(Jeep images)
The 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 launch edition, with a 6.4-liter V8 that delivers 470HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, will have a starting MSRP of $73,500 (excluding $1,495 destination). The Wrangler Rubicon 392 features off-road-ready content including a 2-inch factory lift, functional hood scoop with Hydro-Guide™ air intake, beadlock-capable wheels, unique bolstered leather seats, active dual-mode exhaust system, plus signature bronze tow hooks, springs and badges. With the Rubicon 392 launch edition you also get a leather interior, body-color hardtop and fender flares, Steel Bumper Group, LED Lighting Group and the Advanced Safety Group. More? The Wrangler Rubicon 392 has a Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case, full-time four-wheel-drive, heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials and electronic front sway-bar disconnect. Still more? The 392's off-road performance, handling and durability are enhanced with upgraded frame rails, unique suspension geometry, heavy-duty brakes and FOX high-performance shocks. The Rubicon 392 marks the first time in 40 years that the Wrangler will be available with a V-8 engine installed at the factory. The new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 scheduled to start arriving in dealerships in the first quarter of 2021. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Do you think the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 launch edition is too pricey? Are you kidding? They'll sell every one they can make, and then some. This is a frickin' grand slam home run, folks. -PMD
(Hyundai images)
The Hyundai Motor Company has taken the wraps off of its future, the IONIQ 5 midsize CUV. As the first model in Hyundai’s new IONIQ brand dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEV), IONIQ 5 "sets the benchmark to redefine the electric mobility lifestyle with sustainable and innovative features," according to Hyundai PR minions. IONIQ 5 is built upon Hyundai's dedicated BEV architecture called Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which allows for unique proportions on an elongated wheelbase. With E-GMP, IONIQ 5 offers innovative interior design with eco-friendly materials in many touchpoints, strong performance mated with ultra-fast charging and a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function as well as advanced connectivity and driver assistance features that "will offer the ultimate in-car experience while ensuring safety," according to the manufacturer. “IONIQ 5 will accommodate lifestyles without limits, proactively caring for customers’ needs throughout their journey,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer. “It is truly the first electric vehicle to provide a new experience with its innovative use of interior space and advanced technologies.” (Uh, that's a large dollop of hyperbole right there, but, it is what it is. - PMD) The IONIQ 5’s exterior design is characterized by the Hyundai Pony-inspired profile (the company's first production car) over a 3,000-mm wheelbase. The front of the machine is equipped with Hyundai’s first clamshell hood that minimizes panel gaps for optimal aerodynamics. The front bumper's V-shape incorporates DRLs that provide a unique light signature for the IONIQ 5. The small pixel-like clusters also appear at the rear of the vehicle. Auto flush door handles provide clean surface styling and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The front and rear forms of the vehicle merge together at its doors, in another example of Hyundai’s ‘Parametric Dynamics’ design language. The Aero-optimized wheels will be offered in a 20-inch diameter, the largest rims ever fitted to a Hyundai EV. 
The interior carries a ‘Living Space’ theme throughout, most notably embodied by the Universal Island, a moveable center console that can slide back as much as 140 mm. Universal Island, along with the flat floor where the batteries are stored, allows more freedom of movement inside the vehicle. Many of the interior touchpoints — seats, headliner, door trim, floor and armrest — use eco-friendly, sustainable sourced materials, such as recycled PET bottles; plant-based (bio PET) yarns and natural wool yarns; eco-processed leather with plant-based extracts and bio paint with plant extracts. Customers will be able to choose from three interior colors and nine exterior colors, including five nature-inspired hues exclusive to IONIQ 5. The interior has three color options. The wide, configurable, dual cockpit features a 12-inch, full-touch infotainment screen and hoodless 12- inch digital gauge cluster that can be customized to meet customers’ needs. For the first time in a Hyundai, IONIQ 5 features an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD), essentially turning the windshield into a display screen. IONIQ 5 is also equipped with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense, advanced driver assistance system, ensuring the highest levels of safety and convenience on the road. IONIQ 5 is the first Hyundai model to offer Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2). Other driving assistance systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), and more.
IONIQ 5 is available with a range of power electric (PE) configurations to fit the mobility needs of every customer, with no compromises on performance. Customers can select from two battery pack options, either 58 kWh or 72.6 kWh[3], and two electric motor layouts, either with a rear motor only or with both front and rear motors. All PE variations deliver a top speed of 185 km/h. At the top of the electric motor lineup is an all-wheel drive (AWD) option paired with the 72.6-kWh battery, producing a combined power output of 225-kWh and 605 Nm of torque. This PE configuration can go from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds. When equipped with two-wheel drive (2WD) and 72.6-kWh battery, IONIQ 5’s maximum driving range on a single charge will be around 470~480 km, according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) standard (The U.S. standard will have lower range numbers - PMD.)
IONIQ 5’s E-GMP can support both 400-V and 800-V charging infrastructures. The platform offers 800-V charging capability as standard, along with 400-V charging, without the need for additional components or adapters. The multi-charging system is a world’s first patented technology that operates the motor and inverter to boost 400 V to 800 V for stable charging compatibility. With a 350-kW charger, IONIQ 5 can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes. IONIQ 5 users only need to charge the vehicle for five minutes to get 100 km of range, according to the WLTP standard. IONIQ 5 also provides a V2L function, which allows customers to freely use or charge any electric devices, such as electric bicycles, scooters or camping equipment, serving as a charger on wheels. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kW of power. The V2L port is located under the second-row seats, and it can be activated when a vehicle is on. Another V2L port is located at the charging port on the vehicle exterior. Using a converter, customers can charge high-power electric equipment. The outside port provides power even when the vehicle is turned off. IONIQ 5 will be available in selected regions starting in the first half of 2021. Following the launch of IONIQ 5, Hyundai will expand its BEV lineup with IONIQ 6, an electric sedan, and IONIQ 7, a large electric SUV. Editor-in-Chief's Note: I find the design of the IONIQ 5 to be very interesting. It's clean and tightly rendered, with real character and perspective. I look forward to seeing it in person. -PMD
(Mercedes-Benz images)
This is what Mercedes-Benz PR minions say about the new C-Class: "Welcome to a new, even more digital and efficient world, and welcome home: the new C-Class stands for both, and in all respects creates a future-proof comfort zone in a time of worldwide transformation. The new C-Class is the first classic Mercedes-Benz model series to be fully electrified thanks to an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt technology. It also sets standards with respect to sustainability. And because the C-Class is one of the company's highest-volume model series, this systematic electrification has a correspondingly strong effect on our carbon footprint." "We have created the most stylish and exclusive C-Class ever applying our company's style of 'Sensual Purity.' We create desire through the aesthetic beauty of sensuous surfaces, perfect sporty proportions, and an extraordinary ambience in the interior," said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler Group. The all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022. This is what we say: We couldn't be more underwhelmed about a new product. Good night and good luck.
(Lexus)
Lexus is introducing the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance, which will be exclusive to the North American market. The big news? its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 has a maximum output of 472HP at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,800 rpm. And, at 3,891 pounds, it is only 143 pounds heavier than the standard IS 350 F SPORT. The IS 500 is capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and delivers a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg highway rating. Other IS 500 performance enhancements include a quad exhaust system with dual stacked tail pipes and the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the IS 300 and IS 350 RWD models. It also features drive mode select Sport S and Sport S+, which provides advanced engine and transmission mapping to enhance performance. Sport S+ also adjusts the amount of EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver more aggressive handling to match the updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode is also available, offering multiple combinations for powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport) and air conditioner (Normal/Eco). Other features include a raised front hood, dark chrome window trim and 19" Enkei wheels. The new Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance will be available next fall; no pricing information has been announced.
