G. David Felt

Porsche is well known for its performance and closing out the 2024 year, Porsche is now giving even more at this holiday season by releasing the second generation of the Taycan. Porsche will now offer the following three new models to the 13 version family: Taycan 4 entry-level all-wheel sedan Taycan GTS Sport Turismo Taqcan GTS Porsche Taycan family of performance sedans is one of the most diverse families with three body variants that can be purchased in AWD or RWD, covering the Porsche E-Performance Motors ranging from 402 hp to 1,019 hp across 13 Taycan versions. The three new models benefit from the enhancements that will be found in the full Taycan family for the 2025 model year. More Power, Longer Range, Faster Acceleration and faster charging equalling less charge time with greater stability. The following factors cause for improved performance and efficiency: New rear axle motor has up to 107 hp more than previous models Modified pulse inverter with optimized software More powerful batteries Revised thermal management Next generation heat pump Increased recuperation with RWD or AWD strategy Maximum recuperation capacity during deceleration has increased to up to 400 kW 800-volt DC charging improved to 320 kW under ideal conditions Taycan GTS & GTS Sport Turismo Taycan GTS in Carmine Red or Taycan GTS Sport Turismo in Slat Grey Neo is your sporty all-rounder with up to 690 hp of overboost power using Launch Control, 100 hp than the previous model. At a touch of a button, one can use the new push-to-pass function that gives a 10 second boost of 93 hp at a touch of a button. This years model also is able to benefit from the push-to-pass due to the torque being raised to Launch Control levels when pressed. These Taycan models are .4 seconds faster than previous models with a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a quarter mile run of 11.1 seconds, .7 seconds faster than last years model. As equally distinctive on the exterior, the interior has adopted from the Taycan Turbo GT model many of the same materials. From the Race-Tex and Smooth black leather to 18-way adjustable seats, multifunction steering wheel functions, heated steering wheel to the Bose Surround system. These models come in the Carmine Red interior or optional Slate Grey Neo interior. The Taycan GTS and GTS Sport Turismo comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management combined with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus standard. Porsche Active Ride Suspension control system with GTS-specific tuning is optional. Taycan 4 Customers had asked for an efficient Taycan with all-wheel drive and for the 2025 model year, Porsche delivers this option. Depending on the battery choice, standard or Performance Plus, the Taycan 4 delivers 402 or 429 hp. The dual motor configuration of AWD offers greater driving stability and added traction over the RWD Taycan delivering a 0 to 60 mph of just 4.4 seconds, .1 seconds faster over the RWD Taycan. The Taycan 4 allows front motor electrical decoupling whenever traction, driving dynamics or stability allows it and will turn back on within milliseconds when needed such as during acceleration or recuperation. Taycan 4 will include 19-inch aero wheels, matrix design LED headlights, Porsche Traction Mangement and Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management as standard. Interior will include electric eight-way adjustable seats, black partial leather trim, multifuntion sport steering wheel and 10-speaker sound system. The interior has three optional interior color choices, Black, Slate Grey and two-tone Black/Limestone Beige. Pricing and Availability The Taycan 4 sports sedan starts at an MSRP $103,300. The new Taycan GTS starts at an MSRP of $147,900 for the sedan and $149,800 for the Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. MSRP does not include tax, title, registration, dealer charges or a $1,995 delivery, processing and handling fee. These three variants complete the Taycan portfolio and can now be ordered, with availability at dealerships set to start in late Q1 of 2025. New exterior colors are also available for all Taycan models. In the Legends category, Slate Grey Neo and Pale Blue Metallic complete the range, while Purple Sky Metallic has been added to the Dreams category. View full article

Walmart is making one of the largest InHome delivery services changes of any company. By the end of 2024, the Chevrolet BrightDrop 400 electric van will be deployed in the Austin, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Northwest Arkansas, Orlando and San Francisco Bay delivery markets reducing the footprint of CO2 output as they increase the efficiency of their InHome delivery services from Walmart stores. This reduction in carbon emissions along with providing a safe, efficient and comfortable vehicle for delivery will improve the groceries delivery experience.  Those associates who have been trained and are already using the BrightDrop 400 vans have stated they are impressed with the 360-degree HD surround vision camera system, blind-zone steering assist, battery range, reliability and maneuverability. Walmart provided these takeaways from the initial pilot: The vans easily navigated congested roads and dense neighborhoods.  Automation features such as auto-closing doors boosted efficiency and improved the associate experience.  The low-step ergonomic design allowed easy entrance and exit of the vehicles, allowing for swift and efficient last-mile deliveries.  From freezing cold to hot humid places, the BrightDrop delivered on a superior solution for real-world use over the pilot program that led to this massive roll out of delivery vans. The BrightDrop 400 are built at the Canada CAMI Assembly plant, built with advanced safety features for ultimate alertness, safety, low step-in height to ease of driver egress and a large info display allows each driver to have the ultimate driving experience with safe delivery of customers purchases. More details on the BrightDrop electric commercial mobility can be found here:  Chevrolet BrightDrop Website  View full article

Seems GM is extending their battery agreement and yet also unloading their ownership in the battery plants. GM and LG Energy Solution extend battery technology partnership GM to sell stake in Lansing battery cell plant to partner LG Energy Solution Interesting times we live in. Should be very interesting to see who is king of the EV sales at this time next year.

November sales are out for Kia and with strong global and North American sales, the expansion of the EV3, 4 & 5 are confirmed via their report for 2025. The EV3 is expected first in 2025 followed by the EV4 and EV5 models. Kia Global Media Center : Kia Announces November 2024 Global Sales Results Tesla is going to have a hard time as the Kia EVs are better built and feature rich than what Tesla is selling.

This is interesting and why I do not buy cheap 3rd party parts. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Knockoff NACS To CCS Adapter

Interesting, after reading this comparison, I still find my EV9 better than the Ioniq 9. Hyundai Ioniq 9 vs. Kia EV9: What's the Difference?

This is so true; I expect another market move like this next year. Gonna be interesting to see how it plays out and when. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/the-s-p-500-is-set-for-back-to-back-20-gains-what-history-says-happens-next/ar-AA1v1chk?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=7366086103ae4cc3ba1d0991a4b9b142&ei=71 WOW, International investments in our stock market is up to 70% now, greater than ever before and at a peak that is indicating a giant bubble about to pop. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/an-overhyped-us-market-is-stoking-the-mother-of-all-bubbles-market-expert-says/ar-AA1v87YR?ocid=BingHp01&cvid=7366086103ae4cc3ba1d0991a4b9b142&ei=95

Heavy PASS on the Creamed Possum. Are you sure they broke up in 1885??????????

Genesis has in three short years delivered 85,000 GV70's to luxury customers making it their most popular model in North America per the COO of Genesis Claudia Marquez. Along with this accomplishment, Genesis opened 4 new independent luxury stores bringing their luxury standalone stores to 60 in closing out calendar year 2024. This will allow Genesis to deliver a superior luxury shopping experience to their customers and will continue to open more new stores in strategic locations across North America in Calendar 2025. Genesis states that the 2026 GV70 delivers on a Bold new Exterior and Interior designs. The GV70's front fascia includes a redesigned G-matrix Crest Grille and multi-lens array (MLA) headlamps for ICE and the Electric GV70 G-Matrix Crest Grille is tailored for the EV including a new redesigned charge port that includes the NACS port. The front end has an enhanced bolder skid plate design, creating a robust stance that compliments the air intake grilles allowing it to have a sporty appearance. This athletic stance is supported by new 19"- and 21"-wheel options, the turn signals are designed to align with the front headlamps two-line concept. The Korean-inspired design principle "Beauty of White Space" is embraced by the all-new 27" OLED display that integrates the cluster and infotainment system into a single horizontal layout. The 2026 GV70 has refined and elevated the driver and passenger experience and convenience voice recognition controls that allows one to control HVAC settings, window position, to driving experience such as Terrain Mode to optimize one's experience depending on the road conditions by moving into snow, mud, or sand mode to name just a few. Both ice and electric versions are available with Digital Key and Smart Key with Genesis Smartphone App allowing one to have the ultimate comfort in using/controlling their auto. This technology continues with Bang & Olufsen surround system with Beosonic technology providing an immersive sound experience via the 16 speakers and adjustable ambient lighting functions. Triple-zone fully automatic HVAC improves the in-cabin experience for every person. The gas GV70 has two powertrain options: 2.5L inline turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower 3.5L V6 twin turbo producing 375 horsepower The GV70's comfort and stability are enhanced using the HBMC or Highway Body Motion Control. This is a control system that handles front and rear dampening forces during acceleration and deceleration with the existing RP or Road Preview system which is a forward-facing camera to read the road surface and control the vehicles electronically controlled suspension to optimize comfort, while minimizing impacts. The electronic GV70 comes with a larger 84kWh high-capacity battery pack offering 10% to 80% charging in under 20 minutes. Full details of all option packages and pricing will be released closer to launch in the first half of 2025. For those wanting more information Genesis invites you to visit their online website. Genesis Motor North America View full article

Have to say that Nissan had every chance to own the EV world and someone fell asleep at the wheel when they launched the LEAF and did not move fast enough to capitalize on the market, the tech, etc.. I can easily see the brand dying by 2030. 'Real reason' for Nissan collapse revealed as finance chief steps down

Your Peacock statement is so true. Had to do some training of our sales force in Italy and I was shocked in how everyone dressed up and tried to outdo each other in peacock fashion. There I was in Jeans, polo shirt and was to train them on our tech, amazing how much the guys especially would be more worried about how they looked then understanding the technology they were to sell. It tends to explain the high turnover of the sales folks that are too focused on their looks rather than the job.

Kia started off their LA Auto Show run with the 2026 Sportage Trio Reveal. Here you have ICE, HEV, and PHEV as choices. In covering a trio of products, it is sometime best to show it off in a bullet list for quick and easy comparison and here I will do that for you. ICE, HEV, and PHEV will all include the following as standard: “Opposites United” design philosophy takes on a more confident and refined style with Kia’s LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs New driver-centric dual 12.3-in. panoramic displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims Available new 10-in. Head-up Display (HUD) Electrified lineup becomes even more desirable with the addition of sporty S and rugged X-Line turbo hybrid trims Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) suite now includes available Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance, next level HDA2 and Front/Side/Rear Parking Distance Warning Available Digital Key offers the ability to lock/unlock/start using a smart device New Terrain mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) on X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD trims A more powerful than before turbo hybrid powertrain Segment-up roominess with impressive rear legroom and cargo room New Digital Features and Services through Kia Connect 2026 Kia Sportage ice lineup that will include LX, EX, SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. 2026 Kia Sportage HEV lineup will include LX, S, EX, X-Line and SX-Prestige trims. 2026 Kia Sportage PHEV lineup will include X-Line and X-Line Prestige trims engine same as HEV Based on Kia's "Opposites United" styling, design elements for the different model options will be kept to the front and rear bumper, distinct X-Line style across the trio, distinct lighting and a new choice of 17-, 18-, and 19-inch alloy wheel designs. A Cabin Aimed at Connectivity, Comfort and Convenience Significant interior enhancements turn the cabin into a premium living space with new tech and connectivity features: Newly integrated Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with 12.3-inch LCD display, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with Kia Connect, depending on trim, can unlock the full potential of your Kia, giving you access to advanced features, such as the ability to start your vehicle remotely, precondition your cabin, check vehicle lock status, schedule maintenance, plan your route and more. All-new available 10-inch Head-up Display (HUD) compliments new technology functions; integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (HEV and PHEV Only) and turn-by-turn directions. Standard Smart Key with push button start offers remote start capability and supports OTA updates to introduce new features that enrich the ownership experience; Available Digital Key 2.0 Premium offers the ability to lock/unlock/start using smart devices without needing to carry a key fob and also allows sharing the digital key with family and friends. Kia Connect services provide advanced embedded connectivity with: Wi-Fi Hotspot connects up to five devices to 4G LTE-based internet Kia Access App with compatibility through Apple and Android-based smartwatches to access features like remote climate control, door lock/unlock and more Peace of mind with stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization capability Connected Routing: Cloud-based system calculates the optimal route using real-time maps and predicted traffic info based on historical information and AI to learn the preferred routes of users Smart Speaker Integration lets customers use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant enabled smart speakers or devices to remotely control some functions New Digital Features and Services through Kia Connect will elevate the driving experience further by streaming music, connecting personal devices with the Wi-Fi Hotspot, and even allowing the owner to customize the infotainment experience with their favorite NBA team to showcase their team spirit. Available through the Kia Connect Store, these features would allow Kia customers to personalize their car and offer the ability to add more features through OTA updates. In addition, Sportage offers an array of available technology to assist drivers from moment to moment: Multi-function audio/climate touchpad sits beneath the multimedia screen; switching between functions is now more natural, whether it’s changing your preferred temperature setting or adjusting the volume 360-degree Surround-View Monitor with 3D view is designed to provide a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings, and for added peace of mind, Remote 360 View is accessible with Kia Connect Harman Kardon premium audio system Wireless charging pad built inside the upper tray Other notable interior features include: Optional power folding outside mirrors for parking in tight spaces Optional heated rear seats (HEV and PHEV only) offer cold weather comfort for rear passengers New accent trims for instrument panel, center console and door panels reduce fingerprint smudges The Sportage continues to offer a spacious interior and flexible cargo room: 41.3-inches of rear legroom with plenty of space to keep your rear passengers comfortable Rear cargo capacity of up to 39.6 cu-ft. of space lets you take your gear along for the journey or to tackle your weekend projects. Dual-level cargo floor provides flexible cargo carrying capabilities (standard on ICE and HEV; not available on PHEV). New Trims and Options Packages The Sportage adds two new turbocharged Hybrid trim levels for 2026 (S and X-Line) with the following key features: S Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, Smart Key with push button start, power driver’s seat with heated front seats, Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW)/Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance (RCCA)/Safe Exit Assist (SEA), heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, 18-in. dark alloy wheels, and gloss black grille and window trims. X-Line Hybrid: 12.3-in. touchscreen display with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Fr/Rr USB-C charging ports, wireless charging, power driver’s seat, SynTex seating with heated front seats, BCW/RCCA/SEA, heated outside mirrors with LED turn signal indicator, LED fog lights, panoramic sunroof, overhead LED interior lighting, smart power liftgate, 19-inch black alloy wheels and gloss black grille, bumper, badging and window trims. There are also two new options packages: LX Convenience Package: Power driver’s seat, BCW/RCCA/SEA, heated outside mirrors with LED indicator. X-Line Technology Package: 12.3-inch ccNC Navigation/TFT cluster, Surround View Monitor (SVM)/Blind View Monitor (BVM), Harmon Kardon premium audio, two-position driver’s seat & outside mirror memory, power folding outside mirrors, and LED fog lights. Diverse Engine Lineup Whether you’re an urban adventurer, an off-pavement explorer, or a highway commuter, there’s a Sportage for you. Both Turbo HEV and Turbo PHEV powertrains have been refined with an uptick power. Sportage ICE: 2.5-liter I-4 8-speed automatic transmission FWD/AWD 187 horsepower est. 3500 lb. towing capacity Sportage HEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 47.7kW motor (revised system) 6-speed automatic transmission FWD/AWD 231 horsepower est. (+4 HP over previous model year) 2000 lb. towing capacity Sportage PHEV: 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection (GDI) and 72kW motor (revised system) 6-speed automatic transmission AWD 268 horsepower est. (+7 HP over previous model year) 2000 lb. towing capacity Available Active AWD uses electro-hydraulic coupling with center-locking differential to actively distribute power between front and rear wheels depending on road and driving conditions. Add to that driver-selectable Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) for X-Line, X-Pro Prestige, and all AWD models. Ruggedness Retained: X-Line and X-Pro For gasoline-powered variants, the 2026 Sportage continues to offer X-Line and X-Pro Prestige trims. Both come standard with an Active AWD system and a unique tread-like stitching pattern on SynTex synthetic leather-trimmed seats. Sportage X-Line blends confident and rugged design: Unique front and rear bumper and skid plate-shaped molding Kia’s LED star map lighting and distinctive amber DRLs complimented with dark styling elements for a more aggressive image Active All-Wheel Drive System with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) Side mirrors, roof rack and window surrounds finished in gloss black for a distinctive look Raised roof rack rails to support adventure-ready accessories Exclusive 19-inch wheels with all-season tires Sportage X-Pro Prestige has off-road hardware to match its design elements, including: B.F. Goodrich all-terrain tires 17-inch matte black off-road wheels Active All-Wheel Drive System with Terrain Mode (Snow, Mud, Sand) LED fog lights and LED Projector headlights Heated windshield and wiper washer nozzles Exclusive two-tone roof design Advanced Driver Assistance Systems As with all offerings across the Kia product portfolio, there’s a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. New features to Sportage in this area include: Standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Car Detection: Designed to use sensors and a camera to scan the road ahead for potential hazards and is designed to automatically apply the brakes when a potential collision is detected. Optional Forward Collision Avoidance Assist w/ Direct Oncoming Detection & Avoidance plus next level Highway Driving Assist 2: Employs forward-facing camera, radar sensors, and navigation data. The available system can assist with maintaining a predetermined speed and distance from the vehicle detected ahead of you in certain circumstances. The system can also assist with steering wheel control when changing lanes (activated by the turn signal) and evasive steering assist. Standard Hands on Detection (HOD): Direct HOD sensor is designed to determine whether the driver is holding the steering wheel, issuing warnings when necessary. Optional Parking Distance Warning: Forward/Side/Reverse (PDW-F/S/R): Designed to provide a warning to help avoid collision with pedestrians or objects around the vehicle at low speeds. PDW-F/R is standard. Certain Sportage trims will be assembled in the U.S., alongside the award-winning Telluride, Sorento, and the all-electric EV6 and EV9 at Kia's West Point, Georgia manufacturing plant. The 2026 Sportage will arrive in the Kia showrooms in Q2 of calendar year 2025 with pricing announced just before the on-sale date. 2026 Kia ICE, HEV, and PHEV Photo Gallery View full article

When one has crazy amounts of money to spend on having a Porsche car turned into a minivan for his wife and kids. Meta Founder had this done for his family. https://www.instagram.com/p/DAzDZ1-RCTB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Instagram Storey on the conversion job. The designer behind Mark Zuckerberg's Porsche minivan said the car was one of his most technically challenging builds

Very cool read. Even taking into account the mining for rare earth materials, this report is very clear on the benefits of EVs. Outlook for emissions reductions – Global EV Outlook 2024 – Analysis - IEA To Quote: the lifecycle emissions of a BEV purchased in the United States today are around 45%, 60%, and 65% lower than those of a PHEV, HEV and ICEV. Compared to the ICEV, this amounts to a net lifetime savings almost 50 t CO2‑eq for a medium-sized BEV.

Life is going to be interesting in a about 8 to 10 weeks! Blue States Are Bracing for Legal Clashes With Trump

50,000 vehicles now at 25% ice and 75% electric, but still the same price $2.98 Billion dollars at an average price of $59,600. But of course, the USPS had agreed that changes would be billed as an extra cost that our FEDs gave the USPS so an undefined bloated costs compared to readily available commercial electric vans. USPS Places Order for 50,000 Next Generation Delivery Vehicles; 10,019 To Be Electric - Newsroom - About.usps.com Then the updated contract that USPS would buy now up to 165,000 of these weird looking delivery vans. Sadly we could have saved billions if they bought the electric vans from Ford, GM, Mercedes, but nope got to waste tax payer money on paying a military contractor that is clueless about commercial autos and so they start to build another inefficient ICE truck, but that is still moving forward but only as a 25% of the contract and still way more expensive than if they bought from the Detroit or German auto companies, instead OshKosh Military built an electric Platypus mail delivery van that only gets 79 miles of range when in comparison to commercially available electric vans. The Ford e-transit gets 159 Miles at an average transaction price of $46,200. The GM BrightDrop electric van gets 250 miles of range at an average transaction price of $62,725 but with a much better range and is double the size. This being the BrightDrop 600, the smaller 400 is just now going into production that would compete with the Ford e-transit and is supposed to have a starting price around $45,000 The Mercedes electric version gets 248 miles at an average transaction price of $42,189. All cheaper than the stupid contract with a defense contractor that has never build a commercial product that competes with others. The Idiot45 administration should have kept it to existing auto companies and not allowed themselves to be swayed by military folks pushing to let them build the mail delivery van of the future.

This is an interesting read Yes, It ‘Looks Like a Duck,’ but Carriers Like the New Mail Truck

Have to laugh at this review as the things they mention that all other auto companies need to steel has already been done by Kia and Genesis. This is just a luxury level above Kia and below Genesis. 7 Features On The 2026 Ioniq 9 That Other SUVs Need To Steal

I just hope that GM will stick with it long term rather than short term till they get a few wins and use it to advertise and then kill it off. Their past track record leaves much to be desired when it comes to commercial racing.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, wishing you a relaxing extended weekend.