Sunday
Dec042022
DECEMBER 7, 2022
Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 09:35AM Editor-in-Chief's Note: Ford has announced the exit of its top marketing executive, Suzy Deering, effective Friday. Deering was hired from eBay by Ford CEO Jim Farley just less than two years ago. The Dearborn automaker declined comment on the circumstances of Deering's departure. Despite Deering's gushing, overly long exit statement on LinkedIn, this development is no surprise. Farley has always been a micromanaging terror famous for parachuting in and wreaking havoc, then helicoptering out leaving confusion, rancor and chaos in his wake. Farley is a CEO minus any meaningful guardrails whatsoever, which will prove to be a recipe for disaster for Ford as long as he's allowed to run roughshod over any marketing executive pretending to have the top marketing job. Farley has always been delusional about his marketing prowess, which is truly pathetic, especially since no one at Ford is up to the task of reining him in. -PMD
(Mercedes-Benz)
The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach - Mercedes-AMG - set its first milestone in 1971 with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. Today, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE with AMG performance hybrid technology is the company's new benchmark. The E PERFORMANCE model combines the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine with an AMG-specific hybrid powertrain and a new expansion stage of the AMG high-performance battery (HPB). The energy content increases from 6.1 kWh in the HPB 80 to 13.1 kWh in the HPB 150. The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on electric range and more on best-in-class performance. With a combined system output of 791HP and 1,055 lb-ft of torque, the AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE "sets new standards in the segment" according to Mercedes-AMG PR minions. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.2 seconds (est.) and the top speed is 180 mph. Systems such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, and rear-axle steering – all fitted standard – ensure a wide spread between driving dynamics and comfort. How much? They aren't saying, which means bring loads of ca$h-ola.
The performance and sports car brand from Affalterbach - Mercedes-AMG - set its first milestone in 1971 with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.8 AMG. Today, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE with AMG performance hybrid technology is the company's new benchmark. The E PERFORMANCE model combines the Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine with an AMG-specific hybrid powertrain and a new expansion stage of the AMG high-performance battery (HPB). The energy content increases from 6.1 kWh in the HPB 80 to 13.1 kWh in the HPB 150. The focus of the powertrain, however, is less on electric range and more on best-in-class performance. With a combined system output of 791HP and 1,055 lb-ft of torque, the AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE "sets new standards in the segment" according to Mercedes-AMG PR minions. The acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.2 seconds (est.) and the top speed is 180 mph. Systems such as the AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL roll stabilization, and rear-axle steering – all fitted standard – ensure a wide spread between driving dynamics and comfort. How much? They aren't saying, which means bring loads of ca$h-ola.
(Acura images)
Acura has confirmed the development of a high-performance Integra Type S, set to join the lineup for the 2024 model year. The Integra Type S will be powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine producing over 300 horsepower and paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. More details will be shared closer to launch.
Acura has confirmed the development of a high-performance Integra Type S, set to join the lineup for the 2024 model year. The Integra Type S will be powered by a high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC turbocharged engine producing over 300 horsepower and paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission and limited slip differential. More details will be shared closer to launch.
(Ferrari images)
The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo, a futuristic, closed-wheel single-seater, is the first Ferrari concept car created specifically for the virtual motor sport world. The car’s design has its roots firmly in Maranello’s unparalleled racing tradition, with the number 75 on its flanks reflecting that heritage. The launch of the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo brings the 75th anniversary celebrations of when the marque’s first-ever racing car, the 125 S, exited the iconic factory gates in 1947, to an official close. To mark that occasion, this model not only signifies an important step for Ferrari in the virtual environment, where it will inspire new generations of passionate drivers and enthusiasts, but also "redefines the company’s stylistic language. It represents a futuristic design manifesto for Ferrari’s road and racing cars, embodying the maximum expression of formal beauty and innovation, and providing a stimulus for both the engineers and drivers (real and virtual) of tomorrow," according to Ferrari PR minions. The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo’s design was penned by the Ferrari Centro Stile under the direction of Flavio Manzoni and takes its inspiration directly from legendary Ferrari Sports Prototypes from the 1960s and '70s, which enjoyed huge success in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans (won by Ferrari a total of nine times), and the Daytona 24 Hours. Featuring dramatic proportions and futuristic lines, "the car succeeds in its stylistic mission by effortlessly embodying the DNA of masterpieces such as the 330 P3 and 512 S, simultaneously paying homage to the Prancing Horse’s glorious racing history and affording a tantalizing glimpse of the future evolution of closed-wheel racing cars," according to the Italian supercar manufacturer. The design of the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo architecture revolves around an advanced aerodynamic concept based on two imposing side channels. This solution has been patented by Ferrari and directs the airflow from the front underbody, around the cockpit and over the striking side pods. This solution generates extremely efficient aerodynamic downforce thanks to the variation in momentum and the suction created by the central part of the underbody. The rear aerodynamics were developed using concepts inspired by the Ferrari 499P, particularly in terms of the diffuser and the rear biplane wing. Lastly, the front S-Duct and the integrated air vents on the wheel arches further boost aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo sports the same 120-degree 3-litre turbo V6 architecture adopted on the 296 GTB, 296 GTS and 296 GT3 that also powers the new 499P. In this installation, however, there were no technical regulation constraints to comply with, so it was further honed to unleash genuinely extreme performance. In this particular configuration, the engine is tuned to deliver a massive 1030 cv at 9000 rpm, with an additional 240 kW (326 cv) available from three electric motors, one on the rear axle and one on each of the front wheels. Ferrari worked with Gran Turismo to ensure that the exhilarating engine sound of this innovative powertrain is faithfully reproduced to give SIM racers an even more realistic racing experience. The full-scale design study will be displayed in the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from December 15, 2022 to March 2023.
