OCTOBER 7, 2026

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 

(BMW images)

The eighth-generation BMW 3 Series brings the model into the Neue Klasse era with an all-new design, advanced digital technology, and a choice of fully electric or gasoline powertrains. Building on more than five decades of BMW 3 Series success, the new generation "delivers a major technological step forward while preserving the model’s signature sporting character," according to BMW PR minions. The new BMW i3 debuts as the first fully electric BMW 3 Series built on the Neue Klasse architecture. It is joined by new BMW 3 Series gasoline models featuring efficient internal combustion engines with 48V mild-hybrid technology. At the top of the gasoline range, the BMW M350 xDrive combines M Performance capability with a BMW inline six-cylinder engine. "Together, the fully electric BMW i3 and gasoline-powered BMW 3 Series models demonstrate BMW’s technology-open approach, offering customers distinct powertrain choices within one model family," according to the manufacturer. What do you get?

• The BMW i3 50 xDrive combines 463HP, dual-motor all-wheel drive and an estimated range up to 468 miles; 400-kW DC fast charging can add up to 208 miles in 10 minutes.
• The 437HP BMW M350 xDrive is the gasoline-powered flagship, accelerating from 0–60 mph in 3.9 seconds and adding the new rear-wheel-drive Drift Moment feature.
• BMW Panoramic iDrive comprises BMW Panoramic Vision, an available BMW 3D Head-Up Display, a 17.9-inch Central Display, and BMW Operating System X.
• The unified Neue Klasse design spans electric and gasoline BMW 3 Series models, while available SAE Level 2 driver assistance includes attentive hands-free highway driving at up to 85 mph.

Base MSRPs (all require $1,350 destination and handling):

• 2027 BMW 330                     $49,900
• 2027 BMW 330 xDrive           $51,900
• 2027 BMW M350 xDrive         $65,900
• 2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive          $61,500

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Given the fact that I was able to do a brief test-drive of the new BMW iX3 last week, I can safely say that the EV version of the 3 Series will be really good. As for the iX3, it wasn't just the best EV I've driven; it was flat-out the best car I've ever experienced. Which makes my conclusions about the state of the U.S. auto industry in this week's Rant even more ominous. Detroit is going nowhere, fast. And it's sickening. -PMD

(Hondas images)

Honda has updated its Civic Type R for 2027. It "advances the exhilarating performance and everyday livability of America's best-selling hot hatch with bolder front styling, improved engine cooling and driving performance, and a more refined cockpit that includes heated front seats and expanded standard technology," according to Honda PR minions. Honda is celebrating the 30th anniversary of Civic Type R; it debuted back in 1997.

The Civic Type R remains the only vehicle in its class available exclusively with a manual gearbox, and it continues to cater to enthusiasts seeking a true analog driving experience. The updated 2027 Civic Type R will start to arrive at Honda dealerships this month with a MSRP of $48,695. What do you get?

• New more aggressive front fascia design improves engine cooling, increases downforce
• Optimized suspension damping in +R mode improves contact feel and body motion when cornering
• More direct brake-pedal feel reinforces Type R performance focus
• Improved Rev Match system quickens engine response when downshifting
• New standard features include heated front seats, premium Ultrasuede® instrument panel and front door panels, Google built-in, Google Gemini, and more
• New color: Meteorite Gray Metallic
• 2027 marks 30th anniversary of Civic Type R globally, 10th anniversary in North America
  
  

(Hyundai images)

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new 2027 Tucson, saying that it "embodies the 'Boldest SUV' vision through its 'Art of Steel' design, enhanced hybrid performance and intelligent efficiency, and advanced Pleos Connect infotainment system," according to Hyundai PR minions. Other stuff? A refined, spacious cabin enhances everyday comfort with intuitive controls, flexible storage and available relaxation features; A next-generation Hybrid System delivers intelligent efficiency, targeting up to 42 mpg while harmonizing fuel economy with driving performance; Tucson XRT PRO expands adventure capability with Smart Terrain Assist and advanced off-road technologies. It will be available in the U.S. sometime next year.

 

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week, our video features designer Peter Brock and the Cobra Daytona Coupe. Watch it here. -PMD

The AE Song of the Week:

Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh
Is it that sweet? I guess so
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Move it up, down, left, right, oh
Switch it up like Nintendo
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

I can't relate to desperation
My give-a-fucks are on vacation
And I got this one boy, and he won't stop callin'
When they act this way, I know I got 'em

Too bad your ex don't do it for ya
Walked in and dream-came-trued it for ya
Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya
(Yes) I know, I Mountain Dew it for ya
(Yes) that morning coffee, brewed it for ya
(Yes) one touch and I brand-newed it for ya (oh)

Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh
Is it that sweet? I guess so
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Move it up, down, left, right, oh
Switch it up like Nintendo
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Holy shit
Is it that sweet? I guess so

I'm working late, 'cause I'm a singer
Oh, he looks so cute wrapped 'round my finger
My twisted humor makes him laugh so often
My honey bee, come and get this pollen

Too bad your ex don't do it for ya
Walked in and dream-came-trued it for ya
Soft skin and I perfumed it for ya
(Yes) I know, I Mountain Dew it for ya
(Yes) that morning coffee, brewed it for ya
(Yes) one touch and I brand-newed it for ya (stupid)

Now he's thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh
Is it that sweet? I guess so
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Move it up, down, left, right, oh
Switch it up like Nintendo
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Thinkin' 'bout me every night, oh
Is it that sweet? I guess so (yes)
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso (yes)

Move it up, down, left, right, oh
Switch it up like Nintendo (yes)
Say you can't sleep, baby, I know
That's that me espresso

Is it that sweet? I guess so, uh
That's that me espresso

"Espresso" by Sabrina Carpenter, from the album "Short n' Sweet" (2024).* Written by Julian C. Bunetta, Amy Allen, Stephenie Nicole Jones and Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter. Espresso lyrics © Reservoir Media Music, Wc Music Corp., Dragon Bunny Music, Songs Of Universal Inc., Music Of Big Family, Sabalicious Songs, Smells Like Good Music. Lyrics from Musixmatch. Watch the Original Music Video here.

*"Espresso" is one of the catchiest pop songs ever, with an earworm that strikes like a heat-seeking missile. The hook is "that's that me espresso," which is something nobody had ever said before in real life but flows right into our musical receptors. The verse lyrics are filled with little bon mots that keep things interesting:

My give-a-f--ks are on vacation
...
I know I Mountain Dew it for ya

Sabrina Carpenter delivers it with a coy sincerity honed from her years as an actress. She starred on the Disney series Girl Meets World for three seasons, starting in 2015 when she was 15.

The storyline in the song finds Carpenter gushing about a new boyfriend, but she throws in a delightfully odd metaphor: this fella's got her on the brain like a triple shot of espresso. Apparently, the guy can't sleep a wink, his mind buzzing with thoughts of her, and she knows it. The lyrics brag about how she made this lucky dude's dreams come true. (With a slight dig at his ex, who apparently wasn't quite cutting the mustard.)

Too bad your ex don't do it for ya
Walked in and dream-came-trued it for ya

The overall vibe is pure cotton candy – she knows he's head over heels, and she finds it absolutely adorable. Laughter, shared moments, lives intertwined – it's all there.

In real life, Carpenter was linked to the actor Barry Keoghan around this time, but he wasn't the inspiration for it. Ariana Grande might have claimed she needed coffee to stay awake for a marathon love session in her 2020 hit "34+35," but on "Espresso" Carpenter ups the ante. She declares herself the coffee – the irresistible jolt that'll keep any potential lover wide-eyed and wired with anticipation.

Carpenter wrote the frothy disco-pop tune with Amy Allen (whom she co-wrote "Feather" with), and her "Nonsense" collaborators Steph Jones and writer/producer Julian Bunetta. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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