profitability if I were GM. Instead, I would recommend that they employ the initial Lexus sales strategy from way back when - even losing money if they have to - while pricing some of these vehicles aggressively in order to get as many of them into the hands of the people as they can. Overall, I thought GM demonstrated its technical expertise in a way that projects a new GM for a new era. -PMD

(McLaren Automotive)
For McLaren, it never ends, apparently. Calling it "the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ story" the unveiling of the new 765LT is the British manufacturer's news for this week. With 755BHP and 590lb ft from its twin-turbocharged McLaren V8, the new 675LT goes 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds and 0–124 mph in 7.2 seconds. Other goodies? The transmission gearing is optimized for throttle response, which translates to the 675LT being 15% quicker in-gear acceleration than a 720S and able to deliver the fastest lap times of any McLaren Super Series model. The 675LT weighs 176lbs less than 720S coupé at 2,952lbs (DIN weight) and just 2,709lbs at its lightest dry weight, which is more than 110 lbs. below its closest competitor in comparable specification. Using high-performance, lightweight materials throughout, the 675LT has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 614BHP-per-ton at its lightest dry weight. Specific weight-saving measures include a quad titanium exhaust system, Formula 1-grade transmission materials, thinner glass and motorsport-style polycarbonate glazing. The advanced aerodynamic package in the 675LT is all in carbon fiber including the front splitter, front bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear diffuser and larger ‘Longtail’ active rear wing. The 675LT is so loaded with trick stuff that we'll stop here and direct you to the McLaren website at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/super-series/765lt. But, in case you were wondering, just 765 individually numbered cars are available globally for customer order. 

(Alfa Romeo images)
Alfa Romeo is bringing back one of its legendary names: the Giulia GTA. The new ultra-high-performance Alfa is technically and conceptually inspired by the Giulia GTA of 1965, the “Gran Turismo Alleggerita” developed by Autodelta and based on the Giulia Sprint GT that racked up racing successes worldwide. The new Giulia GTA is based on the Giulia Quadrifoglio, but is fitted with a more powerful version of the Alfa Romeo 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine, now with 540HP. But an even hotter version - the Giulia GTAm (for modified) - will be an extreme 100 percent “street legal” version of the GTA, characterized by its two racing seats, roll bar and 6-point safety belts. Because of the extensive use of ultra-light materials, GTA and GTAm benefit from a weight reduction of 220 lbs. compared to the Giulia Quadrifoglio, achieving a best-in-class weight/power ratio of 6.2 lb/HP. Other specific technical tweaks have also been developed for improved aerodynamics, setup and handling. Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and its extreme version, Giulia GTAm, will be built in a limited edition of only 500 units in total, all numbered and certified. The same exclusivity found in Giulia GTA and Giulia GTAm will also characterize a dedicated customer experience, designed to treat the 500 owners to "a unique interaction that is 100 percent Alfa Romeo." After the advance bookings, which are now officially open and will close as soon as the 500th unit has been reserved, the sales process will be one-to-one, with a brand ambassador product specialist following each customer from order to delivery. The new owners will also receive a personalized experience package kit, which includes a Bell helmet in special GTA livery, a full racing set by Alpinestars (race suit, gloves and shoes) and a personalized Goodwool car cover for protecting his or her GTA or GTAm. In addition to other equipment for true enthusiasts, the Alfa Romeo customer experience also includes a specific driving course devised by the Alfa Romeo Driving Academy.

(BMW images)
The BMW Group has unveiled this pure-electric Gran Coupe - the Concept i4 - saying that it "takes electric drive to the core of the BMW brand and heralds a new era in Sheer Driving Pleasure." The BMW Concept i4 represents a look ahead to the BMW i4, slated to enter production in 2021. BMW PR minions continued, "It provides a whole new take on the dynamic excellence for which BMW is renowned and blends a modern, elegantly sporty design with the spaciousness and functionality of a four-door Gran Coupe – all while generating zero local emissions." “The BMW Concept i4 brings electrification to the core of the BMW brand,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The design is dynamic, clean and elegant. In short: a perfect BMW that happens to be zero emission.” The drivetrain’s projected numbers include a range of up to 600 km (WLTP); output of up to 530HP; 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 60 mph) acceleration of approximately 4.0 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph). However, the driving qualities of the BMW Concept i4 "cannot be expressed in figures alone," the automaker insists, because "the virtually silent delivery of power creates an entirely new sensation of dynamism." Editor-in-Chief's Note: We'll see about that. I'm actually okay with 3/4 of this design. But the oversized nostrils at the front ruin it for me. But then again, BMW has been ruining it for me for quite a while now. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz)
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan and Wagon have been thoroughly updated, according to the manufacturer. The E-Class Sedan, and for the first time the new All-Terrain (above), will go on sale in the U.S. in the fall of 2020. The lead headline offered by Mercedes-Benz PR minions? "Intelligence That Excites." We stopped reading after that.

