NOVEMBER 8, 2023

The original - and still our favorite - Autoextremist logo. 

The AE Quote of the Century: Everybody loves The High-Octane Truth. Until they don't. -WG 

(Ford images)

The California Special package returns for 2024 Mustang GT Premium fastback coupe and convertible models, with visual cues recalling the 1968 original. The package features Rave Blue details on the nostril intakes, which flank a new horizontal-slat grille complete with low gloss black strakes. The headlights are surrounded by black bezels, while Mustang GT California Special-specific graphics in Medium Light Rave Blue and High- and Low-Gloss Black appear on the lower body sides. The California Special package is available with two 19.0-inch wheel options: The standard Carbonized Gray wheels have a GT/CS pad-printed logo in Rave Blue, while the optional Performance Pack wheel combines a machined face with Rave Blue pockets. The 5.0-liter engine badge on the front fenders and the GT badge at the back add Rave Blue outlines to black centers – like the GT Performance Package, there is a Performance Pack-specific badge. The GT/CS badge in the grille is also finished in Rave Blue. Accents in blue are prominent throughout the California Special package’s interior, where perforated Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather covers the seats. Dual-color contrast stitching with Raptor Blue and Metal Gray threads extend to the dash and doors. The same stitching is also available for the steering wheel and center console. A California Special IP badge and GT/CS floor mats complete the interior changes. The California Special package adds $1,995 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium and is available in Coupe and Convertible body styles with either the six-speed manual gearbox or the optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The 2024 Mustang GT California Special makes its public debut on November 16 at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Order banks are open, and customers can build their own Mustang with the California Special package at Ford.com.

(Audi images)

Audi of America is celebrating three generations of its TT sports car with the 2023 Audi TT Roadster Final edition. The TT Roadster Final edition is equipped with several exclusive features, including a modern interpretation of the original TT’s baseball stitch seats. You also get Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect paint; Audi exclusive Palomino Brown stitching; Audi exclusive floor mats; Audi magnetic ride; Extended leather package in the seat color; Gray convertible top; 20x9-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels; Carbon fiber inlays and the S line exterior. Only 50 units of the Audi TT Roadster Final edition will be available for the U.S. market at an MSRP of $67,800 plus $1,095 destination charge. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We remember ancient times when that amount of money would get you a decently equipped 911. Now, you're lucky to get a smoke and a pancake. And so it goes. -PMD

 

Editor's Note: Well, it's that time again. Time to launch a new ad slogan for Chevrolet. We've spent a decade trying to "Find New Roads." Now, the geniuses at Chevy's agency, Commonweath/McCann, are about to blow your mind with - wait for it - "Together let's drive." It's hard to believe GM did a year's worth of research to arrive at this gem, but it's true, folks. According to Chevrolet Marketing VP Steve Majoros, as told to Automotive News, the marketing team spent time with Chevy owners and non-owners alike, and "what emerged was a sense of respect and admiration for trusted institutions and a focus on friends, family and community." The friends and family thing I can buy, but "respect and admiration for trusted institutions"?!?! What planet did these focus groups take place on exactly??? (I'm thinking what passes for "research" these days is questionable, but that's a story for another day!) Majoros went on to explain that people are longing for togetherness in today's world, and Chevy would like to help them get that feeling. “I think it’s something that everyone deep down feels because it’s easy to criticize how things are today…but deep down, what people told us is, that’s not me. That’s not my family. That’s not my community. That’s not how I feel,” he said. Okay, so people are cynical and disgusted with the way things are - just not any of the people Chevy talked to! Wow. Moving on, let's review. "Lacks originality and creativity." Check. "Lacks emotional resonance." Check. "Could be any car company's slogan" Check. (Note to self: see Toyota, "Let's Go Places.") So yes, it checks all the boxes. Trouble is, they're all the wrong ones. You can watch the launch spot here (it debuted during Game One of the World Series). It's lame, it's lazy, and it's just plain sad. Over the past several years, few automotive brands (if any) have done less with more than Chevrolet. And if the various 'comment' sections on the websites announcing the new tagline are anything to go by (even on GM's own boards), it ain't exactly a grand-slam home run. Or, to paraphrase one of the posts, "Someone actually got paid to come up with that?!?!" Enough said. -WG Editor-in-Chief's Note: WordGirl speaks the High-Octane Truth. As for me, let's just say I am underwhelmed, and I will leave it at that. For now. -PMD

The AE Song of the Week: 

For those who understand what The Beatles meant - and still mean - to music and popular culture, this will be an emotional experience. Watch The Beatles - Now And Then -The Beatles Song (Short Film) here.

And listen to The Last Beatles Song - "Now And Then" - a project that took place over five decades, here. 

And watch the Official Music Video for "Now And Then" directed by Peter Jackson here. 

Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG