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Editor’s Remark: In this week’s rebellion against the agonizing pause of the Grand Evolution to EVs, Peter offers us a glimpse into his ideal ICE garage. In On The Table, we showcase the most recent updates from the Profit Hungry Traders at Porsche about the 2025 Cayenne lineup. We also provide a sneak peek at a significant new addition from GM, the Chevrolet Equinox EV, along with a fresh analysis of the new 911 Hybrid. Our AE Song of the Week is “Love Shack” by the B-52s. In Fumes, Peter delves into Part VII of his highly-discussed series “The Racers” – this time focusing on another legendary figure, Sir Stirling Moss. And, in The Line, we will present INDYCAR qualifying results for the INDY 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and F1 results from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Enjoy! -WG
By Peter M. DeLorenzo
Detroit. Approaching the conclusion of an epoch in any pursuit is filled with uncertainties and enveloped in perpetual contemplation about its position in history. Was it as remarkable as we believed? Or was it even more exceptional than we acknowledged? Or is the future so brilliant that the preceding era will be seen as a charming yet fleeting moment in time?
The ongoing appraisals and analyses of the Internal Combustion Engine era of the automobile have already commenced. It was an era characterized by groundbreaking developments and relentless accomplishments. It commenced with the exultation of a newfound dependability (in comparison to the traditional horse power) and evolved through a myriad of advances that fueled the notion of creating transportation for the masses, leading to a dazzling display of speed, power, and opulence.
There is no doubt that putting America on wheels hastened the progress of this vast nation. The automobile and the business of producing automobiles became an indelible part of the industrial weave of this great nation. And when the call came to respond to the urgent manufacturing demands imposed upon us during World War II, the industry reacted with unprecedented speed and unwavering dedication. Furthermore, during the post-war period, when this nation was on an unrelenting upward trajectory, the automobile industry once again responded with a remarkable showcase of ingenuity and inventiveness that propelled its trajectory right through to the conclusion of the last century.
However, things do not endure perpetually, and the rate of transformation in the world and the inundation of new technologies had a profound impact on the automobile industry as much as, if not more than, anything that preceded it. The industry underwent globalization within a 30-year span, a mere blink of an eye. With this globalization came new pressures stemming from the population surge, the depletion of vital resources, and the escalating influence on our global climate, all of which enveloped the industry in a shroud of uncertainty.
The automobile industry finds itself at this juncture with a glittering history of technical accomplishments. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that with those triumphs comes a legacy that contains its share of negativity and low points.
Though the automobile is not the exclusive source of pollution on the planet – particularly when taking into account the overarching industrial pollution – it remains the most conspicuous and the most convenient target of politicians who believe that the solution is just a legislational decree or by eradicating the issue entirely away. It is within this broad scope that the automobile and the automobile industry currently find themselves in, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future – and to feign ignorance is merely rejecting the fundamental reality of this epoch and place.
I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, as I believe that technological innovation will revolutionize what has been a transformative industry since its inception and propel it – and us – to new and unimaginable heights. Will I long for the Internal Combustion Engine era? Undoubtedly so. Nonetheless, we will commemorate the resourcefulness, the technical accomplishments, the speed, and, of course, the breathtaking style for numerous decades to come.
While amassing a collection of milestone cars from the ICE era would be enjoyable, I have never been a collector in that regard, and at this moment, I have no intention of becoming one. However, off the cuff, I have a few favorites, as one might expect. The following is my compilation, though your selection will likely differ. The beauty lies in the absence of incorrect choices.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider. What else would you drive down to the Amalfi Coast? It’s simply one of the most tempting amalgamations of speed and elegance ever crafted.
(GM)
1963 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray. Among the numerous accomplishments from GM Styling under the adept tutelage of the esteemed Bill Mitchell, the Corvette Sting Ray remains a standout creation that continues to awe to this day.
(GM)
Another seminal vehicle from Bill Mitchell: The 1963 Buick Riviera. Personally, I favor the ’65 model with the concealed headlights, but the essence remains.
1964 Shelby American 289 Cobra. Shelby’s pioneering creation still holds a special place for me – compact, agile, and akin to a lightning bolt during its heyday. I consider myself fortunate to have encountered it during its prime.
1966 Shelby American 427 Cobra. Shelby took his seminal concept and said “more.” The outcome? A superior, broader chassis, enhanced suspension, improved steering and brakes, and, naturally, significant horsepower. Even today, it remains one of the most fierce sports cars ever manufactured. (And no, not the “S/C” version; the street variant with under car exhausts.)
(Richard Michael Owen/Supercars.net)
1966 Lamborghini Miura P400. Pioneering in design and engineering, the mid-engine Miura remains one of the most pivotal cars of its era.
1973 Porsche 911 RS. I have many “favorite” Porsches from over the years, including the present-day 718 GT4. However, if I could have only one – in fact, if I could only possess one vehicle in my ICE Garage – it would be the 911 RS.
(Ferrari)
The Ferrari 296 GTB is truly an incredible vehicle in all aspects.
(Chevrolet)
The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Z06 is a representation of the new mid-engine Corvette, and so much more. It’s a testament to GM’s True Believers who rightfully deserve recognition. Looking forward, we have the ZR1 in 2025, followed by the highly anticipated Zora. The continuity is a positive sign,
(Dodge)
The 2023 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Shaker Widebody. An absolutely formidable choice for my ICE Garage, and a Hellcat is not necessary. The naturally aspirated 392 Hemi V8 would suffice.
This could be considered a list, but certainly not exhaustive. Should this mark the conclusion of an era, and with these cars taking residence in my ICE Garage for enjoyment as I navigate the latest BelchFire Electric GT, I would be immensely content.
Undoubtedly, I am not planning on fading quietly. I intend to push my limits and extract every possible moment of joy as the era of ICE gradually fades away.
As Dylan Thomas famously penned:
Resist passivity as the day nears its end,
Old age ought to resist and blaze brightly;
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
Though rational minds accept the shadows,
Their words unfulfilled, they will not accept quietly.
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
Decent souls, departing, lamenting lost potential,
Their modest accomplishments wished to dance in verdant shores,
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
Brave souls who embraced vitality,
Regretful of their neglect as it fades,
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
Serious minds, nearing the end, with clarity,
Blindness can transform into brilliance and joy,
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
And you, my father, on the sorrowful summit,
Curse and bless me now with your passionate tears, I implore.
Protest vehemently against the diminishing light.
Rage against the diminishing of the light.
And that’s the High-Octane Truth for this week.
Editor’s Note: You can access previous issues of AE by clicking on “Next 1 Entries” below. – WG
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