(Bentley)
Bentley has unveiled what it is calling "the most exclusive and bespoke Bentley of the modern era." The two-seat Bacalar marks return to bespoke coach building for Bentley Mulliner – the oldest coach building company in the world . The ‘Barchetta’ design of the Bacalar "delivers the ultimate expression of open-top, driver-focused grand touring," according to the Bentley PR minions in Crewe.  The Bacalar is powered by an "enhanced" 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine producing 650BHP. The design and sustainable materials in the Bacalar were inspired by the EXP 100 GT concept car, launched last summer. Sustainable craftsmanship and ethically-sourced materials include rice husk ash paint and 5,000-year-old Riverwood . The Bacalar will be produced in the world’s first certified carbon neutral factory for luxury car production. The design includes an extreme wrap-around cockpit and semi-enclosed rear compartment for the bespoke Schedoni luggage. But don't worry, you'll likely never see one in person, because just twelve cars will be designed, engineered and handcrafted to individual customers’ tastes – and they're all spoken for.

(Porsche)
Porsche has unveiled its new-generation 2021 911 Turbo S, calling it "the quickest and most powerful 911 Turbo model ever." A new 3.8-liter boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers puts out 640HP, which is 60HP more than its predecessor. Maximum torque now stands at 590 lb.-ft. - an increase of 37 lb.-ft. The engine is paired with a Turbo-specific eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) dual-clutch transmission. As a result, it goes from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds (2.7 seconds for the Cabriolet), which is 0.2 second quicker compared to the previous model. The 911 Turbo S Coupe does the standing quarter mile mark in 10.5 seconds. Top track speed for both Turbo S models is 205 mph. Everything else about the car is tweaked accordingly. Memo to the remaining Porsche True Believers out there: you need to bring boatloads of ca$h. How much? The 2021 Porsche 911 Turbo S Coupe is $203,500, while the 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will retail for $216,300 (prices exclude the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee). Both models will be available to order soon and are expected to reach U.S. dealers late this year.

(Hyundai images)
Hyundai has unveiled the “Prophecy” - its new concept EV. The Prophecy silhouette features an extended wheelbase and shorter overhangs to achieve "sensuous sportiness" and "aesthetic harmony and functionality" for its new EV architecture, according to Hyundai PR minions. It is also the latest expression of Hyundai's Optimistic Futurism design philosophy, which aims to forge an emotional connection between humans and automobiles.  

(Aston Martin)

The latest from the “Bring Money” File: Aston Martin has unveiled a limited-edition V12 Speedster at its Gaydon headquarters. Described as an “open, uncompromising, visceral, two-seater“ by Aston Martin PR minions; only 88 examples will be built. Pricing starts at £765,000 and it’s now available to order, with deliveries beginning one year from now.

(VW images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is the eighth generation of my favorite all-around car - The VW GTI. I have no idea why VW decided to present such shitty images for the GTI, but what can you do? They decided to phone it in apparently. At any rate, Volkswagen was to unveil the eighth-generation Golf GTI at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside its hybrid GTE and diesel GTD siblings, but since the show has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, here we are. Generally, the new vehicles will offer more power, an innovative driver interface, and more modern design tweaks, both inside and out. It is hard to believe that Volkswagen has been reinventing this sporty, compact-car icon for 44 years, while adhering to the original concept. VW seems proud that the latest Golf GTI is newly designed and engineered, as well as fully digitalized and networked. VW is calling its new Golf GTI, "perfect for the modern era." The three Golf variants have three characters, three efficient and clean drive systems — but one design philosophy, according to VW PR minions. The new Golf GTI has 245HP. The new Golf GTE has an identical output of 245HP, but its hybrid drivetrain is designed for sporting performance with electrical sustainability and a zero-emissions range of around 37 miles (60 kilometers) with great dynamic performance. And the new Golf GTD has an output of 200HP and has been designed to deliver a very long range between refueling. We will see the new Golfs here at the end of the year. -PMD

The 2020 PDX Auto Show: Butts and Stuff.

By Dave Guyette

Portland. Peter, a month ago, you asked:  "Or has the ship sailed for auto shows in general?" Last week, I tried to answer that question, as I visited the 2020 auto show, in the nowhere-near-auto-mecca that is Portland, Oregon.

I wasn't going to the LA, the NYC, or even the Detroit auto show. (Personally, I'm thankful to never visit Cobo Hall again). Ours is a show hosted by dealers instead of manufacturers, and there is a difference.  One should not expect the latest Halo cars. Rather, one looks for what is popular, and what is expected to sell. This show is for ordinary people, who buy retail. We're not walking down red carpet runways with beautiful models on our arms. This event is for the families with kids in tow and for many, it is warmup to the annual Spring Boat and RV show.

To be fair, Portlanders are more sophisticated than that. Although we don't make cars, and are proud to NOT drive them, we are still interested in them. Specifically, anything badged as Tesla. What really drives us insane is the Cybertruck. If Uncle Elon were to crash the show in his Cybertruck, we'd lose our minds. We're so desperate, we'd be happy with a simple cardboard-cutout, with a hole for our heads to stick through. Look at me! I'm drivin' the Cybertruck! Take the picture!

Last year, there was a guy who taped cardboard to a F-150 and parked it in front of a mall. That disguise would fool people here too.

All that being said, I got dressed up and went to the gala pre-opening event Wednesday night. They rolled out... a red carpet. 
 

Given this extravaganza, I allowed myself some expectations. I thought about the new cars I'd like to see, and those I have not. Last year I was disappointed to miss out on the new Toyota Supra. Maybe this year, they'll have last year's show car? This year, I was hoping to see the Jeep Gladiator, the mid-engined Corvette, and maybe something electric. I knew I'd have no chance to see a Tesla, because they don't have traditional dealers. I could, however, spy all the Tesla I wanted just by watching all the glamorous people as they entered the convention center; they were typically chauffeured by Tesla sedans decorated with Lyft badges.

The Cars

I was immediately gratified upon spotting the mid-engined Corvette at the Chevy space. It was impressive. The front, the sides, the three-quarter views are all glorious. 

Wow.

But the back was hideous. Bystanders agreed. 
"Bugly", meaning: "butt ugly."

I applaud Chevy for bringing us this show car in the current year. Thank you. Now please, can we stop trying to compete with Lamborghini on style?

I found many other cars with better butts. Here are a few:

The Acura NSX.

Thank you, Toyota....for LAST year's Supra.

Thank you Ford... for LAST year's Mustang.

Sports car? Or SUV? Either way, a better butt than the 'vette. (How about No. -WG)

I can't deny... I like this butt!

This Lexus butt has a wing! It must be fast!

Best butt you can buy today: a Jaguar convertible.

*Sniff*... they don't make a butt like this anymore... *sniff*
Even Audi makes a better butt than the 'vette.
 

The Marketing

One can't escape the fact that dealers are trying to sell you a car. Some manufacturers take branding more seriously than others.

Welcome to Subaru National Park.

Buy a Subaru and they'll probably give you an annual pass to a park of your choice. They know their audience.
 

Others, do not:

There were more people in this picture than there were in the Mitsubishi floorspace.

I felt sorry for the FCA dealer. They didn't have time to update their livery to introduce their new master, Peugeot. Fiat, I'm afraid, is collateral damage. Just look at the placement of this 124 convertible. It's so far in the back in the corner, I feared that rats would crawl up under hood to nest.
Hello! I'm still for sale. Somebody, please look at me!

The Surprises

I am always surprised by what I fall in love with. This year, it was the offerings from Jeep.

So many to choose from! And they all had a front-mounted winch!

