NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 05:26PM 
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a limited edition that joins the Icona series, which debuted in 2018 with the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2. It's an homage to the legendary Ferrari 330 P3/4, one of the most beautiful racing cars ever built. On February 6th 1967, Ferrari swept the top three places at the 24 Hours of Daytona in the first round of that year’s International World Sports Car Championship. (It was also the last sports car victory for Ferrari that year, as the Ford Mk IV won the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.) The three cars that took the checkered flag that day – 1. Bandini/Amon (No. 23 330 P3/4); 2. Parkes/Scarfiotti (No. 24 330 P4) and 3. Rodriguez/Guichet (No. 26 412 P) – represented the pinnacle of development of the Ferrari 330 P3, a model that chief engineer Mauro Forghieri had significantly improved in each of the three racing car fundamentals: engine, chassis and aerodynamics. The 330 P3/4 perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the sports prototypes of the 1960s, a decade now considered the golden era of closed wheel racing and an enduring reference point for generations of engineers and designers. The name of the new Icona - Ferrari Daytona SP3 - pays tribute to that legendary 1-2-3 finish, and it was presented at the Mugello Circuit during the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali on November 20th. The Daytona SP3’s design "is a harmonious interplay of contrasts, sublimely sculptural, voluptuous surfaces alternating with the kind of sharper lines that revealed the burgeoning importance of aerodynamics in the design of racers such as the 330 P4, 350 Can-Am and 512 S," according to Ferrari PR minions. The choice of a ‘Targa’ body with a removable hard top for the Daytona SP3 "not only delivers exhilarating driving pleasure but also usable performance," according to Ferrari. From a technical perspective, the Daytona SP3 features a naturally-aspirated, mid-rear-mounted V12. The most iconic of all Maranello’s engines, this engine delivers 829HP – making it the most powerful engine ever built by Ferrari – along with 697 Nm of torque and maximum revs of 9500 rpm. The chassis is built entirely from composite materials using Formula 1 technologies that have not been seen in a road car since the LaFerrari, Maranello’s last supercar. The seat is an integral part of the chassis to reduce weight and guarantee the driver a driving position similar to that of a competition car. And, just like the machines that inspired it, the aerodynamic research and design focused on achieving maximum efficiency purely using passive aero solutions. Thanks to unprecedented features, such as chimneys that extract low-pressure air from the underbody, the Daytona SP3 is the most aerodynamically efficient car ever built by Ferrari without resorting to active aero devices. Because of the clever integration of these technical innovations, the car can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 2.85s and from zero to 200km/h in just 7.4s. "Exhilarating performance, an extreme set-up, and the intoxicating V12 soundtrack deliver completely unparalleled driving pleasure," the Ferrari PR minions concluded (We concur -WG). How much? It doesn't really matter, but it's probably somewhere north of $2 million. And they're probably all sold anyway, but they may build 500 of them (or fewer). Editor-in-Chief's Note: Okay, so this machine put me right over the edge. The Ferrari 330 P3/P4 was one of my all-time favorite racing cars. And this Daytona SP3 is the most desirable Ferrari ever built, in my estimation. Just, wow. -PMD
The 2nd Generation BMW 230i Coupe is 4.3-inches longer, 2.6-inches wider, 1.0-inch lower and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase than the 1st Generation 230i Coupe. The new BMW M240i xDrive model is 3.5-inches longer, 2.6-inches wider, 0.1-inch lower and has a 2.0-inch longer wheelbase than the M240i xDrive Coupe it replaces. Front and rear tracks are increased by a significant amount – plus 2.8-inches up front and plus 1.9-inches in the rear on the 230i Coupe and plus 2.5-inches at the front and plus 2.4-inches at the rear for the M240i xDrive Coupe. These dimensional changes improve cornering prowess and result in a more aggressive appearance, according to BMW. (We like the new, more muscular look, a lot. -PMD) The 255HP 230i and 382HP M240i xDrive Coupes will arrive first, followed by the 230i xDrive and M240i Coupes. How much? An MSRP of $36,350 for 230i Coupe and $48,550 for M240i xDrive Coupe (plus $995 Destination). They should be arriving at your local dealer now.
(Porsche)The new 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the new, go-fast 718 that shares its naturally aspirated heart with the 911 GT3. The naturally aspirated flat-six engine used in the 911 GT3 Cup car and the road-going 911 GT3 represents the heart of this uncompromising driver’s car. The engine revs up to 9,000 rpm. Power increases by 79HP compared to the 718 Cayman GT4 to a total of 493HP, resulting in a weight-to-power ratio of 6.55 lbs. per hp. Maximum torque increases from 317 lb.-ft. to 331 lb.-ft. Like every modern RS variant, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS will be offered exclusively with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK). Using shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel, drivers can change gears manually as they choose without taking their hands off the wheel. Alternatively, they can also change gears manually using the newly designed shift lever in the center console. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds – half a second quicker than the 414HP 718 Cayman GT4 with PDK. Top track speed is 196 mph (GT4 with PDK: 187 mph), which the GT4 RS reaches in seventh gear. There is a long list of additional improvements/ingredients, which we won't go into here, but suffice to say, the thing is blistering quick and looks good to boot. How quick? During final testing and evaluation drives on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, Porsche brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister completed a lap of the 20.832 kilometer (12.944 mile) track in 7:09.300 minutes. On the shorter track variant, which was formerly used as a benchmark (20.6 km in length), the GT4 RS set a time of 7:04.511 minutes – 23.6 seconds quicker than the 718 Cayman GT4. If that isn't enough to get your checkbook out, Porsche Design has created a Porsche Design Chronograph 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which will be offered exclusively to buyers of the vehicle. So, there's that. The new 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS has an MSRP of $141,700, (not including a $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee). It is expected to reach U.S. dealers at some point next summer.
(Porsche images)Porsche also revealed the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The mid-engine race car from Weissach is based on the new, and recently revealed, 718 Cayman GT4 RS road car. As with its road-going sibling, the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is equipped with the 4.0 liter six-cylinder boxer engine taken directly from the 911 GT3 Cup race car and develops 500HP in the 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport – 75HP more than the previous GT4 Clubsport model. Fitted as standard is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK), replacing the GT4 Clubsport’s six-speed version. All gears feature shorter ratios than on the GT4 Clubsport. The homologated 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is track-ready from the factory and can be used in SRO racing series around the world without further modifications. The starting price of the new 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, which will be sold and distributed through Porsche Motorsport North America in the U.S., is $229,000, not including tax. Racing enthusiasts in the U.S. can look forward to seeing the car compete in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the SRO GT4 America and GT America series in the 2022 U.S. season. Interested customers can contact Porsche Motorsport North America at info@porschemotorsport.com.
(Porsche)In order to extricate as much money as possible from its electrified faithful, Porsche has unveiled the Taycan GTS sedan and Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. Enhanced styling and performance as well as "unique suspension tuning and 'Electric Sport Sound' among an array of changes that denote that this is the first electric GTS," according to Porsche PR minions. The Taycan GTS sedan and GTS Sport Turismo feature the same permanent magnet single-speed front motor, larger permanent magnet rear motor with a diameter of 245 mm and an active length of 210 mm, and two-speed rear transmission. Total power output is 590HP with Launch Control, slotting the GTS models in between the Taycan 4S (462HP) and Taycan Turbo (670HP). They both have a bunch of tweaks and GTS tchotchkes so buyers can ascend to Biggest Tool in the Shed status. How much? The Taycan GTS sedan starts at $131,400, while the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo will start at $133,300. ($1,350 delivery, processing, and handling fee extra.) Both Taycan GTS models are available to order now, and U.S. deliveries will start in Q2 of 2022. EPA range and consumption figures will be available closer to delivery.
Toyota has taken the official wraps off of its production, all-electric bZ4X, the first of a global series of battery-electric vehicles to be introduced under the global “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella. The bZ4X will have a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 250 miles for XLE front-wheel drive models (AWD will be available). The bZ4X arrives at U.S. dealers in mid-2022.
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled SEVEN, a new sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV) concept. SEVEN’s design and innovation previews Hyundai’s future sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV). The interior architecture "assures greater freedom and comfort for passengers, while furniture-like seats and features provide a premium lounge experience," according to Hyundai PR minions. Well, alrighty then!
(Kia images)Then there's the Kia Concept EV9. Following the launch of the EV6, the Kia Concept EV9 hints at the next model in Kia’s dedicated EV lineup. The all-electric SUV concept embodies Kia's new "Opposites United" design language, which heavily influences the Concept EV9’s "adventurous and angular exterior." But that's not all. The interior space takes inspiration from the "Water Element" of Opposites United, "establishing a positive relationship with the outside world." Wow. We see that Kia designers are immersed - and lost - in the dulcet tones of their own thought balloons.
(Superformance)
Another entry from the "Biggest Tool In The Shed" File: Shelby "enthusiasts" looking for a special gift can acquire an electrified metallic blue MKIII-E Cobra EV alongside a special edition bike from Vintage Electric bikes. The new Superformance MKIII-E uses a Tesla Model S rear-drive motor with 1500 pound-feet of torque. Under the MKIII-E hood is a custom-made battery pack featuring two LG Energy 16-cell units paired in a 32-kWh pack to establish up to 100 miles of range. (Wow, you're kidding, right?) The ultra-lightweight MKIII-E drives on a set of sticky 275/35-18 Nitto tires and offers specially-tuned regenerative braking. You can also get a new Vintage Electric Shelby bike outfitted with a 48-volt battery along with a 1,123-watt battery cell. The large battery is housed in a matte black cast-aluminum housing that charges in 4.5 hours. After a full charge, the Vintage Electric Shelby offers up to a 75-mile range. The new Vintage Electric Shelby bike includes a specially-tuned "Race mode" that is capable of speeds up to 36 mph. The EV Cobra bundle from Superformance and Vintage Electric is available at a price of $190,000.00. Yes, you read that correctly. Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is so wrong on so many levels I don't even know where to begin. I get that there's a movement to convert ICE machines to EVs, but the pure essence of the Cobra was that it was a snarling, barely tameable beast that barked and snorted its way to become an icon of automotive history. I don't care how fast this EV version is, it's not a Cobra and it will never compare to the sound and fury - and ferocious nature - of the real thing. As for the bike? Whatever. -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, Monopoly
I'd love to change the world
But I don't know what to do
So I'll leave it up to you
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. Listen 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. The first line in this song throws out a few slurs: Every where is freaks and hairies, dykes and fairies... "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. Formed in Nottingham, England, Ten Years After was formed in 1966. They took their name because it was ten years after what they considered the birth of rock and roll. The group 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 band didn't play this song live while Albert Lee was a member, as he felt trying to re-create it on stage would be "too restricting." This was used in the trailer for Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11. Matt Stone and Trey Parker then used it in the trailer for Team America World Police to lampoon the "Fahrenheit" preview. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts,com)
