AND... WE'RE BACK.

Editor's Note: WE. ARE. BACK. Peter takes us on a trip through the highlights of last year's On The Table, and shares a few thoughts about the biz as we dive into this New Year. In On The Table, we detail the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, or, as Peter calls it, "a rolling monument to abject stupidity." We also have a few of our favorites from RM Sotheby's upcoming Paris auction. Our AE Song of the Week is "Lucky Man" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. In Fumes,  Peter takes us back to that unforgettable Cobra summer, which is a must-read. And in The Line, we're just waiting for the season to start at Daytona. Onward! -WG

By Peter M. De Lorenzo

Detroit. Well, that was special. On the way to our forced “break” I must say that the report of my death was an exaggeration, much to the consternation of the haters who were anxious to bid me good riddance. I was granted a three-month reprieve by my doctor, so I'm good to go. In fact, no use sitting around, Autoextremist.com is alive, well and back.

I did find the “break” to be beneficial, however, as a new clarity came into focus, which was indeed welcomed. My eternal internal battle with myself revolves around keeping my mind sharp, and AE does that for me. Remarkably well, in fact. I was going to write my second novel over the next few weeks, but instead of stopping everything to do that, I will write that on specific days during the week. So, we will be present and accounted for at least for the foreseeable future (Although make no mistake, that may change at any given moment. – WG.)

 

One thing that has bothered me over the last few months (One thing? Ha. -WG) is the overwhelmingly depressing use of the phrase “a little bit.” Its use is everywhere, and it has become infuriating to me. It’s like a “live” hedge that has permeated everyday life. It has gotten so bad that even Tom Brady - the retired NFL great who does game commentary now - uses it to describe a play where the player royally screwed up and adds the phrase “a little bit” as if to give the player the benefit of the doubt. Then you watch the replay and it’s clear that the player completely blew it, and you’re left wondering: Really, Tom? Can’t you just call it as you see it without throwing the built-in disclaimer “a little bit” into the mix?

 

I mean, WTF? And it’s an ongoing plague too. Everyone is using it to soft-pedal criticism, and it’s flat out ridiculous. On that note, you won’t find that phrase here at AE. There’s nothing “a little bit” about what we do here. I’ve been calling it like I see it for 26.5 years now, and I’m not about to stop. And no, not even a little bit.

 

“Phoning it in” has never been an option here and never will be. So here’s to more of everything in 2026. And by the way, this week marks another Detroit Auto Show, a happening that has played out in fits and starts over the last four years. if we discover anything interesting at the event (Highly unlikely - WG), we'll post it in "On The Table" as the week unfolds.

 

In other news, I decided to take a trip through last year’s “On The Table” and I have a few more thoughts…

 

(Detroit Free Press)

 

BUT AT LEAST HIS SOUVENIR PEN SAYS “CHIEF YES-MAN” ON IT. That the orchestrated event celebrating Trump's rollback of U.S. fuel economy requirements was a faux show for the cameras was not noteworthy in the least. "Finger-snap" decision-making by politicians is never noteworthy, especially with this knee-jerk White House. With the emphasis on jerk. What was noteworthy was the fact that the willing participants from Detroit who were in attendance were gushing profusely, while agreeing with Trump that this move would cut "$1,000" from new car prices overnight. (Well, that will fix the affordability crisis - not. -WG) Remember, these executives know full well that this industry is strictly governed by five- to seven-year lead times, and there is no way in hell that these changes will cut prices that dramatically anytime soon. And who was the Detroit CEO preening to the cameras - and Trump - nodding and verbally agreeing with Generalissimo? None other than Jim "I'm a genius just ask me" Farley. What a bunch of unmitigated bullshit, but oh-so-predictable.

 

(Porsche images)

 

HOW DO YOU SPELL “DEAD IN THE WATER” IN SEVEN LETTERS?

The runner-up for the 2025 Autoextremist "The Answer To The Question That No One's Asking" Award was, ta-dah!, the 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric SUV. "Combining the performance of a super sports car and Formula E levels of recuperation, the all-electric Cayenne initially comprises two models: the Cayenne Electric and the Cayenne Turbo Electric – both with all-wheel drive and therefore equipped with electronic Porsche Traction Management (ePTM)," according to Porsche PR minions. Yeah, right. You can feel the air of desperation in Stuttgart all the way over here.

 

(Toyota images)

 

FROM THE “TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS” FILE. Toyota unveiled a new off-road concept called the Scion 01 Concept, “an engineering exercise that reimagines a side-by-side, all-terrain vehicle designed for the ultimate outdoor adventure experience," according to Toyota PR minions. The project was led by North American Toyota engineers with a passion for off-roading, resulting in a high-output turbocharged hybrid setup "that blends Toyota’s legendary durability with Scion’s experimental DNA to imagine new possibilities for exploration, performance, and design," Toyota PR minions continued. (Scion's experimental DNA? That's a laugh. -WG)

 

(Brough Superior Motorcycle image)

 

FROM “THE FOOLS AND THEIR MONEY” FILE, NO. 473. This is the Richard Mille RMB1, an extremely limited edition from France-based Brough Superior Motorcycles. "Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille and Brough Superior, an iconic manufacturer of exceptional motorcycles, have joined forces in an exclusive partnership. This bold collaboration has given birth to a unique creation, the RMB01. Much more than a motorcycle, it is a work of art that combines craftsmanship, technological innovation, and heritage. Innovation, a pronounced taste for bold aesthetics, and a constant desire to push boundaries symbolize this shared development. From design to manufacturing, the finish is meticulously thought out to evoke emotion. This philosophy and quest for perfection are widely shared by Richard Mille, thus forging a strong and unbreakable bond between the two partners." How much? Don't worry, you can't afford it. "Standard" motorcycles from Brough Superior start at around $60,000. So, can this special edition cost $100,000? Probably.

 

(Kia)

 

A PRESS RELEASE THAT WAS A NEW DIMENSION OF SUCK. Every once in a while, a press release hits our AE inbox and lands with a thud. This one was from Kia, teasing the 2027 Telluride. Kia's PR minions began with this: "Suggestive, thought-provoking, captivating, iconic, Kia reveals the first teaser images of the all-new 2027 Telluride SUV ahead of its global debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. On November 20, Kia America will pull the covers off one of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year and unveil the second generation of one of the brand's most successful vehicles in company history." (One of the most anticipated new vehicles of the year? Really? And "suggestive, thought-provoking, captivating, iconic..."? Yes, the Telluride was and is a huge success, but I would use none of those adjectives to describe it. -WG.) The Kia PR minions should have stopped there, but no. "Firmly rooted in Kia's Opposites United form language that embraces the contrasts between nature and humanity, the teaser images hint at a square shouldered, upright silhouette framed by thin vertical LEDs bathed in red and amber. Inspired by its namesake Colorado town, aggressively defined triangular creases in the fenders resemble the chiseled facets of a diamond and capture the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains." First of all, "Opposites United"? We're used to design operatives waxing eloquently about their own work, but this? Please. And embracing "the contrasts between nature and humanity"? Wow. And, fenders resembling "the chiseled facets of a diamond and capture the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains"? Ouch, Baby. I'd go on, but there's really no need to. This release pegged the AE Unmitigated Bullshit Meter. -PMD

 

(Mercedes-Benz images)

 

A BAD-ASS CONCEPT THAT SUITED US JUST FINE. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision Iconic show car "embodies the freedom to think beyond convention – a creative expression that introduces new perspectives and bridges past and future," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. Never shy about touting his work, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG (now retired) had this to say: "Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. With its hood giving it a majestic presence, sculptural flowing lines and a touch of Art Deco, it rises to become a true icon of automotive beauty. The interior with its continuous bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking memories of the legendary 300 SL. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing." (Well, alrighty then! -WG)

