Sunday
Nov272022
NOVEMBER 30, 2022
Sunday, November 27, 2022 at 08:51AM 
(Hyundai images)
Hyundai Motor Company announced it will work with Italian design firm GFG Style - notably its father and son founders Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro - to rebuild the influential 1974 Pony Coupe Concept that young Giorgetto created for Hyundai’s debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. The rebuilt concept will be shown in the springtime. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Giorgetto and Fabrizio to Seoul for this rare occasion and we look forward to collaborating with them and GFG Style on this extraordinary design project,” said Chief Creative Oofficer Luc Donckerwolke. “Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road.” In 1974, when Hyundai Motor was still in its early days of vehicle production, the company’s executives contacted Giorgetto Giugiaro to propose work on designing Hyundai’s first independent model and Korea’s first mass-produced car. At the time, there was no vehicle design and styling capability in Korea, so Hyundai Motor commissioned Giugiaro to design, make blueprints and build five prototypes, one of which was a coupe. In the process of designing and prototyping, Hyundai decided to show the Pony and Pony Coupe at the Turin Motor Show to promote the brand’s debut in the global market. With its wedge-style nose, circular headlamps and origami-like geometric lines, the Pony Coupe was intended for North American and European markets, but the project came to a stop in 1981 just before mass production amid adverse global economic conditions. While the concept was an unfinished dream at the time, its bold spirit helped kickstart the Korean automotive industry by directly influencing Hyundai’s first independent production models under its Pony nameplate, which ran from 1975 to 1990 and were sold around the world. The concept design also served as a huge source of inspiration for Giugiaro’s work on the DeLorean DMC 12 that debuted in 1983.
Hyundai Motor Company announced it will work with Italian design firm GFG Style - notably its father and son founders Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro - to rebuild the influential 1974 Pony Coupe Concept that young Giorgetto created for Hyundai’s debut at the 1974 Turin Motor Show. The rebuilt concept will be shown in the springtime. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Giorgetto and Fabrizio to Seoul for this rare occasion and we look forward to collaborating with them and GFG Style on this extraordinary design project,” said Chief Creative Oofficer Luc Donckerwolke. “Not only does this project hold historical value, but it also represents a cross-cultural exchange that could pave the way for more collaborations down the road.” In 1974, when Hyundai Motor was still in its early days of vehicle production, the company’s executives contacted Giorgetto Giugiaro to propose work on designing Hyundai’s first independent model and Korea’s first mass-produced car. At the time, there was no vehicle design and styling capability in Korea, so Hyundai Motor commissioned Giugiaro to design, make blueprints and build five prototypes, one of which was a coupe. In the process of designing and prototyping, Hyundai decided to show the Pony and Pony Coupe at the Turin Motor Show to promote the brand’s debut in the global market. With its wedge-style nose, circular headlamps and origami-like geometric lines, the Pony Coupe was intended for North American and European markets, but the project came to a stop in 1981 just before mass production amid adverse global economic conditions. While the concept was an unfinished dream at the time, its bold spirit helped kickstart the Korean automotive industry by directly influencing Hyundai’s first independent production models under its Pony nameplate, which ran from 1975 to 1990 and were sold around the world. The concept design also served as a huge source of inspiration for Giugiaro’s work on the DeLorean DMC 12 that debuted in 1983.
(Audi images)
In the latest from the "Unobtanium" File, Audi of America is paying tribute to the first-generation Audi R8 GT from 2012 by announcing the arrival of the all-new R8 GT. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine now comes with 602HP – making it the most powerful rear-wheel drive series production model in the brand’s history. The high revving 5.2-liter 10-cylinder engine produces 413 lb-ft. of torque and a max engine speed of up to 8,700 rpm. As a result, the new R8 GT accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reaches a top track speed of up to 199 mph. A new Torque Rear drive mode was developed exclusively for the R8 GT to provide for more precise and controlled oversteering when driven on a track. The R8 GT will be limited to just 333 units worldwide, of which 150 units will come to the United States market. The new Audi R8 GT will start arriving at dealerships in early 2023. How much? The MSRP starts at $249,900 plus destination, paint and gas guzzler tax.
In the latest from the "Unobtanium" File, Audi of America is paying tribute to the first-generation Audi R8 GT from 2012 by announcing the arrival of the all-new R8 GT. The naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine now comes with 602HP – making it the most powerful rear-wheel drive series production model in the brand’s history. The high revving 5.2-liter 10-cylinder engine produces 413 lb-ft. of torque and a max engine speed of up to 8,700 rpm. As a result, the new R8 GT accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and reaches a top track speed of up to 199 mph. A new Torque Rear drive mode was developed exclusively for the R8 GT to provide for more precise and controlled oversteering when driven on a track. The R8 GT will be limited to just 333 units worldwide, of which 150 units will come to the United States market. The new Audi R8 GT will start arriving at dealerships in early 2023. How much? The MSRP starts at $249,900 plus destination, paint and gas guzzler tax.
(Lotus)
Lotus Emira customers have begun taking delivery of the new sports car from the Hethel factory where it’s built. Factory Collection is an option for all Emira customers in the UK, and can be specified during the online ‘check-out’ process, which completes their purchase through the Lotus Drive platform. It includes a tour of the Chapman Production Centre – the new assembly halls created as part of a £100m overhaul of Lotus’ UK facilities - and the home of the Emira. The walkaround delivers unparalleled access to the manufacture and hands-on assembly of the car, offering a true ‘up close and personal’ factory floor experience. The tour is followed by the reveal of the customer’s new vehicle, plus a comprehensive handover workshop where the Emira’s numerous features and technologies are fully demonstrated. The finishing touch is the presentation of a framed image of their Emira as a souvenir of the day. Scott Walker, Head of Hethel Retail Operations, said: “Hethel has been the home of Lotus since 1966 and is unquestionably a ‘must-visit’ destination for many of our Emira customers. Factory Collection is already proving incredibly popular, and it’s thrilling for the team to be able to share this wonderful moment with people who are so genuinely excited to be visiting our spiritual home.” As well as Factory Collection, Emira customers can have their car delivered to their home or a convenient Lotus Centre in the UK.
Lotus Emira customers have begun taking delivery of the new sports car from the Hethel factory where it’s built. Factory Collection is an option for all Emira customers in the UK, and can be specified during the online ‘check-out’ process, which completes their purchase through the Lotus Drive platform. It includes a tour of the Chapman Production Centre – the new assembly halls created as part of a £100m overhaul of Lotus’ UK facilities - and the home of the Emira. The walkaround delivers unparalleled access to the manufacture and hands-on assembly of the car, offering a true ‘up close and personal’ factory floor experience. The tour is followed by the reveal of the customer’s new vehicle, plus a comprehensive handover workshop where the Emira’s numerous features and technologies are fully demonstrated. The finishing touch is the presentation of a framed image of their Emira as a souvenir of the day. Scott Walker, Head of Hethel Retail Operations, said: “Hethel has been the home of Lotus since 1966 and is unquestionably a ‘must-visit’ destination for many of our Emira customers. Factory Collection is already proving incredibly popular, and it’s thrilling for the team to be able to share this wonderful moment with people who are so genuinely excited to be visiting our spiritual home.” As well as Factory Collection, Emira customers can have their car delivered to their home or a convenient Lotus Centre in the UK.
(Lamborghini images)
Automobili Lamborghini has presented the new Huracán Sterratto at Art Basel, Miami Beach. The Huracán Sterrato offers optimized driving dynamics "for perfect control in all environments, from the highway to dirt roads," according to Lamborghini PR minions. Compared with the Huracán EVO, the Sterratto comes with an updated version of the LDVI (Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics) system, with specific STRADA and SPORT calibrations, and bringing the RALLY mode for low-grip conditions to the Huracán line for the first time. “With the high-speed all-terrain concept of the Sterrato, we have uniquely combined the driving experience of a true super sports car and the fun of driving a rally car,” explained Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “Lamborghini cars always deliver emotion: the Sterrato delivers a new degree of driving thrills.” The ground clearance of the Sterratto has been increased by 44 mm compared with the Huracán EVO to ensure greater suspension travel, as has the front (+30 mm) and rear (+34 mm) track widths. The Huracán Sterrato comes with a 5.2-liter V10 engine with maximum power output of 610 CV and 560 Nm of torque (at 6500 rpm), combined with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive with rear mechanical self-locking differential. Designed to offer optimum performance on unpaved and sandy surfaces, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (ca. 60 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (ca. 160 mph). The car is fitted with brakes with aluminum fixed monoblock calipers with six pistons (front) and four pistons (rear) and ventilated and cross-drilled carbon-ceramic discs with 380 mm diameter and 38 mm thickness at the front and 356 mm diameter and 32 mm thickness at the rear. It comes with 19” rims fitted exclusively with custom-engineered Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tyres, providing maximum versatility and adaptability for any conditions The tires measure 235/40 R19 at the front and 285/40 R19 at the rear, incorporating run-flat technology which, in case of puncture, guarantees drive minimum 80km at 80kph with 0 pressure. These bespoke Bridgestone tires have an innovative pattern design and a cutting edge compound which provide a perfect grip both on gravel and tarmac while keeping an excellent handling and high speed performance. The Huracán Sterrato comes with a connected telemetry system which allows the driver to monitor performance and analyze the data via the UNICA app; Apple Watch users can also synchronize their heart rate information with the on-board telemetry system to measure their driving performance. The Lamborghini Drive Recorder is also available to record experiences at the wheel. It allows the driver to video the most exciting driving moments, enhancing the Board Diaries feature: the digital memory book integrated into the Lamborghini UNICA app. The new Huracán Sterrato offers almost unlimited possibilities for customizing the appearance of the car. With the Lamborghini Ad Personam program, customers can choose from 350 external colors and more than 60 colors for the leather and Alcantara interiors. The limited-edition production of 1499 units will start in February 2023. Price information was not released. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Yet another answer to the question that absolutely no one was asking. The off-road capability "thing" is simply out of control now. A jacked-up Huracán? How about no? -PMD
Automobili Lamborghini has presented the new Huracán Sterratto at Art Basel, Miami Beach. The Huracán Sterrato offers optimized driving dynamics "for perfect control in all environments, from the highway to dirt roads," according to Lamborghini PR minions. Compared with the Huracán EVO, the Sterratto comes with an updated version of the LDVI (Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics) system, with specific STRADA and SPORT calibrations, and bringing the RALLY mode for low-grip conditions to the Huracán line for the first time. “With the high-speed all-terrain concept of the Sterrato, we have uniquely combined the driving experience of a true super sports car and the fun of driving a rally car,” explained Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer. “Lamborghini cars always deliver emotion: the Sterrato delivers a new degree of driving thrills.” The ground clearance of the Sterratto has been increased by 44 mm compared with the Huracán EVO to ensure greater suspension travel, as has the front (+30 mm) and rear (+34 mm) track widths. The Huracán Sterrato comes with a 5.2-liter V10 engine with maximum power output of 610 CV and 560 Nm of torque (at 6500 rpm), combined with 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive with rear mechanical self-locking differential. Designed to offer optimum performance on unpaved and sandy surfaces, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (ca. 60 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (ca. 160 mph). The car is fitted with brakes with aluminum fixed monoblock calipers with six pistons (front) and four pistons (rear) and ventilated and cross-drilled carbon-ceramic discs with 380 mm diameter and 38 mm thickness at the front and 356 mm diameter and 32 mm thickness at the rear. It comes with 19” rims fitted exclusively with custom-engineered Bridgestone Dueler AT002 tyres, providing maximum versatility and adaptability for any conditions The tires measure 235/40 R19 at the front and 285/40 R19 at the rear, incorporating run-flat technology which, in case of puncture, guarantees drive minimum 80km at 80kph with 0 pressure. These bespoke Bridgestone tires have an innovative pattern design and a cutting edge compound which provide a perfect grip both on gravel and tarmac while keeping an excellent handling and high speed performance. The Huracán Sterrato comes with a connected telemetry system which allows the driver to monitor performance and analyze the data via the UNICA app; Apple Watch users can also synchronize their heart rate information with the on-board telemetry system to measure their driving performance. The Lamborghini Drive Recorder is also available to record experiences at the wheel. It allows the driver to video the most exciting driving moments, enhancing the Board Diaries feature: the digital memory book integrated into the Lamborghini UNICA app. The new Huracán Sterrato offers almost unlimited possibilities for customizing the appearance of the car. With the Lamborghini Ad Personam program, customers can choose from 350 external colors and more than 60 colors for the leather and Alcantara interiors. The limited-edition production of 1499 units will start in February 2023. Price information was not released. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Yet another answer to the question that absolutely no one was asking. The off-road capability "thing" is simply out of control now. A jacked-up Huracán? How about no? -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
If you, if you could return
Don't let it burn
Don't let it fade
I'm sure I'm not being rude
But it's just your attitude
It's tearing me apart
It's ruining every day
I swore, I swore I would be true
And honey so did you
So why were you holding her hand?
