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The AE Quote of the Century: Everybody loves The High-Octane Truth. Until they don't. -WG

(Chevrolet Images)

The Next-Generation 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is being called "the most powerful and advanced Silverado ever," according to Chevrolet PR minions. Equipped with next-generation 5.7L and 6.6L V8 engines, "it honors Chevy Small Block heritage while advancing more than a century of truck capability, durability and performance," according to Chevrolet. The four powertrain options, including the two, available next-generation V8s (assembled at GM’s Flint Engine Operations, Tonawanda Propulsion and St. Catharines Propulsion plants) and an enhanced 2.7L TurboMax (that delivers best-in-class standard torque), are paired with 10-speed transmissions. The lineup also offers the proven segment-exclusive Duramax 3.0L Turbo-Diesel.

The 2027 Silverado will introduce a new seven-trim lineup, including three lifted trims: the ZR2 (shown, above), Trail Boss and Custom Trail Boss. Other trims are Work Truck, Custom, Silverado (formerly LT) and High Country. The Silverado 1500 now offers the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8 engine in its class.

“We pushed these engines through an extensive testing and validation process to make sure they deliver the durability, capability and dependability Silverado customers expect,” said Mark Dickens, executive chief engineer. “From tough towing scenarios to the daily demands our customers put on their trucks, these next-generation V8s were engineered and proven to perform in the real world.”

"The 2027 Silverado 1500 introduces an all-new exterior with a bolder stance, stronger face and more premium execution. That fresh look is immediately visible in the truck’s new LED headlights and taillights, more pronounced wheel opening moldings and rocker treatments, and standard dual exhaust on Custom and above for a more refined appearance," according to Chevrolet PR minions.

Other stuff? Every 2027 Silverado 1500 features a modern digital cockpit, anchored by a new edge-to-edge display experience with a class-leading 16.3-inch center display and 12.2-inch driver information center that are standard across the lineup. On ZR2 and High Country, a class-leading 11.5” front passenger screen comes standard paired with Heads-Up-Display and a rear camera mirror so customers can experience over 60” of digital displays. Silverado will also have available dual wireless charging and a reconfigurable Multi-Flex center console that adds useful storage and everyday versatility. "Super Cruise driver-assistance technology with segment exclusive trailering brings hands-free driving to towing, reinforcing Silverado’s blend of innovation, confidence and capability. No other competitor in its class offers a hands-free driving system with trailering capability," added the manufacturer.

Availability and pricing for the 2027 Silverado 1500 will be announced later this year. The 2027 Silverado 1500 will be built at GM’s full-size truck assembly facilities in North America.

Chevrolet PR Minions call the new Silverado interior "cohesive and purposeful, tech-forward..."

The 2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Work Truck.

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss.

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison.

2027 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss, ZR2 and High Country.

(Audi images)

Audi is touting the third generation of its Q7 as the greatest thing since sliced bread, as is to be expected. What else is the company supposed to say? That they phoned it in? The Q7 "delivers a strong balance of spaciousness, driving dynamics, comfort, and technology," according to Audi PR minions. The minions rambled on about the "new" styling, but we find it to be eminently forgettable. Available in the now-obligatory six or seven seat configuration, the Q7 delivers "maximum versatility and everyday usability," the manufacturer continued. Other stuff? An available illuminated panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency. The all-new 2027 Audi Q7 quattro and SQ7 deliver best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration, thanks to two powerful standard engines for North America. Power for the Q7 comes from a 2.9-liter turbocharged V6 gas engine producing 429HP and 442 lb-ft which helps it accelerate to 60 mph in 4.8 sec. SQ7 models benefit from a 4.0-liter bi-turbo gas V8 producing 591HP and 590 lb-ft, capable of sprints to 60 mph in 3.7 sec. The all-new Q7 model family will be available later this year, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. Editor-in-Chief's Note: We can wait. -PMD

(Porsche)

Porsche has revealed three one-of-one 911 models extensively customized by the Sonderwunsch (“special wishes”) department in celebration of the highly anticipated release of Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, only in theaters June 19. Porsche has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to bring the enduring magic of the Toy Story universe to life in an entirely new way — translating beloved characters into three bespoke, one-of-one Porsche 911s inspired by Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie. This collaboration "represents more than a design exercise; it is a celebration of creativity, where iconic characters are reinterpreted by Porsche through craftsmanship and innovation," according to Porsche PR minions. "By channeling the spirit and personality of these characters into each vehicle, the collaboration underscores the unique power of Disney, Pixar Animation Studios, and Porsche to transcend mediums and connect with audiences worldwide in unexpected ways." In keeping with that spirit of purpose and positivity, all three vehicles will be sold as part of a charitable initiative supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the American Red Cross and Starlight Children's Foundation.

De Tomaso has unveiled its latest bespoke P72 commission, dubbed “Aurelian Night,” a one-off creation that demonstrates the marque’s continuing commitment to highly personalized craftsmanship and design. Developed in close collaboration with De Tomaso’s Colour and Materials design team, the commission draws inspiration from the fleeting transition between day and night. The concept centers on the atmosphere of a summer evening as daylight fades and the sky deepens in color—a brief yet evocative moment that served as the guiding theme for the project.

