APRIL 20, 2022
Sunday, April 17, 2022 at 09:22AM 
Lincoln has unveiled its Star Concept revealing the brand’s vision for connected, electrified vehicles. The concept features connected technologies and a next-generation Lincoln Intelligence System to deliver "unique, rejuvenating moments inside the cabin, with three moods that create a sanctuary using scent, sight and sound," according to Lincoln PR minions. “Electrification is removing many traditional vehicle design constraints, allowing us to reimagine what a vehicle can be,” said Anthony Lo, chief design officer, Ford Motor Company. “The Lincoln Star is a study of experiences and themes that push the boundaries of Lincoln design – and it’s just the start.” More than half of Lincoln’s global volume is expected to be all-electric vehicles by mid-decade; the brand will deliver three new fully electric vehicles by 2025, adding a fourth by 2026. To that we'll add a giant "We'll see."
The seventh generation of the BMW 7 Series includes the first all-electric i7 xDrive60 (catchy name, that). The front end presents the new design language of luxury BMW models, such as it is. The interior includes an available 31-inch BMW Theater Screen with built-in Amazon Fire TV and 8K resolution. The optional Highway Assistant provides hands-free driving up to 80 mph. Six and eight-cylinder engines now feature 48V mild hybrid technology. The base MSRP for the 2023 740i $93,300 + $995 destination; 760i xDrive $113,600 + $995 destination; i7 xDrive60 $119,300 + $995 destination. US market launch will begin in Q4 2022. Pre-orders for the i7 open Wednesday, April 20, at 8:01 AM ET at www.bmwusa.com. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The Blunderbuss School of BMW Design continues to head for The Abyss. There is nothing about this thing that is the least bit attractive. Not. One. Thing. Pathetic. -PMD
This is the new Lexus RZ (BEV). According to Lexus PR minions, the all-new RZ "brings a unique Lexus driving experience based on the ‘Lexus Electrified’ vision." Whatever that means. The RX uses a new all-wheel drive system called DIRECT4, offering drivers "a refined, human-centered driving experience." Lexus PR minions also suggest that the RX design presents "a uniquely Lexus BEV identity and proportions, born from a dynamic driving experience." Whoa, that sounds like a big-time reach to us. It is expected to reach dealers late this year. Here's a question: Can something be instantly forgettable before it even hits the street? The Answer? Most definitely yes.
This EV thing is getting serious now. With its luxury EQS sedan and the sport-oriented EQE sedan, Mercedes-Benz has entered a new, all-electric era in the upper market segments. Now comes the EQS SUV, the third model series with this M-B's specific architecture developed for electric vehicles. The EQS SUV offers the kind of space, comfort and connectivity for up to seven passengers that people expect, packaged in an avant-garde, luxurious interior. The new EQS SUV shares its long wheelbase (126.4 inches) with the EQS Sedan, but is over 7.8 inches higher than the sedan. The dimensions in detail: 201.8/77.1/67.6 inches (length/width/height). The interior dimensions benefit from these generous SUV dimensions. The second row of seats can be electrically adjusted as standard. Up to four golf bags are able to fit in the trunk. A third row of seats with two additional individual seats and extensive comfort features for all passengers are available as an optional extra. The EQS SUV also benefits from the latest aerodynamic thinking by Mercedes-Benz, with optimization of SUV-typical flow details for aerodynamic efficiency. All EQS SUVs will have an electric drive train (eATS) on the rear axle, and the versions with 4MATIC also have an eATS on the front axle. In the 4MATIC models, the Torque Shift function ensures intelligent, continuously variable distribution of drive torque between the rear and front electric motors. The electric motors on the front and rear axles are permanent synchronous motors (PSM). The advantages of this design include high power density, high efficiency and high power constancy. The chassis of the new EQS SUV has a four-link axle at the front and an independent multilink suspension at the rear. The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment. The vehicle level can be raised by several centimeters. In addition to the DYNAMIC SELECT modes ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, the 4MATIC versions feature OFFROAD, a further mode for off-road driving. (As if.) Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees is also standard. Editor's Note: We'll stop here, because the press release set yet another new record for length. More details - and pricing - will be forthcoming closer to production. -WG. The new EQS SUV will be built in the U.S. and will arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships late this year.
Thornley Kelham has revealed the first new project in its bespoke ‘European’ program: The Jaguar XK European. The ‘European’ program "weaves together concours-quality restoration skills, industry-leading design and motorsport-grounded engineering and mechanical expertise to reimagine key automotive icons from some of Europe’s leading brands," according to TK PR minions. Credentials? The XK European has been reinterpreted inside and out by ex-McLaren designer (P1, 720S) Paul Howse. An all-new lightweight alloy body is combined with a fuel injected 340HP 3.8-litre XK engine, redesigned suspension and gearbox, uprated brakes and electrics to deliver modern levels of performance, and move the original XK experience into the 21st century. This is the first new Thornley Kelham project in its ‘European’ range of reimagined automotive legends since their Lancia Aurelia Outlaw. How much work is involved? The restoration and modification process took around 5000 hours. Most of the work is carried out in-house by Thornley Kelham, together with a small number of trusted and talented partners. As well as its work in concours restoration, the in-house team of craftsmen is expert in race-winning classic motorsport engines, and numerous previous projects have involved bespoke enhancements from uprated suspension, steering and brakes, to conversion to fuel injection, and the design and execution of convenience features such as air-conditioning and high end ICE. In the ‘European’ programme, all that experience comes to bear to create the ultimate incarnation of a number of European sports cars of the golden era, including the Jaguar XK. Howse’s vision celebrates the original beautifully aerodynamic lines in a way that remains true to the car’s original intentions, echoing the kind of work applied to the E-Type Lightweight. The first major task was to lower the roofline so that the proportions become more elegant and purposeful. The next was to add some curvature to the sides; all the body sections now have an acceleration to them which adds sculpture and muscle but also lightness. The arches are wider both at the front and more significantly at the rear with wider alloy wire wheels filling them out nicely, giving that ‘road racer‘ stance. The brightwork was also removed and instead a subtle crease was introduced down the bonnet which follows the split screen into the roof and washes out over the roof, which is more smoothly integrated into the overall form, as are the rear arches. At the rear, the tail now sweeps up to create a more teardrop form. The rear lamps are nestled into the bodywork and the headlights have had the chrome bezels removed, cleaning up the appearance. Other improvements? A completely revised and detailed interior including new electronic instrumentation, electric windows and a discreet rollcage. Air-conditioning, power steering, Bluetooth connectivity and a number of in-car entertainment options ensure that every European will combine the thrill of a classic with the convenience and everyday drivability of a modern car. More? The Jaguar XK 3.8-litre straight-six engine is thoroughly re-engineered to deliver the performance akin to a modern sports car. The all-alloy engine is equipped with direct injection, a bespoke camshaft and rebored cylinders for either 300HP or 340HP depending on specification. Power is delivered through a redesigned five-speed manual transmission. The handling has been enhanced with reconfigured suspension all-round, employing double wishbones at the front, coilovers, tuned Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. It’s a far more modern package than the original car, which featured basic leaf springs on the rear axle. In fact, the rear axle set up has been completely redesigned, and now incorporates a limited slip differential. Four-piston vented disc brakes equip each wheel. Development of the first Jaguar XK built to ‘European’ specification is already underway, with the first commission secured. Numbers will be strictly limited, with prices from £550,000 - plus donor car - depending on specification. Editor-in-Chief's Note: This thing is drop dead gorgeous. That is all. -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
I heard you crying loud, all the way across town
Cause you been searching for that someone
And it's me out on the prowl
As you sit around feeling sorry for yourself
Well, don't get lonely now, and dry your whining eyes
I'm just roaming for the moment
Sleazin' my back yard so don't get
So uptight you been thinking about ditching me
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
Well, I heard it all before, so don't knock down my door
I'm a loser and a user so I don't need no accuser
To try and slag me down because I know you're right
So go do what you like, make sure you do it wise
You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing
Was ever there
You can't go forcing something if it's just not right
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
No time to search the world around
'Cause you know where I'll be found
When I come around
When I come around
"When I Come Around" by Green Day, from the album "Dookie" (1994)*. Written by Billie Joe Armstrong. Watch Green Day perform the song at the band's induction ceremony at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 here.
*A track from Green Day's first major-label album, "When I Come Around" is a very personal song lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong wrote about being away from his girlfriend, Adrienne Nesser, and the frustrations they both felt when he was on the road. Billie Joe met Adrienne in 1990 when Green Day performed in Minnesota, where she lived. He was just 18, and found it difficult to maintain a long distance relationship, especially with his touring schedule. In this song, he affirms his devotion for her, assuring her that when he does get to see her (when he "comes around") he will make it up to her. Billie Joe and Adrienne got married in July 1994, a few months after Dookie was released and right in the midst of the band's rapid ascent to stardom (the band was touring at the time). The marriage endured, and couple had two children together. MTV aired two different videos for this song. A concept video for the song was directed by Mark Kohr, and MTV also showed a live version from Green Day's infamous Woodstock '94 performance. They used this video to promote the MTV Woodstock '94 retrospective video tape This song was not released as a single, which was a strategic move by Green Day's label (Reprise) to goose sales of the album. Airplay pushed the song to #6 in America. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)