JUNE 1, 2016

(Audi images)
Audi has unveiled its new A5 (above) and S5 Coupés, saying that designers have "thoroughly revamped the appearance of the Audi A5 Coupé." Uh, okay. They're said to be better in every way and we'll see them here at the end of the year. That is all.

(VW)
From the "Beating A Dead Horse" File comes word that VW is bringing out a limited production 2017 #PinkBeetle. Shown as a concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show, VW says it's the first vehicle ever to officially be named as its own hashtag, and that it is "destined to be an instant social media influencer." What-evs. Offered in Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, the exclusive run of #PinkBeetle models will be available in coupe and convertible configurations and will go on sale in the fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. This is what happens when a manufacturer is desperate to generate some buzz for a model that has long since passed its sell-by date. As we like to say around here: Not. Very. Good.

Editor's Note: Attention all ye hipsters! Mark your calendars, create a New Event on your smartphones, get a temporary tattoo, do whatever you millennials do to remember things these days: Cadillac House will open to the public on June 2, 2016! As today's breathless press release explains, Cadillac House is "a physical manifestation of the brand’s cultural world," (cough, hack), and it will be positively overflowing with excruciatingly hip art, culture and fashion. (Click here if you missed the Rant to get Peter's inimitable take on the matter.) And you will, of course, be able to have your cup filled to the rim - not with Brim, but with java from New York-based Joe Coffee (evidence of Cadillac's commitment to being "a positive and responsible neighbor"). Whatever. So there you have it - fulfillment of yet another need you didn't know you had is just a few short days away. "A meeting place where innovators, creators and the curious can find inspiration – and one another." Hey, wait a sec, that's it! "Find inspiration - and one another"? Why not a new singles app, so all of the arty Cadillac House patrons can find their true Cadillac-scented soulmates, without having to ferret through the hoi polloi found on all those sites for the unenlightened commoners? And this one's on me: Date Greatly. -WG

Editor's Note: Ford has just released "Let's Race" - the third of five chapters in “The Return,” which is a long-form documentary that follows the development of both the street car and race car versions of the Ford GT from the decision to build the cars to the return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Watch chapter one, "The Decision," here and chapter two, "The Cutting Edge," here. (FYI: The Autoextremist makes a cameo appearance in chapter one.) -WG