APRIL 29, 2020

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz USA will host the first ever Mercedes-Benz Concours via video conferencing through Zoom. Appropriately named the "Concours de Zoom," this virtual event will feature iconic Mercedes-Benz vehicles alongside their high profile owners during this time of social distancing. Each prominent participant will showcase their prized Mercedes-Benz and share a few things they love about their vehicle. At the end, a donation will be made to the American Red Cross on behalf of the participants. Notable participants include Jay Leno, Rickie Fowler, Martha Stewart, Madelaine Petsch, Ludacris, Bloomberg's Hannah Elliott, Cole Walliser and more. WHEN: Live on Zoom on Friday, May 1, 2020; 5:00 pm EST (2:00 pm PST) WHERE: Viewers can click the following link and will be admitted to the Zoom webinar once the event begins: https://zoom.us/j/99721462795

(Hyundai)
Hyundai has created a "how it works" video for its NEXO Fuel Cell SUV. The NEXO has an EPA-estimated range of 380 miles, yet refuels in five minutes when compared with electric vehicles of similar size and weight. The NEXO fuel cell stack creates electric power on driver demand, rather than storing propulsion energy in heavy battery packs to achieve its range.  Like other fuel cell vehicles, NEXO produces clean H2O Emissions with no negative effects on the environment. Watch a video here.

(Infiniti)
From the "We Have Too Much Time On Our Hands" File: Drawing from its Japanese heritage and dramatic designs, INFINITI is releasing a collection of "Carigami" models. The aim is to create Origami-like designs of a series of three different INFINITI models - Q50, QX80 and the FX crossover - that can be downloaded and produced at home in 1:27 scale. With a printer at home, some paper, a craft knife and glue, users can simply print the templates and assemble their own version of the vehicles. The car model templates will be progressively available to download via www.infiniti.com/headlines/carigami. Watch a video here.  

(Audi images)
The 2020 Audi E-tron Sportback – the second fully electric model from the brand – will arrive at U.S. dealers this summer. The Audi E-tron Sportback has an EPA-estimated range of 218 miles. The E-tron has an asynchronous electric motor placed on both E-tron axles with standard electric quattro® all-wheel drive. The E-tron achieves 355HP, and with Boost Mode engaged delivers 402HP, reaching 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. In celebration of the new model, a limited series E-tron Sportback Launch Edition will be produced for the U.S. market. The exterior will be fitted with exclusive Plasma blue metallic paint and paired with Dynamic orange brake calipers. Alu-optic trim will highlight design elements, including the unique S-line front and rear bumpers. Unique for the Edition One models is an exclusive interior in Monaco Gray Valcona leather seating surface with two-tone stitched dash and black headliner. Starting MSRP? $77,400. (Ugh, as in, you gotta be kidding.)

AE Song Lyrics of the Week:

People say I'm crazy
Doing what I'm doing
Well, they give me all kinds of warnings
To save me from ruin

When I say that I'm okay
Well, they look at me kinda strange
Surely you're not happy now
You no longer play the game

People say I'm lazy
Dreaming my life away
Well, they give me all kinds of advice
Designed to enlighten me

When I tell them that I'm doing fine
Watching shadows on the wall
Don't you miss the big time, boy?
You're no longer on the ball

I'm just sitting here
Watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Ah, people asking questions
Lost in confusion
Well, I tell them there's no problem
Only solutions

Well, they shake their heads
And they look at me as if I've lost my mind
I told them there's no hurry
I-I'm just sitting here doing time

I'm just sitting here
Watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go
I just had to let it go

"Watching The Wheels" - by John Lennon, from the album "Double Fantasy" (1980)* Watch a video here. 

*John Lennon wrote this ode to inactivity to explain what he had been up to over the previous six years. Until Double Fantasy, his last album was Walls And Bridges, which was released in 1974. He was no longer interested in fame, and dedicated himself to family: his wife Yoko and young son Sean (John became the world's most famous househusband, baking bread and feeding Sean). The song makes a statement that taking it easy and spending time with loved ones is anything but crazy. Working way too hard in an attempt to be a productive as possible, on the other hand, can be quite unfulfilling in the end. The mindset Lennon describes in this song is a stark contrast to his 1973-'74 self, when he embarked on his "lost weekend," leaving Yoko and engaging in self-destructive behavior. He returned to Yoko in 1975, sinking into domestic life. (Courtesy of songfacts.com)