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
(Mercedes-AMG images)
Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the production, all-electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, saying that it "redefines performance... with extreme power, remarkable continuous performance, highly precise driving dynamics and an exhilarating AMG driving experience..." The 4‑Door Coupe is based on the new high-performance AMG.EA architecture, which features numerous world-first innovations. Central to this is a newly developed drive concept designed for high performance, which is used in a series-production electric vehicle for the first time. It utilizes a new, highly innovative electric motor technology – axial flux motors – combined with a high-performance battery. The drive concept delivers impressive peak power and can also be called upon repeatedly and continuously, thereby shifting the benchmark in the high-performance segment. The unique drive concept features three axial flux motors that deliver up to 1,153HP and 1,475 lb-ft of torque. Other stuff? AMG High Performance Electric Battery: Formula 1-based 800-volt battery with directly cooled cylindrical cells which "ensures fast, repeatable and sustained power delivery," according to Mercedes-AMG. Exceptional charging performance: 600-kW charging capacity enables approximately 460 km (WLTP) to be charged in as little as 10 minutes. Highly customizable driving dynamics and "distinctive, emotional high performance V8 experience" (which means faux sound design is part of the package -WG). Available AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL with active roll stabilization enables highly dynamic sports car handling and long-distance ride comfort. And AEROKINETICS active aerodynamics that enhance aero balance. Mercedes‑AMG demonstrated the capability of this technology last year with the CONCEPT AMG GT XX in Nardò, accumulating 24,901 miles in seven days and 13 hours, and setting a total of 25 long-distance records in the process.
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2026, starting with the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, followed by the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe in early 2027. Prices were not released. Editor-in-Chief's Note: As I've noted previously, Mercedes is not walking away from its EV development. In fact, it seems to be accelerating its efforts. The lengthy press release accompanying this machine was another record by any manufacturer, and suffice to say, there is so much technology packed into these two machines that it boggles the mind. Will enthusiasts respond in a positive fashion? A giant "we'll see," as we like to say. -PMD
The 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe arrives at U.S. dealerships later in 2026, starting with the Mercedes‑AMG GT 55 4-Door Coupe, followed by the Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe in early 2027. Prices were not released. Editor-in-Chief's Note: As I've noted previously, Mercedes is not walking away from its EV development. In fact, it seems to be accelerating its efforts. The lengthy press release accompanying this machine was another record by any manufacturer, and suffice to say, there is so much technology packed into these two machines that it boggles the mind. Will enthusiasts respond in a positive fashion? A giant "we'll see," as we like to say. -PMD
The Audi Concept C has won four major international awards, including The Car Design News People Award, 2026 Car Design Award presented by Auto & Design – Best Concept Car Design, 2026 Top Gear EV Award – Best Concept Car Design, and Driving Vision News Awards – Best Concept Car Lighting. The all-electric concept "embodies Audi’s new design philosophy: clear, technical, intelligent and emotional," according to Audi PR minions. Audi CCO Massimo Frascella said, “A powerful recognition of the creativity, talent and passion of the team.”
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week, our video features a memorable conversation with Jim Hall on the American Inventors Interview Series. Watch it here. -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy, can I come over after school? (after school)
We can hang around by the pool (hang by the pool)
Did your mom get back from her business trip? (business trip)
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip? (give me the slip)
You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I've waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy, do you remember when I mowed your lawn? (mowed your lawn)
Your mom came out with just a towel on (towel on)
(BMW images)
Manual Gearbox True Believers Rejoice! BMW M is marking the close of the M3’s sixth generation with a special, limited-edition model built for maximum driver involvement. The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter pairs the lightweight construction and track-ready chassis tuning of BMW CS models with the added engagement of a 6-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. You also get targeted use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler, standard M Carbon bucket seats, and other measures to reduce weight by nearly 75 pounds compared to a standard M3 when the optional M Carbon Ceramic brakes are fitted. Model-specific chassis hardware and calibration sharpen steering, suspension, and overall responses, while a 6mm reduction in ride height contributes to its planted, track-capable stance. Power comes from a 473HP M TwinPower Turbo inline-6, paired exclusively with a precise 6-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive "for an unmistakably direct connection between driver and machine," according to BMW PR minions. The 2027 BMW M3 CS Handschalter will be built exclusively for North America in very limited numbers starting in July, with deliveries expected to commence in the fall. The base MSRP will be $107,100, plus $1,350 destination and handling.
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week, our video features a memorable conversation with Jim Hall on the American Inventors Interview Series. Watch it here. -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy, can I come over after school? (after school)
We can hang around by the pool (hang by the pool)
Did your mom get back from her business trip? (business trip)
Is she there, or is she trying to give me the slip? (give me the slip)
You know, I'm not the little boy that I used to be
I'm all grown up now, baby can't you see
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I've waited for so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong but I'm in love with Stacy's mom
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
Stacy, do you remember when I mowed your lawn? (mowed your lawn)
Your mom came out with just a towel on (towel on)
I could tell she liked me from the way she stared (way she stared)
And the way she said, "You missed a spot over there" (a spot over there)
And I know that you think it's just a fantasy
But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want, and I've waited so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong
But I'm in love with Stacy's mom
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I've waited for so long
Stacy can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong
I'm in love with Stacy's mom, oh oh
I'm in love with Stacy's mom, oh oh (wait a minute)
Stacy can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong, but
I'm in love with Stacy's mom
'Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne from the album "Welcome Interstate Managers" (2003).* Written by Adam Schlesinger and Christopher B. Collingwood. Publisher: MONKEY DEMON MUSIC, O/B/O DistroKid. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here.
*This song tells the story of a kid who has developed a huge crush on his friend's super-hot mom. Adam Schlesinger, songwriter and bassist for Fountains of Wayne, revealed in our Songfacts interview that the track was actually inspired by a friend who was, curiously, attracted to Adam's grandmother: "Well, one of my best friends told me that he thought my grandmother was really hot, that added a little bit to the song. That's a true story. And my grandmother was pretty hot." Schlesinger told us he had Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" in the back of his mind when he penned "Stacy's Mom": "It was a contrast of that story against a track that sounded like '80s new wave, like The Cars or something."
And the way she said, "You missed a spot over there" (a spot over there)
And I know that you think it's just a fantasy
But since your dad walked out, your mom could use a guy like me
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want, and I've waited so long
Stacy, can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong
But I'm in love with Stacy's mom
Stacy's mom has got it goin' on
She's all I want and I've waited for so long
Stacy can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong
I'm in love with Stacy's mom, oh oh
I'm in love with Stacy's mom, oh oh (wait a minute)
Stacy can't you see you're just not the girl for me
I know it might be wrong, but
I'm in love with Stacy's mom
'Stacy's Mom" by Fountains of Wayne from the album "Welcome Interstate Managers" (2003).* Written by Adam Schlesinger and Christopher B. Collingwood. Publisher: MONKEY DEMON MUSIC, O/B/O DistroKid. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here.
*This song tells the story of a kid who has developed a huge crush on his friend's super-hot mom. Adam Schlesinger, songwriter and bassist for Fountains of Wayne, revealed in our Songfacts interview that the track was actually inspired by a friend who was, curiously, attracted to Adam's grandmother: "Well, one of my best friends told me that he thought my grandmother was really hot, that added a little bit to the song. That's a true story. And my grandmother was pretty hot." Schlesinger told us he had Simon & Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" in the back of his mind when he penned "Stacy's Mom": "It was a contrast of that story against a track that sounded like '80s new wave, like The Cars or something."
The Cars' influence is obvious - just compare the intro of their track, "Just What I Needed," to the intro of "Stacy's Mom" to hear it for yourself. This song was a commercial success and reached #1 on iTunes' Most Downloaded Songs chart. In 2004, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Vocal Pop Performance. Adam Schlesinger told us, "Stacy's Mom" "is definitely the biggest of my own band stuff." Schlesinger added to Bullz-Eye.com that he does not think Fountains of Wayne will achieve the same level of success they did with "Stacy's Mom" ever again: "I think 'Stacy's Mom' was a fluke thing where it was the right song and the right video, and you kind of had the novelty factor, and all that stuff. And you can't really make that happen again."
Actress and model, Rachel Hunter, portrayed Stacy's mom in the song's official video - directed by Chris Applebaum. Parts of the video bear a striking resemblance to the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. At one point in the movie, a character named Brad is in a bathroom fantasizing about his sister's friend and the friend walks in on him. His sister's name, coincidentally, is Stacy.(Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)
Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG