MARCH 16, 2022

(SUPER73 images)

Since its inception, Irvine, California-based SUPER73® has challenged the conventions within the emerging e-bike community, establishing the company as an American lifestyle adventure brand specializing in electric motorbikes. And the latest news does nothing to dispel that notion. The company is presenting its radical SUPER73-C1X Concept, a machine designed to reformat and redefine the line between e-bike and motorcycle conventions. The C1X is a street-legal concept that will provide a “step-up” vehicle from the current SUPER73 offerings, elevating adventures by achieving motorcycle performance with dramatically reduced size and weight. Development of the C1X is the direct result of feedback from existing SUPER73 riders, a large percentage of whom expressed interest in graduating to a street-legal motorcycle. The C1X Concept represents a significant leap forward in the company’s development program to enable its worldwide band of loyal followers to make a logical transition from the existing SUPER73-RX flagship model. With a targeted top speed in excess of 75mph, the production version of the C1X will require a rider to possess a motorcycle endorsement to their driver’s license, vehicle registration and full insurance. Its 31” seat height and minimal footprint, however, means it is lightweight and highly maneuverable, providing an ideal platform for riders wishing to pass the DMV riding test. Among its priorities, The SUPER73 design team was aiming for a reduction in the overall footprint of a typical motorcycle. This was accomplished with the introduction of 15” wheels versus typical 17” motorcycle counterparts. The team also took a revolutionary approach to mounting the motor rearward of the swingarm pivot point. This innovative architecture permitted an ultra-agile 51” wheelbase and removed the chain slack issues experienced with conventional motorcycles. Further enhancing the Concept’s agility is a mass-centralized chassis/battery configuration, the precise specification of which will remain under wraps until further testing is completed. The SUPER73-C1X Concept will introduce a fast charging solution that will enable an 80% charge in less than an hour, providing a city range of approximately 100 miles. While the C1X design program began more than a year ago, it will be a moment before the public can purchase the first production units. Development is well underway and SUPER73 is now accepting reservations for the C1X for a late 2023 production date. A reservations for the groundbreaking electric motorbike can be secured for $73, which not only allows customers to secure their place in line but also gives them an opportunity to provide feedback and stay up to date with development progress as the C1X moves closer to production. For more info go to www.Super73.com.

(Lamborghini images)
Lamborghini Polo Storico will be at the Rétromobile classic car show in Paris from March 15-20. The Sant’Agata Bolognese company’s participation in the event is officially kicking off a year of tributes to its legendary 12-cylinder engine’s history, before the hybridization process begins in 2023 with the launch of the first hybrid production model. Displayed on its stand will be a reconstruction of the first Countach (the LP 500 prototype from 1971) and the body of a Miura P400 SV that is being restored by the Polo Storico team in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

(Mercedes-Benz images)
The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S will receive technical and visual upgrades. Other geek stuff? The standard AMG RIDE CONTROL+ based on Air Body Control suspension is improved. In addition, an extended choice of wheels, upholstery, trim and exterior colors is available for greater individualization for 2023. The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe V8 models will arrive at US dealerships later this year. What you need to know? Mercedes-AMG GT 63: Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 Bi-Turbo. 575HP at 5,500-6,500 rpm, 590 lb-ft at 2,350-5,000 rpm. Mercedes-AMG 63 S: Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 Bi-Turbo. 630HP at 5,500-6,500 rpm, 664 lb-ft at 2,500-4,500 rpm. Both cars come with 4MATIC. And both cars are frightfully expensive, although we don't have those numbers yet.

(Acura Images)
The 2023 Integra returns to the Acura lineup, "delivering a premium, exhilarating driving experience and a sleek liftback design to a new generation of enthusiast drivers," according to Acura PR Minions. The new Integra features a coupe-like roofline and segment-exclusive liftback body style. The new Integra is powered by a VTEC®-enhanced DOHC 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 200HP (SAE net @ 6,000 rpm) and 192 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 1,800 - 5,000 rpm), with a new coil type exhaust system adding a tuned exhaust sound. Integra's standard CVT automatic transmission is tuned specifically for the high-output turbocharged engine and responds quickly to throttle inputs, while Step Shift programming simulates gear changes when accelerating. For added driver control, steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles are standard. An available segment-exclusive short-throw, close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox features automatic rev matching. To maximize available traction when accelerating out of corners, power is routed through a helical limited-slip differential (LSD) in manual transmission-equipped vehicles. Other stuff? Standard 10.2-inch Acura Precision Cockpit™ digital gauge cluster and available 16-speaker ELS STUDIO 3D® premium audio system. The 2023 Integra will start at around $30,000, with reservations starting today for delivery this spring. Watch a video featuring Pierre Gasly here.

Letter from L.A.

By Tom Pease

Beverly Hills. My memories of driving are probably more mundane than yours, but fond ones they are: Family Sunday drives in the Queen Family Truckster on summer afternoons. Our dog Jackie, ever vigilant, nose jammed in the AC vents, eyes on the road. Stopping at the dairy bar for soft serve (a small for Jackie). Ten minutes back on the road when Jackie makes a sudden dash for the ”way back” to get away from one of his own life-threatening SBD mega-farts while all the windows are rolled down. 

In college, driving to the bus stop in autumn, top down on the chilly day, heater and radio full-on, fall foliage blazing, my little New England town looking especially lovely in the crisp morning air. Having a moment of clarity and seeing how really lucky I was growing up when I did and where I did and having this experience that still resonates. 

Driving cross-country with my friend Dana to bring her back for Junior year. Cruising under the dark skies of Northern Arizona with the top down on her LeBaron, the sky shot through with so many stars it looked liked powdered sugar on velvet. At the sudden meteor shower we just pulled over, reclined the seats and stared. 

Walking through Times Square on a muggy NYC night when a showroom-new looking champagne colored 450SL purred top-down through the intersection going South on Broadway. Vowing yet again one day I would have one of my own (a vow not yet met.) 

Even just recently taking the car out for a jaunt (I tell myself it's to keep the battery charged). Zipping down Topanga Canyon in the Z-3, enjoying that particular feeling of a small car that isn't trying to be anything but a small car. Coming back through Brentwood and taking an unfamiliar street up to Sunset, only to be hit with an almost overwhelming and wholly delightful scent of the fresh mint a resident replaced their grass with. Bowers of it, earthy, pungent, and completely unexpected.. 

Of course there are less pleasant memories, from breakdowns to bad weather drives to pain at the pump, but so many good memories I have involve cars and trips and friends and the fun we had. I hate to think that would be completely gone. I can only hope that if we get to the place where we are in hermetically-sealed autonomous plush-mobiles where your connection to the world that's outside where your window would be is on a 4k digital screen that there is still room for a little roadster or a muscle car or even the Queen Family Truckster for the enjoyment of you, your friends, your family, and your ever-vigilant farting canine co-pilot.

The AE Song of the Week:

Uptown girl
She's been living in her uptown world
I bet she's never had a backstreet guy
I bet her momma never told her why

I'm gonna try for an uptown girl
She's been living in her white bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now she's looking for a downtown man
That's what I am

And when she knows what
She wants from her time
And when she wakes up
And makes up her mind

She'll see I'm not so tough
Just because
I'm in love with an uptown girl
You know I've seen her in her uptown world
She's getting tired of her high class toys
And all her presents from her uptown boys
She's got a choice

Uptown girl
You know I can't afford to buy her pearls
But maybe someday when my ship comes in
She'll understand what kind of guy I've been
And then I'll win

And when she's walking
She's looking so fine
And when she's talking
She'll say that she's mine

She'll say I'm not so tough
Just because
I'm in love
With an uptown girl
She's been living in her white bread world
As long as anyone with hot blood can
And now she's looking for a downtown man
That's what I am

Uptown girl
She's my uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl
My uptown girl
You know I'm in love
With an uptown girl

"Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel, from the album "An Innocent Man" (1983)*. Written by Billy Joel. Watch the (fun) Official Video here. 

*Billy Joel married the supermodel Christie Brinkley less than two years after this song was released, but he wasn't even dating her when he started writing the song; he was actually dating another supermodel: Elle Macpherson. Asked about his relationship with Elle on The Howard Stern Show in 2010, Joel explained: "We dated on and off. We weren't like engaged or anything. We just kind of dated. She was 19." Joel went on to explain that he and Elle parted ways when she went off to Europe, which is around the time he started dating Brinkley. He reworked the lyrics, and by the time he finished the song, it was about Brinkley. On Australian TV in 2006, Billy Joel said: "The song was originally called 'Uptown Girls' not 'Uptown Girl.' I know its associated with Christie but when I started to write that song I had recently divorced prior to meeting her, all of the sudden I'm a rock star and divorced. All these women were going to go out with me." As he explained to Howard Stern, Joel was on vacation in the Caribbean when he was playing the piano, looked up, and saw Elle Macpherson, Christie Brinkley and Whitney Houston (who was more a model than a musician at that point) standing over his piano in wonderment watching him play. Joel thanked his creator for his good fortune, and began dating Elle. His first attempt at the song had the lyrics, "Uptown girls, I've been around the world." The music was more of a classical piece when it started. Joel is from Long Island, New York, and always considered himself a working-class, regular guy. This song reflects his surprise at his ability to attract such beautiful, glamorous women. In a 1987 interview with Q magazine, Joel said: "The fact that I can attract such a beautiful woman as Christie should give hope to every ugly guy in the world!" The whole album, especially this song, was a musical tribute to '60s pop music. Specifically, this one is done in the style of The Four Seasons, with Joel trying to sound like Frankie Valli. He had their song "Rag Doll" in mind both musically and lyrically; on that track Valli sings about a poor girl that he loves anyway. In fact, he loves her "just the way she is." Christie Brinkley is in the video, playing the Uptown Girl. Joel portrays a mechanic working on her car. The clip was directed by Jay Dubin, who also helmed Joel's videos for "Tell Her About It" and "The Longest Time." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)