 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Mercedes-Benz designers have been playing with this basic form for years. In this latest iteration, it has taken on a maturity that clearly signals the company's future design direction. The press release went on and on about the machine's autonomous driving capabilities, but I was more interested in the fact that they chose black for this concept's visual presentation, which is unexpected and a stunning look. I like it a lot, and it's clear that Mercedes-Benz is still going all-in on its EV product development. A giant "we'll see" as we like to say around here? Probably. -PMD

 

HOW MUCH IS THAT A MONTH? OH, NEVER MIND. Just how crazy is the retail sales environment right now? Experian is reporting that almost 1 in 5 new car payments are $1,000.00 or more, according to Automotive News. More than 53 percent of new-car buyers who committed to a $1,000-plus loan payment from January to July in 2025 bought an SUV, according to Experian. About 37 percent bought pickups; more specifically, 5 percent of all those new buyers paying $1,000 a month or more bought a Ford F-150. For those of you out there who still don't think there's a burgeoning crisis in affordability, all I can say is, really? -PMD

 

(Audi images)

 

PRICES GETTING YOU DOWN? TRY THIS. The second generation of Audi's limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike - the Audi eMTB 2.0 - powered by Fantic, is available now through Audi Genuine Accessories. The 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is located wholly within the aluminum frame, supplying power to the quiet and efficient Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor, which delivers up to 90 Nm of torque. A small digital display located on the handlebars provides an overview of key data at a glance, including assist level, battery charge status, and speed. When the battery level drops to less than 10%, the charge level indicator flashes in the top right corner of the display. The new Audi eMTB 2.0 features a livery inspired by Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron racecar. The Audi eMTB powered by Fantic costs $5,850, excluding local taxes. Want more info? Go to the AudiUSA website through Audi Genuine Accessories. 

(Audi)

AUDI INTRODUCED THE AUDI CONCEPT C, "AN ALL-ELECTRIC TWO-SEAT SPORTS CAR THAT EMBODIES THE BRAND’S NEW DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND PAVES THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE," ACCORDING TO AUDI PR MINIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, IT'S THE NEW TT. Calling the Concept C "the trailblazer that forges the future of Audi," the manufacturer will focus on what matters most: "an unmistakable combination of clarity, technicality, intelligence, and emotion." Editor-in-Chief's Note: Is this concept a big deal to Audi? In case you're wondering, yes, this signals the next generation of the Audi TT. My initial reaction? I like it. Let's hope it's not watered down for production. -PMD  

(Alfa Romeo)

HERE'S TO THE LUCKY 33. Alfa Romeo unveiled the 33 Stradale, describing it as an "exclusive Italian icon reborn reborn for a new era." Inspired by the original 1967 Tipo 33 Stradale, the contemporary 33 is "a handcrafted masterpiece that seamlessly blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation," according to Alfa Romeo PR minions. Available with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 630HP, the 33 Stradale achieves 0 to 62 mph in under three seconds and a top speed of 207 mph. Built entirely by hand at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Italy, each 33 Stradale is a bespoke creation tailored to the client’s specifications, with design input from Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile and engineering expertise derived from Formula One. The 33 Stradale features a carbon-fiber monocoque, active suspension and dihedral doors, along with a minimalist, analog-inspired cockpit that honors the purity of driving. Production is limited to 33 units globally, all of which are spoken for, making the 33 Stradale one of the most exclusive collector cars of the modern era.

(GM Design)

CHEVROLET GAVE CAR ENTHUSIASTS AND RACING FANS A GLIMPSE OF ITS HIGH-PERFORMANCE FUTURE WITH TWO CORVETTE CONCEPT CARS: THE CORVETTE CX AND CX.R VISION GRAN TURISMO. While not intended for production, the pair will serve as inspiration to inform Corvette design language for years to come. Drawing on more than 70 years of performance innovation, these Corvette concepts honor the heritage of America’s sports car – and propel it into the future. The CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo were the latest and last of several Corvette concepts revealed last year, as part of a GM design exercise that involved multiple GM studios globally. The CX concepts were designed and fabricated at the Chevrolet Performance Studio in Warren, MI. “While the shape of a Corvette has always been expressive and forward-looking, each crease and line has its roots in the generations that came before it. It is aspirational, it is cultural, it is the reason people want to come and work at Chevrolet,” said Phil Zak, executive design director for Chevrolet. “The CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo demonstrate our design teams stepping away from the constraints of production vehicles and unleashing their creativity. Through this exercise, we’ve added to Corvette and defined the design direction for Corvette moving forward.” Watch the presentation video here. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The best part of the video? The appearance of the original 1959 Sting Ray racer. -PMD

(GM Design)

ELEVATED VELOCITY? APPLY HERE. According to Cadillac PR minions, the Elevated Velocity concept, an all-electric, high-performance crossover, "channels the essence of Cadillac’s V-Series into a bold 2+2 crossover designed to exhilarate on-road and off-grid alike, while foreshadowing potential future Cadillac design cues." (Alrighty then! - WG) The Elevated Velocity concept was unveiled in Carmel, California, last August. Watch the intro video here.

(GM Design)

GM DESIGN AROUND THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS, APPARENTLY. If you need proof of that, take a look at the Buick Electra Orbit which "marries the romance of the 1950s with futuristic technology and pure-electric architecture," according to GM PR minions. The Buick Electra Orbit was inspired by space-age spacecraft, jets and also Buick concepts from the 1950s. A noteworthy detail? The sleek design wears metallic paint simply known as "Space." And it's called a concept for a reason, maybe because it's so huge. It is nearly 19.6 feet long and over 6.6 feet wide, which makes it longer and about as wide as a Chevrolet Suburban. Those wild, disc-shaped wheels measure 24 inches in diameter. Other details? Four scissor doors open away from the center point of the car, and it uses a pair of deployable wings that rise up and out of the bodywork to improve drag and create downforce at speed. “Electra Orbit is a bold exploration of what Buick can be when we blend heritage inspiration with visionary innovation,” Stuart Norris, vice president of design for GM China, said in a statement. “By reinterpreting space-age motifs and pushing electric-architecture freedoms, we wanted to create a concept that feels both familiar in its Buick DNA and thrillingly new.” Editor's Note: Hell, yeah! -WG

(Ferrari images)

 

AH SCREW IT, COLLEGE TUITION IS OVERRATED. Just when you thought the business was settling into a Dark Period for good, Ferrari unveiled its new 849 Testarossa. And it is good. Real good. The new machine will replace the SF90. Like recent Ferraris, the design is emotionally compelling and drop-dead gorgeous, only more so. Inside, the cabin is simpler and cleaner, with a gated selector and real buttons visible. Power? The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 delivers approximately 819HP and is combined with three electric motors and e-AWD for a total output of 1,036HP. A small battery means it can roll silently for short distances, but the performance numbers are eye-popping: 0–62 mph in under 2.3 seconds, 0–124 mph in 6.35 seconds, with 205+ mph top speed. The body delivers about 915 lb. of downforce at 155 mph; it is also designed to cool better than the SF90. It weighs 3,461 lb, which means the power-to-weight ratio is the best of any regular-production Ferrari. Everything is better, smarter and faster on this new Ferrari, and it will be available in a coupe and a Spider from launch. Pricing in Italy is €460,000 for the coupe (around $539,000 here) and €500,000 ($585,000) for the Spider. First deliveries in Europe are promised for Q2 2026 for the coupe and Q3 2026 for the Spider. U.S. deliveries begin about three months later, with note: Much higher prices due to tariffs. Buyers who want to go full beans can order the Assetto Fiorano track-oriented version, which cuts weight, includes Multimatic dampers, carbon-fiber wheels and a tweaked aero package for even more grip. Watch the video here.

And that's the High-Octane Truth for the debut of this brand-new year.

Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG