Paolino

On 7/18/2025 at 5:40 PM, G. David Felt said:

This is interesting, makes sense what Mazda response is for why the Turbo will not be brought back.

Hybrid will be equal to or better than the Turbo which has been proven by Toyota with their Rav4 Hybrid which is their fastest auto now in the portfolio.

This Is Why Mazda Won't Bring Back The CX-5 Turbo

Sadly just far more complexity than needed.

I'm ok with the hybrid if the performance is there, but if it's mated to a CVT--I simply would be turned off.

When the CX-50 came out, I thought it was going to replace the CX-5. Then I found out the CX-5 was staying. Now the CX-5 grew... the two vehicles are about an inch off the length and width from one another. Yes, styling is a little different, and the CX-50 will be the only one with a turbo now... still, it just seems so close.

Love the update. It's a shame to hear the turbo may be gone. I'd also be wary about buying a new hybrid system first year out.

Ok, a few things to address, but I agree with most if not all you've said.

My only Air B&B experience in Italy was in July 2023, in Bari (southeastern on the boot; top of the heel). The only caveat of the whole thing was an elevator issue, which was rectified (it was on the top floor, and one day it wasn't working so we had to walk down all the stairs, and it was 115F outside, and you know the interior of the building doesn't have a/c). Since I broke my leg falling down a flight of stairs during lockdown, I still get anxiety on them today.

Everything else about the experience was perfect.

My only experiences not in the south are limited to 25 years ago... I've spent a few trips on the bottom of the heel at my in-laws homes, and the south in general, is opposite of the south of the US in terms of being progressive. When it comes to more liberal topics such as homosexuality, the south is surprisingly friendly. Even the town priest walked up to me and was very welcoming. The places you may come across more right-leaning ideologies are in central Italy and the north. Of course it's not everyone, but in general, you'll see more bigoted people in central/northern Italy. 

It's tricky for me to give an accurate, unbiased reaction to the country though because when I go there, I am fluent enough to be confused as a native, and they always peg my accent as southern (which has to be from my late fiance's and my grandmother's/father's influence). You will still get the reaction from northerners that are against the south... just like southerners who are against the north, but I'll save that history lesson for class.

Small towns in the south are incredible.. I stayed in this tiny hotel... 40€ a night, air-conditioned, breakfast included (granted in Italy that's just a cornetto and a cappuccino, but that's all I eat anyway), WiFi, so clean you could eat off the bidè, and the hotel owner's wife treated me like her child. I came home one night and she washed and folded my dirty laundry (seriously). I approached her about it, which, I understand most might find this a huge invasion of their privacy, but when a man is traveling alone (and she knew I was a widower), the "mother" in them comes out. In fact, she didn't think I was taking good-enough care of myself, so she'd tell me to go into the kitchen and help myself to peach juice, taralli (for those who don't know, they're the Italian versions of pretzels but have a texture of like a cracker), cookies, etc.

Southern Italy has become more like home to me (aside from my fiance being buried there, it reminds me of my own family). My only hatred is for the blistering sun and summer heat.

Honestly, I like it. Am I wowed beyond belief? No, but I think it'll sell like crazy. I appreciate a lot of the upgrades to the interior. I wish the release came with more details.

The interior tech upgrades got my attention. That's what is holding me out of a CX-50 (well, that, and one larger detail that I'd have to check out myself, and one really small thing that shouldn't bother me, but it does 😉).

Just curious--not that I'd ever take something off-road, but how to CVTs fair with off-roading?

1 hour ago, G. David Felt said:

I also am wondering if the next Rav4 could look a bit like that bZ3X in the photo.

I will say this is the first time a car from Toyota has actually caught my attention as the bZ7 is pretty sweet looking.

Time will tell. I'm also waiting to find out what the 2026 CX-50 (supposed to be refreshed) and CX-5 (new) will look like.

On 4/24/2025 at 5:34 PM, G. David Felt said:

So we have not posted a story on the Toyota version of this same EV, Toyota bZ7 which I personally think is way better looking and is even better looking than the Tesla S.

Thoughts? @Paolino @ccap41 @smk4565 @surreal1272 @A Horse With No Name @oldshurst442 @Drew Dowdell

Toyota bZ7

Toyota full bZ family of EVs

Dare I say they're actually very attractive... I'm very curious to know what the 2026 Rav4 is going to look like as I'm thinking about a small crossover and finally ditching sedans.

I saw some other pictures of the interior, and although I still don't like the style, it was nice to see some different color options, like a light green leather.

Lexus, year after year, styles in ways that make me wonder how people are buying them. Each generation gets a little uglier. At one point I really liked their designs (although I tend to prefer conservative designs).

I'm not quite sure what's going on with the doors... is that like a combination of woodgrain and plastic? Different types of woodgrain? Like the exteriors, the interiors of this and the current generation lost me...

202.3" long?!

Frankly, I'm upset over this. I've always had a soft spot for Buick.

I guess I wonder where this leaves Buick in the US... I like their products although not a huge fan of the new exterior design language, but I guess for now Buick here will be ICE only? I know they wanted to be all electric by 2030, but I don't see that happening here.

7 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

A new contender for your consideration?

Depends on how it's optioned out/priced. Won't know til I can tinker with the "build".

I really like that interior...

I know a lot of people who'd be all about this. That's one hell of an update.

Great updates. That interior, though... not at all a fan. Reminds me of something influenced by early 90s Saturn Ions or the 96 Taurus... I think it's the circles/ovals...

Good to see a Tesla fighter. That said, horrendous looking.

New images really show it off... I love it... interior especially.

Ok I saw a video of the interior... the steering wheel doesn't offend me anymore. I love the slate blue on the dash/wheel. It's nice to see some color coming back.

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Really?  I like the steering wheel.

I don't know what it is... I'm not liking the small circle in the middle. But to each their own. It's just not hitting me right. It's more the exterior. The interior in general is nice.

Thumbs up interior (except the steering wheel). Thumbs down exterior.

And the new badge/font have not grown on me at all...

I really do love the interior.

I love me a GMC.

Nice update. The only thing I'm not 100% crazy on is the way the dash swoops down to reveal the rubber tray (I assume also wireless charging) in the center stack.

This is wonderful... more motivation to get a Honda one day.