JULY 21, 2021

(Chevrolet)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: The new 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is coming; the official announcement will happen this fall. Watch (and listen) to this. -PMD

(VW images)
The new 2022 VW Golf GTI and R are coming soon. The GTI has a starting MSRP of $29,545 and is available in S, SE and Autobahn trims; the Golf R is available in one fully-loaded trim, with a starting MSRP of $43,645. Both Mark 8 Golf models are powered by an updated version of VW's EA888 2.0-liter engine, producing 241HP in the GTI and 315HP in the Golf R, and can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG® transmission. Other stuff? New vehicle dynamics settings improve handling, along with standard VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential on GTI and torque-vectoring AWD on R. An all-new electronic architecture enhances the interior with standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting. The 2022 VW Golf GTI and Golf R will be available in the fall. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The GTI has been my favorite all-around car for years now, and judging by the specs of the new car, that is not about to change. I look forward to getting my hands on both cars. -PMD

(Porsche images)
The 2022 Porsche Macan comes with "a host of significant enhancements and updates making it more capable than ever," according to Porsche PR minions. The 2022 model has a new look to its front end with integrated cooling air intakes and front trim in body color. The rear of the car has a black diffuser that has been stretched upwards. The side blades now feature a 3D, textured structure element and. LED headlights and standard Sport Design exterior mirrors complete the updated appearance. Seven new wheel designs are available, and the standard wheel size has increased to between 19 and 21 inches, depending on the model. All 2022 Macan models feature a standard 7-speed dual clutch PDK transmission, all-wheel drive and powertrains that are more powerful than those of their predecessors. The Macan range begins with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that now delivers 261HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque – an increase of 13HP and 22 lb.-ft. compared to the 2021 model it replaces. The result is 0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package (0.3 seconds quicker than previously) and a top track speed of 144 mph. The Macan S is also equipped with a more powerful engine for the 2022 model year. Generating 375HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 from the outgoing Macan GTS now sits under the hood of the latest S model, with 60 mph reached from standstill in 4.4 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package – half a second quicker than the 2021 Macan S. Top track speed is 160 mph. The new Macan S also comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) as standard.
The analog clock on the dashboard is standard, as is a redesigned center console that offers haptic touch elements. The new – and shorter – gear lever also integrates seamlessly into the new console. New GT Sport steering wheels adopted from the 911 are also available. The 10.9 inch full-HD touchscreen in the Macan offers standard navigation and Apple Car Play® and can be optionally upgraded with enhanced audio systems. As a new option, interior packages with deviated stitching in Papaya, Gentian Blue and Chalk are also available. The 2022 Macan models come standard with Lane Departure Warning as well as front and rear Park Assist with a rear-view camera. Beyond this, it can be optioned with a number of driver assistance systems. These include self-steering Park Assist, adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist and the blind spot monitoring Lane Change Assist function. 
The top model of the Macan is the updated Porsche Macan GTS, which has a number of design elements that distinguish it from the other models in the lineup: 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels in satin black, Sport Design side skirts, clear LED taillights and a Sport Exhaust system with black tailpipes. Fitted with a 434HP version of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 406 lb.-ft. of torque used in the previous Macan Turbo, it sprints from 0 to 60 mph with optional Sport Chrono Package in 4.1 seconds and continues on to a top track speed of 169 mph – 2 mph faster than the 2021 Macan Turbo. Befitting its status as the top performer in the range, the Macan GTS is fitted with Porsche Surface Coated Brakes with red calipers and adaptive air suspension with 10 mm lower ride height as standard. The suspension of the Macan GTS is up to 15 percent stiffer than before, further reducing body roll, and also features updated bump stops and strut mounts. Newly calibrated dampers also offer a greater breadth of comfort and performance. As a new option, the dynamic capabilities and appearance of the new Macan GTS can be further enhanced with the new GTS Sport Package (shown). It includes the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats, Sport Design mirrors with caps painted in high-gloss black, front and rear fascia as well as side skirts in satin black and 21-inch GT Design wheels shod with special high-performance tires. The interior of the GTS equipped with the Sport Package has carbon fiber elements, deviated stitching and greater number of Race-Tex interior features. How much? The 2022 Porsche Macan is expected to arrive early next year with a starting MSRP of $54,900 excluding $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling. The 2022 Porsche Macan S and GTS are expected to reach U.S. dealers in the Spring. The Macan S has an MSRP of $65,400, while the Macan GTS starts at $79,900, both not including $1,350 for delivery, processing and handling.

The AE Song of the Week:

I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above for mercy, "Save me if you please"

I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride
I went down to the crossroads, tried to flag a ride
Nobody seemed to know me, everybody passed me by

I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
I'm going down to Rosedale, take my rider by my side
You can still barrel house, baby, on the riverside

You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
You can run, you can run, tell my friend-boy Willie Brown
And I'm standing at the crossroads, believe I'm sinking down

"Crossroads" by Cream, from the album "Wheels Of Fire" (1968)*; Written by Robert Johnson; Publisher: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC; Lyrics Licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch a video here. 

*This song was originally recorded by the blues musician Robert Johnson in the 1930s. According to legend, Johnson went to the crossroads and made a deal with the Devil, giving up his soul in exchange for the ability to play the blues. The story originates from an interview with the blues singer Son House, who explained how Johnson went from being a terrible guitar player to a very good one in a very short period of time. Over the years, the story grew into the tale of Johnson selling his soul to the Devil. Johnson fueled the legend on his track "Me And The Devil Blues," where he sings about his meeting with Satan himself. In that song, Johnson explains that as part of his deal with the Devil, the Prince Of Darkness would harvest all of Robert's "Childrens" at the age of 27, which is exactly how old he was when he died in 1938. A spooky correlation is the number of music stars who have died at age 27. Some members of the "27 Club" include Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Al Wilson (Canned Heat), Brian Jones (The Rolling Stones) and Kurt Cobain. (Thanks to music historians Dwight Rounds and Ed Parker for their help with this.) Cream's version is a compilation of parts of two Johnson songs: "Crossroads Blues" and "Traveling Riverside Blues." Inside the gatefold of the 2-disk LP Wheels Of Fire, the song listings for Sides 3 (including "Crossroads") and 4 are misleadingly subheaded, "Live at the Fillmore." Same with Disk 2 of the 2-CD versions. "Crossroads" was actually recorded at the Winterland Ballroom, in San Francisco, on March 10, 1968. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)