(Honda)
The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will begin arriving in Honda dealerships this month, starting with turbocharged models on Sept. 22, followed by hybrid models in October. The 6th generation of Honda’s best-selling SUV will be available in two turbocharged trim levels - EX and EX-L - with "a rugged and sophisticated exterior, a sporty and modern interior and a more emotional, adventurous and fun-to-drive experience," according to Honda PR minions. CR-V EX has a starting MSRP of $31,110 (excluding $1,245 destination charge). CR-V EX-L starts at $33,760). The hybrid-electric powered 2023 CR-V Sport starts at $32,450. The CR-V EX comes with an enhanced 1.5-liter turbo with VTEC and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that’s been re-tuned for improved response. The combination has 190HP @ 6,000 rpm (SAE net). Its 179 lb.-ft. (SAE net) peak torque spans 1,700 to 5,000 rpm, arriving 300-rpm earlier than before for a more responsive feel. The 2023 CR-V Sport will come standard with the new hybrid system, featuring a more refined 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine. Combined system output climbs to 204HP, while the traction-motor peak torque rises to 247 lb.-ft. The hybrid powertrain brings a major fuel economy benefit compared to the 1.5L Turbo powertrain, with an EPA city rating of 43 mpg in the city for Sport versus 28 mpg for EX/EX-L, and a combined rating of 40 mpg for Sport versus 30 mpg for EX/EX-L (all with 2WD). Sport also features gloss black exterior accents, rectangular exhaust finishers and Berlina Black 18-inch wheels. Inside, Sport-specific seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel are standard. At $38,600, the Sport Touring will top the CR-V lineup. It also features the more-powerful 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain, along with standard all-wheel drive and larger 19-inch wheels and tires and a bunch of other "stuff" including an updated version of Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™, which is also available on all grades and standard on Sport Touring. For the sixth-generation CR-V, the Real Time AWD system is quieter and can now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, improving handling performance as well as traction management in slippery conditions. A new Hill Descent Control system enhances CR-V’s off-road capability. Drivers can also customize the driving experience for various conditions with three drive modes, Normal, Econ and a new Snow mode that maximizes available traction and performance in slick snowy conditions. Sport and Sport Touring models also add a new Sport mode, for an even more engaging driving experience. Additional details on the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V are available on Hondanews.com.
The all-new 2023 Honda CR-V will begin arriving in Honda dealerships this month, starting with turbocharged models on Sept. 22, followed by hybrid models in October. The 6th generation of Honda’s best-selling SUV will be available in two turbocharged trim levels - EX and EX-L - with "a rugged and sophisticated exterior, a sporty and modern interior and a more emotional, adventurous and fun-to-drive experience," according to Honda PR minions. CR-V EX has a starting MSRP of $31,110 (excluding $1,245 destination charge). CR-V EX-L starts at $33,760). The hybrid-electric powered 2023 CR-V Sport starts at $32,450. The CR-V EX comes with an enhanced 1.5-liter turbo with VTEC and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that’s been re-tuned for improved response. The combination has 190HP @ 6,000 rpm (SAE net). Its 179 lb.-ft. (SAE net) peak torque spans 1,700 to 5,000 rpm, arriving 300-rpm earlier than before for a more responsive feel. The 2023 CR-V Sport will come standard with the new hybrid system, featuring a more refined 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine. Combined system output climbs to 204HP, while the traction-motor peak torque rises to 247 lb.-ft. The hybrid powertrain brings a major fuel economy benefit compared to the 1.5L Turbo powertrain, with an EPA city rating of 43 mpg in the city for Sport versus 28 mpg for EX/EX-L, and a combined rating of 40 mpg for Sport versus 30 mpg for EX/EX-L (all with 2WD). Sport also features gloss black exterior accents, rectangular exhaust finishers and Berlina Black 18-inch wheels. Inside, Sport-specific seating surfaces and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel are standard. At $38,600, the Sport Touring will top the CR-V lineup. It also features the more-powerful 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain, along with standard all-wheel drive and larger 19-inch wheels and tires and a bunch of other "stuff" including an updated version of Honda’s Real Time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Intelligent Control System™, which is also available on all grades and standard on Sport Touring. For the sixth-generation CR-V, the Real Time AWD system is quieter and can now send up to 50% of engine torque to the rear wheels, improving handling performance as well as traction management in slippery conditions. A new Hill Descent Control system enhances CR-V’s off-road capability. Drivers can also customize the driving experience for various conditions with three drive modes, Normal, Econ and a new Snow mode that maximizes available traction and performance in slick snowy conditions. Sport and Sport Touring models also add a new Sport mode, for an even more engaging driving experience. Additional details on the all-new 2023 Honda CR-V are available on Hondanews.com.
