MAY 1, 2024

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 

(Ferrari images)

Leave it to Ferrari to remind us what this business should be all about. This is the Ferrari 12Cilindri Coupe and Spider. Speed, power and drop-dead gorgeous style has been Ferrari's "M.O." forever, and this new machine doesn't disappoint. Slated to replace the current Ferrari 812, the 12Cilindri may in fact be the last of its kind from Ferrari. Designed by Flavio Manzoni and his talented team, the 12Cilindri is an obvious homage to the iconic Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and authentic to that legacy is its 6.5-liter normally aspirated V12 that puts out 819HP – with maximum revs rising to 9500 rpm. The 12Cilindri also boasts innovative features such as active aerodynamics – with two distinct elements clearly influenced by aeronautical design – an 8-speed DCT gearbox, independent four-wheel steering and advanced electronics, including systems such as aspirated torque shaping, ABS Evo and Side Slip Control 8.0. The 12Cilindri's V12 includes some of the modifications made on the Ferrari 812 Competizione gleaned from Ferrari's experience in Formula 1, such as the sliding finger follower for a higher-performance valve lift profile. Titanium con rods and aluminum alloy pistons have been used to cut weight and therefore reduce inertia, all to the benefit of both rpm and sound. The intake system, featuring variable geometry inlet tracts and a re-engineered plenum, harmonizes the high frequencies with the low tones emitted by the exhaust, providing the occupants with a symphony that boasts the distinctive howl of Maranello’s V12 engines. And the driving experience can be enhanced even further as the sound of the V12 can be enjoyed in open-top driving on the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider (available late this year). Both machines were unveiled at an exclusive event in Miami last Thursday night in conjunction with the F1 festivities there. That illustrious engine is not only a delight for the ears, though. "We started work on this car four years ago when everyone was talking about electrification and nothing else," said chief marketing and commercial officer Enrico Galliera, as reported by Car and Driver. Although Ferrari will launch a completely electrified vehicle next year, he explained, "the 12Cilindri is the exact opposite—it doesn't even feature a hybrid system. Instead, the product planners' main source of inspiration was the rich heritage, outstanding performance, and amazing presence of the Ferrari GTs from the '60s and '70s, which defined the DNA of our brand. Think of the 12Cilindri as a state-of-the-art muscle car with style and manners." The 12Cilindri is the essence of tradition immersed in a new stylistic code, elegance and... “butterflies in the stomach at every shift!”, as Chief Product Development Officer Gianmaria Fulgenzi says. Editor-in-Chief's Note: I'm sure there are those out there who would suggest that designing a Ferrari is "easy," but that couldn't be further from the High-Octane Truth. Though it's clearly a joy to have the privilege of designing for Ferrari, the legacy of the brand weighs heavily on everything they do. And to deliver this kind of a passionate masterpiece for the brand is a grand-slam home run and a fitting tribute - without being the dreaded "retro" - to all of the front-engine, two-seat, 12-cylinder Ferraris that came before it. And one more thing. The word passion is appropriate here because it applies to everything Ferrari does. Other manufacturers may use that word, but no one brings it to fruition like Ferrari. In case you're interested, the 12Cilindri will be priced in the neighborhood of $400,000. You can add the word desire here too, as if only... -PMD Watch the video reveal here. 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Longtime AE friend Tom Bartkiewicz passed the following video along. It shows the Xiaomi SU7 - a car that blatantly rips-off the Porsche Taycan - being built in China. (I saw one of these on the road in Detroit driving with "manufacturer" plates last fall. It is shockingly similar to the Taycan and it is extremely popular. Why? Its starting price is less than $30k (215,900 yuan), while offering better performance than the Taycan, which costs $100k+. How do they do it? A fully automated factory - which is shown in the video - where they churn a car out every 76 seconds. Watch the video here. It is simply mind-boggling and for other manufacturers, I'm sure a little scary. Make that a lot scary. -PMD

(Lamborghini images)

Automobili Lamborghini has unveiled the Urus SE, the first hybrid plug-in version of the Lamborghini Super SUV. Featuring a freshened design, optimized aerodynamics, improved on-board technology and an 800 CV hybrid powertrain, the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version eclipses the Urus S "in terms of comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions and driving pleasure," according to Lamborghini PR minions. The twin-turbo 4.0 V8 engine has been reengineered to work in optimal synergy with the electric powertrain. It develops 620 CV of power (456 kW) and 800 Nm of driving torque; the combustion unit is combined with an electric powertrain delivering 192 CV (141 kW) and 483 Nm of torque. In delivering maximum output, the main focus has been on the calibration strategy between ICE and e-motor, reaching a total output of 800 CV to ensure an optimal power curve in every driving mode and on every surface. A 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery is situated below the load floor and above the electronically-controlled rear differential. The permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor located inside the 8-speed automatic transmission can act as a boost for the V8 combustion engine but also as a traction element, making the Urus SE a 100% electric 4WD vehicle capable of traveling more than 60 km in EV mode. Debuting on the Urus SE is the new centrally-located longitudinal electric torque vectoring system with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which distributes driving torque variably and continuously between the front and rear axles. The transfer case works in synergy with the new electronic limited-slip differential installed on the rear axle, giving the vehicle “on demand” oversteering to convey the feel of a purebred super sports car. Both systems are designed and calibrated to best suit any type of grip condition and driving style, providing the maximum traction and agility whether driving on a racetrack or desert dunes, ice or dirt. The Urus SE offers greater torque and power at any rpm or driving condition. The system develops a total power output of 800 CV (588 kW) at 6000 rpm and a total torque of 950 Nm already available at 1750 rpm and up to 5750 rpm, "ensuring best-in-class performance from every angle," according to the Italian manufacturer. This is also thanks to a further enhanced weight-to-power ratio: 3.13 kg/CV (compared to 3.3 in the Urus S). The Urus SE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds (Urus S: 3.5) and from 0 to 200 km/h in 11.2 seconds (Urus S: 12.5), reaching a top speed of 312 km/h (Urus S: 305 km/h). These figures make the SE the most powerful Urus ever and the fastest production car in the segment, setting a new benchmark in the Super SUV category (in case you were wondering). No word on pricing or availability in the U.S. as of yet.

