JULY 7, 2021

(BMW images)
BMW is introducing the next generation of its compact rear-wheel drive-based sports coupes, the 2022 BMW 230i and BMW M240i xDrive Coupes. Rarities in this SUV/Crossover-dominated market we live in, the 2nd-generation 2 Series BMW Coupe is tweaked and massaged to be better in every respect. Featuring more aggressive styling, more powerful engines, improved chassis and dynamics, greater interior room and the latest in infotainment and connectivity; the new 2 Series Coupe "is focused on delivering maximum driving enjoyment, with every component having been optimized for this purpose," according to BMW PR minions. The 255HP 230i and 382HP M240i xDrive Coupes will arrive first, and the 230i xDrive and M240i Coupes will follow. How much? $36,350 for 230i Coupe and $48,550 for M240i xDrive Coupe (plus $995 Destination). The new BMW 2 Series Coupe arrives in November 2021.

(BMW Motorrad)
Editor-In-Chief's Note: This is what BMW is calling the BMW CE 04 - catchy name, that - the latest version of its EV scooter. This is what BMW Motorrad PR minions say: "The new BMW CE 04 embodies a new, forward-looking form of urban two-wheeled mobility in its design as well, featuring an innovative style that arouses emotions for this new drive technology while instantly identifying the scooter as a member of the BMW Motorrad family." They continued: "The new BMW CE 04 in Avantgarde Style is a striking, colorful statement of contemporary urban mobility. In this style, the color Magellan Grey metallic is supplemented with a black/orange seat, an orange wind deflector and various graphics." A striking, colorful statement of contemporary mobility? That's one way of putting it. Innovative style? Highly questionable. To each their own, I guess. “The new BMW CE 04 is the logical and at the same time rethought continuation of BMW Motorrad’s electromobility strategy. Urban conurbations are its element. This is where it sets a new benchmark – in terms of both technology and visual style.” Florian Roemhild, Project Manager BMW CE 04. Again with the visual style, I'll call it for what it is: a butt-ugly scooter. The highlights? Rated output 15 kW (20HP). Maximum output 31 kW (42HP). The reduced output version has 11 kW (15HP) or 23 kW (31HP).apacity in the battery of 60.6 Ah (8.9 kWh). Range of approximately 130 kilometres (reduced output version: 100 km). Short charging times and charging technology based on the system used in cars. Increased riding stability due to slip control by means of ASC (Automatic Stability Control). DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). Three riding modes “ECO,” “Rain” and “Road” as standard. “Dynamic” riding mode as an option. One-piece tubular steel main frame. Braking system with ABS. (ABS Pro with banking capability as an option.) 10.25-inch TFT color screen with integrated map navigation and extensive connectivity, standard. LED lighting units all round. Storage compartments at the side and front. (The side helmet compartment can now be operated while seated.) Actively ventilated mobile phone charging compartment with USB-C charging port. And a bunch more optional stuff, including a Premium Package ($1,695) that has an adaptive headlight; Ride Modes Pro; ABS Pro; Level 2 charging cable; Seat heating and a TPM tire pressure monitor. The BMW CE 04 will be part of BMW's lineup here, but no pricing has been announced. -PMD

(Volvo images)
Volvo Cars is calling its Concept Recharge "a manifesto for the next generation of all-electric Volvos." True to the heritage of Scandinavian design - according to Volvo PR minions - Concept Recharge has the mantra of "less but better." The next generation of Volvo’s fully electric cars – the first of which is the company’s first SUV on a completely new electric-only technology base – will feature flat floors, as previewed in the Concept Recharge. By removing the engine and replacing it with a full battery pack under the flat floor, the designers have extended the wheelbase and the wheel size of the car. The result is shorter overhangs, as well as a lot more interior space, including a large storage area between the front seats. Designers have repositioned the seats, optimized the roof profile and lowered the hood of the car while retaining the high eye-point drivers of SUVs are accustomed to. This approach creates gains in aerodynamic efficiency compared with a typical SUV, which improves range. Expect the Concept Recharge to influence Volvo Design for years to come.

The AE Song of the Week:

Shiny happy people laughing

Meet me in the crowd, people, people
Throw your love around, love me, love me
Take it into town, happy, happy
Put it in the ground where the flowers grow
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Everyone around, love them, love them
Put it in your hands, take it, take it
There's no time to cry, happy, happy
Put it in your heart where tomorrow shines
Gold and silver shine

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Whoa, here we go

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people holding hands
Shiny happy people laughing

Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)
Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)
Shiny happy people holding hands (people, happy people)

"Shiny Happy People" by R.E.M. from the album "Out Of Time" (1991)*; Written by Michael Stipe, Mike Mills, Peter Buck and William Berry; Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group; Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here. 

 *The title and chorus are based on a Chinese propaganda poster. The slogan "Shiny happy people holding hands" is used ironically - the song was released in 1991, two years after the Tiananmen Square uprising when the Chinese government clamped down on student demonstrators, killing hundreds of them. Kate Pierson from the B-52s sang backup. She was in demand for her distinctive vocals after the B-52s achieved mainstream success with "Love Shack" in 1989. R.E.M. and The B-52s are both from Athens, Georgia. This was the second single from the album. A very light, happy song, it was a stark contrast to the very profound "Losing My Religion," which was released first. Michael Stipe calls this "A really fruity, kind of bubblegum song." In an interview with The Quietus, he said that he was a bit embarrassed when it became a big hit, but it's an important song because it shows a different side of him. Said Stipe: "Many people's idea of R.E.M, and me in particular, is very serious, with me being a very serious kind of poet. But I'm also actually quite funny - hey, my bandmates think so, my family thinks so, my boyfriend thinks so, so I must be - but that doesn't always come through in the music! People have this idea of who I am probably because when I talk on camera, I'm working so hard to articulate my thoughts that I come across as very intense." In 1999, R.E.M. performed this on Sesame Street as "Furry Happy Monsters." Kate Pierson's part was performed by a Muppet that looked like her, voiced by Stephanie D'Abruzzo, a Muppeteer who was also a huge fan of the band. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)