JUNE 18, 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're thrilled to announce the debut of Peter's first work of fiction, "St. Michael of Birmingham." 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

(GM)

Big news from GM. Chevrolet is introducing an all-wheel drive Corvette ZR1: the 2026 Corvette ZR1X. With 1,250HP and electrified all-wheel drive, Chevrolet PR minions are calling the ZR1X "a true American hypercar and the most advanced Corvette ever." 

ZR1X features include:

• LT7 twin-turbo V8: 1,064HP at 7,000 rpm, 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm
• Front-axle motor: 186HP and 145 lb-ft of torque
• GM-estimated 0-60 time: Under 2 seconds
• GM-estimated ¼ mile: Under 9 seconds, with trap speed over 150 mph

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said General Motors senior VP Ken Morris. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history, supporting the widest range of American sports cars and delivering world-class performance at every level.” America’s hypercar starts with the ZR1’s LT7 V8, generating more power than any other V8 produced by an American auto manufacturer — 1,064HP and 828 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a forged flat-plane crankshaft, finger-follower valvetrain, and dry-sump lubrication, this hand-built 5.5-liter Gemini small-block V8 was developed alongside the naturally aspirated flat-plane crankshaft engines powering the Corvette Z06 and Z06 GT3.R race car. This V8 includes:

• Dual 76-mm turbochargers
• A “maniturbo” exhaust design that combines the manifold and turbocharger housing to get the turbos as close to the exhaust valves as possible, improving throttle response by decreasing time needed to build boost
• Dynamic anti-lag controls that maintain turbo speed when off-throttle in certain situations so boost is available rapidly when throttle is reapplied

While the ZR1 embodies the rear-wheel drive precedent set by prior generations, the Corvette team added all-wheel drive capability for a new take on performance. ZR1X benefits from the foundation set in 2024 by E-Ray, the first-ever AWD Corvette, combining a high-voltage battery pack and electric motor driving the front axle with V8 propulsion turning the rear axle. There is no physical connection between the two power sources on ZR1X, and the electrified propulsion system does not require a plug-in — charging takes place through regenerative efforts from the front drive unit. ZR1X’s battery pack, located low and centralized within the rigid spine of the chassis, was designed specifically to rapidly cycle between applying bursts of power and charging. This robust pack has been tested at tracks around the world and conquered Corvette’s 24-hour track durability test. While the battery capacity is 1.9 kWh like the E-Ray, the usable energy has grown to provide greater lapping capability. This improvement raises the peak operating voltage, which increases the power output from the front drive unit. The compact electric motor on the front axle is capable of 186HP and 145 lb-ft of torque on demand. While retaining the same shape and size of the E-Ray front drive unit, the ZR1X unit pairs strengthened internal components and improvements in energy deployment to generate an additional 26HP and 20 lb-ft of torque. The front axle is engaged and can apply power through 160 mph before disconnecting, directly benefitting ZR1X’s quarter-mile acceleration stats and on-track balance.

The eAWD chassis controls system designed for E-Ray has undergone a significant upgrade for ZR1X. With the benefit of experience on this electrified AWD architecture, the development team applied knowledge from E-Ray to solutions specifically for the LT7’s character and capability. The result is evident in on-road drivability and on-track performance. ZR1X is constantly monitoring driver inputs and vehicle conditions to blend power at both axles for responsiveness and traction management. On track, ZR1X utilizes specialized energy strategies designed to maximize electrified output based on track session demands and driver preferences:

• Endurance – Engaging the Charge+ button adjusts the battery’s energy storage strategy for extended lapping and consistent eAWD output for a full tank of fuel
• Qualifying – Optimum power strategy for the ultimate lap time
• Push-to-Pass – Max available power on-demand

PTM Pro, new for 2026 on all Corvettes, was designed with ZR1X in mind. PTM Pro delivers the purest driving experience. While this setting turns off traction and stability control, the following features remain active:

• Regen Brake Torque Vectoring – engineered to recover peak energy without sacrificing agility
• Front Axle Pre-Control – actively manages inside front brake pressure to enable maximum corner-exit traction
• Launch Control – customizable settings enable rapid acceleration from a rest

The ZR1X balances impressive power with robust brakes specifically developed with this car in mind. The J59 braking package, standard on ZR1X and an option on ZR1, is a clean-sheet design intended for superior heat resistance and ultra-responsive braking. Alcon 10-piston front and 6-piston rear calipers are mated to 16.5-inch front and rear rotors — the largest diameter rotors ever offered on Corvette. The rotors are carbon ceramic, constructed with continuously woven carbon fiber threads. This is the most resilient production car braking system ever tested by GM. And during testing, the J59-equipped Corvettes achieve 1.9G of deceleration from 180 to 120 mph.

ZR1X is offered in two chassis configurations that both feature magnetic ride control — adjusting to the vehicle’s mode, driver inputs and the road surface for optimal control. The standard chassis, accompanied by Michelin PS4S tires, makes for a comfortable touring car on-road and a highly capable Corvette at the track. The available ZTK Performance Package incorporates higher spring rates and is firmer. Paired with the grip of Michelin’s Pilot Cup 2R tires, this is the pinnacle of Corvette performance. Customers can equip the high-downforce Carbon Aero package to a standard chassis ZR1X, adding dive planes, underbody strakes, a hood gurney lip over the front heat extractor and a highly effective rear wing. This package is capable of 1,200 lbs of downforce at top speed and comes standard on ZTK-equipped cars.

GM is calling the 2026 Corvette ZR1X "the ultimate expression of the no-compromise eighth generation platform. It’s an all-day comfortable tourer, a straight-line rocket, and a racetrack weapon, all in one." Like every Corvette in the lineup, ZR1X will be available in coupe or hardtop convertible body style. ZR1X enters the market with Corvette's freshened interior revealed last month. A new three-screen layout and reimagined console design, real-time vehicle data provided by the built-in Performance App, and new colors and high-quality materials all highlight the 2026 Corvette interior.

Every ZR1X will be proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts, with every LT7 engine hand-assembled by the master engine builders at the Bowling Green Performance Build Center. Further details on price and availability will be shared closer to production. Watch videos here and here.

(BMW images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: This 6,000-lb. complete mess of a vehicle is something called the BMW XM Label, and it represents everything wrong with the current state of BMW and the current state of today's auto industry, for that matter. BMW PR minions say that "the BMW XM portfolio is sharpening its focus, now offering just a single model; the BMW XM Label." If this is BMW "sharpening its focus," then this once-proud automaker has completely lost its mind. BMW boasts about its prowess; the M HYBRID system consists of a V8 with a peak output of 577HP and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission delivering up to 194HP. With a total system output of 738HP and a combined torque of 738 lb-ft, the BMW XM Label "is the most powerful BMW M production model ever." To what end, exactly? But wait, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, or, you can choose the optional M Driver’s Package, which increases this limit to 175 mph! That'll get to you Costco in record time, no doubt. BMW PR minions went on to say. "With its exhilarating performance and uncompromisingly extravagant design, the BMW XM Label enjoys a unique place in the luxury segment." Really? It does? They actually believe this bloated SUV constitutes "uncompromisingly extravagant design"? What a frickin' joke. But the BMW PR minions weren't quite finished. "The most powerful roadgoing BMW of all time sets new standards with its extroverted design while demonstrating why BMW M stands for The Ultimate Driving Machine." WTF? This rolling blunderbuss of a vehicle has nothing to do with "design" or anything to do with the "Ultimate Driving Machine." In fact, it should be called the "Ultimate Insult Machine" because it's a flat-out abomination and an insult to everything that this brand once stood for. They unveiled this "Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic" pig at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday, June 14. And in case this rolling insult to anything resembling automotive intelligence floats your boat, and you're absolutely Hell-bent on being "The Biggest Tool in the Shed," production starts at BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina in August. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production, but rest assured, it will not be worth whatever they're asking. -PMD

 

(Porsche images)

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Well, we knew something was coming, after Porsche resurrected the story of the famous Count Rossi Porsche 917, the only legal road-going 917 in existence that was built 50 years ago. But we didn't know it would be this spectacular. This "one-off" full street version of Porsche's Le Mans-winning 963 prototype commission was created for and named after Roger S. Penske (thus its name, the 963 RSP). It made its public debut on Friday (June 6th) on public roads in and around Le Mans, driving in formation with the original ‘Count Rossi’ 917. At the wheel of the 963 RSP was three-time Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard. The 963 RSP is based on the 963 racing machine, complete with unique Sonderwunsch-led design changes - including unique bodywork and interior - inspired by the Porsche 917 that first took to the road 50 years ago. -PMD

The extreme one-off 963 RSP is the work of a team from Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport and Porsche Cars North America in partnership with motorsport legend Roger Penske, whose initials form the name of the car. The 963 RSP was influenced by the trailblazing 917 and an audacious drive that took place half a century ago. In April 1975, a 917 (chassis 30) – the most advanced endurance race car at that time – made an extraordinary journey, not on the track, but on public roads. From the factory in Zuffenhausen, it traveled to Paris - at the wheel was its enigmatic owner, who insisted on as few changes as possible to the car, which remains in France, and on the road, to this day. “This really started out as a “what if?” – a passion project by a small team of enthusiasts at Penske and at Porsche who together imagined a version of the 963 that really resembled as closely as possible the spirit and appearance of the Count Rossi 917,” said Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Timo Resch, who conceived of the original idea. “The 917 from the story was every inch a race car – albeit one driven on the road – and we took the same approach with the 963 RSP. It uses beautiful materials of the best quality available, but is still every bit a race car underneath.”

The 963 RSP features significant changes over the car on which it is based. Unlike the competition racecars, which are wrapped in different colors, the 963 RSP is the first of its kind to be painted, a unique challenge due to the nature of the carbon fiber and Kevlar® bodywork, which is ultra-thin in places to save weight. In a nod to the Count Rossi 917, the 963 RSP is finished in Martini Silver and features uniquely altered bodywork and a bespoke tan leather and Alcantara interior inspired by the trim choices made by Count Rossi 50 years ago. A dedicated mechanical and electronic setup was configured for its debut on the streets near Le Mans – including a raised ride height and softened dampers, as well as a reprogrammed control unit to allow for the headlights and taillights to operate closer to those of a road car. These changes, along with modified bodywork to cover the wheel arches, the use of Michelin wet weather compound tires and even the fitment of a horn, meant the car met the necessary criteria to be allowed to drive on the road and wear license plates under special permission from the French authorities and with the enthusiastic support of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), which runs the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. 

“That was an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime,” said Timo Bernhard, who was at the wheel of the 963 RSP for its first miles on the road. “Driving down a public road with a 917 beside me – it felt unreal. The car behaved perfectly – it felt a little friendlier and more forgiving than the normal 963 – and felt super special and a lot more comfortable, especially as I was not needing all my safety gear.”  

“We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with Porsche dating back to 1972. The Porsche 917/30, in particular, was one of the greatest eras in Team Penske history with numerous wins and championships, along with the closed-course speed record set by Mark Donohue in 1975,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Corporation. “With such a remarkable partnership continuing to this day, we felt it was time to create the most exciting car we could imagine. Just like the 917, I wanted this car to be authentic to its origin and have as few changes to it as possible. When we got into the project, the differences in the two generations of race cars provided a great challenge. What emerged is a car that has lost none of its edge and is exciting whether on the track or on the road.” The 963 RSP will go on public display at the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans before it returns to Stuttgart to be shown at the Porsche Museum. In July the car will appear alongside the 917 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Accompanying the 963 RSP are a custom fitted carbon crash helmet with Martini Silver accents to match the car, and a bespoke Snap On toolset with a chest bearing accents in the same color, a plaque commemorating the project and its namesake, and handles wrapped in the same leather used in the interior of the car. The drawers also feature custom foam inserts to carry tools and special equipment necessary to start, service and operate the car. While capable of being driven on the road under special circumstances and in accordance with local requirements (the modifications to the car allowed it to use French ‘W’ or manufacturer license plates for its debut), the 963 RSP is not a homologated addition to the Porsche model lineup and is intended to remain a very special one-off.

 

(Photos by Tom Pease)

Concours d’Elegance on Rodeo Drive, June 2025.

By Tom Pease.

Beverly Hills. Father's Day was marked in Beverly Hills by the 30th anniversary of the annual Concours d’Elegance on Rodeo Drive, where the shopping portion of the famous street is closed off to vehicular traffic and given over to a display of some serious dream machines. This year was hosted by local dealer O’Gara Coach, who showed a bunch of new stuff I didn’t care about. What I did care about I took some photos of, going before the crowds got too crowded and the heat too hot. This year, they seemed to stage some of the cars in vignettes by year - a group of late 50’s and early 60’s convertibles, top down, as if at the Valet at The Luau or a group of seriously stylish 1930’s rigs like a gorgeous Stutz that looked like Garbo may have alighted from on her way to lunch at the Brown Derby with John Gilbert, who’s Imperial was parked behind. My favorite was perhaps the original Helms Bakery truck, a relic from the days when bread, milk, and ice were delivered. The street was also dotted with sculptures by Mr. Brainstorm, who has taken over the old Museum of Television and Radio for his art (see the movie “Exit Through the Gift Shop” for an explanation) and has hung some plastic facsimiles of sports cars on the facade.

Walking home, I picked up my own car and took it out for its Sunday “charge the battery” cruise. Going up Benedict Cañon I saw Jay Leno waiting for the light at Summit Drive in some big torpedo-shaped stainless steel thing, maybe on the way to visit (and perhaps upstage) the flashy debut vehicles from Lamborghini. Only in LA.

If you’re around LA on Father’s Day weekend next year, make a point to stop by the show. It’s great fun and free. Bring sunblock, water, and patience.

 

The AE Song of the Week 

I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it

God only knows what I'd be without you

If you should ever leave me
Well, life would still go on, believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?

God only knows what I'd be without you

God only knows what I'd be without you
If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on, believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me?

God only knows what I'd be without you

God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you
God only knows what I'd be without you (God only knows)
God only knows what I'd be without you (what I'd be without you)
God only knows what I'd be without you (God only knows)
God only knows what I'd be without you (what I'd be without you)
God only knows what I'd be without you (God only knows)
God only knows what I'd be without you (what I'd be without you)
God only knows what I'd be without you (God only knows)
God only knows what I'd be without you (what I'd be without you)
God only knows what I'd be without you

"God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys from the album "Pet Sounds" (1966)*. Written by Brian Douglas Wilson and Tony Asher. Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group. Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind. Watch the recently released Official Music Video here.

*Brian Wilson wrote "God Only Knows" with Tony Asher, an advertising copyrighter and lyricist Wilson worked with on songs for the Pet Sounds album. Asher came up with the title, but the song reflects Wilson's interest in spirituality. It was a big departure from previous Beach Boys songs that dealt with girls, cars and surfing.

"It came from God through me," Wilson told Steve Baltin in the book Anthems We Love. "I was 24 when I wrote 'God Only Knows' and the rest of Pet Sounds. All I know is I wrote what was in my heart. And the lyrics and the music just connect with people."

"God Only Knows" is a pop music landmark and Beach Boys classic, but it went unheralded in the United States when it was released as a single in July 1966. It was first released as the B-side of "Wouldn't It be Nice" and then as an A-side, but with little promotion. Fear was that radio stations would refuse to play a song with "God" in the title.

In the liner notes to the reissued Pet Sounds album, Tony Asher explained, "I really thought it was going to be everything it was, and yet we were taking some real chances with it. First of all, the lyric opens by saying, 'I may not always love you,' which is a very unusual way to start a love song." In America, the song peaked at a lowly #39 in September 1966 and would only be truly appreciated much later. It did far better in the UK, where it went to #2 in August behind The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine." That November, The Beach Boys played the song at some London concerts, which is where they first saw its impact.

Carl Wilson (Brian's brother) handled lead vocals on this track. Not long after the song was released, he said, "At present our influences are of a religious nature. Not any specific religion but an idea based upon that of Universal Consciousness. The concept of spreading goodwill, good thoughts and happiness is nothing new. It is an idea which religious teachers and philosophers have been handing down for centuries, but it is also our hope. The spiritual concept of happiness and doing good to others is extremely important to the lyric of our songs, and the religious element of some of the better church music is also contained within some of our new work."

The famous French horn on this song was played by Alan Robinson, who appeared on the scores for many films, including The Sound of Music and The Ten Commandments. He got the call for the session because he could play without music written out. Brian Wilson sang him the horn line he had in mind, and Robinson played it by ear using a glissando technique suggested by Wilson.

"God Only Knows" has a fervent following among songwriters and musicians, many of whom have spoken glowingly of it. It's most prominent proponent is probably Paul McCartney, who called it "the greatest song ever written" and says it inspired the Beatles' "Here There And Everywhere" (he and John Lennon heard Pet Sounds at a party and went back to Lennon's house to write it).

McCartney got to perform the song with Brian Wilson a the 2002 Adopt-A-Minefield benefit concert in Los Angeles. Speaking with BBC Radio 1 in 2007, he called it "one of the few songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. It's really just a love song, but it's brilliantly done."

Brian Wilson died at the age of 82 on June 11, 2025. (Knowledge courtesy of Songfacts.com)

 

Editor's Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on "Next 1 Entries" below. - WG