OCTOBER 30, 2019

Editor-in-Chief's Note: As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group have confirmed that they are in talks about combining operations. The deal, if brought to fruition, would dramatically alter the playing field for the global auto industry and create a European corporate entity to rival the Volkswagen Group. "There are ongoing discussions aimed at creating one of the world's leading mobility groups," FCA said in a statement Wednesday, confirming media reports. PSA also issued a statement confirming the discussions. What does it all mean? It would be good for the two companies as they are a natural fit - at least on paper - and could mesh together well. I expect this deal to come together. -PMD

(Honda images)
Honda has announced that a highly-modified 1972 Honda N600 has won the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series, which joined the Hot WheelsTM Legends Tour in 2019 as the exclusive tuner component of the program. Customized over a five-year period, the Honda N600 is powered by a Honda VFR 800cc V4 motorcycle engine (!) in a rear wheel drive configuration (!!), sporting a 12,000 RPM redline (!!!) and a surprisingly deep and growly engine sound. (Sounds awesome to us!!!!) "When I arrived at the Hot Wheels™ Legends Tour, I was truly impressed by the amount of work from the other Honda tuners. I’m thrilled, and humbled, that my N600 not only stood out, but was selected as the winner of the first-ever Honda Super Tuner Legends Series," said Stephen Mines, owner of the winning N600. "As a longtime Honda fan, and owner of more than a few Hondas, it will be an incredible honor to see my car at Honda’s booth at SEMA." The custom N600 that won the inaugural Honda Super Tuner Legends Series also boasts a modified Mazda Miata suspension system, seats from a Polaris RZR®, and modified front and rear bumpers from a 1967-68 Chevrolet® Camaro. 

(Hyundai images)
Hyundai Motor Company Customization Teams have created a Veloster N Performance Concept for the 2019 SEMA show. The concept uses a variety of OEM-quality performance parts added to the Veloster N "to maximize visual appeal and dynamic performance," according to Hyundai PR minions. The stuff? Extreme Racing coil-over suspension with H&R® coil springs; Daewon Steel anti-roll bars (front and rear); WIF chassis brace (front, center and rear) and aluminum caliper bracket; Alcon forged six-piston front brake caliper/four-piston rear brake caliper; 380mm front rotors/360mm rear rotors; OZ® forged racing wheels 8.0JJ x 19.0-inch with N-brand carbon wheel cap; Pirelli® P-Zero Corsa tires 235/35R19; Capristo cat-back anodized exhaust tips and assorted bodywork enhancements.
Inside, the Veloster N Performance Concept gets an Alcantara® gear knob boot, steering wheel lower bezel, parking lever, air vent surround, headliner and pillar liners, instrument panel, armrest, door trim, door control bezel and horn pad; N-branded door sill covers; Sabelt® alcantara and carbon sport seats; Aluminum gear shift knob; Red engine start button and colored seat belt webbing;
The Veloster N Performance Concept will be on display at the SEMA show in the Hyundai booth. 

(1000 Miglia Warm Up USA photos))
The inaugural 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA took place in and around Middleburg and Washington, D.C., from October 23 through October 26, 2019. John and Julie Herlhy, driving a 1953 Jaguar XK120 OTS Roadster, won the event and were presented with the First Coppa USA (USA Cup). The event featured a day of rally training followed by a three-day race of over 500 miles. The competitive race was staged in full 1000 Miglia style, finishing on Italian soil at Villa Firenze, the Italian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C. “The 2019 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA featured competitive teams, beautiful roads and enthusiastic fans, just like the race in Italy,” said Alberto Piantoni, CEO of 1000 Miglia. ”Introducing the 1000 Miglia to a U.S. audience is an important step towards our goal of broadening awareness outside of Italy.” The event featured 22 cars in two classes: the 1000 Miglia Era Class, which was represented by 1000 Miglia eligible cars, built between 1927 and 1957 and the Post-1000 Era Class represented by sports cars, grand touring and supercars built from 1958 to present. The Coppa USA winner and five other crews were also awarded a guaranteed entry to the 1000 Miglia race in Italy from May 13-16, 2020. 

AE Song Lyrics of the Week.

She said it's cold
It feels like Independence Day
And I can't break away from this parade
But there's got to be an opening
Somewhere here in front of me
Through this maze of ugliness and greed
And I seen the sun up ahead
At the county line bridge
Saying all is good and nothingness is dead
We'd run until she's out of breath
She ran until there's nothing left
She hit the end, it's just her window ledge

Hey, come on try a little
Nothing is forever
There's got to be something better than
In the middle
But me and Cinderella
We put it all together
We can drive it home

"One Headlight" - by The Wallflowers. Watch the video here.