For a long time, I have felt that a Jeep was the ideal vehicle to drive into Oregon Wine Country. In one of these, you and your friends can climb any mountain, any unpaved road, traverse that last mile, in any weather, to the wine tasting room. You will not be denied! And on the return, multiple cases of bottles will fit securely in the back. 

I was also impressed with the large truck Chevy had to offer. The 2020 Silverado 2500 HD High Country. It was massive.
I live in the city. I don't have room for this vehicle. I'd have to park this on my neighbor's front lawn. 
 
What impressed me the most was that information placard. The one all these cars have. It lists the model information, the options included, and tells you what kind of gas mileage to expect, even if it is an electric car. This one was the best:

Fuel Economy and Environment Not Applicable??  Just screams:  "F-You, Mother Earth!"
 

The Rorschach Test


Finally, I visited that area of the pavilion that hosts a display from Schnitzer, the local car crusher. In the center is a big block of iron, roped off to the audience. Using only your eyes, you inspect the industrial paperweight and try to answer: What car was this? Correctly guess the make, model and year... and you win... well, I dunno. In the years I've seen this display, I've yet to hear of *any* winner. I mean, it's hard enough guessing the correct vehicle, but the year as well? I can't tell you the make, model and year of the BEER I drink. And I drink a lot of beer. Actually, I'm having one now. 

But winning is not the point. This is a Rorschach Test. What it is... is what you see in it, and it is mostly a reflection of who you are: A Ford guy will call this a Chevy, a Chevy guy will call this a Ford, and so on. It's aspiration. It's what you want it to be. I wanted this hunk of junk to be a Tesla Model S, but I was corrected by the fact that Teslas don't contain enough moving parts to make such a large blob. 

I could extend this analogy to the PDX auto show in its totality. This whole circus is just a self-imposed test, an exercise that places you in front of the mirror. What do you see? Can you look beyond the cars themselves and perceive the whole theatrics of artistic display, the manipulation of social behavior, and blatant promotion of conspicuous consumption? This is a real-time psychological experiment happening to you. You are a mouse wandering in a maze of cheese. What does that say about you? What will you find?

Me? I found the open bar and free food, thank you very much.

(Photos by the author.)

AE Song Lyrics of the Week:

On a bus to St. Cloud, Minnesota
I thought I saw you there
With the snow falling down
Around like a silent prayer
 
And once on a street in New York City
With the jazz and the sin in the air
And once on a cold LA freeway
Going nowhere
 
And it's strange but it's true
I was sure it was you
Just a face in the crowd
On a bus to St. Cloud
 
In a church in downtown New Orleans
I got down on my knees and prayed
And I wept in the arms of Jesus
For the choice you made
 
We were just gettin' to the good part
Just gettin' past the mystery
Oh, and it's just like you
It's just like you to disagree
 
And it's strange but it's true
You just slipped out of view
Like a face in the crowd
On a bus to St. Cloud
 
And you chase me like a shadow
And you haunt me like a ghost
And I hate you some and I love you some
But I miss you most
 
On a bus to St. Cloud, Minnesota
I thought I saw you there
With the snow falling down
Around like a silent prayer...

"On A Bus to St. Cloud" - by Trisha Yearwood, from the album "Thinkin' About You." Written by Gretchen Peters*. Watch it here. 

*Peters envisioned the song as being about a person talking about someone who committed suicide, but in order to allow the listener more freedom for interpretation, she was deliberately vague with the lyrics. She says, "In order to get to the emotional space that you need to be, I don't think that necessarily means that you have to be explicit, or put every detail in. In fact, I think songs are better when they are a little bit more murky, or fuzzy around the edges. Let the listener participate, too, in other words. Let them put their story in. And I didn't feel it was good songwriting, frankly, to put that in there in sort of a blatant way, so the only reference to it in the whole song is, 'I wept in the arms of Jesus for the choice you made.' But of course that choice could have been anything. It was just really something I did for me in order to get emotionally down deep into it, envisioning that scenario. I didn't feel it needed to be an explicit part of the song." Indeed, when Trisha Yearwood cut this song, she was completely surprised when Peters told her what she'd meant when she wrote it, because she hadn't interpreted it that way at all. Which is fine with Peters. "Trisha sort of overlaid her own story on that, because it really can be about any sort of a scenario where you've lost someone." - Thank you to songfacts.com.