SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

(Mercedes-Benz)
This is the Concept EQG, a "near-production" study of an all-electric model variant of its Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This is what the Mercedes PR minions have to say: "Visually, the concept car combines the unmistakably striking look of the G-Class with selected design elements typical of all-electric models from Mercedes as contrasting highlights. The 4x4 qualities of the "G," which have always set the highest standard, will not only find their way into the age of electric mobility, but will be developed even further in some areas. The Concept EQG thus offers a promising preview of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery-electric drive will be capable of." Editor-in-Chief's Note: This abomination should be subtitled, "How to Ruin an SUV icon in one fell swoop." The designers who had a hand in this disgraceful piece of crap should be rounded up and forced to design door handles and sun visors - permanently. What a joke. -PMD
(Mercedes-Benz images)
This is what Mercedes PR minions have to say about the Mercedes-Maybach Concept EQS: "With the Concept EQS, Mercedes-Maybach is providing a clear preview of the first fully electric series-production model for the tradition-steeped luxury brand... The near-production one-off shows identifying features that are characteristic of Maybach – such as the elaborate two-tone paint finish – but its innovative drive technology also takes a step towards a significantly more progressive way of presenting the brand. In the interior, the rear becomes a comfortable place to work or rest thanks to Executive seats and the Chauffeur Package. In addition to these features are exclusive details such as new door panels, armrests that are designed like high-quality sideboards and trim elements in white piano lacquer and materials in deep-sea blue, which create a feel-good atmosphere on board as if on an elegant yacht." Editor-in-Chief's Note: Somewhere, the Design Gods are not amused. Mercedes Design is going down a deep, dark hole that they won't to be able to extricate themselves from. -PMD


(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes is calling this executive sedan the EQE, and it is the second model to be based on the premium-class electric architecture (EVA2), following the luxury EQS sedan. The EQE will celebrate its world premiere at the IAA show and its staggered global launch will begin mid-2022. The EQE features "a sporty 'purpose design' with all the characteristic elements of Mercedes-EQ, one-bow lines and cab-forward design," according to Mercedes PR minions. They continue, unfortunately: "The overall design theme of Sensual Purity is reflected in generously modeled surfaces, reduced joints and seamless transitions. The overhangs and the front end are kept short, the rear provides the dynamic accent with a sharp rear spoiler. Flush with the outer edge of the body, the 19- to 21- inch wheels, together with a pronounced muscular shoulder section, give the EQE an athletic character." Editor-in-Chief's Note: Toyota Design called; they want their 2025 Camry designs back. Mercedes-Benz had a good run. Who could have ever imagined that they not only would go down the road of relentless mediocrity, but that instead of stopping to turn around once they saw they were headed in the wrong direction, would accelerate hard down The Path of Automotive Darkness? Next stop? Oblivion. -PMD

(BMW images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: Meanwhile, BMW Motorrad showed what it calls the Vision AMBY (above) and BMW showed the i Vision AMBY (below). AMBY stands for “Adaptive Mobility.” The concepts "interpret the fundamental idea of adaptive urban mobility on two wheels based on differing facets," according to BMW PR minions. Both vehicles are electrically powered with three speed levels for different types of road. The drive allows up to 25 km/h on cycle paths, up to 45 km/h on inner-city roads and up to a top speed of 60 km/h on multi-lane roads and out of town. A helmet, insurance, license plates and the relevant driving license are required to be able to travel at higher speeds, however. While the BMW i Vision AMBY requires constant pedaling in order to gain assistance from the electric drive, the BMW Motorrad Vision AMBY is accelerated using the throttle grip and has footrests instead of pedals, as is typical of a motorcycle. The modes available to the rider are stored in the app on the smartphone that connects to the respective AMBY vision vehicle. It's come down to this for BMW, apparently. If they can't seem to design much of anything interesting on four wheels these days, there's always two wheels... -PMD

And, there's this: The BMW i Vision Circular finds the BMW Group looking ahead to a compact BMW for the year 2040, one that is focused on sustainability and luxury. The fully-electric four-seater "offers a generous amount of interior space within its around four-meter-long footprint," BMW's PR minions say. It has been designed according to circular economy principles across the board and therefore symbolizes the BMW Group’s ambitious plan to become the world’s most sustainable manufacturer in the individual premium mobility space. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We could say we're looking forward to BMW in the year 2040, but, nah. -PMD

(Hyundai images)
Hyundai Motor Group has announced "Hydrogen Vision 2040" to popularize hydrogen by 2040 for "Everyone, Everything and Everywhere." Hydrogen Wave represents the Group’s plans for a new "wave" of hydrogen-based products and technologies toward a hydrogen society. Hyundai plans to introduce next-generation fuel cell systems – 100kW and 200kW variations – in 2023 with costs being lowered by more than 50%, total package volume reduced by 30% and power output doubled. Hyundai plans to become the first automaker to apply fuel cell systems to all commercial vehicle models by 2028. Hyundai expects to achieve a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) price point comparable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by 2030. Hyundai also plans to apply fuel cell systems to all types of mobility and furthering the technology to all other aspects of society including homes, buildings and powerplants as energy solutions. Hyundai revealed future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies including Trailer Drone, a high-performance sports car, and fuel cell equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions. Chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group, Euisun Chung, had this to say: “By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all.” Editor-in-Chief's Note: As a longtime advocate of Hydrogen fuel cell applications (see "HERF" presentation -WG), I applaud the Hyundai Motor Group's optimism. But if you think the transition to BEVs is fraught with peril, the idea of a Hydrogen society by 2040 is a remarkably optimistic stretch. As in, I don't see it happening. The idea of Hydrogen fuel cell power becoming common remains a fantasy that is always 20 years down the road, unfortunately. -PMD

