G. David Felt

Awesome change coming, so excited for C&G!!!

Thank you Drew  

@Drew Dowdell Is this the last year for this?

5 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I think that was “user error” of the person who was driving that particular vehicle.

Interesting, programmable door handles, if you unlock the auto, they will stay out, but if you approach it while locked with the fob, they will pop out and if within 3 min you do not open a door, pull back in keeping the auto locked.

OUCH Apple is paring the tech options.
Apple quietly kills 15 devices - is yours on the list?

3 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

lol no they don't. those retract.

Yes they retract when you get in to drive or lock it, but when the auto sits unlocked, they stay out and I know how easy it is to possibly break them as I was going between auto's at my 24hr fitness this week and thought it weird that they were out and as I went between, the door handle hooked my work out short pocket and bent a bit before I unhooked myself.  As I walked to enter the gym, a person came out and locked it, clearly forgetting they had left it unlocked. 

To me a hook type door handle is more dangerous than the circle loop door handle that pops out of my EV9.

Now I do get the fact that some companies like Tesla have failed to make sure the door handles pop out for emergency release / escape. Cadillac is also guilty of this for both outside and inside door handles.

Kia / Hyundai / Genesis did the following:

Mechanical backup access:

There is a hidden physical key slot behind the driver’s door handle area.

Using the physical key lets you mechanically unlock the door even if the handle doesn’t pop out or during a power outage.

All EVs have a manual interior door release that works without power so that people inside can always get out no matter the situation.

This is all on my quick info card on the EV and I checked online with the Kia digital manuals. Hyundai and Genesis also say the same thing when searching online.

1 hour ago, Robert Hall said:

There is also Genesis with their 3 sedans (G70, G80, G90) and Lexus still has the IS, ES, and LS. 

Thank you, I updated the list as I totally forgot about Genesis cars.
There are still some options for car folks:

22 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Those damn doorhandles. I understand the aero benefit of them, but I hate them. 

What specifically do you not like about them?

I love the pop outdoor handles on my EV9. They are way better than the stupid approach Cadillac took.

Cadillac leaves them out and are a danger as they are a hook that can easily get broken.

I am really liking the AI generated Kia Pickups  

I forget who it was, but there is a member that loves the El Camino and would probably like these AI generated trucks.

RECESSION
Wall Street sounds alarm that Trump may be leading US to economic catastrophe: report

The RPM of this setup is Crazy and I want to actually take one for a test drive. Be interesting to see what the price is once they are shipping and what it sounds like.

Been awhile since I posted anything here, but saw a mint condition Chevrolet El Camino and thought wow, I would love a modern EV version of this with Kia inspired styling. AWD EV Power path!!!

Korean word for which I would call this truck means the road or path traveled.

I would call it Kia "Gil"

Kia EV9 style with body inspired by Chevrolet El Camino

Kia EV9 style with body inspired by the Ford Ranchero

3 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I don't love the headlight area, but I feel like it is the kind of thing that could grow on my and look better in person. I appreciate them getting the kidney grills going in the correct direction again.

I don't love that screen, at all. However, it may be the kind of thing that just works well for the driver but photographs like crap from straight on, because of the "odd" shape. 

Those damn doorhandles. I understand the aero benefit of them, but I hate them. 

Why is it on the president for the manufacturers to make and sell the vehicles? Our President is a complete idiot, but I also don't exactly think it should be on the people to compensate the manufacturers to make these vehicles. They had like a 15 year runway to establish themselves in this market and all they drug their feet until the last minute. As soon as the government took their(our) $7500 off the table, all the manufactures feel the need to "reevaluate" their EV portfolio and future. 

I agree it should not be on the Government to fund this forever, but as long as they continue to give billions to the Oil industry, then why not give to the green / EV industry.

Biggest problem is that Idiot47 personal HATE for EVs had him waste Billions yanking out all the installed chargers and his personal IQ 79 Stupidity had him then also waste billions more on trying to turn everything around that has been done by past presidents rather than focus on governing and doing the right thing. More taxpayer money has been wasted on him attempting to go back to the 60's in all things and hurting this country.

At this point, HE IS Hurting the auto industry and as long as he is in office, he will do everything possible to hurt the companies that have created jobs and spent billions to design and develop new autos. Getting him out of the way can then under a stable federal hand allow companies to innovate and compete on products.

14 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Altima and A8 are canceled or at the end of their production runs without being replaced.   There is no more challenger, that was a coupe anyway
You missed Ioniq 6N and coming BMW i3 Neue Klasse

Yes, did forget on those points, been a while since I did a car list.  Will edit the list.

Genesis pushing the boundaries of performance in their segment has unleashed the newest performance monster for Luxury EVs. The GV60 MAGMA was stated by Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai's Motor Group R&D division as follows:

"In a very short period of time, our engineers achieved something truly remarkable. They created a car that is not only fast, but truly Genesis; a car that inspires confidence and provides a true emotional connection."

641 HP Dual-Motor Powertrain

The GV60 MAGMA has extensive enhancements to the powertrain offering the most powerful performance within the Genesis lineup today. This is more than just hardware upgrades, but advanced software refinements too. The GV60 MAGMA delivers the following:

• 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds
• 0 to 124 mph in 10.9 seconds
• Motors delivering combined 641 HP with 582 lb-ft of torque
  • Rear motor 406 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque
  • Front motor 235 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
  • Maximum RPM 20,920

Five Driving Modes From Range to Sprint

The GV60 MAGMA offers a perfect harmony between luxury and driving dynamics with precision-tuned driving profiles tailored for any situation according to their press release. Five distinct driving modes are offered that can be changed on the fly via their drive mode button.

• Range Mode prioritizes efficiency and maximizes driving range with seamless responsiveness.
• Comfort Mode strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy for everyday use.
• Sport Mode quickens responsiveness, offering a spirited driving experience for routine journeys.
• Sprint Mode unleashes aggressive torque and accelerator sensitivity ideal for track settings.
• GT Mode delivers the performance of a luxury grand tourer, blending effortless cruising with commanding acceleration when needed.

Tuned Pedal Response and Driver Connection

According to Genesis, the MAGMA performance line offers a key element to driving via an innovative pedal response for enhance control. The dynamic range is the specially configured accelerator pedal. Resistance has been adjusted to elevate control and reduce fatigue, offering lower resistance in light pedal applications for daily driving and greater resistance for high-depression inputs during sporty maneuvers. This ensures a smooth and intuitive connection between the driver and the vehicle's subtle power. To put this in a simple defined statement, Teajun Kang, Senior R&D engineer for Genesis EV Performance Test Team made the following statement:

"The pedal resistance was increased across all ranges to enhance control over acceleration."

Genesis MAGMA performance line delivers on their stated belief that customer experiences are focused as "son-nim" or honored guests. The GV60 MAGMA joins the Magma GT Concept and G90 WINGBACK Magma concept in signaling that Genesis is serious about building a performance brand alongside its luxury credentials.

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29 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

The collapse of ICE vehicles can't come fast enough. 

By the time you are ready to retire your truck, you might just have a compact / mid-size EV Truck to replace it.

That is of course we wake up and remove Idiot47, Kia/Hyundai move forward with their electric trucks that are in test mule format now and Ford / GM / Toyota Deliver as all have said they are working on compact / mid-size EV Trucks.

47 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I completely agree with you on the West coast being much more EV friendly and people are adapting much quicker out there. I just don't think there will be many people looking for 80-100k vans. I get it, they are crazy spacious, but people are just stubborn on the van-shape. 

Outside of the price, which is supposedly pretty nuts, IMO, it SHOULD do well. I just don't think it really will. It's kind of like most station wagons. A ton of people love their utility but very few actually follow through with their higher-than-a-comparable-SUV/sedan price. 

I honestly wish Kia would make their Minivan AWD as it has a more SUV look, but all the benefits of what Minivans give inside for room and comfort.

46 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I can admire a company just trying to make a luxurious vehicle and not worrying about the exterior shape. Yeah, vans don't look great buuuuuut, hop on in and it's a true luxury experience. I love the idea but I don't exactly think it will take off here in the US. To me, it feels like something limousine companies will buy and that's about it. Maybe because of that, if customers have great experiences in it, it will then take off in the retail side, as well. 

Americans are stubborn and mostly refuse to actually get the right vehicle for their needs. Being a BEV will be a turn off for a lot and being a van will be a turn off for a lot. I don't see it doing well, but I really hope it does well.  

All valid points you make and I get it, in my regards, I can see it taking off retail from a West Coast standpoint as it hits some very important points.

1. EV - West coast is at a tipping point for hitting more EVs than ICE currently 1:3 ratio, or 30% new autos are EV sold.
2. AWD
3. 434 Miles of range
4. Space

I see LOTS of Toyota AWD and older GM AWD Vans at the pass for skiing / snowboarding. One cannot ignore the space these auto's have that families love when doing sports.

Being a Mercedes, this will hit the right note for the Tech Industry that wants luxury plus EV with range to spare.

On 3/19/2026 at 6:26 AM, trinacriabob said:

What I was really going to say:  I have NOTHING I would want to use a good chunk of change on my GM Card for. I know that a Boeing 797 will eventually come around, but I had no idea that sedans and coupes would disappear.  Depressing.

There are still some options for car folks:
 

• Kia compact K4
• Kia mid-size K5
• Gensis Compact G70
• Genesis Mid-size G80
• Genesis full size G90
• Toyota mid-size Camry
• Honda compact Civic
• Honda mid-size Accord
• Hyundai compact Elantra
• Hyundai mid-size Sonata
• Hyundai mid-size Ioniq 6N
• Nissan compact Sentra
• Nissan mid-size Altima
• Cadillac compact CT4
• Cadillac mid-size CT5
• Dodge mid-size Charger
• Mercedes compact C-Class
• Mercedes Mid-size E-Class
• Mercedes Full size S- Class
• BMW compact 3 series
• BMW Mid-size 5 Series
• BMW Full-size 7 series
• BMW i3 Neue Klasse
• Audi Compact A4
• Audi mid-size A6
• Audi full size A8
• Tesla Compact Model 3
• Lucid Mid-size Air

If your in Canada or Mexico there are more car options especially from Kia in regard to their new EVs. One could consider buying and importing it into the U.S.

Note: Updated list to remove a retired car and add five missed cars.

There are things I really like about this EV Minivan like the AWD and the customizable seating features. Not sure about the big screen TV for the second and third row.

Clearly the back end of the Minivan is polarizing, but they optimized it for the ability to put things in and easy take out when hauling stuff.

Gotta love the 434 miles of range.

Depending on Price, I think this will do very well here in the U.S. for Families and those wanting space with easy access.

Five decades BMW has been delivering the driving machine via their 3 Series. March 2026 BMW delivered the new i3 fully electric driving machine that they believe delivers on that sporty driving pleasure that their legacy has delivered for generations of auto enthusiast with a 21st century addition to the legacy with unique features.

BMW calls this their Neue Klasse era. This first 800V all electric i3 series launches with the following points that BMW wants their current and new buyers to know:

• The core of the brand reinterpreted: modern, timeless, and unmistakable.
• Modern BMW 2.5-box silhouette with long wheelbase, short overhangs, and flared wheel arches.
• New front-end design: kidney grille and four-eye light signature form a unified geometry-and-light element.
• Driver-focused interior anchored by the BMW Panoramic iDrive and the free-cut central display.
• Gen6 BMW eDrive technology with 800-volt architecture enabling 400kW DC charging and a projected 440 miles of range.
• BMW Symbiotic Drive and available Level 2+ automated driving with intuitive human-vehicle assistance.

BMW i3 50 xDrive Specifications

The launch of the BMW i3 50 xDrive has the following specifications:

• Electric motors on both axles
  • Combined output of 463 HP with maximum torque of 476 lb-ft
  • Their sixth generation eDrive technology
• Estimated range of 440 miles on a single charge
  • New battery pack with cylindrical cells
  • High Energy density with flatter high voltage

The front of the BMW 3 series sedan continues with the Neue Klasse distinctive look as also found on the 2026 BMW iX3 SUV.

Exterior Design and Color Options

The i3 sedan will continue with having the customizable lighting effects for the exterior allowing the owner to create their own Welcome and Goodbye animations depending on the equipment level. The optional BMW Iconic Glow exterior package offers Balanced, Relaxed, and Excited options or customize to their individual personal taste.

The BMW i3 Sedan has 11 different exterior paint options available at launch with their newest M Le Castellet Blue color. The paint colors come in your choice of Solid, Frozen, and metallic finishes. This equates to gloss, matte, and metallic.

Interior and Neue Klasse Cockpit

The Neue Klasse design language gives buyers an interior that is dynamic, airy, and modern with a driver-oriented, digital 21st century experience. This includes a complete redesigned user interaction, and a harmonious interplay of geometry, light and sound. BMW says this gives a digital and real content merge through their coordinated design of ambient light, and the graphics on the central display along with the BMW panoramic Vision.

From the Climate comfort Panoramic glass roof to the large windows enclosing the interior, creates a comforting space flooded with light and openness feeling.

Driver orientation is one of precise intuitive experience due to the panoramic Vision display and optional 3D head-up display displayed directly into the line of sight for the driver. This eliminates the need for displays behind the steering wheel which is now completely redesigned. The driver has angled to them from the center of the dash what BMW calls free-cut central display.

The i3 sedan comes with elegant seats that provide comfort and secure lateral support with optional sport seats. All seats can have optional multifunction features along with expressive designs and distinctive sport bolsters of choice. Between the seats is everything both driver and passenger would want from cup holders to inductive wireless charging, physical buttons, gear selector and more.

From recycled materials and Vegan upholstery to leather are options for designing your interior. This interior is all supported by BMW OSx operating system that includes Amazon Alexa with AI technology supplying you your own BMW Intelligent Personal assistant that offers voice control over the i3.

800V Technology and Smart Connectivity

BMW offers the ability to connect your smartphone or smartwatch and use it as a preferred vehicle key. The new 800V EVs all use the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). This 800V system is 20 times higher computer power than previous BMW EVs. The whole 800V system is updated via over the air updates.

This BMW 800V all new system has L2+ driver assistance systems from self-driving to safety features. This new system also offers the new BMW Charging revolution that offers the following innovations:

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): This turns the new BMW i3 into a mobile power bank that provides electricity directly from the high-voltage battery. For example, to operate an electric barbecue on a weekend trip or to charge the battery of an e-bike with up to 3.7 kW.

• Vehicle-to-Home (V2H): Bidirectional charging turns the BMW i3 into a home energy storage system: With Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) in conjunction with the BMW Wallbox Professional and a photovoltaic system, vehicle charging costs and electricity costs throughout the household are reduced. For this purpose, excess energy from the photovoltaic system is temporarily stored in the vehicle battery and is later fed back into the house when there is no solar power.

• Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G): V2G allows the BMW i3 to be integrated into the public power grid and feed energy from the vehicle's high-voltage battery back into the system. Individual control using the My BMW App is simple and transparent. Customers always have full control over their current and desired charge levels. Battery life is safeguarded by intelligent protection mechanisms.

Intelligent Charging With NACS

The 800V i3 and iX3 comes with Intelligent charging flap. The charging port is located on the rear right side of the new BMW i3. It is possible to open the charging flap manually by simply pressing, but this is no longer necessary. Because the intelligent charging flap of the new BMW i3 opens automatically as soon as the customer's charging request is detected. One of the triggers for opening is AI-supported: If the customer walks towards a known or learned charging point, the movement path reveals the charging intention, whereupon the flap opens. If no charging cable is connected, the charging flap closes automatically – as it does after the charging process is complete or when the vehicle is ready to drive. The all new 800V EVs come with NACS ports by default now.

More details will be released as availability at dealerships happens. Check out the 2027 BMW i3 Sedan photo gallery for a full look at the exterior and interior.

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An interesting take on the Minivan segment by Mercedes-Benz as the VLE is much like any other name of Mercedes autos with the VLE not actually standing for anything but implied by the auto company as V - Van, L - Luxury, E - Electric drive train. MPV being Multi-Purpose Vehicle and with that we introduce you to the 2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE MPV electric van.

Mercedes says this blends limousine-like ride comfort with refined MPV versatility. The VLE MPV has Mercedes ALL-NEW 800V technology and high-performance charging along with their latest MB.OS or Mercedes-Benz Operating System — the same AI-powered platform debuting in the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

10 Reasons the VLE Redefines Luxury Travel

Mercedes has stated that the VLE redefines grand limousine travel with the following 10 Reasons:

1. Innovative aesthetics that captivate: The new VLE embodies a completely new design with a low, streamlined silhouette and iconic aesthetics resulting in outstanding aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25.
2. Highly flexible seating for up to eight people – manual Roll & Go or remote "seat ballet": The manually operated seats feature four integrated wheels and can be effortlessly moved back and forth, locked in any position, or easily removed and rolled into the garage. The electrically adjustable seats expand flexibility even further allowing repositioning via app and head unit, almost like choreographing a ballet (Remote Variable Rear Space).
3. Newly developed seats – choose your style and comfort level: The new mechanical and electrical individual seats and benches can be configured in multiple different ways. The highlight of the three seat types is an electric Grand Comfort Seat with an additional pillow, wireless charging, lumbar support, massage function and calf support.
4. Unparalleled MBUX rear space experience – turn every journey into an immersive adventure: Hidden in the headliner above the front seats is a retractable, 31.3-inch panoramic screen with 8K resolution, split-screen function and an eight-megapixel camera – perfect for enjoying a movie, music videos, and games or for joining business video conferences.
5. Superior ride – agile and comfortable like a true premium limousine: AIRMATIC air suspension with 1.5 inches of level control makes every journey a remarkably serene experience. And with seven-degree rear-axle steering, the VLE is exceptionally agile and achieves an impressive turning circle of just 35.75 feet
6. More than 434 miles (700 kilometers WLTP2 range) – long-distance comfort without range anxiety: On long journeys the VLE can be recharged for a range of up to 220 miles (355 kilometers WLTP) within just 15 minutes, thanks to 800-volt technology and a new battery with a usable energy content of 115 kWh.
7. Extraordinary interior experience – Sky View panoramic roof: The impressive glass roof conveys a remarkable sense of space, freedom and tranquility. Surround ambient lighting invites the passengers to sit back and unwind. An electric sunblind protects against excessive sunlight.
8. Top-notch digital intelligence – the VLE makes your driving experience smarter and personalized: Thanks to the AI-powered Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), the VLE features the latest MBUX with intuitive and personal control. It also features the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which uses multi-agent generative AI and understands complex conversations with memory, responding like a friend. Over-the-air updates keep the VLE up to date for years, adding new features without the customer ever having to visit a dealer.
9. Digital cockpit – MBUX Superscreen: Three screens behind a large glass surface: a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display, and a 14-inch screen for the front passenger. While the driver benefits from clear, focused information, the front passenger can enjoy a personalized entertainment experience – such as video streaming, gaming or apps.
10. Lane changing and steering made effortless – MB.DRIVE:
    1. Distance Assist DISTRONIC and MB.DRIVE ASSIST adds semi-autonomous steering on motorways and a revolutionary Lane Change Assist. Just engage the turn signal and let the grand limousine handle it from there.

Key Performance and Convenience Specs

With the following 10 reasons above, Mercedes also has what they believe are the numbers in other critical places to drive interest in people buying their Minivan:

• 4MATIC all-wheel drive with 409 HP or 305 kW
• HANDS-FREE sliding rear doors on both sides with fully retractable windows
• Three climate control systems keeping each zone comfortable be it 15 degrees below zero in north countries to 100 plus degrees in places like Dubai
• Customizable seating interior

Google Maps AI Navigation

The navigation system on the VLE is based on Google maps with the first integration of Google Cloud's New Automotive AI Agent for complete in-vehicle conversation services with Google Maps. Mercedes-Benz does not state if Android Auto or Apple Carplay will be supported or not, but with the new codeveloped Google Maps Cloud based Automotive AI Agent system, I have a feeling no.

Check out the 2027 Mercedes-Benz VLE MPV photo gallery for a wide range of pictures that cover the various options on the interior to the exterior. More customizable than current Minivans on sale today.

More details will be released closer to launch in the U.S. marketplace. Mercedes-Benz's electric vehicle push has come a long way since the 2020 EQC kicked off their electric dream.

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22 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I went and looked at their wikipedia and their tangled web of finance and ownership would make the Volkswagen Automotive Group blush.

Sadly, my dad had considered back in the 70's of becoming an AAMCO Franchise, but after starting down the rabbit hole, discovered things he was not thrilled with and choose to stay independent. As such, the whole Icahn approach to how they run things has turned me off from these companies.

I have little faith in them being honorable and more about how to take your money and give little back.

@ccap41 @Drew Dowdell 

Pep Boys is currently owned by Icahn Automotive Group LLC

Icahn Automotive Group LLC owns Pep Boys, Auto Plus, Precision Tune Auto Care, AAMCO Total Auto Care

I agree that once the lawsuit is over I can see VW picking up the servicing of Scout EVs.

350 miles of range for the Truck or SUV with AA/CP if they support it on an 800V system is a win and will have me very interested in the EVs to own.

22 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

 

These were awesome engines, just needed a huge engine bay as any straight-line engine needs.

22 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

 

I call BS on this, I feel that if you cannot respect the cost of taking care of your truck and to me abuse it by damaging it, then your just lazy and clearly have no idea about how to use tools properly.

I have heavily used my trucks, SUVs and CARs and never babied them, but always kept them looking sharp.

Yes, accidents happen and sometimes when one is tired you might put a scratch on it, but this truck has just been abused by someone that does not care.

His statement of a Truck you're afraid to beat-up is no longer a truck is BS, you do not need to beat up a truck to still have it as a useful tool.

A person who abuses their vehicles tells me a ton about their approach to how they work and live and they are just lazy and do not care. Do you really want a person like that working with you or doing work for you when they cannot take any pride in their own tools, makes one question if they would really take any pride in their job, products they do, etc.

Very cool tech to see what the actual condition is of ones vehicle.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/ownership/this-ai-scanner-in-california-can-see-every-nut-and-bolt-under-your-car-and-it-s-changing-the-dealership-game/ar-AA1YzlUO?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=69b9548379774192922d9e06fa6c4966&ei=15