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

(Ted7/Alex Sims)

Worth a closer look, just because: This is the 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé by Figoni et Falaschi. The stunning masterwork of Art Deco-inspired design was ordered new by gentleman race driver and banker Antoine Schumann to replace his Bugatti Type 50. Sold to Schumann by Luigi Chinetti for the sum of 165,000 francs, this is the only Figoni et Falaschi Teardrop Coupé built on the T150 C Lago Spéciale chassis. A special-order body with unique features specified by Schumann, and a class winner at the 1948 Belgian Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Spa, chassis 90034 certainly has known provenance with ownership by prominent French collectors. It will be auctioned off by Broad Arrow Auctions (aka Hagerty) at Monterey on August 14th, with an estimated price of $6,500,000 - $8,500,000. 

(Ted7/Alex Sims)

(Ted7/Alex Sims)

(Robin Adams)

(Porsche images)

Porsche has significantly updated the latest generation of its iconic 911. The new 911 Carrera GTS (images shown) is the first road-legal 911 model to feature a lightweight, performance-focused hybrid powertrain, at the core of which is a newly developed engine displacing 3.6 liters. The new 911 Carrera GTS Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds – 0.3 seconds quicker than before – and on to a top track speed of 194 mph. The 911 Carrera has also been enhanced and will be available at launch powered by an updated version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer engine that is more powerful than before. In addition to their more powerful engines, the new 911 models feature new design, further improved aerodynamics, new colors, a fresh interior, enhanced standard equipment and more extensive connectivity. “We developed and tested various ideas and approaches to decide on a hybrid system that optimally suits the 911. The result is a unique powertrain that is well-integrated into the overall concept and enhances the performance significantly,” said Frank Moser, Vice-President of the 911 and 718 model lines.

A new, strengthened eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) with an integrated, permanently excited synchronous motor is part of the powertrain on the 911 Carrera GTS. It supplements the power of the boxer engine at idle with up to 110 lb.-ft. of torque and develops up to 40 kW. The 911 GTS also uses a newly developed, electrically driven turbocharger. An integrated electric motor, placed between the compressor wheel and the turbine wheel, speeds up the turbocharger very quickly to develop boost. This electric motor in the turbocharger also functions as a generator and can develop up to 11 kW using the exhaust gas stream. The electric turbocharger is not equipped with a wastegate and allows for the use of a single turbocharger compared to the two that were used previously while simultaneously improving throttle response and performance.

Both the electrically driven turbocharger as well as the electric motor housed in the transmission are paired with a light and compact high-voltage battery. Its size and weight are comparable to a conventional 12-volt AGM starter battery, but it can retain up to 1.9 kWh of energy (gross) and operates at 400 volts and is located under the front hood where the previous 12-volt battery was located. To optimize weight distribution, the 12-volt battery is a lightweight lithium-ion battery located behind the parcel shelf in the rear.

The heart of the T-Hybrid powertrain is a newly developed 3.6-liter boxer engine. Thanks to the high-voltage system, the compressor for the air conditioning system can be powered electrically, so there is no need for a belt drive, making the engine more compact. This provides for the room above the flat engine to house the pulse inverter and DC-DC converter. A bore increase to 97 millimeters and a stroke enlarged to 81 millimeters raise the displacement compared to previous 911 Carrera GTS models by 0.6 liters. The new engine features the camshaft adjustment system - VarioCam - and a valve control using roller rocker arms. It can retain the ideal combination of fuel and air (Lambda = 1) over the full range of engine speed.

By itself, the new boxer engine develops 357 kW (478HP) and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. The total system power is 398 kW (532HP) and 449 lb.-ft. The power increase compared to the previous 911 Carrera GTS models is 45 kW (59HP). When accelerating, the new 911 Carrera GTS outperforms its predecessor in particular when starting off from a standstill. The efficient, performance-focused hybrid achieves a heightened level of performance without the level of weight increase typically associated with conventional hybrid systems. The U.S. curb weight increase of the new 911 Carrera GTS Coupe compared to the predecessor is a moderate 103 lbs.

The standard 911 Carrera continues to be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo boxer engine, which has been significantly updated. It is now equipped with the intercooler used in the 911 Turbo models, which is placed above the engine directly beneath the rear decklid grille. The turbochargers of the new 911 Carrera were adopted from the previous 911 Carrera GTS models. With these modifications, the new 911 Carrera now makes 290 kW (388HP) – 9HP up on the model it replaces – and up to 331 lb.-ft. of torque. The 911 Carrera Coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds (3.7 seconds with optional Sport Chrono Package) and reach at top track speed of 183 mph.

The suspension of the 911 Carrera GTS was extensively updated as well. For the first time, rear axle steering is included as standard equipment. It optimizes the stability of the vehicle at higher speeds while simultaneously reducing the turning circle. The optional roll-stabilization system Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) is integrated into the high-voltage system of the performance hybrid. This allows for the use of an electro-hydraulic control system, making the system even more flexible and precise. A standard sport suspension with adaptive dampers (PASM) and a ride height reduction of 10 millimeters compared to the standard 911 Carrera offer a driving experience characteristic of GTS models.

Porsche has enhanced the exterior design of the new 911, especially on the GTS model. A large part of these updates focuses on optimizing the aerodynamics and the performance of the sports car, including the new, model-specific front fascia. Furthermore, Porsche has integrated all of the light functions into the standard LED Matrix design headlights of the 911 with its characteristic four-point design. This allows for larger air intakes in the front fascia as the lights previously mounted in this area are now integrated into the headlights.

On the 911 Carrera GTS models, the front fascia incorporates five visible, vertically aligned active air flaps as well as a further flap which closes off the bypass on each side and is not visible from the exterior. They are complemented by adaptive front diffusors in the underbody, which are being used for the first time and work together with the cooling air flaps. These elements direct the air flow as needed: when little power is needed, closed air flaps optimize the aerodynamics of the car. When extracting high levels of power from the engine, for example on track, they funnel a high amount of air to the radiators. The sensors of the assistance systems are integrated into a high-gloss area below the front license plate mount.

The newly designed rear light band with “PORSCHE”-lettering enhances the impression of width and low stance of the car. A new rear decklid grille with five strakes per side forms a visible unit with the rear window and flows seamlessly into the automatically extending, variable rear spoiler. The rear license plate is mounted higher than before, and the rear fascia is simplified. Model-specific exhaust systems integrate elegantly into the pronounced diffusor fins. A sport exhaust system is optionally available for the 911 Carrera models, while the 911 Carrera GTS models are equipped with a GTS-specific sport exhaust system as standard.

For the first time, the 911 features a fully digital instrument cluster. The 12.6-inch curved display integrates into the new operating and display concept and can be extensively customized depending on the driver’s preference. It offers up to seven different display views, including an exclusive classic display based on the historic five tube design with a centrally positioned tachometer which has been a hallmark of the 911 from the start. (Editor's Note: There's much more, but we'll stop here. -WG)

The new 2025 911 Carrera is available to order now as a Coupe or Cabriolet with rear-wheel drive. Additionally, the 2025 911 Carrera GTS is also available as a rear and all-wheel drive model (911 Carrera GTS and 911 Carrera 4 GTS) in Coupe or Cabriolet form, and as a Targa variant (exclusively available with all-wheel drive). Both powertrains are fitted with PDK as standard. Deliveries of the new 2025 911 Carrera models to U.S. Porsche Centers are expected to start in the fall, and at the end of 2024 for the 911 Carrera GTS models. The current 911 Turbo, Turbo S and GT3 RS models will continue to be offered for the 2025 model year, with pricing unchanged for these variants. The full list of MSRPs for the 2025 Porsche 911 model range is listed below. MSRP does not include tax, title, registration, dealer charges or a $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Read 'em and weep. -PMD

• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera: $120,100
• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet: $133,400
• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS: $164,900
• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet: $178,200
• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS: $172,700
• 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet: $186,000
• 2025 Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS: $186,000
• 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo: $197,200
• 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet: $210,000
• 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S: $230,400
• 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet: $243,200
• 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: $241,300

(Cadillac images)

Cadillac is calling the 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ "the electrifying new luxury entry point for the next generation of EV buyers," according to Cadillac PR minions, and "a reimagination of what entry to Cadillac luxury can be." It features: a Cadillac-estimated 300 miles of range; Standard dual motor all-wheel drive; Standard Super Cruise (3-year connected service); A 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution; segment-best in cargo capacity and second-row spaciousness. OPTIQ will offer two distinctive trims — Luxury and Sport — and pricing starts at an estimated $54,000, including destination charges but excluding tax, title, license and dealer fees. (Dealer sets final price.) Production of OPTIQ will begin late this fall.

A CELEBRATION OF 25 YEARS

Take a few deep breaths now and quiet your mind, as we travel back in time to that Wednesday morning in June of 1999 and the way it all began...

"Welcome to autoextremist.com. It's gonna be one helluva ride."