Sunday
Mar192023
MARCH 22, 2023
Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 09:25AM 
(Chevrolet)
GM has announced that the Chevrolet Camaro will be retired at the conclusion of the 2024 model year. The final, sixth-generation Camaros will come off the assembly line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan in January 2024. "As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.” Chevrolet will offer a Collector’s Edition package on the 2024 Camaro RS and SS, and on a limited number of ZL1-equipped vehicles available in North America. The Collector’s Edition will pay homage to Camaro, referencing ties that date back to the development of the first generation Camaro in the 1960s, when the program’s initial code name was Panther. More information on the 2024 Camaro and the Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.
Editor's Note: GM announced last week that Global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl has "elected to retire." The highly-talented Wahl joined GM in 2018 as CMO of Cadillac and was promoted to GM's global CMO in 2019. Her departure leaves a HUGE void at the company, and this news is as devastating as it is surprising, given the marketing challenges GM faces as it hurtles toward mass EV adoption. Compounding this giant Bowl of Not Good are hints that GM's board of directors is starting to take a more active role in the company's marketing direction, which could include pressuring GM to hire its next CMO from outside the auto industry. No way can this board involvement be seen as a positive development. -WG
GM has announced that the Chevrolet Camaro will be retired at the conclusion of the 2024 model year. The final, sixth-generation Camaros will come off the assembly line at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Michigan in January 2024. "As we prepare to say goodbye to the current generation Camaro, it is difficult to overstate our gratitude to every Camaro customer, Camaro assembly line employee and race fan,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Global Chevrolet. “While we are not announcing an immediate successor today, rest assured, this is not the end of Camaro’s story.” Chevrolet will offer a Collector’s Edition package on the 2024 Camaro RS and SS, and on a limited number of ZL1-equipped vehicles available in North America. The Collector’s Edition will pay homage to Camaro, referencing ties that date back to the development of the first generation Camaro in the 1960s, when the program’s initial code name was Panther. More information on the 2024 Camaro and the Collector’s Edition package will be available closer to the start of orders this summer.
Editor's Note: GM announced last week that Global Chief Marketing Officer Deborah Wahl has "elected to retire." The highly-talented Wahl joined GM in 2018 as CMO of Cadillac and was promoted to GM's global CMO in 2019. Her departure leaves a HUGE void at the company, and this news is as devastating as it is surprising, given the marketing challenges GM faces as it hurtles toward mass EV adoption. Compounding this giant Bowl of Not Good are hints that GM's board of directors is starting to take a more active role in the company's marketing direction, which could include pressuring GM to hire its next CMO from outside the auto industry. No way can this board involvement be seen as a positive development. -WG
(Dodge images)
Dodge has unveiled the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car in the world, the 1,025-horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This is the brand’s seventh and final “Last Call” special-edition model, and it was introduced Monday (3/20) evening at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas performance festival at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With its 1,025-horsepower (at 6,500 rpm), 945 lb.-ft. (at 4,200 rpm) production HEMI® engine, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 reaches 60 mph in a blazing 1.66 seconds and features the highest G-force acceleration of any production car at 2.004 gs. The Demon 170 can also reach 900 horsepower and 810 lb.-ft. of torque on E10 fuel. Just how quick is it? The Challenger SRT Demon 170 runs the quarter-mile in an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. The Demon 170 also receives an NHRA violation letter “ban” for running a sub-nine-second quarter-mile without a safety cage and parachute. Extensive component upgrades/features critical to harnessing the 1,025 horsepower include: A modified 3.0-liter supercharger featuring a larger snout with 105mm throttle body and 3.02-inch pulley;All-new driveline includes HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) processed housings, larger 240mm ring and pinion, pressure cast new case and new mountings, rear axle housing is 53% stronger with new geometry rear differential housing and featuring Direct Connection logo, larger rear cover-mount fasteners, increased case depth and more; the rear prop shaft is 30% stronger than the original Demon and stronger half shafts are designed with larger inner-connecting spline and revised heat treatment; 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials — never offered before on a production car — critical to vehicle performance, deliver extra traction; the patent-pending TransBrake 2.0 includes torque-shaping capability, a technology used in competitive drag racing with easier driver interaction to dial-in preset torque limits; Unique Drag Mode suspension provides maximum forward drive and custom race settings for drag calibrations; Revised rear suspension for an increased contact patch and it is the first factory production car built with staggered drag radial tires and fender flares. You also get:
Dodge has unveiled the quickest, fastest and most powerful muscle car in the world, the 1,025-horsepower 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170. This is the brand’s seventh and final “Last Call” special-edition model, and it was introduced Monday (3/20) evening at the Dodge Last Call Powered by Roadkill Nights Vegas performance festival at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With its 1,025-horsepower (at 6,500 rpm), 945 lb.-ft. (at 4,200 rpm) production HEMI® engine, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 reaches 60 mph in a blazing 1.66 seconds and features the highest G-force acceleration of any production car at 2.004 gs. The Demon 170 can also reach 900 horsepower and 810 lb.-ft. of torque on E10 fuel. Just how quick is it? The Challenger SRT Demon 170 runs the quarter-mile in an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph. The Demon 170 also receives an NHRA violation letter “ban” for running a sub-nine-second quarter-mile without a safety cage and parachute. Extensive component upgrades/features critical to harnessing the 1,025 horsepower include: A modified 3.0-liter supercharger featuring a larger snout with 105mm throttle body and 3.02-inch pulley;All-new driveline includes HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) processed housings, larger 240mm ring and pinion, pressure cast new case and new mountings, rear axle housing is 53% stronger with new geometry rear differential housing and featuring Direct Connection logo, larger rear cover-mount fasteners, increased case depth and more; the rear prop shaft is 30% stronger than the original Demon and stronger half shafts are designed with larger inner-connecting spline and revised heat treatment; 315/50R17 Mickey Thompson ET Street R drag radials — never offered before on a production car — critical to vehicle performance, deliver extra traction; the patent-pending TransBrake 2.0 includes torque-shaping capability, a technology used in competitive drag racing with easier driver interaction to dial-in preset torque limits; Unique Drag Mode suspension provides maximum forward drive and custom race settings for drag calibrations; Revised rear suspension for an increased contact patch and it is the first factory production car built with staggered drag radial tires and fender flares. You also get:
- Red keys only for the Challenger SRT Demon 170 — horsepower output is determined by the percentage of ethanol detected in the fuel
- Primary engine power components are completely upgraded — camshaft is the only significant part untouched
- High-flow fuel rail and injectors are capable of providing 164 gallons of fuel per hour, more than the average U.S. shower head
- Features including optional Lacks Enterprises industry-exclusive two-piece lightweight carbon-fiber wheels help Challenger SRT Demon 170 realize weight savings of 157 pounds in comparison to Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody
- Removal of front flares generates a weight savings of 16 pounds
- Air-Grabber hood and Air Catcher headlights maximize air intake flow; Air-Grabber hood bezel laser etched with “Alcohol Injected” logo
- Innovative SRT Power Chiller, a purpose-built production car first for the original Demon, diverts the air conditioning system to cool the supercharger intercooler for optimal air intake temperature
- Drive Modes, including an updated Drag Mode, and performance pages provide customizable settings for transmission, suspension, steering and more
- Challenger SRT Demon 170 will be available in 14 exterior color options and carries a unique reworking of the original Demon badge featuring a 170-neck tattoo and new E85 representative yellow Demon’s eye
- Interior adds a yellow and red serialized Demon instrument panel badge with four interior choices, including standard lightweight cloth with driver seat only, optional full cloth interior, premium Black Nappa leather and Alcantara or Demonic Red Laguna leather
- One-of-a-kind owner content includes a commemorative Demon decanter set with personalized and serialized owner information and an available customized Goodwool car shell
- Challenger SRT Demon 170 personalization options through Direct Connection will include harness bar with coordinating lightweight carbon-fiber rear seat delete inserts
The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 production will be limited to at most 3,300 units, with 3,000 for the U.S. market and 300 for Canada, and with final total based on production capacity. The Challenger SRT Demon 170 will be available at a MSRP of $96,666 (excluding destination and fees). Additionally, owners of original 2018 Challenger SRT Demons who secure an allocation will be able to match the same vehicle identification number as their original Demon. Enthusiasts can view available dealer allocations for the new Challenger SRT Demon 170 via the Dodge Horsepower Locator tool at DodgeGarage.com, with ordering beginning March 27, 2023. Dealer orders at MSRP will receive priority scheduling. Watch a video here.
(Rolls-Royce images)
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most signinficant motor cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide (all sold, by the way), is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as it embarks on its bold new electric era. (Depressing as hell, by the way. -WG) The final examples of Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, will be represented by just twelve cars. There is a lot of bespoke stuff on this car, including: Gradient Paint, one of the most complex surface finishes Rolls-Royce has ever produced; Record-breaking Bespoke Starlight Headliner, featuring 2,117 fiber-optic ‘stars’; Each interior door panel is made of 320 marquetry pieces to create a dramatic, tactile surface; and a new 'Club Leather' interior surface treatment. The Rolls-Royce Goodwood-based designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce’s long and storied legacy. In 1938, Captain George Eyston – whose bold and brave endeavours encapsulate the Black Badge spirit - set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph (575.335 km/h) with Thunderbolt, a seven-ton, eight-wheeled leviathan equipped with two Rolls-Royce V12 'R' Series aero engines. The outbreak of the Second World War in the following year ended Eyston’s endeavours, but all subsequent speed records have been set with different engine types and configurations, enshrining Thunderbolt in perpetuity as the fastest V12-powered motor car ever built. Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Against the glare of the brilliant white surface, and under a blazing desert sun, the reflections from the car's polished aluminium body made it almost impossible to tell precisely when it passed the timing equipment. Eyston's simple but ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow on the car's sides, incorporating a yellow central circle motif that could be seen clearly even at high speed. This is what gives today’s Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection both its name and unique historical context. An exclusive Bespoke plaque is mounted on the engine cover to signify this as the last V12 ever to be fitted to a Rolls-Royce coupé. Machined from a single piece of polished metal, the plaque is inscribed with the V12 monogram in Bright Yellow, and the legend ‘Final Coupé Collection’ in Black. So, there's that at least.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most signinficant motor cars in the marque’s history. This Bespoke masterpiece, limited to just 12 examples worldwide (all sold, by the way), is also the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as it embarks on its bold new electric era. (Depressing as hell, by the way. -WG) The final examples of Wraith, the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, will be represented by just twelve cars. There is a lot of bespoke stuff on this car, including: Gradient Paint, one of the most complex surface finishes Rolls-Royce has ever produced; Record-breaking Bespoke Starlight Headliner, featuring 2,117 fiber-optic ‘stars’; Each interior door panel is made of 320 marquetry pieces to create a dramatic, tactile surface; and a new 'Club Leather' interior surface treatment. The Rolls-Royce Goodwood-based designers and engineers took inspiration for the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection from an equally significant V12 in Rolls-Royce’s long and storied legacy. In 1938, Captain George Eyston – whose bold and brave endeavours encapsulate the Black Badge spirit - set a world land speed record of 357.497 mph (575.335 km/h) with Thunderbolt, a seven-ton, eight-wheeled leviathan equipped with two Rolls-Royce V12 'R' Series aero engines. The outbreak of the Second World War in the following year ended Eyston’s endeavours, but all subsequent speed records have been set with different engine types and configurations, enshrining Thunderbolt in perpetuity as the fastest V12-powered motor car ever built. Thunderbolt’s record attempts took place on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Against the glare of the brilliant white surface, and under a blazing desert sun, the reflections from the car's polished aluminium body made it almost impossible to tell precisely when it passed the timing equipment. Eyston's simple but ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow on the car's sides, incorporating a yellow central circle motif that could be seen clearly even at high speed. This is what gives today’s Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow Collection both its name and unique historical context. An exclusive Bespoke plaque is mounted on the engine cover to signify this as the last V12 ever to be fitted to a Rolls-Royce coupé. Machined from a single piece of polished metal, the plaque is inscribed with the V12 monogram in Bright Yellow, and the legend ‘Final Coupé Collection’ in Black. So, there's that at least.
(Petersen Museum images)
Renowned car collector Bruce Meyer recently handed over the keys to his 1932 Ford “McGee Roadster” to Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Constructed by noted hot-rod builder Bob McGee, the McGee Roadster introduced an aesthetic that quickly became nearly ubiquitous in the roadster community. The popular hot rod will become part of the Petersen’s permanent collection. The Petersen Automotive Museum and the McGee Roadster share an origin story that stems from Hot Rod Magazine, founded by Robert E. Petersen in 1948. The McGee Roadster’s popularity skyrocketed after appearing on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine, the first street car to do so. Petersen’s subsequent success in publishing allowed him to launch one of the world’s finest automotive museums in 1994. “Hot rods are vital to the entire automotive industry, and Robert Petersen is the man who really brought hot rodding to the people. This car is an important piece of automotive history, and there is no more worthy destination than the Petersen Automotive Museum,” said Meyer, who is also founding chairman of the Petersen.
The iconic roadster has raced on the Bonneville salt flats, served as a daily driver and originated many of the design cues synonymous with hot rodding. McGee, who started working on the roadster in 1947, created the signature look with plenty of customization, including lowered suspension, larger Lincoln Zephyr rear wheels, a three-piece louvered hood, peaked and filled grille shell, hidden door hinges and shaved door handles, all painted bright red with a custom interior. “The McGee Roadster is so much more than just a car. It is the symbol of an entire era and generation of innovative hot rodders,” said Karges. “We are honored by Bruce’s donation and proud to preserve this piece of history.”
Renowned car collector Bruce Meyer recently handed over the keys to his 1932 Ford “McGee Roadster” to Terry L. Karges, executive director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. Constructed by noted hot-rod builder Bob McGee, the McGee Roadster introduced an aesthetic that quickly became nearly ubiquitous in the roadster community. The popular hot rod will become part of the Petersen’s permanent collection. The Petersen Automotive Museum and the McGee Roadster share an origin story that stems from Hot Rod Magazine, founded by Robert E. Petersen in 1948. The McGee Roadster’s popularity skyrocketed after appearing on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine, the first street car to do so. Petersen’s subsequent success in publishing allowed him to launch one of the world’s finest automotive museums in 1994. “Hot rods are vital to the entire automotive industry, and Robert Petersen is the man who really brought hot rodding to the people. This car is an important piece of automotive history, and there is no more worthy destination than the Petersen Automotive Museum,” said Meyer, who is also founding chairman of the Petersen.
The iconic roadster has raced on the Bonneville salt flats, served as a daily driver and originated many of the design cues synonymous with hot rodding. McGee, who started working on the roadster in 1947, created the signature look with plenty of customization, including lowered suspension, larger Lincoln Zephyr rear wheels, a three-piece louvered hood, peaked and filled grille shell, hidden door hinges and shaved door handles, all painted bright red with a custom interior. “The McGee Roadster is so much more than just a car. It is the symbol of an entire era and generation of innovative hot rodders,” said Karges. “We are honored by Bruce’s donation and proud to preserve this piece of history.”
The AE Song of the Week:
There were trains
And we out-run 'em
There were songs
And we out-sung 'em
There were brighter days never ending
There was time
And we were burnin'
There were rhymes
And we were learnin'
There was all the love
Two hearts could hold
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
Hey I could never let it end
'Cause my heart takes so long to mend
The dream that keeps your hopes alive
The lonely nights you hold inside
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still want you
There was rain
That we outlasted
There was pain
But we got past it
There were last goodbyes
Still left unspoken
There were ways
I should have thrilled you
There were days
I could have killed you
You're the only love
My life has known
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
Hey, I could never let you go
A broken heart that heals so slow
Could never beat for someone new
While you're alive and I am too
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still miss you
And I could never let it in
'Cause my heart takes so long to mend
The dream that keeps your hopes alive
The lonely nights you hold inside
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still want you
Hey, after all this time
You're always on my mind
There was pain
But we got past it
There were last goodbyes
Still left unspoken
There were ways
I should have thrilled you
There were days
I could have killed you
You're the only love
My life has known
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
Hey, I could never let you go
A broken heart that heals so slow
Could never beat for someone new
While you're alive and I am too
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still miss you
And I could never let it in
'Cause my heart takes so long to mend
The dream that keeps your hopes alive
The lonely nights you hold inside
And after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still want you
Hey, after all this time
You're always on my mind
I still love you
"After All This Time" by Rodney Crowell, from the album 'Diamonds & Dirt" (1988).* Written by Rodney J. Crowell. Lyrics © Granite Music Corp., Coolwell Music, Sheltered Music. Watch the Original Music Video here.
*"After All This Time" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Rodney Crowell. It was released in January 1989 as the fourth single from the album "Diamonds & Dirt." It was Crowell's seventh single to reach the U.S. country music chart and the fourth of five number ones. "After All This Time" spent one week at the top and fifteen weeks on the chart overall. It won a 1990 Grammy Award for Best Country Song. Contrary to popular belief, it took Crowell four years to complete the song. The video for the song was directed by Bill Pope. It mainly features Crowell singing the song into a microphone against a black background and dressed in all black, with a few cut scenes of him in a cafe alone and noticing a waitress's name tag, only for her to comfort him (this makes him think of his lover who departed him) and him sitting on his couch tuning his guitar. It was nominated for the Country Music Association Award for Video of the Year. (Knowledge courtesy of Wikipedia and other sources.)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG