G. David Felt

Meh ?

@oldshurst442 Totally agree with you that I am fine with the V8 going away. I am very excited for the EV generation of performance cars. Love the looks of the Banshee. Could see the Banshee in your driveway as you come out to go to work. I know this is just someones photoshop, but would be freakin awesome to have a Banshee Station wagon.

@oldshurst442 @ccap41 @Robert Hall @surreal1272 @smk4565 @trinacriabob @riviera74 @Drew Dowdell Seems you guys will get further Charger/Challanger ICE autos's based on standard and HO 6 cylinder engine. Seems a video shown at the dealer meeting has leaked out also as a Jeep EV. Stellantis dealer briefing hints at midsize Ram, Jeep Recon, Dodge Stealth - Autoblog

Seems according to New Ford Capri to become coupe-SUV | Auto Express That Ford will use the VW MEB platform to bring back the Capri name but on an Electric Vehicle, specifically an SUV. 335 hp, AWD with a 300 mile range.

Awesome Ride, wishing you all the best Drew. Look forward to seeing your updates on this.

True, they are but then we do have many high revving engines an example of this is the Yamaha engine used in their boat/PWC. They have had limited success getting it to be used in an Auto outside of Japan, but here is a 10K to 15K revving engine. Clearly if they can have the engine rev that high, they could put it into the commercial auto market, but their conservative approach puts a limit on the engine. Yet one can imagine the aftermarket of tuners that will dial in these engines and push the boundary of revving.

One could do a basic internet search and come up with plenty of stories on the top 8, Top 10 or Top 12 solid state battery companies in 2023. Here at Cheers and Gears we have done 9 such stories covering College Research turned into Battery Startup's that all have their own take on the ultimate Forever battery of Solid State design. What is a solid-state battery and why is it considered a Forever battery? To understand this discussion, we have to start with understanding the difference between a Conventional and solid-state battery. Traditional EV batteries, pretty much any battery today as it has been used for the last century is made up of a cathode, anode, and electrolyte. The electrolyte under fast charging has an additional issue and that is one of catching on fire. In the case of a traditional EV Lithium-ion battery, the electrolyte is a liquid solution connecting the two. All batteries have worked this way for decades. Due to the electrolyte's physical limitations, we have reached the limit of the energy cell density. If consumers want their phones, watches, electric cars, etc. to last longer, charge faster, we need a fundamentally different battery cell. Welcome to the Solid-state battery or what industry observers and creators are calling the "Forever Battery". But why call it this term? Solid-state batteries have the potential to allow powering a heavily used cell phone for days, charging your smartwatch in seconds rather than 10's of minutes and yes, filling up an EV in minutes with driving for hundreds if not thousands of miles depending on the battery pack size. They also do not have the fire issue that you have with todays current batteries. Yet with this, there is still a big problem with batteries and that is a known issue called DENDRITES. This video shows that through charging and discharging, dendrites is an issue that hits both traditional batteries of today with a liquid electrolyte and solid-state batteries. This video shows the growth of dendrites during the charging and discharging process. Once dendrites grow from the anode to the cathode they short out and will no longer hold a charge. This is also why over time batteries loose capacity of electrical charge. Over the last couple of decades, college scientists working with venture capital firms across the globe have invested heavily in R&D to build solid-state batteries that are far more energy dense, does not have the dendrite issues that cause cracking in the battery and short circuiting. In just the last two years, college R&D has moved to prototype production lines as multiple research groups have moved into the startup phase with what they believe to be is a solution that cracked the code of a dendrite free solid-state battery. These designs allow for a fire safe, solid energy dense battery that is what the media has termed "Forever Batteries" as the current testing is showing that such battery packs should last a million miles at least if not longer, reducing the need to replace them every 7 to 10 years. Solid-state batteries allow for a reduction in packaging size, while gaining energy density, fire safety, along with the packaging improvements. There is also the benefit of multi-layering which increases energy density storage in both traditional batteries and solid-state. Solid-state wins here due to the reduced packaging size while increasing the energy storage capacity. While the solid-state battery research started with a single layer battery cell, the last few years saw them move to 4-layer and 10-layer battery cells and many of these soli-state startups are now producing working prototypes of 16-layer cells of which the auto industry is testing. Companies such as QuantumScape a R&D group from Standford University and now a tech startup of solid-state batteries has shipped their first deliveries of batteries to auto companies for testing. A company that went into startup mode in 2010, QuantumScape is hoping to go full mass production of their solid-state, 16 layer cells in 2024. Many would ask and rightly so would want to know how this technology translates into real world applications. Solid-State batteries would on size alone be about a 20 to 25% reduction in physical size if kW to kW was the same over liquid. But then you have the energy density gains which are from 50% to 80% increase over the old standard Lithium-ion liquid battery. This would mean if you had a 200 mile range Lithium-ion liquid battery, a solid-state battery would be 20 to 25% smaller and deliver 300 to 400 miles of range depending on the application at a minimum. Research on the life of current batteries is still limited due to the amount of EVs on the roads today and volume of battery production, but indications are that it is good and will only get better. How Long Do EV Battery Packs Last? Per the most current study, we have the following data: Battery replacements are quite rare. In our community of 15,000 cars, only 1.5% have been replaced (outside of big recalls like Chevy Bolt). Degradation is not linear. We're including battery degradation curves that illustrate how well these batteries hold up over time. There's some drop in the beginning then it levels out for a long period. Most replacements occur under warranty. For example, a new Rivian has battery coverage for 175,000 miles or 10 years. The federal minimum warranty is 8 years or 100,000 miles. This is why Recurrent Reports are essential. Recurrent can give you insights into an EV battery without costly or invasive tests. Auto makers are stating that they expect EVs to last between 15 to 20 years moving forward. Yet we do have the data going back over the last two decades. This data has then been broken down by year of battery replacements where we see that the Nissan air temperature controlled battery and the Tesla S liquid temperature controlled battery have the highest percentage of battery replacements. The study shows the following details of battery replacements as follows: 2013 Tesla Model S (8.5%) 2014 Tesla Model S (7.3%) 2015 Tesla Model S (3.5%) 2011 Nissan LEAF (8.3%) 2012 Nissan LEAF (3.5%) This does take into account the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt recall, and the 2019 Hyundai Kona recall. The Nissan Leaf and Tesla S both had early recalls on battery packs due to the early day chemistry of those cells before they changed over to the current hearty cell chemistry that everyone is currently using. There is much data at the link above if you wish to see more granular breakdown by actual OEM EV models. The benefit is that if an EV works for you needs today, you will get a long useful life out of the EV that is greater than many see with ICE auto's. This leads us to the "Forever Battery", the solid-state darlings that are just now ramping up testing sample production for auto companies across the globe. The following list of solid state battery companies that have moved into production from development today: Home - Solid Power (solidpowerbattery.com) Building the Best Solid State Battery | QuantumScape Ampcera – Solid State Electrolytes and Batteries Solid-State Li-Ion batteries utilizing proprietary polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) technology (brightvolt.com) ProLogium Technology Co., Ltd Toyota Solid-State Battery Toyota Battery Manufacturing, North Carolina (TBMNC) - Toyota USA Newsroom ilika Solid State Battery Home of the World's Smallest Solid-State Batteries - Cymbet Keep in mind that this is just a sample of the Solid-State Battery startup companies above and there are more that are mentioned below that you can look at. Not all companies will survive in their current state as some will be swallowed up by legacy battery companies that do not currently have this technology. End result is that we are on the start of a major battery revolution that will promise to change not only the auto industry but the rest of the industry that needs batteries from the smallest used in hearing aids to the largest that would be used to store excess power till it is needed. Stories on Solid State Batteries over the last 18 months: View full article

IMHO, I totally agree with you that none of this is Porn. The Southern people especially the IDIOTS in Florida are stupid bible thumping idiots that have been brainwashed by double standard religious leaders that have shamed them about their bodies, sex, love and humanity. These are the same folks that tell you to your face to not do this, this, this, this and yet they go out and do everything they just told folks not to do. I always have found it headshaking about the super mega church leaders that have been caught abusing kids, young woman or men and cry on TV as they continue to ask for your money to do gods work. This has continued to reenforce that many humans are lemmings. The old saying an Idiot and their money are soon parted is so true. Nothing wrong in the beauty of the human form, loving a person no matter what as it is what makes our multi-cultural world amazing. Erotic Images from Ancient Times – World History et cetera It is amazing to learn about things that humans feel ward off evil spirits. Not worthy of a story I feel, but this Press release from GMC this morning is cool. GMC and EarthCruiser Collaborate to Shape the Future of Overlanding Brands plan to combine GMC’s world-class reputation for designing and building premium off-road EV trucks and SUVs with EarthCruiser’s proven overland vehicle and global field expertise to create an overlanding upfit solution that is integrated onto a GMC HUMMER EV Pickup, allowing customers to explore the world in a new way. “EarthCruiser designs its vehicles to thrive in the most extreme, toughest environments imaginable,” said EarthCruiser CEO/Founder Lance Gillies. “From the Australian Outback to the Alaskan wilderness and everywhere in between, an EarthCruiser was made to tackle tough terrain. As we consider the future of overlanding, we are continuing to look toward key technologies like electrification that will help us explore for decades to come. Electrification presents exciting opportunities for overland use, such as precise torque control over terrain and ease-of-use, in addition to zero-tailpipe emissions. We’re thrilled to be working with GM’s team of top-tier EV engineers and look to develop an overland vehicle that’s truly made for, and will define, the future of this industry.” The GMC HUMMER EV overlander concept will be unveiled in late summer 2023. Visit GMC.com and earthcruiser.com for more information.

I get that the production redlines at 6500 rpm and I realize now that I should have included the link to Toyota Racing where they have this same engine reving that high. But this still does not endear me to these small over pushed engines.

Never been a fan of the 2 and 3 cylinder Turbo charged motors turning out 300 HP, have to rev 10,000 RPM or more to produce less lb-ft of torque than the HP. Probably why I am not impressed with the European super cars. This story has a bunch of short videos as the deal tears down a brand new Toyota GR Corolla which according to Toyota produces 300 HP/300 lb-ft of torque as a high revving 3 cylinder turbo motor. Glad it is covered by warranty as $32,000 to repair is crazy cost for a Corolla. https://www.thedrive.com/news/2023-toyota-gr-corolla-engines-colossal-failure-is-a-32000-bill-you-dont-want

Seems Nissan is thinking about an R32 EV.

Very cool https://insideevs.com/news/659356/porsche-boxster-ev-prototypes-spotted-at-tesla-supercharger/

Over the last couple of decades Ford's flagship mid-size Saloon sedan has been enjoying unprecedented popularity with a triple digit year over year growth and particular huge growth in the Middle East. Specifically, the middle east has seen massive growth as follows: Saudi Arabia up 73% Kuwait up 125% Oman up 63% Bahrain up 42% The All-new Ford Taurus has gone through an extensive comprehensive testing in facilities around the world from the mundane to the extreme such as Dubai where temperatures exceed 50 degrees Celsius or 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The All-New Ford Taurus is built in Thailand, India, Australia and Chine for global markets ensuring they are built to Blue Oval's exacting world-class standards. Per Siya Dallalah, Product Development General Manager, Ford International Markets Group: “It’s crucial to the comfort of our customers, and the integrity of the all-new Taurus, that we test in such extreme climes. Dust and sand can play havoc on engine internals and suspension components by accelerating wear on moving parts. Add that to the searing heat, and you are faced with a vehicle that has to work much harder than it might have to in more favorable conditions. Our testing ensures Taurus’ engine, transmission, driveline- and cooling systems can handle the demands of the region.” Ford had the following statement to say on the Taurus Launch: "From a panoramic sunroof and three alloy wheel size options to its powerful and efficient 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine with eight-speed automatic transmission – operated by a contemporary rotary gear shifter on the centre console – Taurus delivers more of what large sedan buyers. Driver assist technologies include adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation system and blind spot intervention (BLIS), while on the inside, wireless charging and an impressive 13.2-inch centre screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility, along with an 8-eight-inch digital cluster display, ensuring the technophiles are catered to." "The all-new segment-leader Ford Taurus will arrive to Middle East showrooms soon with its all-new modern design, powerful turbocharged engine, unique regional premium touches, and highly desired technologies." Ford has even delivered on flush door handles that upon unlocking the car from your fob, the door handles rise out to allow a pull for entry. Front grill is auto adjusting to enhance airflow for optimized performance of the EcoBoost powertrain. Starting at 3:20 in the video you will see the self adjusting grill and then the door handles. This is then followed by the interior. This video has no audio but is released by FORD to show off the All-New Ford Taurus. Taurus.mp4 View full article

Thank you @smk4565 I was curious to see what the model year sales were like and so while I just grabbed the chart that only went back to 2005, I have circled in Red the model year generation change. Hyundai Sonata Models, Generations & Redesigns | Cars.com Based on this the changes before this were as follows: 1999-2005 1994-1998 1992-1993 It would seem that Hyundai when they have a hit on their hands will work through to a break even point and then come out with a new model or massive refresh update. If they have a successful style, they push it longer. Clearly the Fish mouth style design of the last generation continued to sell a bit into 2021 and then fell off as all auto sales did in 2022. Was a solid move to refresh it inside and out to align with their EV drive of new auto's and as @surreal1272 pointed out, this does have a very Lucid look that people seem to like. I bet this will do very well for them. Be interesting to see the sales numbers once this hits the lots.

WOW, I have to say that Hyundai is hitting Home Runs. This is a really nice looking car inside and out. I would expect it would be something the car folks here would like, such as @oldshurst442 @ccap41 @trinacriabob @riviera74 I am glad they are tying it into their EV brand for a smooth transition. Great Interior for a 21st century car. Have to say it is a desirable car IMHO.

Lovely auto, @balthazar would love that engine. Some Sexy Curves there for sure, a great sunny day cruising auto.

XBOX Game players should be happy. Cadillac CT4 & CT5 Blackwing editions will be part of Forza Horizon 5 Xbox game release. Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing Sedans Debut in ‘Forza Horizon 5’ Quote: Both cars will be offered as seasonal rewards that players can earn by completing challenges and progressing through the “Forza Horizon 5” seasonal playlist. The CT5-V Blackwing will be available to players as a seasonal reward from April 6 to April 12, 2023. The CT4-V Blackwing will be available to players as a seasonal reward from April 20 to April 26, 2023.

As I have stated so many times, ramping up production of EVs is constrained by part production such as battery packs. Ford has confirmed that ramping up production of the F150 is limited due to available battery packs at this time. Ford CEO says battery supply is EV production constraint (electrek.co)

Craziest thing I have ever seen.

Seems Mustang for 2023 calendar year have lost 3 things that will piss off some, but most will probably not care. Ford Silently Dropped These 3 Things From the New Mustang (motorbiscuit.com) No manual transmission in the EcoBoost trims Non-Premium GT and EcoBoost lose their convertible tops Double-bubble brow dash and retro switchgear Seems if you want a Manual or Convertible or both, you are going to have to pay up to a top of the line trim to get it.

I have always liked the oddball planes and I find the Cirrus SF50 personal plane very interesting. The other plane I have always liked is the Piaggio Aero P180 Aanti II Here I attribute my desire to these planes due to the engineering work done to put the engine nose at the back of the plane.

Would so love to have the auto and drive it on road trips especially over HWY20 here as that twisty drive would be a blast in this Performance SUV. I rarely see Trailblazer SS go up for sale since they are limited edition and when they do they usually are still higher priced than other non-limited production autos that are selling.

@oldshurst442 An old Boomer lady, friend of my wife that I call Crazy Mary since Mary is a huge Facebook Conspiracy theorist believes that the plane has been hijacked for a future attack on some other country and the people are being reprogrammed as I type to make terrorist attacks around the world. She is also one that believes everyone that got vaccinated has been chipped and is under the control of Bill Gates. As to why I call Mary, Crazy Mary. When I asked her about the debris they found in the ocean, she told me that it was Chinese who dropped it to divert attention from what really happened.