Is that the way we stand?
Were you lying all the time?
Was it just a game to you?
But I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
Oh, I thought the world of you
I thought nothing could go wrong
But I was wrong, I was wrong
If you, if you could get by
Trying not to lie
Things wouldn't be so confused
And I wouldn't feel so used
But you always really knew
I just want to be with you
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
And I'm in so deep
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
You know I'm such a fool for you
You got me wrapped around your finger
Do you have to let it linger?
Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?
"Linger" by The Cranberries, from the album "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?" (1993).* Written by Dolores Mary O'Riordan and Noel Anthony Hogan. Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Mucic, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here.
*Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan wrote the music for this song before Dolores O'Riordan joined the band. Originally, it had lyrics written by the group's first singer, a bloke named Niall Quinn. When O'Riordan auditioned for the band, she had some ideas for the song, and after she was hired, she wrote her own set of lyrics, turning it into a song of regret based on a soldier she once fell in love with. The emotional, girlie sound was a huge departure for the band, but wildly successful. The song got lots of airplay from radio stations looking for an alternative to rap or grunge, and MTV put the video in heavy rotation. The Cranberries became one of the best-selling bands of the mid-'90s. Dolores O'Riordan wrote this song about her feelings following the breakup with her first boyfriend, the soldier who broke her heart. She said the song is about "the way I reacted to infatuation." In a Songfacts interview with Dolores O'Riordan, she described this as "a love song." In the lyric, she describes being mistreated by her love and seeing him with another girl, yet unable to break free because he lets their relationship linger. This hardy seems the stuff of dreams, but the feeling of first love is what O'Riordan keyed in on. It brought her back to a time of innocence. The Cranberries recorded the first version of this song in 1990 at their manager's studio in Limerick, Ireland. It was one of three songs included on a demo they distributed to local records stores, which found their way to various record companies. Island Records signed the band, which released their first EP, Uncertain, in 1991. "Linger" was not part of that EP, as they wanted to save the song for when they built a bigger fan base. The strategy worked: the song was included on their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?, and issued as their second UK single (after "Dreams"), it cracking the UK charts at #74 for a week in February 1993. The band didn't make it to America until that summer, when they toured as the opening act for The The. "Linger" was issued as a single later that year, earning airplay on radio and MTV, breaking the band in America. They were already working on their next album when the song caught on in the States. It wasn't until February 12, 1994 that "Linger" reached its peak position of #8 on the US chart. A week later, the reissued single topped out at #14 in the UK.Dolores O'Riordan performed this song in the 2006 Adam Sandler movie Click. In the film, Sandler's character has a remote control that can take him back in time. When his wife reminisces about their first kiss, she asks if he remembers the song that was playing. Sandler uses the remote, goes back to the memory, and discovers that "Linger" was playing. The movie appearance was a big deal for O'Riordan, who had a bit of a breakdown in the late '90s and spent a lot of time in the ensuing years raising three children and recovering emotionally from the travails of stardom - she was just 18 when she joined the band and ill-equipped for the sudden celebrity. She was considering a return to music when Sandler approached her about being in the movie. She released her first solo album in 2007. Dolores O'Riordan died on January 15, 2018. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG