JUNE 7, 2023

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 

(Porsche images)

Celebrating 75 years of Porsche sports cars, the German manufacturer has revealed its newest concept car: the Mission X. "As a design study, not offered for sale, with production to be decided in due time, the Mission X is a glimpse into what the sports car of the future could look like," according to Porsche PR Minions. “The Porsche Mission X is a technology beacon for the sports car of the future. It picks up the torch of iconic sports cars of decades past: like the 959, the Carrera GT and the 918 Spyder before it, the Mission X provides critical impetus for the evolutionary development of future vehicle concepts,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Daring to dream and dream cars are two sides of the same coin for us: Porsche has only remained Porsche by constantly changing.” Michael Mauer, Head of Style Porsche, says: “The Mission X is a clear commitment to the core of the brand. The continuing, enhanced expression of our brand and product identity is an important compass for us to navigate the development of our series-production models. The concept study symbolizes a symbiosis of unmistakable motorsport DNA with a luxurious overall impression.”

Measuring approximately 177 inches long and 78.7 inches wide, the Mission X concept study is a relatively compact hypercar. With a wheelbase of 107.4 inches, it has the dimensions of the Carrera GT and 918 Spyder. For aerodynamic purposes, the concept car has staggered tires, with 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The battery is installed centrally behind the vehicle’s seats. This ‘e-core layout’ centers the mass in the car. As with a conventionally powered mid-engine car, this provides the basis for excellent agility. Watch the Porsche Mission X video here.

This is what Porsche expects the Mission X to deliver IF it reaches production:

• Be the fastest road-legal vehicle around the Nürburgring Nordschleife
• Have a power-to-weight ratio of roughly one hp per 2.2 lbs.
• Achieve downforce values that are well in excess of those delivered by the current 911 GT3 RS
• Offer significantly improved charging performance with its 900-volt system architecture and charge roughly twice as quickly as the current Porsche frontrunner, the Taycan Turbo S 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: There is no "if" about the Mission X. You can bet that Porsche has a production plan for it that will be revealed in due time. -PMD

(VW images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: We hesitate even showing "The Damn Thing" (our new Official AE Name for the VW ID. Buzz -WG) to our readers yet again, but since VW operatives are insisting that they have "new" news about The Damn Thing, we'll go ahead and get our Giant Red Stapler out and nail it to your proverbial cardboard cubicle walls. The USA version of The Damn Thing will have a 91 kWh battery and 282HP for the RWD variant, and 330HP and dual motors for the available AWD version. (And a top speed of an electronically limited 90 mph.) But, VW operatives are most giddy about the fact that the USA version will have three rows of seats! Halle-frickin'-luja!!! (In other news, the new phone book's here!!! -WG) In case you need to be reminded, the ID. Buzz is 192.4 inches long, which is nearly 10 inches longer than the two-row Buzz, the additional length coming from a 127.5-inch wheelbase, versus 117.6 inches for the two-row. It is 77.9 inches wide and 74.6 inches tall, making it roughly as wide as an Atlas, but five inches taller. The coefficient of drag is just 0.29, at least allegedly. Let's face it, the previous Most Botched Launch Ever trophy went - hands down - to the most recent Ford Thunderbird, which was unveiled in 1997, suffered through an ill-fated - and yes, botched - launch in 2002-2003, and was finally put out of its misery in 2005. VW's handling of The Damn Thing is even more egregious. VW first showed it in January 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show. And guess what? It is not arriving in the USA market until late fall of 2024 as a 2025 model. And seeing as that means we won't see any of The Damn Things at dealers until January 2025, that will make it eight full years since it was unveiled in Detroit. I don't know about you, but that's unmitigated Bush League Bullshit from where we sit. Over and out. -PMD

(Chevrolet images)

Take a good long look, because this is the last ICE Camaro to be built. The sixth-generation Camaro will be retired at the conclusion of the 2024 model year, so Chevrolet is - of course - offering a final special Collector’s Edition on the LT/RS, LT1, SS and ZL1 trims in North America. The 2024 Camaro Collector’s Edition harkens back to the development of the first-generation Camaro in the 1960s - which was code named Panther - and this provided inspiration for the Chevrolet Performance Design Studio. “We found it fitting for this Collector’s Edition Camaro to officially recognize the significance of the original code name and share it with Camaro enthusiasts,” said Rich Scheer, design director, Chevrolet Performance. “Of course, the name ‘Panther’ influenced the colors used, Panther Black Metallic for SS and Panther Matte Black for ZL1.” The Collector’s Edition equips LT/RS, LT1 and SS trims with a new Panther Black Metallic Tintcoat paint, Satin Black accent stripes, 20-inch Satin Black or optional Polished Forged Wheels, the front splitter from the 1LE package and coupes receive the rear spoiler from the ZL1 package. The 650HP LT4-powered ZL1 Collector’s Edition, limited to just 350 units, will feature a Panther Black Matte exterior color – the first matte paint offered on Camaro from the factory. The ZL1 will also feature the front splitter from the ZL1 1LE, and the rear wing from ZL1 1LE on coupes. The Black Metallic ZL1 stripe, red brake calipers and black lug nuts complete the exterior look. On the inside, all 350 Collector’s Edition ZL1 vehicles receive a serialized steering wheel badge representing where that vehicle was built in sequence. Across all builds, Camaro Collector’s Editions receive unique front fender script badging that integrates a panther into the “R,” and a panther on the steering wheel badge. These Camaro builds also feature special floor mats with a laser-etched aluminum Collector’s Edition logo and unique black interior treatments. Those who purchase a Camaro Collector’s Edition will receive a welcome kit which contains two posters commemorating the Camaro generations and the Collector’s Edition. Camaro ZL1 Collector’s Edition owners will also receive a bespoke Canfield Sport 45mm watch from Shinola commemorating the Collector’s Edition, with an inscribed serial number that matches the number on their vehicle’s steering wheel badge. This wearable keepsake features Camaro and panther motifs, from the panther engraved watch band to the Camaro logo housed on the watch face. Additional updates to the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro will be available in coupe and convertible on LT, LT1, SS and ZL1 trims, with 1LE remaining an available option on SS and ZL1. Power for 2024 Camaro builds will come from the 3.6L V-6, 6.2L LT1 V-8 and the supercharged 6.2L LT4 V-8. New exterior colors - Riptide Blue and Nitro Metallic Yellow - can be selected across all trims. Chevrolet dealers begin accepting orders for the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro on June 15, with a starting MSRP of $32,495 for the LT coupe and $38,495 for the LT convertible.

 

(Honda images)
American Honda has announced that a new SCL500 "scrambler"-style motorcycle is coming to the U.S. market. The 2023 SCL500 "harkens back to the early '60s, when simple, stripped-down motorcycles like Honda's CL72 came on the scene," according to Honda PR minions. The all-new SCL500 features all the key "scrambler" styling elements—upright riding position, high-routed exhaust, block tires, ample suspension travel and a retro aesthetic—in an approachable package and at an attractive price. Leveraging the 500cc parallel-twin engine that has proven so successful in models like the Rebel 500, the retro-inspired SCL500 is light and nimble, making it a casual, fun entry for a broad swath of customers, from new riders to more seasoned enthusiasts. Because personalization is vital to many fans of this genre, a wide range of Honda Accessories will be offered for the SCL500, enabling owners to customize their rides as they see fit. How much? $6,799 And it comes in Candy Orange (above) or Mattel Laurel Green Metallic (below). It arrives at Honda dealers in June.

(Petersen Automotive Museum images)
The Petersen Automotive Museum has unveiled a new exhibit titled “Splendor and Speed: Treasures of the Petersen Collection," which unites the most rare and renowned vehicles and artifacts in the Petersen’s collection. Visitors will have a unique opportunity to view these historically significant machines and objects as a cohesive display, showcasing the diversity and grandeur of the museum’s permanent collection. The exhibit is located in the Bruce Meyer Family Gallery on the museum's second floor. Highlighted vehicles on display include the the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe by Jonckheere (above), the 1939 “Shah” Bugatti Type 57C Cabriolet by Vanvooren, the 1953 Cadillac Series 62 by Ghia, the 1938 Delahaye 135 by Figoni et Falaschi, the 1952 Ferrari 212/225 Inter Barchetta by Carrozzeria Touring, the 1956 Jaguar XKSS formerly owned by Steve McQueen, the 1967 Ford GT40 Mark III (a rare street version of the competition car), the 1932 Ford “Ray Brown Roadster,” the 1937 Delage D8-120 Aerosport Coupe by Letourneur et Marchand and the 1947 Cisitalia 202 Coupe by Pinin Farina. Nearly 100 original mid-20th century design models and works of automotive concept art, more than 30 minutes of rare film footage, and numerous one-of-a-kind artifacts represent the museum’s important non-vehicular archives. “The display is a fitting reflection of the exceptional assortment of vehicles we have in our collection,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “We are delighted to have visitors view the museum's most cherished vehicles and artifacts.” Following the “Splendor and Speed” exhibit, the museum will open “Fast/Forward: Strother MacMinn’s Sports Cars of the Future” on Saturday, June 3. This display will unite an assortment of extraordinary sports cars from the 1950s for the first time ever, highlighting their innovative designs as acknowledged by Strother MacMinn in his 1959 book "Sports Cars of the Future." In addition, a new Ferrari exhibit is set to open in The Vault, sponsored by Hagerty, on Father’s Day weekend. This exhibit will explore Enzo Ferrari’s influence on the marque brand. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.    
1957 Jaguar XKSS.
1967 Ford GT40 Mk III.

