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The news came during dinner last Monday. My mother asked if I would be able to take any time off of work, and I said that I might be able to if the circumstances were considered important. She revealed that my grandfather, her dad passed away that afternoon. It wasn’t from COVID-19, but other complications that had put in him the hospital since early June. After dinner, I needed some time and space to begin processing the news. So I grabbed the keys to my car and went for a drive. The past few months have been difficult for all of us in varying degrees with COVID-19. Many places going on lockdown have caused massive disruptions to how we work, travel, and interact with the world. I have been hunkered down at home since mid-March when my employer announced our office would be closed for the time being, and we would be working from home. During the first month or so, I had put a moratorium on driving except for essential places such as the grocery store or pharmacy. Isolating to prevent catching and/or spreading the virus took priority over going for a drive. But after a month of just being in a house with family and doing the same things over and over, I was going stir crazy. I realized that I needed some space to not only prevent myself from losing it, but to give me some room to think about everything floating in my mind. Going for daily walks either by myself or with the dog helped a bit. But I still felt like I needed some more space, more time to myself. Back in 2015, I wrote an Afterthoughts column titled The Escape Machine. I talked about how the car for some of us was a way to escape the world for a time. You could go anywhere depending on how much fuel was in the tank and give the space needed to clear or process whatever was on the mind. I ended the piece with these two lines, That decision for me came in late April/early May. I would go for long drives, provided that I would wear a mask if I got out to go for a walk. Going for the first drive in over a month was a bit of revelation. Turing the steering wheel, pressing down on the accelerator and brake; and watching the world go past in blur made me realize how much I missed this. This seems like a trope, but you have a newfound appreciation for something you haven’t done in some time. This also gave me the space to begin piecing together various thoughts such as how do I keep myself from falling into the endless pit of despair, what can I do to keep myself from feeling bored, and do I dive back into automotive writing. I didn’t know how important this would become in the coming weeks as COVID-19 cases increased, the economy would come to a screeching halt; and the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing fallout. Whenever my mind would become overwhelmed or I just get too frustrated, I would hop into my vehicle and go somewhere. It didn’t matter where or how long, just as long as I had some space to think or to calm down, it would be enough. Back to last Monday night. As I drove, there was a lot I needed to process in terms of grief and wondering what would happen next: Would there be a funeral, what precautions should I take, will it be a long ceremony, and so on. I didn’t come up with any clear answers to these questions, but having that time to start putting things into perspective helped. It was on the way back that another thought popped into my head. At the moment, we’re all trying to find some sense of normal in a world that isn’t. For auto enthusiasts, that is to drive as it gives some sort of control. It may be a small thing, but they provide some much-needed comfort. Like many of us, I don’t what the rest of year holds if it continues to be a landfill fire or somehow begins to contain itself. But I do know that I’ll likely be taking more drives, whether that be my car or one that I’m reviewing. Having something that provides a sense of normal is welcomed. View full article

Awesome read @William Maley I totally agree with your thinking. I have been home since February when Dell Technology choose to have the company world wide Shelter in place (164,000). The company has since informed us that they expect 50% of the employees to become work from home permanently. Since then, I have now received my date of going to the office to clear out my cubicle. July 8th from 8am to 10 am. I will pack up and take home everything. My gut tells me this is the start of a commercial property downturn as companies that can have employees work from home will and reduce the cost of commercial property rent. Our Seattle office is a 7 story building that we had subleased out the 7th and 1st floor. The lease is up this fall. As such, I suspect we will reduce down to Floors 4 to 6 as our Datacenter is on Floor 4 and we have steps between floor 5 and 6 cut through the cement so no way to isolate the floors. As such, I suspect a much smaller sales center with most being focused on support and engineering onsite that is critical, rest will be at home. There are 1,200 of us in the office. I suspect only a few hundred will return to the office. Days of driving into work are over for me, as such, taking the road trip drive will be more important than ever now. To be safe it is more than just mask and a set of disposable gloves. We need to insure we have our sanitizer, think about where we stop and have the ability to use the restroom. Plan to have your TravelJohn with you. As an auto enthusiast, it is more important to keep us connected to the passion that drives our interests. Anyone up for an Auto enthusiast skype/zoom get together?

Yeah me too. Ill find other pics from other sources to post. The pics were from Dfelt's link about the 2021 DODGE (Rams will always be Dodge to me) Ram Rebel TRX And of course what the thing that really really makes me be a closet MOPAR fanatic. 2 things. The HEMI Hellcat engine AND...MOPAR silliness.

