SEPTEMBER 27, 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)

Porsche unveiled a limited-production - only 77 will be built - 911 at the Rennsport Reunion 7 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Thursday (9/28). The 911 GT3 R rennsport has a power output of up to 456 kW (620 PS) and is based on the new 911 GT3 R of the current 992 generation. "The limited-edition tracktool is the result of a design-oriented approach and benefits technically from the freedoms that go beyond motorsport regulations," according to Porsche PR minions. 

The monitors of the two fender-mounted exterior cameras blend harmoniously into the interior on each side. Special graphics for the splash screen of the central display and the limited-edition number on the instrument panel have been given the shapes of the racing car, while ambient lighting adopts the theme of the color-adjustable main headlights for the interior. All safety features comply with the applicable FIA standards. The particularly rigid roll cage design permits the installation of the driver's seat only. As is the case with the 911 GT3 R in use worldwide, the limited "rennsport" is thus a single-seater racing car.

The 18-inch BBS competition wheels are painted Dark Silver Metallic.

The design of the huge rear wing is reminiscent of the Brumos Porsche 935/77, which Peter Gregg, together with the Dutchman Toine Hezemans and the German Rolf Stommelen, took the seventh overall victory for a Porsche at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1978. A light bar consisting of fine LED strips, also incorporates illuminated Porsche lettering. The largely open rear apron dispenses with grille covers and paneling for weight reasons. 

Porsche is offering the 911 GT3 R rennsport with a bodyshell painted in Agate Grey Metallic and bodywork in pure carbon. The racing car will be available for the first time in seven colors, including Star Ruby and Signal Orange, for example. In addition, there are three exclusive paintwork designs available that make further customization possible. Thorsten Klein, Style Porsche Project Manager for the GT3 R rennsport: "Porsche has been shaped by its rich history. This is especially true in racing. This has subsequently inspired us, of course, but by no means did we want to produce a copy or an obvious retro paint job. The three options we selected are new interpretations that are realistic and not some blatant nod to the brand’s history."

Porsche Motorsport is offering the limited edition 911 GT3 R rennsport at a price of $1,046,000 plus transport, options, and applicable taxes. Potential customers can register interest via this link. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Never missing an opportunity to up-charge their well-heeled "enthusiasts" - I don't call Porsche the "Greed Merchants" for nothing - the 911 GT3 R rennsport will immediately begin occupying the 77 garages of people hell-bent on being the Biggest Tools in the Shed. These cars won't be raced, but they might appear at a track day somewhere, only to be exercised gingerly for fear of diminishing their value. It's too bad, but as long as Porsche can continue to extricate boatloads of ca$h from their willing "enthusiast" collectors, this dance will continue. -PMD

(Honda images)

The all-electric 2024 Honda Prologue is "a spacious, adventure-ready midsize SUV," according to Honda PR minions. Sharing GM Ultium EV technology with the new Chevrolet Blazer EV, the Prologue has an anticipated EPA range rating of 300 miles, DC fast charging capability and a "neo-rugged design." (Really? That's a stretch -WG.) Honda will provide Prologue customers with comprehensive charging solutions both at home and on the road. Every Prologue customer can select one of three available charging packages, included in their vehicle purchase. The Available Charging Packages: Home Charging Station (11.5 kW) and $100 Public Charging Credit, plus $500 Installation Incentive (via Honda Home Electrification; Portable Charging Kit (7.6 kW) and $300 Public Charging Credit, plus $250 Installation Incentive (via HHE); or a $750 Public Charging Credit. Pre-sale activities for Prologue will start later this year with first deliveries slated for early 2024. Honda’s first all-electric SUV will be available nationwide with a MSRP expected to start in the upper $40,000s, before the application of any government incentives or tax credits. Customers interested in the new Prologue can find more information and sign up for updates here. Watch the official Honda Video here. 

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the new AMG GLC Coupe. It comes in two models: The GLC 63 S E PERFORMANCE Coupe - the brand's first performance hybrid SUV coupe - featuring a 671HP system output and 752 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 171 mph. The GLC 43 Coupe features 416HP and a brief boost of 13HP via the belt-driven starter generator at lower engine speeds. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds with an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The extensive standard equipment list includes rear-axle steering, all-wheel drive, AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9G transmission with wet start-off clutch and AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping to enhance the dynamic driving experience. How much? They're not saying yet.

(Porsche)

Porsche is expanding its hybrid range for the new Cayenne. The new Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the third plug-in model of the luxury SUV series, and is positioned between the Cayenne E-Hybrid and the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid models. The new Cayenne S -Hybrid "impresses with its finely balanced driving dynamics, comfort and efficiency," according to Porsche PR minions. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid will be available in SUV and Coupe body styles. In the Cayenne S E-Hybrid, a revised three-liter V6 turbo engine with 348HP (260 kW) is paired with a 174HP (130 kW) electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 512HP and a maximum system torque of 553 lb-ft, allowing the Cayenne S E-Hybrid to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reach the ¼ mile marker from a standing start in 13.0 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than its non-hybrid twin-turbo V8 counterpart. (We'll take the twin-turbo V8, thank you very much -PMD.) You can order the Cayenne S E-Hybrid SUV and Coupe models now, but you won't see one arrive at a dealer until spring of 2024, at the earliest. The Cayenne S E-Hybrid has an MSRP of $99,100 (gulp), not including the $1,650 delivery, processing, and handling fee, while the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupe has an MSRP of $104,000 (double-gulp.)

(Honda)

American Honda has revealed that its highly anticipated XL750 Transalp (above) is coming to the U.S. market for the 2024 model year. Originally introduced in 1986, the Transalp touts a rich heritage in the adventure category, where it is renowned for its ability to perform on the pavement and explore past the road's end. Carrying this same ethos, the new-generation Transalp has been a hit in the European market over the past few months, and now U.S. customers will be able to enjoy this versatile, middleweight ADV platform. In addition to announcing the new Transalp, American Honda confirmed that the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (below) returns for the 2023 model year. With countless racing accolades to its credit, the Fireblade represents the pinnacle of Honda's sport-bike range. Purpose-built for circuit racing, its highly refined engine package and cutting-edge technology are a testament to Honda's commitment to racing and performance. The Transalp stickers for $9,999.00 and will be available in October. The Fireblade SP goes for $28,900 and is available now.

The AE Song of the Week:

Uh huh, life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh, that's the way it is
'Cause life's like this
Uh huh, uh huh, that's the way it is

Chill out, what ya yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if, you could only let it be, you will see
I like you the way you are
When we're driving in your car
And you're talking to me one on one, but you become

Somebody else
'Round everyone else
You're watching your back
Like you can't relax
You try to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else 
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this, you
And you fall, and you crawl, and you break
And you take what you get, and you turn it into
Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking
No, no, no

You come over unannounced
Dressed up like you're somethin' else
Where you are and where it's at you see
You're making me
Laugh out when you strike your pose
Take off all your preppy clothes
You know you're not fooling anyone
When you become

Somebody else
'Round everyone else
You're watching your back
Like you can't relax
You try to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this, you
And you fall, and you crawl, and you break
And you take what you get, and you turn it into
Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking
No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no
No, no, no (no, no)

Chill out, what ya yellin' for?
Lay back, it's all been done before
And if you could only let it be
You will see

Somebody else
'Round everyone else
You're watching your back
Like you can't relax
You try to be cool
You look like a fool to me
Tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this, you
And you fall, and you crawl, and you break
And you take what you get, and you turn it into
Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking
No, no
Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?
I see the way you're acting like you're somebody else 
Gets me frustrated
Life's like this, you
And you fall, and you crawl, and you break
And you take what you get, and you turn it into
Honesty and promise me I'm never gonna find you faking
No, no, no

"Complicated" by Avril Levine from the album "Let Go" (2002).* Written by Avril Levine, David Alspach, Graham Edwards and Lauren Christy. Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Kanjian Music, Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here.

*This song describes a situation many girls of Avril's age are familiar with: Their boyfriend is great when they're alone, but around his friends he acts like an idiot. Many of Avril's songs of this era were about real people and real situations, but this one is not. "Complicated" was not written about anyone in particular, according to Lavigne. She said, "It's basically about life, people being fake, and relationships." Lavigne was 17-years-old when this song was released as her debut single in 2002. It came at a cultural nexus, as the internet was becoming a popular medium for discussion, but you still had to watch videos on MTV, hear singers on the radio, and read about them in magazines. Avril was not your typical teenage pop star: She came off as a regular girl who was goofy and fun. Her press played up this image while stressing that she was an authentic talent, writing her own songs that dealt with matters of the heart. She also had a unique fashion sense and set a trend with her look, which incorporated canvas shoes, gaudy accessories, ties and heavy eyeshadow. This song even appealed to adults (it went to #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart). Many of Lavigne's fans got their first look at her in the video for this song, which shows her in a mall with her guy friends and also at a skate park. The skateboarding scenes (she rides a board in the clip) were key to her image as an indie-punk tomboy with great hair. It helped that Lavigne really was into sports, not just skateboarding but also hockey and baseball. Her next single, "Sk8er Boi," put her squarely in the middle of that scene. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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