JULY 20, 2022

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Speaking of Design Matters, GM has released the official images of its CELESTIQ show car - "a vision of innovation and purpose that previews the brand’s future handcrafted and all-electric flagship sedan" - according to Cadillac PR minions. The show car is basically the production version of the hyper-luxury machine. Rooted in heritage and advanced technologies, each CELESTIQ will be handbuilt with globally sourced parts to exacting standards at a special facility at General Motors’ Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan. Through a creative collaboration, "each CELESTIQ created will evoke a personal connection with every customer," according to Cadillac PR minions. “Every CELESTIQ will be instantly identifiable as one of a kind, giving each client a personal connection to Cadillac’s newest flagship,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac CELESTIQ. “With Cadillac reimagining the future of American luxury, we are entering an era of limitless possibilities and the future of design.” “The CELESTIQ show car is the purest expression of Cadillac,” said Magalie Debellis, manager, Cadillac Advanced Design. “It brings to life the most integrated expressions of design and innovation in the brand’s history, coalescing in a defining statement of a true Cadillac flagship.” In developing the show car, the design and engineering teams immersed themselves in the artisanship and customization that defined early Cadillac sedans such as the bespoke V-16 powered coaches of the prewar era, and the hand-built 1957 Eldorado Brougham. The CELESTIQ is the culmination of that heritage, brought to life with innovative production methods and new technologies. “Those vehicles represented the pinnacle of luxury in their respective eras, and helped make Cadillac the standard of the world,” said Tony Roma, chief engineer. “The CELESTIQ show car — also a sedan, because the configuration offers the very best luxury experience — builds on that pedigree and captures the spirit of arrival they expressed.” Designers drew further inspiration from classic architecture such as the mid-century masterpieces of architect Eero Saarinen, along with other iconic American designs, which made era-defining statements when introduced and endured with distinctive timelessness. Realizing and infusing those influences within an Ultium-based EV architecture resulted in a clean-sheet expression for the CELESTIQ show car that considers the entirety of travel as a curated experience — one intended to evoke an emotional response.  The result is a vehicle that makes a magnetic first impression and cultivates a permanent personal connection. “We’ve combined the beauty of function with the beauty of form,” said Laetitia Lopez, creative designer, Cadillac Color and Trim. “We had to reconsider all aspects to immerse the customer, all of their senses, and create a connection with the vehicle through the finest genuine materials, exceptional detailing and advanced technology.” The show car previews some of the materials, innovative technologies and hand-crafted attention to detail harnessed to express Cadillac’s vision for the future. Highlights include five high-definition, advanced LED interactive displays, including a 55-inch-diagonal advanced LED display, along with expected industry firsts such as a variable-transmission Smart Glass Roof and Ultra Cruise, General Motors’ next evolution of available hands-free driver assistance technology which Cadillac plans to offer on CELESTIQ. The Smart Glass Roof features Suspended Particle Device (SPD) technology that allows for four zones of variable lighting, enabling passengers to fine-tune their cabin experience for completely personalized comfort and visibility. Additionally, the 55-inch-diagonal advanced LED display introduces a passenger display with electronic digital blinds, an active privacy technology, which is designed to allow passengers to enjoy video content while blocking it from the view of the driver. While they are previewed on the show car, these technologies and more will make CELESTIQ the most advanced vehicle ever from Cadillac. Availability for the production version of CELESTIQ will be announced at a later date. GM is investing $81 million to support its assembly at GM’s Global Technical Center, the landmark campus originally designed by Eero Saarinen and the heart of the company’s engineering and design efforts. The CELESTIQ will be the first production vehicle built there since the center’s inauguration in May 1956. Additional details on the CELESTIQ production model will be announced later this year. Visit www.cadillac.com for more information. This just in: It. Is. Spectacular. -PMD

Editor-in-Chief's Note: The news that Hau Thai-Tang is leaving Ford on October 1 is a blow to the True Believers in the company and a sign that things are not going well in Dearborn. A gifted product and purchasing specialist - his official title is "chief industrial platforms officer" - Hau is brilliant in every sense of the word, and the fact that he's choosing to leave Ford at this juncture speaks volumes. Hau was involved in every significant Ford product of the last decade, and his talent is recognized throughout the company and the industry. What is his departure really saying? That Hau is taking a much-deserved break after 34 years? Maybe. But a more accurate assessment is that Ford's "I'm a genius, just ask me" CEO is running roughshod - and amuck - at the top of the company, and the "savior clock" within Ford has started ticking on his tenure. Bill Ford stumbled into creating a cottage industry of "saviors" at Ford, the most successful being Alan Mulally, who was the right guy at the right team to lead the company out of the wilderness. It was also the right call at the right time for Bill Ford, who realized that he couldn't lead the company through one of its most difficult periods. He deserved kudos for that decision, but since those halcyon days, it hasn't gone as well as hoped, needless to say. Ford's tradition of launching excellent products and then having to fix or relaunch them over and over again has been a hallmark of the company for decades now. And under the current CEO's tenure, it has gotten worse. The litany of Ford's current problems? Botched launches of the Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator; Bronco tops having to be replaced; Broncos subject to "catastrophic" engine failures; Mustang Mach-Es losing power without warning; Expedition and Navigator fires, to name just a few of the issues. And Ford issued a recall of 2.9 million vehicles in June for vehicles that can roll away when parked. These aren't isolated instances at Ford; they have become an unfortunate part of the culture of the company. The current CEO put his stake in the ground upon his elevation to that title saying that the recalls would stop because the cost of warranty repairs was killing the company. Well, guess what? The recalls and product issues have, in fact, accelerated. The PR offensive created around this CEO has been prodigious, and as I said before, I fully expect a photo-op to be announced at any moment that would feature him walking on water, such is the gushing praise constantly boosting his aura. But the reality is something different altogether. Ford PR minions loyal to the current CEO say that he inherited problems from Joe Hinrichs and Mark Fields, and that there's not much he can do about that. But that's unmitigated bullshit. Bill Ford hitched his company's fortunes to a "savior" who I personally warned him was not the guy. I even suggested to him that Hau Thai-Tang would be a better and much stronger choice for CEO. Now, Bill Ford has a problem. His latest "savior" is big on vision and gathering PR points from the lapdogs in the automotive media and certain dupes on Wall Street, but beyond that the faint whiffs of the "Emperor's New Clothes" are starting to waft over the Glass House. I will reiterate that Bill Ford's "savior clock" is starting to tick loudly, and that what's going on now is simply not sustainable. Talk about a giant bowl of Not Good. -PMD

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Here's a headline that should make auto enthusiasts' blood run cold. BMW is now selling monthly subscriptions for heated seats in a number of countries in an attempt at micro-monetizing high-end features. As savvy auto consumers know, the German automakers have made a cottage industry out of greed for a long, long time now. For instance, a glimpse at Porsche's sticker prices and option lists gives you all the evidence you need of this fact. But I will issue a stern warning to BMW and other automakers who might think this is a good idea. I can't think of a more egregiously bad decision or a more disastrous path to take for automakers than this. And if these manufacturers persist in pursuing this, it will hasten the demise of the industry as we know it. -PMD

(Honda images)
With Honda celebrating 30 years of Type R and 50 years of Civic, the Japanese manufacturer is calling its all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R "the most powerful Type R ever." The machine is "engineered from the ground up to deliver a thrilling, addictive driving experience, both on road and the racetrack," according to Honda PR minions. Based on the new low and wide design of the all-new 11th generation Civic, the Type R integrates advanced aerodynamics and a number of high-performance engineering details. Track-ready, Nürburgring-tuned and tested, Civic Type R's famously addictive driving feel is increased even further by enhanced suspension and steering performance, and a more powerful and responsive version of Honda's turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is paired with an improved six-speed manual gearbox and rev-matching system. Civic Type R will be available in five colors: Historic Championship White – a Type R exclusive finish revered by Honda enthusiasts - Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl. Type R's iconic red seats, carpet and trim, and a serialized Type R plate now placed on the dash are new for the 2023 model year. Suede-like upholstery with a high friction coefficient reduces body slippage in high-G driving situations. A new +R driving mode exclusive meter design allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with a graphic engine rpm display, rev indicator lights, and gear position indicator placed at the top. A lower multi-information display can show vehicle information selected by the driver. The Honda LogR™ data logger provides real-time information on the mechanical movements of the vehicle and vehicle behavior resulting from the driver's input. Other key features include a stopwatch to record lap times and the ability to share driving videos. Pricing and additional details on the 2023 Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch this fall.

