JANUARY 31, 2024

The original - and still our favorite - Autoextremist logo. 

The AE Quote of the Century: Everybody loves The High-Octane Truth. Until they don't. -WG 

(BMW images)

Fans of shifting their own gears can look forward to a new arrival from BMW created especially for them: the 2024 BMW Z4 M40i. The machine is available for the very first time with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The pairing of the manual gearbox with the 382HP TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine "forms the heart of an enticing equipment package that emphasizes the two-seater’s focus on delivering an exhilarating open-top driving experience," according to BMW PR minions. The 2025 BMW Z4 M40i “Handschalter” (German for “hand shift” and the internal working name of the project used by the small team that brought the vehicle to life) brings a retuned chassis with mixed-size M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. Special design features for both the exterior and interior are also part of the $3500 package including: The 6-speed manual gearbox; Vernasca leather upholstery in choice of five shades; Cognac/Black with Black M piping unique to manual version; Black Alcantara/Black Vernasca leather combination or Black SensaTec also available; Metallic paint in choice of seven shades or Alpine White non-metallic; San Remo Green metallic only available on manual transmission version; Exclusive BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic (shown) available for $2,950; Extended Shadowline trim and mirror caps in black high-gloss. Editor-in-Chief's Note: A 6-speed manual gearbox? Kudos to BMW. -PMD

(BMW images)

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe and BMW 4 Series Convertible, are powered by either a 2-liter 4-cylinder (225HP) or 3-liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo (375HP) engine that both benefit from 48V mild hybrid tech to improve efficiency and responsiveness. The cockpit design features the latest evolution of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, which is based on the new BMW Operating System 8.5. New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheel designs, revised grilles, headlights and new rear lights with laser-lit accents mark the latest advances in the exterior of the two models. The cabins have new steering wheel designs, new interior trim elements. Production of the new BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible will remain at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The worldwide market launch will get underway in March 2024.

(Porsche images)

Porsche is adding an all-electric Macan to its Macan portfolio. The new Macan 4 and Macan Turbo "aim to completely fulfill the requirements of Porsche customers choosing an SUV," according to Porsche PR minions. To achieve high efficiency and enable optimal reproducibility of power output, Porsche exclusively uses the latest generation of permanently excited PSM electric motors on the front and rear axles. In combination with Launch Control, the Macan 4 produces up to 402HP of over-boost power, while the Macan Turbo generates up to (630HP) with a maximum torque of 479 and 833 lb-ft, respectively. The Macan 4 accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the Macan Turbo does it in 3.1 seconds. The two models achieve top track speeds of 136 and 161 mph, respectively. The electric motors draw their energy from a lithium-ion (HV) battery in the underbody, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, of which up to 95 kWh can be actively used. The HV battery is a central component of the newly developed Premium Platform Electric (PPE) with 800-volt architecture, used by Porsche for the first time in the new Macan. The DC charging capability is up to 270 kW. The battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent within approximately 21 minutes at a compatible fast-charging station under ideal conditions. At 400-volt charging stations, a high-voltage switch in the battery enables bank charging by effectively splitting the 800-volt battery into two batteries, each with a nominal voltage of 400 volts. This enables particularly efficient charging without an additional HV booster, at up to 135 kW. AC charging at up to 11 kW is possible depending on the external charging hardware used.

Both the Macan 4 and the Macan Turbo have all-wheel drive. The two electric motors are controlled via the power electronics in almost real time. The electronically controlled Porsche Traction Management (ePTM) operates around five times faster than a conventional all-wheel drive system and can respond to wheelspin within 10 milliseconds. In addition, the all-wheel drive distribution is governed by the selected driving program. Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), i.e., an electronically controlled differential lock on the rear axle, also contributes to the traction, driving stability and lateral dynamics of the Macan Turbo. Both Macan models come equipped with air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) electronic damping control as standard. PASM also features dampers with two-valve technology. The more expansive damper map results in a wider spectrum between comfort and performance, resulting in much more distinctive characteristics between the different drive programs. And for the first time, the Macan is available with optional rear-axle steering, with a maximum steering angle of five degrees. It enables a compact turning circle of 36.4 feet in urban traffic and when maneuvering, "while simultaneously enabling exceptional driving stability at higher speeds, ably assisted by the consistent and precise front-axle steering for which the brand is known," according to the manufacturer.

Since 2014, Porsche has delivered more than 800,000 examples of the Macan worldwide. Like its predecessor, the new Macan will be produced at the Porsche Plant Leipzig. MSRP for the Macan 4 is $78,800, while the Macan Turbo will sticker for $105,300 (each not including a $1,650 delivery, processing and handling fee). The new, all-electric Macan can be ordered now, with the first deliveries expected to begin during the second half of the year. EPA range figures will be available closer to delivery date. Potential buyers that would like more information on the new electric Macan are encouraged to visit https://contact.porsche.com/usa/all-electric-macan/ for more information. 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: For the record, I couldn't be less interested in the new Macan if I tried. Is it an anti-EV bias on my part? Hardly. It's because the Taycan is such a soulless appliance that I have little hope the Macan EV will be any different. -PMD

 

(Cadillac images)

Cadillac has introduced a refreshed and more advanced 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, the "V-Series is the ultimate expression of Cadillac design, performance and technology, and the purest expression of the passion that exists at the core of the Cadillac brand," according to Cadillac PR minions. The 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing sedans have a fresh exterior appearance with a revised front fascia, offering stronger visual cues that further differentiate the CT5-V and the CT5-V Blackwing. The interiors feature aggressive surface lines with a focus on quality, attention to detail, authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship. The 2025 CT5-V is distinguished by a new front-end performance design with a wider, lower appearance, which complements its dramatic fastback profile. Additional features include:

• Redesigned grille and front fascia with black moldings, rocker extensions and spoiler
• Redesigned Cadillac stacked signature vertical lighting with LED headlamps with Mondrian pattern etching
• Walk up and walk away lighting choreography
• Three new colors: Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic, Typhoon Metallic
• Lit Cadillac Crest on the back of the 33-inch-diagonal LED display, which welcomes the driver upon approach
• Quad trapezoid exhaust tips

The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing features a redesigned grille and front fascia with aero ground effects and front fenders. Additional features include:

• Redesigned performance front-end
• Redesigned Cadillac stacked signature vertical lighting with LED headlamps with Mondrian pattern etching
• Walk up and walk away lighting choreography
• Three new colors: Drift Metallic, Deep Space Metallic, Typhoon Metallic
• Lit Cadillac Crest on the back of the 33-inch-diagonal LED display, which welcomes the driver upon approach
• Carbon Fiber Packages, including an updated Carbon Fiber Package with splitter
• Quad trapezoid exhaust tips
  

New to the 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing is the 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen display – bringing a tech-forward ambience to the interior with a customizable user interface designed to offer a personalized experience. Additional technology features include: An available enhanced in-vehicle Performance Data Recorder; New Performance in-vehicle app including real-time display of power, torque and boost; live dyno graph-style trace of power and torque with interactive analysis; array of performance gauges like g-force, tire temperature, and engine vitals, with full configurability enabling drivers to prioritize their favorite data; Super Cruise driver assistance technology with new Driver Attention Assist (Super Cruise package standard on CT5-V and standard on CT5-V Blackwing with automatic transmission for three years); Google built-in, including Google Assistant®, Google Maps, and Google Play; Refined HVAC controls feature animations for an elevated, interactive experience.

