Leaderboard

w00t, COVID result is "not detected"... relieved. Now I have to jump through a hoop or two to be cleared to go back to work.

Used-up, rolled-over, rotten junker "whose time has come" : ... TO GET RESTORED!!

Hi there. It has been some time since I last posted in this section of the forum. Sure I have been writing the odd review here and there, but other than that, I have been a bit of a ghost. Popping in and our in case of some incident that needs to be addressed. So what has been going on? Aside from 2020 being well a 'landfill fire' (and that's me being family friendly), I've been quite busy with work. Since mid-April, I have been on three different projects which have taken up a lot of my time and mental energy. Add this on top of working from home since March with no real outside interaction, COVID-19, and other personal issues, and you get a recipe of feeling very drained and depressed. After work, I tended to try and relax and not want to do anything mentally draining. This is a bit of bummer because I was hoping to get back to some of regular-ness here on Cheers & Gears with writing some news throughout the week and a couple of reviews per month. Yeah, that didn't happen. But I know from past experience that trying to force myself to write only produces shoddy work and I feel worse than actually doing it. I have been able to get the odd review out here and there - mostly quick drives. That's due to whenever I have a burst of energy, I try my best to use it and get something out the door. Yes, I have a massive backlog of 2020 reviews. But I rather sit on them and wait till I'm good and ready to write something decent instead of half-assing it. Maybe this is a sign that I'm becoming a bit more responsible...? So I may be popping in and out for the next few months with the odd review or a news story that I find so interesting, I really want to share. It really comes down to what happens in the next few months as I finish up this last project for work, along with some other stuff.

Wont happen with either Tesla nor Fisker. It will be a FoMoCo, GM, Toyota, VW that will give the masses an EV that they could afford.

It seems like no one yet has hit on the magic formula to make a profitable EV for $30k or less. There are more under $40k coming, though...like the VW id.4.

VW EV News Due to sell out demand of the VW ID.4 1st Edition SUV for the US market, management has decided to add another batch of this auto for sale. This is VW first Global EV built on their all new MEB platform. ID.4 Electric SUV will start at $39,995 which will be available starting at the end of 2021 while the 1st edition ID.4 is now shipping to dealers for delivery to the early buyers who had reservations. 1st Edition started at $43,995. VW also has the ID.5 to 7 comping over the next 18 months. VW makes new batch of ID.4 1st Edition electric SUVs for the US - Electrek VW roadmap: Expect an electric Kombi in 2022, followed by electric mini cars (thedriven.io) As they say, Common Sense is NOT SO COMMON as I see in your own posts.

In EV News, some exciting stuff going on: FISKER Yes FISKER is planning to go into production with a full size EV Truck in 2023. We already have the Fisker Ocean EV SUV going into production with a 300 mile range battery pack as base for a starting price of $37,499. Fisker CEO Henrik Fisker says currently everyone is taking on the Luxury level in features and price. Fisker wants to give access to EVs to the average person as to why the Fisker Ocean SUV will be priced for the middle income level buyers. Fisker electric pickup: Super-efficient "radical" truck coming in late 2023? (greencarreports.com) Yes the Mach-E does have a Frunk. Plenty of pictures showing you can Tail Gate out of the Frunk. Something ICE cannot do in this way. Usable Frunk at that since it can hold a full size ICE Chest.

Sarcasm still has not improved I see! Seems you started the Year with Flashing your cache memory as you Forget how many times @Drew Dowdell has posted the basics of EV ownership change and how adaptable it can be. Clearly Apartment living Tesla Owners are not having a problem planning to use their Tesla Supercharging stations to refill their battery packs. Nor are apartment Nissan Leaf Owners having a problem with finding work or public charging stations. Plenty of people are taking advantage of local electrical rebates and subsidies to install a 220V charger at home or just use the slower 110 recharge option. If you really want to drive an EV, you will find ways to ensure your auto is charged up. You will embrace change, you will embrace learning 21st century new habits. I accept that you would rather huff COAL and live in the dark than joining the light of the 21st century. I am very Thankful that you tested Negative for Covid-19 and hope you do not have to deal with being sick this year as I am really hoping 2021 is better for everyone over 2020. Wrong again buddy boy!, EVs do not have all the mechanical large stuff taking up space like an ICE auto has. Clearly some differences in the power train that does affect the shape.

