Saturday
Oct302021
NOVEMBER 3, 2021
Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 04:13PM 
(Chevrolet images)
Chevrolet has unveiled The Chevy Beast — a concept vision of "the ultimate in high-performance desert running" — at the 2021 SEMA Show. The Chevy Beast is a four-passenger off-roader that’s based on a modified Silverado chassis, wears a customized pickup body and is powered by a Chevrolet Performance supercharged, 650HP LT4 V8 crate engine. The show truck was "conceived to demonstrate the capability of Chevy trucks and Chevrolet Performance components," according to Chevy PR minions. “The Chevy Beast concept takes the popularity of high-performance off-road trucks to the next level,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “It’s a vision for a new dimension of Chevrolet Performance capability from a brand that’s been pioneering performance and supporting customer personalization for more than 50 years.” Designers and engineers started with the chassis of a Silverado short-bed model and modified it for high-speed desert running. The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body. A concept, long-travel off-road suspension system was also created for the vehicle, including a five-link rear suspension. Along with a widened, 91-inch track, it contributes to more stable handling and optimal driver control during high-speed off-road driving. “There’s nothing else like The Chevy Beast,” says Jeff Trush, GM program manager, Pace Car and Specialty Show Vehicles. “It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running.” The supercharged 6.2-liter, 650HP LT4 V8 crate engine is backed by a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a two-speed transfer case and distributes it to 37-inch-tall off-road tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. The concept also includes the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System. Other ingredients? Tubular doors and a simple, lightweight clamshell-type front end reflect the functionality and aesthetic of desert running, while the rear of the vehicle was intentionally designed with almost no overhang to maximize the angle of attack on steep grades. A pair of spare tires is mounted in the bed, while the rear of the vehicle itself is left open to help extract dust. Additional unique design cues include a custom front grille, front and rear bowtie emblems and powerful off-road lighting from Baja Designs®. Inside, the customized cab has a minimalist, functional design, featuring a quartet of Recaro® performance seats with four-point harnesses, as well as a pair of 7-inch-diagonal LCD screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance data, including pitch and roll during off-road driving scenarios. More details on all the Chevrolet vehicles and accessories at SEMA are available www.ChevySEMA.com.
Chevrolet has unveiled The Chevy Beast — a concept vision of "the ultimate in high-performance desert running" — at the 2021 SEMA Show. The Chevy Beast is a four-passenger off-roader that’s based on a modified Silverado chassis, wears a customized pickup body and is powered by a Chevrolet Performance supercharged, 650HP LT4 V8 crate engine. The show truck was "conceived to demonstrate the capability of Chevy trucks and Chevrolet Performance components," according to Chevy PR minions. “The Chevy Beast concept takes the popularity of high-performance off-road trucks to the next level,” said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance and Motorsports. “It’s a vision for a new dimension of Chevrolet Performance capability from a brand that’s been pioneering performance and supporting customer personalization for more than 50 years.” Designers and engineers started with the chassis of a Silverado short-bed model and modified it for high-speed desert running. The frame was shortened and a custom-designed, 4130 chromoly tubular safety structure was integrated while the modified chassis was wrapped with a custom, lightweight body. A concept, long-travel off-road suspension system was also created for the vehicle, including a five-link rear suspension. Along with a widened, 91-inch track, it contributes to more stable handling and optimal driver control during high-speed off-road driving. “There’s nothing else like The Chevy Beast,” says Jeff Trush, GM program manager, Pace Car and Specialty Show Vehicles. “It delivers a ton of performance and capability, which makes it adept at conquering rough terrain — and it flat-out flies in desert running.” The supercharged 6.2-liter, 650HP LT4 V8 crate engine is backed by a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission that sends torque to a two-speed transfer case and distributes it to 37-inch-tall off-road tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. The concept also includes the Chevrolet Performance Big Brake Upgrade System. Other ingredients? Tubular doors and a simple, lightweight clamshell-type front end reflect the functionality and aesthetic of desert running, while the rear of the vehicle was intentionally designed with almost no overhang to maximize the angle of attack on steep grades. A pair of spare tires is mounted in the bed, while the rear of the vehicle itself is left open to help extract dust. Additional unique design cues include a custom front grille, front and rear bowtie emblems and powerful off-road lighting from Baja Designs®. Inside, the customized cab has a minimalist, functional design, featuring a quartet of Recaro® performance seats with four-point harnesses, as well as a pair of 7-inch-diagonal LCD screens that monitor vehicle functions and performance data, including pitch and roll during off-road driving scenarios. More details on all the Chevrolet vehicles and accessories at SEMA are available www.ChevySEMA.com.