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: So, we knew an all-electric Mercedes-Benz GELÄNDEWAGEN was coming, and lo and behold, here it is. Mercedes-Benz buried us in easily the longest press release known to mankind, but don't worry, we're not going to bore you with it. But the high hard ones about the vehicle are lengthy enough. The all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology "represents a unique fusion of tradition with progressive technology," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. It features a robust ladder frame design, selectable LOW RANGE off-road gear reduction, independent front suspension and solid rear axle. Other stuff?

The 116-kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the ladder frame ensures a low center of gravity. To protect it from water and dirt intrusion, it is housed in a torsion-resistant casing. Underbody protection made from an intelligent mix of materials including carbon-fiber protects the battery.

The all-new electric G-Class is powered by four individually controlled electric motors located near the wheels. These are integrated into the ladder frame and develop a combined output of 579HP and 859 lb-ft of torque.

The all-new electric G-Class includes virtual differential locks through torque vectoring. The innovative drive concept of the all-new electric G-Class enables unique functions for off-road driving: G-TURN, G-STEERING and the intelligent off-road crawl function.

The G-ROAR sound experience includes a G-Class-specific driving sound, an "aura" and various "event" sounds. (Oh no, the synthetic sound design for EVs is now a full-blown epidemic. We can hardly wait.-WG)

A slightly raised hood, new A-pillar trim, spoiler lip on the roof strip and flared rear wheel arches featuring "air curtains" contribute to optimized aerodynamics and interior aeroacoustics.

A redesigned off-road control center, new OFFROAD COCKPIT and "transparent hood" function enable a digital off-road experience.

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system with 12.3-inch driver display and 12.3-inch central multimedia display with touch control are equipped standard.

Advanced safety and assistance systems support drivers.

For 2025 model year, the electric G-Class is exclusively available in the U.S. in the EDITION ONE special edition, which features expanded standard equipment and unique design elements.

Prices were not given, but suffice to say, we're guessing an MSRP approaching $200,000 for the EDITION ONE. Oh, and one other thing? The weight of the vehicle is conspicuously absent from the "War and Peace" press release, but the official Mercedes-Benz figure given for the ICE G-Wagon is around 5,500 lbs. We're guessing you can add 2,000 lbs. to that figure for the all-electric model. -PMD

The AE Song of the Week:

It's nature's way of telling you something's wrong
It's nature's way of telling you in a song

It's nature's way of receiving you
It's nature's way of retrieving you
It's nature's way of telling you
Something's wrong

It's nature's way of telling you, soon we'll freeze
It's nature's way of telling you, dying trees

It's nature's way of receiving you
It's nature's way of retrieving you
It's nature's way of telling you
Something's wrong
It's nature's way, it's nature's way
It's nature's way, it's nature's way

It's nature's way of telling you
It's nature's way of telling you
Something's wrong
It's nature's way of telling you
It's nature's way of telling you
In a song, oh-h

It's nature's way of receiving you
It's nature's way
It's nature's way of retrieving you
It's nature's way
It's nature's way of telling you
Something's wrong, something's wrong, something's wrong

"Nature's Way" by Sprit, from the album "Twelve Dreams Of Dr. Sardonicus" (1970).* Written by Randy California. Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. 

*This song is a reflection on mortality, and also a lament for the fate of the Earth, as nature is telling us that something is wrong. The song was written long before climate change became a hot topic, but even in 1970, some ecologically minded songwriters were concerned about Mother Earth. It was written by Spirit's guitarist, Randy California. It was a very personal song, and in some ways, his maxim. The song deals with how nature guides you, and that's just what he did throughout his career. Spirit reached #25 US in 1969 with "I Got A Line On You," a track from their second album, but the group remained on the fringes of breakout success, in part because they turned down an invitation to play Woodstock.

California got heavy into LSD and became even more mercurial. In 1970, he was riding a horse on the streets of Topanga Canyon when he fell off and fractured his skull. The same year, he wrote "Nature's Way," which was included on Spirit's fourth album, Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus. California left the group in 1972 and the band splintered soon after. Sardonicus found a following and eventually sold over a million copies, prompting an ill-fated band reunion in 1976. California died in 1997 at age 45 when he drowned in Hawaii. David Briggs, who was one of Neil Young's producers, produced this track. The band was dealing with a lot of internecine conflict at the time, and Briggs helped keep them focused and productive enough to complete the album. Randy California recorded various versions of this song as a solo artist. In interviews, he sometimes talked about never being able to get it right. The album is named after a 1963 horror movie called Dr. Sardonicus, about a man whose face is frozen in a creepy grin after he digs up his father's grave.  (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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