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
(Honda images)
The 2026 Honda Prelude hybrid-electric sports coupe has finally begun arriving at Honda dealers. The new Prelude pairs the Honda two-motor hybrid-electric powertrain with high-performance chassis hardware from the Civic Type R. The all-new Prelude also marks the debut of S+ Shift, "an innovative new drive mode that simulates a performance-transmission experience to deliver an engaging grand touring experience, while remaining comfortable for everyday driving," according to Honda PR minions. The 2026 Prelude is available in one well-equipped trim with an MSRP of $42,0001 (excluding a $1,195 destination charge).
(Bentley images)
100 years after the birth of the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the nameplate returns to Bentley for only the fourth Supersports model in history. The new Bentley Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, with rear-wheel drive, a two-seat cabin and a gross weight below two tons. A non-hybrid, pure internal combustion powertrain has a new 666 PS (657BHP), 800 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, with power fed through an eight-speed double clutch gearbox to the rear wheels only. Carbon ceramic brakes, new 22” lightweight forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing and an Akrapovič full-length titanium exhaust system are standard, while Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available.
The exterior represents the most purposeful Continental GT ever, with a series of form-following-function developments to maximise downforce and save weight. A new front bumper integrates the biggest front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, and feeds cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbon fiber dive planes, side sills, fender blades and a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing combine to generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed. The weight saving regime extends to the roof, which is now a carbon fiber panel to also lower the center of gravity while maintaining structural stiffness.
Inside, the two-seat cabin features new, highly bolstered sports seats, positioned lower in the car, with the rear cabin environment replaced with a carbon fiber and leather shelf. Monotone, duo-tone and tri-tone interiors are available, with extensive use of leather, Dinamica and carbon fiber for a performance-focused space.
Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, comments:
“The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based.”
“The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based.”
Editor-in-Chief's Note: We like this high-performance Bentley, because it is aimed at the pure act of driving - and fun - even though it isn't affordable (prices weren't given, but who's kidding whom here?). Don't get your hopes up, however, because orders open March 2026, and production starts Q4 2026. So, we'll see it here in two years. -PMD
The AE Song of the Week:
You left me here on your way to paradise
You pulled the rug right out from under my life
I know where you goin' to I knew when you came home last night
'Cause your eyes had a mist from the smoke of a distant fire
Lord, I was stung shoulda' seen it come a long time ago.
When I realized the reality gave me a role
If things are the same then explain why your kiss is so cold
And that mist in your eyes feels like rain on the fire in my soul
This lying, and cryin', is upsettin' and gettin' ya no where
It don't stack up, so slack up and pack up
I just don't care
Don't let the screen door hit you, on your way out.
Don't you drown when your dream boat runs onto the ground
I'd just like to know do you love him or just making time
By filling his glass with your fast flowing bitter-sweet wine.
He'll taste the aftertaste when you come home late some night.
With your eyes all a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
(Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire)
You pulled the rug right out from under my life
I know where you goin' to I knew when you came home last night
'Cause your eyes had a mist from the smoke of a distant fire
Lord, I was stung shoulda' seen it come a long time ago.
When I realized the reality gave me a role
If things are the same then explain why your kiss is so cold
And that mist in your eyes feels like rain on the fire in my soul
This lying, and cryin', is upsettin' and gettin' ya no where
It don't stack up, so slack up and pack up
I just don't care
Don't let the screen door hit you, on your way out.
Don't you drown when your dream boat runs onto the ground
I'd just like to know do you love him or just making time
By filling his glass with your fast flowing bitter-sweet wine.
He'll taste the aftertaste when you come home late some night.
With your eyes all a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
(Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire)
Girl your eyes have the mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
(Girll your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire)
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
(Mist in your eyes from a distant fire)
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant
A distant fire
(Girll your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire)
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant fire.
(Mist in your eyes from a distant fire)
Girl your eyes have a mist from the smoke of a distant
A distant fire
"Smoke From A Distant Fire" by the Stanford-Townsend Band, from the album "Smoke From A Distant Fire" (1977).* Written by Ed Sanford, Johnny Townsend and Steven Stewart. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen to it here.
*Johnny Townsend of Sanford-Townsend Band was kind enough to tell Songfacts.com about this song:
"In the spring of 1974 Ed Sanford and I had just signed a publishing deal with Chappell Music. They gave us a nice advance and a weekly stipend and for a couple of unknown writers, this was a rare deal. Ed and our friend Steven Stewart (co-writer on Smoke...) were sharing one half of an old duplex in Hollywood at the time. I used to drop by and hang out, write or whatever, almost on a daily basis. Now Steven was an aspiring classical guitarist at the time. He used to stay up 'til the wee hours, sometimes daybreak, bent over his music stand practicing his scales, or some classical piece.
He was driven to become a great player. I was over one morning as Ed was just waking up and Steven hadn't been to bed yet. Ed was complaining about not getting any sleep and barked at Steven, 'When are you gonna stop wasting your time on that classical crap and write something that will make you some money.' Steven picked up his guitar immediately and started playing what I thought was a really cool R&B type rhythm and replied with 'Anybody can write that crap.' I said, 'Apparently you just did' and went straight to the piano and embellished on his idea. While going through some old song ideas in my notebook I always carried, I found one that actually was the title of a poem that Ed had written while in college. I extracted the title because it seemed to be a perfect fit for the chorus idea I had and that all sort of amalgamated into 'Smoke From A Distant Fire.' Basically, the song started as a joke and that joke is still making us money to this very day.
I love songwriting I guess because I've always enjoyed puzzles, crosswords, anagrams and the like. It's different every time and I still couldn't tell you exactly where they come from. I think many of the great melodies are universal melodies that exist out in the cosmos somewhere and certain people have the knack of reaching out with their minds, hearts or spirits to bring them back to us."
*Johnny Townsend of Sanford-Townsend Band was kind enough to tell Songfacts.com about this song:
"In the spring of 1974 Ed Sanford and I had just signed a publishing deal with Chappell Music. They gave us a nice advance and a weekly stipend and for a couple of unknown writers, this was a rare deal. Ed and our friend Steven Stewart (co-writer on Smoke...) were sharing one half of an old duplex in Hollywood at the time. I used to drop by and hang out, write or whatever, almost on a daily basis. Now Steven was an aspiring classical guitarist at the time. He used to stay up 'til the wee hours, sometimes daybreak, bent over his music stand practicing his scales, or some classical piece.
He was driven to become a great player. I was over one morning as Ed was just waking up and Steven hadn't been to bed yet. Ed was complaining about not getting any sleep and barked at Steven, 'When are you gonna stop wasting your time on that classical crap and write something that will make you some money.' Steven picked up his guitar immediately and started playing what I thought was a really cool R&B type rhythm and replied with 'Anybody can write that crap.' I said, 'Apparently you just did' and went straight to the piano and embellished on his idea. While going through some old song ideas in my notebook I always carried, I found one that actually was the title of a poem that Ed had written while in college. I extracted the title because it seemed to be a perfect fit for the chorus idea I had and that all sort of amalgamated into 'Smoke From A Distant Fire.' Basically, the song started as a joke and that joke is still making us money to this very day.
I love songwriting I guess because I've always enjoyed puzzles, crosswords, anagrams and the like. It's different every time and I still couldn't tell you exactly where they come from. I think many of the great melodies are universal melodies that exist out in the cosmos somewhere and certain people have the knack of reaching out with their minds, hearts or spirits to bring them back to us."
This song was recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Sheffield, Alabama. Jerry Masters told us about the session: "I had the pleasure of recording this band and this song. It was without a doubt the best band I have ever worked with in my entire 50-year career as a recording engineer. It was also the last album I did before leaving Muscle Shoals Sound in 1976 and it was mixed by my good friend and excellent engineer Greg Hamm. It was the best album I've ever done and I consider it the peak of my career by being associated with these fine musicians and song writers. It was the perfect ending to a great career at Muscle Shoals Sound - not the end of my career, but still the best I ever put my hands to. I salute the Sanford-Townsend Band as the best of the best, even today, it's my favorite of all time."
Regarding the recording of this song, Townsend told Songfacts.com: "We had landed a publishing deal in 1974 and made demos with a lot of the great players of the day that again, caught the attention of another big time New York producer, Jerry Wexler. It was Wexler's idea to take the band to Shoals to record. This time we used our band with Barry Beckett as co-producer and musical supervisor. The experience was incredible. We had some of our friends from the Loggins and Messina band come in and play on the record. I got my younger brother Billy up from Tuscaloosa to help with background singing and we came up with quite a nice record. The most memorable song from that outing was 'Smoke From A Distant Fire.' Still a big favorite with a surprising amount of folks to this 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