AUGUST 18, 2021
Sunday, August 15, 2021 at 09:16AM 
Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled the Countach LPI 800-4, calling it "a futuristic limited edition paying homage to the Countach’s iconic status as a revolutionary design and technology rule-breaker and recreated for the 21st century." (That's a stretch, literally. -PMD) The Countach LPI 800-4 retains the V12 experience and sound from its Longitudinale Posteriore (LP) mounted engine combined with the hybrid technology developed for the Sián. Delivering 814 cv as maximum combined power (rounded at 800 in the name) from its aspirated powerplant (780 cv) and electric motor (34 cv) to its permanent four-wheel drive transmission, the LPI 800-4 produces peak Lamborghini performance of 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 355 km/h. “The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” says Automobili Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann. (Not in my estimation, no. -PMD) “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams’. The Countach LPI 800-4 pays homage to this Lamborghini legacy but it is not retrospective: it imagines how the iconic Countach of the 70s and 80s might have evolved into an elite super sports model of this decade. It upholds the Lamborghini tradition of looking forward, of exploring new design and technology avenues while celebrating the DNA of our brand. It is a Lamborghini that innately expresses the marque’s enduring and emotive power: always inspirational and thrilling to see, hear and most of all drive.” The LPI 800-4 will be produced in a run of 112 units. The number denotes the ‘LP 112’ internal project name used during the original Lamborghini Countach’s development. The Countach LPI 800-4 will be delivered from first quarter 2022 to owners worldwide, "privileged to drive a piece of automotive history reimagined for the future," according to Lamborghini's PR minions. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Why, why, why couldn't they leave well enough alone? It doesn't hold a candle to the original. Needless to say, I don't love it. -PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: THIS is why Lamborghini should have left well enough alone. The original Countach is a design masterpiece by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. -PMD
(VW images)The Volkswagen Golf GTI has defined the hot hatch genre for decades, and the new 2022 Golf GTI follows that tradition. But progress doesn’t have to mean losing sight of heritage – which is why Volkswagen and Philadelphia-based VW enthusiast Jamie Orr worked together on an enthusiast concept that injects a healthy dose of the past into the latest generation. The inspiration for the concept was an enthusiast-built Mk2 version of the GTI, which supplanted the only U.S.-built generation of the GTI in 1984. The goal: To highlight what has made the GTI special through the years. “We wanted to maintain the soul of the Mk8, so we went with more traditional modifications. But we left the interior, body, and powertrain exactly as it came from the factory,” Orr said. “Take those wingback seats, with this striking red design – they are just phenomenal. Changing any of that would have been a shame.” “We try to do most of the modifications to the exterior and leave the interiors stock on the enthusiast fleet vehicles,” Sean Maynard, Enthusiast and Motorsport Marketing Specialist for Volkswagen added. “That way someone that might not have any experience with the Brand can still get a true feel for the vehicles.” Orr and his team gave the Mk8 a classic look with a set of 19x9 BBS Super RS wheels wrapped in Delinte 235/35/19 D7 tires. The GTI was then lowered. “We started with a set of coil overs that H&R makes for the Mk8,” says Orr. “The rear fitment is stock, but I re-designed the fronts a little because I wanted to add camber adjustment, so it’s more of a custom mix of H&R components.” A new exhaust from Borla - the first available for the new GTI - was also added. Finally, the concept was given a vintage livery with red and black pin-striping running from stem to stern. (We like it.)
