SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Congratulations to the U.S. team for winning the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, on Sunday. Well done!!

(GM)
This is the first official photo of the new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 released on Instagram by GM. More details to come - including the flat-plane crank V8 - and you can see the wider rear fenders and enhanced side air intakes. This is basically the homologation special for the current GTLM Corvette racing car. The official unveiling happens later in October.

(Jeep mages)
This is the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee (not to be confused with the recently introduced, 7-seat Grand Cherokee L). The fifth-generation of this model boasts all-new architecture, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain, an all-new exterior design and all-new interior. What's it got? "Unrivaled capability" (according to Jeep PR minions), along with composed on-road driving dynamics courtesy of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. Jeep Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, now with electronic semi-active damping, delivers up to class-leading 11.3 inches (28.7 cm) of ground clearance and 24 inches (61 cm) of water fording. A class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect delivers improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain. And the first electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe - with 25 miles of range - will be available alongside the new Trailhawk Grand Cherokee. Jeep's PR minions say that the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe conquered the formidable Rubicon Trail under all-electric power. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in Jeep dealerships in North America in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is scheduled to arrive in North America early in 2022 and in global markets later that year. There is much more, of course.

(Jeep)
Some consumers can't get enough of 35" off-road tire packages, apparently. Over the weekend, Jeep unveiled its 2022 Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme Recon 35-inch tire package at the 2021 Detroit 4Fest. The Xtreme Recon Package includes: LT315/70R17C (35") BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires; 17" x 8" beadlock capable wheels; Swing-gate reinforcement; 4.56:1 axle ratio; 1.5" factory suspension lift with uniquely-tuned shocks and Anti-lock four-wheel disc performance brakes. It is also fitted with a standard black grille, matte black “Jeep” badge, black “Trail Rated” badge, “4-Wheel Drive” swing gate decal and “Willys” hood decal for those who want to look the part. If you just gotta have one, it is priced at $39,435 (plus $1,495 destination charge).

(Mecum Auction images)
We're not a big booster of the car auction game, as longtime readers know. The auction game boosts vehicle prices beyond all recognition and fuels the continued movement of these cars away from being affordable for more and more enthusiasts. That said, this particular machine is worth noting. It's the beautiful 1965 Lola T70 Spyder Mk.I Chevrolet formerly owned by Carroll Shelby and Dan Gurney, and prepared by Gurney's All American Racers team. It was driven by Jerry Grant back in the day. It will be available at Mecom's Chattanooga, Tennessee, auction on October 15-16. Get more info here. 



The AE Song of the Week:

I've been so many places in my life and time
I've sung a lot of songs, I've made some bad rhyme
I've acted out my life in stages
With ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singin' this song for you

I know your image of me is what I hope to be, baby
I've treated you unkindly but girl can't you see
There's no one more important to me
So darling can't you please see through me
'Cause we're alone now and I'm singin' my song for you

You taught me precious secrets of the truth, withholdin' nothin'
You came out in front and I was hiding
But now I'm so much better so if my words don't come together
Listen to the melody cause my love's in there hiding

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I love you for my life, 'cause you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you

I love you in a place where there's no space or time
I've loved you for my life, yes, you're a friend of mine
And when my life is over, remember when we were together
We were alone and I was singin' my song for you, yes
We were alone and I was singin' this song for you, baby
We were alone and I was singin' my song,
Singin' my song, singin' my song, singin' my song
Singin' my song

"A Song For You" by Leon Russell, from the album "Leon Russell" (1970)*. Written by Leon Russell. Watch a video here. 

*Russell wrote this song for the singer Rita Coolidge, whom he was dating at the time. They met in the late '60s when Russell was one of the top session piano players and Coolidge was getting started as a singer. Russell wrote a song called "Delta Lady" about her that Joe Cocker recorded in 1969. She was again his muse on "A Song For You," which finds him singing about their deep connection when they are alone. It's a very intimate love song that hits hard with a line in the last verse:

I love you in a place where there's no space or time

Coolidge called it "The most beautiful song ever written." Russell did songwriting and arrangements on a string of pop hits for Gary Lewis & the Playboys in the mid-'60s before going in a blues direction on session work for Delaney & Bonnie and The Rolling Stones. At this time, when he wrote songs, he had other artists in mind to sing them. "A Song For You" was aimed at Frank Sinatra. "It's easy to write a blues song but I wanted to write one Sinatra might sing, which takes a little doing," he told Mojo. Russell included this song on his first solo album in 1970, but it wasn't released as a single. In 1971, was popularized by two very different singers: the crooner Andy Williams, and the R&B sensation Donny Hathaway (Williams made #82 US with his version). The female singer Jaye P. Morgan also recorded a popular version that year, and the Carpenters made it the title track of their 1972 album. Despite this song, Russell and Rita Coolidge didn't make it as a couple; she moved on to several high-profile romances with Jim Gordon (a popular drummer who turned out to be paranoid schizophrenic and murdered his mother in 1983), Stephen Stills, Graham Nash and Kris Kristofferson. Coolidge spoke well of Russell in her autobiography, where she explained that he could be reclusive, but also magnetic. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: I had the privilege of seeing the debut of Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishman at the Eastown Theater in Detroit in 1970. It was a treat to see Cocker, of course, but what made it even more special was the fact that Rita Coolidge was making her singing debut and that the band - with all-stars such as Jim Keltner and Chris Stainton - was being conducted by Leon Russell, one of my all-time favorites. The mood was electric as they took the stage, following a scintillating performance by Mountain - featuring Felix Pappalardi and Leslie West - and they didn't disappoint. Cocker was exuberant, Rita was nervous but delivered a quality performance, and halfway through the show Russell performed a mini-set of tunes by himself. And he was just fantastic. What a memorable night. -PMD