FEBRUARY 1, 2023

(Mercedes-Benz images)
Mercedes‑AMG is upgrading its GLE SUV and GLE Coupe models for 2024, and they're arriving at U.S. dealerships in 2023. Buyers get newly designed LED daytime running lights and revised LED taillights, and the GLE 53 models also receive a revised front fascia with side air intakes. Two new colors have been added to the palette, including MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey and Twilight Blue Metallic. In other news, the AMG emblem appears on the front hood of the vehicle, which which will be the case for all future AMG vehicles. A new 22‑inch forged wheel in a ten‑twin‑spoke design is fitted standard on the GLE 63 S Coupe and available as an option for the other models. The AMG seats are exclusively available with leather upholstery, including new colorways in Bahia Brown/Black and Macchiato Beige/Black. Trim elements in High-Gloss Brown Linden Wood or MANUFAKTUR Piano Black Flowing Lines are now also available. There's a bunch of other detailed new stuff in the interior, but the most important details are these: The GLE 53 is powered by a AMG-enhanced 3.0L, 429HP inline six‑cylinder engine. With the help of a software update and a larger turbocharger, the AMG development team increased the maximum torque from 384 lb-ft to 413 lb-ft. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 4.9 seconds, one second quicker than before. The GLE 63 S is another thing altogether. It is powered by the proven, Handcrafted AMG 4.0L Biturbo V8 which produces 603HP. Other stuff? Fine-tuning of the software tweaks the configuration of the ESP®, electronically controlled rear‑axle limited-slip differential, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all‑wheel drive and the suspension control system delivers a dynamic driving experience for all models. Both engines are electrified by means of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a 48‑volt electrical system. The ISG combines a starter and alternator in one electric motor and is installed between the engine and the transmission. The ISG performs a number of functions including, boosting, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start/stop function. Pricing to come, but suffice to say, bring loads of Ca$h-ola.

(Lamborghini)
Lamborghini has started delivering the Urus S to worldwide markets. The replacement for the original Urus joins the new Urus Performante in Lamborghini's Super SUV stable. The Urus S features specific, sophisticated enhancements, including a front-end with a matte black stainless steel skidplate, and glossy black details on the front grille, bumpers and side skirts; a wider choice of colors and finishes compared to the original Urus, including rims, style packages and interior and exterior details. The selection of interior colors and finishes include the new Bicolore Sportivo and Bicolore Sophisticated options; both featuring the new Performante trim, with stitching in a special new pattern. The Bicolore Sportivo option utilizes fresh new color flashes as well. In addition, the dual-color leather upholstery combines black leather with new contrasting color options, including Blu Leandro (Leandro Blue) and Verde Aura (Aura Green), as well as tan, cream and brown. The new Urus S gives customers the opportunity to fully customize their vehicles to suit their individual styles. Editor's Note: We love it. From afar. -WG

(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. 

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 Rowntree, Graham Coxon and Steven Alexander James. Publisher: BMG Rights Management; Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the 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 US. They are 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 is the second track on the CD, the second single from the album, it hit #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)

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