(Jaguar images)
Jaguar Classic is creating a limited run of new, handbuilt examples of the iconic Jaguar C-type to celebrate its 70-year anniversary. The C-type Continuation will be officially unveiled to the public at the annual Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, England, September 3-5, 2021. Unveiled in 1951 – the year it won Le Mans on its debut – the C-type was a pioneering race car, introducing aerospace-inspired aerodynamic principles to the sport and later on, disc brakes, which transformed automobile braking performance forever. The limited run of Continuation C-types has been painstakingly researched and developed and will be built to the 1953 Le Mans-winning works team car specification. Each example has a 3.4-litre straight-six engine with triple Weber carburetors - producing 220BHP - and disc brakes. A C-type Continuation will arrive at Concours of Elegance after completing over 1,000 miles of high-speed durability testing. Using a combination of modern technology and archived Jaguar materials, the C-type Continuation is the first Jaguar Classic car to be reproduced fully utilizing 3D CAD to support a virtual build. A new online configurator brings 3D CAD engineering data to life, allowing prospective customers to specify their perfect C-type virtually at classicvisualiser.jaguar.com. Customer inquiries for Jaguar Classic should be made at www.jaguar.com/classic. Editor-in-Chief's Note: One of the most beautiful racing cars ever built, I'm sure the C-type Continuation machines will sell out, if they haven't already. A fantastic car to this day. -PMD


(Audi images)
Audi is calling its electric grandsphere concept study a "private jet for the road" and it is presenting it at the IAA 2021. (Editor-in-Chief's Note: Audi's habit of using lower case letters is beyond tedious at this point, so we're using an upper case "G" from now on. -PMD.) The Grandsphere sedan is 17.6 ft. long and it "combines the luxury of private travel in the greatest of comfort with a comprehensive onboard experience...," according to Audi PR minions. Level 4 automated driving makes new dimensions of freedom possible: in this mode, "the interior turns into a spacious sphere of experience without a steering wheel, pedals, or displays. And the front seats become a first class lounge with maximum space, more open views, and access to all the functions of a holistic digital ecosystem that the Audi Grandsphere is integrated into." (We can hardly wait. Not.) Audi says that the technologies and design features assembled in the Grandsphere are expected to turn up again in future Audi products. The Audi Grandsphere concept "illustrates the brand’s claim that it is becoming a trendsetter at the top of the automotive industry for technological transformation and completely new, holistic mobility offerings." And, we'll stop there because the rest of this press release was just flat-out too boring for words. -PMD



AE Song of the Week:

One life I'm gonna live it up
I'm takin' flight, I said, "I'll never get enough"
Stand tall I'm young and kind of proud
I'm on the top, but as long as the music's loud

If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by
You're thinkin' like a fool 'cause it's a case of do or die
Out there is a fortune waiting to be had
If you think I'll let you go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'

That's right here's where the talking ends
Well, listen, this night there'll be some action spent
Drive hard callin' all the shots
I got an ace card comin' down rocks

If you think I'll sit around while you chip away my brain
Listen I ain't foolin' and you'd better think again
Out there is a fortune waiting to be had
If you think I'll let it go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'

In this world we're livin' in, we have our share of sorrow
Answer now and don't give in, aim for a new tomorrow

Oh so hot, no time to take a rest, yeah
Act tough, ain't room for second best
Real strong got me some security
Hey, I'm a big smash I'm goin' for infinity yeah

If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by
You're thinkin' like a fool 'cause it's a case of do or die
Out there is a fortune waiting to be had
If you think I'll let you go you're mad
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing ahh

Comin' on now
You've got another thing comin'
Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'

You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'
You've got another thing comin'

You've got another thing comin'

"You've Got Another Thing Comin' by Judas Priest from the album "Screaming For Vengeance" (1982)*. Watch the Original Music Video here. 

*"You've Got Another Thing Comin'" is one of Judas Priest's most popular tracks. Lead singer Rob Halford told Songfacts about the lyric: 

"Just this attitude that we've always had in Priest. And I dare say, we've always had in our personal way of dealing with issues that are sent to challenge us.

One life, I'm going to live it up...
If you think I'll sit around as the world goes by, you're thinking like a fool

All this kind of stuff... You've Got Another Thing Coming. It's also wrapped up in the heavy metal community culture of the way we support each other with our metal. It's very much a song of hope and rising above the issues or difficulties that come your way. It's a song of resilience, as well." Judas Priest wrote this song at a recording session in Ibiza, Spain, and didn't think much of it. It wasn't until they came to Miami to continue work on the Screaming For Vengeance album that they felt its power, especially as a driving song. Released as the first single from the album, it made a very strong showing in America, where the British rockers were trying to break through. Many rock radio stations added it to their playlists, and the single sold well enough to earn the song placing on the Hot 100, peaking at #67. It's the only Judas Priest song ever to hit that chart. Much of this song's American success owes to MTV, which went on the air a year earlier. Like many British acts, Judas Priest had a head start on music videos, and MTV gave some airplay to "Living After Midnight" and "Breaking The Law" when they went on the air in 1981. With their leather-and-studs look and songs filled with feral aggression, they were a great fit for the network, which jumped on "You've Got Another Thing Comin'." Directed by Julien Temple, it was shot at Kempton Park Waterworks in London. The band performs the song amid a backdrop of smoke and lasers. When a functionary of some kind comes to shut them down, they blow his head off - Halford says the pyro guy really loaded up the mannequin with C4, so it was obliterated. Videos where authority figures are vanquished with the power of rock and roll did very well on MTV. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)