(VW)
Blast From The Past: Volkswagen XL1 (above) unveiled a new approach to hybrid drivetrains and vehicle construction and achieved impressive efficiency numbers while being fun to drive. The story of the XL1 began in 2002, when then Volkswagen AG Chairman Ferdinand Piëch arrived at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in a prototype known only as “the 1-liter car.” Having been kept secret until that drive, the 1-liter car was a two-seat (1 + 1 seating) prototype powered by a single-cylinder, naturally aspirated, direct-injection diesel engine that was centrally positioned in front of the rear axle and paired with a dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. The 300cc engine produced just 8.5HP, but combined with its 640-pound weight and unheard-of 0.159 drag coefficient, the car managed to run for 100 kilometers on one liter of fuel (.99 liters to be exact). Given its technological achievements, aerodynamic shape, tandem seating and gullwing doors, the 1-liter car was a look into the future, at least from Piëch's perspective. The next step in development - the L1 concept - debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Larger and heavier, the L1 was powered by a new 800cc, two-cylinder, direct-injection TDI® engine with 24HP. It also included a new hybrid-electric system, which delivered a 40 percent boost in torque and a few miles of electric-only range. The L1 concept could generate 189 mpg with a range of up to 416 miles. Two years later, at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show, Volkswagen debuted the XL1, the most advanced 1-liter car yet. The XL1’s two-cylinder 800-cc TDI engine developed 48HP, while the electric motor jumped from 14 to 27HP, powered by a 5.5-kWh lithium battery. This new powertrain helped the XL1 achieve 313 mpg on the European combined test cycle, despite an increase in weight to 1,752 pounds. It could travel 31 miles on electricity alone. The most obvious change was on the outside, though: The XL1 was wider and a tad more conventional than its predecessors – although it still couldn’t be mistaken for anything else on the road. The seats were now staggered and sat offset to each other within a central carbon fiber monocoque, made through a more cost-efficient resin transfer molding process that brought the XL1 closer to mass production. The entire monocoque weighed just 197 pounds, and weight was saved everywhere else possible. With its magnesium wheels and exceedingly low 0.19 drag coefficient, the XL1 could cruise at 60 mph using just over 8HP. The unique materials and technology of the XL1 made it far too expensive for high-volume production so it was basically D.O.A., with just 250 cars built (200 of which were sold to the public in Europe). They rarely become available for sale, and when they do, the vehicles command prices near their original sticker of €111,000 (or around $150,000 at the time). VW may have learned some technical lessons from this exploration, but they're lost in translation now.
(Maserati images)
Maserati is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the A6G 2000. The first A6G 2000 was built by Maserati from 1947 to 1956 and named in homage to Alfieri Maserati (hence the letter A) with a 6 indicating the engine type (straight 6). It was delivered exactly 70 years ago, in February 1951. The new model was the replacement for the A6 1500 series sports car, and its name referenced the cast iron (or “ghisa”) of its crankcase (“G”) and its engine displacement of 2,000 cc. The need to increase power output in response to the general trend in the Italian market of demanding higher-performing cars (partly as a result of the country's improving economic conditions) led Maserati to convert the A6GCS two-liter engine to fully exploit the potential of the A6’s chassis. The upgraded engine, with displacement of 1,954.3 cc, achieved a power output of 90 to 100HP depending on the final setup, enabling a top speed of 180 km/h. The 1950 Turin Motor Show provided the backdrop for the launch of the A6G 2000, which Maserati presented in two versions: a 4-seater, 2-door sedan by Pininfarina, and a convertible designed by Pietro Frua. Sixteen of these cars were assembled in 1950 and 1951: nine with bodywork by Pininfarina, and five convertibles and a coupé by Pietro Frua. Alfredo Vignale produced just one car, a two-tone A6G 2000 coupé, with his signature stylistic features. Rear-wheel drive, a gearbox with four speeds plus reverse and a dry-mounted single disc clutch completed the new A6G 2000, together with the independent front suspension. The rear suspension comprised a rigid axle with leaf springs. Hydraulically operated drum brakes on all four wheels and solid steel or spoked wheels completed the package. Maserati plans to celebrate its uniqueness and Italian construction going forward, with innovative, state-of-the-art technological solutions. By marking the 70th anniversary of the A6G 2000, Maserati is planning its future while keeping mindful of its past. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Maserati is clinging to a thread right now; we'll know soon enough if it will make it as a brand in the U.S. and around the world. A giant "we'll see" as we like to say. -PMD
(Electrify America)
Electrify Home has announced the launch of HomeStation, a new Level 2 residential EV charger designed to make home charging more convenient than ever. The new charger has adjustable charging power levels of up to 40 amps, professional and do-it-yourself installation options, and programmable WiFi features. HomeStation customers will be able to rely on the Electrify America app for all their home and public charging needs. The HomeStation’s WiFi capabilities let users sync their product with the app - which can then be used to start and stop charging sessions remotely, schedule future home charging sessions, and view charging status and reminders. Switching back and forth between the public network of more than 2,400 chargers and the HomeStation unit is easy, helping keep track of all their charging history in one app. HomeStation also allows for integration with Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. Under the 40 amp configuration, the HomeStation can deliver charging speeds of up to 9.6kW – 6.8 times faster than on a Level 1 charger. This means capable vehicles can add up to 33 miles of range per hour while charging on the HomeStation. Customers can visit www.ElectrifyHome.com to sign up for exclusive updates on the HomeStation, which is coming in spring 2021.
