MARCH 3, 2021

(Lexus images)
From the "Huh?" File comes word that Lexus, in order to celebrate the launch of the 2021 Lexus IS, teamed up with Streetwear Collective RTFKT to come up with a one-of-one shoe featuring design elements inspired by the IS 350 F Sport Dynamic Handling Package. The IS drove the creative team to design RTFKT’s first pair of footwear inspired by and partly constructed from vehicle materials. “We wanted to make sure when the audience looks at the sneaker they instantly know it is the IS,” said Chris Le, creative director and co-founder of RTFKT. “All the intricate design elements come together, and at a first glance it’s a neckbreaker,” added Steven Zaptio, CEO and co-founder of RTFKT. Sure. And that's 2021's newest entry to "The Question Absolutely No One was Asking" Sweepstakes.

(Ringbrothers images)
The latest from the Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is this resto-mod 1968 Mercury Cougar. It is powered by a Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 with 460HP connected to a 10-speed paddle-shifted automatic transmission borrowed from the Ford F-150 Raptor. The build consisted of a frame-off restoration that included new floor pans and transmission tunnel, new performance suspension by DSE, brakes, and HRE Series C1 C103 Forged 3-Piece wheels wrapped in Michelin tires. A new bumper, grille, hardware and badging finish off the appearance, while a custom Flowmaster exhaust provides the appropriate growl. Ringbrothers offer several billet aluminum parts for enthusiasts to build a custom Cougar of their own. Click here to see the products available for the platform.

(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

(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

AE Song of the Week:

I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
What hijacked my world that night
To a place in the past
We've been cast out of? Oh oh oh oh
Now we're back in the fight
We're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang

A circumstance beyond our control, oh oh oh oh
The phone, the TV and the news of the world
Got in the house like a pigeon from hell, oh oh oh oh
Threw sand in our eyes and descended like flies
Put us back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang

The powers that be
That force us to live like we do
Bring me to my knees
When I see what they've done to you
But I'll die as I stand here today
Knowing that deep in my heart
They'll fall to ruin one day
For making us part

I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang

"Back On The Chain Gang" by Pretenders, from the album "Learning To Crawl" (1982).* Written by Christine Hynde; published by BMG RIghts Management; Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here.

*This song is a tribute to James Honeyman-Scott, the Pretenders guitarist who died of a drug overdose in 1982 at the age of 26. Scott's death was followed by bass player Pete Farndon's death ten months later. Farndon had been kicked out of the band because of his drug problems and died of an overdose. The "picture of you" Chrissie Hynde sings about is a picture she found in her wallet of Ray Davies, leader of the band The Kinks. Hynde and Davies were a couple and had a daughter together. This song started off about him, but the meaning changed when Honeyman-Scott died. This is a very emotional song and Chrissie Hynde would sometimes tear up when performing it. This was the first Pretenders single featuring Billy Bremner and Tony Butler, who replaced Farndon and Honeyman-Scott. This song was released as a single almost two years before the album came out. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)