DECEMBER 14, 2022

(Polestar)
Polestar and CAKE have revealed a second limited Polestar edition of the fully electric Makka moped in the sky color first shown on the Polestar electric roadster concept. The first edition of the CAKE Makka Polestar edition, in Polestar Snow matte color, was launched in 2021 and instantly sold out. Besides the bespoke color, the second limited Polestar edition includes a slim headlight and dampers from high-end suspension company Öhlins. The new edition also adds a detachable rear carrier to use for improved cargo carrying, making the electric commuter even more flexible. The CAKE Makka Polestar edition has a top speed of 45 km/h and two ride modes for extended range or balanced performance. It is sold and delivered by CAKE, but the Polestar edition is available exclusively to selected Polestar markets via the Polestar Additionals webshop beginning December 14, 2022.

(GM)
General Motors has announced that Michael Simcoe, vice president, Global Design, has been promoted to senior vice president, Global Design, effective Jan. 1. Simcoe will continue to report to GM President Mark Reuss. “Under Michael’s leadership the GM design team has delivered winning design after winning design, demonstrating the ability to connect with customers in all vehicle segments, for both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles,” said Reuss. “GM Design has also played a pivotal role in the expansion of our business, developing concepts that highlight our path to an all-electric, autonomous future and solutions for new business models like BrightDrop and Cruise.” “Elevating design in the organization demonstrates how important the integration of design and technology is as we continue to transform the company,” Reuss added. Under Simcoe’s leadership, GM’s brand design studios have executed award-winning products across several categories. Examples of EVs created during Simcoe’s leadership include the Buick Wildcat concept and upcoming Electra EVs, Cadillac CELESTIQ and LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV and Sierra EV, and the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Silverado EV. Other milestone vehicles include the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - the company’s first-ever mid-engine Corvette - the 2021 Cadillac Escalade with the industry’s first application of innovative display and audio technology, and the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate. Simcoe has led GM Global Design since 2016. He has built a reputation for applying global design excellence and creativity to the company’s distinct brands and for inspiring the team to deliver winning products to the market. This team has also gained new perspectives and reached new markets under Simcoe’s leadership, including the current expansion into Europe. Simcoe joined GM in 1983 as a designer at Holden in Australia. 

(Lamborghini)
The Lamborghini Museum of Technology in Sant'Agata Bolognese, will close from December 10th to the 22nd to allow for a very special new exhibit dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the company founded in 1963. When it reopens on December 23, the Automobili Lamborghini Museum will showcase a completely revamped look, dedicated to anniversary celebrations that will last throughout 2023. The Automobili Lamborghini Museum will remain open for tours throughout the Christmas season from 09:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admission at 5 p.m., except for December 24, 25, 31 and January 1.


The AE Song of the Week:

The beast in me
Is caged by frail and fragile bars
Restless by day
And by night rants and rages at the stars
God help the beast in me

The beast in me
Has had to learn to live with pain
And how to shelter from the rain
And in the twinkling of an eye
Might have to be restrained
God help the beast in me

Sometimes it tries to kid me
That it's just a teddy bear
And even somehow manage to vanish in the air
And that is when I must beware
Of the beast in me 
That everybody knows
They've seen him out dressed in my clothes
Patently unclear
If it's New York or New Year
God help the beast in me

The beast in me

"The Beast In Me" by Nick Lowe, from the album "The Impossible Bird" (1994). Written by Nick Lowe. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here. And listen to Johnny Cash performing it here. 

 
*This song was written by Nick Lowe, Johnny Cash's former stepson-in-law. The English singer-songwriter originally recorded the song on his 1994 The Impossible Bird album, but he had the song in his locker for years previously. Lowe told Mojo April 2009 about Cash's version of his song: "He came round to hear it with his entourage and it wasn't really finished. I was so embarrassed to play him this song with his roadies, nannies and June (Carter Cash) crammed into our little sitting room that I never wanted to hear this song ever again. But he said that it was a really good idea - but not quite right. The problem was that the first verse was so great and says absolutely everything: you try and take it somewhere else and it doesn't want to go: it sounds like a thin version of what you've already said. One time he was playing at the Albert Hall, and he'd always call me and get me to come and do a tune with him. I had really mixed feelings about this. On the one hand I was ever so pleased and proud that, even though me and Carlene weren't together any more, we were still friends. On the other hand, I was a Johnny Cash fan and I knew how I would feel if I'd gone to see him at the Albert Hall and some bloomin' bloke who you could see for two bob down the road got up with him; get this guy off! I told him this, and he couldn't believe it, laughed his head off-it sounded like distant thunder! Nonetheless, he said, 'It's too late now, you've got to get up and do a couple of tunes.' That was the last time. He also asked about The Beast In Me, and for some reason something clicked and the thing just rolled out-12 years after he'd first heard it. I recorded it very basically, the version on The Impossible Bird, and sent it to him. When he sent me a copy of American Recordings I was absolutely thrilled. It really is a good song, and the fact that he dug it so much is something to be really proud of." This song played over the closing credits of the pilot episode of the HBO TV series The Sopranos. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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