DECEMBER 6, 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 

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled its new AMG CLE 53 Coupe. The sporty two-door model "combines the best of two worlds: agility and sportiness of the AMG C-Class with the interior space and elegance of the AMG E-Class," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. The CLE 53 features an AMG-enhanced and comprehensively upgraded M256M 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with turbocharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor producing 443HP and 413 lb-ft of torque (443 lb-ft for 12 seconds with overboost). The high-performance engine has optimized combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings, optimized injection and a new exhaust gas turbocharger. The 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) provides support at lower engine speeds with 23HP and 151 lb-ft. Power is transferred via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. The improved electric auxiliary compressor can now be operated almost continuously over a longer period of time to provide higher torque at a wider range of engine speeds and enhance overall responsiveness of the engine. In addition, this allows for a larger exhaust gas turbocharger to be fitted for higher peak performance. No word on an intro date or pricing as of yet.

(Chevrolet images)

The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban are freshened inside and out, with a more powerful diesel engine option available later in production and new technology enhancements designed to provide greater confidence and security behind the wheel. Key highlights and features include: Freshened exterior design with bolder signature lighting and all-new lighting animations, new available 24-inch wheels and more; New interior design centered on an all-new best-in-segment 17.7-inch-diagonal central touchscreen, along with an enhanced High Country interior and additional refinements across the lineup; New, available second-generation 3.0L turbo-diesel Duramax engine with 10 percent more horsepower than current models, which will be available later in production; Ride and handling enhancements engineered for greater driving refinement; Enhanced safety and technology includes Connected Cameras - a fully integrated network of cameras that allow customers to remotely view the interior and exterior of their vehicle, in addition to recording events like crash and theft (some features may require an OnStar plan). The refined, second-generation 3.0L inline-six turbo-diesel Duramax offers more power, particularly when trailering. It is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and is offered on all retail trims, including Z71 for the first time. Launched previously on the Silverado 1500, the new diesel engine is rated at 305HP and 495 lb-ft of peak torque, increases of 10 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively, over the current diesel engine’s 277HP and 460 lb-ft of torque. A retuned turbo compressor, along with new, higher-flow fuel injectors, revised piston-cooling oil jets, new steel pistons and improved temperature control features with the cooling system’s Active Thermal Management contribute to the engine’s enhanced power, while new sound absorption materials and a tuned air induction system help balance its performance with quietness and improved refinement. A 5.3L gas V-8 remains the standard engine for LS, LT, RST, Z71 and Premier trims. The 6.2L V-8 is standard on High Country and available on RST, Z71 and Premier. The new diesel engine will be available in 2025 after initial launch. The all-new 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban go on sale a year from now. Additional details, including pricing, will be announced closer to the start of production. 

Suburban High Country.

Suburban High Country.

2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 and Suburban High Country.

 

The AE Quote of the Week: 

“He’s listed as day to day, but then again, aren’t we all?” - Vin Scully

The AE Song of the Week: 
 

Holding back the years

Thinking of the fear I've had so long
When somebody hears
Listen to the fear that's gone
Strangled by the wishes of pater
Hoping for the arms of mater
Get to me the sooner or later, oh

Holding back the tears
Chance for me to escape from all I know
Holding back the tears
'Cause nothing here has grown
I've wasted all my tears
Wasted all those years
Nothing had the chance to be good
Nothing ever could, yeah, oh

I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on, so tight

Well I've wasted all my years
Wasted all of those years
And nothing had the chance to be good
'Cause nothing ever could, oh yeah
Oh

I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on
I'll keep holding on

Holding
Holding
Holding
Holding, la-la-la, la, la-la

I said, ooh, yeah

That's all I have today
It's all I have to say

"Holding Back The Years" by Simply Red, from the album "Picture Book" (1985).* Written by Mick Hucknall and Neil Moss. Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind, Watch the Original Music Video here. 

*Simply Red is fronted by singer-songwriter Mick Hucknall ("Red" was his nickname because of his red hair). Hucknall's mom, Maureen Taylor, walked out on him and his barber father, Reg, when he was three. The pain caused by not having a mother inspired him to write this song. Hucknall wrote this song in his bedroom at his father's house when he was 17. The inspiration for the song came from a teacher at the Manchester School of Art, where Hucknall studied fine art. The instructor suggested that the best paintings are created when the artist is in a state of unconscious creation, and Hucknall attempted to use this approach in his songwriting. "I wanted to do music, not art, so started writing lyrics that way," he told The Guardian. "The first song I wrote was called 'Ice Cream and Wafers.' The next was 'Holding Back the Years.'" Hucknall didn't realize what the song was about until he'd finished it. "It's about that moment where you know you have to leave home and make your mark, but the outside world is scary," he explained. "So you're holding back the years." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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