(Ford Images)
Think the off-road frenzy is going away anytime soon? Think again. Ford is aiming at the hardest-core desert racing enthusiasts with the all-new Ford Bronco DR – a first-of-its-kind limited-production Baja 1000 desert race SUV based on the Bronco four-door SUV. Purpose-built and turnkey, Bronco DR – Desert Racer – is intended for off-road use only. It is powered by a third-generation Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine that's targeted to generate more than 400HP, Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV™ Dampers and Multimatic safety cage, plus a host of other racing hardware upgrades. “Bronco DR is our ultimate turnkey off-road racing SUV, engineered to put enthusiasts behind the wheel of a desert racing force,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports global director. “This collaboration between Ford Performance and Multimatic continues the Bronco desert racing legacy that dates back to Rod Hall and Larry Minor’s never-repeated overall Baja 1000 win in a stock Bronco in 1969.” The Bronco DR prototype will make its race debut in 2022 and is targeting entry in the 2022 SCORE Baja 1000, wearing Ford Performance red, white, black and blue livery honoring the Baja 1000 victory. The first 50 units of 2023 Bronco DR will be available for sale in late 2022 with a starting price in the mid-$200,000 range. Click here for more information on Bronco DR.
Tucci Hot Rods has introduced a Maverick at the SEMA Show that's all about road racing performance inspired by race cars of generations past. Starting with an XLT series Ford Maverick pickup with 2.0-liter EcoBoost power and all-wheel drive, the truck gets widened, muscular fender arches with Tucci-made 3D-printed fender flares, a 3D-printed front lip and a 3D-printed rear spoiler. Added performance comes from coil-over shocks, custom Borla cat-back exhaust with dual carbon fiber tips and big-ass tires on custom wheels with a retro feel. (The retro feel to those wheels is reminiscent of the factory Audi Quattro Trans-Am cars from decades ago.)
Think the off-road frenzy is going away anytime soon? Think again. Ford is aiming at the hardest-core desert racing enthusiasts with the all-new Ford Bronco DR – a first-of-its-kind limited-production Baja 1000 desert race SUV based on the Bronco four-door SUV. Purpose-built and turnkey, Bronco DR – Desert Racer – is intended for off-road use only. It is powered by a third-generation Ford Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine that's targeted to generate more than 400HP, Multimatic Positional Selective DSSV™ Dampers and Multimatic safety cage, plus a host of other racing hardware upgrades. “Bronco DR is our ultimate turnkey off-road racing SUV, engineered to put enthusiasts behind the wheel of a desert racing force,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports global director. “This collaboration between Ford Performance and Multimatic continues the Bronco desert racing legacy that dates back to Rod Hall and Larry Minor’s never-repeated overall Baja 1000 win in a stock Bronco in 1969.” The Bronco DR prototype will make its race debut in 2022 and is targeting entry in the 2022 SCORE Baja 1000, wearing Ford Performance red, white, black and blue livery honoring the Baja 1000 victory. The first 50 units of 2023 Bronco DR will be available for sale in late 2022 with a starting price in the mid-$200,000 range. Click here for more information on Bronco DR.
Tucci Hot Rods has introduced a Maverick at the SEMA Show that's all about road racing performance inspired by race cars of generations past. Starting with an XLT series Ford Maverick pickup with 2.0-liter EcoBoost power and all-wheel drive, the truck gets widened, muscular fender arches with Tucci-made 3D-printed fender flares, a 3D-printed front lip and a 3D-printed rear spoiler. Added performance comes from coil-over shocks, custom Borla cat-back exhaust with dual carbon fiber tips and big-ass tires on custom wheels with a retro feel. (The retro feel to those wheels is reminiscent of the factory Audi Quattro Trans-Am cars from decades ago.)
(Mercedes-Benz images)
The new Mercedes-AMG SL is on its way here. Besides 2+2 seating - which is a first for the SL - it was created on an all-new roadster architecture with a composite aluminum structure. No part of the body shell was adopted from the predecessor or any other model series. For the first time in 70 years, the SL will be available with all-wheel drive: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ distributes the drive force fully variably to the front and rear wheels. With the available AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, active anti-roll stabilization works without anti-roll bars for improved driving dynamics and comfort. Rear-axle steering combines agility and stability and is also on board for the first time in an SL. There will be two AMG V8s at launch. The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engines are assembled purely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577HP and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds. In the SL 55, the V8 develops an output of 469HP and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.8 seconds. For use in the SL, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and active crankcase ventilation. The intake and exhaust ducts have been optimized for even more effective gas exchange, and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and petrol particulate filter has been enlarged. The developers achieved the increased output of the SL 63 primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air flow, as well as modified engine software. Further engine versions will follow, including a powerful E PERFORMANCE hybrid. Other stuff? The electro-hydraulic soft top opens or closes fully automatically in around 15 seconds, and both are possible up to 37 mph (60 km/h). The multimedia touchscreen can be electrically adjusted in inclination from 12 to 32 degrees. "Hey Mercedes," the intelligent voice assistant, understands up to 28 languages. Eight screen designs can be displayed in the head unit. At market launch, the new SL will be available in twelve paint finishes, including five metallic paint finishes, and six MANUFAKTUR colors as well as three different soft top colors. No prices have been announced as of yet. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The Big News here? We're shocked that Mercedes is even continuing to build the SL, but we applaud them for doing it. In The Land of Giant Trucks and SUVs that we're living in today, it's refreshing that there are other options (albeit not cheap, by any means) to consider. -PMD
The new Mercedes-AMG SL is on its way here. Besides 2+2 seating - which is a first for the SL - it was created on an all-new roadster architecture with a composite aluminum structure. No part of the body shell was adopted from the predecessor or any other model series. For the first time in 70 years, the SL will be available with all-wheel drive: AMG Performance 4MATIC+ distributes the drive force fully variably to the front and rear wheels. With the available AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL, active anti-roll stabilization works without anti-roll bars for improved driving dynamics and comfort. Rear-axle steering combines agility and stability and is also on board for the first time in an SL. There will be two AMG V8s at launch. The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engines are assembled purely by hand at the company's site in Affalterbach according to the "One Man, One Engine" principle. In the top model SL 63, the engine develops 577HP and provides a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft over a wide rev range from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. 0 to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.5 seconds. In the SL 55, the V8 develops an output of 469HP and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft. The sprint from standstill to 60 mph takes an estimated 3.8 seconds. For use in the SL, the engine received a new oil pan, repositioned intercoolers and active crankcase ventilation. The intake and exhaust ducts have been optimized for even more effective gas exchange, and the exhaust gas routing for the catalytic converter box and petrol particulate filter has been enlarged. The developers achieved the increased output of the SL 63 primarily through higher boost pressure and greater air flow, as well as modified engine software. Further engine versions will follow, including a powerful E PERFORMANCE hybrid. Other stuff? The electro-hydraulic soft top opens or closes fully automatically in around 15 seconds, and both are possible up to 37 mph (60 km/h). The multimedia touchscreen can be electrically adjusted in inclination from 12 to 32 degrees. "Hey Mercedes," the intelligent voice assistant, understands up to 28 languages. Eight screen designs can be displayed in the head unit. At market launch, the new SL will be available in twelve paint finishes, including five metallic paint finishes, and six MANUFAKTUR colors as well as three different soft top colors. No prices have been announced as of yet. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The Big News here? We're shocked that Mercedes is even continuing to build the SL, but we applaud them for doing it. In The Land of Giant Trucks and SUVs that we're living in today, it's refreshing that there are other options (albeit not cheap, by any means) to consider. -PMD
(Toyota images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is Toyota's bZ4X BEV, which we're not-so-affectionately dubbing the "BEEZER." The press release for it was so convoluted and filled with vapid pronouncements about Toyota's place in the world that we're going to spare you the endlessly painful details. Suffice to say, it's Toyota's new crossover entry in the Global BEV Circus. The bZ4X was developed (jointly with Subaru) as a medium-segment SUV-type BEV, the first model in the Toyota bZ series, a BEV-dedicated platform that aims for a value greater than zero ("beyond Zero"). The bZ4X "has the excitement of an SUV-style BEV, driving appeal, and is the first model of the Toyota's bZ series, which emphasizes safety and peace of mind," according to Toyota PR minions. It will be launched worldwide in the middle of 2022. All future Toyota BEVs will be developed around four target values - which we're presenting word-for-word here for your reading enjoyment - which speak to Toyota's intense navel-gazing: "1. You & Others. In addition to comfortable cabins, Toyota bZ offers a new lifestyle and the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends. 2. You & Your Car. Toyota bZ delivers the BEV's unique joy of driving and excitement at anticipated possibilities. 3. You & the Environment. Toyota bZ will not only reduce CO2 and other emissions - it aims to contribute positively to the environment. 4. You & Society. Toyota bZ aims to create a safer society where everyone enjoys greater peace of mind." And no, you just can't make this shit up. At any rate, the "BEEZER" will check all the boxes, including a 300-mile range, blah-blah-blah. It also will feature a wacky optional steering feature called One-motion grip, which combines a steer-by-wire and a uniquely shaped steering wheel - a "Toyota first." Available only in China initially, it will be available around the world by the end of 2022. What is it about? There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires. Lock-to-lock is set at around 150 degrees, eliminating the need to change grips when steering, greatly reducing the burden on the driver for U-turns, garage parking and on winding roads. The steering feeling is improved (allegedly) through independently controlling the steering torque that the driver feels and the steering angle of the tires (steering characteristics can be changed with drive mode select). The system blocks unnecessary vibrations from tires and only transmits necessary vibrations such as road information. The system controls tire movement to ensure vehicle stability when driving on uneven surfaces or when Lane Tracing Assist is activated. Oh, and One-motion grip provides more legroom, "improving driving position freedom and ease of entry and exit." Lovely. That's enough to chew-on for the moment. At this point, it's time to look at the pictures. -PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is Toyota's bZ4X BEV, which we're not-so-affectionately dubbing the "BEEZER." The press release for it was so convoluted and filled with vapid pronouncements about Toyota's place in the world that we're going to spare you the endlessly painful details. Suffice to say, it's Toyota's new crossover entry in the Global BEV Circus. The bZ4X was developed (jointly with Subaru) as a medium-segment SUV-type BEV, the first model in the Toyota bZ series, a BEV-dedicated platform that aims for a value greater than zero ("beyond Zero"). The bZ4X "has the excitement of an SUV-style BEV, driving appeal, and is the first model of the Toyota's bZ series, which emphasizes safety and peace of mind," according to Toyota PR minions. It will be launched worldwide in the middle of 2022. All future Toyota BEVs will be developed around four target values - which we're presenting word-for-word here for your reading enjoyment - which speak to Toyota's intense navel-gazing: "1. You & Others. In addition to comfortable cabins, Toyota bZ offers a new lifestyle and the opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends. 2. You & Your Car. Toyota bZ delivers the BEV's unique joy of driving and excitement at anticipated possibilities. 3. You & the Environment. Toyota bZ will not only reduce CO2 and other emissions - it aims to contribute positively to the environment. 