JULY 15, 2020

Editor-in-Chief's Note: STELLANTIS, or, as we like to say around here, WTF? That is the new corporate name for the merged company consisting of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group. In an announcement made Wednesday, the automakers said that the name "will be used exclusively at the group level, as a corporate brand" but that the names and the logos of the group's individual brands will remain unchanged. The name is rooted, apparently, in the Latin verb stello, which means "to brighten with stars." The companies said the next step will be the unveiling of a logo. (Oh no, please spare us.) "The name's Latin origins pay tribute to the rich history of its founding companies while the evocation of astronomy captures the true spirit of optimism, energy and renewal driving this industry-changing merger," the companies said in a statement. That's fine and dandy, but the Internet exploded in richly deserved - and thunderous - ridicule, comparing the name to a new drug, complete with the listing of side effects and associate complications when taking it. This is exactly what I mean when companies become blissfully enamored with the dulcet tones of their own thought balloons in this business. It doesn't matter one iota that this new merger will create the world's fourth-largest automaker, because Stellantis is now officially the laughingstock of the entire industry. And to think these corporate dopes probably spent months researching this name and coming up with the convoluted rationale for it. Yet another example of you just can't make this shit up, folks. -PMD

Editor-in-Chief's Note: After getting my first real, in-the-flesh look at the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E on Sunday - on the road and from every angle - all I can say is, really? This is what Ford is going to hang its hat on for the upcoming electric circus? I was shocked at how devastatingly uninspired and instantly forgettable it is. It looks like a BMW X4 with Mustang styling cues, and that isn't nearly enough, folks. Even in its bright "grabber-esque" blue, it looked like just another generic crossover that will blend into the woodwork effortlessly. Once the first-on-the-block fanboys get their fill of it, then what? I'm still shaking my head over it. Is this the best you guys and gals can do? Wow. -PMD

(Honda images)
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition has set a new front-wheel-drive track record at Suzuka Circuit, Honda's Formula 1 racetrack in Japan, with a time of 2 minutes 23.993 seconds. Piloted by Super GT Series racer Takuya Izawa, the Type R Limited Edition achieved its record-breaking lap during final performance evaluations in February using a development car built to final European production specifications, with no modifications or performance enhancements. Video capturing the record-breaking lap through in-car footage is available here, with a separate video of the development crew working on the Type R at the track here. The 2021 Type R Limited Edition for the U.S. market is the ultimate street-legal, track-focused variant of Honda's Civic Type R, with significant measures taken to reduce weight and improve handling performance. Just 600 will be available when it launches in the U.S. later this year, exclusively painted in new Phoenix Yellow Pearl with contrasting gloss black accents on the roof and mirrors, and a dark chrome Civic badge. Inside, each Type R Limited Edition will feature an individually numbered serial plate denoting the vehicle's original country of sale. The U.S.-spec Type R Limited Edition differs from the European version by retaining air conditioning, Honda Sensing® and the Display Audio system. 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition mechanical upgrades from the standard Type R for the U.S. market include: Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels from BBS (18 lbs. unsprung weight reduction); Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires for improved traction and handling grip; dampers optimized for the new wheel/tire package; recalibrated steering for finer control and feedback; and further weight reduction of 28.2 lbs. through measures such as strategic reduction of sound-deadening materials. In addition to its unique touches, the Type R Limited Edition shares most of the updates that debuted on the 2020 Civic Type R, including freshened front and rear exterior styling, a larger grille and revised radiator design for improved engine cooling, an Alcantara™-wrapped steering wheel, and a new shifter with a restyled knob, plus the Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies. The Type R Limited Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC® Turbo engine, putting out a peak 306HP (SAE net) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net), with power delivered to the front wheels through a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential. The power and torque is managed by the Type R's dual axis strut front suspension system, which virtually eliminates torque steer while allowing geometry optimized for maximum cornering performance.

 

(Jeep images)
The last time the Jeep Wrangler was available with a V8 was in 1981, when the Jeep® CJ had a 5.0-liter V8 that delivered a puny 125HP and 220 lb.-ft. of torque. Jeep will probably soon rectify this drought after the unveiling of this new Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. (That the timing of this unveiling came on the day the new Ford Bronco was introduced was no coincidence. Duh.) The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept is powered by a 6.4-liter (392-cubic-inch) V8 engine that delivers 450HP and 450 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time of less than five seconds. Other ingredients? Jeep’s exclusive Trail Rated criteria have been enhanced with the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Concept. "Unmatched" 4x4 capability courtesy of added torque, Dana 44 axles, full-time two-speed transfer case, electric front- and rear-axle lockers, 37-inch mud-terrain tires and a Jeep Performance Parts two-inch factory lift kit. An eight-speed transmission, combined with massive low-end torque from the 392 V8 and 3.73 gear ratio combine to deliver improved on-road performance and greater off-road capability, according to Jeep PR minions. A two-mode exhaust alters performance sound at touch of a button. The custom exterior design features half doors, Granite Crystal paint and Bronze-colored accents on tow hooks, springs, shocks, wheels and badging. And the unique interior features Red Rock-colored leather seats with gold stitching and a performance steering wheel. Expect the Jeep Wrangler 392 to be available - minus some of the Concept's features - soon. We're guessing by the end of this year.

 

(Mercedes-AMG images)
The new 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has the most powerful AMG V8 series engine of all time, the most elaborate aerodynamics, the most intelligent material mix, the most expressive design and the most distinctive driving dynamics, according to Mercedes-AMG PR minions. The result? Although the new GT Black Series engine is based on the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo with dry sump lubrication, it has been given the new internal code of M178 LS2 due to its numerous modifications. The handcrafted AMG V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft delivers 720HP at 6,700-6,900 rpm and a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft at 2,000-6,000 rpm. It is the most powerful Mercedes-AMG V8 series engine of all time. New camshafts and exhaust manifolds are adapted to the new firing order and further improve the gas cycle. Both twin-scroll exhaust turbochargers are mounted in anti-friction bearings, which optimizes their throttle response even further. In the GT Black Series, however, the turbochargers have been given a larger compressor wheel, meaning that both can deliver a total of 24.6 psi. The redline tops out at 7,200 rpm. The larger intercoolers guarantee they always keep the charge-air temperature within the best possible range. The unique aspects of the new engine are also reflected in the distinctive engine badge, which is rendered in black. The new handcrafted AMG engine in the GT Black Series gives it a completely unique character, which is not only reflected in the power delivery, but also in its very distinctive sound. The Black Series goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and reaches 124 mph (200 km/h) in under nine seconds. The top speed is 202 mph. No prices were released.

(Nissan images)
Nissan plans to introduce the all-new Ariya, an electric crossover SUV that promises a range of 300 miles per charge (a preliminary Nissan estimate for the long-range 2WD model, in other words - "we'll see"). CEO Makoto Uchida and Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta unveiled the Ariya to a global audience during a livestreamed event at the new Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama, Japan. Nissan expects sales of its EVs and e-POWER electrified models to be more than 1 million units a year by the end of fiscal 2023. The Nissan Ariya is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in mid-2021. Don't bother looking at your watch, you won't see it here in the U.S. (and Canada) until early 2022. U.S. pricing will start around $40,000.

Ironiq.

By Tom Pease

Beverly Hills. So, apparently Cadillac's global head of brand strategy Phil Dauchy took it upon himself in an interview to explain the new naming of the all-electric models such as the Lyriq and Celestiq. Apparently Lyriq had something to do with the number of times the name Cadillac has appeared in song lyrics. Well, okay then. The "iq" suffix also apparently means that "Cadillac is bringing a different type of vehicle to market, one that works in concert with man, nature, and machine." Uh, as opposed to? Finally he comments that once we get a gander at the Celestiq we will grasp that, "its size, presence and scale all connote the emotion associated with the name." You mean like Escalade? Eldorado? Fleetwood? Biarritz? Now granted, perhaps middle-aged, BMW-driving, West-side LA-dwelling males aren't your target market, but I find it continually ironiq that Cadillac will put out good unto great product and saddle them with dumb names, a chroniq silliness that I wish they would just stop. Please. Before you roll out something called the "Iconiq..."



AE Song Lyrics of the Week:


People livin' their lives for you on TV
They say they're better than you and you agree
He says "Hold my calls from behind those cold brick walls"
Says "Come here boys, there ain't nothing for free"
Another doctor's bill, a lawyer's bill, another cute cheap thrill
You know you love him if you put in your will, but

Who will save your souls when it comes to the flowers now?
Who, who will save your souls after those lies that you told, boy?
And who will save your souls if you won't save your own?
La da de da de da la da da da da

We try to hustle them, try to bustle them, try to cuss them
The cops want someone to bust down on Orleans Avenue
Another day, another dollar, another war
Another tower went up where the homeless had their homes
So we pray to as many different gods as there are flowers
But we call religion our friend
We're so worried about saving our souls
Afraid that God will take His toll that we forget to begin, but

Who will save your souls when it comes to the babies now?
Who, who will save your souls after those lies that you told, boy?
And who will save your souls if you won't save your own?
La da de da de da la da da da da

Some are walking, some are talking, some are stalking their kill
Got social security but it doesn't pay your bills
There are addictions to feed and there are mouths to pay
So you bargain with the Devil but you're okay for today, say
That you love them, take their money and run
Say it's been swell, sweetheart, but it was just one of those things
Those flings, those strings you've got to cut
So get out on the streets, girls, and bust your butts

Who will save-ave your soul when it comes to the babies?
Oh, who will save your souls after those lies that you told, boy?
And who will save-ave your souls if you won't save your own?


"Who Will Save Your Soul" by Jewel - "Pieces Of You" (1994*) - Watch the video here.

*Jewel wrote this when she was sixteen. She traveled a lot in those days, and took a trip to Mexico where she hitchhiked around the country. She was amazed to see how many people looked like they were waiting for someone to save them. She told Entertainment Weekly: "I started street-singing along the way, and that's when 'Who Will Save Your Soul' came. I didn't know any chords - I played the same four over and over and just started improvising lyrics. I sang and gave foot rubs to tourists at the docks in Cabo, and hitchhiked without being murdered or raped. I always carried my little skinning knife. It wasn't little, actually. It was a pretty big knife." This was Jewel's first single. It was first released in 1994, and took a long time to find an audience. Two years later, as female singer/songwriters like Sheryl Crow, Sara McLachlan, and Alanis Morissette became very popular, radio stations started adding the song to their playlists, and it was re-released as a single. This time, it became a hit, peaking at No. 11 in August, 1996, 18 months after the Pieces Of You album was issued. Geoff Moore directed the music video, which was shot in a bathroom at Los Angeles City Hall. Jewel regards restrooms as sanctuaries. She told Entertainment Weekly: "I grew up outdoors and in nature, and I found the only place in cities I could be alone was the bathroom." Moore recruited his friends to play the characters in the video, including the drag queen, who was My Fair Lady actor Rex Harrison's grandson. Most of the album was recorded at Neil Young's Broken Arrow Ranch in Redwood City, California. Ben Keith, who produced Pieces of You, is known as a pedal steel guitarist in Young's band, and a co-producer for the album Harvest Moon, which was a favorite of Jewel's. The music video was nominated for Best Female Video at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, but lost to Alanis Morissette's "Ironic." (Knowledge courtesy of songfacts.com)