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And you want them to stay stuck in the past. You should have been born in the late 1800s so that you tell folks like Henry Ford and their ilk how no one wants gas powered cars when we already have a abundance of horses available. ?

My son at Victoria falls in Africa.

Last week: helped a buddy replace the shocks, struts & stabilizer links on his 115K mile '02 Infiniti QX4. That's really wasn't much fun. Why nissan felt it a good idea to mount rigidly-connected stuff over the top strut bolts was beyond me. Already rebuilt the structure under the running boards about 3 years ago. Today : went to a small local junkyard I first went to 25 years ago- found some of the parking brake hardware I need for the rear of the B-59 (MoPar 11-in drums, we'll see if the pieces I got out of a '99 Town & Country are the same). There's only 2 sources for these pieces new, and the one is $125 for (4) stamped pieces of steel & some misc hardware. Today's cost? $5.

So we're still looking for the Model-T of the EV world. It'll happen. I still maintain that the Bolt's relatively poor sales are largely due to its dorky shape. Had they built some SA into it or made it more of a crossover (mutually exclusive, I know) it would have sold a lot better. It's not a bad car to drive at all and in reality could satisfy the needs of most small and mid-size sedan drivers.

I know they are still a thing in parts of Colorado in the winter.. A more probable myth for today is GM vehicles need lots of wheel well space for rebound when driven on the cratered roads of Michigan..

Looks matter. Put the powertrain in the Lacrosse or Regal and I'd drive it.

The only reason EVs are poor selling is because they can be better but they are obviously not cheap enough for anyone to take a risk on a true BEV yet. When a Crossover BEV is less than a base model Civic/Corolla, then the sales will come. People will not change unless there is a giant incentive for them to do so. Right now a true BEV is simply too expensive for most people to experiment. Charging stations are already here or are forthcoming but the price must be low enough to effectively replace large chunks of the used car market in order for BEVs to completely win the marketplace.

100% agree. I don't understand why companies try and force EVs to have a funky look to them.

I agree with you on the Bolt. I get the gripe about it’s looks but it is a solid and surprisingly quick little car (thank you endless torque). I drove one across town (when I was working at a Chevy dealership last year) and I actually liked the way it drove but the outside is a bit “odd” and yes it should have been a true CUV to better fit in to current buying trends.

Fair point but you are forgetting that it was the old guard who held EVs back more than the “new tech” level of it. See GMs EV debacle of the 90s as the most recent example. Competing industries and corrupt politicians (bought and sold by the lobbyists of said industries) held the tech back. It is only in the last 15 years or so that the tech has been allowed to finally catch up to the real world, i.e. more range between charges. My point about the reluctance of some people to accept simple progress and changes in technology stands. The arguments against EVs are getting weaker and weaker every year. Just my opinion though.

^^ It's there for Denali owners with 22s

Yes, it definitely had that feel like the original CLS...a sleek 4dr, with a 2dr-ish roofline. And an alternative to the similar sized, more sedate 88 and 98..the original Aurora, the last Toronado, and the last Riviera might be my favorite '90s GM designs...all interesting and distinctive designs. I liked the angular and clean Seville/STS and Eldorado of the mid to late 90s also. The odd thing is all of these cars were FWD w/ transverse engine, which is a contradiction to my preferences in cars. A paradox I struggle with.

Just more evidence that the first gen Olds Aurora was the first "4-door coupe"! It has frameless glass too!

^ '54 DeSoto Adventurer II - - - - - '53 DeSoto Adventurer I (gone)~

^ Since 2016, no?

Sales cannot tank when they barely exist conservative padawan! Cadillac has an opportunity to focus on quality with ATP over volume while they build superior EVs. The whole focus here is that Solid State batteries which are moving from R&D into production by Dyson, Panasonic, Toshiba, Samsung, MIT - Ionic Materials have the benefit of doubling energy density in up to half the package size. Example of this is the 200 kWh battery pack Tesla is putting in the Roadster 2.0 that is 310 miles of range, drops almost to half the weight and yet gets 620 miles of range with Solid State batteries and no rare earth metals. There is also the advanced research that has gone on by PNNL here in the PNW that is using a Solid State Lithium battery as a mid step to the Crystal Polymer solid state battery that Dyson, Samsung and Ionic Materials are developing into commercial cells. The PNNL uses existing Lithium and unlike current batteries where cells start to decay after 100 cycles of fast charging, these new solid state Lithium batteries can handle 700 fast charging cycles before decay even starts. Far longer battery life than most are used to having and again without rare earth Cobalt. https://www.machinedesign.com/motion-control/solid-state-batteries-evs-key-long-distance-driving Toyota and VW both have moved into early production runs of their new Solid state batteries that also have the benefit of NOT loosing charge or capacity in extreme heat or cold. Right now their batteries can go from -50 to 212 with no degradation or explosive issues like a liquid Lithium battery does. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/batteries-lithium-ion-or-solid-state-126772.html Again, with Green energy, solid state batteries and much less maintenance, the future is EV for the bulk of society. FOR ANYONE interested in reading on solid state versus traditional liquid Lithium, this is an excellent short read that covers it well. Current for where we are at: https://www.lithium-battery-factory.com/solid-state-lithium-ion-batteries/ Best thing is Toshiba goes into commercial production this spring for their Solid state battery for cars where you get 320 Kilometers in 6 minutes. For those that can only do US standard is that equals 198 miles in 6 min, the large battery is 396 miles of range in 12 min. Range and recharge anxiety solved!

Dream on

It's a Subaru platform

I find the Bolt kinda cute, if I had to apply a general adjective. It's more generic/utilitarian than 'dorky'. At least it's not origami-esque like the horrible prius. Bolt is selling well…… for an EV. So far this year, it's #2 in sales. But there's a weird disconnect here where 'poorly selling' is commonly attached to 'the Bolt', when other than one Tesla, ALL EVs sell poorly. I don't know that I buy that theory- there were dozens upon dozens of mainstream OEM, small company & private enterprise (read backyard efforts) at designing & marketing EVs over the decades- there just weren't buyers for them. From what I've read on the EV1, the bottom line is it wasn't viable from a business case, and that's eminently believable. I JUST read the finance report that Tesla reported "it's first quarterly loss since" 9 months ago.

What EVs were sold commercially at scale in the 1970s? It took a long time for cars to scale and they were for the 1%ers

you mean the same motors as the model 3

FYI - I will be quiet for the most part starting the April 27th to May 3rd in Vegas for DELL Technology World 2019. Gonna be crazy, so I am in lite mode for this afternoon and tomorrow before travel day on Friday and then crazyness. @ocnblu you will get a break from me saying anything EV for about a week.

Wasn't the old story about GM products and big wheel wells is they did it that way for clearance for tire chains?

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a25177218/2019-chevy-silverado-1500-four-cylinder-drive/ Zero to 60 mph: 7.0 sec Zero to 100 mph: 18.2 sec Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.1 sec Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.7 sec Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec Standing ¼-mile: 15.4 sec @ 93 mph Top speed (governor limited): 107 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.81 g epa 20/19/22 My seat of the pants guess when driving it was that it was a 7 second 0-60 vehicle

Toyota took the wraps off the all-new Toyota Highlander at the New York International Auto Show today. This new fourth generation Highlander rides on Toyota's new TNGA-K platform. Powering the Highlander will be a choice of a V6 with 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque with both direct and port injection, or a hybrid that is 17% more efficient than the outgoing model. The hybrid is a 2.5 liter 4-cylinder combined with two electric motors for a total system rating of 240 horsepower. Preliminary estimates put the Highlander hybrid at 34 mpg combined fuel efficiency. The new hybrid setup is lighter and more compact than before while the battery pack has been reduced in physical size and now sits below the rear seats so as not to reduce cargo room. On the safety front, Toyota loaded the Highlander up. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard. This includes Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard on LE grade and above. Rear Cross Traffic Braking is available with clearance sonar on Limited and above. The standard backup camera features projected path. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, available on Limited and standard on Platinum, provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. The 2020 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side-curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control , Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution , Brake Assist , Anti-lock Braking System , and Smart Stop Technology (SST). More from Toyota on the Press Release on Page 2 World Premiere of All-New 2020 Highlander at New York International Auto Show Toyota’s Fourth Generation SUV Redesigned from the Ground Up; Offers Best-in-Class MPG for Hybrid 17 Percent Fuel Economy Improvement Over Current Gen Hybrid with Estimated 34 MPG Combined Bold, Chiseled New Design New TNGA-K Platform Enhances Driving Refinement Standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, SiriusXM®, Waze and Amazon Alexa Compatibility Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 Standard (TSS 2.0) Available with 7- or 8-Passenger Seating Choice of V6 or New-Generation Hybrid Powertrain New Available Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive with Driveline Disconnect and Multi Terrain Select Largest in segment 12.3” multimedia display April 17, 2019 NEW YORK (April 17, 2019) – Toyota is on a major roll with new SUVs, especially the next-generation three-row 2020 Highlander debuting at the New York International Auto Show. Arriving in Toyota dealerships in winter, the Highlander Gas model will arrive in December 2019 and the Highlander Hybrid will make its way to customers in February 2020. Just as the first RAV4 launched the compact crossover SUV segment 22 years ago, the original Highlander redefined the midsize family SUV when it arrived in 2001. At a time when most midsize SUVs were truck-based, the Highlander’s unibody structure with four-wheel independent suspension quickly became the template for a new segment of more comfortable and family-friendly SUVs. After adding a third row, the Highlander not only grew in size, but is also now the best-selling retail model in the segment since 2016. Now, the fourth-generation of this benchmark SUV brings a new level of bold, distinctive design to a foundation built on safety, comfort, quality, durability and reliability set by predecessors. The 2020 Highlander amplifies all qualities while taking on a dramatic new design direction that combines a powerful SUV presence with sophisticated detailing. The 2020 Highlander’s new sophisticated look, covers a new vehicle platform called Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K). This robust new foundation, shared with other Toyota models, enables even greater capability, comfort and safety than before. The fourth-generation Highlander offers the choice between a powerful V6 or new-generation hybrid powertrain, with the gas version offering a manufacturer-estimated 22 MPG combined fuel economy and the Hybrid offering an manufacturer-estimated 34 MPG combined fuel economy. Whether they’re young families or empty nesters exploring a new chapter in life, safety remains the top priority for Highlander customers. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 comes standard in all models in the 2020 Highlander. This comprehensive active safety system includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) Automatic High Beam (AHB) (New) Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) (New) Road Sign Assist (RSA) Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection offers automatic braking capability under certain circumstances should the driver not react in time in a system-detected emergency situation. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Parking Support Braking and Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) are available depending on the model grade. The 2020 Highlander delivers renowned Toyota value in a choice of five grades, starting with a new L grade, then layering amenities and technology in LE, XLE, Limited and the top-of line Platinum. (The Hybrid is offered on all but the L grade.) The 2020 Highlander offers cutting-edge entertainment and connectivity for all ages through its intuitive and versatile multimedia system, including a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the Platinum grade and 8-inch on the other models. The available new JBL Premium Sound System delivers a whopping 1,200 watts of power to turn any music source into a mobile concert. The midsize SUV segment has become fiercely competitive, and the 2020 Toyota Highlander is ready to take on all. The Strong, Athletic Type A sculpted new shape with chiseled lines gives the 2020 Highlander a more powerful stance, yet with a modern, sophisticated attitude. The 2020 Highlander remains a family-friendly SUV, now with capability for bigger family adventures. Setting off the new design, the L, LE and XLE grades feature a black front grille with silver trim, while the Limited and Platinum grades are distinguished by a black grille with chrome trim and chrome-plated lower rear fascia, premium projector headlamps and the Highlander’s first-ever 20-inch alloy wheels. The Platinum stands apart with silver painted front bumper and rear fascia and a unique 20-inch wheel. Accentuating the 2020 Highlander’s bold lines, the exterior color palette carries over three colors from 2019 (Blizzard Pearl ($395 option), Celestial Silver Metallic and Midnight Black Metallic) while adding five new ones: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Moon Dust (a striking blue premium paint), Ruby Flare Pearl (a daring red premium paint), Blueprint and Opulent Amber (a deep, luxurious brown). While Highlander’s new design will turn heads everywhere it goes, it’s also highly functional. Greater aerodynamic efficiency reduces wind noise while enhancing vehicle stability, and even the taillights and side mirror designs lend a hand. The fourth-generation Highlander is 2.36 inches (60mm) longer than before, all in the cargo area to add even greater cargo volume than before. The second row can be slid an extra 1.2-in. further up to increase distance between the second and third rows. The TNGA-K platform, which makes extensive use of high-strength steel, gives the Highlander a stiffer unibody structure than the previous model. Its inherent strength allows tuning for the front strut and rear multi-link suspension that enhances agility and a smaller turning circle while also providing a smoother and quieter ride than before. The presence of takumi is evident whenever the driver experiences the Highlander’s premium touch and feel in everyday driving. Throughout vehicle development, these highly trained master craftsmen focused on the finest technical details to ensure a higher level of operating smoothness in all driving conditions - especially at everyday speeds. Take It All with You Looking sporty does not come at the expense of practicality in the 2020 Highlander. The L and LE grades come standard with a second-row bench for seating for eight, while the XLE and Limited grades come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven and the option of a second-row bench for seating for eight. Finally, the Platinum grade will come standard with a Captain’s Chair second row with seating for seven. Either way, the large rear doors provide easy access, while versatile seat folding features make it easy to enter the third row. And, passengers in the third row stay comfortable thanks to standard three-zone climate control that ensures ample flow of warmed or cooled air. With all seat rows in use, Highlander offers 16.1 cu. ft. of carrying space behind the third row. Folding the 60/40 split fold-flat third-row seatbacks opens the space to 40.6 cu. ft., and then folding the second row increases that to 73.3 cu. ft. The versatile cargo area makes the most of its additional length with side surfaces and pockets shaped for maximum space usage. Power, Performance and Panache … with Efficiency Power and efficiency are a whole lot sexier when wrapped in Highlander’s striking design. The 2020 Highlander offers a choice between two advanced powertrains, a gas V6 or a new version of the Toyota Hybrid System. The 295-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is the epitome of smoothness. Its Toyota-innovated D-4S Injection system combines direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors to optimize efficiency, power and emissions in all conditions. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (Dual VVT-i) likewise ensures ideal response and efficiency at all engine speeds. That translates into 295 horsepower and 263 lb.-ft. of torque, which further translates into exemplary everyday performance and generous towing capability. The Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission maximizes Highlander’s acceleration and highway merging capability while operating seamlessly and transparently. On V6 models, the available towing package enables a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler and improved fan performance. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) uses the Vehicle Stability Control to help control unwanted trailer movement. Why use fuel when you don’t need to? The Highlander’s standard Stop and Start Engine System allows the engine to shut off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop, and then instantly restarts when the driver’s foot lifts from the brake pedal. This technology reduces fuel consumption and cuts emissions. Hybrid Aims Even Higher Toyota made “hybrid” synonymous with high fuel efficiency more than 20 years ago. Later, Toyota introduced the first hybrid SUV in its class, the 2006 Highlander. Leave it to Toyota to again raise the bar for hybrid SUV functionality by making the 2020 model the most fuel-efficient Highlander Hybrid ever. The new-generation Toyota Hybrid System in the 2020 Highlander Hybrid combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with two electric motors in a system that’s more compact, and more efficient than before. The gas engine employs Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system by Electric motor (VVT-iE) on the intake camshaft, and VVT-i on the exhaust camshaft. A variable cooling system (electric water pump, electric thermostat) and a fully variable oil pump further improve engine efficiency. The bottom line is an eye opener for the efficiency-minded: 240 total system horsepower and an EPA-estimated 34 combined MPG. The latter is a 17-percent improvement over the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid’s 28 combined MPG. Yet, Highlander Hybrid still delivers the everyday acceleration, power and responsiveness that family buyers expect. In another Highlander first, the hybrid is now available in either 2WD or AWD, further expanding hybrid technology to a new group of buyers. The transaxle mounts the electric motors (MG1 and MG2) coaxially rather than in-line, and the resulting smaller and lighter package reduces frictional losses. The gas engine and MG2 work in concert to deliver dynamic performance, while both MG1 and MG2 charge the hybrid battery. To reduce the transaxle’s size and weight, the reduction gear is now a parallel shaft gear, rather than a planetary, and a new multi-function gear integrates the power-split planetary ring gear, parking gear, and counter-drive gear. New computer integration and a smaller, lighter power stack installed directly above the transaxle reduce energy transmission losses. The battery pack is small enough to be installed under the rear seats, so it does not take up any cargo or passenger space. Seamless Everyday Performance The Highlander Hybrid delivers its exemplary fuel economy and performance without calling attention to its high-tech powertrain operation. Quite the contrary, like all Toyota Hybrid vehicles, it simply goes about its business in a transparent way. For example, the new system optimizes the level of electric motor assistance and gas engine speed without the engine running at high revs. Engine speed is synchronized with vehicle speed, yielding effortless and quiet acceleration. As on many modern vehicles, the Highlander Hybrid offers selectable NORMAL, ECO and SPORT driving modes that let the driver choose the vehicle’s performance personality. The bonus is the EV mode, which allows electric-only driving at low speeds for short distances. SPORT mode unlocks boost from the hybrid system for improved acceleration response. ECO mode gets maximum efficiency from the fuel and battery, while NORMAL mode is ideal for everyday driving. Special, easy-to-use hybrid tech adds an element of control and fun. Using a sequential shifting feature, the driver can “downshift” to increase the regenerative braking in steps, which fosters greater control when driving in hilly areas, for example. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid can also coach the driver to drive as economically as possible. For example, an accelerator guide function suggests an acceleration level to the driver according to the driving conditions, and a scoring function adds a measure of fun to eco driving. Features for More Efficiency Highlander Hybrid’s Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) analyzes the driver’s daily driving habits and upcoming road and traffic conditions to more efficiently charge and discharge the hybrid battery accordingly alongside actual driving. The more the vehicle is driven, the more data is accumulated, contributing to practical fuel efficiency. Many actual roads chosen to represent common usage scenarios, such as in urban congestion or on mountain roads, were driven on and analyzed to create control that feels natural to the driver when operating to enable more efficient driving. All-Wheel Drive Gets Smarter The 2020 Highlander gets a grip on any road with a choice of front-wheel drive or three different available all-wheel drive systems -- two for the V6 models and a unique AWD system for the Highlander Hybrid. For the Highlander Gas L, LE and XLE models, the optional AWD system can send up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels to counter wheel slip when necessary. Sounding like something from a high-end sports car, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD with Drive Mode Select and Driveline Disconnect is available for the Highlander Limited and Platinum for even greater agility and capability. In addition to governing torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, this advanced system uses special couplings to actively manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels. Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD doesn’t need wheel slippage before springing into action. Rather, a sophisticated AWD Integrated Management (AIM) manages Electric Power Steering (EPS), throttle control, transmission shift control and drive torque distribution to continually optimize handling. Using the Multi-Terrain Select control dial on the console, the driver can maximize traction when driving through inclement weather or road conditions. Mud & Sand mode works well for beach driving, while Rock & Dirt mode optimizes AWD traction for trails. The driver can monitor, in real time, torque allocation and slip control on the Multi-Information Display (MID). In addition, Highlander models include the following features for optimal on-road and off-road performance and safety: Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) Trailer Sway Control (TSC) Downhill Assist Control (DAC) All-wheel drive is a great traction partner, but it’s not needed all the time, such as during steady highway cruising. In such situations, Rear Driveline Disconnect automatically disengages drive to the rear wheels and stops the propeller shaft’s rotation. As one might guess, that reduces the energy needed to propel the vehicle and therefore reduces fuel consumption. When AWD is needed, the system instantly re-engages, without the driver even noticing. Hybrid AWD As with the AWD system in the previous Highlander Hybrid, the 2020 model’s AWD employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed. Like the hybrid powertrain itself, the AWD works seamlessly and transparently. The rear electric motor operates independently, with no mechanical connection between the transmission and the rear wheels. Preemptively distributing more driving force to the rear wheels, such as when accelerating, helps suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. The system also enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer. And, when venturing onto a trail, the increased rear-wheel torque helps move the Highlander Hybrid confidently over rough or slippery surfaces. A New Level of Comfort From the L grade to the top-of-line Platinum, the 2020 Highlander offers its plushest accommodations ever. Designers took inspiration from luxury crafted interiors to create a more premium ambience. Details include softer padded surfaces and a more tailored look with stitching that continues from the door trim to the instrument panel. The dash integrates the multimedia and HVAC controls in an elegant and functional way. The 2020 Highlander cabin offers improved functionality throughout, from a center console that offers available Qi wireless charging to plenty of storage spaces and USB charging ports. On Limited and Platinum grades, new ambient LED lighting sets a relaxing mood. Inset steering wheel controls are a modern luxury touch on all grades. Highlanders have long been renowned for a quiet ride, and with the high-strength TNGA platform, Toyota pushes the bar even higher. Sound-damping and soundproofing materials have been optimized throughout the vehicle, with the takumi approach focusing particularly on minimizing noise in the frequencies that interfere with conversation. The seating color palette enhances the sense of luxury permeating the 2020 Highlander. The L and LE grades offer comfortable woven cloth in Graphite or Black; the XLE offers embossed Softex®artificial leather trim in Harvest Beige, Graphite or Black, while the Limited offers those colors in perforated leather trim. The top-of-line Platinum grade, the most luxurious Highlander ever offered, exclusively features embossed, perforated leather trim in those three colors plus Glazed Caramel, a luxuriously delicious new brown. Multitalented Multimedia However passengers listen to music and connect with their worlds, the 2020 Highlander is ready with the latest multimedia systems. All grades come standard with Apple Car Play®, Android Auto™, Alexa In-Car compatibility, Waze, SiriusXM®, and Wi-Fi connectivity through AT&T. All Highlander models come equipped with Toyota Safety Connect with a one-year trial subscription. LE and above grades offer Service and Remote Connectivity. A move up to XLE or Limited grade offers available Dynamic Navigation. A move up to Platinum grade offers standard Dynamic Navigation and the 12.3-inch screen. The JBL® Premium Audio System is standard for Limited and Platinum grades and rocks music of all genres with 1,200 watts of power playing through 11 speakers in nine locations. Clari-Fi®technology breathes new life into compressed digital music formats, with the result like a mobile concert. The system will not, however, settle arguments over which music to play. Exceptional Toyota Value, Naturally Toyota’s typical outstanding value is clearly evident in the Highlander L grade, where the standard equipment list includes features that one might expect in an upgraded model: L: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 18-in. alloy wheels 3-zone automatic climate control 4.2-in. Multi-information Display (MID) in instrument panel 8-way power driver’s seat Auto up/down for all power windows Multimedia with 8-inch touchscreen display Front seat reading lights and cargo area light. LED headlamps and taillamps Privacy glass on rear side, quarter and liftgate windows Smart Key entry on front doors and back door LE adds over L: Power liftgate Blind Spot Monitor Additional multimedia capability LED fog lamps Leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob XLE adds over LE: 10-way power driver’s seat 2nd-row sun shades 4-way power front passenger seat 7-in. Multi-information display Auto dimming rear-view mirror with garage door opener Auto LED headlamps with Auto High Beam Plated interior door handle Heated front seats LED fog lamps Machined-face alloy wheels Captain’s Chairs second row (standard) Power tilt and slide moon roof Roof rails SofTex®-trimmed seats and door trim Limited adds over XLE: 120V 2nd-row power outlet 20-in. Limited style alloy wheels Ambient interior lighting Cargo area cover Driver’s seat memory Hands-free power liftgate Heated and ventilated front seats “Highlander” puddle lamp Perforated leather trimmed seats in Beige, Gray or Black Metal door scuff plates Projector beam headlamp with chrome bezels and separate, stylized DRLs Wood interior trim JBL® Audio System as standard Embedded navigation system Platinum adds over Limited: 12.3-in. Multimedia head unit 20-in Platinum style wheels Adaptive, self-leveling headlamps Additional leather seating color choice: Glazed Caramel Digital display rear view mirror Embossed, perforated leather trimmed seats Head-up display Heated 2nd-row seats Illuminated door scuff plates Panoramic moonroof Rain-sensing windshield wipers Birds eye camera Safety at Its Core The new TNGA-K platform forms the foundation for exemplary collision protection in the 2020 Toyota Highlander, while a suite of standard driver-assist technologies is designed to help prevent collisions, or to mitigate their impacts. The 2020 Highlander is equipped with the second-generation of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 2.0). Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are standard on LE grade and above. Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) is available with clearance sonar on Limited and above. The standard backup camera features projected path. A Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan, available on Limited and standard on Platinum, provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. The 2020 Highlander is equipped with eight airbags, including side-curtain airbags for all three rows. Toyota’s Star Safety System includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Smart Stop Technology (SST). View full article

The Great Homogenization of Auto Design continues. This looks like, nothing. And everything.

Since we're on a Paris kick...

Just recently took these with my Pixel 3XL. Pixel consistently beat everyone else camera until recently. The main reason i got it in the first place.

Samsung has moved to Pie but then you are looking at the Galaxy 10 line. They have pushed Pie over the last month out to all phones capable of handling Pie. If you do not want the delay, then you can go with the Pixel as @Drew Dowdell points out, but I have not been impressed with the camera on the pixel.

Get yourself a used Pixel. Then you can be on Android Pie.

Dude came in a couple of days ago with his comical sidekick. He had an accident, and wanted to talk to me about a couple of things so I could start off on the right foot with his repair. His car was to be towed in to our shop later that day. "I need you to know, my car is a High Bird, it's a special car..." "Yes, I see here on the paperwork, you mean it is a Camry Hybrid, right?" "Yeah, it's a High Bird" I had to keep a straight face through this ordeal.

I thought it was, the rear window looks pretty slopey and it has a fixed B-pillar. I know there was a 2dr ht, was there a 2dr non-fastback sedan also? Or maybe not...this Special fastback below ooks different. Though that angle and lighting of the green one it's hard to tell.. (I think there were two different body series for '50 Buicks, like B- and C- bodies?) The stupid posts got merged...hate that feature sometimes.. Woke up a few min ago to this.. guess I put the snow thrower away too soon..crazy, was about 62 here yesterday and 73 down in Athens.

That's pretty... it's not a fastback/Sedanette though, right?

Those late 40s-early 50s frumpy humpies are pretty wild.. I kind of like the '50 Buick look.

Pic I took a few years ago; Caddo ~

Packard Custom 8 -

Haha... right! Seemed a little frumpy to me, that is why I was assigning it to those other makes... was being snobbish toward Nash (Packard was stuffy and dull during this time, imo), which I always liked, BTW. Nash 600 -

'47 Buick Sedanette. Had to search a bit myself to ID it, and it did catch my eye as I posted it. - - - - -

God, I cannot tell my late-40's-very early-50's fastbacks from this distance... is that a Nash? Packard? HELP ME YOU WILL, YODA! ?‍♂️

Yeah, I really wanted to try it. I'm told that the flights to get there are cheap, but everything else like food and hotel is expensive.

I recently read that WOW Air is shuttering. That's sad. They provided service to Europe on the cheap via Reykjavik from a lot of second tier American cities. Icelandair stays on, which is the country's flag carrier, as Air France and Lufthansa would be to France and Germany. WOW Air was a low cost alternative, similar to Southwest. They cited that they were doing fine, operating with smaller single aisle Airbus planes, and then overextended themselves with much more distant destinations for which they needed and added Airbus 330s, twin aisle aircraft with 8 seats abreast. Oh well. On the other hand, low cost Irish Ryanair has stuck to a business model of only Boeing 737s and has been around for at least a decade. If you can handle their nickel and diming for anything extra, they're a good way to go point to point within Europe. Two European carriers are actually reasonably priced for flights across the pond - Aer Lingus of Ireland and TAP Air Portugal, both national flag carriers. I've crossed the pond on both of them and they are pretty good. You just have to be on the lookout for specials. I'm all for the success of low cost carriers. Now, if they can just solve the Boeing 737 MAX's problems and get them off the ground again soon.

The Buick Rendezvous looked better . . . . and probably was better.

I wonder if she will be fired for this.

Stick a Fork in it!

I do like having more daylight in the evenings w DST. Went down to the lake after work this evening.

No- coachbuilt purposely as a wagon. Standard wheelbase, standard height roof. Hearses almost always were on extended wheelbase commercial chassis'. Here, rear door is stretched (and suicided), and there's still a foot of space between it & the rear wheelwell ~

The rear end looks Maserati-sh... the greenhouse from the side looks a lot like the previous Optima. I like the front and interior, esp. in the two tone.