AUGUST 30, 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 

(Alfa Romeo images)

Alfa Romeo introduces the rebirth of the “fuoriserie” (custom-built) 33 Stradale, "a genuine manifesto of the Italian brand’s capabilities – now and in the future – in terms of style and driving experience," according to Alfa Romeo PR Minions. With only 33 exclusive - and already sold - units, aligned with a unique artisan process, the new two-seater coupé "combines Alfa Romeo’s heritage and future as a symbol of noble Italian sportsmanship," according to the Italian manufacturer. Alfa Romeo’s new limited-edition car follows in the footsteps of an icon of the 1960s — the Tipo 33. Alfa Romeo plans for the new 33 Stradale to be "the ideal link between internal combustion and electric powertrain, achieved by tastefully and respectfully reinterpreting the design of the original car," Alfa's PR Minions continued. The 33 Stradale will come in two configurations: A V-6 twin-turbo delivering more than 620HP, eight-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel-drive and electronic limited-slip differential; and a BEV configuration that delivers more than 750HP with estimated range of 450 km (WLTP). Top speed is estimated to be 206 mph/333 km/h, 0 to 100 km/h in less than three seconds and braking from 100 km/h to 0 in under 33 m. Two trim levels will be available: Tributo and Alfa Corse. Handcrafted at the Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, the tailor-made quality standards "guarantee obsessive attention to detail," according to the manufacturer. Each car is designed to be a unique, one-off work of art, becoming part of Alfa Romeo history. In order to deliver an unprecedented level of customization and to guarantee the uniqueness of each car, the brand has created the “Bottega,” a team of Alfa Romeo professionals who work closely with customers from the onset, to jointly create each car, unique in every detail, including personally signing the chassis number.

(Porsche)

Porsche is expanding the Cayenne model line with a new variant: The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. An electric motor generating 174HP supports the extensively revised four-liter V8 twin-turbo engine making 591HP. Combined, the total system output is 729HP and 700 lb-ft. of torque. The resulting performance? The Turbo E-Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and on to a top track speed of 183 mph. Compared to its predecessor, the new Cayenne E-Hybrid models feature a significantly larger high-voltage battery (25.9 kWh), which is mounted underneath the trunk area. The new 11-kW on-board charger can reduce the charging time to less than 2.5 hours using a suitable wallbox or charger, in spite of the increased battery capacity. You also get: An adaptive air suspension system that features new two-chamber, two-valve technology as standard; Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) is also included as standard on the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) as well as rear-axle steering can be ordered as options at an extra cost. The new Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid also benefits from all the upgrades introduced on the 2024 Cayenne models earlier this year, including the newly designed HD-Matrix Design LED headlights, a more powerful 15-watt air-conditioned induction-charging pad, a digital instrument cluster with a curved and free standing design that offers multiple settings for information, and Comfort Access all as standard. The new Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can be ordered now and are expected to reach U.S. dealers in mid-2024. Editor-in-Chief's Note: How much to be the Biggest Tool in The Shed? The Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has an MSRP of $146,900, not including the $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee, while the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe has an MSRP of $151,400. Porsche prices - and profits - continue to skyrocket. -PMD

(Jeep)

Stellantis is launching its “Famous for Freedom” global advertising campaign for the new 2024 Jeep® Wrangler featuring the legendary “California Love” track by Tupac Shakur from 1995, although the company steadfastly avoids using Tupac's name (which means they were able to use the song, but don't have permission to use Tupac's name). The campaign debuts as the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music "is celebrated and acknowledged for the role it has played in transforming marketing and culture," according to Stellantis PR Minions. This is the first time that the "California Love" track will be used in an automotive commercial. The 60-second launch spot can be viewed here.

(Honda images)

American Honda has announced the return of two popular miniMOTO models for the 2024 model year: The Monkey (above) and Super Cub (below). Originally introduced in the early 1960s for a Honda-owned Japanese amusement park called Tama Tech, Honda's Monkey remains true to its roots, with a fun-yet-practical character. Its authentic retro styling is contrasted by state-of-the-art performance, thanks to features like programmed fuel injection, ABS brakes, plush suspension and a capable 124cc engine. The Monkey's small stature, light weight and practical performance "combine to deliver an approachable, enjoyable riding experience for a wide variety of riders," according to Honda PR Minions. It will be available in Pearl Black (shown) and Pearl Nebula Red. How much? MSRP is $4,299 and it will be available in September. Holding the crown of the most popular motor vehicle of all time, with over 100 million units sold worldwide since its introduction in 1958, the Super Cub offers "an unparalleled combination of practical simplicity and retro styling," according to the manufacturer. The Super Cub features a step-through chassis, clutch-free four-speed transmission, and a 124cc four-stroke engine that delivers impressive fuel efficiency and plenty of power for zipping around town. You also get front-wheel ABS, fuel injection and an electric starter. MSRP: $3,899, and it's available in Pearl Gray starting in October.

The AE Song of the Week

It's not
What you thought
When you first began it
You got
What you want
Now you can hardly stand it though
By now you know

It's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
'Til you wise up

You're sure
There's a cure
And you have finally found it
You think
One drink
Will shrink you 'til you're underground
And living down

But it's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
'Til you wise up

Prepare a list of what you need
Before you sign away the deed

'Cause it's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
It's not going to stop
'Til you wise up

No, it's not going to stop
'Til you wise up
No, it's not going to stop
So just, give up

"Wise Up" by Aimee Mann, from the album "Magnolia: Music from the Motion Picture" (1999).* Written by Aimee Mann. Publisher: Downtown Music Publishing. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here.

*Perhaps one of Aimee Mann's most depressing song (and naturally, one of Peter's favorites - WG), "Wise Up" deals with the need to recognize reality. Its lyrics, "It's not going to stop till you wise up, so you might as well give up," are not of the encouraging, positive, motivational nature. This is in contrast to the song's sweet melody and gentle, orchestral swells. This song was featured prominently in the Paul Thomas Anderson movie Magnolia in a surreal sequence wherein several characters in different locations are seen simultaneously singing the tune aloud. The film itself was basically a story created around Mann's songs.The singer/songwriter explained to dcist what happened: "Well, I wrote it for Jerry Maguire. [Writer/director Cameron Crowe] really liked the demo, and then he didn't like the finished version, so he didn't put it in the movie. Then after the movie came out, he called me and said, 'I don't know what I was thinking! Your version is awesome. I guess I was just kind of attached to the demo.' So he put it on the soundtrack album. So it's there, and on the DVD, but it wasn't in the original release of the film. And then Paul Thomas Anderson heard it, and he really liked it. So [the song's prominent use in Magnolia] was kind of a sweet shout-out." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG