OCTOBER 1, 2025

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'd like to remind you that Peter's first work of fiction, "St. Michael of Birmingham" is out now. Make no mistake, 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

Editor-in-Chief's Note: It's a good thing that I'm up very early on Monday mornings, as news like the following tends to annoy the shit out of me. Leave it to Automotive News to write yet another canonization/puff piece story about Jim "I'm a genius, just ask me" Farley, this one entitled, "In five years as CEO, Jim Farley has transformed Ford in his image." That the lengthy story goes on to cherry-pick Farley's "accomplishments," while trotting out all of the bootlickers who can only muster praise, is predictable. And dragging out an analyst who would do the same - I'm talking about you, David Whiston, an equity analyst at Morningstar Research Services - was equally predictable as well. All of this praise happens while glossing over Farley's piss-poor record on recalls, the one thing he was tasked to "fix" from the beginning and the one thing he has failed miserably at attempting to rectify. It's getting to be a recurring joke, in fact, as all Ford can say is that we're "working on it" or "we're making progress" or "it won't be long now!" That's unmitigated bullshit, folks. That nary a discouraging word was found from the minions within Ford - even anonymously - is telling, because judging by the emails I receive, there's a huge faction inside Ford that has had it up to "here" with the Farley "Show," but they're being quashed by the relentless PR machine that constantly canonizes Farley at every opportunity. This story suggests that remaking Ford in Farley's image is a good thing, but I beg to differ. The hangover post-Farley is going to be brutal, and as I've mentioned many times before, Bill Ford doesn't have a backup plan ready. This is a giant bowl of Not Good for the minions in Dearborn. -PMD

(Toyota images)
The new 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is coming: Featuring the GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive System, new structural enhancements that Improve body rigidity, and a new secondary air intake that improves engine temperature control and performance. The GR Corolla is available in two grades: GR Corolla and GR Corolla Premium Plus. The GR Corolla comes equipped with design features like a bulge hood with functional gloss-black air vents, a color-keyed spoiler, and gloss black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels. Other stuff? Brin Naub® suede-trimmed sport seats with sleek grey stitching and an available JBL Premium Sound System enhanced with active sound control and a subwoofer. Or, opt for the GR Corolla Premium Plus, which offers standard premium features, including a forged carbon fiber roof, a gloss black rear spoiler, matte black 15-spoke cast alloy wheels, and Brin Naub suede-trimmed sport seats with red stitching, along with a Head-up Display for an enhanced driving experience. The 2026 Toyota GR Corollas are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships this fall with a starting MSRP of $39,920.



(Audi images)
Audi of America has announced the latest technical specifications and pricing for its ninth-generation upper mid-sized luxury sedan, the all-new 2026 Audi A6. For 2026, the all-new A6 sedan comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 mated to an Audi S tronic seven-speed dual clutch transmission and features quattro® all-wheel drive as standard. The carry-over powertrain has been thoroughly revised to make more power and reduce NVH levels transmitted through the chassis. The 2026 A6 sedan has 27 more horsepower (362HP) and 37 more lb.-ft. of torque (406 lb.-ft.) than the previous generation A6 with the V6 motor. The increase in power and torque results in 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, on its way to an electronically controlled top speed of 130 mph. In addition, for the first time, the all-new A6 sedan is available with a range of dynamic enhancements previously only available on S6 models. Adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers come standard on Prestige trim level models. Prestige models can be enhanced further with an optional Sport plus package which includes All-wheel steering, a sport rear differential and replaces the adaptive air suspension with steel sport suspension. These optional changes work together "to improve both the dynamic performance of the all-new model during spirited drives and aid in everyday refinement and drivability around town," according to Audi PR minions. Functional steering changes have also been incorporated which improve responsiveness and feedback felt through the wheel. There's a bunch more stuff to the new A6; as another record-length Audi press release indicated. The 2026 Audi A6 sedan will be available at U.S. Audi retailers in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is priced from $64,100.

 

(Audi images)

Is the new Audi A6 too pricey for your tastes? Try this one. Audi has launched the second generation of its limited-edition enduro-style electric pedal assist mountain bike. The Audi eMTB 2.0 powered by Fantic, is available now through Audi Genuine Accessories. The second-generation mountain bike from Audi was developed in collaboration and manufactured by the Italian motorcycle and e-bike maker Fantic – and based upon its XEF 1.9 Factory enduro e-bike offering. The geometry of its lightweight aluminum frame is designed to allow a relaxed riding position so riders can better react to obstacles and terrain. Its mixed 29 in.-front/27.5 in.-rear wheel setup provides the best of both rollover ability and tight cornering agility. Other stuff? It is outfitted with top-shelf, fully adjustable suspension components and featuring 180mm of travel; the Audi eMTB 2.0 distinguishes itself with a coil-sprung Öhlins TTX22m.2 rear shock, and an air-sprung Öhlins RXF38 m.2 fork. Shifting duties for the 1x12 drivetrain are now handled by SRAM’s GX Eagle Transmission AXS electronic rear derailleur and bar-mounted POD shifter, working across an SRAM XX SL Eagle 12-speed 10-52T rear cassette. Stopping power is provided by Sunstar Braking’s F.I.R.S.T. calipers and new EPTA STAGE rotors (220/203mm F/R). The Audi eMTB 2.0 powered by Fantic provides riders with four levels of electrical assistance at speeds of up to 20 mph – Eco, Tour, Sport and Boost – with estimated battery range of between 12 and 90 miles (20-150 km) depending on terrain, rider weight and amount of assist used. The 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is located wholly within the aluminum frame, supplying power to the quiet and efficient Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor, which delivers up to 90 Nm of torque. A small digital display located on the handlebars provides an overview of key data at a glance, including assist level, battery charge status, and speed. When the battery level drops to less than 10%, the charge level indicator flashes in the top right corner of the display. The new Audi eMTB 2.0 features a livery inspired by Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron racecar. Deliveries of the Audi eMTB powered by Fantic are expected this Fall, with an MSRP of $5,850, excluding local taxes. Customers wishing to register their interest can find additional information on the AudiUSA website through Audi Genuine Accessories. 

 

The AE Song of the Week:

There might have been things I missed
But don't be unkind
It don't mean I'm blind
Perhaps there's a thing or two
I think of lying in bed
I shouldn't have said
But there it is

You see, it's all clear
You were meant to be here
From the beginning

Maybe I might have changed
And not been so cruel
Not been such a fool
Whatever was done is done
I just can't recall
It doesn't matter at all

You see, it's all clear
You were meant to be here
From the beginning

"From The Beginning" by Emerson, Lake & Palmer from the album "Trilogy" (1972).* Written by Gregory Lake. Publisher: BMG Rights Management, MUSIC SALES CORPORATION. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Listen here.

*ELP's formula for successful albums seemed to be a concept covering several songs - a beautiful acoustic number by greg Lake, and one comedy song per album. For Trilogy, "From the Beginning" was Greg Lake's beautiful acoustic number that showed his acoustic guitar skills were right up there with his bass talents. A heartfelt song of devotion, Lake claims that the inspiration for the song has left his memory. Says Lake: "Very often lyrics simply come about simply because of the way one feels at a moment in time. There is no earth moving moment of divine inspiration or grand plan and I'm sure that was the case with this song. Although very young at the time I sometimes had moments of reflection and maybe also perhaps a feeling that I could be a better person, I think this was just one of those."

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