4. You & Society. Toyota bZ aims to create a safer society where everyone enjoys greater peace of mind." And no, you just can't make this shit up. At any rate, the "BEEZER" will check all the boxes, including a 300-mile range, blah-blah-blah. It also will feature a wacky optional steering feature called One-motion grip, which combines a steer-by-wire and a uniquely shaped steering wheel - a "Toyota first." Available only in China initially, it will be available around the world by the end of 2022. What is it about? There is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and tires. Lock-to-lock is set at around 150 degrees, eliminating the need to change grips when steering, greatly reducing the burden on the driver for U-turns, garage parking and on winding roads. The steering feeling is improved (allegedly) through independently controlling the steering torque that the driver feels and the steering angle of the tires (steering characteristics can be changed with drive mode select). The system blocks unnecessary vibrations from tires and only transmits necessary vibrations such as road information. The system controls tire movement to ensure vehicle stability when driving on uneven surfaces or when Lane Tracing Assist is activated. Oh, and One-motion grip provides more legroom, "improving driving position freedom and ease of entry and exit." Lovely. That's enough to chew-on for the moment. At this point, it's time to look at the pictures. -PMD
(Mopar images)
Among the many vehicles Stellantis is unveiling at the SEMA Show is this Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole concept. Starting with a 2020 limited-production Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody 50th Anniversary edition and then giving it a throwback treatment from the 1970s is definitely a hot look. The Challenger Holy Guacamole concept’s exterior is awash in a custom green paint color - affectionately named "Rotten Avocado" by Dodge designers - and it also features a custom-painted “Gold School” Shaker hood scoop, unique tone-on-tone side striping, staggered 20-inch Forgeline wheels and Mopar coil-over suspension lowering kit. Under the functional Shaker hood is a Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for improved airflow and performance from the 392 (cubic inch) HEMI V-8 engine. The interior is decked out with wood panel trim and seats and door panels that sport green and yellow plaid inserts as a tribute to some of the colors and materials found in the iconic original 1970 Challenger. We. Love. It.
Among the many vehicles Stellantis is unveiling at the SEMA Show is this Dodge Challenger Holy Guacamole concept. Starting with a 2020 limited-production Challenger R/T Scat Pack Widebody 50th Anniversary edition and then giving it a throwback treatment from the 1970s is definitely a hot look. The Challenger Holy Guacamole concept’s exterior is awash in a custom green paint color - affectionately named "Rotten Avocado" by Dodge designers - and it also features a custom-painted “Gold School” Shaker hood scoop, unique tone-on-tone side striping, staggered 20-inch Forgeline wheels and Mopar coil-over suspension lowering kit. Under the functional Shaker hood is a Mopar cold-air intake, conical air filter and optimized air box for improved airflow and performance from the 392 (cubic inch) HEMI V-8 engine. The interior is decked out with wood panel trim and seats and door panels that sport green and yellow plaid inserts as a tribute to some of the colors and materials found in the iconic original 1970 Challenger. We. Love. It.
(Chevrolet)
The original Corvette Z06 made its debut in 1963, as an optional Special Equipment Package intended for racers. It included a stiffer suspension, heavy-duty brakes, a thicker front stabilizer bar, and a large, 36-gallon fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. A fuel-injected 5.4-liter engine (327 cubic inches) and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission were required with the package. And now? The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette story begins with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray made its debut, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track, "a new American supercar that puts the world on notice," according to Chevrolet PR minions. While the Z06 was created to dominate on the track when it debuted in 1963, the Z06 nameplate has also come to symbolize "the perfect combination of track beast and supercar," Chevy's PR minions continued. “The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.” The Z06 is set apart by its all-new, 5.5L 670HP LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever. Production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 begins in summer 2022. It will be built at Bowling Green Assembly in left- and right-hand drive. Watch the intro video here.
