JULY 17, 2019

(Honda images)
The 2020 Honda Insight begins arriving at dealerships Tuesday (July 16th) with a MSRP of $22,930 (excluding $930 destination and handling). It has an EPA-rated 55 mpg city fuel economy (in LX and EX trims) and, according to Honda, the 2020 Insight "offers best-in-class passenger space, premium interior appointments, upscale styling, and a driving experience that far exceeds its hybrid competition." With 151HP the Insight combines decent acceleration, with a city fuel economy rating that's among the best in its class. Available in LX, EX, and Touring trims, all Insights come standard with multi-element LED headlights, push-button start, and the Honda Sensing® suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies. Insight EX adds an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, while Insight Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an 8-way power driver's seat, Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™, dual-zone automatic climate control, and more. Editor-In-Chief's Note: The Insight is an attractive package, but is it attractive enough to lure new buyers to Honda? A giant "we'll see." -PMD

(Lincoln)
Lincoln is adding three Monochromatic Packages for the 2020 model year in its Navigator full-size SUV. The trio of Monochromatic Packages – in Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl and Infinite Black (above) – "reflect the minimalistic color trend popular in fashion and home décor, where variations of a single hue result in a smooth yet vibrant color scheme that’s easy on the eyes," according to Lincoln PR minions. The packages are available on the Navigator Reserve series SUVs. In other words, bring some serious cash-ola.

(Lotus images)
Lotus is calling the Evija (pronounced "E-vi-ya") - catchy name, that - "The World's First Pure Electric British Hypercar." Designed, engineered and hand-built at Lotus’ famous home in Hethel, UK, the Evija has a target power output of 2,000 PS, making it "the world’s most powerful series production road car," according to Lotus PR boffins. Key to that power output is the 2,000 kW lithium-ion battery, supplied with its management system by Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as part of a joint venture with Lotus to collaborate on advanced propulsion technologies. The target 0-62 mph (0-100km/h) time is in under three seconds, with a top speed over 200 mph. (We love when they say "target" by the way, makes us think they're kinda still winging it with this car.) The Evija's ultra-lightweight carbon fiber monocoque makes it "the world’s lightest production EV hypercar," at 1,680kg. It has (allegedly) a pure electric driving range target of 250 miles (400 km) from its mid-mounted power source. Other stuff? It has "a world-first" main and dipped beam laser lighting technology; comprehensive personalization and experiential programs for customers (because, after all, you can't get enough of that). Lotus Evija production will be limited to just 130 cars – in tribute to its Lotus ‘Type’ number, 130 – beginning in 2020. How much is the hyper price? The Evija is priced from £1.7m plus duties and taxes with a £250,000 deposit required. Order books are now open!! at www.lotuscars.com.

(Photo copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Mathieu Heurtault)
In late 1957, Ferrari developed a new open 250 GT model for the booming North American market. Ferrari’s two most successful and influential dealers, Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann, impressed upon the factory the need for a simple, dual-purpose 250 GT convertible. The idea was to develop a car that could be driven during the week and raced with success on the weekend. The result was the California Spider, a high-performance 250 GT with seductive coachwork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. The California Spider featured a swept-back windscreen, minimal interior appointments, bucket seats, and a lightweight folding top. Between 1957 and 1963, Ferrari built just 106 California Spiders: 50 of the original long-wheelbase (LWB) version and 56 of the final short-wheelbase (SWB) variant. Today, the model remains one of the most famous and desirable Ferraris ever produced. The car presented here, chassis 1055 GT, is the eleventh California Spider built and one of a select group originally finished with the attractive and highly desirable covered-headlamp treatment. Delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors in 1959 and sold new to an attorney in Texas, this California Spider is among the few examples that raced in period, competing in SCCA events in Florida during 1962. The current owner recently entrusted it to the esteemed marque specialist Motion Products, Inc. for a complete, no-expense-spared restoration. This California Spider is presented in the gorgeous, period-correct color scheme of Grigio Vinovo with brown leather interior. How much do the experts at Gooding & Company think this 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider will go for? Between $11,000,000 – $13,000,000.

(Emory Motorsports images)
World-renowned Porsche 356 Builder Rod Emory, owner of Emory Motorsports, has created another one-off Porsche: The Emory Outlaw 911K. “This slab-sided Emory Outlaw 911K is unique,” Rod Emory says. “We specialize in 356s, and we did this 1968 911 SWB as a one-time commission for a special client. The inspiration for this car comes from Porsche 908-010, a K-bodied sports prototype once piloted by Vic Elford. The design cues and livery from that car lend themselves beautifully to this build.”

The 911K’s interior includes 908-inspired front seats with fire-retardant Spanish Red Veltex covers and MOMO 5-point competition harnesses. The MOMO influence continues to the Prototipo steering wheel and shift knob for the 901 five-speed transmission. Other custom additions include the removable roll bar, lightweight door panels and pulls, and leather window straps.

Power for the 911K comes from a later 2.5-liter twin-plug 911 engine. The hot-rodded six-cylinder produces 190HP with the help of an MSD brain, Weber 40 IDA 3C carburetors, and 908-style cookie-cutter megaphones. Other details include a 935 “flat” cooling fan and shroud, hand-laid amber fiberglass airboxes, and a full-flow oil system with remote filter and cooler. A Fuel Safe fuel cell with through-fender competition filler feeds the engine. Emory Motorsports upgraded the brakes with 911 S alloy calipers with custom rotors and hats. Grip is courtesy of the Pirelli CN36 tires on custom 15x7 908-inspired 5-spoke wheels by 1552 rotating on Porsche 935 Carrera centerlock hubs. The suspension was chosen with track days in mind: 3-way fully adjustable KW coil-over gas shocks that provide great drivability in a variety of conditions. Every aspect of the car is built for agility and the essential design language of Porsche’s early works prototypes and 911s are retained as an echo of Porsche Motorsports’ competition vehicles from 1960s. This is "a unique and purposeful combination of mechanical parts and a sleek bullet-shaped body which produce the perfect track and rally weapon," according to Emory Motorsports PR minions. The 911K acknowledges its motorsports brethren with distinct cues such as the amber fiberglass dashcap, Porsche Light Ivory paint with signal-yellow accent and hand-painted Mobil Pegasus for that authentic touch  Air horns and auxiliary lights define the car’s rally stance from the front. Other body modifications include mesh intake guards, a twin-grille decklid, R-style deck lid hinges and R-style bumpers.  

AE Favorite Lyrics of the Week:

Well I know what's right
I got just one life
In a world that keeps on pushin' me around
But I'll stand my ground
And I won't back down

I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
I won't back down
Hey, I will stand my ground
(I won't back down)
And I won't back down

- "I Won't Back Down" by Tom Petty