Tesla Model S was revealed in 2012, 9 years ago. Today it is still on sale without any major changes. Tesla Model 3, Y and Ford Mach E use same technology as Tesla did almost 10 years ago. So far I don't see break neck pace of advancement.

Yes, I am looking forward to vaccination of the world so we all can get back to enjoying life with family, friends and travel. Road Trips Big Time!!! I miss my bi-yearly visit to Fairmount Hot Springs in Canada and exploring Banff National Park. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Fairmont Hot Springs, British Columbia, CA - Reservations.com Banff Travel Guide - Canadian Rockies Activities - Banff National Park Banff National Park (pc.gc.ca) YES, Ski season has just started. We need MORE SNOW, MORE COLD. But for those that like warmth, enjoy the south.

You guys are making me hungry....not sure what I want for lunch.

We need the ? drool emoji in the instant ones. That looks Da Bomb man. YUMMY!!!

Spicy Asian-style ground beef over no-yolk noodle:

Well, all along the narrative has been “simpler to build with less components = cheaper”, but we’ve only seen the opposite of that. BE’s need to drop to no more than a 15% premium over the equivalent IC vehicle. That would mean a kona electric needs to fall from $37K to $23K... to be a unilateral real choice from gas. We’re not going to see a major consumer switch until that happens. But yeah; it doesn’t necessarily have to be cheaper.

Is it wrong to already want spring?

Just a suggestion, have you thought of adding 'blu to your Ignored Users list? Might be a good way to reduce your agita with him... I don't have anyone on Ignore here (I like to see posts from everyone), but do use it judiciously on another forum I frequent that uses the same software as here...

Ive got several favorite liveries.

2 door cop cars courtesy of the Montreal po-po department. I betcha that the next police car from Montreal Ill post will blow your minds. (and not in a good way) I had forgotten about them. Dafuq was Montreal thinking when they opted for these?

After 3 1/2 years of working remote full time, going back to an office and a commute would take some adjustment. I do like sleeping in until 7:30..

Seem like I am catching a lot of Pet Shop Boys songs lately....

If I have to work in an office again anytime soon, I'd definitely want to get the vaccine before being in a cube farm around other human resource units. Hopefully I'll find another remote gig, my current one is winding down most likely in mid-February after 6 1/2 years.

Yeah, I was thinking a range under $40k..like $35k or thereabouts...or $30k...isn't the average new car price now about $38k?

In honesty I’m not in a rush to get the vaccine just yet. While I understand the science, I want to wait a see it work a bit before I make the jump. Being high risk still has me on the cautious end with anything to do with Covid 19. With friends who are getting it (nurses) things are so far so good. the upside is that the more that do get it (whether vaccine or sick) will at least make it less dangerous hopefully...where it will be like the flu.... Would be nice to have some kind of normal soon....

I know technically you’re correct, but realistically; $39,995 before taxes, destination and ANY options isn’t “under $40K”. 5 bucks isn’t swaying anyone.

I'd assume the Mach-e has a frunk also, since it doesn't have the ICE pack up there, and no floor tunnel for a whirly tube or exhaust..

Funny you mention that as this review from Autoblog of a 2021 Ford Mach-E Luggage test shows the benefits of interior space in the Mach-E over an Escape since they are on the same size wheel base. While the Escape is stated to have 3 cubic feet more space, clearly the design that went into the Mach-E gave it more usable space even though it is rated 3 cubic feet less space than the Escape. They also compare the Audi E-Tron and others showing how EVs have more usable interior space. Interesting read. 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E Cargo Capacity Tested | Autoblog Ford Mach-E Luggage fit Ford Escape Luggage fit True, but then no competition till this year. I expect the competition to end up pushing Tesla into much faster updates of style and hardware. The faster changes will come in software feature changes that allow you to do more. Tesla has been very fast in changing all software changes in over air updates. Something you cannot say about ICE. The ability to improve battery pack performance, controllers and the EV power train via software updates is huge.

Tell me why? back up your claim Im at work. I finish at 5 PM Eastern You got until then to rebuttle

I like EVs and as I said previously in 4-5 years might consider getting one as a commuter. However, I don't see our family having EVs only for a while now. What bugs me that states like California and now Massachusetts (and I am sure few more will follow) are trying to force complete ban on sale of ICE cars by 2035. 14 years is not that much time to build proper infrastructure and have sufficient selection of EVs at affordable prices. Tesla Model S came out almost 10 years ago. Besides getting a little bit more efficient the technology didn't really changed that much in the last 10 years. I know there is bunch of reports on new much better battery technology but we haven't seen it in the production cars yet. At least NJ came out with a little bit more reasonable goal of reducing emissions by 80% by 2050.

I havent had moose-kaka (my big fat greek wedding reference) in a long time. My wife is like you. She dont like it tooo much, so she wont make it. I like eggplant parmigiana but my favorite would be fried eggplant. Yes...of course, with tzatziki on the side. With those flour battered "melitzanes" , would be fried tomatoes. Oh...I should have called out your name when I mentioned other posters I like to chit chat with in here. You obviously is someone I enjoy chit chatting too. Surrreal is another. I feel like Im giving an acceptance award speech to which Im thanking everybody but Im also missing many others in my speech. (from a selfish point a view) I hope that the vaccines will work and enough of us phoquers will be vaccinated by (Greek Orthodox) Easter (including my family and I) so I could enjoy some necessary quality time with family and friends EATING (Greek foods) on such a sacred religious day. Would seem appropriate... (Hope while being in company with loved ones on the day we celebrate our Saviour sacrificing himself for us) Talking about moussaka and fried tomatoes and XMAS just passing us by made me miss my extended family and friends... (saddened eyes and spirit)

I love pastitsio. I order it every time I go into a Greek place that offers a combo lunch or dinner. I have usually seen it baked with noodles that are flatter ... or are bigger tubes (that's just what I've seen). I will not touch moussaka, just like I will not touch eggplant parmigiana. Let's not even start talking about Greek desserts. If a Greek or Middle Eastern Orthodox church has an annual festival, I will drop by to eat their overpriced food ... because everything is a la carte. However, if it goes to help operate their churches, that's fine with me.

I have faith in him in that he will stop trolling. I dont like to use the ignore feature. Its a neat feature. But seeing as we arent teenagers in these parts...

Edit above: Corrected for autocorrect "correction" lol.

My favorite livery.. flew on a few of them from Denver to London and Phoenix to London back in the oughts, along w/ 777s on the same route.

Problem is... OCNBLU does NOT respect MY opinion on EVs... He BULLIES his preferences unto others... I RESPECT his decision to not accept EVs. What I do NOT respect is his IGNORING of discourse on EVs. Because on my day-off from work, I decided to cook dinner for my family. We just finished dinner. So it took awhile to get to his post. As you could see though...I do NOT shy away from discourse. YOU on the other hand are a victim playing assh0le. Not that I need to defend myself. In fact, I SHOULD HAVE ignored your meaningless post BECAUSE you NEVER answer any of my inquiries regarding ANY discourse Good luck to you...

Name: 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Category: Vehicles Date Added: 2021-01-06 Submitter: balthazar 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax Dealer today said still waiting for order acceptance. States my timing was perfect; GM builds the trucks in runs (proper term: 'allocations') of a particular engine. GM is going to do a run of the 3.0L Duramax next. If I had missed that allocation, it might be 2-3 months longer wait for the next batch. Should get an update in a week or so that order was accepted.

Not much going on so far in the new year...was out in the backyard after sunset and spotted what appeared to be a CUV w/ full width (multi-segment) headlights drive by... bright white HID...appeared to be something midsize and aerodynamic, didn't look like aftermarket lighting (not an off-road light bar). it was too dark and far away to see exactly what it was...reminded me of the old Mercury Villager minivan but something modern...any idea what I saw? Was not a a Rivian..;)

Cadillac has reported that "almost half" of 2021 Escalades are going out the door over $100,000. Cadillac also stated they sold 9454 Escalades in Q4 2020, tho that included some quantity of 2020 model year 'E's.

I need therapy too.

The Mach-e has a 5 inch longer wheelbase than the Edge, and is within 2 inches of the 2 row Edge in length. The Escape is much smaller.

Oh yeah, definitely getting cabin fever after spending most of the last 9 months at home...looking to the world returning to something resembling 'normal'.. no idea when I will get back on an airplane.. but I really, really would like to spend a week in the Colorado mountains...

And as I said before I would take Mach-E over Escape without second thought, just not with the current price difference.

Man this burger looks awesome! ? https://www.instagram.com/p/CJpb4rao2rt/?igshid=1wlmmaabvc74r

Physically (within a segment), they’re as useful. But operationally, BE’s still have disadvantages (lack of public refueling in many areas, inability to ‘carry jerry cans of electrons’, a disproportionate range penalty in extreme cold). In a minority of user cases, that would negatively affect user-ability.

One of my favorite Led Zeppelin tracks...'In the Evening'.. She's interesting...can't recall the track, but did see an LDR video that had a '69 Mustang in it...

Bird (Larry)

magic (I always wondered if it was Ford or Eddie Bauer that severed the connection... EVERYBODY wanted an Eddie Bauer-trimmed Ford back in the day!)

I thought blu was implying 'Owldsmobile' with that.

A decade is both a short period of time as it is a long period of time. Technology advancements in a decade's time frame is EONS from now. A decade ago, 13 years ago to be exact, Apple shook up the world with their iPhone. A decade ago, 12 years ago to be exact, Tesla introduced the Roadster. A decade ago, 11 years ago to be exact, GM went bankrupt. A decade ago, 8 years ago to be exact, Tesla shook up the world with their Model S. its not Tesla's fault that other OEMS are shuffling their feet with EV technology. Tesla is a DECADE ahead in EV tech with some OEMs... In a DECADE from now, when guvment schlubs have mandated that ICEVs are no longer acceptable and banned, imagine where EV tech will be? GM VW TESLA FoMoCo Volvo Toyota and many many others are full steam ahead with their BILLIONS of dollars of R&D in ADVANCING EV tech and infrastructure. In the LAST decade, TESLA would be the ONLY one to concentrate on EV tech. And TESLA has really upped that bar to which they are LITTERARLY a DECADE above everybody else... At the turn of the last century, automobile advancement was made fast BECAUSE there were MANY players. Many failed. But many picked up the pieces where the others failed. TESLA...has many backers that WANT the company to succeed. No different than when GM went bankrupt and the guvment bailed them out. Tesla also has many detractors. Again, no different than from GM when people did NOT want the guvment to bail them out. Tesla is said to have quality problems and THAT has many haters. Again...no different than for GM during GM's malaise era. EV haters dont like change. Well...tree huggin hippies of the '60s HATED gas guzzling muscle cars... Big Oil got and STILL gets guvment subsidies. The internal combustion empire got all kinds of subsidy help for infrastructure. Billions of PRIVATE money too. Guess what? Same for EVs... I could go on and on with this... Point being...guvment schlubs ALWAYS put their grubby minds and HANDS in ALL we do. Dont wear masks/Wear masks Buckle up Just say no War on Terror Weapons of mass destruction McCarthyism where everything is Communist when its not done the American way 55 MPH Speed limits CAFE Again...I could go on and on and on...