I had reserved a mid-size car. I would have it for a week. I arrived to pick up the rental and there were no cars that I could see. The gentleman helping me pointed to either a Toyota Rav 4 or a Nissan Rogue. I did see a Malibu and a Fusion parked further away, and asked if I could have those instead. I was told that one had a mechanical issue that needed fixing and the other one was already assigned. I looked at the 2 vehicles available and focused on how well the luggage area was covered. I picked the Toyota Rav 4. I see the reviews bill it as a "cross over SUV." The interior and the controls took some getting used to. It's very different from a domestic vehicle, or even other Japanese vehicles and Toyota passenger cars. The first things you notice is that the ride is controlled, the transmission shifts almost imperceptibly, and the steering is light. One review called it vague. I didn't think it was vague. The lightness in the steering proved to be useful in parking lot maneuvers. You can talk about ride, but have sound abatement be a different subject. You can talk about a transmission within a power train and, again, have the engine be a different animal. The ride was smooth and mostly unruffled but the noise control wasn't all that it could have been, especially when throttled. In most cases, the Toyota 2.5L inline 4 cylinder engine functioned competently for this hefty enough vehicle but, depending on the load or the incline, could be a little unpredictable. Most of the use was on the interstate with the adaptive cruise control engaged, but there were a few situations where I had to merge quickly or pass at highway speeds. It seems that the engine was more responsive for low speed passes than for high speed passes. The pedal is also light and, a few times, I felt it go the length of its travel. I've only experienced this once before, and it was in a much smaller Mazda 3. The interior was a mix of pluses and minuses. The pluses were the roominess, usefulness, and toughness of the materials, specifically the fabric in the seats. It looked like they were built to endure a lot of wear. The rear seat legroom was extensive and the trunk area, under a tonneau cover, was spacious. I did not care for the dashboard. Until I got used to it, these two large knobs in the center stack said radio "tuning." I turned the one to the left and it was the temperature control for the driver! Tuning and such was up higher, in or near the infotainment screen. It, too, was a little busier than I would have liked. I thought the steering wheel remote controls for audio and cruise control were also small and I sometimes missed making the intended adjustments. The adjustment for the interior light was not easy. I tried reaching back and found that it was easier to do than from the rear seat. Perhaps there was a control up front and I didn't see it. The location of the power window switches was different than what I'm used to. I often hit the buttons for the rear windows instead. I also did not like the graphics and displays in the main IP pods. I bring up these ergonomics because, even though I'm not a CUV/SUV customer and prefer sedans, or coupes, I've sat in similarly sized GMC and Chevrolet products at auto shows where the proportions, features, and finishes in the cabin, on the dashboard, and on the console were more pleasing to the eye, the touch, and eventual use. As for the electronics, they worked extremely well. The adaptive cruise control was overly sensitive and that proved to be a good thing. If behind a truck keeping a speed lower than posted, the sensation of decelerating really gave the driver an idea of who's doing what. The BSM (haha, I'm almost sure that means Blind Spot Monitor, ) was also very useful and seems to read the speed and trajectory of adjacent vehicles to light up at just the right time. Given the thickness of the rear pillars, I used the exterior mirrors and the BSM features to help me change lanes more than I would have liked. I prefer to rely much more on the old fashioned way of turning my head and looking. However, the Rav4 has thick rear pillars. Fortunately, I did not drive it much in any place resembling congested urban areas.The rear camera was large and useful. The different modes to use the drivetrain (eco, sport, etc.) were well marked and located on the console. In terms of its exterior, the front grille is overwrought, but then Toyota and Lexus are related. The side views are a little more angular than I like. The best views of this vehicle are the rear 3/4 view and the direct rear view. The fuel economy was commendable and, with 8 gears in the automatic transmission, the Rav4 could pull in 34 mpg going 65 or 70 mph, and with the air conditioning on. In other bigger cars, such as rented Dodge Chargers, I've had to baby them (set cruise at 63 and turn off the A/C) to get 31 mpg. Most of the professional review outfits look very favorably on the Toyota Rav4. I'm more in line with what KBB consumers think of the vehicle. They rate it at about 3.5/5. I'll save the best for last. I wasn't crazy about the decibel level in the cabin under throttle, the visibility to the outside looking rearward, and the layout and trim of the dashboard, controls, and doors. However, I liked the ride quality, the steering ease which still communicated what was going on, and the fuel economy the Rav4 could attain. I almost "loved" the automatic transmission and its shift quality. The Rav4 is also a good value for the price point and its legendary Toyota reliability, with base models having stickers in the mid $20Ks. - - - - - Photos forthcoming

Reviews say the hybrid and plug-in hybrid actually drive better than the lower end Rav4's. Better than the Lexus predator mouth grill.

MMM....buffet!

Been reading the reviews as I have family members that want a Hybrid CUV and I have to say the Rav4 has earned it's leadership place. The latest reviews just starting to come out on the Rav4 Prime Plug-in Hybrid is it is even better. Wish they would get them into the rental lots for testing.

Photos: 1. The Toyota Rav4 at a roadside pull out 2. The overall interior environment upon entering; I'm not digging on the urethane steering wheel, nor its controls 3. The fairly firm and supportive front bucket seats, durable looking cloth fabric, headrests for which I haven't decided on their ergonomics, and a large storage area inside the center console 4. The overhead cabin light is more easily adjusted from the rear seat; the tonneau cover hides what you have in the storage area well 5. This is what the rearward view looks like from the driver's seat looks like; the seating area for those in the rear seats is very generous 6. The two main bezels make sense but other automakers have displayed the info in the middle in more logical groupings and colors, even the last-gen Ford Focus 7. Those two knobs were hilarious and the grooves in them look sort of dumb. Hey, I've found the radio! NOT. Those are temperature adjustments, and then some. I meant to mention that, while the air blows out of the center vents very well, the flow is weaker from the side vents ... even weaker than in the older domestic cars I've had. The "laptop left open" infotainment that is ubiquitous these days is up above the center stack. (Some of you probably wouldn't like the music I was streaming.) 8. These are the window and lock controls in the door armrest. There is another cup holder below, with a map pocket. 9. The height of the console is good relative to the seating position and the seating position is also good. You have cars, such as the now departed last-gen LaCrosse and which are favored by more mature people, where the console height has the drivers sitting in there like astronauts ... not so here. 10. The drive mode buttons are conveniently placed, as is the parking brake control, right above them. 11. One of the better vantage points for the Toyota Rav 4 - - - - - End of photos

And acts 25 at times as well

79 x 217 is full size. I don’t think with those numbers it has any size similarity with a tacoma.

What Buffet did you go to? Agree no matter which way you take, Leavenworth is awesome. I love the local made Root beer made with local Honey. Awesome especially when put over the Local made Vanilla bean ice-cream.

I don't do beer. Never acquired a taste for it. That said, Leavenworth, WA is indeed a cute town. Have been about 3 to 5 times. I have typically eaten the German comfort food, pastries, chocolates, and those sorts of things. And, whichever route you choose to get there, the drive to and and fro is also beautiful. Speaking of food, I went to a buffet today. A first ... on the first. I had a feeling that they would be doing the serving and have face masks and gloves. Fine with me. I'm all about choosing which items I want and to come back if I want more! There were paper cups for coffee/tea and plastic cups for soft drinks, juices, etc. Seats were spaced further apart. You could tell the employees were happy to be back at work. I left the lady a respectable cash tip. I have not been to a buffet in 5 months, so it knocked the wind out of me. I had to lay down!

I read in Motor Trend that the Rivian "pickup" "truck" is the size of a Tacoma. HOW CAN YOU FIT IN IT? (I would LUV to see him try!)

So spray painting them with Rustoleum chrome is out of the question?

That's the plan, tho chrome work is very expensive. There's a few products out there that 'replicate' chrome, but I haven't researched if they have any longevity to speak of. Highly unlikely.

Basically may as well cancel the rest of 2020. I think it's going to be a while before indoor events of any sort are back to 'normal' in the US.

Other times Zen tranquility is nice just like an EV.

Guitar with no strings But we all know what that kid is hearing and feeling deep inside. No need to hear it. Just feel it. Right now, Im feeling this. And just in case you wanna hear it

Here in Washington state all the Octoberfest festivities have been canceled since no large outdoor or indoor gatherings are being allowed. While sad at first as there is a German Town here Leavenworth that is awesome to visit in the mountains had one of the best Octoberfest with so much beer to try. Yet now the focus will be to do mini Oktoberfest's with family in the home. A refocus is what will be needed and a change in marketing to keep folks interested and buying. Airbus is saying huge employment cuts are coming. Boeing has done it here, we are entering a new era of employment and a change in how we do business to stay safe. I am thinking virtual visits to auto museums will have to suffice till we can get back out physically. Stay physical at home to stay in shape all.

Why am I watching Ted 2 and I want to hate it soooo bad and change the channel, because I tried watching the first one and I really didnt like it but I really didnt watch it because I want to think Im better than that, but Im watching this one, and Im laughing and, and I continue watching and I continue laughing and I still want to hate it yet Im laughing and I still keep on watching?

Thanks @dfelt I think I found my dream full sized pick-up truck. More so than a 1990s 454 K5 or a 1990s Ram Indy Pace Truck or the SRT-10 Rams. This has got the Hellcat motor AND is LIFTED. THIS is what I want from fullsized pick-ups. LIFTED with big ass horsepower V8s. With that colour too!!! And a T-Rex WOULD be my favorite dino...

"effortless electric burnout" = guitar with no strings = no music.

And those numbers are off from 2017...in 2017 Nissan was #6 globally, behind Ford and ahead of Honda. I see variation depending on the criteria for ranking, this list has them at #9 and Ford at #8. Must be financial and not volume, since it has Tesla at #7. https://www.bizvibe.com/blog/automobiles/top-10-automobile-companies-in-the-world/

Nissan would be better off liquidated and sell off the assets for cash and return cash to the shareholders. Nissan/Infiniti have a math problem and a leadership problem and a product problem all at once.

@trinacriabob @Robert Hall The English interpretation are always funny too.

*YAWN* booorrrrrrring

I respect your choice in Music, to me it is Music of a different variety.

This sadly is just the start. Rumors out of Dearborn are suggesting a production cut of about 20 percent of all models after they catch up to pre Covid inventory. This might the first year we see a sale slide on trucks...... Also hearing pretty much all Equinox models will be coming out of Mexico- not good for those who work in Canada...... Lack of Auto shows might not be a bad thing...as we really are not going to see too much new for a while- The Focus has started to switch to EV now.. I would assume most GM models will just see good refreshes for the moment.. I see to get my fix of classic cars somehow....the Dream Cruise here in Detroit was cancelled.......

QFT