Monday
Nov112019
NOVEMBER 13, 2019
Monday, November 11, 2019 at 09:16AM 
(Ferrari images)
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is the new Ferrari Roma. The latest coupé from Maranello features "timeless and sublimely refined design and has all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma," according to Ferrari PR minions. Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma's design approach is very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2 are the most iconic examples, and from which the car takes its inspiration. I could bore you with the rest of the details - yup, it's fast - but you're better off just soaking it in. It's what the Camaro should look like. And remember, while some of the assembled automotive media go ape-shit over the Mustang Mach-E on Sunday night (it's yet another crossover box with Mustang styling "overtones" and electric propulsion, and yes, we can wait), remind yourselves what compelling automotive design really looks like. -PMD
Editor-in-Chief's Note: This is the new Ferrari Roma. The latest coupé from Maranello features "timeless and sublimely refined design and has all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma," according to Ferrari PR minions. Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma's design approach is very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2 are the most iconic examples, and from which the car takes its inspiration. I could bore you with the rest of the details - yup, it's fast - but you're better off just soaking it in. It's what the Camaro should look like. And remember, while some of the assembled automotive media go ape-shit over the Mustang Mach-E on Sunday night (it's yet another crossover box with Mustang styling "overtones" and electric propulsion, and yes, we can wait), remind yourselves what compelling automotive design really looks like. -PMD
(McLaren Automotive images)
McLaren Automotive has revealed its new Ultimate Series roadster, the McLaren Elva. According to McLaren PR minions, as the brand’s first open-cockpit road car, "the Elva adds a new dimension to the range-topping Ultimate Series lineage. Like its McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail predecessors, volume of the new McLaren Elva will be strictly limited: just 399 are being offered for customer order." McLaren Automotive acquired the rights to the Elva name for its new Ultimate Series roadster to celebrate the renowned Bruce McLaren-designed M1A and McLaren-Elva M1A [Mk I], M1B [Mk II] and M1C [Mk III] of the 1960s. Produced as ‘customer’ versions of the innovative and exciting Group 7 McLaren race cars, the McLaren-Elva sportscars embodied many of the pioneering design and engineering principles that are integral to the McLaren road cars produced today.
The new McLaren Elva is "a ferociously fast, open-cockpit, extreme two-seater with a bespoke carbon fiber chassis and body but no roof, no windscreen and no side windows. With every sensory input heightened, this is a car that exists to provide unparalleled driving pleasure on road or track," according to McLaren. Large, carbon fiber rear fenders flow from the front of the door to the rear deck, while the height of the twin rear buttresses is minimized by using a deployable roll-over protection system. Helmets can be worn if preferred, but the form and sculpture of the upper cabin wraps around the driver and passenger to provide a secure environment. The McLaren Active Air Management System (AAMS) is a world-first, according to the manufacturer; it shelters occupants by manipulating air flow while retaining their connection to the elements. A fixed windscreen derivative of the car is also available for most markets as a factory option.
McLaren Automotive has revealed its new Ultimate Series roadster, the McLaren Elva. According to McLaren PR minions, as the brand’s first open-cockpit road car, "the Elva adds a new dimension to the range-topping Ultimate Series lineage. Like its McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail predecessors, volume of the new McLaren Elva will be strictly limited: just 399 are being offered for customer order." McLaren Automotive acquired the rights to the Elva name for its new Ultimate Series roadster to celebrate the renowned Bruce McLaren-designed M1A and McLaren-Elva M1A [Mk I], M1B [Mk II] and M1C [Mk III] of the 1960s. Produced as ‘customer’ versions of the innovative and exciting Group 7 McLaren race cars, the McLaren-Elva sportscars embodied many of the pioneering design and engineering principles that are integral to the McLaren road cars produced today.
The new McLaren Elva is "a ferociously fast, open-cockpit, extreme two-seater with a bespoke carbon fiber chassis and body but no roof, no windscreen and no side windows. With every sensory input heightened, this is a car that exists to provide unparalleled driving pleasure on road or track," according to McLaren. Large, carbon fiber rear fenders flow from the front of the door to the rear deck, while the height of the twin rear buttresses is minimized by using a deployable roll-over protection system. Helmets can be worn if preferred, but the form and sculpture of the upper cabin wraps around the driver and passenger to provide a secure environment. The McLaren Active Air Management System (AAMS) is a world-first, according to the manufacturer; it shelters occupants by manipulating air flow while retaining their connection to the elements. A fixed windscreen derivative of the car is also available for most markets as a factory option.
The McLaren Elva is powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, 804HP McLaren V8 from the same family of engines that powers the McLaren Senna and Senna GTR. This, combined with the lightest vehicle weight of any road car produced by McLaren Automotive - it has a bespoke carbon fiber chassis and body, unique carbon fiber seats and sintered carbon ceramic brakes - gives the superlight Ultimate Series roadster incredible performance numbers: 0-62mph in under three seconds; 0-124mph in just 6.7 seconds, which is quicker than the McLaren Senna. Like the recent hottest versions of its cars, the McLaren Elva employs active aerodynamics; state-of-the-art, linked-hydraulic active suspension; and an electro-hydraulic steering for the purest feedback.
The Innovative Inconel and titanium quad-exit exhaust enhances engine power by reducing back pressure, delivering - ahem - a unique soundtrack.
Just 399 examples of new McLaren Elva will be available for customer order. It will be priced from $1,690,000 (USD); with the final price determined by the level of personalization by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). Editor-in-Chief's Note: It's freakin' awesome. Over and out. -PMD
(Bentley images)
From the "Completely Frivolous Press Release" File comes news that the Bentley Continental GT Convertible will have an available tweed hood (convertible top). Bentley PR minions had this to say: "The concept of personalization reaches a new level with the Tweed Hood of the all-new Bentley Continental GT Convertible. For lovers of classic heritage with a twist, the individual option of a new color hood harmony has been created by two ‘solid’ tones which together form a dynamic partnership. Today’s Tweed is a glorious combination of the old and the new: it offers a redefined version of a treasured fabric designed to appeal to modern lovers of texture and color as well as to discerning customers for whom it conjures up long, luxurious drives, and relaxing country pursuits." Whew, that's a lot, even for Bentley. But Bentley's PR minions weren't finished. "Contemporary yet remaining respectful of the weaving tradition, the balance of yarn colors and a unique look defines a new interpretation of the fabric and provides a distinctive aspect to the pinnacle Continental GT Convertible. The development of the new Tweed Hood went hand in hand with the creation of the interior and exterior colors of the GTC. The standard palette alone comprises seventeen exterior paint colors, with up to 45 hues available in the extended range. There are also fifteen luxurious carpet options, eight different handcrafted veneers (with a further four dual veneer options) and fifteen choices of interior trim hide, which means that customers are able to specify their own choice of luxury finish." Seven exterior roof colors are available in total, including the Tweed specification.
Cathy Bass, Color and Trim designer, comments: “We wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before and we had never seen a Tweed effect hood. We felt confident that tailoring and heritage fabrics would become a significant trend with longevity, and we decided that was the right direction to pursue.” “We went through many rounds of dying both of the yarns,” notes Bass, “before we found the right combination.” As you get close to the Tweed Hood, it changes from what looks like a dark beige to reveal the interesting technical woven strands in the fabric. Whatever hood option a customer chooses, the tailored Convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just nineteen seconds, with the car traveling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h).
The interior of the Continental GT Convertible "is a showcase for Bentley’s unrivaled expertise in the use of natural materials," according to the manufacturer. From the highest-quality leathers, to rare, sustainably sourced veneers, such as Koa and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, the cabin "is a triumph of craftsmanship and artisanal skill," Bentley's PR minions continued. A unique dual-veneer is offered, with more than ten square meters of wood used in every car. An additional option for customers is the choice of a polished wooden steering wheel too. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Oh hell, frivolous or not, it's better than talking about yet another SUV as far as we're concerned. -PMD
The Continental GT Convertible is powered by the 6.0-liter Bentley Twin-Turbo W12 engine with 626HP and 664 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a dual-clutch eight speed transmission.
From the "Completely Frivolous Press Release" File comes news that the Bentley Continental GT Convertible will have an available tweed hood (convertible top). Bentley PR minions had this to say: "The concept of personalization reaches a new level with the Tweed Hood of the all-new Bentley Continental GT Convertible. For lovers of classic heritage with a twist, the individual option of a new color hood harmony has been created by two ‘solid’ tones which together form a dynamic partnership. Today’s Tweed is a glorious combination of the old and the new: it offers a redefined version of a treasured fabric designed to appeal to modern lovers of texture and color as well as to discerning customers for whom it conjures up long, luxurious drives, and relaxing country pursuits." Whew, that's a lot, even for Bentley. But Bentley's PR minions weren't finished. "Contemporary yet remaining respectful of the weaving tradition, the balance of yarn colors and a unique look defines a new interpretation of the fabric and provides a distinctive aspect to the pinnacle Continental GT Convertible. The development of the new Tweed Hood went hand in hand with the creation of the interior and exterior colors of the GTC. The standard palette alone comprises seventeen exterior paint colors, with up to 45 hues available in the extended range. There are also fifteen luxurious carpet options, eight different handcrafted veneers (with a further four dual veneer options) and fifteen choices of interior trim hide, which means that customers are able to specify their own choice of luxury finish." Seven exterior roof colors are available in total, including the Tweed specification.
Cathy Bass, Color and Trim designer, comments: “We wanted to create something that hadn’t been done before and we had never seen a Tweed effect hood. We felt confident that tailoring and heritage fabrics would become a significant trend with longevity, and we decided that was the right direction to pursue.” “We went through many rounds of dying both of the yarns,” notes Bass, “before we found the right combination.” As you get close to the Tweed Hood, it changes from what looks like a dark beige to reveal the interesting technical woven strands in the fabric. Whatever hood option a customer chooses, the tailored Convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just nineteen seconds, with the car traveling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). The interior of the Continental GT Convertible "is a showcase for Bentley’s unrivaled expertise in the use of natural materials," according to the manufacturer. From the highest-quality leathers, to rare, sustainably sourced veneers, such as Koa and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus, the cabin "is a triumph of craftsmanship and artisanal skill," Bentley's PR minions continued. A unique dual-veneer is offered, with more than ten square meters of wood used in every car. An additional option for customers is the choice of a polished wooden steering wheel too. Editor-In-Chief's Note: Oh hell, frivolous or not, it's better than talking about yet another SUV as far as we're concerned. -PMD The Continental GT Convertible is powered by the 6.0-liter Bentley Twin-Turbo W12 engine with 626HP and 664 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a dual-clutch eight speed transmission.
(Maserati images)
Well, this is different. The GranTurismo Zéda has been created to celebrate the last day of production of the Maserati GranTurismo. As Maserati's PR minions say, the Zéda means “Z” in the Modena dialect and it "pays tribute to Maserati’s roots and reminds us that there is a new beginning for every ending." Maserati starts with “Z” in anticipation of a new GranTurismo. Renovation work has begun on the Modena Plant, which will produce a new high-performance sports car as production of the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio comes to an end. The new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, to be produced at the Turin manufacturing hub, will herald a new era of electrification for the Maserati range of cars, constituting the first models to adopt 100% electric solutions in the history of the brand (yes, you read that correctly). This unique model, sporting futuristic exterior shades designed by Centro Stile Maserati, tells the story of the dawn of a new era through colors and materials. The GranTurismo Zéda is "the bridge which connects the past, the present and the future of the Brand." Looking from back to front, the surface shifts from a light satin finish to a burnished “metallurgic” effect. The midsection makes the transition all the way to Maserati blue. The Maserati GranTurismo Zéda is still powered by a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 delivering 460HP at 7,000 rpm and 520 Nm of maximum torque at 4750 rpm. So, if you want to get one of the last of the Ferrari ICE-powered Maseratis, here's your chance.
Well, this is different. The GranTurismo Zéda has been created to celebrate the last day of production of the Maserati GranTurismo. As Maserati's PR minions say, the Zéda means “Z” in the Modena dialect and it "pays tribute to Maserati’s roots and reminds us that there is a new beginning for every ending." Maserati starts with “Z” in anticipation of a new GranTurismo. Renovation work has begun on the Modena Plant, which will produce a new high-performance sports car as production of the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio comes to an end. The new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, to be produced at the Turin manufacturing hub, will herald a new era of electrification for the Maserati range of cars, constituting the first models to adopt 100% electric solutions in the history of the brand (yes, you read that correctly). This unique model, sporting futuristic exterior shades designed by Centro Stile Maserati, tells the story of the dawn of a new era through colors and materials. The GranTurismo Zéda is "the bridge which connects the past, the present and the future of the Brand." Looking from back to front, the surface shifts from a light satin finish to a burnished “metallurgic” effect. The midsection makes the transition all the way to Maserati blue. The Maserati GranTurismo Zéda is still powered by a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 delivering 460HP at 7,000 rpm and 520 Nm of maximum torque at 4750 rpm. So, if you want to get one of the last of the Ferrari ICE-powered Maseratis, here's your chance.
AE Song Lyrics of the Week.
So lately, been wondering
Who will be there to take my place
When I'm gone, you'll need love
To light the shadows on your face
If a greater wave shall fall
And fall upon us all
Then between the sand and stone
Could you make it on your own?
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
And maybe I'll find out
A way to make it back someday
To watch you, to guide you
Through the darkest of your days
If a great wave shall fall
And fall upon us all
Well then I hope there's someone out there
Who can bring me back to you
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
Run away with my heart
Run away with my hope
Run away with my love
I know now, just quite how
My life and love might still go on
In your heart, in your mind
I'll stay with you for all of time
If I could, then I would
I'll go wherever you will go
Way up high or down low
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could turn back time
I'll go wherever you will go
If I could make you mine
I'll go wherever you will go
I'll go wherever you will go
"Wherever You Will Go" - The Calling. Watch the video here.