(Ferrari images)
This is the 2023 Ferrari Purosangue, the first four-door, four-seater car in Ferrari’s history. According to Ferrari PR minions: "Now, in the culmination of 75 years of leading-edge research, Ferrari has created a unique car and the encapsulation of the Prancing Horse’s DNA, where performance, driving pleasure and comfort coexist in perfect harmony. And that’s why this new model was called Ferrari Purosangue – Italian for thoroughbred." Powered by a 65 degree, normally-aspirated V12 with 715HP and 528 ib-ft. of torque and weighing just under 5,000 lbs, the Purosangue will go 0-62 mph in 3.3 sec. (according to manufacturer's figures) and has a top speed of 193 mph. It is equipped with the eight-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system from the GTC4 Lusso. The system provides AWD up to 124 mph, then it becomes rear-wheel-drive. Rear-wheel steering is standard, along with a suite of features that come with Ferrari's Slip Control system shared by the other machines in Ferrari's portfolio. The suspension system, according to Car and Driver, features TrueActive Spool-Valve Dampers from Multimatic, which negates the need for anti-roll bars thanks to an electric motor at each corner that can apply force to the dampers to control body motions. The suspension has the ability to lower the car by 0.4 inch during hard cornering, but the ride height stays put with a ground clearance of 7.2 inches, meaning that there is no off-road pretense with this machine. The staggered wheel and tire setup features 22-inch, 255-width rubber up front and 23-inch, 315-width tires in the rear. Watch the introductory video from Ferrari here. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Okay, so I love the Purosangue. It immediately sets the standard for hyper-luxury, hyper-performance machines with four seats. Make no mistake, there is nothing even remotely "SUV" about the Purosangue; this is a genuine high-performance machine with a little more room and as Ferrari notes, the weight distribution comes out at a very advantageous 49/52, front/rear. The overall design is exceptional - Ferrari Design is on an incredible roll of late - and it is much more aggressive and beautiful than the GTC4. As far as I'm concerned, the Purosangue is a grand-slam home run. Should they have built it? Yes, and why not? They will sell every single one they build. It arrives here one year from now, in case you're interested. How much? Around $390,000. -PMD
This is the 2023 Ferrari Purosangue, the first four-door, four-seater car in Ferrari’s history. According to Ferrari PR minions: "Now, in the culmination of 75 years of leading-edge research, Ferrari has created a unique car and the encapsulation of the Prancing Horse’s DNA, where performance, driving pleasure and comfort coexist in perfect harmony. And that’s why this new model was called Ferrari Purosangue – Italian for thoroughbred." Powered by a 65 degree, normally-aspirated V12 with 715HP and 528 ib-ft. of torque and weighing just under 5,000 lbs, the Purosangue will go 0-62 mph in 3.3 sec. (according to manufacturer's figures) and has a top speed of 193 mph. It is equipped with the eight-speed, dual clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system from the GTC4 Lusso. The system provides AWD up to 124 mph, then it becomes rear-wheel-drive. Rear-wheel steering is standard, along with a suite of features that come with Ferrari's Slip Control system shared by the other machines in Ferrari's portfolio. The suspension system, according to Car and Driver, features TrueActive Spool-Valve Dampers from Multimatic, which negates the need for anti-roll bars thanks to an electric motor at each corner that can apply force to the dampers to control body motions. The suspension has the ability to lower the car by 0.4 inch during hard cornering, but the ride height stays put with a ground clearance of 7.2 inches, meaning that there is no off-road pretense with this machine. The staggered wheel and tire setup features 22-inch, 255-width rubber up front and 23-inch, 315-width tires in the rear. Watch the introductory video from Ferrari here. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Okay, so I love the Purosangue. It immediately sets the standard for hyper-luxury, hyper-performance machines with four seats. Make no mistake, there is nothing even remotely "SUV" about the Purosangue; this is a genuine high-performance machine with a little more room and as Ferrari notes, the weight distribution comes out at a very advantageous 49/52, front/rear. The overall design is exceptional - Ferrari Design is on an incredible roll of late - and it is much more aggressive and beautiful than the GTC4. As far as I'm concerned, the Purosangue is a grand-slam home run. Should they have built it? Yes, and why not? They will sell every single one they build. It arrives here one year from now, in case you're interested. How much? Around $390,000. -PMD
(Ford images)
Ford introduced the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang in Detroit Wednesday night, the seventh generation of the company's iconic pony car. Each new Mustang carries its own unique front end. The GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow. The car’s aerodynamics are optimized further with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter. The all-new Mustang launches with 11 exterior color options, including two new shades, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash, complemented by new stripe colors and designs. There is a choice of three Brembo brake caliper color options: Black, Red and Grabber Blue, plus an all-new lineup of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-inch standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT, with optional 20-inch alloy wheels. New for the 2024 model year is the Mustang Design Series, providing further customization options straight from the factory. The Bronze Design Series Appearance Package adds Sinister Bronze alloy wheels with bronze badges, and is available on both EcoBoost and GT models, with or without the optional Performance Pack. The 5.0-liter V8 continues to offer a standard six-speed manual gearbox; a 10-speed automatic is available. Customers can also opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter powertrain. Drivers can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver’s view ahead of them. Mustang GT and EcoBoost models are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen® Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-millimeter front and 355-millimeter rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro® seats and active exhaust. Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged; this retains peak torque between manual gear changes. The all-new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. starting next summer and will be assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
Ford introduced the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang in Detroit Wednesday night, the seventh generation of the company's iconic pony car. Each new Mustang carries its own unique front end. The GT is differentiated from EcoBoost models by larger, more aggressive grille openings, engineered to allow increased airflow. The car’s aerodynamics are optimized further with the addition of new hood vents and redesigned front splitter. The all-new Mustang launches with 11 exterior color options, including two new shades, Vapor Blue and Yellow Splash, complemented by new stripe colors and designs. There is a choice of three Brembo brake caliper color options: Black, Red and Grabber Blue, plus an all-new lineup of alloy wheels, ranging from 17-inch standard size on base models to 19-inch for GT, with optional 20-inch alloy wheels. New for the 2024 model year is the Mustang Design Series, providing further customization options straight from the factory. The Bronze Design Series Appearance Package adds Sinister Bronze alloy wheels with bronze badges, and is available on both EcoBoost and GT models, with or without the optional Performance Pack. The 5.0-liter V8 continues to offer a standard six-speed manual gearbox; a 10-speed automatic is available. Customers can also opt for the EcoBoost model, powered by an all-new, four-cylinder turbocharged 2.3-liter powertrain. Drivers can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, Track, plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver’s view ahead of them. Mustang GT and EcoBoost models are both available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen® Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-millimeter front and 355-millimeter rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro® seats and active exhaust. Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged; this retains peak torque between manual gear changes. The all-new Mustang goes on sale in the U.S. starting next summer and will be assembled at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
(Ford images)
Ford also introduced Mustang Dark Horse, a street and track-capable performance Mustang created by a special team of Ford engineers and designers with the kind of "visual cues and all the capability sports car lovers expect, right down to the available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution," according to Ford PR minions. Mustang Dark Horse will feature a specially modified 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with a projected 500HP with piston connecting rods first introduced in the 760HP Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille. Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery. The Mustang Dark Horse has unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars, heavy-duty front shocks, and 19-inch Brembo front 6 piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. Steering response and grip are further enhanced with a new lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace. A Torsen® rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO™ (PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-inch-by-9.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-10-inch rear wheels) and standard MagneRide® shocks are included. For ultimate street-legal and track performance, the available Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires and 19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels. Customers can also equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). Specific racing versions will be available, with pricing and availability to come.
Ford also introduced Mustang Dark Horse, a street and track-capable performance Mustang created by a special team of Ford engineers and designers with the kind of "visual cues and all the capability sports car lovers expect, right down to the available carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution," according to Ford PR minions. Mustang Dark Horse will feature a specially modified 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with a projected 500HP with piston connecting rods first introduced in the 760HP Ford Performance Mustang Shelby GT500. Mustang Dark Horse includes a dual throttle-body intake design to improve engine breathing, accentuated by the open nostrils in the front grille. Mustang Dark Horse comes standard with a unique six-speed TREMEC manual transmission that connects to the driver through a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The manual also includes a special Mustang Dark Horse transmission oil cooler. Drivers also have the option to choose Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission with sport paddle shifters. Mustang Dark Horse includes brake cooling NACA ducts, an auxiliary engine oil cooler, a rear axle cooler and a unique and lighter-weight radiator with improved cooling capability and more powerful cooling fans to improve endurance and recovery. The Mustang Dark Horse has unique chassis tuning, larger rear sway bars, heavy-duty front shocks, and 19-inch Brembo front 6 piston brakes with 13.9-inch rotors. Steering response and grip are further enhanced with a new lightweight Ford Performance-designed strut tower brace and K-brace. A Torsen® rear differential and standard Pirelli P ZERO™ (PZ4) tires with staggered fitting wheels (19-inch-by-9.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-10-inch rear wheels) and standard MagneRide® shocks are included. For ultimate street-legal and track performance, the available Handling Package improves aerodynamics even further with the most downforce of any all-new Mustang thanks to a unique rear wing that includes an integrated Gurney Flap, similar to that of the Ford GT. The Handling Package also adds stiffer springs, larger front and rear sway bars and wider Pirelli Trofeo tires and 19-inch-by-10.5-inch front and 19-inch-by-11-inch rear wheels. Customers can also equip Mustang Dark Horse with lightweight carbon fiber wheels from Carbon Revolution (late availability). Specific racing versions will be available, with pricing and availability to come.
The AE Song of the Week:
Waiting for the break of day
Searching for something to say
Dancing lights against the sky
Giving up I close my eyes
Sitting cross-legged on the floor
25 or 6 to 4
Staring blindly into space
Getting up to splash my face
Wanting just to stay awake
Wondering how much I can take
Should have tried to do some more
25 or 6 to 4
Feeling like I ought to sleep
Spinning room is sinking deep
Searching for something to say
Waiting for the break of day
25 or 6 to 4
25 or 6 to 4
"25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago from the album "Chicago II" (1970).* Written by Robert Lamm. Publisher: BMG Rights management, Spirit Music Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here. And watch the superb cover by "Leonid & Friends" here.
*This song was written by Robert Lamm, who is a keyboard player and singer for Chicago. It's about trying to write a song, with the title referring to the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). Lamm explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song that I was writing. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus. Most songs that were written, especially in the early days, whenever I got them to the band and we started rehearsing them, that's when the songs took shape - once these guys got hold of them. There was definitely a lot of raw material, I thought it was a song when I wrote the words down, I wrote the changes down and I brought the charts to rehearsal, but it wasn't really a song until they all played it." This quickly became a showcase song for Chicago's horn section, which featured on many of their hits from the '60s and '70s. Three of the founding members that have been with the band since its inception are trumpet player Lee Loughnane, sax player Walter Parazaider, and trombonist James Pankow. Peter Cetera sang lead on this track - despite his jaw being wired shut. A few months before the recording session, the band went to a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, where their hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, beat the Dodgers, leaving four marines angry and ready to take their aggression out on someone. That someone was Cetera, who was singled out by his long hair as much as his team loyalty. The ensuing brawl sent him to intensive care with a jaw broken in three places. When it came time to record the song, his jaw was still wired shut. "He had to learn to sing differently," producer James Guercio told Mix magazine. "I told him, 'I can't wait, we're gonna do this.'" Cetera did his vocal through clenched teeth, which he adopted as a trademark singing style. After he left the band in 1985, his replacement, Jason Scheff, took over vocal duties on this song. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG