MAY 6, 2020

(Hyundai images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: In lieu of any real automotive news going on, we thought we'd reprise the latest design work (again) from the Hyundai Group, including the "Prophecy" Concept (above and below). -PMD
The "45" EV Concept.
The "Le Fil Rouge" Concept.

(ICON)
Specialty vehicle designer and builder ICON 4x4 has added to its fleet of reimagined vehicles with their latest custom truck debut as part of their popular Reformer series. The newest ICON Reformer presents a completely reimagined 1970 Ford Ranger that is specially made to celebrate the classic styling of one of the world’s greatest trucks alongside a complete vehicle reengineering. The key premise behind each ICON Reformer concept is the reimagining of classic designs for use in the modern world, and the new 1970 Ford Ranger is the latest execution from the group. The new ICON Reformer is powered by a 426HP Ford 5.0L Coyote V8 engine paired to a Ford AOD automatic transmission. A twin-stick Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case sends power to the axles, while PSC power steering vastly improve the new truck’s handling and on-road capabilities. The new truck utilizes a four-link rear suspension system, while the front uses radius arms. Eibach coil springs combine with Fox shocks to improve drive handling and comfort. To optimize drivability, ICON integrated Dynatrac ProRock axles. The front of the Reformer features a fortified Dana 44 with hardened shafts, while the rear includes an even stouter Dana 60 design. ICON 4x4 engineered a Hydroboosted Sport Brake system with Brembo for the bespoke build, which includes large rotors and calipers for enhanced stopping power while wearing BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The new Reformer also features custom designed special 18-inch forged aluminum wheels that were inspired by the original factory steel rims, complete with vintage hubcaps. Extensive interior upgrades include a brand-new Vintage Air Gen IV HVAC system and bespoke chrome aluminum knobs and bezels that were designed by ICON 4x4. Dakota digital gauges add another civilized touch to further modernize the vehicle’s upgraded interior. The 1970 Ford Ranger Reformer is also outfitted with unique and subtle ICON badging throughout. Fittingly, despite numerous modern upgrades discreetly installed throughout the custom build, the client requested no power windows be installed to keep the truck in vintage theme. The new ICON 4x4 Reformer features Maharam textiles and specially-made leather from Relicate that perfectly matches the original truck’s factory vinyl. All interior appointments are hand-stitched in house by ICON 4x4. To further protect the exterior body, ICON 4x4 coated the Ranger’s floorboards with a polyurea floor surface coating, and every body panel was powder coated prior to paint for enhanced corrosion protection. How much? ICON isn't saying, but suffice to say, it'll cost ya'. Dearly. For more information on ICON 4x4, go to www.icon4x4.com.

(NBC News)
Editor's Note: From the "You Can't Always Get What You Want File" comes word of a five-year-old boy from Utah, who got mad when his mom refused to buy him a Lamborghini, so he took her SUV and started driving to California to buy one! He was stopped less than five minutes from his home by Utah Highway Patrol. He had $3 in his pocket. -WG

(Audi)
Now you can experience the "Insight Audi Design” live stream from home. Using video sequences, it explains the Audi design philosophy and shows how designers are developing the design language of the future. Experienced guides answer questions in dialogue and construct the roughly 20-minute live stream according to the wishes and interests of the participants. Interested parties can choose a suitable date for “Insight Audi Design” online at www.audi.stream.

(Images provided by Legacy Classic Trucks)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Custom, retrofitted trucks is the New Thing apparently. This newest product from Legacy Classic Trucks is a $350,000 (!) 1949 four-door Legacy Power Wagon "made for summer excursions," according to the custom-build truck company. Legacy Classic Trucks specializes in full-size resto-modding of vintage Power Wagons. Led by Founder Winslow Bent, Legacy Classic Trucks takes these celebrated American workhorses and restores them from the ground up while modernizing them underneath. This particular truck is outfitted with a Cummins 4BT 8-valve twin-turbo diesel engine capable of producing 350HP and 600 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission to produce a respectable 0 to 60 mph time for a 7,500-lbs. vehicle that can cruise at 80mph all day long. Dana 60 and axles, ARB locking differentials and Warn locking hubs work to ensure the 1949 four-door beast functions on road and off in any terrain. A Warn winch is strategically placed on the vehicle’s front as well, allowing drivers to clear out trails or help tow other vehicles as needed. This powerful Power Wagon rides on 40" Toyo tires on bead-locked wheels with a 144-inch wheelbase. The 1949 Legacy Power Wagon’s interior is also significantly upgraded with bespoke leather seats and grey German square weave carpeted floor mats. A wood steering wheel and vintage-style gauges add a level of period correct styling to an otherwise modernized interior. Other upgrades include a Bluetooth stereo, a modern HVAC system, and USB charging ports. Each Legacy Classic Trucks Power Wagon conversion requires well over 2,000 hours of build time to complete. This new Legacy Classic Trucks 1949 Power Wagon custom is the company’s 108th vehicle. Legacy’s reimagined Power Wagons can be further upgraded based on customer preferences. If you gotta know more, go here:www.legacyclassictrucks.com. -PMD

(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.

(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:

You don't know what's going on 
You've been away for far too long 
You can't come back and think you are still mine 
You're out of touch, my baby 
My poor discarded baby 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

Well, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
You are all left out 
Out of there without a doubt 
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

The girl who wants to run away, discovers that she's had her day
It's no good thinking that you are still mine
You're out of touch, my baby, my poor unfaithful baby
I said baby, baby, baby you're out of time

Well, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
Yes you are all left out 
Out of there without a doubt 
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

You thought you were a clever girl giving up your social whirl
But you can't come back and be the first in line, oh no
You're obsolete, my baby, my poor old fashioned baby
I said baby, baby, baby you're out of time

Well, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
Yes, you are all left out 
Out of there without a doubt 
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
Sing your song

Baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
Baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

You don't know what's going on 
You've been away for far too long 
But you can't come back and think you are still mine 
You're out of touch, my baby 
My poor discarded baby 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

Well, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 
Yes you are all left out 
Yes you are, I said you're 
Left out of there without a doubt 
'Cause baby, baby, baby, you're out of time 

Alright
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time
I said, baby, baby, baby, you're out of time

"Out of Time" - The Rolling Stones (1966) - Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards*; Publisher: Abkco Music, Inc.; Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. 

*This song was a No. 1 hit for Chris Farlowe in England, in 1967. Farlowe also covered The Stones' "Think" and "Ride On, Baby." Farlowe's cover (which was produced by Mick Jagger), is the only Jagger/Richards written chart topper in the UK performed by another act. " Out of Time" was left off the U.S. version of Aftermath. A different version was included on the compilation album Flowers. Brian Jones played the marimbas on this track. He played many unusual instruments for the Stones until his death in 1969. The Stones released a symphonic version on their album Metamorphosis. (Knowledge courtesy of songfacts.com)