JANUARY 25, 2023

(Porsche images)
On June 8, 1948 - 75 years ago - the 356 No. 1 Roadster became the first automobile bearing the Porsche name to receive its general operating permit – effectively the birth of the sports car brand. Porsche is marking its anniversary year with the new Porsche Vision 357 concept, a reference to the Porsche 356, Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car. The Vision 357 concept car brings that monolithic form into the present day. The Style Porsche Team established this new concept as being reflective of "the interplay between tradition and innovation: what would the dream of a sports car of Ferry Porsche might look like today?" according to Porsche PR minions. “We created a very special birthday present in the form of the Porsche Vision 357, one which uses the 356 as a basis to underscore the significance of our design DNA,” said Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. “The concept car is an attempt to combine the past, present and future with coherency, featuring proportions that are reminiscent of its historical archetype and details that visualize the outlook for the future.” Built on the technology platform of the 718 GT4 RS, the Porsche Vision 357 exterior concept study is the highlight of the special exhibition “75 Years of Porsche sports cars” at the Volkswagen Group’s “DRIVE” Forum in Berlin, which opened with an exclusive evening event on January 25, 2023. The exhibition will be open to the public from January 27, 2023, and the Porsche Vision 357 will be on exhibit until mid-February. The functional details are integrated and underpin the sculptural character of the vehicle. This includes the concealed door openers by the side windows and the tail lights, which sit behind a patterned array of points in the body itself. Another nod to the original is the grille pattern in the rear, in which the third brake light is integrated. Like all current Porsche models, the Vision 357 features a four-point light signet in front. The round design of the headlights is also a throwback to the characteristic lights of the 356. There are also parallels in the paintwork: the two-tone concept with Ice Grey Metallic and Grivola Grey Metallic in the nether regions of the front end hearkens back to the grey tones that were already popular in the 1950s. The 20-inch wheels are made of magnesium and are equipped with aerodynamically advantageous carbon fiber hubcaps and central locks. Visually, they also recall a legendary Porsche wheel: the 356 A and 356 B with drum brakes had rims with the notably large bolt circle of 205 millimeters. The “75” anniversary logo adorns the doors and the front of the concept car like a start number. And that is far from the only detail from the world of racing: there’s nothing behind the lower area of the front wheels, which allows better ventilation of the wheel arches. The wrap-around, jointless front hood is fastened with quick-release mechanisms. Threaded rods stabilize the large front spoiler. On the side sills, the Porsche designers employed natural fiber-reinforced plastic (NFRP) – as in the Porsche Mission R, the concept study for an all-electric GT racing car presented in 2021. The basis for the sustainable materials is provided by flax fibers from agriculture. Instead of traditional exterior mirrors, the concept car is equipped with cameras on the edge of the roof. The visible tailpipe trim in the rear is made of a blueish-looking titanium, while the inside of the tailpipe is made of ceramic. Like the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, the Porsche Vision 357 has process air intakes positioned high behind the driver- and passenger-side windows, which designers adorned with comic-style “Air” decals. Like the “eFuel” logo on the tank cap on the right wing, the decals are reminiscent of motorsport decals. The naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine theoretically draws 493HP from four liters of displacement. The high-speed mid-engine would be designed for operation with e-fuels. The design study will also be presented at the South by Southwest in Austin from March 10, 2023, and at further international events over the course of the year.

(Audi images)

 The Activesphere concept is the fourth model in the series of "sphere" concept vehicles introduced by Audi. Following the Skysphere roadster in 2021, and both the Audi Grandsphere sedan and the Audi Urbansphere space concept in April 2022, the four-door Activesphere is a crossover coupé. The concept is 4.98 meters long, with a higher ground clearance and large 22-inch wheels. The Activesphere has a sportback rear that can turn into an open cargo bed at the touch of a button – designed to carry recreational equipment such as e-bikes, or water and winter sports gear. The Audi Activesphere features a drive system and suspension that make it equally adept both on and off the road. The steering wheel and pedals allow the driver to actively control the car, while also offering autonomous driving capability. The concept car was conceived and designed at the Audi Design Studio in Malibu, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Coast Highway. Studio manager Gael Buzyn and his team are the creative minds behind the project. He describes the idea for the concept: “The activesphere is unique. It is a new type of crossover that cleverly combines the elegance of an Audi Sportback, the practicality of a SUV and true offroad capabilities.”

(BMW)
BMW is releasing a special, limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS. The "CS" stands for “Competition Sport” - the designation BMW gives to its exclusive M models, which are designed to be equally at home on road and track. What do you get? More power, unique chassis calibration and intelligent lightweight construction, featuring carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) components designed to deliver exhilarating performance without sacrificing functionality and everyday usability. What you need to know: Limited-edition, high performance model based on the M3 Competition with M xDrive; 543HP TwinPower Turbo inline-6 paired with M xDrive and 8-speed M Steptronic gearbox; 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 188 mph with standard M Driver’s Package. How much? $118,700 plus $995 destination and handling. (Gulp.) U.S. production will start in March 2023. 

(Chevrolet Images)
Exactly 70 years after the Corvette debuted at Motorama in New York City, Chevrolet has returned to introduce the first-ever electrified Corvette with all-wheel-drive and a powerful 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8: The 2024 E-Ray. “In 1953, the enthusiastic reaction to the Chevrolet Corvette concept kicked off seven decades of passion, performance and American ingenuity,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors president. “E-Ray, as the first electrified, all-wheel-drive Corvette, takes it a step further and expands the promise of what Corvette can deliver.” Developed to be the Corvette owners can arrive in anywhere, no matter the season, the new E-Ray — available in removable roof coupe and hardtop convertible models — uses electrification to enhance the driving experience with intense straight-line performance, all-weather confidence and sure-footed grand touring capabilities that can only be achieved with eAWD. E-Ray is also the only sports car pairing two separate propulsion systems to provide naturally aspirated V-8 power with electrified responsiveness powered by eAWD, making it "one like none," according to Chevrolet PR minions.

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray’s electrified propulsion system is designed to provide exhilarating acceleration to power out of corners and effortlessly complete passing maneuvers. It can also provide limited all-electric propulsion at the driver’s discretion upon startup. E-Ray’s standard Active Fuel Management system uses the electric motor to extend 4-cylinder operation in various driving scenarios. The amount of electric assist is tailored within each of the Corvette E-Ray’s six driver-selectable modes: Tour, Sport, Track, Weather, My Mode and Z-Mode. Drivers can also select the Charge+ feature, which maximizes the battery’s state of charge. The E-Ray Performance App on the infotainment system provides the driver with technical insights into how the propulsion system is operating. There are three primary display layouts: Gauges (displays dynamic power output from electric motor and V-8 engine); Dyno (provides graph of power/torque across selectable time intervals) and Data (showcases electrical system performance and efficiency). The Corvette E-Ray’s electric motor over the front axle is compact, preserving space in the front storage compartment. The Corvette E-Ray’s two driver-initiated electric modes enable the car to travel under electric propulsion in certain conditions. The electric motor also optimizes track performance. Stealth Mode enables all-electric driving, when selected at start-up, for a period of time before the engine turns on for normal driving. It is designed for quietly exiting a neighborhood, with a maximum speed of 45 mph. The engine automatically engages if the vehicle’s speed exceeds the limit, additional torque is requested by the driver, or the E-Ray’s battery pack is depleted. When it comes to leveraging the electrified propulsion system for enhanced track performance, E-Ray's eAWD control system applies torque to the front axle as needed. The Charge+ feature can be used to maximize battery state of charge for extended lapping. The custom-designed Performance Traction Management (PTM) modes are optimized in concert with the eAWD propulsion system.
The E-Ray is the quickest production Corvette in history, achieving 0-60 mph in 2.5-seconds and the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. “Corvettes must provide an exhilarating driving experience on backroads and tracks, and E-Ray nails it,” said Tadge Juechter, executive chief engineer, Corvette. “The electrification technology enhances the feeling of control in all conditions, adding an unexpected degree of composure.” The E-Ray packs plenty of low-end torque. Power comes from the 6.2L LT2 Small Block V-8, putting 495HP and 470 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle. It is complemented by an electric motor that channels an additional 160HP and 125 lb-ft of torque through the front wheels via a 1.9 kWh battery pack, which is located between the seats. In total, E-Ray produces a combined 655HP from both the electric motor and Small Block V-8.
E-Ray’s intelligent eAWD system is constantly learning the road surface, seamlessly adapting to meet traction conditions and driver needs. During spirited driving and in low traction environments, E-Ray’s eAWD system applies additional power to the front wheels, helping to enhance vehicle stability. There is no need for plug-in charging for the E-Ray’s battery system. The battery is charged via regenerative energy from coasting and braking, as well as during normal driving. Additional features and technologies of the all-new E-Ray include: Stealth Mode, an electric drive mode for the street, up to 45 mph; New lightweight lithium-ion 12-volt battery that supports the LT2 V-8 engine’s stop/start functionality; Standard Brembo Carbon Ceramic brake system for optimal braking performance; Standard Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 with three distinct suspension settings; Staggered 20- and 21-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires are available with an optional performance package; The low, wide stance has crafted body styling from the Z06 that is 3.6 inches wider overall than Stingray; Enhanced roster of driver assistance technologies (shared with all 2024 Corvette models), including Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking. 
There are multiple options for customers to select when it comes to personalizing their E-Ray’s interior including two carbon fiber trim packages, three seat choices, seven interior colors, and more. E-Ray also introduces the all-new Artemis Dipped interior, which features complementary deep green tones on nearly every interior surface and will only be available on 2024 Corvettes. Additionally, there are new Charge+ and Stop/Start buttons on the console and updates to the infotainment system and instrument cluster aimed at providing a more integrated appearance.
The E-Ray shares its purposeful, wide-body proportions with the Z06, accommodating wide wheels that help manage the car’s greater torque delivery. The lightweight alloy wheels have a twisted five-spoke star design that is exclusive to E-Ray. E-Ray design highlights include: Four aluminum wheel finishes; Fourteen exterior color choices — including new for 2024 Riptide Blue, Seawolf Gray and Cacti; An E-Ray-exclusive body-length stripe package in Electric Blue; Standard carbon flash badging and Available black exhaust tips and bright badging. 
Carbon fiber ground effects are available and carbon fiber wheels are available in carbon flash, visible carbon fiber finish or visible carbon fiber with a red stripe. The 2024 Corvette E-Ray goes on sale in 2023, with an MSRP of $104,2954 for the 1LZ coupe and $111,2954 for the 1LZ convertible model, with production to take place at GM’s Bowling Green Assembly facility in Kentucky, from U.S. and globally sourced parts. Go to chevrolet.com for more information.

