AUGUST 21, 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 

(Porsche Images)

Porsche, the German automaker once quaintly known exclusively as a manufacturer of sports cars, displays an uncanny - if not insatiable - knack for dialing-up a parade of one-offs and "must have" special models designed to extract as much ca$h-ola from its enthusiast faithful as possible. In fact, there is no other manufacturer that even comes close to Porsche. The latest cash grab from Porsche? The "911 Turbo 50 Years." Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, Porsche has come up with yet another exclusive special edition that "combines exceptional performance and luxurious materials with particularly exclusive styling elements," according to Porsche PR minions. The interior and exterior of the car adopt design touches from historic 911 Turbo models. The original Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 930) brought turbocharging technology – which Porsche initially used in race cars such as the 917/10 and 917/30 – to the roadgoing 911 along with "a unique design and an almost unparalleled level of daily usability for a sports car," according to the manufacturer. The 911 Turbo 50 Years is based on the current 2025 911 Turbo S and pays tribute to this achievement.

The standard decals on the side of the car are inspired by the decor used on the Porsche 911 RSR Turbo, which was shown at the IAA in 1973. For the first time on a 911, the new anniversary model is also adorned with Turbonite, a color exclusive to Porsche Turbo models. The inlays in the rear decklid, the fuel cap and the Porsche crest are also painted in Turbonite. The special shade is also used as a contrast color and in the “Turbo 50” model designation. Paying tribute to historic Turbo models, the rear wing, lower rear fascia, exterior mirror base and air intake grilles are painted in Anthracite Grey. A badge on the rear decklid grille shows a turbocharger icon and the years “1974-2024.” The LED lights in the doors project the image of a turbocharger icon on the ground when the doors are opened. As standard, the 911 Turbo 50 Years is fitted with 911 Turbo S Exclusive Design wheels painted in Turbonite.

The interior of the 911 Turbo 50 Years also pays tribute to historic Turbo models. The seat centers and inner door panels are upholstered in “MacKenzie“ tartan. Contrasting elements in Turbonite provide an additional differentiation to the standard 911 Turbo S model. This includes seat belts, contrast stitching, trim pieces in black leather and the Porsche crest on the steering wheel. The door sill guards in brushed aluminum feature an illuminated “Turbo 50“ model designation, which is also stitched into the headrests of the standard Adaptive Sport Seats Plus. The back side of the left rear seat also features a “Turbo 50“ designation. Above the glove compartment, an anniversary plaque made of aluminum is mounted, showing the “Turbo 50“ and the individual limited number of each model. The A-pillars, sun visors and roof liner are upholstered in perforated Race-Tex. The dashboard features a Porsche Design sub-second clock in a specific “Turbo 50“ design. For those who want to be the Biggest Tool in the Shed, an optional Heritage Design Package “50 Years Turbo“ is available which includes a number of additional exclusive design and equipment features inspired by 911 Turbo models of the 1970s. 

Technologically, the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years is based on the current 2025 911 Turbo S. Its 3.7-liter boxer engine with VTG-twin-turbocharging produces 640HP and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. Based on a curb weight of 3,649 lbs., this results in a power-to-weight ratio of 5.7 lbs. per hp. The 911 Turbo 50 Years accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. As with all 911 Turbo S models, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive, and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) are standard equipment. For the 911 Turbo 50 Years, additional standard equipment beyond the regular 911 Turbo S includes a sport exhaust system with black tailpipes, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport suspension with a 10 mm lower ride height, a front-axle lift system, tinted LED Matrix design headlights with Dynamic Light System Plus and black brake calipers.

And for those who want to be an even Bigger Tool in the Shed, Porsche Design has created a special timepiece as an homage to the 911 Turbo 50 Years, which will be exclusively available to owners of the special edition model. The Chronograph 911 Turbo 50 Years is equipped with a COSC-certified Porsche Design caliber WERK 01.200 with flyback function. Like the car, the wristwatch is limited to 1,974 examples and combines classic design with modern technology. The black watch face with elements in Turbonite mirrors the clock fitted to the dashboard of the car. The strap is made of black leather used in the car, has contrasting stitching in Turbonite, and can be closed using a folding locking mechanism. A clear caseback offers a glimpse at the winding rotor, which is styled after the 911 Turbo 50 Years wheels. The limitation number engraved into the titanium case corresponds to the limitation number of the vehicle. The chronograph is also available in a special edition for the Heritage Design Package option.

Porsche, of course, is limiting the 911 Turbo 50 Years, based on the current 2025 911 Turbo S (992.1), to 1,974 units globally, paying tribute to the year the 911 Turbo was first shown. How much? The 911 Turbo 50 Years is available to order now and has an MSRP of $261,100 (gulp) excluding $1,995 for delivery, processing and handling. It is expected to reach U.S. Porsche Centers late in 2024. Editor-in-Chief's Note: You have to hand it to the "Greed Merchants" at Porsche - they are relentlessly shameless in their desire to fleece its enthusiast faithful. But this just in - as long as said customers play along, Porsche will keep right on doing it. And thus, it was ever so. -PMD

(Cadillac Images)

Cadillac has introduced the Opulent Velocity concept vehicle, calling it "a pure expression of innovative design and prestigious performance," according to Cadillac PR minions. The concept represents the future vision of electric performance for Cadillac V-Series. The Opulent experience also imagines the personal freedom that full autonomous mobility could enable. Level 4 autonomous capability creates a hands-free immersive experience through multi-sensory modes that promote respite. These modes are accessible via a full widescreen display and Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR HUD). Cadillac explored scientific insight of sound and light waves during the development of Opulent Velocity. It then leveraged these findings throughout the cabin, incorporating curated art, entertainment and ambient light to immerse travelers in a sophisticated, individualized hands-free environment. The Velocity part of the experience "provides the user with the maximum thrill of a hypercar vehicle, while keeping the sense of luxury that has become synonymous with Cadillac V-Series," the manufacturer said. Triggered by the touch of the multi-functional controller, Opulent Velocity transforms from autonomous mode to Velocity experience. Once Velocity is activated, the steering wheel and pedals present themselves and the user is prompted to take hold of the wheel. The concept’s front seats saddle the cantilevered Y-shaped console and are mated directly to the door — this helps secure the driver for high-speed maneuvering. The Velocity experience is inspired by Cadillac’s Blackwing track-proven engineering. Incorporating an authentic track experience, the Velocity mode conceptualizes a “Ghost Car” function that displays on the HUD screen, serving as the vehicle user guide. This mode presents a competitive driving course that allows drivers to improve their lap times or compete against peers on various designated tracks. Editor-in-Chief's Note: I'm not loving this much at all. It veers dangerously close to... Vaporware. In fact, that is exactly what it is. And a vision of a future V-Series? Please. AE readers are used to me praising GM Design, because I believe it is one of the most deeply talented design houses in the industry. But I have to ask a simple question: Why? As in Cadillac needs hardware in the field, not another wishful dreaming concept. I normally like the blue sky thinking concepts; they bristle with creativity and demonstrate design "reach." But not this time. The High-Octane Truth? This is not a win for GM Design. Period. -PMD

  

(Lamborghini Images)

Automobili Lamborghini has introduced the Temerario, an all-new super sports car equipped with a twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain. The Temerario is the second model in the Lamborghini High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) range, after the Revuelto, and completes the hybridization of Sant’Agata Bolognese's lineup following the market debut of the Urus SE. The new hybrid powertrain combines an entirely new twin-turbo V8 engine with three electric motors, providing a total power output of 920 CV. The twin-turbo V8 has been designed and developed from scratch in Sant’Agata Bolognese and is the first and only production super sports car engine able to reach 10,000 rpm. Maximum speed of over 210 mph), 0 to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds. No price information was given.

  

(BMW Images)

For the first time ever in the United States, BMW M has unveiled the new BMW M5 Touring, "a high-performance model offering a new level of utility to go with the race-bred performance, bold design, and superlative all-day comfort that are the hallmarks of an M5," according to BMW PR minions. The M Hybrid drivetrain produces 717HP and 738 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. And the plug-in hybrid powertrain enables a preliminary estimated range of up to 25 miles on a full charge. Inside, the new M5 Touring has up to 57.6 cubic feet (estimated) of flexible load-carrying capacity. BMW M first introduced a Touring variant back in 1992 alongside the second generation of the BMW M5 sedan, the E34. In 2007, the fourth generation of the high-performance sedan also gained a BMW M5 Touring sibling, the E61. And now the new edition means customers will be able to choose from two variants of the BMW M5 for only the third time in its 40-year history, and for the first time in North America. The new BMW M5 Touring made its North American debut at Pebble Beach on Thursday, August 15. It will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing alongside the new BMW M5 sedan. The global market launch of the M5 Touring will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. How much?  It has a base MSRP of $121,500 plus $1,175 destination and handling.

 

(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:

Everywhere is freaks and hairies
Dykes and fairies, tell me, where is sanity?
Tax the rich, feed the poor
'Til there are no rich no more

I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you

Population keeps on breeding
Nation bleeding, still more feeding, economy
Life is funny, skies are sunny
Bees make honey, who needs money? No, not poor me

I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you

Oh, yeah

World pollution, there's no solution
Institution, electrocution
Just black and white, rich or poor
Them and us, stop the war

I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you

"I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After, from the album "A Space In Time (1971).* Written by Alvin Lee. Publisher: BMG Rights Management. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. 

*This song was written by guitarist Alvin Lee, who was the centerpiece of the group. "I'd love to change the world, but I don’t know what to do and I'll leave it up to you. I'm just saying the world does need changing," he said of the song in Vintage Rock. "I'd love to do it, but I haven't got the talent. I don't think I'm a world changer." The song is a good look at what were considered the big problems in the world in 1971: overpopulation, economic inequality, pollution, war. Alvin Lee often said in later interviews that the song remained just as relevant despite the passage of time. "Freaks" and "hairies" are terms that detractors used to describe the band - after all, they did play Woodstock. The dykes and fairies are likely a reflection on how others might see the world, and it also creates a memorable rhyme. Later in the song, Alvin Lee pulls out a rhyme of convenience in the lyrics:

Life is funny
Skies are sunny
Bees make honey
Who needs money?

Formed in Nottingham, England, Ten Years After made a huge impact when they played the Woodstock festival in 1969 - their performance of "I'm Going Home" made the film. They released two albums in 1969, two more in 1970, and one in 1971 - A Space In Time, which contains "I'd Love To Change The World." Their albums sold well, typically charting in the Top 25 in America, which was their stronghold. Hit singles were not a concern; Alvin Lee had almost a disdain for them because he didn't want his songs edited down and then talked over by a DJ. "I'd Love To Change The World" was by far their biggest hit and most enduring song. Their other charting songs in America were "Love Like A Man" (#98, 1970), "Baby Won't You Let Me Rock 'N Roll You" (#61, 1972) and "Choo Choo Mama" (#89, 1973). The group stopped performing in 1975 but regrouped every now and then. Alvin Lee died in 2013, but the band had been playing without him for about 10 years by that point. The group was formed in 1966. They took their name because it was 10 years after what they considered the birth of rock and roll. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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