AE Song of the Week:
Say your prayers little one
Don't forget, my son
To include everyone
Tuck you in, warm within
Keep you free from sin
Till the sandman he comes
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit, light
Enter, night
Take my hand
Off to never-never land
Something's wrong, shut the light
Heavy thoughts tonight
And they aren't of Snow White
Dreams of war, dreams of liars
Dreams of dragon's fire
And of things that will bite
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit, light
Enter, night
Take my hand
Off to never-never land
Now I lay me down to sleep
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I die before I wake
If I die before I wake
I pray the lord my soul to take
I pray the lord my soul to take
Hush little baby, don't say a word
Never mind that noise you heard
It's just the beasts under your bed
In your closet, in your head
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit, light
Enter, night
Take my hand
Off to never-never land
Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight
Exit, light
Enter, night
Take my hand
Off to never-never land
"Enter Sandman" by Metallica, from the album "Metallica" (1991)* Written by James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Kirk Hammet. Watch the Official Music Video here.
*"Enter Sandman" is about nightmares and things that go "bump" in the night. It has by far the most radio play of all of Metallica's songs. Speaking with Uncut in 2007, Hetfield said: "I wanted more of the mental thing where this kid gets manipulated by what adults say. And you know when you wake up with that s--t in your eye? That's supposedly been put in there by the sandman to make you dream. So the guy in the song tells this little kid that and he kinda freaks. He can't sleep after that and it works the opposite way. Instead of a soothing thing, the table's turned." The line in the chorus, "Take my hand, we're off to Never Never Land" is a reference to the children's story Peter Pan, as Peter lives in the magical world of Neverland. In this song, the Sandman lives in Never Never Land, and it is a much less pleasant place. "Enter Sandman" is the first track and lead single from Metallica's self-titled album, which is known as The Black Album. Their fifth album, it's a metal landmark and far and away their most popular, selling a stunning 16 million copies in America and many more worldwide. Led Zeppelin and AC/DC had huge sellers in the '70s and '80s, but in the hard rock milieu, the The Black Album is by far the biggest seller released after 1990. In December 2009, Nielsen SoundScan announced that it had surpassed Shania Twain's Come On Over (from 1997) to become the best-selling album since they began tracking sales for Billboard on March 1, 1991. At 3:26 into the song, there is a rendition of an ancient children's prayer performed by James Hetfield and Metallica producer Bob Rock:
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord, my soul to keep
If I die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take
The song marked a shift from Metallica away from the more complex tracks with multiple time signatures that were in play on their previous album, ...And Justice For All. In an effort to build "shorter, to-the-point" songs, they used just two riffs on the track and based the rest of the song off those. The result was a straightforward hard rock song that helped seal the coffin on hair metal. Guitarist Kirk Hammett told Rolling Stone magazine how he wrote this song's memorable riff: "Soundgarden had just put out Louder Than Love. I was trying to capture their attitude toward big, heavy riffs. It was two o'clock in the morning. I put it on tape and didn't think about it. When [drummer] Lars [Ulrich] heard the riff, he said, 'That's really great. But repeat the first part four times.' It was that suggestion that made it even more hooky." Hammett told Kerrang! September 13, 2008, about this song's guitar solo: "A lot of people can probably hum this one note perfect, but aside from the fact that it's an insanely popular song I think the solo is amazing in its own right. It fits in perfectly and adds a different dimension to the music." In a 1991 interview with Guitar World, Hammett explained his penchant for the wah-wah pedal: "There's something about a wah pedal that really gets my gut going! People will probably say, 'He's just hiding behind the wah.' But that isn't the case. It's just that those frequencies really bring out a lot of aggression in my approach." In 2015, the magazine ranked Hammett's solo on this track at No. 4 on its list of greatest wah solos of all time. The video was directed by Wayne Isham, the first of six Metallica music clips he directed. It won Best Hard Rock Video at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. Metallica used this on their 1999 live album with the San Francisco Symphony titled S&M. They weren't originally going to use it because they didn't think it went well with an orchestra, but then decided to because it was one of their most popular songs. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)