(Photos by Richard Prince for Chevrolet)
Chevrolet introduced the 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition on Wednesday, May 9th. Chevrolet will release just 1,000 of these special edition Corvettes - which resemble the No. 3 and No. 4 Corvette C8.R race cars - in left-hand-drive markets only. These machines were designed to commemorate the mid-engine Corvette C8.R’s inaugural season in 2020, when Corvette Racing swept IMSA’s sports car championship series, taking the Manufacturers, Drivers and Team titles. The 2022 Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship Edition is based on the 3LT trim with Z51 Performance Package. Each car includes Corvette Racing-themed graphics packages: Accelerate Yellow No. 3 editions feature gray graphics and Hypersonic Gray No. 4 editions feature yellow accents. Additional exterior content (which varies by market): High-wing spoiler in Carbon Flash; Yellow brake calipers; Black Trident design wheels, with the “Jake” logo on the center caps, and black lug nuts; Exterior mirrors in Carbon Flash; Black side rockers and splash guards. Inside, the Special Edition features a Strike Yellow and Sky Cool Gray cabin that mimics the exterior yellow and gray racing theme, with standard GT2 seats (Competition Sport seats are available), along with yellow seat belts and a C8.R Special Edition numbered plaque. Each car comes with a custom-fitted indoor car cover rendered to the appearance of the No. 3 or No. 4 Corvette C8.R race car, per each Special Edition’s color and graphic scheme. The IMSA GTLM Championship Edition package starts at $6,595, excluding tax. In addition to the all-new IMSA GTLM Championship Edition, the 2022 Corvette Stingray lineup features three new exterior colors: Hypersonic Gray, Caffeine and Amplify Orange Tintcoat. A new low-profile rear spoiler and the Z51 design front splitter will be offered on non-Z51 models. The 2022 Corvette Stingray’s LT2 6.2L V8 has an upgraded direct injection fuel system, improved engine calibration and an enhanced Active Fuel Management range. It remains rated at 490HP or 495HP, with the available performance exhaust system. Driving through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a Z51-equipped model is capable of 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The 2022 Corvette Stingray visualizer is now live on Chevrolet.com. Dealers will begin taking orders July 1, starting at $62,195, including destination freight charge, for coupe models and $69,695, including DFC, for the convertible.
(Ford images)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: Two Things About Ford. (Posted 6/8, 9:11a.m.) Response from this week's column on Ford has been predictable. The naysayers say "this is just PMD hatin' on Farley and Wall Howard, nothing to see here." Comments from the opposite side of the spectrum say, "He's the only one saying what needs to be said, per usual." Comments from colleagues in the media and from analysts suggest that nothing else matters except for the stock price. And as long as it's up, all is forgiven and Farley is a hero. A giant "we'll see" as we like to say around here. The other news about Ford today is the unveiling of the all-new Maverick compact pickup truck. Ford says that the Maverick is "the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America and the most fuel-efficient truck on the market with a targeted EPA-estimated rating of 40 mpg in the city," and while its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park, there’s still room for five adults and plenty of storage space. Other details? Maverick offers a standard 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto® compatibility, standard FordPass™ Connect with embedded modem and Ford Co-Pilot360™ technologies like Automatic Emergency Braking and Automatic High Beam Headlamps – all for a starting MSRP of $19,995 (with destination charges it will be over that figure). Maverick's FLEXBED™ system provides a multi-position tailgate, slots to use lumber to subdivide the bed, 12 available anchor points, two 12-volt 20-amp prewired sources at the back enabling DIY electrical solutions, plus two available 110-volt outlets for powering a laptop or tailgate party. Its 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid powertrain delivers 191HP when combined with the electric motor, and 155 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. It features an in-house-designed and manufactured electric traction motor. Along with its targeted EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40 mpg city and 500 miles of range on a single tank of gas (your mileage performance will vary, of course), it offers standard payload of 1,500 pounds. and has the capability to tow 2,000 pounds. Those who want more capability can upgrade to a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine delivering 250HP and 277 lb.-ft. of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Equipped with the optional 4K Tow Package, conventional towing doubles to 4,000 pounds – enough for an average 21-foot boat. Why is the Maverick a welcome development? I have been writing about affordability for five years on this website. Everything in the market is too expensive these days, no matter what the segment. Price in particular is a huge factor with EVs, with no relief in sight. True affordability means price andcontent, and I applaud Ford for nailing this formula with the Maverick (even though I'm sure that the average Maverick will go for around $30,000). So, forget about Ford's EV crossover or its electrified F-150, the Maverick is the most important product news to come out of Dearborn in years. -PMD