The AE Song of the Week:

Almost cut my hair
Happened just the other day
It's gettin' kind of long
I could've said it was in my way

But I didn't and I wonder why
I feel like letting my freak flag fly
And I feel like I owe it, to someone, yeah

Must be because I had the flu this Christmas
And I'm not feeling up to par
And increases my paranoia
Like looking in my mirror and seeing a police car

But I'm not, I'm not giving in an inch to fear
'Cause I've promised myself this year
I feel oh, like I owe it, to someone

When I get myself together
I'm gonna get down in that sunny southern weather, yeah

I'm goin' find a space inside a laugh, yes
Separate the wheat from some chaff
I feel
Like I owe it, yeah, to someone

"Almost Cut My Hair" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, from the album Déjà Vu (1970).* Written by David Crosby, Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. 

*David Crosby recorded this track with the last remaining moments of studio time that the band had remaining, and while he was still reeling from the death of Christine Hinton days earlier in a car accident. She had been his girlfriend, and he was obviously still grieving. The pain in his normally smooth voice reflects a cracked and angry quality, belied by the lighthearted directive he makes at the start of the recording. If you listen to it, he starts, then stops, and comments as to the pace and gain of the recording, then the song starts again. According to the story as told by Crosby on the air with Bob Coburn of KLOS in the late 1990s, the recording is the only take that was done. With long hair and a walrus mustache, Crosby was clearly part of the counterculture movement. Cutting his hair would represent an assimilation, giving in. This song deals with when he considered it. The full, unedited recording of this song was released on the CSN boxed set in 1991. Crosby can be heard giving instructions at the beginning of the take ("not quite that slow..."). This was recorded in San Francisco with Stills, Crosby and Young all playing guitar. Nash handled organ; Greg Reeves played bass and Dallas Taylor was on drums. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com) David Crosby died on January 19 at the age of 81. Another rock legend lost. Read an interview of David Crosby from two months ago conducted by Greg Prato for Songfacts.com here.

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