Issue 1319
October 22, 2025
 

About The Autoextremist

@PeterMDeLorenzo

Author, commentator, "The Consigliere."

Editor-in-Chief of Autoextremist.com.

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Sunday
Oct122025

OCTOBER 15, 2025

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 

 

SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE: We'd like to remind you that Peter's first work of fiction, "St. Michael of Birmingham" is out now. Make no mistake, it doesn't resemble anything you've read from him before. In fact, it is quite a dramatic departure. It is mystical. It is sexy. It is funny. It's moving. And it is a flat-out wild ride unlike anything you've experienced. Having said that, it is definitely not for everyone, but then, it is from PMD, so that probably shouldn't come as a surprise! Check it out on Amazon Kindle here. -WG

 

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Mercedes-Benz has entered a new era of iconic design. Representing this evolution, the Vision Iconic show car "embodies the freedom to think beyond convention – a creative expression that introduces new perspectives and bridges past and future," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions. A central feature is the reinterpretation of one of the most recognizable elements in automotive history: the Mercedes-Benz radiator grille. This iconic grille, first introduced with the all-new electric GLC, expresses both emotion and intelligence, and enables Mercedes-Benz to stand out from the sea of sameness. Never shy about touting his work, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG had this to say: "Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. With its hood giving it a majestic presence, sculptural flowing lines and a touch of Art Deco, it rises to become a true icon of automotive beauty. The interior with its continuous bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking memories of the legendary 300 SL. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing." (Well, alrighty then! -WG)

The interior of Vision Iconic "redefines automotive elegance through an opulent Art Deco-inspired composition of the finest craftsmanship and exclusive materials," according to Mercedes-Benz minions. The key highlight of the instrument panel is the "Zeppelin" floating glass structure – "a sculptural form that reveals a captivating interior of artfully designed details and a refined interplay of analog and digital instruments."

As the door is opened, the instrument cluster comes to life with a cinematic, entirely analog animation inspired by high-end chronographs. The pillar-to-pillar screen concept blends technology seamlessly into the interior. At the center, one of the four clocks is shaped like the brand logo, acting as an AI companion.

Behind the "Zeppelin," a generous decorative surface unfolds into a distinctive inlay of lustrous mother-of-pearl look, offering both visual depth and artisanal finesse. Intricate mother-of-pearl trim also graces the door panels, encircling finely crafted and polished brass door handles in silver-gold tones before flowing into a radiant star pattern that elegantly frames the rear seat. The driver and passenger share the spacious, sumptuously upholstered front bench seat in deep blue velvet – fostering a sense of relaxation and luxury experience.

The four-spoke steering wheel features a Mercedes-Benz logo floating inside a glass sphere, clasped by the spokes like a jewel. The floor of the interior is clad in elaborate straw marquetry, a luxurious decorative technique dating back to the 17th century and revived in the 1920s. "Rendered in a classic fan-shaped Art Deco motif, this handcrafted finish brings historic artistry into the modern era," according to Mercedes-Benz PR minions.

Mercedes-Benz is researching innovative solar modules that could be seamlessly applied to the body of electric vehicles, similar to a wafer-thin paste. The photovoltaic-active surface could be adaptable to various substrates. When applied to the entire vehicle surface of Vision Iconic, additional electric range could be harnessed from the sun, depending on geographical location and local conditions. For example, an area of 118 square feet (equivalent to the surface of a mid-size SUV) could produce energy for up to approximately 7,450 miles of range per year under ideal conditions. The coating does not contain any rare earths or silicon and can be easily recycled. The solar cells have a high efficiency of 20 percent and continuously generate energy – even when the vehicle is switched off.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Mercedes-Benz designers have been playing with this basic form for years. In this latest iteration, it has taken on a maturity that clearly signals the company's future design direction. The press release went on and on about the machine's autonomous driving capabilities, but I was more interested in the fact that they chose black for this concept's visual presentation, which is unexpected and a stunning look. I like it a lot, and it's clear that Mercedes-Benz is still going all-in on its EV product development. A giant "we'll see" as we like to say around here. -PMD

 

(BMW images)

BMW revealed the limited-edition 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition at the 2025 Motul Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta last weekend. Its Alpine White paint is draped in hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes and a black hood graphic with “turbo” in mirror writing, "paying a reverential tribute to the legendary BMW 2002 turbo from 1974-1975," according to BMW PR minions. Five decades ago, the 02 Series was fundamental in establishing BMW as a maker of vehicles that deliver both engaging all-around performance and everyday practicality. The 2002 turbo showed that BMW could dial up the intensity on the performance without compromising the usability. Today’s M2 embodies that same ethos, "fusing a thrilling driving experience on road or track with daily comfort, convenience, and civility," according to BMW. M Carbon fiber trim including roof panel with integrated M tricolor stripes is also included. The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition will be produced in "extremely limited numbers" starting in January 2026. It will come very well-equipped and exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, with a base MSRP of $82,900 plus $1,175 destination and handling. Production begins in Q1 2026, with deliveries expected in early Q2.

 

 

(Chevrolet images)

General Motors is bringing back the Chevrolet Bolt (finally), "building on the formula that made its predecessor one of the industry’s most popular electric vehicles," according to Chevrolet PR minions. The 2027 Bolt may have a familiar shape, but underneath it’s sporting the latest GM EV technology. The X76 electric drive unit powering the 2027 Bolt was designed in-house at GM, and the Bolt benefits from the latest wave of continual improvements made by GM. The X76 drive unit was designed from the ground up to maximize driving range and deliver improved efficiency in cost and energy usage. The permanent-magnet motor uses minimal rare-earth materials for improved costs. Segmented magnets reduce heat buildup and energy loss, and silicon carbide inverter materials minimize energy loss between the battery and drive unit.

The 2027 Bolt is the 10th GM EV model to use the X76 drive unit. The 2027 Bolt features GM's most advanced X76 variant to date, benefiting from extensive and rigorous testing both in the real world and virtually. The Bolt benefits from a blended regenerative braking system for even more efficiency. Whether or not the driver engages One-Pedal Driving mode, software in the Bolt prioritizes technology that returns braking energy back to the battery for improved range. The braking system has been optimized for consistent pedal feel during both regen and friction braking, a key improvement over the previous Bolt.

Other stuff you should know about the new Bolt:

It has a GM-estimated range of 255 miles. Its peak charging speed of 150 kW+ is more than 2.5x faster than the previous Bolt EV. It charges 10% to 80% in 26 minutes with public DC fast charging. It's the first Chevrolet with a native NACS charging port. A "sporty" RS trim will be available for the first time. A larger, 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment screen for navigation, playlists, and entertainment apps through Google built-in, plus a larger 11-inch-diagonal driver information screen. Super Cruise driver assistance technology will be available with more hands-free miles than ever before. More than 20 standard safety and driver assistance features including Intersection Collision Mitigation, Rear Automatic Braking and Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Braking. Interior improvements also include an open console, multiple USB-C ports and available wireless phone charging. It also features vehicle-to-Home (V2H) bi-directional capability.

The launch model - the 2027 Bolt LT - will sticker for $29,990 (including $1,395 DFC). Later in the model year, an even more affordable LT will be available with a starting MSRP of $28,995 (including $1,395 DFC). Bolt will offer the most range in an EV under $30,000. It will begin shipping to customers early next year and will be a "limited run" model. Bolt joins the Chevrolet Equinox EV, and together, Bolt and Equinox EV are expected to account for most of Chevrolet’s 2026 EV volume. 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: It's no secret that GM's premature cancelling of the Bolt EV was an egregious mistake. In its previous iteration, it was an excellent, affordable EV. I should know, because I owned one and really enjoyed it. It's clear that in their haste to get the Bolt EV back online GM operatives decided to upgrade the key EV systems and add minor interior tweaks, but leave the exterior design alone. I get it, but it certainly isn't nearly enough. I'm hoping the "limited run" tag on this refreshed Bolt means that something much better is coming. The fundamental goodness of the Bolt is too strong to let languish with an old suit of clothes. This needs to be addressed ASAP. -PMD



 

The AE Song of the Week:

I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go

I'm filling the cracks that ran through the door
And kept my mind from wandering
Where it will go

And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong I'm right
Where I belong I'm right
Where I belong
See the people standing there who disagree and never win
And wonder why they don't get in my door

I'm painting a room in a colorful way
And when my mind is wandering
There I will go
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ah-ah
Hey, hey, hey, hey

And it really doesn't matter if I'm wrong I'm right
Where I belong I'm right
Where I belong
Silly people run around, they worry me
And never ask me why they don't get past my door

I'm taking the time for a number of things
That weren't important yesterday
And I still go
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ah-ah

I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go
Where it will go
I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in
And stops my mind from wandering
Where it will go


"Fixing A Hole" by The Beatles, from the album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967).* Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here.

Paul McCartney wrote this after fixing the roof on his farm in Scotland. McCartney said the song was "about the hole in the road where the rain gets in, a good old analogy." This was the first time The Beatles used a studio other than one owned and operated by their record label EMI. The takes in this new studio - Regent Sound Studio, located in Tottenham Court Road, London - were numbered 1-3. They returned to Abbey Road the next day however, recording "A Day In The Life." George Harrison became annoyed at the number of times Paul re-recorded vocals for this song, later saying he did almost nothing during the recording of the album but sit around all day listening to Paul singing the words "Fixing a hole" all day. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)





 

Editor's Note: Click on "Next 1 Entries" at the bottom of this page to see previous issues. - WG


 

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