JULY 14, 2021

(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

(Honda)
Honda Performance Development (HPD) is expanding its support of NXG Youth Motorsports (NXG) by providing a fresh supply of 30 Honda karting engines for the program's expanding efforts to bring motorsports to minority students and underrepresented communities. Headed by co-founder and chief instructor Rod Reid, NXG (Nexgeneracers), its programs feature science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to create opportunities and experiences for its youth participants through motorsports while focusing on minority students. The Honda GX200 engine is utilized in the NXG racing series. Advantages of the Honda GX200 include lower noise levels, lower vibration and lower emissions – without sacrificing power output or performance. "HPD and Honda have long been supporters of youth in motorsports," said John Whiteman, HPD's manager of commercial motorsports. "As NXG Youth Motorsports continues to grow and expand into new markets, we're pleased to be able to assist them by providing Honda engines for their racing karts." After building a successful Indiana-based program over the last 15 years, NXG became an official partner with INDYCAR and Penske Entertainment Corp. through its Race for Equality & Change initiative in 2020. The academy has targeted the Detroit community as it expands its reach in 2021, and NXG hosted its inaugural Detroit program June 5-6 at Belle Isle Park, site of the annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES race weekend. "We're very grateful to Honda and HPD for their continued support of our efforts, and we'll be putting these new engines to immediate use," Reid said. "The Honda engines have proven to be an excellent teaching tool for us, with performance and reliability that far exceeded our expectations." NXG program includes five levels – MA100, MA200, MA300, MA400 and MA500 – to progressively introduce boys and girls to the fundamental aspects of racing that include advanced driving techniques, track geometry, understanding mechanical equipment and self-control – each transferable to their future daily lives. All five levels include STEM-related education and English and critical thinking assignments revolving around motorsports. Each level takes place over 2-days on the weekend, providing eight hours of classroom and on-track instruction. "The program is designed for a boy or girl who hasn't driven anything, not a go-kart, not a mini-bike," Reid said. "We take them from 0 to 45 mph, as that's the maximum speed of our karts. We pride ourselves on being very patient, very tolerant and very safety-conscious." NXG Academy participants who want to continue into advanced competition then are reviewed by Reid and his crew. Up to 10 competitors are selected to race in the NXG Grand Prix series, which consists of 8 to 10 races from April through September on temporary road courses at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Purdue University.

(GM images)
General Motors has announced a more than $71 million investment to establish a new campus in Pasadena, California, for GM’s Advanced Design Center operations. The move will substantially increase the center’s capacity and create more jobs in the area. The facility’s relocation from its existing space in North Hollywood to the nearly 149,000-square-foot campus will make room for expanded advanced technology teams that will help accelerate GM’s goal of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. The new site is closer to technology centers on the West Coast and creates a recruiting opportunity with its proximity to leading universities and design schools. The investment also signals GM’s long-term commitment to maintaining a physical presence in one of North America’s largest hubs for multidisciplinary design and cutting-edge innovation. The new campus, which sits on eight acres, will expand GM’s capacity to support emerging business opportunities in the areas of advanced technology, software integration and future mobility solutions.

The AE Song of the Week:

Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo
Woo-hoo

I got my head checked
By a jumbo jet
It wasn't easy
But nothing is
No

(Woo-hoo) When I feel heavy metal
(Woo-hoo) And I'm pins and I'm needles
(Woo-hoo) Well, I lie and I'm easy
All of the time but I'm never sure why I need you
Pleased to meet you

I got my head done
When I was young
It's not my problem
It's not my problem

(Woo-hoo) When I feel heavy metal
(Woo-hoo) And I'm pins and I'm needles
(Woo-hoo) Well, I lie and I'm easy
All of the time but I'm never sure why I need you
Pleased to meet you

Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Oh, yeah

"Song 2" by Blur from the album "Blur" (1997)*. Written by Damon Albarn, David Roundtree, Graham Coxon and Steven Alexander James. Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch Official Music Video here. 

*This is also known as "Whoo-Hooo," which is the chorus. The title is not in the lyrics, as the name "Song 2" was originally just a working title, with Blur introducing it that way during live performances. Fans soon identified the song as "Song 2" and the title stuck. With loud guitars and cryptic lyrics, the band wrote this to make fun of Grunge music that was big in America at the time. It ended up being Blur's biggest hit in the U.S. They were huge in England, but never caught on in the States. Blur's bassist Alex James told Q Magazine's 1001 Best Songs Ever: "I remember having a really bad sweaty hangover that day. And it was very sunny. We were at Mayfair Studios, Primrose Hill, and I'd been trying to think of a title for a TV show a friend was doing about rock wives. Then it came to me: 'Hits and Mrs!' So I thought that was my work for the day over. It sums up 'Song 2' really. We didn't think about it at all. Graham (Coxon) set up two kits, Dave (Rowntree) and Graham started playing drums at the same time, this real "aggro" beat. Then the chorus is two distorted basses and Damon's guide vocal. It was kind of a throwback. We'd always done brainless rocking out, though maybe it's not what we're known for." This was the second track on the CD, the second single from the album. It hit No. 2 in the UK, and it is 2 minutes long. At the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, this was nominated for Best Group Video. In the clip, directed by Sophie Muller (Annie Lennox, No Doubt), powerful amps send the band members crashing into walls when the chorus kicks in. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)