AND… WE’RE BACK. – Rants – Autoextremist.com ~ the bare-knuckled, unvarnished, high-electron reality…

Editor’s Word: WE. ARE. BACK. Peter takes us on a visit by means of the highlights of final yr’s On The Desk, and shares just a few ideas concerning the biz as we dive into this New 12 months. In On The Desk, we now have a particular observe concerning the Detroit Auto Present, together with a take a look at Honda’s superior (not) new brand. We even have the efficiency numbers in for the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, and so they’re merely unbelievable. And we element the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX, or, as Peter calls it, “a rolling monument to abject stupidity.” We even have just a few of our favorites from RM Sotheby’s upcoming Paris public sale. Our AE Music of the Week is “Fortunate Man” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer. In Fumes,  Peter takes us again to that unforgettable Cobra summer time, which is a must-read. And in The Line, we preview the Cadillac System 1® Crew’s Particular Version testing livery, unveiled by Basic Motors President Mark Reuss on Monday, January 12. Onward! -WG

By Peter M. De Lorenzo

Detroit. Properly, that was particular. On the best way to our pressured “break” I need to say that the report of my dying was an exaggeration, a lot to the consternation of the haters who have been anxious to bid me good riddance. I used to be granted a three-month reprieve by my physician, so I am good to go. Actually, no use sitting round, Autoextremist.com is alive, properly and again.

I did discover the “break” to be helpful, nonetheless, as a brand new readability got here into focus, which was certainly welcomed. My everlasting inner battle with myself revolves round conserving my thoughts sharp, and AE does that for me. Remarkably properly, in reality. I used to be going to write down my second novel over the following few weeks, however as a substitute of stopping every little thing to do this, I’ll write that on particular days throughout the week. So, we will likely be current and accounted for a minimum of for the foreseeable future (Though make no mistake, that will change at any given second. – WG.)

One factor that has bothered me over the previous few months (One factor? Ha. -WG) is the overwhelmingly miserable use of the phrase “just a little bit.” Its use is all over the place, and it has develop into infuriating to me. It’s like a “stay” hedge that has permeated on a regular basis life. It has gotten so unhealthy that even Tom Brady – the retired NFL nice who does sport commentary now – makes use of it to explain a play the place the participant royally screwed up and provides the phrase “just a little bit” as if to provide the participant the advantage of the doubt. You then watch the replay and it’s clear that the participant utterly blew it, and also you’re left questioning: Actually, Tom? Can’t you simply name it as you see it with out throwing the built-in disclaimer “just a little bit” into the combo?

I imply, WTF? And it’s an ongoing plague too. Everybody is utilizing it to soft-pedal criticism, and it’s flat out ridiculous. On that observe, you received’t discover that phrase right here at AE. There’s nothing “just a little bit” about what we do right here. I’ve been calling it like I see it for 26.5 years now, and I’m not about to cease. And no, not even just a little bit.

“Phoning it in” has by no means been an possibility right here and by no means will likely be. So right here’s to extra of every little thing in 2026. And by the best way, this week marks one other Detroit Auto Present, a occurring that has performed out in suits and begins during the last 4 years. if we uncover something attention-grabbing on the occasion (Highly unlikely – WG), we’ll put up it in “On The Desk” because the week unfolds.

In different information, I made a decision to make a journey by means of final yr’s “On The Desk” and I’ve just a few extra ideas…

(Detroit Free Press)

BUT AT LEAST HIS SOUVENIR PEN SAYS “CHIEF YES-MAN” ON IT. That the orchestrated occasion celebrating Trump’s rollback of U.S. gas economic system necessities was a pretend present for the cameras was not noteworthy within the least. “Finger-snap” decision-making by politicians is by no means noteworthy, particularly with this knee-jerk White Home. With the emphasis on jerk. What was noteworthy was the truth that the prepared members from Detroit who have been in attendance have been gushing profusely, whereas agreeing with Trump that this transfer would minimize “$1,000” from new automotive costs in a single day. (Properly, that will repair the affordability disaster – not. -WG) Keep in mind, these executives know full properly that this trade is strictly ruled by five- to seven-year lead occasions, and there’s no means in hell that these adjustments will minimize costs that dramatically anytime quickly. And who was the Detroit CEO preening to the cameras – and Trump – nodding and verbally agreeing with Generalissimo? None aside from Jim “I am a genius simply ask me” Farley. What a bunch of unmitigated bullshit, however oh-so-predictable.

(Porsche photographs)

HOW DO YOU SPELL “DEAD IN THE WATER” IN SEVEN LETTERS?

The runner-up for the 2025 Autoextremist “The Reply To The Query That No One’s Asking” Award was, ta-dah!, the 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electrical SUV. “Combining the efficiency of a brilliant sports activities automotive and System E ranges of recuperation, the all-electric Cayenne initially contains two fashions: the Cayenne Electrical and the Cayenne Turbo Electrical – each with all-wheel drive and subsequently outfitted with digital Porsche Traction Administration (ePTM),” based on Porsche PR minions. Yeah, proper. You possibly can really feel the air of desperation in Stuttgart all the best way over right here.

(Toyota photographs)

FROM THE “TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS” FILE. Toyota unveiled a brand new off-road idea known as the Scion 01 Idea, “an engineering train that reimagines a side-by-side, all-terrain car designed for the final word outside journey expertise,” based on Toyota PR minions. The undertaking was led by North American Toyota engineers with a ardour for off-roading, leading to a high-output turbocharged hybrid setup “that blends Toyota’s legendary sturdiness with Scion’s experimental DNA to think about new prospects for exploration, efficiency, and design,” Toyota PR minions continued. (Scion’s experimental DNA? That is fun. -WG)

(Brough Superior Motorbike picture)

FROM “THE FOOLS AND THEIR MONEY” FILE, NO. 473. That is the Richard Mille RMB1, a particularly restricted version from France-based Brough Superior Bikes. “Swiss watchmaking model Richard Mille and Brough Superior, an iconic producer of outstanding bikes, have joined forces in an unique partnership. This daring collaboration has given start to a singular creation, the RMB01. Way more than a bike, it’s a murals that mixes craftsmanship, technological innovation, and heritage. Innovation, a pronounced style for daring aesthetics, and a relentless need to push boundaries symbolize this shared improvement. From design to manufacturing, the end is meticulously thought out to evoke emotion. This philosophy and quest for perfection are broadly shared by Richard Mille, thus forging a robust and unbreakable bond between the 2 companions.” How a lot? Don’t fret, you possibly can’t afford it. “Commonplace” bikes from Brough Superior begin at round $60,000. So, can this particular version value $100,000? In all probability.

(Kia)

A PRESS RELEASE THAT WAS A NEW DIMENSION OF SUCK. Each from time to time, a press launch hits our AE inbox and lands with a thud. This one was from Kia, teasing the 2027 Telluride. Kia’s PR minions started with this: “Suggestive, thought-provoking, fascinating, iconic, Kia reveals the primary teaser photographs of the all-new 2027 Telluride SUV forward of its international debut on the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Present. On November 20, Kia America will pull the covers off one of the crucial anticipated new automobiles of the yr and unveil the second era of one of many model’s most profitable automobiles in firm historical past.” (Some of the anticipated new automobiles of the yr? Actually? And “suggestive, thought-provoking, fascinating, iconic…”? Sure, the Telluride was and is an enormous success, however I’d use none of these adjectives to explain it. -WG.) The Kia PR minions ought to have stopped there, however no. “Firmly rooted in Kia’s Opposites United kind language that embraces the contrasts between nature and humanity, the teaser photographs trace at a sq. shouldered, upright silhouette framed by skinny vertical LEDs bathed in crimson and amber. Impressed by its namesake Colorado city, aggressively outlined triangular creases within the fenders resemble the chiseled sides of a diamond and seize the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains.” Initially, “Opposites United”? We’re used to design operatives waxing eloquently about their very own work, however this? Please. And embracing “the contrasts between nature and humanity”? Wow. And, fenders resembling “the chiseled sides of a diamond and seize the essence of the towering Rocky Mountains”? Ouch, Child. I might go on, however there’s actually no must. This launch pegged the AE Unmitigated Bullshit Meter. -PMD

(Mercedes-Benz photographs)

A BAD-ASS CONCEPT THAT SUITED US JUST FINE. Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Imaginative and prescient Iconic present automotive “embodies the liberty to assume past conference – a inventive expression that introduces new views and bridges previous and future,” based on Mercedes-Benz PR minions. By no means shy about touting his work, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG (now retired) had this to say: “Impressed by the golden period of automotive design of the Thirties, this present automotive embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. With its hood giving it an imposing presence, sculptural flowing traces and a contact of Artwork Deco, it rises to develop into a real icon of automotive magnificence. The inside with its steady bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking reminiscences of the legendary 300 SL. Our Imaginative and prescient Iconic is extra than simply an car – it’s a sculpture in movement, an homage to timeless magnificence and a press release for the long run. The symbiosis of conventional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art expertise and an unmistakable design language makes it the final word expression of worth, status and beauty: essentially the most stunning, most prestigious type of factor.” (Properly, alrighty then! -WG)

Editor-in-Chief’s Word: Mercedes-Benz designers have been taking part in with this fundamental kind for years. On this newest iteration, it has taken on a maturity that clearly indicators the corporate’s future design route. The press launch went on and on concerning the machine’s autonomous driving capabilities, however I used to be extra fascinated with the truth that they selected black for this idea’s visible presentation, which is sudden and a surprising look. I prefer it rather a lot, and it is clear that Mercedes-Benz remains to be going all-in on its EV product improvement. An enormous “we’ll see” as we prefer to say round right here? In all probability. -PMD

HOW MUCH IS THAT A MONTH? OH, NEVER MIND. Simply how loopy is the retail gross sales atmosphere proper now? Experian is reporting that nearly 1 in 5 new automotive funds are $1,000.00 or extra, based on Automotive Information. Greater than 53 p.c of new-car consumers who dedicated to a $1,000-plus mortgage cost from January to July in 2025 purchased an SUV, based on Experian. About 37 p.c purchased pickups; extra particularly, 5 p.c of all these new consumers paying $1,000 a month or extra purchased a Ford F-150. For these of you on the market who nonetheless do not assume there is a burgeoning disaster in affordability, all I can say is, actually? -PMD

(Audi photographs)

PRICES GETTING YOU DOWN? TRY THIS. The second era of Audi’s limited-edition enduro-style electrical pedal help mountain bike – the Audi eMTB 2.0 – powered by Fantic, is accessible now by means of Audi Real Equipment. The 720-Wh, 36-volt lithium-ion battery pack is positioned wholly inside the aluminum body, supplying energy to the quiet and environment friendly Brose S-MAG 250-watt motor, which delivers as much as 90 Nm of torque. A small digital show positioned on the handlebars gives an outline of key knowledge at a look, together with help stage, battery cost standing, and velocity. When the battery stage drops to lower than 10%, the cost stage indicator flashes within the prime proper nook of the show. The brand new Audi eMTB 2.0 contains a livery impressed by Audi’s electrified Dakar Rally-winning RS Q e-tron racecar. The Audi eMTB powered by Fantic prices $5,850, excluding native taxes. Need extra data? Go to the AudiUSA web site by means of Audi Real Equipment. 

(Audi)

AUDI INTRODUCED THE AUDI CONCEPT C, “AN ALL-ELECTRIC TWO-SEAT SPORTS CAR THAT EMBODIES THE BRAND’S NEW DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AND PAVES THE WAY FOR THE FUTURE,” ACCORDING TO AUDI PR MINIONS. IN OTHER WORDS, IT’S THE NEW TT. Calling the Idea C “the trailblazer that forges the way forward for Audi,” the producer will give attention to what issues most: “an unmistakable mixture of readability, technicality, intelligence, and emotion.” Editor-in-Chief’s Word: Is this idea an enormous deal to Audi? In case you are questioning, sure, this indicators the following era of the Audi TT. My preliminary response? I prefer it. Let’s hope it isn’t watered down for manufacturing. -PMD  

(Alfa Romeo)

HERE’S TO THE LUCKY 33. Alfa Romeo unveiled the 33 Stradale, describing it as an “unique Italian icon reborn reborn for a brand new period.” Impressed by the unique 1967 Tipo 33 Stradale, the up to date 33 is “a handcrafted masterpiece that seamlessly blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation,” based on Alfa Romeo PR minions. Obtainable with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 630HP, the 33 Stradale achieves 0 to 62 mph in underneath three seconds and a prime velocity of 207 mph. Constructed fully by hand at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera in Italy, every 33 Stradale is a bespoke creation tailor-made to the shopper’s specs, with design enter from Alfa Romeo’s Centro Stile and engineering experience derived from System One. The 33 Stradale contains a carbon-fiber monocoque, energetic suspension and dihedral doorways, together with a minimalist, analog-inspired cockpit that honors the purity of driving. Manufacturing is restricted to 33 models globally, all of that are spoken for, making the 33 Stradale one of the crucial unique collector automobiles of the trendy period.

(GM Design)

CHEVROLET GAVE CAR ENTHUSIASTS AND RACING FANS A GLIMPSE OF ITS HIGH-PERFORMANCE FUTURE WITH TWO CORVETTE CONCEPT CARS: THE CORVETTE CX AND CX.R VISION GRAN TURISMO. Whereas not supposed for manufacturing, the pair will function inspiration to tell Corvette design language for years to come back. Drawing on greater than 70 years of efficiency innovation, these Corvette ideas honor the heritage of America’s sports activities automotive – and propel it into the long run. The CX and CX.R Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo have been the newest and final of a number of Corvette ideas revealed final yr, as a part of a GM design train that concerned a number of GM studios globally. The CX ideas have been designed and fabricated on the Chevrolet Efficiency Studio in Warren, MI. “Whereas the form of a Corvette has all the time been expressive and forward-looking, every crease and line has its roots within the generations that got here earlier than it. It’s aspirational, it’s cultural, it’s the cause folks need to come and work at Chevrolet,” mentioned Phil Zak, government design director for Chevrolet. “The CX and CX.R Imaginative and prescient Gran Turismo show our design groups stepping away from the constraints of manufacturing automobiles and unleashing their creativity. By means of this train, we’ve added to Corvette and outlined the design route for Corvette shifting ahead.” Watch the presentation video right here. Editor-in-Chief’s Word: The very best a part of the video? The looks of the unique 1959 Sting Ray racer. -PMD

(GM Design)

ELEVATED VELOCITY? APPLY HERE. In accordance with Cadillac PR minions, the Elevated Velocity idea, an all-electric, high-performance crossover, “channels the essence of Cadillac’s V-Sequence right into a daring 2+2 crossover designed to exhilarate on-road and off-grid alike, whereas foreshadowing potential future Cadillac design cues.” (Alrighty then! – WG) The Elevated Velocity idea was unveiled in Carmel, California, final August. Watch the intro video right here.

(GM Design)

GM DESIGN AROUND THE WORLD NEVER SLEEPS, APPARENTLY. For those who want proof of that, have a look at the Buick Electra Orbit which “marries the romance of the Nineteen Fifties with futuristic expertise and pure-electric structure,” based on GM PR minions. The Buick Electra Orbit was impressed by space-age spacecraft, jets and in addition Buick ideas from the Nineteen Fifties. A noteworthy element? The modern design wears metallic paint merely often known as “House.” And it is known as an idea for a cause, possibly as a result of it is so big. It’s almost 19.6 ft lengthy and over 6.6 ft extensive, which makes it longer and about as extensive as a Chevrolet Suburban. These wild, disc-shaped wheels measure 24 inches in diameter. Different particulars? 4 scissor doorways open away from the middle level of the automotive, and it makes use of a pair of deployable wings that stand up and out of the bodywork to enhance drag and create downforce at velocity. “Electra Orbit is a daring exploration of what Buick could be after we mix heritage inspiration with visionary innovation,” Stuart Norris, vice chairman of design for GM China, mentioned in a press release. “By reinterpreting space-age motifs and pushing electric-architecture freedoms, we wished to create an idea that feels each acquainted in its Buick DNA and thrillingly new.” Editor’s Word: Hell, yeah! -WG

(Ferrari photographs)