The AE Song of the Week:
For you, there'll be no more crying
For you, the sun will be shining
Because I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right
To you, I'll give the world
To you, I'll never be cold
Because I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right
And the songbirds are singing, like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you, like never before
And I wish you all the love in the world
But most of all, I wish it from myself
And the songbirds keep singing, like they knew the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before, like never before
Like never before
"Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac, from the album "Rumours" (1977).* Written by Christine McVie. Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to the track here.
*This was Christine McVie's solo on Side 1 of the Rumours album, proving her talent apart from the group. She wrote the song, sang it, and played the piano part. This was a very personal song for McVie about the self-sacrifice of true love. Christine McVie said that this song held Fleetwood Mac together during their hard times while recording Rumours. Once the members heard this song, they thought about what they had been through and how much love they shared. This was often the last song played on the Rumours tour. Christine McVie liked to pen her songs from another person's point of view rather than writing about herself. She told Uncut: "If you take 'Songbird' as an example, that was written in about half an hour. If I could write a few more like that, I would be a happy girl. It doesn't really relate to anybody in particular; it relates to everybody. A lot of people play it at their weddings or at bar mitzvahs or at their dog's funeral. It's universal. It's about you and nobody else. It's about you and everybody else. That's how I like to write songs." Christine McVie died on November, 22, 2022, at the age of 79. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo, a futuristic, closed-wheel single-seater, is the first Ferrari concept car created specifically for the virtual motor sport world. The car’s design has its roots firmly in Maranello’s unparalleled racing tradition, with the number 75 on its flanks reflecting that heritage. The launch of the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo brings the 75th anniversary celebrations of when the marque’s first-ever racing car, the 125 S, exited the iconic factory gates in 1947, to an official close. To mark that occasion, this model not only signifies an important step for Ferrari in the virtual environment, where it will inspire new generations of passionate drivers and enthusiasts, but also "redefines the company’s stylistic language. It represents a futuristic design manifesto for Ferrari’s road and racing cars, embodying the maximum expression of formal beauty and innovation, and providing a stimulus for both the engineers and drivers (real and virtual) of tomorrow," according to Ferrari PR minions. The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo’s design was penned by the Ferrari Centro Stile under the direction of Flavio Manzoni and takes its inspiration directly from legendary Ferrari Sports Prototypes from the 1960s and '70s, which enjoyed huge success in endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans (won by Ferrari a total of nine times), and the Daytona 24 Hours. Featuring dramatic proportions and futuristic lines, "the car succeeds in its stylistic mission by effortlessly embodying the DNA of masterpieces such as the 330 P3 and 512 S, simultaneously paying homage to the Prancing Horse’s glorious racing history and affording a tantalizing glimpse of the future evolution of closed-wheel racing cars," according to the Italian supercar manufacturer. The design of the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo architecture revolves around an advanced aerodynamic concept based on two imposing side channels. This solution has been patented by Ferrari and directs the airflow from the front underbody, around the cockpit and over the striking side pods. This solution generates extremely efficient aerodynamic downforce thanks to the variation in momentum and the suction created by the central part of the underbody. The rear aerodynamics were developed using concepts inspired by the Ferrari 499P, particularly in terms of the diffuser and the rear biplane wing. Lastly, the front S-Duct and the integrated air vents on the wheel arches further boost aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo sports the same 120-degree 3-litre turbo V6 architecture adopted on the 296 GTB, 296 GTS and 296 GT3 that also powers the new 499P. In this installation, however, there were no technical regulation constraints to comply with, so it was further honed to unleash genuinely extreme performance. In this particular configuration, the engine is tuned to deliver a massive 1030 cv at 9000 rpm, with an additional 240 kW (326 cv) available from three electric motors, one on the rear axle and one on each of the front wheels. Ferrari worked with Gran Turismo to ensure that the exhilarating engine sound of this innovative powertrain is faithfully reproduced to give SIM racers an even more realistic racing experience. The full-scale design study will be displayed in the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from December 15, 2022 to March 2023.
The AE Song of the Week:
For you, there'll be no more crying
For you, the sun will be shining
Because I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right
To you, I'll give the world
To you, I'll never be cold
Because I feel that when I'm with you
It's alright, I know it's right
And the songbirds are singing, like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you, like never before
And I wish you all the love in the world
But most of all, I wish it from myself
And the songbirds keep singing, like they knew the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you
Like never before, like never before
Like never before
"Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac, from the album "Rumours" (1977).* Written by Christine McVie. Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to the track here.
*This was Christine McVie's solo on Side 1 of the Rumours album, proving her talent apart from the group. She wrote the song, sang it, and played the piano part. This was a very personal song for McVie about the self-sacrifice of true love. Christine McVie said that this song held Fleetwood Mac together during their hard times while recording Rumours. Once the members heard this song, they thought about what they had been through and how much love they shared. This was often the last song played on the Rumours tour. Christine McVie liked to pen her songs from another person's point of view rather than writing about herself. She told Uncut: "If you take 'Songbird' as an example, that was written in about half an hour. If I could write a few more like that, I would be a happy girl. It doesn't really relate to anybody in particular; it relates to everybody. A lot of people play it at their weddings or at bar mitzvahs or at their dog's funeral. It's universal. It's about you and nobody else. It's about you and everybody else. That's how I like to write songs." Christine McVie died on November, 22, 2022, at the age of 79. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG