APRIL 23, 2025

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)

The 2025 Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest production car with a manual transmission on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Porsche brand ambassador Joerg Bergmeister beat the previous record – set by a competitor with a significantly more powerful engine – by over 9.5 seconds with a time of 6:56.294 minutes. Due to extensive continued development of all performance-relevant vehicle components, the manual 911 GT3 with optional Weissach Package was 3.633 seconds quicker than the predecessor model (992.1) with PDK. Run in sunny weather, at 54 degrees Fahrenheit ambient and 80 degrees asphalt temperature, Joerg Bergmeister set out on the 12.94-mile (20.832 kilometer) track in the late afternoon in the 502HP 911 GT3 with optional Weissach Package. As with the official lap of the previous model, he drove using road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires in the dimensions 255/35 R 20 at the front and 315/30 R 21 at the rear.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: How destructive are the "Trump tariffs" going to be to the auto industry? Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International, North America’s largest auto supplier, told the Automotive Press Association in Detroit Tuesday the following: “If you look at ’08, ’09, because of the financial conditions — higher interest rates, people not buying cars — it was demand destruction. If you get to COVID, it was a shutdown. The chip crisis was all about balancing different models, a lot of start-stops in the factories,” Kotagiri said. “There’s announcements of (automaker) plants being shut down. And that’s just the beginning. I’m not being dramatic saying it’s all rolled into one. It’s a really complex situation. If someone has a great scenario plan for this, I would really like to know.” In other words, this will be every major crisis the auto industry has dealt with in past years all rolled into one, thanks to the horribly misguided whims of the Stumblebum-in-Chief. In case you're wondering, Magma, a Canadian company, employs more than 12,300 in Michigan, and operates 341 facilities across 28 different countries. Get ready for the Shit Show of all Shit Shows, folks. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Mercedes-Benz surprises its G-Class enthusiasts with the new highly exclusive G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s. "With a compelling blend of historic colors, exclusive design elements and equipment details from the legendary 280 GE, it captures the magic of the off-road legend's origins," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. The special model pays tribute to the first G-Class model series (W 460), which thrived in the 1980s with its unique combination of on- and off-road capability and laid the foundation for the unrivaled success and cult status of the iconic "Geländewagen." The limited G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s (The name doesn't exactly roll off  the tongue, does it? -WG) "fuses the modern technology and comfort of a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550 with the charm and aesthetics of a heritage model," the M-B PR minions continued. Customers can choose between three nostalgic paint finishes, which were among the first paint options for the G-Class.

• MANUFAKTUR Agave Green: The earthy green radiates robustness and closeness to nature and emphasizes the outstanding off-road capability of the G-Class.
• MANUFAKTUR Cream: The classic and timeless color exudes a touch of elegance and sophistication and was a popular choice among customers who primarily used the G-Class for city driving.
• MANUFAKTUR Colorado Beige: The warm, sandy hue conveys a sense of adventure and freedom and emphasizes the versatile character of the G-Class.

Prominent amber indicator lights above each headlight also provide a vintage touch. To round off the vintage styling, the complete front fascia, radiator grille, brush guard, underguard, front and rear bumpers, side sills, flared wheel arches and exterior mirror housings are finished in MANUFAKTUR Night Black Magno, echoing the rugged look of the first G-Class. Classic 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels in silver provide a striking contrast. Strictly limited to 460 units globally, the G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s arrives at select U.S. dealerships later in 2025. How much? We have no idea.

(Genesis images)

Genesis has unveiled the X Gran Equator Concept ahead of the New York International Auto Show. Genesis PR minions call it "a bold exploration of elegance and adventure designed for those seeking the serenity of nature and the thrill of the unknown." (Alrighty then! -WG) “The X Gran Equator Concept is an exercise in harmonizing contrasts—combining elegance with ruggedness, and the spirit of exploration with refined comfort,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “It represents the orchestration of true off-road competence and uncompromising luxury, designed to enable the discovery of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.” (Said every single automotive operative about their latest "adventure" themed Concept. Just sayin'. - PMD) The name draws inspiration from Equator, widely recognized as the "finest stallion" in the world of Arabian horses — a symbol of endurance, agility and refined power. (It was also the name of a Ford Truck Concept over a decade ago, but who's counting? -PMD) Though not confirmed for production, the X Gran Equator Concept will be displayed at the Genesis booth during the 2025 New York International Auto Show. Following the show, it will be on display at Genesis House in the Meatpacking District until the end of July.

(Kia images)

Kia's relentless EV product onslaught - with compelling design executions - continues with the introduction of the EV4, Kia's first all-electric global sedan. It has two high voltage battery options: 58.3 kWh (Light) and 81.4 kWh long-range (Wind, GT-Line); with a Kia-est. 330 miles of all-electric range. Details? Available 10 to 80 percent state of charge with DC fast-charging in just 29 or 31 minutes (depending on battery size) through a 400V EV dedicated platform with a built-in North American Charging Standard (NACS) port. Kia’s i-Pedal 3.03 variable regenerative braking; Available Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for compatible electronics including laptops and lighting; Available Digital Key 2.05 and other advanced features and technology; Nearly 30-inch total combined widescreen display headlines connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) to enhance in-car entertainment and connectivity experience; Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite includes standard Highway Driving Assist (HDA). The U.S. launch of the Kia EV4 is expected early in 2026.

The AE Song of the Week:

"Higher Ground" was originally written by Stevie Wonder and recorded by the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the album "Mother's Milk" (1989). The Red Hot Chili Peppers covered this song and re-worked the music to fit a smaller band than Stevie Wonder worked with. The keyboard part was replaced with Flea's powerful slap bass, and John Frusciante has a different guitar medley than played in the original. This song, and "Knock Me Down" were The Red Hot Chili Peppers first two hits, and helped them achieve more mainstream success. The Chilis' version of this song is a favorite among bass players because of its prominent slap bass line. This song used in the "Rockin' Space Mountain" attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. It is also a playable song in the Playstation 2 game Guitar Hero. Watch the Original Music Video by the Red Hot Chili Peppers here. And listen to Stevie Wonder's original recording here. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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