Sunday
Aug212022
AUGUST 24, 2022
Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 09:49AM 
(Porsche images)
Porsche operatives say that the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance. Needless to say, it is a super-trick piece. We're talking some serious shit here. The 518HP road-legal high-performance sports car takes full advantage of technology and concepts from Porsche's ongoing GT motorsport program. Beyond the high-revving naturally aspirated engine with intelligent lightweight construction, it is, above all, the cooling and aerodynamic systems of the 911 GT3 RS that connect it most directly with the the 911 GT3 R racing machine. The basis for a significant performance boost is the concept of a central radiator – an idea that was first used in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R. Instead of the three-radiator layout seen in previous cars, the new 911 GT3 RS relies on a large, angled center radiator in the car’s nose, positioned where the luggage compartment is located on other 911 models. This has made it possible to use the space freed up on the sides to integrate active aerodynamic elements. Continuously adjustable wing elements in the front and on the two-part rear wing, in combination with a number of other aerodynamic measures, provide more than 900 lbs. of downforce at approximately 124 mph, twice that of the 991.2-generation predecessor and three times as much as a current 911 GT3. At 177 mph, total downforce is 1,895 lbs, or the equivalent of a Porsche 356 A.
The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the basic settings can be individually adjusted. Among other settings, the rebound and compression damping of the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear differential can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel. This is done quickly and intuitively with an operating and display concept also borrowed from endurance racing. Four individual rotary controls and a button for the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are located on the steering wheel. These rotary controls appear in the instrument cluster during the adjustment process. The 911 GT3 RS also features the track screen already familiar from the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, the driver can reduce the two seven-inch side displays to essential information only. The gearshift indicator lights to the left and right of the analog tachometer have also been taken from the 911 GT3.
Thanks to an array of lightweight construction measures such as the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the 911 GT3 RS weighs in at 3,268 lbs. The doors, front quarter panels, roof and hood, for example, are made from CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, including the standard full bucket seats, trimmed in black leather and Race-Tex joining carbon fiber trim throughout the interior to characterize the pure, sport ambience.
The purposeful look of the new 911 GT3 RS is characterized by the large number of functional aerodynamic elements. The most prominent feature of the GT sports car is the swan-neck-supported rear wing, which is significantly larger in all dimensions than the wing of its predecessor. The rear wing consists of a fixed main wing and a hydraulically adjustable upper blade. For the first time on a Porsche production vehicle, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the roof. A front splitter divides the air flowing over and underneath working in parallel with side blades on the front fascia that deflect air outwards. Front wheel-arch ventilation is provided via distinctive louvered openings in the front quarter panels. Inlets behind the front wheels reduce the dynamic pressure in the wheel arches. Air from the centrally positioned radiator flows out of large nostrils on the front lid; further back, fins on the roof direct the air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures in the rear. The openings in the rear side panel are used exclusively to improve aerodynamics and not to draw in combustion air. The rear wheel arch also features an intake and a side blade for optimized airflow. The rear diffuser is a modified version of that fitted to the 911 GT3. Even the suspension is modified for improved aerodynamics.
A drag reduction system (DRS) is fitted in a production Porsche for the first time. To achieve low drag and higher speeds on straight sections of the track, the DRS allows the wings to be flattened out at the push of a button, within a specific operating range. During hard braking at high speeds, the airbrake function positions the wing elements at the front and rear to support deceleration by maximizing aerodynamic drag. Even the suspension is modified for improved aerodynamics. Because the wheel arches of the new 911 GT3 RS are subject to powerful airflows, the components of the double-wishbone front axle are designed with teardrop-shaped profiles. These aerodynamically efficient links increase downforce on the front axle by around 88 lbs. at top track speed and are otherwise only used in high-end motorsport applications. Front track width increases by 1.14 inches (29 millimeters), necessitating longer double-wishbone front axle links. To ensure that the downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained even when braking from high speeds, the suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching under braking. On the new 911 GT3 RS, the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm has been set lower on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle has also been adjusted, with modified spring rates. The driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering also have an even more dynamic setup here.