(Chevrolet images)
Chevrolet has unveiled the all-electric 2024 Blazer EV, expanding the brand’s growing EV portfolio, while making EV ownership more accessible. The Blazer EV comes in multiple distinct trims, multiple range options — including an available GM-estimated range of up to 320 miles on a full charge — and available front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Those choices include available 1LT, 2LT, RS and Chevy’s first-ever electric SS performance model, along with a pursuit-rated Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) model for police fleet applications. The Blazer EV is based on GM’s innovative and proprietary Ultium Platform. The Blazer EV SS will offer an exclusive performance AWD propulsion configuration designed to produce up to 557HP and up to 648 lb-ft of torque, and unique WOW (Wide Open Watts) mode enabling 0-60 sprints of approximately less than 4 seconds (based on GM estimates). Additional Blazer EV highlights include:

• Driving range options up to an available GM-estimated 320 miles on a full charge (depending on the trim).
• 11.5 kW level 2 (AC) charging and standard DC public fast-charging capability of up to 190 kW, depending on the model, which enables approximately 78 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes, per GM estimates.
• Large, intuitive 17.7-inch-diagonal customizable infotainment touchscreen.
• Full LED exterior lighting, with choreographed walk-up/walk-away animation on RS and SS models.
• Beautiful, spacious and sustainably-crafted cabin made with soft-touch materials.
• Available Super Cruise hands-free driving technology for compatible roads.
• Advanced safety features intended to inspire confidence, including Reverse Automatic Braking and Advanced Park Assist^.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV 2LT and RS go on sale in summer 2023, with prices starting around $47,595 and $51,995, respectively. The SS follows later in 2023, priced starting around $65,995, followed by the 1LT and the PPV fleet model in Q1 2024. The 1LT will be priced starting around $44,995. Additional details and ordering information will be available closer to the start of production. Reservations are available now at https://www.chevrolet.com/. The Blazer EV will be produced at GM’s Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, production facility, which manufactures the current Blazer. Watch the video here. 

(Honda)
Fifty years ago this month, Honda held the global introduction of a fun and fuel-efficient three-door hatchback that would go on to change the automotive landscape forever – the Honda Civic. A half century later, with sales approaching 30 million globally and now in its 11th generation, Civic is the longest-running automotive nameplate in Honda history and the best-selling Honda automobile of all-time. A few highlights:

• Civic is the longest-running automotive nameplate in Honda’s storied history, launched in Japan in 1972 and the U.S. in 1973.
• Introduced in the U.S. in March of 1973, Civic is America’s third best-selling car over the past five decades with more than 12.3 million units sold.
• Civic was the first vehicle to get the CVCC engine (1975), first engine to meet U.S. emission standard without the use of a catalytic converter.
• Over its 11 generations Civic has been available in five body styles; 2-door coupe, 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback and wagon.
• The Civic S was first introduced in 1986.
• The first hybrid-electric powered Civic was introduced in Japan in 2001 and America in 2003.
• Civic Type R, the pinnacle of Civic performance, was introduced in America in 2017. 
  
• Civic has dominated America’s compact car segment for 12 consecutive years and in 2021 captured one in four retail sales in the category. 
  
• Civic is the No. 1 vehicle among Millennial buyers since 2011 and has captured the most Gen Z, first-time, and multicultural buyers in the industry for the past six years.
• All-new 11th-generation Civic was named the 2022 North American Car of the Year. 
  
• Honda has produced more than 11 million Civics in North America since the first Civic was built in in Ohio in 1986 
• Today Civic is built in Honda plants in Greensburg, Indiana, Alliston, Ontario Canada and Japan.
• All-new for 2023, Civic Type R will be the most powerful Civic ever offered in the U.S.
• An all-new hybrid-electric powered Civic will be introduced in the future.

(The Petersen Automotive Museum)
Appearing for the first time in North America in over 30 years, "Andy Warhol: Cars – Works from the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection" will go on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA. The groundbreaking exhibition will open to the public on July 23rd and will present a rare and exclusive look at the relationship between the “Cars” artwork series and the vehicles it depicts. Taking place in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery on the museum’s first floor, the unique display features five of the eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles ultimately depicted in Warhol’s final commission. Among the extremely rare assemblage are some of the most iconic cars in the world, including a 1937 W 125, which is on loan from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany. The machine was initially built for Grand Prix racing and features a supercharged eight-cylinder engine producing 637HP, making it one of the most powerful road-racing cars for three decades. Also making its way from the German museum is the unique 1970 C 111-II. This experimental Mercedes-Benz used a highly-aerodynamic fiberglass body and tri-rotor Wankel engine (later replaced with a turbo-charged diesel) to reach speeds of 200 mph. On loan from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is the spectacular 1954 W 196 streamliner. A Formula One car piloted by racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, the W 196 model won two world championships before Mercedes pulled out of competitive racing for three decades. Forty original Warhol works from the “Cars” series, all on loan from the Mercedes-Benz Art Collection, are presented accompanying the historical vehicles.
(The Petersen Automotive Museum)

The AE Song of the Week:

Looking out a dirty old window
Down below the cars in the city go rushing by
I sit here alone and I wonder why

Friday night and everyone's moving
I can feel the heat but it's soothing, heading down
I search for the beat in this dirty town (downtown)

The young ones are going 
(Downtown) the young ones are growing
We're the kids in America (whoa)
We're the kids in America (whoa)
Everybody live for the music-go-round

Bright lights, the music gets faster
Look, boy, don't check on your watch, not another glance
I'm not leaving now, honey, not a chance

Hot-shot, give me no problems
Much later, baby, you'll be saying nevermind
You know life is cruel, life is never kind (kind hearts)

Don't make a new story
(Kind hearts) don't grab any glory
We're the kids in America (whoa)
We're the kids in America (whoa)
Everybody live for the music-go-round

La la la la-la la-a
La la la la-la la, sing!
La la la la-la la-a
La la la la-la la

Come closer, honey, that's better
Got to get a brand-new experience, feeling right
Oh, don't try to stop, baby, hold me tight

Outside a new day is dawning
Outside suburbia's sprawling everywhere
I don't want to go, baby

New York to east California
There's a new wave coming, I warn ya
We're the kids in America (whoa)
We're the kids in America (whoa)
Everybody lives for the music-go-round

La la la la-la la-a
La la la la-la la, sing!
La la la la-la la-a
La la la la-la la

We're the kids
We're the kids
We're the kids in America
We're the kids
We're the kids
We're the kids in America
We're the kids
We're the kids
We're the kids in America

"Kids In America" by Kim Wilde, from the album "Kim Wilde" (1981).* Written by Marty Wilde and Ricky Wilde. Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here. 

*This song celebrating the youth of America was written by Wilde's brother Ricky and her father Marty. The Wilde family is from Chiswick, England, which might explain the questionable geography in the lyrics, as the line, "New York to East California" would most likely land you in the Mojave Desert - most songs celebrating California refer to the much more hospitable coastal areas. This was Wilde's first single. She racked up 19 Top-40 hits in England, but just one more in the US: a #1 cover of "You Keep Me Hangin' On." She later became a prominent gardening expert in England. Marty Wilde (Kim's father), was a popular performer in England, racking up several hits there. This was featured on the soundtrack of the mostly-forgotten movie Reckless, starring Darryl Hannah and Aiden Quinn. A cover by The Muffs was used to open the movie Clueless. In 2007, Jonas Brothers recorded a new version called "Kids Of The Future" for the Disney movie Meet The Robinsons. The song was also covered by Len for the movie Digimon and by No Secrets for Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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