JUNE 22, 2022

(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes-Benz continues to push its EV range envelope. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX beat its own efficiency record in real-world driving with another 1,000 km+ (621 mile+) trip on a single battery charge. On the heels of its record-breaking drive from Stuttgart to Cassis (France) in April, the VISION EQXX set the bar even higher, with a 1,202-kilometer (747-mile) road trip from Stuttgart to Silverstone in the UK. After negotiating an autobahn closure and requesting cross-country diversion near Stuttgart, the VISION EQXX crossed the French border near Strasbourg then cruised across northern France at highway speeds to Calais, where it boarded the Eurotunnel. Once in the UK, the machine took the M25 around London then stopped off at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix in Brackley, where it was greeted by the Formula 1 and Formula E experts who helped develop its advanced drivetrain. The VISION EQXX then carried on to Silverstone, where it was welcomed by special guest driver Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman, who races for the Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, opted not to go easy on the research vehicle, taking it up to its maximum speed limit of 87 mph on the iconic British race track. Making the most of the occasion, de Vries completed 11 laps, using the last of the charge on the pit lane. Throughout the road trip, the VISION EQXX used its innovative thermal management system to achieve an average consumption of 8.3 kWh/100 km in heavy traffic and summer temperatures.

(Bugatti images)
Bugatti pays homage to Ettore Bugatti’s daughter, L’Ébé, with final units of the Chiron and Chiron Sport for Europe, finished with unique Art Deco style details. L'Ébé Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti's daughter and eldest child, was very close to him. Bugatti is now honoring L'Ébé with a very special series of just three cars. For the final delivery of the Chiron and Chiron Sport in Europe, Bugatti's designers developed a Chiron and two Chiron Sports with the name L'Ébé. All three handcrafted hyper sports cars contain unique details in the Art Deco style. As the eldest child of Ettore and Barbara Bugatti, L'Ébé, born in 1903, had more insight into the extraordinary rise of Bugatti than anyone else. Ettore even chose to hide his own initials “EB” in her first name, so L'Ébé would not have to forgo the Bugatti surname even after marriage. In her later book “The Story of Bugatti,” a biography of Ettore, she gave invaluable details into the history of the brand and her father himself. Now, L’Ébé herself also becomes an important part of Bugatti history. The Chiron and Chiron Sport L’Ébé draw inspiration from her love of Art Deco style. Chiron’s character lines are mostly echoed in the famous Bugatti Type 57 G Tank that won Le Mans in 1937 – here on the L’Ébé those lines are accented in gold, contrasting against the exposed blue-tinted carbon body. Gold highlights also adorn the “EB” badging, the famous horseshoe grille and parts of the 8.0-liter W16 engine cover. Even the wheels come with an understated gold tint. L’Ébé’s signature logo hides subtly on the underside of the retractable rear spoiler, as well as on the treadplates and handstitched into the headrests of the seats. The cabin subtly mirrors the exterior, with exposed blue-tinted carbon visible throughout and a light versus dark theme, consistent with L’Ébé’s dark blue body and gold highlights. The door panel on the driver’s side is finished predominantly in “Silk” leather with “Lake Blue” highlights. The passenger seat reverses the color scheme. Each door panel features a motif of the visual evolution of Bugatti’s most iconic cars, from early Grand Prix racers through to EB110, Veyron and Chiron. Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “L’Ébé Bugatti’s biography of her father consists of numerous diary entries by Ettore himself, letters from his early employees, customers, business partners and her own experiences. It helps a lot to understand Ettore’s personality, his goals and the appreciation everyone had for him and his products. With this knowledge we could transmit the Bugatti DNA into the present time maintaining the essence, grade of perfection and quality standards up to this very day. Through this unique configuration and use of her name for the final Chiron and Chiron Sport, we wanted to honor her with the status she deserves in our brand’s history.” How much? It doesn't really matter, the three vehicles were long pre-sold. But we're guessing $3.5 - $5.0 million.


(Bentley images)
According to Bentley PR minions, the new GT Mulliner W12 takes the best of all worlds to create "the ultimate Continental GT combining the performance and dynamism of the Speed, the comfort of the recently-announced Azure and the magic touch and artistic flair of Mulliner handcraftsmanship." The Continental GT Mulliner receives the performance and chassis enhancements of GT Speed, making it the fastest, most dynamic and most luxurious member of the Continental range. It is powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine, handcrafted in Crewe, which delivers 650BHP and 664 lb.ft. of torque. 0-60 mph takes 3.5 secs, top speed is 208 mph. Other stuff? Active torque vectoring via eLSD and electronic all-wheel steering. The new GT Mulliner will make its debut at Goodwood Festival of Speed.

(1000 Miglia)
Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli (No. 46 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS ZAGATO) have won the 1000 Miglia 2022. The duo repeated the success achieved in the 2021 edition. For Vesco, also first in 2020 alongside his father Roberto, there is the double satisfaction of having equaled a record that had endured for 22 years. Only Giuliano Cané, between 1998 and 2000, had managed to prevail in three consecutive editions of the "most beautiful race in the world." In second place, just like a year ago, was Andrea Luigi Belometti and Gianluca Bergomi (No. 40 1929 Lancia Lambda Spider Type 221). Lorenzo and Mario Turelli (No. 8 1929 O.M. 665 S MM Superba 2000) finished third.

(1000 Miglia)
With the classic cars approaching Parma on June 17, the classification of the third leg of the 1000 Miglia is coming into focus. After the block of Trials at the Cisa Pass, Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli’s lead over their pursuers has grown. Crew number 46 remains at the head of the provisional classifications, with a 1366-point margin over Andrea Luigi Belometti and Gianluca Bergomi. Nothing, however, has been decided yet. To be crowned in Brescia the winners of the last two 1000 Miglias knew a great effort will still be needed for tomorrow’s leg. Great excitement also in the passenger compartment of the IEO-MONZINO Foundation Pink Car, the all-female car that aims to support the fundraiser organized by 1000 Miglia Charity in favor of the WOMEN’S CANCER CENTER. "I am so happy to have participated in this Race," says Paola Barale, one of the Foundation’s five pink drivers. "To have helped IEO-MONZINO support Research in the fight against women’s cancers was an honor for me. As for the Race... I knew it would be fun but it is not enough to describe what I felt. It was a unique thrill; I felt like I was living a fairy tale." The arrival in Parma concludes one of the most fascinating but also one of the most challenging legs of the entire Race. At 8:45 p.m. the first car is expected in Piazza Garibaldi for the Time Control that will decree the sporting end of the third day of the Race. The cars will then continue on the platform in Piazza Duomo followed by dinner at the Palazzo Ducale to taste the world-renowned specialties of the area. To follow live race results and classifications of the 1000 Miglia, go here.




The AE Song of the Week (In honor of Sir Paul McCartney's 80th birthday, we're featuring one of his songs. Frankly, we could present one of his Beatles or solo career songs each week for a year):

Every day she takes a morning bath she wets her hair
Wraps a towel around her as she's heading for the bedroom chair
It's just another day
Slipping into stockings, stepping into shoes
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat
It's just another day
At the office where the papers grow she takes a break
Drinks another coffee and she finds it hard to stay awake
It's just another day

Do do do do do do, it's just another day
Do do do do do do, it's just another day

So sad, so sad
Sometimes she feels so sad
Alone in her apartment she'd dwell
Till the man of her dreams come to break the spell
Ah, stay, don't stand her up
And he comes and he stays but he leaves the next day

So sad
Sometimes she feels so sad

As she posts another letter to the sound of five
People gather 'round her and she finds it hard to stay alive
It's just another day

Do do do do do do, it's just another day
Do do do do do do, it's just another day

So sad, so sad
Sometimes she feels so sad
Alone in her apartment she'd dwell
Till the man of her dreams come to break the spell
Ah, stay, don't stand her up
And he comes and he stays but he leaves the next day
So sad
Sometimes she feels so sad

Every day she takes a morning bath she wets her hair
Wraps a towel around her as she's heading for the bedroom chair
It's just another day
Slipping into stockings, stepping into shoes
Dipping in the pocket of her raincoat
It's just another day

Do do do do do do, it's just another day
Do do do do do do, it's just another day

"Just Another Day" by Paul & Linda McCartney from the album "Ram" (1971)*. Listen/Watch here.

*The melody is jaunty, but "Another Day" is a rather depressing song. It's about a lonely woman trapped in a life of monotony - not unlike Eleanor Rigby. She lives alone in her apartment and does receive the company of a man, but he always leaves the next day. The song takes a stark turn when it hints that she's suicidal:

People gather 'round her and she finds it hard to stay alive
It's just another day

McCartney attempted this song with The Beatles in 1969, but nothing came of it. He recorded it in January 1971 during the sessions for his second solo album, Ram. "Another Day" was Paul McCartney's first single as a solo artist. He didn't release any singles from his first album (McCartney), although "Maybe I'm Amazed" became one of his most popular songs. It was a solid hit, charting around the world. Many elements of the song - like the harmony vocals and storyline lyric - were familiar to Beatles' fans, making it a can't miss. There's even some laughter sound effects in the mix, harkening back to the Sgt. Pepper album.

Released as a standalone single, the song was left off the Ram album, but included on its re-release in 2012. "Uncle Albert - Admiral Halsey" was a huge US hit from the album, but none of the other songs caught on. Critics were rather harsh, with Rolling Stone calling it "inconsequential" and "irrelevant." This became a pattern for McCartney, who throughout his solo career released some songs that were wildly popular and others with no ambitions of commercial appeal. His early work was held in higher regard in retrospect when there was some distance between him and The Beatles. McCartney's wife Linda sings on this track and is credited as a songwriter - the credits read "Mr. and Mrs. McCartney." Splitting the songwriting credit with Linda was a tactical maneuver because his publishing was controlled by a company called Maclen Music, which filed a lawsuit in response. The case was settled the following year.

John Lennon referenced this song when he slagged off McCartney on his track "How Do You Sleep?" singing, "The only thing you done was 'Yesterday,' and since you're gone you're just another day." This was at the peak of their post-Beatles acrimony; they resumed their friendship a few years later. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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