Performance:

• 3.0TT 360HP, 405 lb-ft torque with 10-speed automatic transmission (CT5-V)
• 6.2L Supercharged V-8 668HP, 659 lb-ft torque with 6-speed manual or 10-speed auto (CT5-V Blackwing)
• Available All-Wheel Drive (CT5-V)
• Standard Brembo front and rear brakes with V-Series graphic (CT5-V Blackwing)
• Standard Performance Traction Management (CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing)
• Standard Launch Control (CT5-V)
• Standard Custom Launch Control with Line Lock (CT5-V Blackwing)
• Standard Magnetic Ride Control/Electronic Limited Slip (CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing)
• Driver Mode Selector

The 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will make their public debut at the Rolex 24 At Daytona this weekend (January 27-28). The 2025 CT5-V Blackwing will serve as the Official Safety Car in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Additionally, the 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will be available for public viewing in the Cadillac midway display at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 27–28, 2024. The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing will be produced at GM’s Lansing Grand River Assembly facility in Michigan, with production to begin in summer 2024. Additional details and pricing will be announced in the future. Visit www.cadillac.com for more information.

 

The AE Song of the Week 

I rode my bicycle past your window last night

I roller skated to your door at daylight
It almost seems like you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and try them out, you see
I been looking around a while, you got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

I asked your mother if you were at home
She said, "Yes", but you weren't alone
Oh, sometimes I think that you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and try them out, you see
I been looking around a while, you got something for me
Oh, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

I ride my bike, I roller skate, don't drive no car
Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far
For somebody who don't drive I been all around the world
Some people say she done alright for a girl

Oh yeah, oh yeah
Oh yeah yeah yeah
Oh yeah yeah

I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

"Brand New Key" by Melanie, from the album "Gather Me" (1971)*. Written by Melanie Safka. Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here.  

*In this song, Melanie has new pair of roller skates, which she uses to skate over to a boy's house because he's "got something I need." She's quite persistent but it seems he's never home. Finally, his mom answers the door and tells her he's with another girl. This is when it dawns on her that he might be avoiding her. The "key" Melanie sings about is a skate key. At the time, roller skates were metal contraptions that required an adjustment tool (the skate key) to fit them to the foot. The story about the girl looking for the boy so he could use his brand-new key had plenty of connotation, which was striking because it was placed in such an innocent setting. Melanie claimed she wrote the lyrics in a stream-of-conscious style in just minutes, and any deeper meaning was unintentional. "It was not anything that I thought about or even worried about making sense," she said. This song has a very unusual origin story. Melanie's search for enlightenment inspired her to go on a 27-day fast, during which she drank nothing but distilled water. Coming off the fast, she was eating transitional food like carrots when she felt an overwhelming urge to get a McDonald's hamburger and fries. Figuring it was some kind of spirit voice guiding her, she gave in. On the way back to her house from McDonald's, she started to write the song. After Melanie wrote this song, she figured it would make a nice interlude on the album and could be a lighthearted novelty to perform between her more earnest material. Her husband, Peter Schekeryk, who was also her producer, had other ideas. After she recorded the song at Allegro Studios in New York City, she left for California. When she returned, Schekeryk had put jaunty doo-wop backing vocals on the song and it was super catchy. "I'm sure if 'Brand New Key' had lived its life before my husband recorded it, it would have come out as a blues, swampy thing and nobody would have ever heard it," Melanie said in a Songfacts interview. "That would have been that. But he'd say, 'Melanie, that's a hit.' I'd say, 'No, it can't be.'" Melanie (last name: Safka) was a folk singer who wrote passionate songs about peace and unity during the Vietnam War. She played Woodstock and had charted with "Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)" and "Peace Will Come (According To Plan)." She had some reservations about releasing "Brand New Key" as a single, fearing she would no longer be taken seriously ("I was sure I was doomed to be cute for the rest of my life," she told Songfacts). She had further success with songs in her folk style like "Ring The Living Bell" and "Some Day I'll be A Farmer," but she is overwhelmingly known for "Brand New Key." "Brand New Key" went to #1 in the US on the chart dated December 25, 1971, where it stayed for three weeks. Melanie Safka died last week at the age of 72. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG