Drew Dowdell

The first product to come from Ford's investment into startup automaker Rivian will likely be a Lincoln SUV due to arrive sometime in 2022. The vehicle will be all-wheel drive and compete against Rivian's own R1S which is priced at $72,500. The models will share Rivian's skateboard platform, a design that combines the motors, batteries, controls and suspension into a single unit that the body can be built around. The Rivian R1S is a three-row EV crossover with a range of up to 410 miles and will be built in Normal Illinois at a former Mitsubishi plant. It is expected to go into production sometime in 2021. There will also be a compact Lincoln EV crossover coming for 2021 that could be built on the same platform that the Ford Mustang Mach-E rides on. EV sales have been tepid so far in the US, but Lincoln is banking on the EVs to be bigger sellers in the Chinese market. View full article

At least there's the 9-speed available.

and it sounds like you might actually fit in it.

I suppose I should go see it just to stay current on pop culture. Maybe over the weekend.

That's interesting because that's just under the spec of the old LT1 in the '96 Chevy Impala.

My uncle and cousin, who are both Mustang hard liners and have multiple classic mustangs are warming to the idea of this.

40s and sunny here. I need to go do some last minute T-day shopping.

Last year we hosted a small gathering for two people who didn't have a place to go for the holiday. This year we're hosting most of the family, I think the count is 12 or 13 plus a dog. I'm still sick, but getting by. We're doing most of the cooking. There's a 20 lbs turkey defrosting in the fridge. Friday I stay at home and shop online. Saturday and Sunday are just free days for me... might hang out with friends.

Aston Martin has unveiled their DBX SUV in Beijing China. This is the first SUV in the brand's 106-year history. It is being build at a new plant in Wales that is part of Aston Martin's second century rebirth plan. The DBX uses a bonded aluminum construction method to help keep weight down. At 4,949 lbs., it's relatively light weight for a full-size V8 powered luxury SUV. An adaptive triple chamber air springs allow the DBX to raise ride height by 45mm or lower by 50mm. This allows for versatility in terrain and handling, but also helps with getting into and out of the vehicle, or with vehicle loading. The air ride system also allows for variable spring stiffness, combined with an electric anti-roll control system and adaptive dampers helps the DBX handle more like a sports car than an SUV. Powered by an new version of Aston Martin's 4-liter, twin-turbo V8, that is also found in the DB11 and Vantage, the 542 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft of torque V8 can propel the DBX from 0 to 62mph in 4.5 second and achieve a top speed of 181 mph. The engine feature cylinder deactivation to increase fuel economy. All-wheel drive is standard and the power gets to all 4 wheels through a 9-speed automatic. An active center differential plus electronic rear limited slip differential allows torque to be transferred front to rear and side to side on the rear axle. The interior of the DBX, as expected, is a sumptuous place to spend your driving time. The cabin has been designed to accommodate the 99th percentile male and 5th percentile female provides class leading headroom and legroom. All of the seats are trimmed in full grain leather while the headliner and blind for the full panel sun room covered in Alcantara finish. Buyers can choose from wood, composite, and metal veneers to suit any taste. A 10.25 inch screen sits flush in the center console while a 12.3 inch. Apple Car Play is standard as well as a 360-degree camera system and ambient lighting with 64 colors. The starting MSRP for the DBX in the U.S. is $189,900 with deliveries expected to start in late spring 2020. View full article