The original Corvette Z06 made its debut in 1963, as an optional Special Equipment Package intended for racers. It included a stiffer suspension, heavy-duty brakes, a thicker front stabilizer bar, and a large, 36-gallon fuel tank that reduced the number of necessary pit stops in longer races. A fuel-injected 5.4-liter engine (327 cubic inches) and a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission were required with the package. And now? The next chapter in the mid-engine Corvette story begins with the introduction of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Arriving two years after the first production mid-engine Corvette Stingray made its debut, the Z06 is designed and engineered to act as a precision tool for the track, "a new American supercar that puts the world on notice," according to Chevrolet PR minions. While the Z06 was created to dominate on the track when it debuted in 1963, the Z06 nameplate has also come to symbolize "the perfect combination of track beast and supercar," Chevy's PR minions continued. “The new Corvette Z06 defines the American supercar,” said General Motors President Mark Reuss. “It builds on the distinctive design and groundbreaking dynamics introduced with the mid-engine Corvette and elevates them to deliver refined but uncompromising track capability with world-class performance.” The Z06 is set apart by its all-new, 5.5L 670HP LT6, the highest horsepower, naturally-aspirated V-8 to hit the market in any production car, ever. Production of the 2023 Corvette Z06 begins in summer 2022. It will be built at Bowling Green Assembly in left- and right-hand drive. Watch the intro video here.
(Maserati images)
Maserati is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Ghibli. On November 3, 1966, the Ghibli made its debut on the world stage at the Ghia stand at the Turin Motor Show. A new interpretation of the gran turismo concept, the two-seater coupé was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was at Ghia at the time. The name recalled a powerful, warm wind in North Africa that carries with it a great deal of sand. The decision to take its name was no coincidence, given the car’s speed and the 'warmth’ of its technical and stylistic specifications. The engine for the Ghibli was newly designed, but based on the well-known 8-cylinder used in the Mexico. It could deliver an output of 330HP in the 4,700-cc version, and was followed by an even more powerful 4,900-cc version. After it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli was launched in 1967. The following year, its interior was restyled and could also be fitted on demand with automatic transmission, as well as a 5-speed manual gearbox. From 1969, the Spyder version also became available, which could be equipped with a hard top; one year later, both models were also offered with a 4,900-cc engine, taking the name Ghibli SS. In all, 128 Ghibli Spyder and more than 1,200 Ghibli coupé models were produced between 1967 and 1972. One was purchased by Henry Ford II, who would place it in the lobby of the Ford Product Development Center in Detroit, as an example to follow and a source of inspiration.
Maserati is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Ghibli. On November 3, 1966, the Ghibli made its debut on the world stage at the Ghia stand at the Turin Motor Show. A new interpretation of the gran turismo concept, the two-seater coupé was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who was at Ghia at the time. The name recalled a powerful, warm wind in North Africa that carries with it a great deal of sand. The decision to take its name was no coincidence, given the car’s speed and the 'warmth’ of its technical and stylistic specifications. The engine for the Ghibli was newly designed, but based on the well-known 8-cylinder used in the Mexico. It could deliver an output of 330HP in the 4,700-cc version, and was followed by an even more powerful 4,900-cc version. After it was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli was launched in 1967. The following year, its interior was restyled and could also be fitted on demand with automatic transmission, as well as a 5-speed manual gearbox. From 1969, the Spyder version also became available, which could be equipped with a hard top; one year later, both models were also offered with a 4,900-cc engine, taking the name Ghibli SS. In all, 128 Ghibli Spyder and more than 1,200 Ghibli coupé models were produced between 1967 and 1972. One was purchased by Henry Ford II, who would place it in the lobby of the Ford Product Development Center in Detroit, as an example to follow and a source of inspiration.
Letter from L.A.
By Tom Pease
Beverly Hills. When I first read about the deal between Elon Musk and Hertz, the first thing that popped into my head was it's "Elon's Halston III.” For those of you who aren't of a certain age, have led cleaner lives, or don't give a damn about the works of Ryan Murphy, the name Halston might have no meaning.
Halston was a fashion designer who first came to prominence as the designer of Jackie Kennedy's famous “pillbox” hat. In the 70's he became famous for creating easy, flowing dresses that made him the darling of the Jet Set, He also became famous for being part of the 70's NY party scene, hanging out in hot clubs of-the-moment with Liza, Andy, Liz, and a bunch of other people who didn't need last names to tabloid readers. He had a minimalist townhouse on the East side and an atelier in the Olympic Towers, and his creations were sold at tony stores like Bergdorf Goodman. If there was a fashion pundit needed for “Good Morning America” Halston would be there (doubtless having dropped Liza off after leaving Studio 54).
In the early 80's Halston inked a deal with J. C. Penney to crate and sell a line called “Halston III.” It was visionary, it was groundbreaking, it was... disastrous. The ladies of Park Avenue didn't want to be wearing the same label as the ladies of Paramus. Bergdorf's dropped him like a hot rock. Penny's shoppers liked the idea, but the prices were too high for the store. Halston the company went through various owners, but Halston himself was out. Now of course you could say, “But this is completely different! These are cars, not clothes! You don't know what you're talking about!”
Maybe. But diluting the brand is diluting the brand, whether you're doing it by making fast-food versions of your pricey duds and selling them at Penney's, or sending your spacemobile “cooler-than-thou” car into the fleets of Chevy Sparks and Kia Fortes to be piloted at 58MPH in the number 3 lane of the 5 on the way to Anaheim.
In the early 80's Halston inked a deal with J. C. Penney to crate and sell a line called “Halston III.” It was visionary, it was groundbreaking, it was... disastrous. The ladies of Park Avenue didn't want to be wearing the same label as the ladies of Paramus. Bergdorf's dropped him like a hot rock. Penny's shoppers liked the idea, but the prices were too high for the store. Halston the company went through various owners, but Halston himself was out. Now of course you could say, “But this is completely different! These are cars, not clothes! You don't know what you're talking about!”
Maybe. But diluting the brand is diluting the brand, whether you're doing it by making fast-food versions of your pricey duds and selling them at Penney's, or sending your spacemobile “cooler-than-thou” car into the fleets of Chevy Sparks and Kia Fortes to be piloted at 58MPH in the number 3 lane of the 5 on the way to Anaheim.
The AE Song of the Week:
A green plastic watering can
For a fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
That she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber plans
To get rid of itself
It wears her out
It wears her out
It wears her out
It wears her out
She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyrene man
Who just crumbles and burns
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins
And it wears him out
It wears him out
It wears him out
Wears him out
She looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
And it wears me out
It wears me out
It wears me out
It wears me out
And if I could be who you wanted
If I could be who you wanted
All the time
All the time
"Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead, from the album "The Bends" (1995)*. Written by: Jonathan Richard, Guy Greenwood, Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Philip James Selway and Thomas Edward Yorke. Publisher: Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the band perform the song live in Santiago, Chile, here.
*According to Thom Yorke, this is a song about an area in east London called Canary Wharf, which was built on unused wasteland by the docks of the Thames. The area was supposed to be a major business district, but it was hurt by a market downturn in the '90s. Canary Wharf was landscaped with a lot of artificial plants, which is where the title came from. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Yorke said that this was the song where he found his lyrical voice. He cut the vocal, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, in one take, then the band filled in its parts around him. Yorke said the song began as "A very nice melody which I had no idea what to do with, then you wake up and find your head singing some words to it." An acoustic version was featured in the 1995 film Clueless and its accompanying soundtrack. In the movie, Cher (Alicia Silverstone) criticizes her stepbrother's taste in music when she overhears him listening to the tune, calling it "crybaby music." When asked by Vox if he minded the insult, Yorke replied: "I mean, I suppose it does piss me off, but I am a moaning crybaby from Hell, really. Besides, the characters in that film aren't the kind of people I'd want to like Radiohead. They're just average, two dimensional Beverly Hills kids, and the person who is actually listening to them to us in the film is the only three dimensional character. So the answer is: 'F--k you, we're for 3D people!'" Karyn Rachtman, the movie's music supervisor, admitted Cher was reflecting her own opinion of the band at the time. "I looked at them as 'the whiny band,' and I was very, 'Whatever' on them," she explained to Flavorwire. "I became a Radiohead fan later on, but I remember hearing at the time that they were assholes. I had to go to England to show them Clueless, and Thom Yorke was such a great guy. I may have really played up how shallow Cher was, like, 'Of course she's going to call you whiny, it's a compliment, get it?' They were fine with it." The band were finding it difficult to nail this song and decided to take a break and catch a Jeff Buckley gig at Highbury. When they returned to the studio mesmerized by Buckley's set, Yorke sang the song twice before breaking down into tears. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)