JULY 31, 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 

(Corvette Images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Chevrolet pulled the wraps off of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 last Thursday night, and, as predicted, it is a monster. The High Hard Ones: Starting with the the most power ever from a factory Corvette and the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer, the Twin-Turbocharged, 5.5-liter DOHC flat-plane crank LT7 V8 produces 1,064HP at 7,000 RPM (redline is 8,000 RPM) and 828 lb.-ft. of Torque (at 6,000 RPM) coupled to an 8-speed dual clutch gearbox. Corvette engineers say that the Corvette ZR1 boasts an estimated top speed of over 215 mph on the racetrack and will turn the quarter mile with a GM-estimated sub-10-second time. Myriad aero tweaks, including wide side air inlets, carbon-fiber elements, and a multitude of airflow and cooling features giving the ZR1 1200 pounds of downforce, the highest downforce of any production Corvette. The new intercooler with flow-through hood and spoiler helps cool turbo-charged air to extract airflow; The front splitter, paired with an underwing and smooth underbody helps generate suction under the vehicle to maximize downforce and reduce drag; Available ZR1 Carbon Fiber Aero Package, including a carbon-fiber wing, underbody strakes and carbon-fiber dive planes work together to produce the highest downforce of any production Corvette in history; Split rear window and hatch intakes enhance ventilation and a louvered spine increases engine bay cooling; this is paired with new carbon-fiber hatch intakes to draw in colder air for improved engine performance; The flat-top and -bottom heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with carbon-fiber accents is standard and features unique ZR1 badging; A sueded microfiber-wrapped steering wheel is only available on the 3LZ trim, and as always, much, much more. All of the performance numbers are still being finalized, but the initial figures are indeed impressive. Needless to say, this will be a much-anticipated Corvette when it arrives. "There is an insatiable thirst in the sports car world for the ultimate in performance. And the ZR1 is certainly that in the Corvette lineup. It's at the very top," said Josh Holder, Corvette Chief Engineer. Watch the video here. Amen. And be forewarned, the Corvette lineup will expand exponentially - as I suggested and then predicted years ago - over the next three years. It's gonna be good. -PMD

(Bentley)

Bentley Motors celebrated production of the last handbuilt, high-performance 12-cylinder engine at the company’s UK headquarters in Crewe last week. It concludes a pivotal chapter in Bentley’s history, as the last W12-powered Bentayga, Continental GT and Flying Spur cars roll off the production line at the company’s Dream Factory. More than 100,000 W12s have been produced since the engine was introduced in the original Continental GT in 2003. The milestone decision to cease production is in line with Bentley’s groundbreaking Beyond100 strategy, which will see the company become a global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. The 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 will be replaced with an all-new, performance-focused powertrain to mark the start of a new era for the company. That Ultra High-Performance Hybrid will combine a powerful V8 combustion engine with advanced battery technology. This ‘Electrocharging’ "builds further on Bentley’s existing petrol-electric powertrains," according to Bentley PR minions.

  

(Cadillac images)

Cadillac introduced the SOLLEI concept vehicle on Monday (7/22), "the ultimate design expression of a coach-built luxury electric convertible," according to Cadillac PR minions. "This imaginative design exercise pushes the boundaries of future bespoke commissions, tailored to reflect the unique passions and interests of its clientele," Cadillac PR minions continued. The SOLLEI concept is an all-electric, 2+2 convertible equipped with the brand’s signature 55-inch pillar-to-pillar screen, dramatic interior, exterior lighting chorography for arrival and departure, and intuitive front and rear command console. The name comes from sun ('SOL') and leisure ('LEI'), and it represents Cadillac’s inspiration for an open-air, leisurely lifestyle. “SOLLEI reimagines the discovery of travel, envisioning a personalized driving experience that connects one with the natural world around them,” said Erin Crossley, design director, Cadillac. “The concept celebrates Cadillac’s pedigree of elegant convertibles in a modern form by cultivating high luxury through design expressions and experiences.”

SOLLEI is also Cadillac’s first concept vehicle to incorporate an innovative bio-based material developed in collaboration with MycoWorks. Used in the charging mats on the console and the door map pockets, Fine Mycelium™ by MycoWorks is ushering in a new era of luxury materials grown from mycelium (the renewable root structure of mushrooms). The material reflects Cadillac’s mission to pioneer renewable automotive resources.

The SOLLEI’s exterior is finished in "Manila Cream," a color originally used on Cadillacs in 1957 and 1958. This revived finish was meticulously curated and hand-painted by Cadillac craftsmen. The interior of SOLLEI projects Cadillac’s “art of travel” design philosophy, elevating the travel experience for both the driver and the passenger. Features include a fully integrated beverage chiller with a power glass door and crystal glasses seamlessly blending leisure with travel. The interior decor, wrapped in unstained wood veneers, honors natural color and grain pattern variations, while surfaces feature open pore finishes that can be felt by touch. Each piece is hand-cut and hand-laid using marquetry techniques, creating a beautiful focal point that draws the eye from the front doors to the console, and into the rear compartment. The windshield is framed in milled brushed aluminum continuing Cadillac’s use of natural materials.

Cadillac design utilizes lighting in many of its products as a layer of personalization. SOLLEI elevates this offering with distinguished ambient lighting for true customization including multiple zones and 126 color options in each zone. The lighting can evoke specific moods and personalize the interior ambiance. SOLLEI also caters to bird-watching connoisseurs with a unique interior accessory. A custom brushed metal and leather-wrapped case houses 3D printed acrylic bird calls, a leather-bound journal with handpainted bird illustrations and a leather tool roll for pens and pencils, made to custom match the vehicle interior, allowing enthusiasts to capture their bird-watching experiences.

Other SOLLEI "sun themed" features include:

• Unique sunburst-themed lighting and graphic choreography.
• Sunburst motif perforation, quilting, and embroidery on seat patterns.
• Interior Fine Nappa leather featuring a pink iridescent pigment that creates a subtle color-changing sunrise effect.
• Charging mats on the console, door map pockets and custom accessories are made from MycoWorks’ premium bio-based material created using their Fine MyceliumTM technology. This material is in an iridescent finish in a soft hue color palette.
• Pink iridescent hue on the beverage chiller door and glass tray in the rear compartment that reveals different sunlight exposures.
• “Aurora” tint on primary metal finishes, which includes color shifting to reflect the phenomenon of the sun's solar winds reacting with the earth's atmosphere.
• Convertible metallic roof fabric called "Daybreak", whose name ties to the functionality of the convertible roof; as the roof pulls back, sunlight can pour over the interior.
• Textured floormat material named "Bask," a boucle fabric adding beautiful texture and subtle warmth, matching the color of the roof material and keeping the whole interior very light.

The SOLLEI convertible exercise "represents the brand’s vision to offer modern design this time in an open-air format, inspired by iconic Cadillacs from the past," added Cadillac's PR minions. The concept was officially unveiled at Cadillac House at Vanderbilt, a newly restored, state-of-the-art facility at GM’s Global Technical Center campus in Warren, Michigan. This location is dedicated to providing a bespoke design experience for Cadillac CELESTIQ clients. Watch the video here.

(motorsportcollector.com)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: I wanted to take this opportunity to mention George Levy's fantastic new book, Texas Legend - Jim Hall and his Chaparrals. This Official Biography of Jim Hall is simply one of the finest biographies I have ever read, and it stands as the definitive work chronicling the life and achievements of Jim Hall. Full disclosure, Jim Hall is and has been one of my all-time favorites, and Levy's book does Jim justice like no book before it. It is filled with details and anecdotes never revealed until now. I highly recommend this book for enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. It is a superb effort and well worth the read. -PMD 

The AE Song of the Week:

If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I'd take back those words that'll hurt you and you'd stay
I don't know why I did the things I did
I don't know why I said the things I said
Pride's like a knife it can cut deep inside
Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes

I didn't really mean to hurt you
I didn't want to see you go
I know I made you cry, but baby

If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I'd take back those words that'd hurt you
And you'd stay
If I could reach the stars
I'd give 'em all to you
Then you'd love me, love me, like you used to do
If I could turn back time

My world was shattered I was torn apart
Like someone took a knife and drove it deep in my heart
You walked out that door I swore that I didn't care
But I lost everything darling then and there

Too strong to tell you I was sorry
Too proud to tell you I was wrong
I know that I was blind
And darling

If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I'd take back those words that'll hurt you
And you'd stay
If I could reach the stars
I'd give them all to you
Then you'd love me, love me, like you used to do, oh

If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time
If I could turn back time, whoa baby

I didn't really mean to hurt you
I didn't want to see you go
I know I made you cry, but

If I could turn back time
If I could find a way
I'd take back those words that hurt you
If I could reach the stars
I'd give 'em all to you
Then you'd love me, love me, like you used to do

If I could turn back time (turn back time)
If I could find a way
Then maybe, maybe, maybe
You'd stay
(Reach the stars) If I could reach the stars
(All to you) I'd give 'em all to you

"If I Could Turn Back Time" by Cher from the album "Heart Of Stone" (1989).* Written by Diane Warren. Publisher: Realsongs. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here. 

*"If I Could Turn Back Time" is a showstopper for Cher, one of her biggest hits and most popular live songs. Written by Diane Warren, it's rousing but also contrite, with Cher apologizing to an ex-lover, letting him know she'd like a do-over. There aren't many anthems with this subject matter, but Cher and Warren pulled it off. Warren had to convince Cher to record the song, because she hated it at first. When you think of this song, you probably call up an image of Cher's tattooed butt. That's because of the music video, where she donned a new look: leather jacket, fishnet stockings, and a thong. Cher has dressed provocatively (and quite fashionably) throughout her career, but this was unexpected. After all, she was 43 years old and a serious actress with an Oscar for her 1987 film Moonstruck. It wasn't just the video; Cher wore the same get-up when she performed the song, including at the MTV Video Music Awards. Her butt became a hot topic and garnered her lots of publicity. She leaned into it, promoting a series of 1991 shows in Atlantic City with ads headlined "Cher's Back," showing her fundaments. The Atlantic City Press ran it with the word "censored" over her butt, amplifying the promotional impact much further. The "If I Could Turn Back Time" music video was filmed on board the battleship USS Missouri while it was stationed at the former Long Beach Naval Shipyard at Pier D along with the crew. Directed by Marty Callner, the extras were actual Navy sailors who all seemed to be enjoying the show. At one point, she mounts one of the big guns, albeit in a more sensible outfit. Cher recalled to Q magazine: December 2013: "The 'If I Could Turn Back Time' video we shot for days. There was a whole story – I climbed up stuff, I was running away from a lover. I was in a cage, in a speedboat... And when the director got to the edit, he just said, 'F this, here's the money (shot)' – me on the battleship with the sailors. They were real sailors too. They were funny. They kept calling me 'ma'am.'" The music video wasn't all that racy by MTV standards but it proved very controversial because of the Navy association. Cher cavorting on the historic ship rankled some viewers who felt it was degrading. MTV ran the video for about two months before they succumbed to pressure and started airing it only after 9 p.m. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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