Random Thoughts Thread

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

One more thing political but car related, every time I have been to Canada I have seen a lot of American cars. I wonder how the Canadian auto market will change with the current political environment?

This is kind of the direction I would like to go. 

Japan and Korea have clearly stated that all Auto's EV, Hybrid, and ICE will now be shipped direct to Canada rather than into the US and trucked up north. As such, Canada is having a boom in port building to handle the increase in direct shipments to Canada. 

Another loss for the US and as such, Canada will get additional EVs from Kia and Ioniq's from Hyundai that we will now not get or have built here. 

Total destruction of America by Idiot47 who is clueless about business, growth, jobs, etc. It is too late to pull out of the Global Economy and go back to the 1950's and 60's that he calls the golden years and will redo again here in the US. 

We have and always will be great, but sadly we are on decline as a country with the embarrassment of the current administration and their lack of understanding business due to lemmings running things rather than people with intelligence.

37 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

It's already outdated because Japan has been updated and changed to 15%, if I remember correctly. 

Yes, the incompetence of Idiot47 and his lemmings thinks 15% tariff is better than the original 10% tariff.

True Morons that have no clue about business or trade deals.

This makes it even worse as during the current time to allow for deals, the Tariff was 10%, but now the real facts come out as we know see that the average tariff on items from Japan was between 2 to 3 %.

State of U.S. Tariffs: July 14, 2025 | The Budget Lab at Yale

Taxation and destruction of America by puppet47.

[ccap41]

10 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Yes, the incompetence of Idiot47 and his lemmings thinks 15% tariff is better than the original 10% tariff.

True Morons that have no clue about business or trade deals.

I was simply pointing out that it was outdated already. 

[G. David Felt]

20 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I was simply pointing out that it was outdated already. 

I figured as much but also wanted to point out that it is worse than what we had before and clearly will increase costs for Americans, not decrease anything.

People who imported Skylines, KEI trucks and Vans, etc. are going to see much higher costs to get parts out of Japan now and in many cases, we will see reduced auto variety here due to the tariffs imho.

[ccap41]

22 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

I figured as much but also wanted to point out that it is worse than what we had before and clearly will increase costs for Americans, not decrease anything.

Yes, I know you point out everything the president does. 

23 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

People who imported Skylines, KEI trucks and Vans, etc. are going to see much higher costs to get parts out of Japan now and in many cases, we will see reduced auto variety here due to the tariffs imho.

Oh wow, I'm really worried about people importing vehicles that aren't even getting daily driven. I'm more worried about people like you and myself, if we had Japanese vehicles, who would be paying the additional costs. I couldn't care less about the 1% of the 1% of the 1% of vehicles on the road having to pay higher prices for exotic parts for their toy vehicles. If anything those are the people who should be paying more for parts. 

[A Horse With No Name]

21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Yes, I know you point out everything the president does. 

Oh wow, I'm really worried about people importing vehicles that aren't even getting daily driven. I'm more worried about people like you and myself, if we had Japanese vehicles, who would be paying the additional costs. I couldn't care less about the 1% of the 1% of the 1% of vehicles on the road having to pay higher prices for exotic parts for their toy vehicles. If anything those are the people who should be paying more for parts. 

Actually most of those people have plenty of discretionary income anyways. 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Yes, I know you point out everything the president does. 

Oh wow, I'm really worried about people importing vehicles that aren't even getting daily driven. I'm more worried about people like you and myself, if we had Japanese vehicles, who would be paying the additional costs. I couldn't care less about the 1% of the 1% of the 1% of vehicles on the road having to pay higher prices for exotic parts for their toy vehicles. If anything those are the people who should be paying more for parts. 

I actually see a ton of Kei Trucks, Vans and Skylines driving around here on a daily basis but that also is probably due to being so much closer to the asian rim and having a very active asian auto culture here.

[trinacriabob]

21 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

That's where your Windows Updates are being stored. If you're going from 10 to 11, Windows just treats that like a really huge Windows update. 

11 sucked when it first came out, but for the last year they've fixed it up enough that it runs better than 10 now. 

Thanks.

I do better with numbers.

Does this mean that a considerable number of GB is sitting there in anticipation of a person updating their machine to 11?

If so, when I put through the update, will all the programming for 10 go away so I end up with a net gain in storage?  (It sounds and seems like there is an overlap in terms of storage on my laptop.) 

[trinacriabob]

WTH

Hulk Hogan, who had a life full of high drama, just died at 71.  This was in Clearwater FL.

He had had a lot of medical issues lately.  Carrying around that sort of bulk from the earlier years generally doesn't bode well later on unless you try to get leaner and eat healthy.

Hulk Hogan's father was Italian. His birth name is very different. (Wiki is your friend.)

This got me thinking, so I checked the ages.

Kirstie Alley was also 71 when she died in Clearwater FL a few years ago.

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Actually most of those people have plenty of discretionary income anyways. 

Yeah, that was kind of my point. Those aren't the people I'm worried about having to spend extra money on. It's the average Joe who needs a new water pump for his 2010 Camry and now the price is $X higher. 

29 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

I actually see a ton of Kei Trucks, Vans and Skylines driving around here on a daily basis but that also is probably due to being so much closer to the asian rim and having a very active asian auto culture here.

For the "ton" you see, the rest of the country sees nearly zero. Again, it's likely there is 1% of 1% of 1% of vehicles on the road that are imported like that from Japan.

[G. David Felt]

9 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Yeah, that was kind of my point. Those aren't the people I'm worried about having to spend extra money on. It's the average Joe who needs a new water pump for his 2010 Camry and now the price is $X higher. 

For the "ton" you see, the rest of the country sees nearly zero. Again, it's likely there is 1% of 1% of 1% of vehicles on the road that are imported like that from Japan.

Would seem Texas is seeing a ton of them as they fight along with other southern states to ban the Kei trucks and vans from being imported due to their cheap price.

Due to the import price being from $6,000 to $14,000 dollars, this is why they are becoming so popular here.
Buying a Kei Truck: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Owners - Auto Verve

This truck is local to me and I see it driven daily by the owner.

According to government records, 7,594 trucks alone were imported into the US last year. Yes that is small compared to the 750,000 plus F150 trucks Ford sold last year.

Yay for Kei? Owners of the Tiny Imports Cheering in Massachusetts - Hagerty Media

Good info on the various Kei trucks and vans.

Kei Trucks: Are They Here to Stay? » JDMBUYSELL

Even the 4x4 offroad versions are pretty cool and usable.

[trinacriabob]

Good morning 

Not political ... just commenting on her looks, or lack thereof.  That's why she instead had to develop "business acumen."

[G. David Felt]

3 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

Good morning 

Not political ... just commenting on her looks, or lack thereof.  That's why she instead had to develop "business acumen."

Is this the woman who recruited kids for Epstein and Trump? Seems they want to pardon her and get her out of Jail, makes me think she will then end up in a mystery death. Very Homely 

[trinacriabob]

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

Is this the woman who recruited kids for Epstein and Trump? Seems they want to pardon her and get her out of Jail, makes me think she will then end up in a mystery death. Very Homely 

It is.

She reportedly grabbed one of the young apprentice's boobs and said something like, 'You'll do.'

I don't know how it is that so many super rich people's kids turn out so warped.  Maybe they think that the money and privilege they're accustomed to will get them anything "good" and get them out of anything "bad."

Incidentally, she arrived to the world on a Christmas Day.

[trinacriabob]

Yep, it's another July 25th.

That means it's another anniversary of the sinking of the "Andrea Doria." 

I always reflect on this.  It brings me in touch with my parents' generation and my heritage. 

[trinacriabob]

I don't see much in the way of new product, so I'm wondering what's up with Tesla's cash flow.

[A Horse With No Name]

On 7/24/2025 at 11:51 PM, G. David Felt said:

Would seem Texas is seeing a ton of them as they fight along with other southern states to ban the Kei trucks and vans from being imported due to their cheap price.

Due to the import price being from $6,000 to $14,000 dollars, this is why they are becoming so popular here.
Buying a Kei Truck: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Owners - Auto Verve

This truck is local to me and I see it driven daily by the owner.

According to government records, 7,594 trucks alone were imported into the US last year. Yes that is small compared to the 750,000 plus F150 trucks Ford sold last year.

Yay for Kei? Owners of the Tiny Imports Cheering in Massachusetts - Hagerty Media

Good info on the various Kei trucks and vans.

Kei Trucks: Are They Here to Stay? » JDMBUYSELL

Even the 4x4 offroad versions are pretty cool and usable.

Our dependence on cars is killing us. Cars like this would be fantastic for walkable cities. 

The other end of the spectrum.

[ccap41]

On 7/24/2025 at 10:51 PM, G. David Felt said:

According to government records, 7,594 trucks alone were imported into the US last year. Yes that is small compared to the 750,000 plus F150 trucks Ford sold last year.

So, kind of like I said. It's an insignificant amount. 

[G. David Felt]

3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

So, kind of like I said. It's an insignificant amount. 

Still an interesting segment that I feel has plenty of growth possible and clearly there is interest in affordable small autos.

[ccap41]

25 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Still an interesting segment that I feel has plenty of growth possible and clearly there is interest in affordable small autos.

Yeah, i just don't know why that was the segment you decided to attached to the tariffs.

Why not, I don't know, the entire rest of the Japanese automotive segment that sells millions of new automobiles every year that also require Japanese-made parts?

[A Horse With No Name]

Unusual and cool GM car, headed for the crusher.

 

[trinacriabob]

Random indeed:

A get-away car for Ghislaine ...

... could be a Ford Fairlane

[A Horse With No Name]

This car is badass!

Speaking of Fairlane...

[A Horse With No Name]

A gorgeous Bird!

 

[A Horse With No Name]

Quick Mustang!

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Quick Mustang!

That is one big suck hole on the front end to feed the motor.

[G. David Felt]

So much for made in America making a difference.

“Made in America” Era Abruptly Ends as 7 Factories Shut Down with Mass Layoffs Confirmed - The Coconut Mama

[G. David Felt]

This is cool that Corvette has nailed 3 records that were held by Porsche for the track and now makes Chevrolet a top leader.

Nürburgring takeover: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X and ZR1 now the fastest cars from an American manufacturer

[G. David Felt]

Very cool sneak peek at the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV.

Per their sneak peek press release: More details will be revealed in a few months. For now, we can give you a quick preview of what’s to come. There will be updates to the front fascia and rear tail lamps, a NACS charging adapter port, and some other cool stuff that…we’ll show you later.

Four total pictures in the press release which includes the one below showing it has NACS charging port!

Sneak preview: the new Chevrolet Bolt

[G. David Felt]

OUCH, Ford recalling 312,000 trucks due to brake assist failures.

Ford to recall over 312,000 US vehicles over loss of power brake assist, NHTSA says

93 recalls and growing, makes one want to think twice about buying any ford / Lincoln product.

Ford Surges To 93 Recalls And This Time It Forgot Something You Should Hear

Drug fueled Musk is not helping Tesla with claims like this.

Elon Musk Amplifies Bizarre Claim That 'Women Are Built To Be Traded'

Jobs report is not good and with Stellantis taking offline numerous plants due to excessive inventory, I suspect the next few months will see even bigger job losses. Ford also just announced reductions in production due to excessive inventory of the whole F150 plus product line.

Donald Trump's economy stung as jobs report falls way below expectations

[trinacriabob]

Happy Friday and have a great weekend.

Greetings from "the 213" ... not a flattering view, but it's from Amtrak approaching Union Station ...

[G. David Felt]

Tesla now has one of the worst customer loyalty return rates.

Exclusive-Tesla's brand loyalty collapsed after Musk backed Trump, data shows

[A Horse With No Name]

On 7/30/2025 at 1:14 PM, G. David Felt said:

So much for made in America making a difference.

“Made in America” Era Abruptly Ends as 7 Factories Shut Down with Mass Layoffs Confirmed - The Coconut Mama

Right now the whole world seems intent on destroying itself. 

 

Badass Pontiac. 

 

Love the paint job on this. 

[A Horse With No Name]

I miss old land barges. 

 

 

[oldshurst442]

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Right now the whole world seems intent on destroying itself. 

 

Mostly by US peoples.  Mostly by the most ignorant peoples in the world that go by the moniker "American".  And mostly by US peoples that dont really do anything about it. Whether they voted for the regime or didnt vote for the regime and really, by US peoples that didnt vote at all.   So everybody on the damned planet has to pay the price for US peoples' ignorance and most importantly, US peoples apathy in politics.  

 

 

 

On a lighter note,  I wonder what Ivanka and Melania think of Katy Perry...  (if you know, you know with this comment) 

 

 

Edited Monday at 08:14 PM by oldshurst442

[oldshurst442]

 

[A Horse With No Name]

Things not doing great for Stellantis...

14 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

 

Mostly by US peoples.  Mostly by the most ignorant peoples in the world that go by the moniker "American".  And mostly by US peoples that dont really do anything about it. Whether they voted for the regime or didnt vote for the regime and really, by US peoples that didnt vote at all.   So everybody on the damned planet has to pay the price for US peoples' ignorance and most importantly, US peoples apathy in politics.  

 

 

 

On a lighter note,  I wonder what Ivanka and Melania think of Katy Perry...  (if you know, you know with this comment) 

 

 

Plenty of the rest of the world seems to have lost its mind.  Actually, the worst thing though is that people in America are clueless about how they are hurting themselves and everyone else. 

[A Horse With No Name]

What my next quest is, maybe. Unsure, but thinking. 

[G. David Felt]

9 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Things not doing great for Stellantis...

Plenty of the rest of the world seems to have lost its mind.  Actually, the worst thing though is that people in America are clueless about how they are hurting themselves and everyone else. 

I will say that the Grand Wagoneer is trying to hold onto what it was back in the 70's, 80's and it DOES NOT deliver. While it has so much potential, after sitting in one, in a very tight driver space, uncomfortable seat, etc. it is a sad example of a 21st century SUV. So many better options, even the Ford Expedition is better than this.

[trinacriabob]

It's a very sad thing that school and shopping center shootings just seem to run together in one's memory these days ... or you miss knowing about some from the news.

It used to be that they were rare and very shocking that you remember them very clearly, meaning where, when, etc.  I'm talking Columbine, for example.

Last night, someone visiting SoCal from Reno told me there was a shooting in the valet area of the GSR, formerly the MGM Grand Reno, where he had moved to from SoCal.  I hadn't even heard of this. I just looked it up.  Sadly, it's a true story.

[G. David Felt]

29 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

It's a very sad thing that school and shopping center shootings just seem to run together in one's memory these days ... or you miss knowing about some from the news.

It used to be that they were rare and very shocking that you remember them very clearly, meaning where, when, etc.  I'm talking Columbine, for example.

Last night, someone visiting SoCal from Reno told me there was a shooting in the valet area of the GSR, formerly the MGM Grand Reno, where he had moved to from SoCal.  I hadn't even heard of this. I just looked it up.  Sadly, it's a true story.

Yes, seems weekly shootings happen, and the gun nuts do not seem to understand why better controls over how gets guns is desired by the public. So tired of the innocent shooting of people over Gangs, family issues, etc.

Columbine was sad, even sadder was Sandy Brook Elementary school. I totally disagreed with the mother who said she wanted to bond better with her mentally reduced son and picked guns and shooting. No commonsense person would give a person with mental reduction in thinking a weapon one would hold but seems the gun nuts have to have their guns.,

[G. David Felt]

WOW, very cool car and compared to Ferrari and McLaren it is a deal, but WOW, the price.

Chevy announces Corvette ZR1X pricing and reveals Quail Silver Limited Edition

ZR1X MSRP

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X will start with an MSRP3 of $207,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ coupe and $217,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ convertible.

The ZR1X 3LZ coupe will start with an MSRP3 of $218,395 (including $1,995 DFC) and 3LZ convertible will start with an MSRP of $228,395 (including $1,995 DFC).

ZR1X will be available by the end of 2025 and is proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

The ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition will have a starting MSRP3 of $241,395 (not including delivery fees), and production will begin next year.

The ZTK Performance Package is available for the Quail Silver Limited Edition ZR1X, incorporating higher spring rates, modified chassis controls calibrations, the ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package, as well as Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires.

[A Horse With No Name]

20 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

I will say that the Grand Wagoneer is trying to hold onto what it was back in the 70's, 80's and it DOES NOT deliver. While it has so much potential, after sitting in one, in a very tight driver space, uncomfortable seat, etc. it is a sad example of a 21st century SUV. So many better options, even the Ford Expedition is better than this.

Agree completely. 

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

WOW, very cool car and compared to Ferrari and McLaren it is a deal, but WOW, the price.

Chevy announces Corvette ZR1X pricing and reveals Quail Silver Limited Edition

ZR1X MSRP

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X will start with an MSRP3 of $207,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ coupe and $217,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ convertible.

The ZR1X 3LZ coupe will start with an MSRP3 of $218,395 (including $1,995 DFC) and 3LZ convertible will start with an MSRP of $228,395 (including $1,995 DFC).

ZR1X will be available by the end of 2025 and is proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

The ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition will have a starting MSRP3 of $241,395 (not including delivery fees), and production will begin next year.

The ZTK Performance Package is available for the Quail Silver Limited Edition ZR1X, incorporating higher spring rates, modified chassis controls calibrations, the ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package, as well as Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires.

The Mustang GTD is a hundred grand more than that, apparently. 

Interesting...

[A Horse With No Name]

In response on Corvette...

 

[G. David Felt]

4 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

In response on Corvette...

 

I honestly think GM has forgotten the golden space that the Corvette was all about and they have gone after the final years of Boomers who have trillions and are trying to hold onto power, life, and an attempt at youth. End result is they CANNOT take it with them into the ground.

Chevrolet really should be focused on the fun to drive Z06 Corvette that more people can afford, but are being shadowed by the 6 figure versions. Course most people have moved onto life style vehicles and so an extra sports car like Corvette is a Dying breed. 

If Corvette brought out a Gas / EV version of a Vette SUV, it would take off and surpass Corvette car sales. Then the Corvette car would just be a decent Halo car, able to survive due to the Vette SUV sales.

[oldshurst442]

5 hours ago, G. David Felt said:

WOW, very cool car and compared to Ferrari and McLaren it is a deal, but WOW, the price.

Chevy announces Corvette ZR1X pricing and reveals Quail Silver Limited Edition

ZR1X MSRP

The 2026 Corvette ZR1X will start with an MSRP3 of $207,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ coupe and $217,395 (including $1,995 DFC) for the 1LZ convertible.

The ZR1X 3LZ coupe will start with an MSRP3 of $218,395 (including $1,995 DFC) and 3LZ convertible will start with an MSRP of $228,395 (including $1,995 DFC).

ZR1X will be available by the end of 2025 and is proudly built in America at General Motors’ Bowling Green Assembly Plant in Kentucky from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

The ZR1X Quail Silver Limited Edition will have a starting MSRP3 of $241,395 (not including delivery fees), and production will begin next year.

The ZTK Performance Package is available for the Quail Silver Limited Edition ZR1X, incorporating higher spring rates, modified chassis controls calibrations, the ZR1X Carbon Fiber Aero Package, as well as Michelin Pilot Cup 2R tires.

Cool car.

All C8 variants are cool.  I like all variants of the C8 Corvette.  But...I am not super enthused by the C8 all that much with the latest variants.  Yeah yeah...the Z06 is a mid engine flat plane V8, Ferrari emulating experience.  Sure it is a bargain price for what it is.  And yeah, the ZR1 and ZR1x are ridiculous in their horsepower and torque numbers and the chassis handles all that power well and puts the performance numbers to prove it while all three variants offer a very luxury GT experience.  Great.  But Im tired of seeing the GT part of the Corvette always being front and center. 

The E-Ray to me is where the luxury GT part of the C8 Corvette should be at.  The best of both worlds of supercar/hyper car performance and luxury. (Because of the battery weight and the battery performance part).  

The C8 Stingray is the Stingray. The base Corvette. Where the midlife crisis geezers buy it and pretend that they own the most special breed of cars ever created.  And to others that want exotic speed without the exotic price tags of Porsches, Ferraris and the like.  Just as it is now.  

The Z06 should exist as a GT car as it is now, but a more track focused beast that is stripped out and more hardcore version should also exist.  

The ZR1 should also exist as a GT as it is now.

The ZR1x should be called something else as it really is a different car than the ZR1. 

BUT...

I think the C8 Corvette needs ZR1 and Z06 GT luxury delete variations where SIGNIFICANT weight reduction (with or without full on carbon fibre bodies) , ACTIVE aero,  and all the GT creature comfort options are all gone from the options list.  Sound deadening included. Crappy trunks big enough for golf bags be gone.  The Corvette NEEDS to shed off some of the late C3 1970s GT persona and return to being a pure sports car again.   The C3 Vette didnt even have a trunk for phoque's sake.  Neither the C2.  The only reason why the C3 gained a GT persona was because emissions regs and the oil shortage made the Vette's engine choices anemic so it had to sell itself on luxury features.  

But Im happy as a Corvette fan with the results of the C8 Corvette.  And I hear rumours there might be another mad variant of the C8 to come before the platform changes for a 9nth generation.  

[oldshurst442]

26 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

I honestly think GM has forgotten the golden space that the Corvette was all about and they have gone after the final years of Boomers who have trillions and are trying to hold onto power, life, and an attempt at youth. End result is they CANNOT take it with them into the ground.

I dont think its that.  The base Stingray is exactly that Corvette.

The Z06, ZR1 and ZR1x are just engineering flexing on what Corvette engineering and racing has to offer at a price point lower than the Corvette's competition. Hence why they went to Nurburgring with their test drivers and engineers driver the cars to show case ANYBODY could drive these cars, relatively safely, relatively aggressive but not so aggressive as to lose control and crash and STILL come out with impressive times at the Nurburgring.  Its the every man's sports car persona that they hold on dearly to.  I could respect that.  And yes, the ZR1 and ZR1x are expensive. But 1969 Corvette ZL1s with aluminium block 427s were higher priced than the highest priced Cadillac of the time.  Speed and ultimate engineering comes at a cost.  Its not for the average joe.  But...American speed is the most democratized in the world.  Even at 200 000 plus dollars, The ZR1 twins  are still half as expensive as its Porsche and Ferrari competitors.  

34 minutes ago, G. David Felt said:

Chevrolet really should be focused on the fun to drive Z06 Corvette that more people can afford, but are being shadowed by the 6 figure versions. Course most people have moved onto life style vehicles and so an extra sports car like Corvette is a Dying breed. 

 

The Corvette has sold all it could. Remember, its a Corvette and not an SUV. Its a car that is 5 going on 6 years old.  The Z06, ZR1 twins remain coveted and will sell out.  The Stingray now can be bought pennies on the dollar in the used car market like all base Corvettes in the past.  That is why it was stupid for all the idiots that bought the Stingray with dealership mark-ups the first 3 years of C8 production...  

The Corvette is not a dying breed. It still sells more units than its competitors.  

[oldshurst442]

I said the Z06, ZR1 twins will sell out.  GM will build as many as the demand needs GM to build.  And it will probably be a higher number than any Porsche 911 variant in that category.  Firstly, Porsche limits production of those track focused upper trimmed variants.  Secondly, like Ferrari, Porsche obliges the owners of would be GT3 RS owners to buy Cayennes and Macans and have a history of past 911 purchases. Only Ferrari gets shat on for that business practice...

I dont think Chevrolet and Corvette as a manufacturing team and entity and GM ultimately, are ready to introduce a Corvette SUV as it once was presented a couple of years ago.  The Corvette engineering team is too focused on giving us mental performance from the C8 platform.  And more to come is rumored.  And then there is the 9nth generation.  The C8 is already on its 6th year.  Its close to the time where Chevrolet is thinking on the next gen Corvette.  Whether this next platform will come at year 8 or year 14 of C8 production, the 6th year of any Corvette generation is when Chevrolet starts thinking if another generation of Corvette is going to happen and is talking to General Motors corporate on what budgets are needed to follow. And then the engineering team starts to form to start thinking about what is the the next Corvette going to be like.

And no...lifestyle vehicles have NOT replaced anything.

The sportscar is still alive and well.

For those that have the money to spend on secondary vehicles as toys, these people buy Hummer EVs just as much as Corvette and Porsches.  But those that do not have monies to spend, well, they cant afford groceries in this current political climate.  

But sportscars are still being bought.  Lifestyle vehicles...too I guess.  I heard that Jeep is also tanking in sales.  I dunno if its only the Wagoneer or the regular Jeep, but regular Jeeps have gone insane expensive too.  And I do not see Rivians nor Broncos all that much on the roads nor do I see US peoples rave about Rivian and Broncos the way they once did 2 years ago...

[oldshurst442]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/lasalle-police-illegal-border-crossing-us-kayak-rcmp-windsor-1.7602298

 

https://www.ctvnews.ca/windsor/article/lasalle-officer-thwarts-attempted-illegal-entry-into-canada/

 

A routine property check turned into a surprising discovery early Wednesday morning, according to police.

Shortly before 1:00 a.m., a LaSalle police officer checking a commercial property on the 1800 block of Front Road spotted a man at the water’s edge of the Detroit River with two backpacks and a kayak.

Investigators say the 51-year-old U.S. citizen was attempting to illegally enter Canada. He was detained and handed over to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for further investigation.

Police Chief Michael Pearce praised the officer, saying, “This is an outstanding example of how proactive policing can yield positive results. While conducting a simple property check, our officer helped prevent an illegal entry into Canada.”

 

A defector...

Reminiscent of former Eastern block folk from  the 1980s...