The 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine has been further tweaked compared to the 911 GT3. The increase in power to 518HP is achieved primarily via new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valvetrain are derived from motorsport. Like the 911 GT3, this engine also has six individual throttle bodies, one per cylinder. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) has a shorter overall gear ratio than the 911 GT3 and is aided by air intakes on the underbody to ensure that the transmission can withstand even extreme loads during frequent use on track. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 mph in seventh gear. Six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-caliper brakes and brake discs with a diameter of 408 mm are used on the front axle. Compared with the 911 GT3, the piston diameters have been increased from 30 to 32 mm. In addition, the thickness of the discs has been increased from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle continues to be fitted with 380-mm brake discs and four-piston fixed-caliper brakes. The optionally available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) use 410-mm discs on the front axle and 390-mm discs on the rear axle. The new 911 GT3 RS also comes standard with forged light-alloy center-locking wheels. It is equipped with street-legal Ultra High Performance tires measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear. The Weissach package, which is available at extra cost, includes a considerable number of changes to the standard vehicle. The hood, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper portion of the side mirrors housing feature visible carbon fiber. The front and rear anti-roll bars, the rear coupling rods and the shear panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP and contribute to a further enhancement of the driving dynamics. Another highlight of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology. This makes gear changes feel especially precise thanks to a pressure point and a clearly perceptible click. Forged magnesium wheels are included in the Weissach package and save 17.6 lbs of unspring weight compared to the standard wheels. The 2023 911 GT3 RS is expected to arrive at U.S. dealers by spring 2023. The starting MSRP is $223,800, excluding $1,450 for processing, delivery and handling.
If that's enough to satisfy your Porsche craving, if you really want to be the Biggest Tool in the Shed, a special version of the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - a tribute to the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7 - will arrive in the form of a limited-availability Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offering exclusive to U.S. customers. Finished in white with key areas in Python Green, the car is a direct reference to the iconic white and green color configuration offered in 1972 on the first 911 “RS” model as well as a new interpretation of it. In this instance, the body is finished in non-metallic white including side air intakes painted to match with model designation graphics on the sides and rear in Python Green, forged aluminum wheels in Python Green with white pinstripes. Exclusive Design taillights emphasize the green-on-white theme by eliminating the red color from the rear taillights and third brake light. Finally, the side plates on the left and right ends of the large rear wing are painted white with RS logos in Python Green. Bring ca$h. Lots and lots of ca$h.
(Dodge images)
This is the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept. Unveiled last week with the usual bluster and braggadocio by Dodge operatives – we've been down this road before – Dodge PR minions say that the Charger Daytona SRT concept "drives like a Dodge, looks like a Dodge and feels like Dodge – and just happens to be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV)." Dodge operatives say that there are three game-changing, patent-pending features that make up the core of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept: R-Wing - Front aerodynamic wing retains Dodge profile while achieving aerodynamic efficiencies; Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust – Industry-first "exhaust system" for an electric vehicle delivers a performance sound that rivals the SRT Hellcat; and eRupt - Multi-speed transmission with an electro-mechanical shifting experience that’s pure Dodge. The Charger Daytona SRT Concept is powered by a new 800V Banshee propulsion system. Other stuff? The driver can engage Auto, Sport, Track and Drag modes through steering wheel buttons, instantly changing the driving dynamics, display graphics, sound and interior lighting, enhancing the driver experience. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Over-promising seems to be the Dodge "MO" and there are plenty in the media-analyst community who seem to buy into whatever Dodge operatives are shoveling, err, selling. I do like the exterior design, however. It's very clean and purposeful. But this all qualifies as a giant "we'll see" at this point, especially the "exhaust" system. They can call it whatever they want and patent it, but it's still projected artificial sounds, which translates to a giant bowl of Not Good. -PMD
(Dodge)
Dodge also introduced the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, "delivering the quickest, fastest, most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) under $30,000," according to Dodge PR minions. The 2023 Dodge Hornet will come in two versions: Dodge Hornet R/T and Dodge Hornet GT. The Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) — the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge — will be the most powerful utility vehicle in the segment with 285HP+ and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, while offering more than 30 miles of all-electric range via a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. The Dodge Hornet GT is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four cylinder with 265HP+ and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. There's an on-demand PowerShot feature for the Hornet R/T PHEV, which supplies a burst of 25 additional horsepower, shaving a full second off the normal 0 to 60 mph time, to 6.1 seconds. Standard features on the R/T include 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo front fixed calipers, dual exhaust, steering-mounted paddle shifters and more. The R/T offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric and E-Save. The Sport Mode offers sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering and electronic limited slip differential to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. In case you're wondering, the Hornet shares its vehicle architecture with the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale (a much better looking vehicle, by the way), and they will both be built in Italy.