The exterior is finished in rich midnight-blue tones that mirror the changing hues of dusk. Contrasting hand-polished rose gold accents add warmth and visual depth, creating a striking interplay between light and shadow. As ambient lighting conditions change throughout the day, the rose gold detailing subtly alters the car’s appearance, revealing new characteristics with each passing hour.

Inside, Venetian Blue leather covers the seats, dashboard and surrounding surfaces, creating a cohesive environment that echoes the exterior’s dramatic palette. Rose gold stitching provides a refined finishing touch, linking the cabin and exterior through a consistent material and design language.

Like every P72 commission, Aurelian Night was realized through an extensive collaboration between the vehicle’s owner and the De Tomaso atelier. Each detail reflects a unique interpretation of the P72, underscoring the company’s dedication to bespoke design and individual expression. The Aurelian Night Commission is scheduled to appear at select events throughout the year before being delivered to its owner. Editor-in-Chief's Note: What can I say? This is frickin' cool. Thank you to SportsCarDigest.com and Rex McAfee for the inspiration! -PMD

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week, our video features an interview with Mario Andretti conducted at Goodwood. Watch it here. -PMD

The AE Song of the Week:

And during the few moments that we have left
We want to talk right down to earth
In a language that everybody here can easily understand

Look in my eyes
What do you see?
The cult of personality

I know your anger, I know your dreams
I've been everything you want to be
Oh, I'm the cult of personality

Like Mussolini and Kennedy
I'm the cult of personality
The cult of personality
The cult of personality

Neon lights, a Nobel prize
When a mirror speaks, the reflection lies
You won't have to follow me
Only you can set me free

I sell the things you need to be

I'm the smiling face on your TV
Oh, I'm the cult of personality

I exploit you, still you love me
I told you, one and one makes three
Well, I'm the cult of personality

Like Joseph Stalin and Gandhi
I'm the cult of personality
The cult of personality
The cult of personality

Neon lights, a Nobel prize
When a leader speaks, that leader dies
You won't have to follow me
Only you can set you free

You gave me fortune, you gave me fame
You gave me power in your god's name
I'm every person you need to be
Oh, I'm the cult of personality (I'm the cult of, I'm the cult of)

I am the cult of, I am the cult of (I'm the cult of)

I am the cult of, I am the cult of
I am the cult of, I am the cult of (I'm the cult of)
I am the cult of, I am the cult of personality

Ask not what your country can do for you

The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself

"Cult Of Personality" by Living Colour from the album "Vivid" (1988).* Written by Corey Glover, Muzz Skillings, Vernon Alphonsus Reid, William Calhoun. Publisher: Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the Original Music Video here.

*A "cult of personality" is when a political or religious leader is exalted, allowing that person to lead with unquestioned authority. This leader is often charismatic and authoritarian; examples include Benito Mussolini, Adolf Hitler, and Kim Jong-Un. They're dangerous because they can get away with anything; they can tell their people that one and one makes three, and will be believed (or at least acquiesced). (Sound familiar? -PMD)

In this song, it's US president Ronald Reagan with the cult of personality. He was in his last year in office in 1988 when the song was released. The most popular song by Living Colour, "Cult of Personality" opens and closes with famous quotes:

And in the few moments we have left, we want to talk right down to earth in a language that everybody here can easily understand.

This is Malcolm X from his "Message To The Grass Roots" speech in 1963. The point was to unify African Americans.

The ending quotes start with John F. Kennedy's famous:

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

This is from his inaugural address in 1961.

Both quotes are from men who were assassinated. Most of the song seems to be denouncing idolatry, but there is the one stanza containing the line, "A leader speaks, a leader dies." Living Colour also seem to make no distinction between good and evil, as each time they mention a hero, they pair him with an enemy: Mussolini and Kennedy; Stalin and Gandhi.

The final words are:

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

This is a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt's first inaugural address on March 4, 1933. Roosevelt used the address to announce his "New Deal" program and encourage the citizens of the United States to overcome their economic problems as they emerged from the depression. Living Colour doesn't have a standard songwriting method, but guitarist Vernon Reid usually has a hand in it. This song is a group composition, with William Calhoun, Corey Glover and Muzz Skillings credited on the track along with Reid. Long before they recorded it, the band performed this song live. It was during these performances that they got the idea to incorporate speeches into the song, as Corey Glover would sometimes ad-lib the "Ask not what your country can do for you" portion when they played it.

The music video was directed by Drew Carolan, a photographer who was a friend of the band. Footage of the band performing the song was shot at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City two days after their European tour ended and a day before they hit the road for their American tour. In a Songfacts interview with Corey Glover, he said, "It felt like it was a continuation of the tour, really, because we were playing a gig, except we were playing the same song over and over again."

Living Colour, and this song, owe much of their success to MTV, which was at the peak of its powers at the time. In the book I Want My MTV, it was claimed that Epic Records, who had both Living Colour and Michael Jackson on their roster, refused to release Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" video to the network until they agreed to put the "Cult of Personality" clip in heavy rotation.(Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

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