APRIL 22, 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 

SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE: We are relaunching Peter's book with a new title, The Knowing One. It seems there was some confusion that this was a religious book, which could not be further from the truth! This is Peter's first work of fiction, and as we said previously, 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 says that its all-new electric C-Class will "redefine the segment." (Yes, of course it will. We couldn't bear the 5.000+ word press release, so we picked out a few highlights for you): Mercedes is calling the new C-Class the "Sportiest Mercedes-Benz C‑Class to date with unmatched agility and long-distance comfort – thanks to optional AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering and interior comfort in a class of its own." Mercedes PR minions describe it as having "Striking design with coupe-like silhouette, athletic GT rear proportions and iconic grille." The hew C-Class is "more intelligent, intuitive and personalized than ever before – thanks to MB.OS and Digital Extras." Mercedes suggests that the new all-electric C-Class will get up to 762 kilometers of range (WLTP) and capability to charge 325 kilometers of range in as little as 10 minutes. (CAUTION: THESE ARE EUROPEAN EV CYCLE NUMBERS, WHICH ARE PRETTY MUCH FICTION HERE IN THE U.S.) The all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC Electric arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027.

  

(Porsche images)

Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, a new model variant "focused squarely on people who prize visceral, open-air driving," according to Porsche PR minions. The 2027 911 GT3 S/C is aimed at a pure driving experience, combining the lightweight components of the 911 S/T with the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter boxer engine of the 911 GT3 developing 502HP (375 kW) and 331 lb.-ft. of torque. Its name – GT3 S/C – stands for Sport Cabriolet. What else do you get? Carbon fiber fenders and doors of the 911 S/T in combination with the black windshield frame. The bigger news? It is only available with the short-ratio and lightweight six-speed GT Sport manual transmission. The 911 GT3 S/C is also a pure two-seater; reminiscent of the 911 Speedster from 2019. In contrast to the 911 Speedster, however, the 911 GT3 S/C is not a limited-production model. For the first time, a Street Style Package is optionally available for the 911 GT3 S/C, which allows you to adapt the vehicle even more to your personal taste. "The new 911 GT3 S/C responds to our customers' desire for sports cars that are particularly fun to drive. The exciting powertrain of the 911 GT3 comes into its own even more when driving without a roof, especially on winding country roads. Above all, because we have managed to keep the weight of the 911 GT3 S/C particularly low at 3,322 lbs. despite the fully automatic top," said Frank Moser, Vice President 911 and 718 model line. How much? You can order the new 2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C now and carries an MSRP of $273,000, excluding a $2,350 fee for delivery, processing and handling. Arrival in U.S. Porsche Centers is expected by fall 2026. Editor-in-Chief's Note: Porsche has come up with yet another way of extracting as much ca$h-ola from its faithful. I will cut them some slack on this one, however, because it only comes with a manual gearbox, which is really good. -PMD

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur offers an optional Street Style Package. This "Director's Cut" from the pen of the design studio "Style Porsche" conceptually picks up on modern combinations of colors and materials in the interior and exterior.

The Street Style Package interior.

(Mercedes-Benz images)

Mercedes-Benz is continuing with its EV development, despite the global headwinds. Since its launch, Mercedes‑Benz has continuously developed the EQS, integrating innovations into series production independently of model updates and more rapidly than ever before. With the new 2027 Mercedes-Benz EQS, more than a quarter of all vehicle components are newly-developed, updated and refined. At the core of the new EQS is a new next-generation electric architecture. This includes 800-volt technology, new electric drive units developed in-house, a two-speed transmission on the main drive unit at the rear axle, as well as a larger battery with optimized cell chemistry. Also new is the addition of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which transforms the EQS "into an even more intelligent companion that understands, thinks ahead and evolves with customers," according to mercedes' PR minions. MB.OS integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle. This supercomputer uses artificial intelligence (AI) as well as powerful chips and is connected to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud. The new EQS 450+ sets a new benchmark in electric mobility with a WLTP electric range of 925 km (these figures are not relevant to the U.S. figures, which weren't provided -WG). The EQS is equipped with 800‑volt technology for ultra-fast charging. DC fast charging up to 350 kW adds up to 320 km of range in as little as 10 minutes (WLTP). At 400‑volt stations, the battery virtually divides into two parts to efficiently charge at up to 175 kW. Up to 385 kW of recuperation power dramatically increases efficiency during braking. And Mercedes‑Benz will be the first German automaker to offer a series production car with available steer-by-wire technology. There is much more to the EQS; if you're interested, it will arrive in Mercedes-Benz showrooms next fall.

(Rolls-Royce Motor Cars images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: When you operate at the upper stratosphere of luxury automobiles, you have to keep coming up with more, apparently. -PMD 

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled "Project Nightingale," a Coachbuild Collection. Named after Le Rossignol, French for “the nightingale,” and the name of the designer's house near Henry Royce’s winter home on the Côte d'Azur, this extraordinary production concept "is an open two-seat motor car that introduces a dramatic new expression of Rolls-Royce design," according to Rolls-Royce PR minions.

Created on the brand’s Architecture of Luxury with a fully-electric drivetrain, it is aimed at delivering "a uniquely silent open-top experience." Only 100 examples will be created for sale, each coachbuilt by hand at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood.

"Project Nightingale and the Coachbuild Collection program have been crafted for aesthetes — individuals for whom beauty is both observed and lived. These clients are connected by a shared conviction in the primacy of Rolls-Royce design, the value of the most considered motor cars in the world, and a deep appreciation for experiences that only Rolls-Royce can offer," the manufacturer gushed. Clients are already participating in a multi-year program of gatherings and moments curated by Rolls-Royce, immersing them in the creative and technical formation of their motor car, as well as private events in the world’s most desirable destinations.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: One of my all-time favorite videos features the late Jim Pace doing a hot lap at Road America in a McLaren M6B Chevrolet. Do you want to know what the Can-Am was really like? This video gives you a glimpse at the Sound and The Fury. Watch it here. -PMD   

(Lamborghini images)

Editor's Note: Why are we showing you this very special 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV? Besides the fact that it's one of Peter's all-time favorite cars, it is presented in a color combination that is unexpected and simply spectacular. -WG The machine was restored and returned to its original configuration after three years of work and in-depth historical research by Lamborghini Polo Storico, the company's heritage department, for the Miura's 60th Anniversary year. The car was officially presented at the first edition of the Anantara Concorso Roma, La Dolce Vita delle automobili, which took place last week. This was an event that transformed Rome into an international stage dedicated to classic cars, collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world. Particular attention was dedicated to the paintwork, with the restoration of the “Luci del Bosco” (brown) shade, combined with the “Senape” color for the interior. This required further in-depth historical research, necessary to identify the correct chromatic specification in relation to the year of production of the car, as it is a shade that evolved over time and across different Lamborghini models. The interior was also subject to careful reconstruction, first restoring the presence of the air conditioning preparation and subsequently reinstating the hazard lights, fitting a more compact steering wheel and installing the extended handbrake lever. 

The AE Song of the Week:

(It's like, it's like, it's like, it's like)
(It's like, it's like)
(It's like thunder, thunder)
(It's like, it's like, it's like)

Happiness, more or less
It's just a change in me, something in my liberty
Oh, my, my
Happiness coming and going
I watch you look at me, watch my fever growing
I know just where I am

But how many corners do I have to turn
How many times do I have to learn
All the love I have is in my mind?

Well, I'm a lucky man
With fire in my hands

Happiness, something in my own place
I'm stood here naked, smiling, I feel no disgrace
With who I am
Happiness coming and going

I watch you look at me, watch my fever growing
I know just who I am

And how many corners do I have to turn
How many times do I have to learn
All the love I have is in my mind?

I hope you understand
I hope you understand

You know, you know, you know, you know
You know, you know, you know, you know
You've got a love that'll never die, no, no (you know, you know, you know, you know)

Happiness, more or less
It's just a change in me, something in my liberty
Happiness coming and going
I watch you look at me, watch my fever growing

I know
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my

Oh, my, my, my, my

You've got a love that never dies
I've got a love that'll never die, no, no
I'm a lucky man, ooh, yeah, ooh

It's just a change in me, something in my liberty (don't think, don't, don't think I'm lying)
It's just a change in me, something in my liberty (don't think, don't think I'm lying, I'm flying, come on now)
It's just a change in me, something in my liberty
Oh, my, my
Oh, my, my

It's just a change in me, something in my liberty
Oh, my, my, my, my, my, my (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
Oh, my, my, my, my, my

"Lucky Man" by The Verve, from the album "Urban Hymns" (1997).* Written by Richard Ashcroft. Publisher: BMG Rights Management. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Official Music Video here. 

*A typical example of frontman Richard Ashcroft's anthemic songwriting, "Lucky Man" was released as the third single from Urban Hymns on November 24, 1997. In a 2018 interview with Songfacts, Ashcroft said he hasn't written his definitive song yet, but this one sure comes close. "The definitive Richard Ashcroft song will be when the cream of a particular emotion or a particular scenario in the human condition plays out, and that song mirrors it," He said. "So, if it happens to be 'Lucky Man' for that feeling of transcendence, of liberty within yourself, your body, your partner in life, you can actually fleetingly feel that moment and you want to put it in a bottle. And that's what music's about. It should be about capturing those moments for yourself and then the listener can put it on over and over again, if they want."

The song was to be The Verve's final single release with the band together for a decade. Guitarist Nick McCabe did not finish the band's world tour dates in Summer 1998 - the first sign of problems and The Verve announced that they'd split on April 28, 1999. The band's original lineup reunited in June 2007, releasing the album Forth the following year, which spawned the hit single "Love Is Noise."

Richard Ashcroft told Q magazine in 2017 that he considers this to be his favorite song that he's ever written, "because it seems to be able to ignite or connect with an energy every time it's performed, without fail."

He added: "I'll have to be on death's door not to be able to connect to the energy with the audience and that's something special. It's a rarity to express that feeling, to try and seize that moment when you're on top of the world and you're stood there naked smiling, like it says." Speaking with BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans, Richard Ashcroft said this was inspired by his relationship with his wife. He added: "And that sense of, once you're beyond the sort of peacock dance that you have early in a relationship and you're getting down to the raw nature of yourselves - there's a beauty in that as well." (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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