(Kia)
Kia has introduced its most powerful production vehicle yet: The all-electric 576HP Kia EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 161 mph. Optimized for performance: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor, “Drift Mode” to unlock increased capacity and performance, larger diameter disc brakes (15” front / 14.2” rear) with quad-piston front calipers, stiffened chassis, quicker ratio steering, electronically controlled suspension, and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD). Other stuff? Unique front and rear fasciae; neon accents; 21-inch wheels; Unique sport bucket seats and neon green dash accents, and 20 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Kia's 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging to recharge 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge in under 18 minutes. it will be available at Kia retailers nationwide late 2022.
Porsche operatives say that the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is uncompromisingly designed for maximum performance. Needless to say, it is a super-trick piece. We're talking some serious shit here. The 518HP road-legal high-performance sports car takes full advantage of technology and concepts from Porsche's ongoing GT motorsport program. Beyond the high-revving naturally aspirated engine with intelligent lightweight construction, it is, above all, the cooling and aerodynamic systems of the 911 GT3 RS that connect it most directly with the the 911 GT3 R racing machine. The basis for a significant performance boost is the concept of a central radiator – an idea that was first used in the Le Mans class-winning 911 RSR and subsequently in the 911 GT3 R. Instead of the three-radiator layout seen in previous cars, the new 911 GT3 RS relies on a large, angled center radiator in the car’s nose, positioned where the luggage compartment is located on other 911 models. This has made it possible to use the space freed up on the sides to integrate active aerodynamic elements. Continuously adjustable wing elements in the front and on the two-part rear wing, in combination with a number of other aerodynamic measures, provide more than 900 lbs. of downforce at approximately 124 mph, twice that of the 991.2-generation predecessor and three times as much as a current 911 GT3. At 177 mph, total downforce is 1,895 lbs, or the equivalent of a Porsche 356 A.
The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes: Normal, Sport and Track. In Track mode, the basic settings can be individually adjusted. Among other settings, the rebound and compression damping of the front and rear axles can be adjusted separately and in several stages. The rear differential can also be adjusted via rotary controls on the steering wheel. This is done quickly and intuitively with an operating and display concept also borrowed from endurance racing. Four individual rotary controls and a button for the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are located on the steering wheel. These rotary controls appear in the instrument cluster during the adjustment process. The 911 GT3 RS also features the track screen already familiar from the 911 GT3. At the touch of a button, the driver can reduce the two seven-inch side displays to essential information only. The gearshift indicator lights to the left and right of the analog tachometer have also been taken from the 911 GT3.Thanks to an array of lightweight construction measures such as the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), the 911 GT3 RS weighs in at 3,268 lbs. The doors, front quarter panels, roof and hood, for example, are made from CFRP. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, including the standard full bucket seats, trimmed in black leather and Race-Tex joining carbon fiber trim throughout the interior to characterize the pure, sport ambience.The purposeful look of the new 911 GT3 RS is characterized by the large number of functional aerodynamic elements. The most prominent feature of the GT sports car is the swan-neck-supported rear wing, which is significantly larger in all dimensions than the wing of its predecessor. The rear wing consists of a fixed main wing and a hydraulically adjustable upper blade. For the first time on a Porsche production vehicle, the upper edge of the rear wing is higher than the roof. A front splitter divides the air flowing over and underneath working in parallel with side blades on the front fascia that deflect air outwards. Front wheel-arch ventilation is provided via distinctive louvered openings in the front quarter panels. Inlets behind the front wheels reduce the dynamic pressure in the wheel arches. Air from the centrally positioned radiator flows out of large nostrils on the front lid; further back, fins on the roof direct the air outwards, ensuring cooler intake temperatures in the rear. The openings in the rear side panel are used exclusively to improve aerodynamics and not to draw in combustion air. The rear wheel arch also features an intake and a side blade for optimized airflow. The rear diffuser is a modified version of that fitted to the 911 GT3. Even the suspension is modified for improved aerodynamics. A drag reduction system (DRS) is fitted in a production Porsche for the first time. To achieve low drag and higher speeds on straight sections of the track, the DRS allows the wings to be flattened out at the push of a button, within a specific operating range. During hard braking at high speeds, the airbrake function positions the wing elements at the front and rear to support deceleration by maximizing aerodynamic drag. Even the suspension is modified for improved aerodynamics. Because the wheel arches of the new 911 GT3 RS are subject to powerful airflows, the components of the double-wishbone front axle are designed with teardrop-shaped profiles. These aerodynamically efficient links increase downforce on the front axle by around 88 lbs. at top track speed and are otherwise only used in high-end motorsport applications. Front track width increases by 1.14 inches (29 millimeters), necessitating longer double-wishbone front axle links. To ensure that the downforce balance between the front and rear axles is maintained even when braking from high speeds, the suspension engineers have significantly reduced pitching under braking. On the new 911 GT3 RS, the front ball joint of the lower trailing arm has been set lower on the front axle. The multi-link rear axle has also been adjusted, with modified spring rates. The driver assistance systems and rear-axle steering also have an even more dynamic setup here.The 4.0-liter high-revving naturally aspirated engine has been further tweaked compared to the 911 GT3. The increase in power to 518HP is achieved primarily via new camshafts with modified cam profiles. The single-throttle intake system and the rigid valvetrain are derived from motorsport. Like the 911 GT3, this engine also has six individual throttle bodies, one per cylinder. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) has a shorter overall gear ratio than the 911 GT3 and is aided by air intakes on the underbody to ensure that the transmission can withstand even extreme loads during frequent use on track. The 911 GT3 RS accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 mph in seventh gear. Six-piston aluminum monobloc fixed-caliper brakes and brake discs with a diameter of 408 mm are used on the front axle. Compared with the 911 GT3, the piston diameters have been increased from 30 to 32 mm. In addition, the thickness of the discs has been increased from 34 to 36 mm. The rear axle continues to be fitted with 380-mm brake discs and four-piston fixed-caliper brakes. The optionally available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) use 410-mm discs on the front axle and 390-mm discs on the rear axle. The new 911 GT3 RS also comes standard with forged light-alloy center-locking wheels. It is equipped with street-legal Ultra High Performance tires measuring 275/35 R 20 at the front and 335/30 R21 at the rear. The Weissach package, which is available at extra cost, includes a considerable number of changes to the standard vehicle. The hood, roof, parts of the rear wing and the upper portion of the side mirrors housing feature visible carbon fiber. The front and rear anti-roll bars, the rear coupling rods and the shear panel on the rear axle are made of CFRP and contribute to a further enhancement of the driving dynamics. Another highlight of the Weissach package is the PDK shift paddles with motorsport-derived magnet technology. This makes gear changes feel especially precise thanks to a pressure point and a clearly perceptible click. Forged magnesium wheels are included in the Weissach package and save 17.6 lbs of unspring weight compared to the standard wheels. The 2023 911 GT3 RS is expected to arrive at U.S. dealers by spring 2023. The starting MSRP is $223,800, excluding $1,450 for processing, delivery and handling.If that's enough to satisfy your Porsche craving, if you really want to be the Biggest Tool in the Shed, a special version of the 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 RS - a tribute to the 1972 911 Carrera RS 2.7 - will arrive in the form of a limited-availability Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offering exclusive to U.S. customers. Finished in white with key areas in Python Green, the car is a direct reference to the iconic white and green color configuration offered in 1972 on the first 911 “RS” model as well as a new interpretation of it. In this instance, the body is finished in non-metallic white including side air intakes painted to match with model designation graphics on the sides and rear in Python Green, forged aluminum wheels in Python Green with white pinstripes. Exclusive Design taillights emphasize the green-on-white theme by eliminating the red color from the rear taillights and third brake light. Finally, the side plates on the left and right ends of the large rear wing are painted white with RS logos in Python Green. Bring ca$h. Lots and lots of ca$h.(Dodge images)This is the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept. Unveiled last week with the usual bluster and braggadocio by Dodge operatives – we've been down this road before – Dodge PR minions say that the Charger Daytona SRT concept "drives like a Dodge, looks like a Dodge and feels like Dodge – and just happens to be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV)." Dodge operatives say that there are three game-changing, patent-pending features that make up the core of the Charger Daytona SRT Concept: R-Wing - Front aerodynamic wing retains Dodge profile while achieving aerodynamic efficiencies; Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust – Industry-first "exhaust system" for an electric vehicle delivers a performance sound that rivals the SRT Hellcat; and eRupt - Multi-speed transmission with an electro-mechanical shifting experience that’s pure Dodge. The Charger Daytona SRT Concept is powered by a new 800V Banshee propulsion system. Other stuff? The driver can engage Auto, Sport, Track and Drag modes through steering wheel buttons, instantly changing the driving dynamics, display graphics, sound and interior lighting, enhancing the driver experience. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Over-promising seems to be the Dodge "MO" and there are plenty in the media-analyst community who seem to buy into whatever Dodge operatives are shoveling, err, selling. I do like the exterior design, however. It's very clean and purposeful. But this all qualifies as a giant "we'll see" at this point, especially the "exhaust" system. They can call it whatever they want and patent it, but it's still projected artificial sounds, which translates to a giant bowl of Not Good. -PMD
(Dodge)Dodge also introduced the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, "delivering the quickest, fastest, most powerful compact utility vehicle (CUV) under $30,000," according to Dodge PR minions. The 2023 Dodge Hornet will come in two versions: Dodge Hornet R/T and Dodge Hornet GT. The Dodge Hornet R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) — the first electrified performance vehicle from Dodge — will be the most powerful utility vehicle in the segment with 285HP+ and 383 lb.-ft. of torque, while offering more than 30 miles of all-electric range via a 15.5-kWh lithium-ion battery. The Dodge Hornet GT is powered by the Hurricane4 engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four cylinder with 265HP+ and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. There's an on-demand PowerShot feature for the Hornet R/T PHEV, which supplies a burst of 25 additional horsepower, shaving a full second off the normal 0 to 60 mph time, to 6.1 seconds. Standard features on the R/T include 18-inch Graphite Grey wheels, Dodge-branded Brembo front fixed calipers, dual exhaust, steering-mounted paddle shifters and more. The R/T offers Sport Mode and three hybrid driving modes: Hybrid, Electric and E-Save. The Sport Mode offers sharper throttle, optimized upshifts, tighter steering and electronic limited slip differential to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. In case you're wondering, the Hornet shares its vehicle architecture with the upcoming Alfa Romeo Tonale (a much better looking vehicle, by the way), and they will both be built in Italy.
