(Honda images)
This is the all-new 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the most powerful Honda production vehicle ever offered in the U.S. (Note: We're talking Honda, not Acura. -WG) On sale this fall, the new Type R "delivers the best driving experience in the hot hatch segment, combining class-leading performance with an all-new immersive cockpit experience, and a sleek, muscular new design," according to Honda PR minions. Honda engineers conducted extensive development in Japan, and undertook rigorous testing at racetracks in Japan, North America and Europe to further improve Civic Type R's chassis. This included testing at the Nurburgring, helping to make the all-new Type R "more responsive, more comfortable and more thrilling-to-drive than ever before," according to the manufacturer.
Under the Type R's new vented aluminum hood is an even more powerful version of Honda's K20C1 engine. Horsepower, torque and response are improved by a redesigned turbocharger, increased air intake flow rate, and a new more efficient exhaust system that features a straight through design and an active exhaust valve. The size, shape and number of the turbocharger's turbine wheel blades have been optimized along with the flow path of the intake charge, enabling the turbocharger to generate pressure in a wider range and more efficiently. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinger engine now produces 315HP @ 6,500 rpm (SAE net) and 310 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,600 – 4,000 rpm (SAE net) – improvements of 9HP and 15 lb.-ft. Civic Type R has a specific output of 157.8 hp/liter, up from the previous-generation's 153.3. A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving. The active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
Type R's six-speed manual gearbox is further improved with a lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system featuring perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry. The high-strength gearbox has also gained a high-rigidity lever and optimized shift gate pattern for a reassured and hyper-precise gear change. A standard helical-type limited-slip differential puts the engine's power to the pavement effectively. 
Based on the all-new 11th-generation Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R's wheelbase has been extended 1.4-inches for a smoother ride and greater stability. Now measuring 107.7-inch, it's the longest wheelbase in its class. Its front and rear tracks are also significantly wider (+1.0 inches in the front and +0.75 inches in the rear). Together with a re-tuned dual-axis strut front and multilink rear suspension, these changes improve straight-line stability and steering feel. The Type R's two-piece front brake rotors reduce unsprung weight and brake cooling is also improved, and a re-tuned brake booster enhances feel and control. Drivers can switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and R+ Mode, a new 'Individual Model' mode enables customization of the driving experience.
Designed with input from aerodynamic development members of the HRD Sakura Super GT team, the Type R's exterior is also more aerodynamically efficient, generating more downforce improving high speed stability. Designed in Japan, Type R's is 0.8-inches longer, 0.5-inches lower and 0.6-inches wider. Lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels wrapped in wider (+20mm) bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are included. The new wheels use a special "reverse rim" design that improves the stability of the tire contact patch under load. All body panels forward of the A-pillars are new and unique to the Type R, including a new more aggressive front bumper design. Its lower stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its updated signature three round exhaust outlets. A redesigned rear spoiler with aluminum stanchions and a new rear diffuser intensify downforce and reduce drag. 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.
The cockpit of the new Type R includes red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminum shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dash. The driver sits lower than before in new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, yet with greater visibility courtesy of thinner pillars, relocated side mirror and a lower hood. The new lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort on the track and during long drives. To better support performance driving, Type R's exclusive new digital instrument cluster features clean, easy-to-read graphics and an extensive selection of displays. The design features a large tachometer and gear-position display, plus a multi-information display. A second new meter design is exclusive to Type R's +R mode and allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with the engine rpm and gear position placed at the top. An illuminated rev indicator located above the gauge cluster gives the driver a quick indication of engine rpm during performance driving. Other stuff? A new 9-inch Color Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. Qi-compatible wireless charging and a Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, which was custom-engineered precisely for the interior of the 11th-generation Civic, are also standard. Exclusive to Type R is a new enhanced version of the Honda LogR® Performance Datalogger which combines the Type R's onboard computer and sensors with a new built-in vehicle app. This helps drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time when driving on the track or other closed courses, helping to improve driving skills. Honda LogR® no longer requires a smartphone app, so drivers can use the on-board system or connect to their smartphone for added capability and data sharing. Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, a tire friction circle in 3D motion that displays the maximum tire force the vehicle can achieve, and an innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track. Users can share their lap times and other data with other Type R owners.
The new Civic Type R is built at the Yorii Plant in Japan. The Type R's K20C1 engine continues to be built at Honda's Anna Engine Plant in Sidney, Ohio. Pricing and additional details on the 2023 Honda Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch this fall.

(Volkswagen images)
Volkswagen of America has announced a Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition for the North American market. A world model, it celebrates 20 years of high-performance all-wheel-drive Golf vehicles, beginning with the release of the Golf R32 in Europe in 2002. Starting with the latest generation Golf R, the Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition utilizes Volkswagen’s advanced MQB chassis and turbocharged 315HP EA888 evo4 TSI® engine. Unique to the North American market, the 20th Anniversary Edition is offered with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission. Select changes to the Golf R’s exterior are included with the 20th Anniversary Edition. Deleting the standard sunroof shaves weight and streamlines the hatchback’s roofline. From the side, Golf R’s large 19-inch Estoril wheels are finished in Gloss Black and are fitted with 235/35 summer performance tires. As in every Golf R, a torque vectoring all-wheel-drive system is paired with an advanced DCC® adaptive damping system to help ensure power makes it to the wheels that need it in any driving situation. The 20th Anniversary Edition will be offered in Lapiz Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl and Pure White, with a limited allocation of vehicles for each color. The mirror caps are finished in Lapiz Blue on Pure White and Deep Black vehicles, while the mirror caps are gloss black on vehicles painted in Lapiz Blue. Finally, the “R” logos—on the front and rear bumpers and front fenders—are finished in blue, while 20th Anniversary badges adorn the B-pillars. The dash panel and front door trim have genuine carbon fiber décor inserts for the first time in a production Volkswagen vehicle. Other stuff? An ergonomically optimized “D” shape steering wheel with the “R” logo finished in blue and supportive high-bolster sport seats The 20th Anniversary Edition will go on sale this fall, and will have an MSRP of $44,940 (manual gearbox) and $45,740 (7-speed DSG). 

(Lamborghini)
The new Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini - inspired by the Huracán STO - was unveiled to the public at the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli last Friday. The bike is the result of the second collaborative project between the two brands, ambassadors of Made in Italy, which in 2020 gave birth to the Ducati Diavel 1260 Lamborghini, inspired by the Sián. Applying the well-known “Fight Formula” to the technical base of the 2023 Panigale V4 S and integrating elements and stylistic features that are unmistakably Lamborghini, Ducati has created an exclusive all-new model within its range. The bike will be produced in a numbered limited series of 630 units in an exclusive green and orange livery. The livery features the STO logo and the number 63, which refers to the year that Lamborghini was founded. This number, multiplied by ten, gives the 630 units to be produced by Ducati, each accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. The colors used for the bike are exactly the same as those used for the Huracán STO, with a base in “Verde Citrea” and contrasting parts in “Arancio Dac.” Powering the Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini is the 1103 cc Desmosedici Stradale engine with 208HP with a dry clutch, as on the Ducati MotoGP™ and Superbike models. In addition to the 630 examples of Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini, Ducati will offer an even more exclusive series dedicated to 63 Lamborghini customers who, thanks to the Ducati Style Center, will be able to create unique examples by customizing their Ducati Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini with livery and rims in the same color as their car, completing the bike through Ducati’s Speciale Clienti program. Needless to say, bring lots of ca$h-ola.
 

(Salon Prive Photo)
A 1956 Ferrari 250 GT TdF Berlinetta by Zagato was awarded Best of Show at this year’s Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva. The 250 GT TdF was part of a keenly contested group of Class winners covering 12 decades of motoring, from veteran to supercar. Owned by David and Ginny Sydorick, the 250 GT TdF is one of just five Ferrari 250 GT long-wheelbase chassis cars designed by Zagato. Chassis 0515GT was originally built for one of Ferrari’s best customers, Vladimiro Galluzzi. Galluzzi raced the car extensively during the 1956 season, before selling it to racing driver Luigi Taramazzo. It was eventually retired from racing at the end of 1958. The V12-powered lightweight model has an elegant coach-built body with Zagato’s trademark double-bubble roof. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We never get tired of looking at a classic Ferrari. -PMD

 

The AE Song of the Week:

New York tendaberry
Blue berry
A rush on rum
Of brush and drum

And the past is a blue note
Inside me
I ran away in the morning

New York tendaberry
Blue berry
Rugs and drapes and drugs
And capes
Sweet kids in hunger slums
Firecrackers break
And they cross
And they dust
And they skate
And the night comes

I ran away in the morning

Now I'm back
Unpacked
Sidewalk and pigeon
You look like a city
But you feel like a religion
To me

New York tendabery
True berry
I lost my eyes
I east wind skies
Here where I've cried
Where I've tried
Where God and the tendaberry rise
Where quakers and revolutionaries
Join for life
For precious years
Joined for life
Through silver tears

"New York Tendaberry" by Laura Nyro, from the album "New York Tendaberry" (1969).* Written by Laura Nyro. Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen here. 

*Laura Nyro (October 18, 1947 – April 8, 1997) was an American songwriter, singer, and pianist. She achieved critical acclaim with her own recordings, particularly the albums Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969), and had commercial success with artists such as Barbra Streisand and the 5th Dimension recording her songs. Wider recognition for her artistry was posthumous while her contemporaries such as Elton John idolized her. She was praised for her strong emotive vocal style and 3-octave mezzo-soprano vocal range. Between 1968 and 1970, a number of artists had hits with her songs: The 5th Dimension with "Blowing Away", "Wedding Bell Blues", "Stoned Soul Picnic", "Sweet Blindness", and "Save the Country"; Blood, Sweat & Tears and Peter, Paul and Mary with "And When I Die"; Three Dog Night and Maynard Ferguson with "Eli's Comin'"; and Barbra Streisand with "Stoney End", "Time and Love", and "Hands off the Man (Flim Flam Man)". Nyro's best-selling single was her recording of Carole King's and Gerry Goffin's "Up on the Roof". On the poignant title track of her critically acclaimed third album, New York Tendaberry, Bronx-born singer/songwriter/pianist Laura Nyro regards her hometown through "silver tears," a place that draws her back again and again. "You look like a city, but you feel like a religion to me," she sings. Nyro described the album in a 1969 interview with Down Beat magazine: "It is not an obvious one... not one that you really even listen to, because it really goes past your ears and it's very sensory and it's all feel... it goes inside, like at the back of your neck, or something. It's abstract, it's unobvious and yet I feel that it's very true. I feel that it's life, what life is to me anyway." What the heck is a tendaberry, anyway? Nyro, who had an affinity for making up her own words (asking folks to "surry down to a stoned soul picnic" in the 1968 hit "Stoned Soul Picnic") explained: "Tendaberry is my own word, it's an essence, it's not death... it's birth and it's very tender, very fragile, very strong, very true... it's a berry, a tendaberry." Nyro, who co-produced the album with engineer Roy Halee, contacted Miles Davis' arranger Gil Evans to arrange the album, but he never answered her letter. Instead, she turned to Jimmie Haskell, who worked on Bobbie Gentry's Ode to Billie Joe and Simon & Garfunkel's Old Friends (and, later, Bridge Over Troubled Water). Before she met with Haskell, she told Down Beat: "We'll sit and talk until he knows as much as he can possibly know of what I feel and where this album has to be. I know that he's there already, because on Bobbie Gentry's album he creates the delta, and it's syrupy, and you can almost hear the crickets and bugs. And on Old Friends he really captured the right mood... he can do that. I don't want him to write like Gil Evans, I'm not going to ask him to give me a Gil Evans sound or anything like that... all I want him to give me is this tendaberry." This was the B-side to the album's second single, "Save The Country," which became a hit for The 5th Dimension in 1970. Nyro was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2010, and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. (Knowledge courtesy of Wikipedia and Songfacts.com)