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

Editor-in-Chief's Note: The name for Ford's "Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread" wonder EV pickup is, wait for it, "Fathom." This smacks of Jim "I'm a genius just ask me" Farley all the way. And this just in: From what we're hearing, the internal anti-Jimbo mutterings are growing louder by the day. But any of Ford's minions who would have the temerity to question his judgement are instantly relegated to the slag heap. Which is too bad, because alternate opinions to Farley's are exactly what is needed in Dearborn right now. It's all hard to fathom, really. As a matter of fact... oh never mind. -PMD

(Images courtesy of Singer)

In a close collaboration, Louis Vuitton and Singer, the Californian atelier renowned for its highly personalized restorations of classic Porsche 911s, have unveiled two very special 911s. The first, a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic, showcases an exclusive livery in the House’s iconic colors – saffron, cobalt blue and yellow – specially crafted with and for Louis Vuitton. Its counterpart, a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer – Classic Turbo, conceived by Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections Nicolas Ghesquière, is a cabriolet finished in Calcaire Lutétien white and complemented by exquisite precious-wood trim. Both vehicles are enhanced with made-to-measure Louis Vuitton creations, transforming every journey into a true celebration of the art of living. Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s philosophy around the Art of Travel, the project resulted in a vehicle being completely reimagined.

“The aim was to create a true synthesis between Singer’s architectural and timeless language and the Louis Vuitton culture, characterised by refined materials, travel and expression of style,” explains Octave Chany, Project Lead Designer at Singer. This unique creative partnership marks a historic first for Louis Vuitton. The House is, for the very first time, creating a co-branded item, an equally unprecedented move for Singer. For Louis Vuitton, the car transcends its role as a mere means of transport; it becomes an intimate world, an expression of personality and a pillar of the art of living. Louis Vuitton has chosen to express its vision in the form of a coupé reimagined through Singer’s Classic services, and a cabriolet reimagined through their Classic Turbo services, inspired by light and a nomadic spirit. Drawing on California’s ethos of freedom, these creations are deeply rooted in the House’s heritage and DNA, offering an experience in which the journey itself becomes a work of art in motion.

The automotive restorations born of the collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Singer emerged from a conversation with the Californian company – a visionary in the world of exceptional automobiles and renowned for its exacting approach to vehicle personalization.

“This unique and remarkable adventure began with a request for a dashboard clock for a car reimagined by Singer. In addition to the design and production of this clock by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton workshops in Switzerland, it quickly became apparent to us that this collaboration with Singer could extend to the personalisation of every functional element of the vehicle, enhancing them through our expertise in leather craftsmanship and watchmaking,” shares Jean Arnault, Louis Vuitton Watch Director.

Rob Dickinson, Founder and Executive Chairman at Singer explained: “The specifications chosen by Louis Vuitton exposed us to techniques and methods developed over decades of experience. They trusted us with their esteemed brand, their traditions and their vision and it was a joy to bring our two worlds together.”

(Audi images)

A few things while we were away. Audi has introduced its largest SUV to date, and its all-new flagship: The Audi Q9. The giant SUV (How big is it? It's just a couple of inches shorter than the Cadillac Escalade -WG) combines "spaciousness, precise dynamics, and technological innovation in a single vehicle," according to Audi PR minions. What do you get? The availability of third-generation curved digital OLED taillights, individual power adjustable seats in the second row, automatic doors and the largest panoramic sunroof ever fitted to an Audi. Sophisticated suspension and standard quattro all-wheel drive, paired with powerful powertrains delivering best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration. The SUV will be available in dealerships later this year.

Audi also introduced the SQ9 (above), a spacious three-row SUV built for the U.S. market and the performance halo for the brand’s full-sized SUV flagship Q9 model family. Powered by a revised 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 producing 591HP and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering best-in-class 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi quattro with electronically controlled rear-axle differential lock. Thanks to its new rear-biased architecture, the SQ9 delivers a very dynamic driving experience, while offering the benefit of comfort and spaciousness for six or seven passengers. An electromechanical clutch modulates torque flow between the front and rear axles. When needed for dynamic driving, the system can send almost all available torque to the rear. An electronically controlled locking rear differential and a staggered-width tire setup mounted on wheels sized up to 23 inches with available summer tires further enhance traction and cornering precision. Thanks to an optional integrated tow hitch with a removable cover, the SQ9, like the Q9 offers heavy-duty towing capability of 7,700 pounds. Launching in the fourth quarter of 2026, "the Q9 and SQ9 represent a focused commitment to deliver a vehicle designed to meet the needs of U.S. buyers as well as those seeking a prestigious flagship SUV with effortless performance," according to Audi.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Make no mistake, the Q9 represents a "Hail Mary" for the Audi brand in the U.S. The German auto manufacturer needs the Q9 to be a grand slam home run, if the company is going to survive here in the U.S. market. Yes, it's that big of a deal. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz images)

This is the new 2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4-door Coupe. This EV delivers 536HP and 590 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph of 3.4 seconds. What else do you get, exactly? An AMG High-Performance Formula 1-based 800-volt battery with directly cooled cylindrical cells for consistent performance. All-wheel drive and adaptive suspension; Standard active rear spoiler and optional rear diffuser; More than 800 km of range (WLTP); 600-kW charging capacity enables over 500 km of range to be charged in as little as ten minutes; And you can dial-in an "immersive driving experience with emotional AMG six-cylinder sound" at the touch of a button. (Oh joy. Not. -WG) The 2027 AMG GT 53 4-Door Coupe is set to arrive at U.S. dealerships early next year.

(Genesis)

Genesis has announced U.S. pricing for the 2027 GV60 Magma, the brand's first high-performance EV. With a MSRP of $69,950, GV60 Magma combines "the brand’s 'Athletic Elegance' design philosophy with exhilarating performance capabilities," according to Genesis PR minions. GV60 Magma adopts a wider, lower stance and incorporates Magma-specific aerodynamic enhancements, including canards on the front bumper, garnishes and breathers on the fender and a winglet-style rear spoiler. Exclusive 21-inch forged wheels paired with wider tires contribute to enhanced grip, stability and control. GV60 Magma also features an upgraded dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing more than 600HP, with up to 641HP and 583 lb.-ft. of torque available in Boost Mode. And, of course, a bunch of other stuff.

(VW images)

Volkswagen unveiled the all-new 2027 Atlas Cross Sport last week.The second-generation Atlas Cross Sport features an improved design, a more "premium" feel inside and out, enhanced features and more advanced technology. Compared with the 2027 Atlas 7-seater, the Cross Sport is 5.4 inches shorter at 195.6 in overall. It is also 2.1 inches lower. How big a deal is the Cross Sport for VW? Since its introduction, more than 220,000 have been sold in the U.S. It will hit the dealers early next year.

(Stellantis)

Muscle Heads rejoice! Stellantis has unveiled the new 2027 Dodge Charger Super Bee Launch Edition. It boosts SIXPACK High Output (H.O.) performance to a SAE-certified 600HP, surpassing the previous-generation Super Bee by more than 100 horsepower making it the most powerful Super Bee ever. How quick? The Super Bee improves on Charger Scat Pack acceleration and quarter-mile performance with a 3.6-second 0-60 sprint and 11.8 quarter-mile time. To get that kind of performance, engine enhancements include 56mm Garrett turbochargers, a larger cooling system, torque reserve and retuned engine calibration. With those unique cooling and aerodynamic upgrades, you get 16-inch Brembo vented rotors and six-piston front/four-piston rear fixed calipers, providing three times more brake fade resistance than any SIXPACK-powered Charger and double the brake fade resistance of the previous-generation SRT Charger; 20-by-11-inch forged wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 305/35ZR20 tires at all four corners that improve grip, handling and overall capability; New dual-valve adaptive damping suspension harnesses performance for sharper cornering and greater control, both on track and street. The Charger Super Bee Launch Edition will be offered exclusively in three exterior colors: new-for-2027 Sucker Punch and Shady, along with Diamond Black. The exterior features gloss-black or Sucker Punch bodyside “stinger” Super Bee graphics, gloss-black 20-inch wheels and Hyper Lime brake calipers. A new Super Bee logo highlights the Charger’s twin-turbo, SIXPACK power, new cloth high-back performance seats feature embroidered Super Bee logo on the headrests and unique Sour Lemon accent stitching, complemented by a Super Bee instrument-panel badge. Charger Super Bee Launch Edition will be offered as a limited-production model. Pricing, ordering and availability details will be announced later this year.

(Toyota)

The 2027 Toyota C-HR BEV is ready for a second year in the market. With standard electronic all-wheel drive, 338 total system horsepower and a manufacturer-estimated 4.9-second 0-60 mph time, the compact BEV certainly qualifies as a daily runabout. Designed for daily use, its 74.7-kWh battery has a manufacturer-estimated 287-mile range rating on the SE grade with 18-inch wheels; and 273 miles on the XSE grade with 20-inch wheels. The 2027 C-HR grades are expected to start arriving at Toyota dealerships this September. The MSRP will start at $37,080 for the SE grade, excluding Dealer Processing and Handling fee.

(Acura images)

Acura unveiled its NEXERA Vision at The Quail on August 14, "introducing a new design direction inspired by the brand's challenger spirit – a defining tenet of Acura since its inception 40 years ago," according to its PR minions. The NEXERA Vision "ignites a bold new era for Acura with a unique fusion of timeless beauty and high-tech details, inside and out," according to the manufacturer. Designed at the Acura Design California studio in Los Angeles under the guidance of Yasutake Tsuchida, the new Acura Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design, the NEXERA Vision will influence the styling of future Acura models, beginning with the 4th-generation RDX Hybrid arriving in the coming years. "We are using the 40th anniversary of Acura as a springboard to our future, with the Acura NEXERA Vision serving as the design language for future Acura models," said Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura Creative Director and Vice President of Auto Design. "Our goal with this new design direction is to define Acura performance through disciplined proportions, sculpted form and the seamless integration of advanced technology, creating an expression that is both progressive and authentic to the brand."

(Porsche images)

Responding to "overwhelming customer demand," Porsche is bringing the six-speed manual transmission back to the 911 Carrera S in North America. The Carrera S, which was initially offered in the 992.2 generation exclusively with an eight-speed PDK, is now joined by the new 911 Carrera S with MT Package. The new 911 Carrera S with MT Package is exclusive to North America. The package includes an elevated standard equipment list compared to 911 Carrera S, while prioritizing analog driving and minimizing additional weight.

The new 911 Carrera S with MT Package – in coupe and Cabriolet form – is offered exclusively in a rear-wheel drive layout. Other standard stuff? Rear-axle steering, a PASM Sport suspension that lowers ride height by 10 mm, a walnut shift handle, the Sport Chrono Package and unique exhaust tuning. Center lock wheels – offered for the first time on a 911 Carrera S model – are standard as well and save more than 17 lbs. over the standard 911 Carrera S wheels. Four-way Sport Seats Plus and Titanium exhaust outlets with black trim also contribute to the complete package along with a standard SportDesign front fascia. A red “S” model designation on the rear rounds out the visual differentiation, a detail born from a modification liked by North American enthusiasts. The 14-way Sport Seats, the 18-way Sport Seats Plus and Folding Lightweight Bucket seats made of carbon fiber are available as added-cost options.

Powered by the 473-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six, the curb weight of the 911 Carrera S coupe with MT Package is 3,327 lbs. – just 11 lbs. above that of the 911 Carrera T coupe. As with other Carrera S model variants, you can load-up this new 911 with enough options to make a grown man cry.

You can order the new 2027 911 Carrera S with MT Package right now. How much? MSRP is $167,100 for the coupe and $181,000 for the Cabriolet excluding a $2,350 fee for delivery, processing and handling. Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of this year.

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This week, our video features the "Repco-Brabham V8" the beautiful aluminum engine that GM let get away, and it then became an F1 World Champion. Watch it here. -PMD

The AE Song of the Week:

I was born from love, and my poor mother worked the mines
I was raised on the Good Book of Jesus
'Til I read between the lines
Now I don't believe I want to see the morning

Going down the stoney end
I never wanted to go down the stoney end
Mama, let me start all over
Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again

And I can still remember him with love light in his eyes
But the light flickered out and parted
As the sun began to rise
Now I don't believe I want to see the morning

Going down the stoney end
I never wanted to go down the stoney end
Mama, let me start all over
Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again

Never mind the forecast 'cause the sky has lost control
'Cause the fury and the broken thunders
Come to match my ragin' soul
And now I don't believe I want to see the morning

Going down the stoney end
I never wanted to go down the stoney end
Mama, let me start all over
Cradle me, Mama, cradle me again

Going down the stoney end
I never wanted to go
I never wanted to go
Mama, I never wanted to go

"Stoney End" by Laura Nyro, from the album "More Than A New Discovery" (1966).* Written by Laura Nyro. Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Lyrics powered by LyricFind. Listen to Laura's original recording here. Listen to Barbra Streisand's cover of it here. Watch Sara Bareilles perform "Stoney End" at Laura Nyro's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 here. And watch a CBS News Sunday Morning profile from 2001 on Laura Nyro here.

*Laura Nyro (October 18, 1947 – April 8, 1997) was an American songwriter, singer, and pianist. She achieved critical acclaim with her own recordings, particularly the albums Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968) and New York Tendaberry (1969) and had tremendous commercial success with various artists recording her work. Wider recognition for her artistry was posthumous while her contemporaries such as Elton John idolized her. She was praised for her strong emotive vocal style and 3-octave mezzo-soprano vocal range. Between 1968 and 1970, a number of artists had hits with her songs: The 5th Dimension with "Blowing Away", "Wedding Bell Blues", 'Stoned Soul Picnic", "Sweet Blindness" and "Save the Country"; Blood, Sweat & Tears and Peter, Paul and Mary recorded "When I Die"; Three Dog Night and Maynard Ferguson recorded "Eli's Comin'"; and Barbra Streisand recorded "Stoney End", "Time and Love", and "Hands off the Man (Flim Flam Man). Nyro's best-selling single was her recording of Carole King's and Gerry Goffin's "Up on the Roof." Nyro was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010) and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2012). (Knowledge courtesy of Wikipedia and Songfacts.com)

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