(Kia)Kia has introduced its most powerful production vehicle yet: The all-electric 576HP Kia EV6 GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 161 mph. Optimized for performance: 77.4 kWh battery with a 160kW front motor and a 270kW rear motor, “Drift Mode” to unlock increased capacity and performance, larger diameter disc brakes (15” front / 14.2” rear) with quad-piston front calipers, stiffened chassis, quicker ratio steering, electronically controlled suspension, and Electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD). Other stuff? Unique front and rear fasciae; neon accents; 21-inch wheels; Unique sport bucket seats and neon green dash accents, and 20 standard active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Kia's 800V multi-charging architecture enables ultra-fast DC charging to recharge 10 to 80 percent state-of-charge in under 18 minutes. it will be available at Kia retailers nationwide late 2022.
(Rolls-Royce images)
The Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II has been unveiled. Illuminated Fascia and Starlight Headlights "bring to life the Rolls-Royce ‘Light-Touch,’" according to Rolls-Royce PR minions. The designers at Rolls-Royce created Phantom to provide the ultimate ‘blank canvas’ and coined the name ‘Maverick’ for the effort. Phantom also features an illuminated Pantheon Grille, with each metal vane specifically finished to provide a subtle glow. The headlights have 580 intricate laser-cut bezel starlights. The exterior is finished in a classic Rolls-Royce two-tone colorway with Black over Monteverde green highlighting a bold, hand-applied Peony Pink coachline. The coachline set against the darker colors draws inspiration from the interior color design. Upon opening the coach doors, one encounters an interior suite of Scivaro Grey offset by a vibrant color pop from large swatches in Peony Pink. The Obsydian Ayous open-pore wood and canadel panelling present a contemporary yet warm look and feel. The Gallery in this special commission features a world first with a unique embroidery design finished in Scivaro Grey with a Peony Pink thread. The Phantom Series II ‘Maverick’ commission is part of the 2022 Pebble Beach Collection and features a personalized treadplate that reads, ‘Pebble Beach 2022’ Special Commission. Rolls-Royce also unveiled a Black Badge Cullinan in Forbidden Pink and a world premier for a new finish, Ghost in Crystal over Sagano Green. These commissions are offered exclusively through authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailers. How much? No idea, but it really doesn't matter, does it?
The Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II has been unveiled. Illuminated Fascia and Starlight Headlights "bring to life the Rolls-Royce ‘Light-Touch,’" according to Rolls-Royce PR minions. The designers at Rolls-Royce created Phantom to provide the ultimate ‘blank canvas’ and coined the name ‘Maverick’ for the effort. Phantom also features an illuminated Pantheon Grille, with each metal vane specifically finished to provide a subtle glow. The headlights have 580 intricate laser-cut bezel starlights. The exterior is finished in a classic Rolls-Royce two-tone colorway with Black over Monteverde green highlighting a bold, hand-applied Peony Pink coachline. The coachline set against the darker colors draws inspiration from the interior color design. Upon opening the coach doors, one encounters an interior suite of Scivaro Grey offset by a vibrant color pop from large swatches in Peony Pink. The Obsydian Ayous open-pore wood and canadel panelling present a contemporary yet warm look and feel. The Gallery in this special commission features a world first with a unique embroidery design finished in Scivaro Grey with a Peony Pink thread. The Phantom Series II ‘Maverick’ commission is part of the 2022 Pebble Beach Collection and features a personalized treadplate that reads, ‘Pebble Beach 2022’ Special Commission. Rolls-Royce also unveiled a Black Badge Cullinan in Forbidden Pink and a world premier for a new finish, Ghost in Crystal over Sagano Green. These commissions are offered exclusively through authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars retailers. How much? No idea, but it really doesn't matter, does it?
(Lamborghini)
If you find the "standard" Lamborghini Urus somehow a bit too pedestrian, you can now order the new 2023 Urus Performante. The True Believers at Lamborghini pumped up its twin-turbo V8 to 657HP (with 627 pound-feet of torque), while cutting 104 pounds from its weight. When you really need to get to Costco in a hurry, 0-to-62 mph now takes 3.3 seconds, according the the Italian manufacturer. When? End of this year. How much? $260,676.00. Gulp.
(Range Rover)
Sometimes excess isn't nearly enough, apparently. This is the Ultra-Exclusive 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, created by SV Bespoke solely for the North American market. The Carmel Edition features an exclusive Satin Bronze exterior and Liberty Blue front seats with Caraway contrast rear seats. Long Wheelbase interior luxury appointments include SV Signature Suite, a luxurious four-seat configuration featuring the latest in technology, refinement and craftsmanship; Exterior features include SV-exclusive three-finish 23” Diamond Turned wheels finished in Dark Grey Gloss with matching Satin Bronze inserts while SV Bespoke Puddle Lamps illuminate the ground at night. Custom details include Carmel Edition embroidery and SV Bespoke branded treadplates. Clients will also receive Two Titleist Custom Club fittings at Titleist’s Performance Institute, along with full club sets for the Carmel Edition owner and partner. Range Rover will also be donating a portion of proceeds from each vehicle to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition is limited to just 17 units and priced at $345,000, and we assume they're already sold out.
If you find the "standard" Lamborghini Urus somehow a bit too pedestrian, you can now order the new 2023 Urus Performante. The True Believers at Lamborghini pumped up its twin-turbo V8 to 657HP (with 627 pound-feet of torque), while cutting 104 pounds from its weight. When you really need to get to Costco in a hurry, 0-to-62 mph now takes 3.3 seconds, according the the Italian manufacturer. When? End of this year. How much? $260,676.00. Gulp.
(Range Rover)Sometimes excess isn't nearly enough, apparently. This is the Ultra-Exclusive 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, created by SV Bespoke solely for the North American market. The Carmel Edition features an exclusive Satin Bronze exterior and Liberty Blue front seats with Caraway contrast rear seats. Long Wheelbase interior luxury appointments include SV Signature Suite, a luxurious four-seat configuration featuring the latest in technology, refinement and craftsmanship; Exterior features include SV-exclusive three-finish 23” Diamond Turned wheels finished in Dark Grey Gloss with matching Satin Bronze inserts while SV Bespoke Puddle Lamps illuminate the ground at night. Custom details include Carmel Edition embroidery and SV Bespoke branded treadplates. Clients will also receive Two Titleist Custom Club fittings at Titleist’s Performance Institute, along with full club sets for the Carmel Edition owner and partner. Range Rover will also be donating a portion of proceeds from each vehicle to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition is limited to just 17 units and priced at $345,000, and we assume they're already sold out.
(Bentley images)
This is the Bentley Mulliner Batur, a new two-door grand touring coupé that "embodies the start of a design revolution at Bentley," according to Bentley PR minions. Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his team, the Batur is "a showcase of a new design DNA that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)," according to the manufacturer. Just 18 series examples of the Batur will be built, and it is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, and succeeds the Bacalar – a run of 12 individually specified, designed and handcrafted Barchettas that relaunched coachbuilding at Bentley. Like its predecessor, the Batur is named after a beautiful natural body of water. Lake Batur is an 88m deep, 16 km crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali, Indonesia, and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot springs and agriculture. (That's all well and good, but let's face it, the name flat-out sucks. -WG) The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 740+ PS version of the hand-assembled 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12. Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever developed, with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring. All 18 of the handcrafted examples of the Batur have already been reserved. Each one will be created over the course of several months in Mulliner’s workshop at Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England, with first deliveries expected in mid-2023. How much to be the Biggest Tool in the Bentley shed? £1.65m (exc. taxes and options) each. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The hyper luxury car business has evolved into batch-builds designed to extract as much ca$h from "first-on-the-block" aficionados as possible. It's a giant "whatever" at this point as far as we're concerned. We're most interested in the new design direction. Is it an improvement? We're not so sure. -PMD
