Everything posted by ccap41
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Random Thoughts Thread
I didn't even know there was a credit for used EVs. That makes them even more inticing.
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Random Thoughts Thread
I got to walk around one of the Rivian Amazon vans. I wanted to ask the lady what she thought of it but didn't think she'd want to be slowed down while just trying to work so I left her alone.
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Industry News: Ultium Twins to hit the market soon from Honda / Acura
The Prologue looks so much better than the Blazer. The flatter hood makes the proportions just look so much cleaner and sportier without having to add all sorts of fake vents like the BlazerEV. It's also still annoying that GM couldn't engineer a frunk into their EV SUVs, and now Honda has to pay for that as well. I also just like they didn't name it Pilot EV, like Chevy did with the Blazer EV. Honda gave it its own name.
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Random Thoughts Thread
Hahaha Datsun works! Uhhhh I'd say none of it at first, Ultium. Until they take over the power unit from Alpine(Datsun!), there won't be any Ultium in there. Once, or if, they take the power unit control in-house, then it'd be an Ultium powered unit. The reason, at least how I see it, is because Alpine will still making their own power unit for their own cars. They won't want one power unit they're producing to have their electrical system and then one to have a GM electrical system. That would add unnecessary complexity to the R&D of the all-new power unit and it would likely make both units worse because there is a cost cap for the teams and this would, undoubtedly, increase the spending. After trying to look into the cost cap regulations, the engine cost cap are different and I can't find the specific regulations regarding how the engines cost against the cap. " What comes under the F1 cost cap? Any expenditure related to car – but not engines – performance is relevant for the cost cap. This includes: All parts on the car (from the steering wheel to the wheel nuts) All the elements needed to run the car Most of the team personnel Garage equipment Spares Transport costs Everything in between The biggest area of focus is car development costs, with teams having a weigh up what is developed, how much is spent on each part which is manufactured and how many of the parts are needed and can be afforded without overspending. What doesn’t come under the F1 cost cap? There are several big-ticket things that aren’t covered by the cost cap, including: Driver salaries The wages of the three highest-paid staff members Travel costs Marketing spend Property and legal costs Entry and licence fees Any non-F1 or road car activities Parental and sick leave payments Employee bonuses and staff medical benefits Engines – which are more complex because some teams make their own while others buy them – are covered by their own set of cost regulations." https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-cost-cap-what-is-it-how-it-works/10379800/
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Random Thoughts Thread
Haha I just like to say Nissan because... I hate Nissan... Haha I would wager good money that they're using Alpine as a supplier because they're so far behind on the new 2026 power units. It's 2026, by the way, when they'll enter F1. It's 2026 because there are all new power unit regulations and a lot more electrification, along with a lower money spending cap, so it's more financially feasible for new/smaller teams to compete with the Mercedes, Red Bulls, and Ferraris of the sport. Here's a little list of the power unit changes; https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.more-efficient-less-fuel-and-carbon-net-zero-7-things-you-need-to-know-about.ZhtzvU3cPCv8QO7jtFxQR.html There's also more news on Audi joining F1. They'll be a power unit supplier for Sauber(who's currently running as Alfa Romeo). This will also be a 2026 change and it sounds like the same thing Ford will be doing for Red Bull Racing. So in 2026 we will see Ford, Cadillac, and Audi all enter F1 and I'm freakin stoked about that! https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-sauber-to-become-audi-works-f1-team-from-2026.6EMJQ2LlvshgpCXdCR9xJl.html Oh, I also think it's really cool that Cadillac has made it a requirement to have at least one American driver. That was part of them getting allowed into F1. I assume it's to help continue their US expansion and ratings.
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Random Thoughts Thread
@oldshurst442, They did it! Andretti got approval from the FIA for their F1 GM/Cadillac team. https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/38548308/andretti-wins-fia-approval-bid-enter-f1-11th-team As I've mentioned before, I'm not stoked AT ALL about them using a Nissan power unit but, if that's what's necessary to get their foot in the door, then so be it.
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Random Thoughts Thread
Thanks! it was a good one. My uncle, aunt, and cousin were in town from LA because my cousin may be attending a university in the area and he had a shooting competition at the school. So, I got to see some family that I don't get to see too often, so that was pretty cool .
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Random Thoughts Thread
Thanks, Olds!
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Kia EV9 First Impression
Yep, I believe my parents' GMC Envoy had it as well. But, that may have just been the seat that moved forward and back upon starting the vehicle. So maybe it didn't have it, Hahaha. All I know is it's been used across the entire industry for 20+ years, at this point. It's cool and all but I've never utilized it. I would actually think @David's Escalade would have it, if a '99 STS had it.
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Kia EV9 First Impression
I just googled, "vehicles where the steering wheel sets to memory" and there are vehicles from all makes and models. Mercedes, Lincoln, Genesis, Cadillac ATS, Chrysler/Dodge, Lexus, Acura, BMW, etc. It's basically everybody and this definitely isn't new. It's a cool feature, if you're a larger person who needs the wheel out of the way to easily get in and out of the vehicle. I'd assume it started on any vehicle that had an electronic steering wheel adjustment, as opposed to the manual adjustments. The oldest thing I could find on the "easy-entry" was a 2003 Mercedes SL.
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Kia EV9 First Impression
My 2006 Mercedes C350 did this. I guess I'm surprised it hasn't been more commonplace.
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On Tour - 2019 Buick Regal TourX
Little did we know how bad it would get...
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On Tour - 2019 Buick Regal TourX
That's the ONE worry I have with getting another car... But I'd like to test drive a TourX and see what the ingress/egress is like. I'd like to think it sits a little higher than my previous cars but I'd need to test-sit one.
- GMC News: GMC Upsizes the Acadia for 2024; New 2.5L Turbo-4
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What did you do to your ride today?
*Somewhat random thought* So obviously those are pretty rare vehicles, right? I managed to see two of them yesterday! A black one and a maroon one. Of course I never got pictures of either but both seemed to be in "pretty good" shape, not mint but far from bad. It's good to see, at least these two, taken care of.
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Random Thoughts Thread
The fact they created a "diversion team" for this is what sours me more than anything else. I get that there will be fluctuations and every manufacturer will push their advertised number as much as possible...for advertising... but creating a team to deliberately fck with people (basically) is what's infuriating here, IMO. It isn't as bad as what VW did but it feels pretty close.
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Random Thoughts Thread
Well, the idea is being executed in the Ranger. 28 miles of expected EV-only range seems pretty awesome. https://www.motortrend.com/news/global-phev-ford-ranger-photos-details/
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Random Thoughts Thread
Wife and I have been talking about EV or Hybrid for this very reason, the ability to run the house when we lose power. Last year's snowstorm with power out for 3 days really sucked. I REALLY wish the F150 hybrid was a plug-in hybrid. It would be really nice if it could get just like 15-20 miles on electricity alone. That's literally the only downside I see in the F150 hybrid, because that's high on my list right now, as well.
- GMC News: GMC Upsizes the Acadia for 2024; New 2.5L Turbo-4
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Cadillac News: Cadillac Refreshes the CT5 with an Updated Look for 2025
The little nip-tuck looks great here. It wasn't bad looking before. I think the current one looks good but this is a nice little update.
- Watch and Timepiece Appreciation Thread
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Death of Buick?
Really?? Dang, what did this happen? I must have missed or forgotten that news. That's It's kind of always been a thing. It was a huge thing when Buick made the announcement. Becuase the VERY little R&D is easily paid for with the entry luxe brand markups. They're selling Chevys +5-10k. Why would they get rid of that? .
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Death of Buick?
Isn't hers the only Chinese built Buick? Why'd she buy it in the first place if she is opposed to a Chinese built vehicle? There's like $15.00 allocated to Buick R&D. They're reskinned Chevys BUT, they probably have much better margins because they play up in the entry luxury field.
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Random Thoughts Thread
You can hardly find ANY vehicle for under 25k, let alone the newest technology in the segment.
- Watch and Timepiece Appreciation Thread