JUNE 1, 2022

Our original - and still our favorite - Autoextremist logo.

"Welcome to autoextremist.com. It's gonna be one helluva ride."

With those words, our first Rant came to a close on June 1, 1999. Seems like only yesterday,...Hold it right there! That is a lie. It actually seems like a lifetime ago, and at two-plus decades, it's certainly a very good chunk of a lifetime. I must say, this whole anniversary thing has me a bit misty-eyed (or could they just be crossed from too much editing???). I was around in 1986 for the original AE MANIFESTO (I was just a very small child at the time, of course). And somehow, I managed to be around (still slogging away in advertising) when Peter said "Let's do this!" in 1999. Autoextremist makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me sad, it makes me mad (and that was just Issue Number One). So much unbelievable shit has gone down over the last 22 years that if I hadn't lived every minute of it, I would think I must be trapped in some crazy dream (nightmare?). Why me, why then, why now - yes, indeed, why still now? I'm still here because I still love cars (from my '68 Camaro to my '57 Jag to my '76 2002, and everything in between - and yes, I wish I had kept more than just a few of them). And because I still believe in the power of words, and their ability to make us think and feel and sometimes even change things. So, yes, I am bittersweet as this June 1st approaches (the inexorable march of time and all that), but like Peter, I remain undaunted. Basically, we HAD to do Autoextremist.com Peter HAD to get out there and say what no one else wants to say - and more important, say what very, very few people want to hear. From Day One, AE has been about a whole new idea in cars and car advertising and car executives and car design…the Truth (what a concept!). And the past 23 years have made me more than a bit partial to The High-Octane Truth. So I guess I'm all-in for the duration. -WG

(Buick images)
Buick unveiled the Wildcat EV concept on Wednesday (June 1). The 2+2 Coupe is "an expressive vision of the brand’s new design direction as it transitions to an all-electric future," according to Buick PR minions. The Wildcat was developed to convey the all-new design language that will influence Buick production models for the foreseeable future. Buick’s new tri-shield logo, mounted prominently on the body front and rear, symbolizes the design transformation and new production models will wear it starting next year. “The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, Global Buick and GMC Design. “Buick has always been forward looking and this expression is a glimpse of where we’re going, and the optimism we have for the limitless possibilities of an electric future.” The Wildcat EV concept also introduces a new, expressive face for Buick, "distinguished by a bold, forward-leaning front-end appearance that features a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille. Sharp, high-mounted and horizontal check mark-shaped lighting flanks the vehicle, while the outer edges of the grille house primary lighting," Buick's PR minions continued. “From every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce,” said Bob Boniface, director, Global Buick Design. “It’s the result of careful attention to the proportions and sculptural beauty derived from the intersection of forms, not lines.” Additional exterior design highlights include:

• Distinctive semi-swing doors for easy entry and exit.
• Unique aluminum trim that appears to flow seamlessly into the interior seat structures.
• Micro-LED lighting technology and thin-beam projector lenses for the front lighting.
• Blade-style taillights embedded in the roof’s sail panels, culminating in check mark-style horizontal lamps that echo the front lighting signature.
• An external “state of charge” indicator visible in the exterior hatchback glass.
• Jet Age-inspired 18-spoke “turbine” wheels.

“The more you look at the Wildcat EV concept, the more the details reveal themselves,” said Boniface. “Its timeless proportions acknowledge the brand’s rich design legacy, while our latest technology moves you forward.” The Wildcat EV concept is built to be a platform for futuristic features such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy. The vehicle is designed to detect an elevation in driver heart rate and automatically adjust vehicle settings to calm them down. For example, when Zen Mode is activated, it will dim the cabin lights, disperse calming aromatherapy scents and activate massaging seats. “We are on the cusp of true change, and this concept is a tangible vision of it,” said Gauci. “It inaugurates the next chapter in Buick’s design heritage, as we make the crucial transition to our all-electric future.” Watch the presentation video here. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The Wildcat name was always reserved for the most innovative and progressive concepts created by GM Styling for Buick. The first Wildcat was introduced in 1953 as a concept for a future Buick design direction. The Wildcat II and III concepts followed in 1954 and 1955. Another Wildcat made a brief appearance in 1985 as a mid-engine AWD supercar to showcase advanced technologies. To me, the three greatest names in Buick's historical portfolio are Riviera, Wildcat and Electra. Buick also announced on Wednesday (June 1) that Electra would be the signature name in Buick's future EV portfolio. In addition, Buick will not launch any ICE vehicles after 2024, and its entire portfolio of Electra EVs will be in place by 2030. This is a superb effort from GM Design, one that will take its place as one of its best designs of the last decade. -PMD

(Eric Mathon photo)
The all-new high-performance hybrid McLaren Artura made its dynamic debut at the Monaco Grand Prix last weekend, driven on an honorary lap by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco. The all-new from the ground-up Artura, finished in distinctive McLaren Orange, is underpinned by the McLaren philosophy of super-lightweight engineering and the distillation of every inherent McLaren attribute combined with faster throttle response, lower emissions and the ability to run in pure EV mode, thanks to its electrified powertrain. The Artura is also the first model built on the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA), which contributes to the car’s class-leading lightest dry weight of 3,075 lbs and DIN curb weight of 3,303lbs.

(Bentley images)
It has been 70 years since the start of production of the iconic R-Type Bentley Continental. In 1952, it was the fastest and most expensive four-seat car in the world, with just 208 examples built, one still owned by Bentley. It remains one of the most celebrated cars in the company’s 103-year history, and the first Bentley to wear the Continental name. As rare a sight in the 1950s as it is today – the R-Type Continental went down in history as a benchmark Bentley, and the embodiment of the brand’s grand touring DNA. Its ethos and its exterior design were the inspiration for the first Continental GT in 2003, and it has inspired Bentley Design teams ever since. While the first prototype R-Type Continental (known as ‘Olga’ thanks to its OLG490 registration) was on the road in August 1951, it wasn’t until May 1952 that the car went into production, with customer deliveries starting in June. At the time, it was the fastest four-seat car in the world – a mantle that was picked up by the modern-day Continental GT in 2003. It was also the most expensive, at £6,928 – nearly four times the 1952 average UK house price. The brainchild of Chief Projects Engineer, Ivan Evernden and Chief Stylist, John Blatchley, the R-Type Continental was described in period by Autocar magazine as ‘a modern magic carpet which annihilates great distances.’ Two pre-war coachbuilt specials, the ‘Embiricos’ Bentley and Mk V Corniche, had shown the advantages of improved aerodynamics. In the early 1950s, Evernden took inspiration from these one-off creations to create a sleek coupé based on the R-Type Bentley saloon. The power of the 4,566cc, six-cylinder in-line engine was raised from 140 to 153BHP, and the transmission featured a higher final drive ratio. The prototype averaged 118.75 mph over five laps (with a best lap of just under 120mph) at the banked Montlhèry track near Paris. To keep down to the target weight, coachbuilders HJ Mulliner crafted the bodywork, window frames, windscreen surround, backlight, seat frames and bumpers in aluminium. Even at a pared-down weight, tire choice was critical; no standard road tire existed that could carry a two-ton car at speeds in excess of 115 mph, so Dunlop Medium Distance Track tires were specified. The first production model was delivered to its owner in June 1952 and by the time production ended in 1955, 208 R-Type Continentals had been made. Of these, 193 were bodied by HJ Mulliner. Others included Park Ward (four dropheads and two coupés), Franay (five), Graber (three) and Farina (one). The Bentley Heritage Collection is the proud owner of R-Type Continental chassis BC16C (pictured), registration JAS 949. ‘JAS’ was built in 1953 and delivered to its first owner, Dr Rowland Guenin of Switzerland, in December 1953. It was ordered in Ivory with Red interior and a manual gearbox, a specification it retains today along with the original 4.6-litre engine. Bentley Motors acquired JAS 949 in 2001 and has maintained it in excellent mechanical order while sympathetically preserving its patina. The car is driven regularly and appears frequently on display at the Bentley campus and at events around the world.


(Cyan Racing images)
Following its 2020 launch to rave reviews in Europe, the Volvo P1800 Cyan will make its official North American debut this summer at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering on August 9. Prior to that, Cyan Racing will introduce its exquisite resto-mod to the Los Angeles media and public at a number of special events. An extraordinary interpretation of the original 1960s Swedish/Italian-designed Volvo coupe, and built by the five-time World Touring Car Champions, Cyan Racing, the machine combines the best motorsports technology with classic styling. Highlights: High-strength steel chassis and carbon fiber body; Race-proven 420HP 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine; Bespoke, fully adjustable independent suspension; Highest quality components, including AP Racing, Ohlins, Pirelli, Recaro, etc.; Extraordinarily lightweight package at 2180 lb. The Swedish engineers have decided to create a production version from the original prototype, and its debut at The Quail will allow driving enthusiasts an opportunity to purchase their own Volvo P1800 Cyan. No word on price, but figure Big. Ca$h. Money.




The AE Song of the Week:

Baby's just a little bit tired of the city
Billboards and bullshit got her down
Seem like you need a little hill country
A little back roads driving, little bit of the old top down

Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime
Forget about yourself for a while
Seems to me that all you need
Is a rag top car and a ride with me

Okay, alright
Just might get a little high tonight
Okay, alright
Carry on

Ol' Walt Wilkins lives up in Nashville
You know his eyes have seen the miles
Walt, why don't you jump in Jim T's caddy
Come down to Texas and drink with me a while

Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime
Forget about yourself for a while
Will go down to El Arroyo have some tacos and beer
Yeah, and let ourselves go

Okay, alright
Just might try to get it right tonight
I'm okay, alright
Carry on

Lover, make sure that you got your troubles
Lover, make sure that you work too hard
Ain't nobody that don't get tired
Watch your troubles pile up big in your own backyard

Sometimes you've got to grab your world with your own two hands
Set it spinning off on a course all your own
Take yourself a big bag for your shoulder
Find yourself some good times, bring them on back home

Yeah, everybody gotta get away sometime
Forget about yourself for a while
Lay your whole life upon a shelf
Got no one to blame but your own damn self

Okay, alright
Heaven only know what gonna happen tonight
I'm okay, I'm alright, I'm okay, I'm alright
I'm okay, I'm alright, I'm okay, I'm alright
Oh carry on, yeah

"Carry On" by Pat Green, from the album "Three Days" (2001)*. Written by Pat Green and Walt Wilkins. Listen to the track here. And watch a video of Pat performing the song at Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas, on February 6, 2009 here. 

*"Carry On" was released in September 2001 as the first single from the album "Three Days." The song reached #35 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart but remains one of PMD's favorites. (Knowledge courtesy of Lyrics.com.)

Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG