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Sergio Marchionne. Editor-in-Chief's Note: He tells formerly excited Fiat dealers that only “the best performing Fiat dealers will be the ones that will be entitled to have a crack at Alfa Romeo distribution.” Really, Sergio? This after you lured these businesspeople in with your "Grand Vision" that required them to spend between $1-$2 million on brick and mortar for stand-alone Fiat franchises on the promise that they'd be swimming in Alfas - and Alfa profits - by 2014? Really, Sergio? This kind of Bush League Bullshit may work in Italy, but not so much here. Is it any big surprise that Sergio has fallen out of favor with a number of Fiat dealers? No. The bloom is off the rose, indeed. - PMD

Cadillac. Editor-in-Chief's Note: GM has hired Uwe Ellinghaus, 44, a former BMW executive to be Cadillac's new marketing chief in an attempt to help make the brand a more viable competitor to its import competition. Ellinghaus spent 14-years at the German luxury-performance automaker in various strategic marketing roles. A good idea, at least on the surface, except that he reports to Bob Ferguson, who is hopelessly clueless, and the moribund GM marketing culture - or what passes for it - is still resolutely in place. If it were as easy as hiring new actors to "fix" the marketing conundrum at GM - especially when it comes to Cadillac - it would have been fixed long ago. I will say this (again) and I'll probably say it at least a million times hence, but Cadillac needs to learn to understand and accept that "being Cadillac" is not a crime, that there are some parts of the Cadillac legacy that should be embraced and enhanced. Chasing the German manufacturers will only get the brand so far, because for most import intenders in this country Cadillac will never get where it wants to go. But in China Cadillac has more than a shot because lo and behold, Chinese consumers don't have the residual memories of Vogue whitewalls and half vinyl roofs getting in the way. There's a very big lesson for Lincoln in all of this too. - PMD

(GM)
Of the many concepts Chevrolet is showing at the SEMA show this week is the Corvette Stingray Convertible Atlantic (above) and the Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept (below). Chevrolet is saying that the Blade Silver Convertible's sophisticated styling enhancements resemble the detailing and refinement of a private jet. The exterior features a new Carbon Flash Metallic front splitter, rocker extensions and rear lower diffuser, along with Fusion Gray headlamp housings and hood accents. It is trimmed with a sueded-wrapped interior package. Influenced by West Coast culture, the Torch Red Corvette Stingray Z51 Pacific Coupe concept’s design is "purposeful and compelling" according to GM PR minions. This aggressive Coupe concept is equipped with a carbon fiber hood, a visible carbon-fiber weave on the removable roof panel and a satin-black front splitter and rocker extensions. The Z51 rear spoiler is painted Carbon Flash Metallic with a Carbon Flash graphics package. The interior features a carbon fiber trim kit, along with the available Competition Sport seats and a flat-bottom steering wheel with a carbon fiber finish. Like the Atlantic concept, the Corvette Stingray Coupe Pacific concept wears a number of Chevrolet Accessories, including distinctive satin black aluminum wheels with a red accent stripe (19 x 8.5-inch in front/20 x 10-inch in the rear).

(GM)

(Toyota)
One of the things we love about the SEMA show is that you can expect to see absolutely anything imaginable when it comes to the cars and trucks on display, and this Toyota Tundra is exactly what we mean. West Coast Choppers owner Jesse James drew inspiration from Texas restaurateur Tim Love to build an 8-foot combination KitchenAid oven and white oak chopping block that extends from the Toyota Tundra truck bed. James and his team added high quality details to enhance the Texas barbecue theme. A Texas Longhorn and the defiant “Come and Take it” slogan can be seared into meat on the custom iron oven grates, and the phrase “West Coast Choppers Texas Barbecue” further customizes the build. Two WEATHER GUARD side coolers help keep meat at safe temperatures while traveling, and stainless steel compartments store individual condiments. The team also lifted the truck 4 inches and added a more rugged look through matching black fender flares, N-FAB nerf steps and Method Race Wheels. Additional featured items include General Tires, a Camburg suspension and OPTIMA batteries to keep power flowing. Love is owner of multiple Texas restaurants including Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, Woodshed Smokehouse and the White Elephant Saloon. He is known for his innovative grilled, roasted, braised and slow-cooked meals and Texas inspiration.

(Images courtesy of Ford)
Ford has dozens of vehicles displayed at the SEMA show, but we liked these two in particular. The Gulf Racing edition Ford Focus ST (above) created by Universal Technical Institute features classic Gulf Racing livery, 19-inch deep concave wheels and aggressive custom wide flares. The interior continues the color scheme, which also has a Scosche Industries audio system. Green Filter USA combined the classic 1960s Indianapolis 500-winning Lotus-Ford livery with the modern Focus ST (below) for a throwback look that works great. High-performance aftermarket parts are added to the EcoBoost engine to give it extra torque, horsepower and fuel economy. And aggressive Falken tires complete the package.

(Image courtesy of Ford)

Another SEMA show vehicle from Ford is this Ford F-350 from Cars by Kris that has custom paint work and 22-inch American Force wheels wrapped in tires from Toyo Tire. The diesel engine has also been given modifications from Banks Power and a custom side exit exhaust by MagnaFlow.

(GM)
The Chevrolet Silverado Cheyenne concept vehicle makes its debut at the SEMA Show this week. The strictly high-performance version of the all-new 2014 Silverado regular cab focuses on reduced curb weight and a strong power-to-weight ratio with its new 420-horsepower 6.2L V-8. Other tricks? Carbon fiber replacements for the bumpers, tailgate and inner cargo box, shaving approximately 200 pounds from the 4,503 pounds base curb weight of a 5.3L-equipped Silverado regular cab with a 6’6” box. This special Cheyenne has a carbon fiber front bumper, carbon body-side ground effects, carbon fiber tailgate with spoiler and a hood featuring a Camaro Z/28-inspired extractor vent. A lowered ride height, a rear stabilizer bar and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes put the icing on the cake of the Cheyenne concept. Other lightweight tricks include the removal of the trailer hitch, spare tire, interior center console and some of the sound-deadening material. The truck also has a lightweight aluminum driveshaft and composite rear leaf springs. Don't be surprised if something like it ends up in production as a Silverado SS.

(Image courtesy of Ford)

Snakebit, a custom 1956 Ford F-100 with styling cues that salute the great Shelby Mustangs, was unveiled by KISS bassist Gene Simmons and his wife, actress Shannon Tweed, as part of Ford Motor Company’s display at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Snakebit is part of a fundraising effort to build a children’s hospital in Tweed’s hometown of Saskatoon, in the province of Saskatchewan, one of only two Canadian provinces without a dedicated children’s hospital. The project was originally conceived by Tom Foster, president of Saskatoon-based customizer Industrial Machine & Manufacturing, as a team-building exercise that could help raise funds for a new children’s hospital. Called Wheels of Dreams, the project to design and build the custom truck was funded by the Ford dealer association in Saskatchewan. It will be auctioned off in 2014 by Barrett-Jackson. Under the sectioned dual-skinned hood of the 1956 F-100 is a Ford Racing supercharged 5.4-liter V8 breathing through a high-performance exhaust system. A six-speed manual gearbox feeds the estimated 550 horsepower to the 20-inch rear wheels. The wheelbase has been stretched five inches, while the box has been widened and dressed with a billet machined floor to mimic wood. It is topped with a custom tonneau cover. The headlights and sequential taillights are custom-built, while 18-inch front and the 20-inch rear wheels are also inspired by Shelby Mustangs. The interior features handmade panels and two-tone leather. The knobs on the leather-wrapped dash are custom, as are the armrests. The leather bench seat, carefully contoured to match the look of a Shelby Mustang interior, is from Glide Engineering.

(Images courtesy of Ford)
A Ford Transit Connect cargo van becomes the ultimate fantasy ride that any kid – big or small – would want to drive, courtesy of Hot Wheels®. The Hot Wheels® Transit Connect is loaded with custom features inside and out, including two 18-inch tablets, a 55-inch television screen, gullwing doors and a built-in Hot Wheels® drag strip. With a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, the Hot Wheels® Transit Connect is the perfect vehicle to haul the Ford 1.0-liter EcoBoost®-powered custom Rip Rod™.

(Toyota)

The all-new Lexus RC coupe will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on Nov. 20, 2013, but Toyota's so damn excited about it they just had to show it to us now. Two RC models will be displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show, the RC 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the RC 300h hybrid with a 2.5-liter engine. The all-new RC "brings to life the luxury marque’s focus on emotional appeal through a dynamic and alluring two-door coupe," according to Lexus PR minions. Lexus is going all-in on injecting emotional appeal into their cars after building and promoting blandtastic conveyances for decades. We'll keep you posted on how the big brand transformation is working out.

(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)
Nowicki Autosport • Design will introduce their new project car, Concept7, at the 2013 SEMA Show (Mobil 1 Booth #24243) set for Tuesday–Friday, November 5–8, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Concept7 is an exciting appearance group for the 7th generation Corvette. Designed by Jeff Nowicki of Nowicki Autosport • Design, Concept7 embraces the new bold direction of the C7, offering Corvette owners a bespoke collection of exposed carbon fiber components. The Concept 7 suite of carbon fiber enhancements includes: Heat extractor hood; Carbon front grill center bar; Fender gill inserts; Rear taillight bezels; Rear spoiler; Rear lower diffuser; Carbon A-pillar trim; Rear quarter air intakes and Carbon wheel house flares (accommodates a larger wheel package). “Corvette C7 owners can choose Concept7 components to suit their own level of taste and individuality,” Nowicki commented. “Each Concept7 component is produced from the finest carbon fiber composites and built to exacting standards with an eye on fit, finish and production quality.” “The 7th generation Corvette is the perfect platform for these components and partnering with Mobil 1, Michelin, Brembo, HRE Wheels, Sankuer Composite Technologies, T.F.B. Plastics, BASF and Purifoy Chevrolet made it possible to complete the build in time for SEMA,” added Nowicki. Nowicki Autosport • Design is an automotive prototype and fabrication studio based in Birmingham, Michigan. Nowicki Autosport specializes in design, clay modeling, and prototype innovative accessories for the automotive industry. For more info visit http://www.nowickiautosport.com.

(Photo by John Thawley http://www.johnthawley.com)

(Porsche)

Porsche will mark two world premieres and three North American debuts at the upcoming 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Porsche Macan compact SUV - the automaker’s fifth model line - will be unveiled during the Porsche press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11:35 a.m. PST. The Macan is a pivotal part of Porsche's future product - and profitability - cadence. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Once the Macan comes online, Porsche will be making more Cayennes, Macans and Panameras than they will pure sports cars (911, Boxster, Cayman). The company will derive most of its profitability from its non-sports cars as well. A good thing? To many Porsche enthusiasts, no. But Porsche insists that it will press the reset button on its image when it enters the 24 Hours of Le Mans next June - and hopefully wins - thus reminding everyone of what Porsche stands for. We'll see. - PMD.

(Porsche)

Other world debuts in L.A. for Porsche include the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models. Additionally, the vaunted Porsche 918 Spyder will be shown for the first time at an auto show in North America, and the Panamera Turbo S and Panamera Turbo S Executive models will also be on display shortly after their world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show the same day. The Los Angeles area is Porsche’s most important market, with 17 percent of all cars sold in the U.S. Given that, the company is currently building the Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles, which will offer a world-class test track and handling course, including special surfaces which replicate inclement weather conditions where customers and auto enthusiasts can hone their driving skills and try out the latest Porsche models. The experience center, located in Carson, California, will also be the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America, currently located in Santa Ana, California.

Editor-in-Chief's's Note: This week our "Quick Take" finds us in a 2014 Audi S6 quattro S tiptronic. After last week's run with the Audi A8 L TDI, the 420HP in the S6 was well and truly accounted for - and appreciated (although the torque for these two disparate vehicles was exactly the same, ironically). The power delivery is smooth as silk and it's no secret that this 4.0-liter Audi V8 is one of my favorite engines, offering the kind of day-in, day-out real world performance that is intoxicating. In comparison to the nose-heavy A8 TDI the S6 felt positively light on its feet - even though it weighs 4400 lbs. - feeling exactly right the moment you first set off down the road. And it only gets better after that. A special mention has to be made of the interior in this S6, as it had the "Layered Aluminum/Black wood inlays" option. It's easy to praise the excellence of Audi interiors because they're uniformly noteworthy, but the effect of this particular option was simply stunning, akin to a Savile Row pinstriped suit executed flawlessly. The S6 is for those who find the S4 a little cramped and who don't lust after the S7 (and aren't ready to plunk down the cash-ola for the RS7). Yes, the S7 is the more obvious choice in terms of swoopy visual appeal, but I find the S6 extremely appealing nonetheless just the way it sits. A somber note? The S6 is seriously pricey. And the gas mileage was terrible around town, probably due to the fact that I had my foot in it all the time. If fuel mileage is your thing and negotiating the urban slog defines your typical driving cycle, the S6 probably isn't for you. But if you're looking for an understated high-performance package that delivers on most counts every day, the crisply executed S6 is worth a very close look. - PMD

2014 Audi S6 quattro S tiptronic: $81,470 ($73,400 Base Price; Estoril Blue crystal effect exterior; Black interior; 4.0-liter TFSI V8 engine with 420HP and 406 lbs-ft of torque and Audi Cylinder on Demand; 7-speed S-tronic automatic transmission; quattro permanent all-wheel-drive with sports rear differential; 19" 5-parallel spoke (S design) alloy wheels with 255/40 summer tires; Power glass sunroof (tilt and slide); S6 sport seats with diamond stiching, Valcona leather seats; heated 8-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar adjustment; Four-zone climate control; 3-spoke sport steering wheel with multifunction controls (power tilt and telescopic adjustable); 7" color Driver information system; Audi connect (with 6-month complimentary subscription); Audi advanced key; Audi Navigation plus with MMI touch; Audi music interface with iPod cable; Sirius Satellite Radio (with 3-month complimentary subscription); BOSE surround sound system (HD radio); Xenon plus adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights; heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors with power-folding; Driver Assistance Package - Audi adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Audi pre sense plus, Audi active lane assist, Top view camera - $2,800; LED headlights with LED DRLs, $1,400; 20" 5-parallel-spoke-design alloy wheels with summer tires (supercedes 19" Sport Package wheels), $1,000; Layered Aluminum/Black wood inlays, $900; Front filler panel; Destination Charge, $895).

Adherence to Brand Image: The Audi "S" models are all excellent and they certainly adhere closely to Audi's brand image and promise. The Audi S6 is one impressive machine and it fits perfectly with its four-ringed high-performance brethren. - PMD

Editor’s Note: Let's just get this on the table right now - I am available 24/7 to take delivery of my 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. Perhaps you just took delivery and are simply not happy with your color (excuse me, colour) choice, perhaps it is just too fast or just too luxurious. I don’t need to know the reason for your displeasure; I just need to know when you’ll be arriving my house! Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let me just say that the Flying Spur can really fly! Its twin-turbo 6.0-litre turbocharged W12 produces a staggering 616hp and 590 lb-ft of torque (up from 552 and 479, respectively, last year). It also features a new 8-speed automatic and all wheel drive is standard (with a 60/40 rear bias). And while it certainly looks like it weighs 5,445 pounds, it is simply amazing when you engage those horses. The stats claim zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds, and while I didn’t test this outright, I can tell you that 80 was the new 60 as I flew down Woodward Avenue. (Nevermind that fuel economy is rated at 12mpg city and 20mpg highway.) Redesigned for 2014, the Continental Flying Spur is now just the Flying Spur. There is a supremely confident, no-nonsense air about this car that I really wasn’t expecting. Yes, it is luxurious and powerful and unmistakable in its road presence. But there’s sort of a subtlety about it - almost understated, if you will. I know that’s hard to believe - I mean, this is a Bentley we’re talking about. But it doesn’t really scream excess; it just is. It sits there calmly, grandly, waiting to do your bidding - with grace and elegance to spare. The cabin is finished to the nth detail, with plenty of hides and secondary hides and veneers to go around. I must say, I did expect the seats to be a bit more cushy, a little more luxurious and not quite so sporty, but then again, given what happens when you really punch it, it’s good to have that extra support. I am a huge fan of heated seats (and a huge critic of the ones that automatically dial back the heat levels - like “they” know what I want). Well, no worries in that regard. Basically, those seats could bake scones. And once you've baked said scones, you can repair to the rear seats and enjoy them on your optional picnic trays. Two dainty little trays - just the perfect size for your proper English tea on-the-go (or your Pimm's Cup). What else caught my eye? The push-button knobs that open and close the vents - a very cool nod to the Bentleys of yore. What didn’t I like? The paddle switches on the steering column. They really clutter things up (and in fact look cheap), and they should be dispensed with posthaste. There are 17 exterior color choices for the Flying Spur, so please follow along as I list them here: St. James Red, Moonbeam, Beluga, Onyx, Glacier White, Dark Sapphire, Thunder, Granite, Hallmark, White Sand, Havana, Midnight Emerald, Meteor, Blue Crystal, Cumbrian Green, Silver lake, and a new color, Dark Cashmere. Then, there’s the interior and the premium grade hide in a choice of 12 colors: Beluga, Imperial Blue, Porpoise, Newmarket Tan, Saddle, Burnt Oak, Magnolia, Dark Bourbon, Portland, Brunel, Fireglow, and Linen. And don’t forget the wood trim! Veneer choices include Burr Walnut or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus on the fascia panels, console and door waistrails. None of these appeal to you? Worry not, there are more than 100 additional exterior paint colors available, five additional hide colors and five additional veneers, as well as a bespoke color-matching service. Let’s just say that as WordGirl, I find the idea of being in charge of the Bentley color palette irresistible! Clearly, the Flying Spur is not everyone's cup of Earl Grey, and there are plenty of automotive choices even in this rarefied segment. But if you need to feel invincible, if you need power and luxury and that little extra something that really does border on sheer splendor, then you need the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur. It says on the Bentley website that “the new Flying Spur is a remarkable luxury sedan.” I can report that yes, indeed, it is. -WG

Editor-in-Chief's Note: I concur. - PMD

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Base Price $200,500, Price as Tested, $240,010

Paint Colour, Glacier White
Main Hide, Linen
Secondary Hide (love that!), Burnt Oak
Carpets, Burnt Oak
Seat Belts (since when do we call out the color of the seat belts?!?!), Linen
Veneer, Burr Walnut

Cost Options
Contrast Stitching, $1,905
Contrast Binding to Carpet Overmats, $220
Boot Carpet, $545
Contrast Carpet Binding to Boot Carpet, $100
Emblem Stitching, $640
Driving Specification with 21” Polished Wheels, $13,985
Storage Case to Centre Console, $615
Contemporary Style Cross-Banding to Fascia, Door Waistrails & Picnic Tables, $1,295
Deep Pile Carpet Overmats to Front and Rear, $480
Dual Tone, 3 Spoke, Hide Trimmed Steering Wheel, $2,235
Front & Rear Ashtray With Cigar Lighter, $440
Veneered Picnic Tables, $2,000
Battery Charger (European Adaptor), $125
Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System, $7,480
Rear View Camera (In Addition to Park Distance Control Front and Rear), $1,215
21” Six Twin Spoke Alloy Wheels - Polished, $5,560
Space Saving Spare Wheel, $670

Adherence to Brand Image: Yes.