MAY 13, 2020
Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 12:00PM 
(Lamborghini images)
Automobili Lamborghini has revealed its new Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder. The new V10 model provides drivers "with an open-air celebration of lightweight engineering, with rear-wheel drive" and a specially tuned Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS). Roof up or down, daily driving and high-performance fun are accompanied by the inimitable sound of the normally-aspirated V10 engine, delivering the same 610HP (449 kW) and 560 Nm of torque as the coupé version. With a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 324 km/h - like its coupé stablemate - the Spyder "is an instinctive driver’s car, delivering a fun-to-drive experience via hardware rather than software," according to Lamborghini PR minions. How much? U.S. prices start at $229,428.00.
Three students from Michigan and California have taken the top spots in this year’s FCA Drive for Design contest. Entries submitted from high school students in grades 10-12 from across the country were reviewed virtually by FCA’s automotive design team and special guest judge Josh Welton. This year’s 10-week competition asked students to sketch a Ram truck of the future. “All of the entries were impressive, the work was very focused with a notable attention to detail, as well as their thought process – these are characteristics we look for when we go to hire designers to work for FCA,” said Mark Trostle, Head of Ram Truck and Mopar Exterior Design for FCA – North America. “Automotive design is a growing field and often overlooked by parents and students, our goal is to inspire and change that perspective. There are many career paths available within automotive design where young designers will have the opportunity to create some of the most exciting and technologically advanced products on the road today, as well as create what’s possible for the future.” Joe Skandera, a 12th grade student from Santa Clara, California, was the first place winner (image above).
Second-place winner Vincent Piaskowski, an 11th grader from Birmingham, Michigan, is also a second-time winner, placing third in last year’s competition. 
Third place went to Alex David Kirschmann, an 11th grader from Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Twenty years ago, the 2001 Toyota Prius rolled into U.S. Toyota dealerships. The world’s first production hybrid car, it would go on to profoundly change the trajectory of automotive propulsion. Toyota has sold more than 6 million Prius vehicles worldwide and more than 3.6 million total hybrid models (including Lexus) in the U.S. Toyota has sold 1.9 million Prius models through 2019 in this market, and the model name has become synonymous with hybrid technology. (The original Prius went into production for the Japanese market in 1997.) Toyota is marking this anniversary by offering a Prius 2020 Edition for the 2021 model year. There will be 2,020 of these special models, based on the well-equipped XLE FWD grade. Available in a choice of Supersonic Red (shown) or the new Wind Chill Pearl, the 2020 Edition features black exterior trim, including a color-keyed rear spoiler, black inserts for the 17-inch alloy wheels, blackout headlight components and trim, B-pillars and mirror housings. Other stuff? A “2020” insignia key glove/fob and floor mats, a black shift knob and interior A-pillar trim and smoked HVAC vents. "The overall look is both sporty and elegant, with just a touch of mischief." (Yes, Toyota PR minions actually said that. Ugh.) The new Prius is rated at a manufacturer preliminary-estimated 54 city MPG/50 highway MPG/52 combined MPG and equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 as standard.
(Maserati images)
Maserati has announced that a prototype of the Maserati MC20 - the Trident Brand's new super sportscar - will pay homage to Sir Stirling Moss, the British motor-racing legend who died on April 12th at the age of 90. The design motif used for this prototype is taken from the Maserati Eldorado, the iconic single-seater driven on its debut in Monza by Moss at the “Trofeo dei due Mondi” in 1958. May 13th was also chosen as the date to honor the iconic British racing driver, because it's the anniversary of Moss's victory in the Monaco F1 Grand Prix on May 13, 1956, at the wheel of the Maserati 250F. Moss led the race from the first to the last of the 100 laps around the demanding Monaco circuit. Maserati's day of triumph was completed by French driver Jean Behra taking third place, also in a 250F. Moss recorded 16 victories in 66 starts in Formula 1, and is one of the most successful drivers never to have won the world title. Sir Stirling came close to winning the crown, finishing in second place on four occasions, and third in three championships. For this reason, Moss was known as the "king without a crown." In the 1956 season and some 1957 races, Moss drove a Maserati 250F (“his favorite” as he often recalled), beaten only by Juan Manuel Fangio. Moss's Argentinian rival took his 1957 title at the wheel of another 250F, confirming the reliability and superiority of the Modena-built car at the time. Through this MC20 prototype with Stirling Moss's "signature," Maserati wishes to commemorate one of the greatest names in the annals of world motorsports, who wrote some of the finest pages in its own racing history. The list of Maserati cars driven by the British driver also includes the Tipo 60 Birdcage, Tipo 61 and 300 S. The arrival of the MC20 is an important event for the Modena-based company, because it will be the first car to adopt a new engine that is 100% designed, developed and produced by Maserati itself.
(Photo by Christie Goodwin)
Volkswagen of America will support a live stream fundraising performance hosted by globally-recognized blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa to financially assist touring musicians affected by COVID-19. Bonamassa, a prodigy who opened for B.B. King at the age of 12, will also showcase some of his personal vintage Fender guitars and discuss details about each. The performance proceeds will financially support musicians who are unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic through Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians Program, an emergency relief plan organized by his 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Keeping the Blues Alive. The program provides financial assistance for essential living expenses along with prepaid fuel cards to qualified musicians in need. “My sincerest thanks and gratitude to both Volkswagen and Fender Premium Audio for their generous support of our Fueling Musicians Program,” said Bonamassa. “Musicians have a tough road ahead and this will help them regroup until they can head out on the road again when everyone gets the green light.” To watch the event, visit the VW Facebook page here on Thursday, May 14, at 8 pm EST. To donate to the Fueling Musicians Program or to complete an application for assistance, visit www.KTBA.org. Fender Premium Audio offers top-end audio systems on select trims of Volkswagens such as the Passat, Golf GTI, Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and Tiguan. Available in SEL Premium trim levels on both the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, the latest Fender Premium Audio System includes a 480-watt, 12-channel amplifier with 12 speakers in total.
(VW images)
The VW Golf GTI remains our favorite all-around car, by far, but we're not alone. Launched at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 1975, it created an automotive category that hadn’t actually existed until that moment — sporty front-wheel-drive compacts — or hot hatches. With its six successors to date, it has become the world’s most successful hot hatch with more than 2.3 million units having been produced by the end of 201. Now, 45 years after the first GTI, VW is ready to release the eighth generation of the GTI. Compared with its predecessor, the new Golf GTI body has become lower, longer and even sportier. Designers created each body part from scratch and worked with the aerodynamicists to hone the vehicle in the wind tunnel. The drag coefficient (Cd) of the basic model dropped from 0.3 to 0.275 and the aerodynamics have been improved by a range of individual measures: Cd-optimized exterior mirrors, aerodynamic corners, a bespoke GTI roof spoiler, extensive underbody panels and aerodynamically refined wheelarch linings. The car also features a range of traditional and completely new exterior features. The red strip in the radiator grille is a must for a GTI and stretches across the vehicle’s entire front end above the radiator grille, merging with the fenders. For the first time, the red GTI strip is refined by a parallel LED crossbar below it, which gives the Golf GTI a new and unmistakable light signature.
The eighth Golf GTI is the most digital GTI of all time. Its entire electronic architecture has been created from scratch. And that changes everything. The new generation of software and hardware is tangible inside and when driving the vehicle. On the interior, drivers have access to a digitally-networked world of displays and controls. This enables the driver to customize the visual look and technology of their Golf GTI more intuitively, and in greater detail, than ever before. The driver can decide on functions including the color range of the background lighting and the individual configuration of the infotainment system. The Digital Cockpit also has a greater influence on the engine sound and the Golf GTI’s handling characteristics than previously. Other interior highlights include new sport seats with integrated head restraints that are reminiscent of the first Golf GTI, thanks to their red stitching and a tartan “Scalepaper” style fabric on the seat and backrest areas. The new multifunction sport steering wheel has been specifically designed with a red appliqué and the GTI badge. The new engine Start/Stop button comes as standard in the Golf GTI and pulses red until the engine has been started. Other standard features include a single-zone automatic climate control, the Press & Drive comfort start system, Bluetooth mobile phone pairing, LED headlights, taillight clusters, and LED daytime running lights, LED reading lights and two USB-C ports. This range of equipment has been extended significantly for the GTI.
The new Golf GTI is powered by a 242HP (180 kW) 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection EA888 evo4 TSI® engine, with maximum torque of 273 pound-feet (370 Nm). The TSI unit is coupled with a standard manual six-speed transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG®). The electronically limited top speed is 155 mph in both cases. 
The new Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system makes its debut in the Golf GTI, controlling the XDS® electronic differential lock, the VAQ electronically-controlled, torque-sensing, limited-slip differential that is now standard, and also the lateral dynamics of the optional DCC® adaptive damping system. Drivers can customize their setup using the standard driving mode selection feature and a more finely adjustable DCC system. Sharper driving dynamics guarantee an enhanced and unadulterated driving experience as the eighth Golf GTI handles extremely accurately, virtually eliminating understeer, according to VW PR minions. 
The exhaust system’s tailpipes, arranged either side of the rear diffuser, as well as chrome/red GTI badges on the front fenders, the hatch and on the radiator grille are also specific to the Golf GTI. Every new Golf GTI is fitted with assist systems such as the Lane Assist lane keeping system, Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring, and the XDS electronic differential lock. We don't know when the new GTI will officially arrive here, as of yet.
AE Song Lyrics of the Week:
Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you're rockin' and a rollin', can't hear your momma call.
From the early, early mornin' till the early, early night
When I caught Miss Molly rockin' at the house of blue light.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call.
Momma, poppa told me: "Son, you better watch your step."
If I knew poppa's momma's, have to watch my poppa myself.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you're rockin' and a rollin', can't hear your momma call.
Good golly Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you're rockin' and a rollin', can't hear your momma call.
I am going to the corner, gonna buy a diamond ring.
Would you pardon me kiss me ting-a-ling-a-ling.
Good golly, Miss Molly, sure like to ball.
When you're rockin' and a rollin' can't hear your momma call."
"Good Golly Miss Molly" by Little Richard (December 5, 1932 - May 9, 2020. RIR - Rest In Rock) Writers: John S. Marascalco, Robert Alexander Blackwell.* Watch a video here. Publisher: Peermusic Publishing, COHEN AND COHEN. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind
*The title was taken from the pet phrase of one of Little Richard's favorite DJ's, Jimmy Pennick. Musically, the song was inspired by the sax player Jackie Brenston, famous for singing lead and playing with Ike Turner on the song "Rocket 88." Like most of Little Richard's songs, this contains a lot of innuendo ("sure like to ball") but most people were too busy listening to the music to notice, or didn't get the reference. At the time, the most common meaning for "balling" was dancing; only later did it became a popular euphemism for oral sex. The term later took on a new meaning when it came to describe a lavish and extravagant lifestyle, with these guys flashing their cash known as "ballers." This song was a huge influence on many musicians in the early years of rock and roll. Speaking with SongFacts, Roger Reale, who was in the group Rue Morgue with Mick Ronson, said: "It's revolutionary, rebellious and celebratory all in one, starting with that rolling piano intro, before moving into a totally unique vocal performance. I had never heard such a direct, crazed, almost otherworldly vocal before in my life." Little Richard's publisher sued Creedence Clearwater Revival over their song "Traveling Band," which they claimed was lifted from "Molly." A settlement was reached with Creedence giving up some of their royalties. (Knowledge courtesy of SongFacts.com)