ccap41

This seems, at least, five years too early. 

47 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

The reason for that is that it is incredibly difficult to set up a whole vehicle platform AND engine / transmission platform all at the same time. The latest "all-new" CR-V came out in 2022, but the engine platform dates back to 2014 when it debuted in a mid-cycle refresh of an overseas market Honda Fit.

I actually assumed it was more about extracting more money out of a vehicle/platform. Brand new vehicles will spike sales, even with an old engine. Then in a year or two they add a new engine to spike sales again. Rinse and repeat. 

5 minutes ago, David said:

Yes, they started the Ultium rollout well and then it went downhill from there.

It didn't even start well. The Hummer had issues almost immediately. 

6 minutes ago, David said:

Volt 2.0 should have been rolled out into many other models while they worked to bring EVs on. 

I can't agree more. I've said it since the beginning that they needed to plop that powertrain in a few other vehicles. 

7 minutes ago, David said:

At least unlike GM they reversed course and committed to Android Auto and Apple Carplay. GM will find people will not be happy with that being taken away.

When did they reverse course? When did they announce a move away from Android Auto/CarPlay and then say they were keeping them? How do I not remember this announcement?

59 minutes ago, David said:

Considering the Toyota Frame failures and now axel failures, I agree sad if anyone gets hurt, but way to funny that peeps think Toyota is this perfect company.

There are fanboys of every company though. I know people who think GM is perfect, Ford is perfect, Toyota, Honda, Merc, BMW, Audi, etc. 

Somebody here was trying to convince others that the Ultium rollout hasn't been a complete shtshow. 

I don't hate the looks of their current lineup for their respective segments. That next gen Enclave looks AWFUL though. It's almost the definition of a badge-job. They changed the badges and front fascia and called it a day. 

9 hours ago, David said:

Buicks new tag line, "Exceptional by Design"

The Next Era of Buick is ‘Exceptional by design’

 

12 hours ago, David said:

Ford and GM will fall behind as I feel those auto companies that bring out their auto system supporting what the public is used too and share the money with Google will win over trying to keep the 100% to themselves when they are so far behind in the software development system.

Why are you grouping Ford with GM here? To the best of my knowledge, Ford has not announced abandoning CarPlay or AndroidAuto. 

Who would have thought that Honda could make a better Blazer than Chevy? 

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2024-honda-prologue-ev-first-drive-review/

"Here again we ask you don't get ahead of us. You may have heard about the software problems Chevy is having with the Blazer EV, particularly its new CarPlay-free infotainment system. None of that applies to the Prologue. Honda has installed its own hardware and software, and yes, it not only keeps CarPlay and Android Auto but also makes them standard and wireless to boot. On top of that, it'll project Apple Maps in the instrument cluster if you want, though frustratingly not Google Maps for those who prefer it. ...

Not only does it ride better than the Chevy, but it still handles sweetly. The Prologue sweeps around curves with a natural fluidity that's as appreciated as it is unexpected. It leans on its springs and dampers in the controlled and deliberate way the best sports cars do. Again, it doesn't encourage you to drive it like a sports car, it just makes a nice backroad drive more pleasant. ...

On the other hand, Honda has derated charging to a peak speed of 150 kW while the Chevy and Cadillac pull 190 kW. As a result, the Prologue needs 35 minutes to charge from 20 percent to 80 percent on a fast charger, which is already uncompetitive before you consider that most automakers report 10 percent to 80 percent charging time, where the Prologue will take even longer. Honda says this was done to ensure battery longevity, which means it either knows something GM doesn't about GM's battery or it's just being conservative. ...

At $48,795 to start, it's way cheaper than its $56,715 Chevy cousin at the moment (we don't know what the front-drive Blazer EV will cost, yet) and right on top of a Tesla Model Y Dual-Motor Long Range (rear-drive Teslas are a few thousand dollars cheaper but get a smaller battery and only 260 miles of range). For that price, you get wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic dual-zone climate control, HondaSensing safety tech, heated front seats, all the built-in Google features, automatic LED headlights and high-beams, the full-size instrument cluster and infotainment screens, heated mirrors, and a wireless phone charger. Oh, and 296 miles of range."

1 hour ago, Robert Hall said:

I think I saw that an exec at M-B was commenting about future M-B EVs have to look like M-B cars and not look like jelly beans.  I think they realize they went too far.  

Good to hear because they are pretty awful for what you're getting. I'm sure they're all great overall vehicles between performance and available luxuries but they just look so bad. 

4 hours ago, David said:

True, but it is not the terrible Tesla or Mercedes jelly bean look.

Chinese knockoff is a pretty awful look. The Model 3 and S aren't bad looking. they're quite attractive and at least have their own styling. 

The Mercs are awful and bland. 

On 2/10/2024 at 5:54 PM, David said:

I knew EV myth believing was bad in the U.S. but to see it in so many European countries is surprising.

Charged EVs | New survey finds myths and misinformation about EVs are deeply embedded - Charged EVs

It's kind of funny that you thought those humans are different than humans in the US. 

“In a new review video, Consumer Reports rips into the new Chevy Blazer EV in one of the most negative reviews we have ever seen from any respectable publication.”
 

https://www.torquenews.com/1083/consumer-reports-absolutely-shreds-new-chevy-blazer-ev-review?fbclid=IwAR1zlho2u105p52HDaKj7qiMpjX9xSw-zLshF4VOFoeWAPZ-ssBUuSPqgpM_aem_Aa89lR9AvcUKTUVuH3_P4L8bWkEaO1LP-ma6kUXzdwEK4EaLH075y6TfSXbpBs7RvCE

Remember when ULTIUM platform vehicles didn’t have issues? 😂

On 12/20/2023 at 3:59 PM, surreal1272 said:

This is just getting brutal. On top of the stop sales from GM, there this article about the Blazer EV that does not helps GMs cause at all. 
 

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2024-chevy-blazer-ev-long-term-faults.html?fbclid=IwAR1wprpgZnMgYjAnMpGfgFg_YyjAk4-Lnx4WlzMGE00V97KB0XPJfT061LY_aem_Aa4HA3YSHA7kBT9c-ajA9jcs8cAY6y7Jhu4th0Ncqf3wAF-GQeydI9WgTS47yyAkLSo
 

Again, the replies write themselves. 

BUT I THOUGHT THERE WEREN'T PROBLEMS WITH ULTIUM?!! 

44 minutes ago, Anthony Fongaro said:

I haven't but those stats sound promising.

Those stats and knowing the noises are coming from an AMG v8... 🥰

36 minutes ago, David said:

WOW, just when they could have really set off EV sales with the instant rebate starting January 1st 2024, come to find out the details bring this to only 10 EVs that qualify. Very Sad as what I am interested in is not on the list yet. I know both Kia/Hyundai/Genesis are planning to meet it with production later in 2024 as is Rivian, but it sucks that this will not help sales sooner.

Just as they will require every year higher U.S. built components, I feel there should be a 100% credit to start and it phases out if you do not bring manufacturing online in the U.S. over the next 18 or 24 months.

Only 10 Electric Car Models Will Qualify For Full Federal EV Tax Credit On January 1, 2024 - CleanTechnica

I'm a little disappointed Rivian isn't already on the list but i'm not in the market right now anyway. 

The list seems adequate to me. What are you interested in that isn't on the list, Hummer EV? 

37 minutes ago, David said:

🤔 And a service Nightmare. Mercedes has always pushed tech to the cutting edge and I love the color and the tech, but I suspect this could be a service nightmare in reliability as they really do not have much of a track record for hybirds.

Yeah, that's what supercars are about. Rarely are any of them cheap or easy to maintain. In fact, I'd wager all of them are considered "very expensive" to maintain. 

1 hour ago, Anthony Fongaro said:

And seriously quick!

Have you been able to drive one?!? I took this read as more of an informative piece rather than a driven review. 

3 hours ago, Anthony Fongaro said:

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the most powerful SL to date. The SL63 S E Performance makes 816 horsepower and 1,047 lb-ft.

This is insane and I love it. 

I love that they're doing this. Yeah, the take rate will be low still but the people who want a manual have another option. More options are better for the consumer.

My assistant manager currently drives a manual, convertible 370Z. It's been having all sorts of problems lately and she wants to replace it (yes, she). Her problem is she wants another manual, convertible, 2 seater. She doesn't want a Mustang or Camaro(no need for a back seat and she just doesn't want either) and there just isn't much else out there anymore without spending an arm and a leg. I'd still wager this is way more than she'd like to spend but this is exactly what she's wanting. 

When her and I were talking about this a few weeks ago, my first thought was Supra or this but there was no convertible supra and no manual BMW Z. There's no convertible Nissan Z. She also just doesn't want a Miata. She's fine with small/sporty cars but the Miata is too small for her. 

I'm pretty sure nearly the entire country has been covered, as far as road trips are concerned, for a little while now. Obviously, the more the better but, both of your road trips have been covered for awhile now with fast chargers. 

Nope, I was wrong. 

It's a feature in their "Premium Connectivity" section.  $99/yr. 

https://www.tesla.com/support/connectivity

1 minute ago, riviera74 said:

Why is the new Tahoe able to tow more weight than a new Suburban?

Probably because it weighs less than a Suburban but I haven't looked at the differences in towing capabilties. 

5 minutes ago, David said:

@Drew Dowdell Do you know if Tesla requires some sort of subscription to Tesla to allow the 360 degree cameras to record what is going on with the vehicle the way GM is requiring Subscription to On-Star to allow recording use via the Camera's?

I'm not Drew but, I don't believe you have to subscribe to that at Tesla. 

Drew will correct me if I'm wrong. 😂

13 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Me too! That would be a tough choice for me.

Obviously, I'll need to see it in person but it looks freakin sweet in pictures. 

I just hope a few people actually want it over black, white, or silver. 

I LOVE that new green/blue.

13 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Now if they would just sell a TLX SH-AWD Wagon here, that would be nice mmmkay.

I'd be on board with that. 

My next vehicle will either be a half ton truck or a wagon. I just wish there were more affordable but fun wagons. The TourX is high on my list but other than that, the price doubles or triples. 

On 11/29/2023 at 10:24 PM, oldshurst442 said:

Im not even going to post the Mercedes. Its just that ugly.  But here is a Cadillac

No, you included Cadillac, as well. 

14 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

And the TLX, actually IS a legit sports sedan. 

Uhhhh.. we can just agree to disagree here. 

15 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

Ill be back after the holidays.  Its just that posting here when Surreal is on a verbal rampage WHENEVER he posts and you are confrontational on such stupid things such as FWB based cars (are we back in the 1990s?) is just not really appealing to me at this point in time. 

No need to announce you're leaving. We all come and go as we please.