(Bugatti images)
The latest from the "Mental Money" File: Bugatti has unveiled the La Voiture Noire, calling it "the world’s most exclusive automobile." Bugatti PR minions went crazy over this one, calling the La Voiture Noir "A breathtaking sculpture, perfect in form and entirely in black," a one-off created exclusively for a Bugatti enthusiast within the space of two years. The ultimate grand tourer will now soon be delivered following extensive development work and testing. “With the completed La Voiture Noire, we are demonstrating once again that we develop the world’s most sophisticated hyper sports cars,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “With its use of visible carbon fiber in jet black, the coupe’s breathtaking sculpture looks especially elegant. It’s a veritable grand tourer that went from being a vision to a reality – a unique project which stands for Bugatti’s full creativity and artistry.” The PR minions went on to say that "A pioneering spirit, a passion for perfection, and a desire to push one’s own boundaries again and again have characterized Bugatti since the company was founded more than 110 years ago." The name “La Voiture Noire” has a particular ring in the automotive world – Ettore Bugatti’s son Jean developed and drove one of just four Type 57 SC Atlantic produced, a vehicle which was the most perfect and the fastest automobile of its time. Jean named his model “La Voiture Noire” – the black car. The vehicle disappeared without a trace shortly before the Second World War. It is now considered the automotive equivalent of the Amber Room, one of the greatest mysteries of the automotive world, and as a vehicle of indescribable value. The idea for this homage came to Design Director Achim Anscheidt more than 20 years ago, but years passed until it became possible to realize this unusual project. “We were rather in awe of the idea of developing the La Voiture Noire. No other vehicle in the long history of Bugatti has acquired the same legendary status as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and has become so synonymous with the brand. We had a great deal of respect for this historical responsibility as well as for the customer,” explains Achim Anscheidt. The fascinating, sculptural, and commanding appearance of this black automobile that disappeared is forever unique. Jean Bugatti had a real flair for shapes and developed saloons and coupes of dramatic beauty. With the Atlantic, Jean Bugatti created a masterpiece. For the reinterpretation, the designers had to cast their minds back and seek to understand the automobile, the bygone times, the technology, the materials, and the creators – and then update this work to the 21st century.
The Details? The La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe much like the Atlantic back then thanks to reducing the essentials, reduced lines, and the absence of a large and dominant rear wing. The designers reinterpreted the spirit of the historical vehicle and developed a specific shape stylistically and technically speaking. This includes the dorsal seam down the centerline, the extended front section, the clear lines, and the romanticism of the rear. With great attention to detail, they created a bodywork with a unique surface finish – visible carbon fiber with a clearcoat known as “Black Carbon Glossy”. This generates virtually no reflections, but plenty of tension and drama. The bumpers are integrated gently into the bodywork, while the windscreen appears to merge with the side windows like a helmet visor. The lack of disruptive lines means the surface appears to have been cast in one piece – nothing interrupts the visual flow. This transforms the vehicle’s attitude from a hyper sports car to a grand tourer. There are more than 25 individually milled lights elements (!) per side in the headlamps – an immense amount of work, even for a one-off. Each and every cell of the 3D-printed front grille has been honed and examined to ensure they all look perfect together. The rear is dominated by an elegant rear light that for the first time features a single-piece surround with no joints. Six individual tailpipes serve as a nod to the vehicle’s well-known template. A newly developed parametric design at the front and rear means the body parts appear to be sealed, but they are actually air-permeable. This gives the La Voiture Noire its incomparable coupe shape. Bugatti has fitted the interior entirely with grain leather in Havana Brown, basing its choice on the historical model. This natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminum inlays in various locations on the center console, the center spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by means of a sophisticated rosewood switch. “The La Voiture Noire is the ultimate dream car for long distances such as a drive from Molsheim to Milan. The combination of perfect beauty and powerful drive culminates in this one-off as a declaration of love for the automobile,” explains Achim Anscheidt.
