MARCH 20, 2024

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 

(The Petersen Automotive Museum)

The Petersen Automotive Museum's newest exhibit, “GM's Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection,” is now open in the Audrey and Martin Gruss Foundation Gallery. This exhibit showcases the legacy of GM Motorama shows in the 1950s, featuring six extremely rare GM concept cars displayed together for the first time. Cars on display include the 1955 LaSalle II Roadster, 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne, 1955 LaSalle Sedan, 1953 Buick Wildcat, the 1953 Pontiac Parisienne and a completely original and unrestored 1954 Pontiac Bonneville Special (above). The exhibit highlights the history of General Motors’ traveling Motorama shows, which legendary GM stylist Harley Earl used to present experimental non-production cars that featured unique design and technological concepts. A few of the vehicles, like the Corvette, even went into production. Most “Dream Cars” were sent to scrap yards after their time in the spotlight, but four were saved from near destruction at Warhoops Auto and Truck Parts in Sterling Heights, Michigan, by Warhoops employees. Bortz rescued the cars and painstakingly restored the 1955 LaSalle II Roadster and 1955 Chevrolet Biscayne after both were cut in half in preparation for the crusher. The 1955 LaSalle Sedan is presented in its “junkyard fresh” condition.

These cars are the Picassos and Rembrandts of this automotive generation,” said Bortz. “To see six of them together, all from the ‘50s, and all the real deal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

We’ve never displayed a collection of concept cars quite like this at the museum,” said Terry L. Karges, executive director of Petersen Automotive Museum. “We are thrilled to display these iconic cars and illustrate the significant role Motoramas played in automotive history.

GM's Marvelous Motorama: Dream Cars from the Joe Bortz Collection” will be on display until March 2026. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit Petersen.org/exhibits

(Mercedes-Benz images)

The second-generation Mercedes-AMG GT is the new flagship model from Mercedes-AMG. At the heart of the beast is a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 Biturbo engine, producing 469HP in the AMG GT 55 and 577HP in the AMG GT 63. A host of advanced technology fitted standard contributes to the exceptional performance, including AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL suspension with active roll stabilization, active rear-axle steering and active aerodynamic elements. This is further supported by the standard AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which includes an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, active engine mounts, and an AMG DYNAMIC SELECT "RACE" drive program with Drift mode, among other features. Other stuff? Electronically Controlled Limited-Slip Rear Differential; Active Rear Spoiler; Heated AMG Performance Steering Wheel in Nappa Leather w/ AMG DRIVE UNIT Buttons; Surround View 360-Degree Camera; Head-Up Display; Burmester® Surround Sound System; Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; Wireless Smartphone Charging and Blind Spot Assist. Arriving at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in spring of 2024, the 2024 AMG GT 55 Coupe starts at $134,900. The 2024 AMG GT 63 starts at - gulp - $175,900.

(Mercedes-Benz images)

If the two machines above are too much, there's the new 2025 Mercedes-AMG GT 43. Featuring a lightweight 2.0-liter turbo in conjunction with rear-wheel drive "offers a highly dynamic driving experience and agile handling," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. The handbuilt M139 AMG 2.0-liter turbo delivers 416HP and 369 lb-ft of torque to enable acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. It features electric exhaust gas turbocharger technology derived from Formula 1™ for spontaneous throttle response across the entire rpm range. The turbocharger is operated via the 48-volt on-board electrical system, which also feeds the belt-driven starter generator (RSG). The second-generation RSG also functions as a mild hybrid in the 48-volt on-board electrical system, which, in addition to providing support at lower engine speeds, also enables functions such as gliding and recuperation for even greater efficiency. The 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions between start-stop and gliding functions are almost imperceptible. Prices will be announced later.

(Jeep)

We knew The End was near for the only Jeep Wrangler we'd even consider - the 2024 Jeep® Wrangler 392 - and so here we are. And the boys and girls in Auburn Hills, having beat to death the "Last Call" sales gimmick with the departing ICE Chargers and Challengers, have come up with - you guessed it - a limited-production 392 Final Edition. Stuff you get with the Final Edition? More capability with standard 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch, half-inch suspension lift that delivers 11.6 inches ground clearance and 34.5 inches of water fording, heavy-duty rock sliders, 83-piece tool kit and triple hoop grille guard. Exclusive hood and fender vent decals, Black Nappa leather-trimmed seats with Mayan Gold and Tupelo accents and specially monogrammed shifter medallion and swing gate plaque. Plus, of course, the class-exclusive 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 delivering 470HP and 470 pound-feet of torque; and 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.0 seconds. Active dual-mode exhaust sound and unique quad tailpipes. Xtreme 35 Tire Package is standard on all Wrangler Rubicon 392 models, featuring beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. And, as they say, much, much more. Production of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 392 Final Edition is limited to 3,700 units globally. It is available to order now at a U.S. MSRP of - GULP - $99,995 (excluding destination of $1,895).

(The Petersen Automotive Museum images)

The Petersen Automotive Museum will debut its newest exhibit, “Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape,” on March 30. The display, which explores the intersection of art, the motoring environment and automotive innovation, will feature a curated selection of concept cars and artwork from iconic artists, including Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. “Eyes on the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape” presents the work of artists and designers whose imaginative creations transformed the motoring environment and the automobile itself, from mundane facets of daily life into subjects of wonder and beauty. The exhibit will be divided into five sections: vehicle concepts, sign language, at the pump, highways and street art. Vehicle concepts will showcase rare, fantastical concept vehicles from the 1930s and 1950s, while the sign language section will feature road signage found on cross-country roadways as interpreted by contemporary artists. The at the pump portion will focus on art pieces from pop art iconographer Ruscha and artist Vik Muniz (above), while the street art section will showcase work by Mr. Brainwash, Steve O’Loughlin’s "Freeway Box," created for the exhibition, and Larry Yust's "Third Street," highlighting Yust’s signature photographic elevation method. Highlighted vehicles on display include the 1934 Dymaxion, 1956 American Motors Astra-Gnome, 1955 Ghia Gilda and 1969 Chevrolet Astro III. Visitors will also enjoy notable art pieces, including Hockney’s “Mulholland Drive” (1986), Warhol’s “Mobil Gas” (1985) and Ruscha’s “Standard Station” (1966). “This exhibit represents the fusion of artistic expression, automotive ingenuity and observation of the motoring environment,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “It also perfectly illustrates how artists can reveal the beauty hidden in plain sight throughout the world in which we drive.” “Eyes On the Road: Art of the Automotive Landscape,” curated by the Petersen Automotive Museum and guest curator Jim Farber, will be on display in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery through November 2024. Tickets for the opening reception on Friday, March 29, are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for more information about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit Petersen.org/exhibits.

1956 American Motors Astra-Gnome.

Harry B. Chandler (b. 1953), Long Beach 710 X Century 105.

(Cadillac)

The American luxury manufacturer is teasing what the future of its next-generation high-performance EV might be like, sharing a sneak peek at "Opulent Velocity" — a concept vehicle designed to celebrate the past, present and future of Cadillac and its performance brand, V-Series. Opulent Velocity "represents the duality of the Cadillac brand defined in the name itself, Opulent + Velocity," according to Cadillac PR minions. “Opulent Velocity is designed to foreshadow a zero emissions expression of performance and modern luxury leadership,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director, Cadillac Global Design. “We will share more later this year, so stay tuned.” Watch the video here. Editor's Note: Curious about the new Cadillac Celestiq? Watch this video here. -WG

(Porsche)

Porsche is expanding the model lineup of its all-electric sports sedan to include the Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package. The latter is built for the track and dispenses with the rear seats in favor of an even better power-to-weight ratio. At peak power, both models can deliver more than 1,000HP. "In combination with various lightweight construction and aerodynamics measures, these all-electric GT sports sedans raise the bar in terms of driving dynamics," according to Porsche PR minions. (But don't get too excited, they both weigh well over 5,200 lbs. -PMD) A more powerful and efficient pulse inverter that uses silicon carbide as the semiconductor material is used on the rear axle. The Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package earned the title of fastest electric series-production car at the Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, in California, on February 23, 2024. With a time of 1:27.87, Porsche development driver Lars Kern put in a faster lap than any other driver has before with a series electric car. Not long before that, a pre-production version of this same new model set a new class record on the Nürburgring. Kern was also at the wheel on that occasion and posted a lap time of 7:07.55 on the Nordschleife. This official lap time is 26 seconds faster than Kern recorded for his last record lap in a Taycan Turbo S sport sedan equipped with the performance package back in August 2022. This time also stands as the current record for series-production electric cars and also makes the Turbo GT the fastest four-door of any powertrain type on the Nürburgring. Porsche is the unchallenged king of extracting as much ca$h-ola from its so-called faithful; it's not even close, in fact. So, how much for the privilege of being the Biggest Tool in the Shed in your neighborhood? The MSRP for the 2025 Taycan Turbo GT and the Taycan Turbo GT with Weissach Package starts at $230,000. The MSRP does not include tax, title, registration, dealer charges or a $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee, of course. Both models are available to order now and are expected to arrive at U.S. dealers this summer.

The AE Song of the Week:

You are here and warm
But I could look away and you'd be gone
Cause we live in a time
When meaning falls in splinters from our lives
And that's why I've traveled far
'Cause I come so together where you are

And all of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I'm with you
Fourteen joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady, gentle one

(All I need is you)

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady, gentle one

Sentimental lady

Yeah all of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I'm with you
Fourteen joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady, gentle one

(All I need is you)

Sentimental gentle wind
Blowing through my life again
Sentimental lady, gentle one

(All I need is you)

All of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I'm with you
Fourteen joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very (all I need is you)

All of the things that I said that I wanted
Come rushing by in my head when I'm with you
Fourteen joys and a will to be merry
And all of the things that we say are very

"Sentimental Lady" by Bob Welch from the album "French Kiss" (1977)*. Written by Robert Welch. Publisher: BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch Bob Welch perform "Sentimental Lady" live from The Roxy with Christine McVie in 1981 here.

When we asked Bob Welch about this song, he explained: "The lyric was probably referencing my first wife (at the time) Nancy. The original placeholder/dummy lyrics for the chorus (before I had 'real' lyrics) were, 'my legs are sticks and my feet are stones.' I have the old songwriting cassette I used, and that's what I'm saying ;-). The Fleetwood Mac version had two verses, the 'hit' solo album version (five years later), had only one verse, in order to get it down to less than three minutes, for radio." Bob Welch was a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1971-1974. He died in 2012 at age 65. Songs he wrote for Fleetwood Mac include "Hypnotized" and "The Bermuda Triangle." Bob Welch joined Fleetwood Mac in 1971, and they recorded this song on their 1972 album Bare Trees. It became a hit when Welch recorded it on his first solo album in 1977. Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac sang backup on Welch's solo version. Welch wrote this at the Gorham Hotel on 55th Street in New York City. The hotel no longer exists. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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