This is the Bentley Mulliner Batur, a new two-door grand touring coupé that "embodies the start of a design revolution at Bentley," according to Bentley PR minions. Created by Director of Design Andreas Mindt and his team, the Batur is "a showcase of a new design DNA that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)," according to the manufacturer. Just 18 series examples of the Batur will be built, and it is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner, and succeeds the Bacalar – a run of 12 individually specified, designed and handcrafted Barchettas that relaunched coachbuilding at Bentley. Like its predecessor, the Batur is named after a beautiful natural body of water. Lake Batur is an 88m deep, 16 km crater lake in Kintamani on the island of Bali, Indonesia, and provides nutrient-rich water to both local hot springs and agriculture. (That's all well and good, but let's face it, the name flat-out sucks. -WG) The Batur will also be the most powerful Bentley yet, with a 740+ PS version of the hand-assembled 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12. Engine performance will be matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis ever developed, with Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring. All 18 of the handcrafted examples of the Batur have already been reserved. Each one will be created over the course of several months in Mulliner’s workshop at Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England, with first deliveries expected in mid-2023. How much to be the Biggest Tool in the Bentley shed? £1.65m (exc. taxes and options) each. Editor-in-Chief's Note: The hyper luxury car business has evolved into batch-builds designed to extract as much ca$h from "first-on-the-block" aficionados as possible. It's a giant "whatever" at this point as far as we're concerned. We're most interested in the new design direction. Is it an improvement? We're not so sure. -PMD
(Buick)
In an expanded collaboration with Hello Sunshine - the media company Oscar-winning actress and producer Reese Witherspoon founded with the mission of putting women at the center of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers - Buick has debuted its new “Dream with Us” brand campaign (voiced by Witherspoon), which envisions what life could look like for future vehicle owners. You can see Buick's Wildcat EV concept - which is featured in this new video - here.
In an expanded collaboration with Hello Sunshine - the media company Oscar-winning actress and producer Reese Witherspoon founded with the mission of putting women at the center of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers - Buick has debuted its new “Dream with Us” brand campaign (voiced by Witherspoon), which envisions what life could look like for future vehicle owners. You can see Buick's Wildcat EV concept - which is featured in this new video - here.
The AE Song of the Week:
Measuring a summer's day, I only finds it slips away to grey
The hours, they bring me pain
Tangerine, Tangerine, living reflection from a dream
I was her love, she was my queen, and now a thousand years between
Thinking how it used to be
Does she still remember times like these?
To think of us again?
And I do
Tangerine, Tangerine, living reflection from a dream
I was her love, she was my queen, and now a thousand years between
"Tangerine" by Led Zeppelin, from the album Led Zeppelin III (1970)*. Written by James Patrick Page. Publisher: DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen here.
*Robert Plant would sometimes introduce this at concerts by saying: "This song is for our families and friends and people we've been close to. It's a song of love at its most innocent stages." Jimmy Page wrote this and first recorded it when he was with still with The Yardbirds. This was the last Zeppelin song Page wrote without any input from Robert Plant. It's also the only track on Led Zeppelin III for which Plant didn't write the lyrics. Jimmy Page played a pedal steel guitar on this track. He told Guitar Player magazine in 1977: "On the first LP there's a pedal steel. I had never played steel before, but I just picked it up. There's a lot of things I do first time around that I haven't done before. In fact, I hadn't touched a pedal steel from the first album to the third. It's a bit of a pinch really from the things that Chuck Berry did. Nevertheless, it fits. I use pedal steel in 'Your Time Is Gonna Come.' It sounds like a slide or something. It's more out of tune on the first album because I hadn't got a kit to put it together." Why does this song fade to silence a few seconds in? Jimmy Page explained when previewing the song for Melody Maker in 1970: "That's commonly known as a false start. It was a tempo guide, and it seemed like a good idea to leave it in – at the time. I was trying to keep the tempo down a bit. I'm not so sure now it was a good idea. Everybody asks what the hell is going on." Led Zeppelin played this during acoustic sets on their early tours. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG