G. David Felt

Pain Killer

While I love saving gas, I am all for having a little extra omf under the hood. Example is my daughters 1999 Durango with the 5.9L V8 in her 4x4 that they then made it an AWD RT edition for 2000 and removed the 5.8L from the 4x4 option list in 2000 with a smaller V8 in the 4x4 model. She is over 300,000 miles and while the auto is old and not as fast as it used to be, with maintenance, it is still running strong and moves way better than an equal Durango that has the V6 or smaller V8 engines. I believe the Encore GX with a little more omf, aka bigger engine, extra piston would be what I would want if I could fit and drive one. The 3 cylinder motors I have not seen great history with them, but then it could also be my limited exposure to them since everything I drive and have owned have always been V8 SUVs/Trucks.

I would do my mid 80's Monte Carlo SS Aero or standard with T-Tops. Course this is cool too. Experimental EV: 1967 Buick Riviera Electric Vehicle | Barn Finds

All awesome candidates for conversion to EV powertrain if the person loves the car enough.

I think you might have seen it elsewhere as I never seen the videos till, I was cruzing during a boring all hands meeting on YouTube and came across it today. Then I find on binging the twitter coverage from one of the local news stations. I agree with you that the exit ramp that is there and I took a couple weeks back to take the wife to the Flower and Garden show at the convention center is short and terrible off ramp to a red light. Yet it was built back in 1960 when autos were a different breed. I will say they just finished a major expansion of the convention center and hotel rooms to attract tech conventions and I was surprised as many locals that this ramp was not closed for good. Politicians got their way with a old, design poor exit ramp that really should have been made to go away.

Exciting to see the spy photos of the EV above the LYRIQ out in winter weather testing. Electric Cadillac Crossover Above Lyriq Spied Testing (gmauthority.com) I do like the more traditional upright back on this suv.

@Drew Dowdell @surreal1272 @oldshurst442 @Robert Hall @ccap41 @riviera74 I am sure there are many and I wish like slack they had an @channel ability as this video is just too funny. Does not matter if your drive a car, suv, truck, ev or ICE. This is the Union St. Exit to down town Seattle at the Convention center and the off-ramp is a 50 plus year old off-ramp that is way too short and clearly so many people do not pay attention to the signs that go from 60mph to 20 mph in about 500 feet. As such, I just discovered that one of the folks working in the building at the off-ramp has built a compilation video of all the crashes. Enjoy Seattle Stupidity at it's best. Found a tweet of the off ramp and someone actually driving it. Seems it is 60 to 30 in a few hundred feet at best and then like 50 feet to 20mph and around the corner. Crazy.

Saw tonight a 1978 Indy 500 pace corvette at the shell station as I was passing by, looked very clean, a boomer was gassing it up, but surprised that with the snow coming down, he had taken it out for a spin. I have to say that while they had their issues, still to this day, this is one of my favorite body designs for the corvette, t-tops and all. I will say that the only thing I wish Chevrolet had done is what you find on custom corvettes from this generation, the built in aerodynamic lights like this 1980 custom stingray. Learned that famed Corvette designer Bill Mitchell was involved in this custom stingray. Cherry 1980 Stingray Has Just 700 Miles Since 1982 Restomod (95octane.com)

University of Maryland, director of Materials Innovation and lead author of the paper seems to think we can have a greener planet and healthier life by using shell fish or more specifically the Chitin that is found in the shellfish. Crabs are among just one of the many shellfish that not just Americans, but pretty much the global population loves to eat leaving tons and tons of shellfish for the garbage dump until now. Lithium as we know has its own draw backs when it comes to mining and refining the material for our greener EVs. Yet this is the most common used material for the battery cells. Now we have the first research done that is thinking outside the box in regard to how to build battery cells. As the world transitions to deploying green energy solutions and electric vehicles, the batteries being used by this technology should also be evo-friendly. Currently the chemicals used in conventional batteries such as lithium-ion can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down. These same chemicals are corrosive, flammable and in cases of consumer-gadgets batteries have caught fire or caused fires that took place in either the products or recycling centers. The Center for Materials Innovation at the University of Maryland has come up with a solution that is a proposed A Zinc coordinated chitosan electrolyte that they propose. This chitosan-Zn electrolyte enables the desirable Zn-deposition. To quote the released paper: Rechargeable aqueous Zn-metal battery is promising for grid energy storage needs, but its application is limited by issues such as Zn dendrite formation. In this work, we demonstrate a Zn-coordinated chitosan (chitosan-Zn) electrolyte for high-performance Zn-metal batteries. The chitosan-Zn electrolyte exhibits high mechanical strength, Zn2+ conductivity, and water bonding capability, which enable a desirable Zn-deposition morphology of parallel hexagonal Zn platelets. Using the chitosan-Zn electrolyte, the Zn anode shows exceptional cycling stability and rate performance, with a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.7% and >1,000 cycles at 50 mA cm−2. The full batteries show excellent high-rate performance (up to 20C, 40 mA cm−2) and long-term cycling stability (>400 cycles at 2C). Furthermore, the chitosan-Zn electrolyte is non-flammable and biodegradable, making the proposed Zn-metal battery appealing in terms of safety and sustainability, demonstrating the promise of sustainable biomaterials for green and efficient energy-storage systems. End result is that the energy efficiency of these battery cells are 99.7% after 1000 cycles of charging or about 400 hours of charging on the cell. Benefits: Quick charge and discharge without significant performance degradation Not flammable Cells if disposed of in the ground breakdown in just 5 months due to microbial degradation leaving Zinc behind for recycling Biomedical engineering has found that processing the food waste of shellfish into other uses is a booming business. Currently shellfish processed is now used in wound dressing as an anti-inflammatory treatment on wounds as another example. Colleges in the U.K. and Spain have per reviewed the paper and agree that this has great potential to giving green energy creation a greener energy storage. The researchers of the University of Maryland are being quiet at this time but are moving forward into prototype production of Chitin-Zinc battery cells for testing by both the automotive industry and energy companies. End result is an EV battery that is good for 300 miles of range would be able to handle 1,000 charge cycles in a 10-year period with minimal loss of storage. In this case a Chitin-Zinc battery pack would only loose .03% of its storage capacity according to the research done to date. End result is as we transition away from dirty energy sources, such as coal, the world will need a environmentally friendly source of storage for green energy such as wind, solar and hydro. Crustaceans could provide a solution that would reduce the reliance on lithium-ion batteries. View full article

Latest reviews are just bashing Tesla as junk compared to Korean or other EV products. Kia, Hyundai Catching up to Elon Musk's Tesla With Stylish Electric SUVs (businessinsider.com) Tesla Model Y Vs. Kia EV6: Comparing the Sporty Electric SUVs (businessinsider.com) Just looks alone show how dated Tesla has become. EV6 versus Tesla Y Ioniq 6 versus Tesla 3

This is an awesome read. Hyundai Ioniq 6 Gets Low Starting Price and Tesla-Beating Range (businessinsider.com)

@oldshurst442 I will say that I am excited for the Blazer SS AWD EV. This could be a hoot to drive as right now they are estimating 557 horsepower in AWD form for a cuv and that totally beats my Trailblazer SS body on frame fun auto. 2008 Trailblazer SS AWD 400hp/400 lb-ft of torque mid-size suv 173.5-inch overall length 113-inch wheelbase length 74.7-inch overall width 67.83-inch height 7.82-inch ground clearance 0 to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds 2024 Blazer SS AWD EV 557hp/648 lb-ft of torque mid-size cuv ????-inch overall length ????-inch wheelbase ????-inch overall width ????-inch height ????-inch ground clearance 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds Comparing this to the Blazer RS ICE version 191.88-inch overall length 112.7-inch wheelbase 76.7-inch overall width 67-inch overlength 7.60-inch ground clearance 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds While I have not found firm specifications, but in interviews, Chevrolet has said it will come in around the same size as the Blazer RS ICE CUV. This puts it in the same ballpark as my SS and might be a good fit for my wife.

True, much of this philosophical debate circles around financial keeping up with the jones versus living within ones means and enjoying to the maximum what one can afford and live with. While yes you are correct my friend that none of mine are CUVs, they are SUVs and are fun to drive. I do believe there are some CUVs that are fun to drive, but off the top of my head I cannot think after just finishing up a long day of writing a new Hands On Lab for our Trade Show in May in Vegas, so I think I would have to say that some of the German Performance CUVs might just be a hoot to drive even for the segment they are. Overall, the driving for the pure joy of driving is lost on the majority of Lemmings who get a license. AKA Prius owners, or heck just about any one who buys any auto and then farts along in the left lane at 40, 20 under the posted 60 MPH speed limit here and to make matters worse, we seem to have gotten a group of new idiot drivers who think driving in the left lane, 20 under with their hazards on is safe driving. ? At this point, my bottle of wine is calling me and a movie. Good night all, check in tomorrow. ?

Yet some do consider the Corolla GT-S and Beretta performance cars for their segment.

None of those cars inspire me to drive them. I would take my 76 Luv Truck over all of them.

Totally disagree, humans have NOT given up on the joy of Living, they gave up on an outdated idea of a performance car on empty highways and blasting at high speeds all over. The freedom sedan to just get out and drive is now replaced by the lifestyle auto to go places and see the world. Society has found the joy of their lifestyle and the Car does not support that much anymore in comparison to CUV/SUV/Truck. Be it getting outside on hikes especially due to Covid, camping, winter sports, summer sports, etc. I see plenty of humans enjoying the joy of living but that is outside as a lifestyle choice where the car does not meet the needs of the soccer, football, basketball, surfing, etc. sports family.

@oldshurst442 You love performance cars, I get that and respect it. Yet that same car does not fit me. I love Performance and I get it in my SS. Which I bought for my wife who loves the mid size, power and awd as much as I do. Course then I have my very first SUV I ever bought, my 1984 GMC Suburban SLE which I rebuilt the 350 into a 402 putting out 505hp / 551 lb-ft of torque and hauls ass. Taught my son how to do burn outs in it. Then like @Drew Dowdell I have the quiet, comfy road trip auto, my Escalade ESV. To me there has been nothing exciting since Cadillac brought the V series back in their cars for the last almost 4 decades. I love the outdoors and SUVs give that access to me in comfort, performance and fun with space. We both find out auto love where it fits our lifestyle. Why autos now are considered lifestyle vehicles.

Or Just a restful Hot Blooded Human that is resting before their next explosion of living life. Cars were dead the last 2 to 3 decades for the most part here in America's excluding small eruptions of the Muscle class of Mustang, Camaro and Challenger.

So, you're saying this is a decent commuter auto for those that want something a bit upscale rather than driving a Toyota or Chevrolet eco box auto.

Buicks press release says that the Encore GX is North America's most popular vehicle now with an updated interior, new tech and a brands new face / logo. Welcome to the first ever Buick Encore GX Avenir CUV. This blue top ranked CUV by J.D. Power Initial Quality Study continues Buick's standard for high-quality engineering and craftsmanship. The Buick Wildcat EV concept introduced the world to this new front fascia design language. This features a dynamic, forward-leaning front-end that comes to a crescendo at Buick's new body-mounted tri-shield logo. An updated modern grille pairs with the new signature winged LED headlamps, creating a distinctive visual presence, featuring 18 or 19 inch wheel options depending on trim. Avenir brings the best of Buick to the Encore GX for the first time as the top-of-the-line trim. The Encore GX is the first vehicle in the Buick lineup to offer the all new 19-inch Virtual Cockpit System, offering the largest infotainment screen in the segment. Buick is introducing their VCS (Virtual Cockpit System) as a key piece of the Driver centric, Tech-forward interior design. The VCS features 19 inches diagonal of high-definition screens under a single pane of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system, largest in its segment according to Buick and a custom configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled towards the driver for intuitive control. Soft-touch materials and unique stitching patterns flow throughout the updated interior. The premium cabin experience is enhanced with Buick's QuietTuning system helping to prevent unwanted road noise from entering the cabin, providing a serene and premium driving experience. Buick’s Avenir trim is coming off its most successful year yet, commanding approximately a 27 percent and 28 percent adoption rate on the Enclave and Envision, respectively, as customers continue to be drawn to the functional luxury Buick delivers. Available for the first time on the Encore GX, the Avenir trim elevates the small SUV segment to a new level, offering customers exclusive design cues, cutting-edge features and premium materials that have all become synonymous with the Avenir badge. On the exterior, the Encore GX Avenir includes a unique Avenir grille, unique clear lens LED tail lamps, 19-inch Avenir-specific wheels, chrome front and rear bumpers accents and black carbon metallic body side molding. The Avenir experience continues on the inside, as the new Encore GX Avenir brings an exclusive Whisper Beige and Jet Black color theme, leather seats, 10-way power driver seat, 8-way power passenger seat, heated steering wheel, air ionizer, rearview auto dim mirror, embroidered Avenir head restraints and Avenir door sills. The Buick Encore GX ST (Sport Touring) is an option for the Encore GX buyers that want a uniquely chic and sporty appearance. The Buick Encore GX LED taillights and LED Headlights and front end are the same, the ST gets a high gloss black front and rear bumpers and is offered with an optional Black Roof Package and Glossy black wheels to match. The Encore GX ST gets its own touch for interior appointments such as a flat bottom sport centric steering wheel and accents. The Encore GX will introduce the latest version of Buick's infotainment system that is customizable and works wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto including wireless phone charging. The Buick Encore GX will come standard with a 1.2L Turbocharged engine producing 137 HP / 162 lb-ft of torque. An optional 1.3L Turbocharged engine is available that produces 155 HP / 174 lb-ft of torque. AWD models will come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission and FWD will come standard with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). GM is estimating 30 mpg combined for FWD and 27 mpg combined for AWD. The 2024 Encore GX will come standard with Buick Driver Confidence package that includes six safety and driver assistance technologies such as Automatic Emergency braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure warning, IntelliBeam Auto high-beams and more. The Buick Encore GX goes into production March 2023 and will be on Dealership lots Spring of 2023. Buick Encore GX Preferred trim starts @ $26,895 Buick Encore GX ST trim starts @ $28,095 Buick Encore GX Avenir trim starts @ $33,195 Custom orders for the Buick Encore GX will start May 2023. View full article

I think at least for American Companies, they have realized that a more normal, ICE look is going to be the winner for people buying EV over ICE.

Seems that VW is rethinking the names of their EVs. Seems the names will live on as ID.ProductName. VW says best-selling SUV will go electric as the ID.Tiguan (electrek.co) ID2 is getting a complete redesign based on the new MEB+ platform which will see the ID2 become the ID.Golf along with the ID.Tiguan.

Very COOL, 3 more Cadillac EVs we will see this year for production in 2024. Trio of Cadillac EVs to debut in 2023, start production in 2024 (greencarreports.com)