The 2022 Audi E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback are coming to the U.S. this fall. Audi E-Tron S models carry two electric motors on the rear axle and one on the front. In normal driving mode, the E-Tron S generates 429HP and 596 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of its single front and dual rear asynchronous motors. In boost mode, those numbers jump to 496HP and 718 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a estimated 0-60 mph acceleration in 4.3 seconds. Because the two rear motors are independent of one another, they can help the driver power out of corners with the confidence of torque vectoring. In normal driving, the front motor remains off until it is needed. When called upon, the front motor provides power, aids traction, and benefits the driver with brake-based torque vectoring that can activate within milliseconds of the E-Tron S sensing wheel slip. The three motors are powered by a 95 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, placed low in the chassis for optimal handling. Charging is made easy through dual charging ports, adding convenience for the driver to charge up to 150 kW – which can provide about 5-80% charge in under 30 minutes – at a Level 3 DC public fast charger. The E-Tron S comes standard with a 9.6 kW AC Level 2 charger, and white-glove concierge home installation services for a home charger installation are available through Qmerit. Nearly two inches wider than the E-Tron and E-Tron Sportback models, the E-Tron S is the only Audi “S” model with wider bodywork than the standard model. Each front fender extends 0.9” wider than previous E-Tron models; standard 20” wheels (9.0” wide) with all-season tires are tucked into each corner; 21” and 22” wheels with summer tires are available with the Black Optic package (both optional wheel packages are 10.5” wide). Both the E-Tron S and E-Tron S Sportback can be equipped with Digital Matrix LED headlights as an option. Each light is divided into 1.3 million pixels and can be controlled with great precision, which opens up many new functions. While drivers can select between five unique welcome and exit lighting graphics, additional features may be unlocked as U.S. regulations allow, including on-road lane markers and light beams that can dip around or below other cars. Matrix-design LED headlights come standard. How much? Audi E-Tron S Premium Plus: $84,800; Prestige: $89,800. Audi E-Tron S Sportback: $87,400; Prestige: $92,400. (Plus $1,095 for destination, etc.) Editor-in-Chief's Note: The cost of EVs is a serious problem, and it seems to be getting worse. The manufacturer that can deliver an affordable yet desirable EV - we're definitely not even close to that yet - will make huge inroads into the mainstream market. In the meantime, if you want to go electric and you want a badge made up of the four rings, it's going to cost you dearly. -PMD
Nissan has revealed its all-new 2023 Z sports car. "When we introduced the Z in 1969, the Z was a revolution. Since then, for more than 50 years, Nissan has brought style, speed, reliability and so much more to millions of enthusiasts around the world,” said Ashwani Gupta, representative executive officer and chief operating officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. While the six previous generations of Nissan’s iconic sports car all offered numeric designations, the long-awaited redesign will be known in the United States simply by just one letter – Z. The 2023 Z "offers a sleek, attractive exterior with a silhouette that shows respect for the original model – with a long hood and low rear stance," according to Nissan PR minions. Inside, the driver-centric cockpit includes a 12.3-inch customizable display, available leather-appointed sports seats and 8-speaker Bose® audio system. All 2023 Nissan Z models are equipped with a 400HP 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and choice of 6-speed manual transmission with a EXEDY® high-performance clutch, or a new 9-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters. The 2023 Z is offered in Sport and Performance grade levels and a special "Proto Spec” edition, which is limited to 240 units. For more information, you can go to usa.nissannews.com. Editor-in-Chief's Note: I haven't given a Nissan "Z" car a second thought in years. Why? Because Nissan designers lost their way with the car a long time ago, and it turned into a Gorp Show that just keep getting worse with each iteration. This new "Z" displays a modicum of restraint and a purity of form that has been lacking for decades, and it is much more pleasing to the eye. How it drives and performs remains to be seen, but it will be refreshing not to wince every time I see one. -PMD
(Ford images)
Ford introduced the 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition - a tribute to the original Ford GT racer - the prototype vehicle that gave life to the company's racing program more than a half-century ago. The limited-edition vehicle is inspired by the 1964 Ford GT prototype that debuted at the New York International Auto Show on April 3, 1964 and went on to become America’s only Le Mans-winning racer. The 2022 Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition shared the spotlight at Monterey Car Week with the only remaining 1964 Ford GT prototype - GT/105 - still in its original livery.
The Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition wears Wimbledon White paint with Antimatter Blue graphics, including an over-the-roof triple racing stripe. Exposed carbon fiber components are prominent, including 20-inch Antimatter Blue-painted carbon fiber wheels, a touch unique to Ford GT, as well as an exposed carbon fiber front splitter, side sills, mirror stalks, engine louvers and rear diffuser finished in gloss. Brembo® brake calipers lacquered in silver with black graphics, plus black lug nuts are also included.
