NOVEMBER 20, 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 

Editor's Note: From the "Totally Off The Rails" Department, we have Jaguar, which announced this week a "reimagining" for the brand in a press release that sets new standards for unmitigated bullshit. "A new era begins today for Jaguar," according to the PR minions. "A completely transformed Jaguar brand recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that can trace its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. Jaguar’s transformation is defined by Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy that underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. It embraces bold designs, unexpected and original thinking, creating a brand character that will command attention through fearless creativity." But wait, there's more. "This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience," says Jaguar Chief Creative Officer Professor Gerry McGovern, OBE. "We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community." The full public display of pretentiousness will take place on December 2 at Miami Art Week, at which time Jaguar will present “Copy Nothing,” the first global public installation for its new brand that will include "the physical manifestation of its Exuberant Modernism creative philosophy, in a Design Vision Concept," the press release promises. "Jaguar’s presence in Miami will establish its advocacy for artistic expression, in all its forms. Through a series of meticulously curated gallery spaces over two locations, Jaguar will share its platform with new and ground‑breaking emerging artists who share its ethos of Copy Nothing." Wow. Just Wow. You can watch the 30-second promo video here - but don't say you weren't warned. -WG  Editor-In-Chief's Note: The video is abhorrent in every respect. What an insult to a once-glorious brand. The so-called leaders of the Jaguar brand are hell-bent on leading it to The Pantheon of Embarrassing Irrelevance by blowing up any connection to its past, which is inexcusable and unforgivable. -PMD

(VW images)

Volkswagen of America Inc. has unveiled an all-new 2025 Tiguan. VW’s best-selling nameplate in the U.S., the 2025 Tiguan features bolder styling, more power, enhanced fuel efficiency, a refined, high-quality interior and introduces an advanced infotainment system to elevate the in-cabin experience. The Tiguan has been fully redesigned on the MQB evo platform with all-new sheet metal, a shorter rear overhang and a slight wheelbase increase. The new Tiguan features new wheels and colors across the range. Standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are replaced on volume trims with 19-inch wheels, while top trims get 20-inch wheels. Three new color options are available including Avocado Green Pearl, Sandstone Uni and Monterey Blue Pearl. Significant upgrades in interior quality include premium materials, such as genuine American walnut wood décor, a wrapped and double-stitched center console, upgraded Savona leather interiors, and cloth seats with an embossed design. The gear selector has now been moved onto the steering column. The Tiguan will be offered exclusively in two-row configuration for the North American region. Other available comfort and convenience features include a power Easy Open/Close tailgate; 12-way power front seats with quilted leather seating surfaces plus 10-point, full-back massage and ventilation; heated rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel; and three-zone Climatronic. The 2025 Tiguan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 four-cylinder engine which now makes 201HP (up from 184HP). In addition to the power upgrade, the new Tiguan weighs around 170 pounds less than the outgoing model, helping both fuel economy and acceleration. The weight savings are in large part due to the use of aluminum in the suspension and high-strength hot-formed steel in the body structure. We can tell you that the list of new stuff on the 2025 VW Tiguan goes on and on. Availability and pricing of the all-new 2025 Tiguan will be announced closer to launch, but don't expect it in VW showrooms before next summer at the earliest.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Our new segment - The Farley Follies - in honor of CEO Jim "Electric Boy" Farley and his chronic mismanagement of Ford, has proven to be quite popular with our readers. (Please scroll down for updates. -WG) The recurring question we get asked is, "Why is he still there?" The latest evidence of Farley's rumblin' bumblin' and stumblin' was Ford's recent financial report, which has the company's third-quarter net income falling 26 percent. Now, this was largely attributed to Ford delaying some of its EVs - (Cue Johny Carson: "Gee, I did not know that." -WG), but it resulted in the company also lowering its full-year adjusted EBIT to “around $10 billion” after previously saying it could earn as much as $12 billion. But wait! Farley Apologist-in-Chief - CFO John Lawler - said it was all good, because the company's total adjusted earnings - before interest and taxes - rose 16 percent to $2.6 billion, with a revenue increase of 5 percent to $46 billion. Huzzah! “It’s a good proof point of our product strategy and our overall Ford+ strategy,” Lawler said on a call with reporters Oct. 28, as reported by Automotive News. “We grew the top line, we grew the bottom line, our balance sheet’s in great shape, so it was a solid quarter.” Really, John? That's all you got? Lawler went on to say that Ford has cut $2 billion in costs this year, but those reductions are being offset by inflation and higher warranty expenses. (Italics mine.) “We’ve got a great strategy, but cost is holding us back,” Lawler said. “It’s an opportunity for us to really unlock the full potential of Ford, and that’s why we’re focused on improving costs not only this focus but every quarter.” Lawler, without specifying an exact dollar amount, according to AN, said Ford’s warranty costs were slightly lower than at the same point a year earlier. That follows an $800 million year-over-year increase in the second quarter. This is Farley speak writ large. Pay no attention to that ol' bugaboo behind the curtain! Ford's abject failure to deal with its crushing warranty costs, which Farley promised to get a handle on from Day One, has permanently scarred the company, and that's directly due to Jimbo's serial incompetence. The Bottom Line for Ford? The Farley Follies continue unabated, and it is wreaking havoc on any of the good will accrued by Bill Ford and his fabulous resurrection of the Michigan Central station. And now, an ugly reality is looming for Bill Ford, because he has no succession plan for After Farley, which should be much sooner rather than later. I would like to point out to our readers that Jimbo "has plenty of money" as he took it upon himself to tell me repeatedly. (Yeah, he's a card-carrying Unctuous Prick, in case you were wondering.) So, there's no reason to fret about his future After Ford. He'll just retreat to California and spend money like water on his vintage racing habit. In closing, in thinking about the consistently underwhelming performance by Farley, I'm reminded of the exceptional - and memorable - quote by Joe Pesci in Casino when describing an underperforming wise guy: "He could fuck-up a cup of coffee." That's an apt and painfully accurate description of Farley. -PMD Editor's Note (11/6): As if right on cue, Ford announced on Halloween that it would idle its F-150 Lightning EV plant in mid-November for the rest of the year. How's that EV thing working out, "Electric Boy"? - WG Editor-in-Chief's Note (11/15): Ford has agreed to pay a fine of up to $165 million — the second-largest civil fine ever levied by NHTSA — for failing to comply with federal recall requirements, according to Automotive News. NHTSA determined that Ford failed to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras in a timely manner and failed to provide accurate and complete recall information. Just a reminder: Ford has led the auto industry in U.S. recalls for three consecutive years. It is leading the industry again this year with 58 recalls, tied with Stellantis. Ford executives in October cited cost concerns, especially warranties, as a main reason for lowered earnings expectations. And the hits to the bottom line just keep on comin' under Electric Boy's watch. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz)

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is the "affordable" entry in the AMG GT model portfolio. The new coupe "offers an engaging dynamic driving experience, agile handling and extensive standard equipment," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. The lightweight, Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine in the new AMG GT 43 produces 416HP and features an electric exhaust gas turbocharger – technology derived from Formula 1™. This enables immediate throttle response across the entire rpm range and acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Rear-wheel drive and standard AMG sport suspension also support the dynamic driving experience, which is further heightened with the optional AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive adjustable damping. It arrives at U.S. dealerships this fall. How much? It starts at $105,900.

(Porsche)

This doesn't interest us in the least, but some of our readers may care. Porsche has expanded its Taycan portfolio. After adding more power, more range and better charging performance at the beginning of 2024, three new variants are available for 2025: The new Taycan GTS has up to 690HP of peak power with Launch Control, and it is available in either sports sedan or Sport Turismo body styles. In addition, the Taycan 4 is now available as the entry-level all-wheel drive sedan. The three new models feature more extensive standard equipment and come with the latest generation of the Porsche Driver Experience. The simultaneous improvement of performance and efficiency is down to a number of factors: an advanced powertrain with a new rear-axle motor with up to 107HP more power than its predecessor on all models, a modified pulse inverter with optimized software, more powerful batteries, revised thermal management, a next-generation heat pump, increased recuperation and optional all-wheel-drive. At 800-volt DC charging stations, for example, it can be charged at up to 320 kW under ideal conditions. The maximum recuperation capacity during deceleration from high speeds has increased to up to 400 kW. Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is all well and good, but the Taycan qualifies as a 5,000 lb. soulless appliance wrapped in Porsche bodywork and logos. When battery technology gets better - meaning lighter weight and better performance under all conditions - we may take another look, but the lack of meaningful sound will always be a nonstarter for us. -PMD

(Bugatti images)

The Bugatti W16 Mistral has set a new top-speed world record for an open-top car - 453.91 km/h (282.046 mph) - on November 9, 2024. The speed mark was achieved at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH, Germany. Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and a former winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle’s bespoke high-performance tires on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 km/h into the banking of the track, Andy increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record-speed. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 km/h. “Throughout the testing program leading up to this moment, it was incredible to feel how stable the car felt – I got the sense that it wanted to go faster,” explained Andy Wallace. “And when it came to the moment itself, the experience was overwhelmingly thrilling; feeling the elemental forces from the open-top cockpit, the sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops next to my ear – it made the achievement incredibly emotional. A record like this pushes the boundaries of automotive innovation, and requires immense focus, dedication, and teamwork to realize. It’s a true testament to the passion that everyone at Bugatti has for making history.”

(Honda images)

Honda is pumped about its new 2026 Passport, which is "completely reimagined with a bold new design expressing its adventure-ready character," according to Honda PR minions. Developed by a team of Honda engineers in Ohio and built at the Alabama Auto Plant, Passport's new, more powerful 24-valve DOHC 3.5-liter engine produces 285HP (SAE net @ 6,100 rpm) and 262 lb.-ft. of torque (SAE net @ 5,000 rpm). The Passport TrailSport will be "the most off-road capable Honda SUV ever built" with increased ground clearance, off-road tuned suspension and specially developed AT tires. The interior is tech-rich and offers more spacious passenger and cargo room than its key competitors. The TrailSport Elite trim - which is new to the lineup - packs off-road capability with top-level feature content including a new TrailWatch™ camera system. Honda will also offer a sweeping number of genuine accessories to add to its rugged capability and functionality, including robust rock sliders and the return of the stowable picnic table. (We didn't know this was a "thing" but, whatever. -WG) The 2026 Passport will begin arriving at dealers early next year with a starting price in the mid-$40,000s.

 

(Cadillac images)

Cadillac is adding more choice for EV customers with the debut of the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ, a luxury three-row SUV "that delivers on the brand’s promise of performance, craftsmanship, and technology," according to Cadillac PR minions. Slotting between the LYRIQ EV and the King Kong Escalade IQ EV, VISTIQ is engineered to provide spaciousness for passengers in all three rows and offers technology that will elevate the luxury experience, including: Standard 23-speaker AKG Studio Audio system with Dolby Atmos®; Standard Super Cruise, the industry's first truly hand-free driver assistance technology (with three years of OnStar connected service); a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds with Velocity Max and a GM-estimated driving range of 300 miles. At launch, VISTIQ will offer three distinctive trims: Luxury, Sport and Premium Luxury. Coming in summer 2025, VISTIQ will launch in Platinum trim, with added performance elements and more interior and exterior color options, allowing the customer to choose a vehicle that matches their own personality and preferences. VISTIQ will be sold globally, including in the U.S. and Canada, with production starting in early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. How much? The VISTIQ starts at $78,790, including destination freight charge, and excluding tax, title, and dealer fees. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We can wait, obviously; it's just not us. And one more thing that makes us cringe - the curb weight is a whopping 6,326 lbs. Not. Very. Good. -PMD

(Cadillac images)

(Cadillac images)

The AE Song of the Week:

Monday mornin' feels so bad
Ev'rybody seems to nag me
Comin' Tuesday I feel better
Even my old man looks good
Wed'sday just don't go
Thursday goes too slow
I've got Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city
Be with my girl, she's so pretty
She looks fine tonight
She is out of sight to me
Tonight I'll spend my bread, tonight
I'll lose my head, tonight
I've got to get to night
Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

Do the five day grind once more
I know of nothin' else that bugs me
More than workin' for the rich man
Hey! I'll change that scene one day
Today I might be mad, tomorrow I'll be glad
'Cause I'll have Friday on my mind

Gonna have fun in the city
Be with my girl, she's so pretty
She looks fine tonight.
She is out of sight to me
Tonight I'll spend my bread, tonight
I'll lose my head, tonight
I've got to get to night
Monday I'll have Friday on my mind

"Friday On My Mind" by The Easybeats, from the album "Friday On My Mind" (1966)*. Written by George Redburn Young and Harry Vanda. Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch and Listen here. 

*This song was co-written by Easybeats guitarists George Young and Harry Vanda, who were the primary songwriters in the group (Young is the older brother of Malcolm and Angus Young from AC/DC). Vanda described the song as reminiscent of the days where the band members lived in hostels in Sydney as "new Australians." They would hang out for the end of the week because that's when the fun began. Previously, the band's main songwriting team had been George Young and lead singer Stevie Wright. Vanda and Young produced The Easybeats' later albums and after the group broke up in 1969, formed their own group, Flash And The Pan, which had a few successes during the late '70s and early '80s. They also continued writing and producing hits for other artists like AC/DC and John Paul Young. The Easybeats were already huge in their native Australia when they recorded this song, but this was their first hit outside of that country. After scoring several Aussie hits in 1965, they got an international distribution deal in 1966. In the UK, "Come And See Her" was their first single, and in the US, "Make You Feel Alright (Women)" was chosen. Their second single in each territory was "Friday On My Mind," which was their breakthrough (the song was also a monster in Australia, where it was #1 for eight weeks).

The group was not able to capitalize, falling victim to drug abuse, management struggles, and internal strife. It was six-months before their next single, "Who'll Be The One," appeared, and listeners were underwhelmed. They never had another US hit, and in the UK managed just one more: "Hello, How are You," which made #20 in 1968. The group recorded this song in London with producer Shel Talmy, who had previously worked with The Who and The Kinks. "They approached me via their then-manager," Talmy told Songfacts. "I liked what I'd heard, but I didn't like the songs. So, I said to them, 'Guys, go home and write a bunch of songs, come back once a week, and play me what you got.' This went on for about seven weeks. I kept rejecting stuff until after the seventh week I heard 'Friday on My Mind,' and I said, 'That's the one we're doing.'" (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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