In spite of its uniqueness, Bugatti developed the coupe just as elaborately as its other hyper sports cars in just two years. Every new part had to pass the strict Bugatti testing and quality procedures, was measured, and was put through its paces time and again before finding its place in the vehicle. Extensive simulations were followed by testing in the wind tunnel and on test benches, and then on test tracks and proving grounds covering the entire range of speeds. Modifications to the bodywork, cooling, thermodynamics, wheels, and wheelbase result in new balance which requires perfect coordination. “Although the La Voiture Noire is a one-off, we spent two years using a test vehicle to develop and test it in all areas like handling and driving safety so that it can be approved,” says Pierre Rommelfanger, who is the Head of Coachbuilding Projects at Bugatti.
The extended wheelbase and the newly developed bodywork result in new aerodynamics and new handling that are worthy of a grand tourer – powerful, fast, and exceptionally comfortable. “With the La Voiture Noire, we are paying our respects to our long tradition, to France, and to Jean Bugatti’s creative work,” says Stephan Winkelmann. “At the same time, we are bringing exceptional technology, aesthetics, and extreme luxury into a new age. The La Voiture Noire is at the cutting edge of automotive engineering. It is a sculptural beauty that boasts unique technology.” The one-of-a-kind has already been sold to a Bugatti enthusiast for eleven million euros (before tax). Ka-Ching!
(Kia America)
The 2021 Kia Niro is largely a carryover model but with technology and convenience enhancements. Niro EV continues to deliver an estimated 239 miles of range on a single charge (it varies) and may be eligible for state and local utility incentives, depending on location of purchase. New stuff? Standard Rear Occupant Alert (door-logic based); Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (EX); Remote Start functionality allows for cabin preheating or cooling; Niro EV expands the available DriveWise Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Highway Driving Assist and Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control – Curve. Why is this news? It isn't really, but we'd like to point out that this little crossover has a curb weight of 3,854 lbs. It's more and more apparent that "lightweight" and "EV" are mutually exclusive terms. 
(Buick images)
The 2022 Buick Enclave offers "everything today’s SUV customers want: performance, design, driver-assistance technologies, connectivity, and passenger and cargo versatility," according to Buick PR minions. Highlights include the available Avenir trim (shown) and the Sport Touring appearance package. GM keeps refining this larger luxury SUV, and it has carved out a solid place for itself in the market.
The AE Song of the Week:
Love, exciting and new
Come aboard, were expecting you
Love, life's sweetest reward
Let it flow, it floats back to you
Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure
Your mind on a new romance
Love won't hurt anymore
It's an open smile on a friendly shore
Yes love...
It's love...
Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure
Your mind on a new romance
Love wont hurt anymore
It's an open smile on a friendly shore
It's love...
It's love...
It's love...
It's the Love Boat
It's the Love Boat
"Love Boat Theme" by Jack Jones (1977)*, written by Charlie Fox and Paul Williams; Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch/listen here.
*The Love Boat was a popular ABC TV show that ran from 1977-1986. It was set on a cruise ship, and followed a few plot lines each week as passengers and crew had various adventures. This song runs about 1:30, and was used to introduce the guest stars and regular characters. In the '70s and '80s, many shows had well-crafted theme songs that introduced the actors and led to the first commercial break. In the '90s, theme songs began to disappear as shows often went right to the action. The song was written by Charles Fox and Paul Williams. Along with Norman Gimbel, Fox also wrote the theme songs for Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley, as well as the hit songs "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "I Got A Name." Williams, who is also an actor and appeared on The Love Boat as a guest star, wrote for many movies, including A Star Is Born and Bugsy Malone, and crafted hits for the Carpenters and Three Dog Night. Williams told us how this song came together: "Charlie Fox gave me this melody, said that it was a new series called The Love Boat, it was about a cruise ship. We honestly didn't think it was going to last six weeks. We thought, who's going to watch a series about a cruise ship? And so he sent me the melody, and I thought, what's this all about? It's all about love, you know. Every episode was going to be about these three little stories... you know, meeting and falling in love, going through life stuff. And 'BOM ba da.' It's an important note, it's gotta be an important word. 'Bom, ba dee da da da,' so it's 'boats,' 'ships,' ba dee da da, you know, 'tits,' 'ba dee da da'... There's a lot of stuff you could stick in there, but the thing that seemed to work best is, 'Love, exciting and new, come aboard, we're expecting you.' The first line of the song, and you've got people on board the ship." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)