Carbon fiber carries into the cabin as well, with carbon fiber door sills, lower A-pillars and console, along with matte carbon fiber registers. Lightspeed Blue Alcantara®-wrapped carbon fiber seats feature silver stitching, while seating surfaces and head restraints are embossed with the GT logo. The instrument panel is wrapped in Ebony leather and Lightspeed Blue Alcantara, while pillars and headliner are wrapped in Ebony Alcantara. Antimatter Blue appliqués on the instrument panel, door register bezels and seat X-brace are coordinated with the unique wheels. The steering wheel is finished in Ebony Alcantara with black stitching, while dual-clutch paddle shifters are clear and polished.
With the objective of beating Ferrari and winning Le Mans, Ford began development of its own race car in 1963 (with considerable help from Eric Broadley's Lola cars), and less than a year later, the Ford GT prototype (chassis GT/101) was revealed at the 1964 New York International Auto Show. Five GT prototypes were built – the first Ford models to use deep aerodynamic analysis to optimize high-speed performance. (Which is ironic, because the original Ford GT40 racing cars were lethal at high speeds because of severe front-end lift.) These are some of the most significant cars produced by Ford, marking the foundation for the GT program that culminated in the company’s 1-2-3 sweep at Le Mans in 1966. (Fact: The original Ford GT40 racing cars bore no resemblance to the Ford Mk IIs that won Le Mans.) Of the five Ford GT prototypes built, chassis GT/105 is the only one to survive and wear its period-correct livery. Chassis GT/101 and GT/102 were scrapped after Le Mans and Monza crash testing, but that testing was critical in making significant improvements to GT/103, GT/104 and GT/105. Marking the first GT victory, GT/103 won at Daytona in 1965 with Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby behind the wheel, while GT/104 placed third with Bob Bondurant and Ritchie Ginther. Both GT/103 and GT/104 have been repainted and are exclusive displays at the Shelby Museum in Boulder, Colorado.
Modern racing cars are huge. The juxtaposition of the original Ford GT40 to the modern day '64 Heritage Edition is shocking.
Needless to say, we would take the original Ford GT All. Day. Long.
AE Song of the Week:
I hear a wind
Whistling air
Whispering
In my ear
Boy Mercury shooting through every degree
Oh girl dancing down those dirty and dusty trails
Take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness
Around the world the trip begins with a kiss
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without wings, without wheels
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without anything but the love we feel
Skip the airstrip to the sunset, yeah
Ride the arrow to the target, one
Take it hip to hip, rock it through the wilderness
Around the world the trip begins with a kiss
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without wings, without wheels
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without anything but the love we feel
Fly the great big sky
See the great big sea
Kick through continents
Busting boundaries
Take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness
Around the world the trip begins with a kiss
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without wings, without wheels
Roam if you want to
Roam around the world
Roam if you want to
Without anything but the love we feel
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
Take it hip to hip
Rocket through the wilderness
"Roam" by The B-52s, from the album "Cosmic Thing" (1989)*. Written by Cindy Wilson. Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland and Robert Waldrop. Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here.
*"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts," Mark Twain wrote. "Roam" is the musical equivalent of that quote; a call to go out and see the world. Released as the follow-up single to "Love Shack," it also climbed to #3 in the US, giving the B-52s two huge hits from the Cosmic Thing album. The group's female singers, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, handle the vocals on this track, with Pierson taking the first verse and Wilson the second. On the chorus, bridge and third verse, they sing together. It's one of the few B-52s songs where Fred Schneider has nothing to do; when they played it live, he would hang back with a tambourine. Robert Waldrop, a good friend of the band who did their Wild Planet album cover, wrote the lyric. The four band members are credited with writing the music. Nile Rodgers produced this track. A consistent hitmaker, he helped the B-52s break out of a creative funk and expand their audience. The group's guitarist, Ricky Wilson, died in 1985. The following year, the last album they worked on with him, Bouncing off the Satellites, was released and flopped. The group fractured, returning in 1987 to come up with new material. Their first release was the song "Cosmic Thing," which Rodgers produced for the 1988 movie Earth Girls Are Easy. When they made the album, they had to start without Rodgers, who was wrapping up another project. This ended up giving the album even more creative energy, as they spent a month recording four songs with Don Was, including "Love Shack." Like the "Love Shack" video, "Roam" was directed by Adam Bernstein. It also did very well on MTV, thanks to the photogenic leading ladies and curious compositing, showing the band in various exotic locales. (Knowledge courtesy of SongFacts.com)