Driving memories.

By Tom Pease

Beverly Hills. I know that when you penned this week’s rant you weren’t necessarily looking for the rest of us to share, but here are a few from my personal memory banks:

As a kid on a hot summer day watching a neighbor taking the old roadster he stored at his Mom's (our neighbor) house to some meet-up in the Berkshire foothills. My sister and I got to go and rode in the rumble seat, briefly becoming airborne when we went over a bridge on route 9. I still remember the terror/thrill of “these things aren’t SAFE- let’s do it again!”

Years later in that same hometown on a chilly late October morning, driving my FIAT 2000 Spyder off to classes. Top down, because unless it was sleeting that top was down. Hat and scarf. Wood steering wheel and shift knob in gloved hands. Heater on full blast, radio on full blast, fall colors on full blast. Headed down the hill on Elm street by Smith, looking at the picture-perfect town with Mount Tom incarnadined with fall foliage and having a moment. Thinking that this is, at this point in time, a beautiful place, and a beautiful moment that I will always remember. And have.

Or recently, following someone on Mulholland on a late-evening Sunday drive. Him in an E-Type Jag and me in my Z-3. Neither one of us in a real hurry and neither one of us trying to prove anything. Me enjoying KCRW’s choices in new music (I am not an old fart if I like Raul Campos’ playlist, right?), the sound of the Jags' sweet blatting exhaust as the driver downshifts, and the smell of hydrocarbons and night-blooming jasmine. The perfume that says “LA” to me.

These are memories that are marked indelibly in my mind: far better than my iPhone or my powers of description could memorialize them. Stopping to try would have ruined them.There are others of course that are not related to cars, and more that are. There’s a passage in Rebecca where the unnamed heroine opines that she wishes there was in invention that could bottle up memories “like scent” and when you wished to relive them you could just open the bottle and do so. I would like to have that if only to allow that October morning and all that I felt and saw and thought to be experienced by the person who wonders aloud what the big deal about driving is to people like us. Would they want to go back to their little auto-pods after?

The AE Song of the Week:

Baby, don't understand
Why we can't just hold on
To each other's hands
This time might be the last
I fear, unless I make it all too clear
I need you so

Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up
And let us in
Take these broken wings

Baby, think tonight
We can take what was wrong
And make it right
Baby, it's all I know
That you're half of the flesh
And blood makes me whole
I need you so

So take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up
And let us in

Take these broken wings
You've got to learn to fly, learn to live, love so free
When we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up and let us in yeah, yeah

Let us in
Let us in

Baby, it's all I know that you're half of the flesh
And blood that makes me whole
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah

So take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
Learn to live so free
And when we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up 
And let us in

Take these broken wings
You got to learn to fly
Learn to live and love so free
And when we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up for us and let us in
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah

"Broken Wings" by Mr. Mister, from the album "Welcome To The Real World" (1985).* Written by John Ross Lang, Richard James Page and Steve George. Publisher: Actual Music, S.L., BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here. 

*This classic pop song was inspired by a book the lyricist John Lang read called The Broken Wings, which was written by the Lebanese poet-philosopher Kahlil Gibran. The book, which was written in 1912, is a story of a love that is doomed by social convention. Its theme is echoed in this song: picking up the pieces of your life and moving on. There is a note of heartbreak, however, as the singer is asking the girl to spread her wings and fly away, hoping that love will bring her back. The line, "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" appears in The Beatles song "Blackbird." Paul McCartney and John Lennon both drew from the work of Kahlil Gibran, as the first two lines of The Beatles "Julia" came from Gibran's 1926 poem Sand And Foam: "Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you, Julia." John Lang wrote this song with Mr. Mister frontman Richard Page and guitarist Steve George. According to Page, they were at his home in California when the three of them came up with the song in about 20 minutes and recorded it on Page's tape machine. This was the first single from Mr. Mister's second album. Their record company, RCA, wanted to release an uptempo song first, but the band fought them on it and won out. Released ahead of the album, the song went to #1 US in December 1985, marking a breakthrough for the band, whose biggest hit from their first album was "Hunters of the Night," which peaked at #57. The follow-up single, "Kyrie," also went to #1. The video shows Richard Page driving a Thunderbird convertible through a parched Los Angeles landscape. He comes to a church, where a hawk arrives for divine guidance, and continues his journey, which takes him to the ocean. The black-and-white clip was directed by Oley Sassone, who would go on to direct episodes of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. In our interview with Sassone, he explained: "The subtext of the story and what I wanted the audience to feel was our hero's own backstory in his mind. The tango dancers, juxtaposed with the images of him getting lost while driving, tossing a map and instead following the hawk overhead was, symbolically, his own soul, his own voice deep inside telling him to carry on - to lead him to a new path, a new beginning." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)  

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