Tesla's Entry-Level Model Could Be Coming Sooner Than Expected

Been thinking on this and I honestly have to say that I think the Tariffs are going to do what 47 is not wanting to have happen. The DEATH of ICE!!! First is IRA has been a massive hit in regard to investing in battery plants and EV production plants. Second is ICE autos are far more complex than EVs with the average ICE having between 20,000 to 30,000 parts and most of the small stuff is imported in. Third EVs are far simpler to produce here in America with the average EV having between 15,000 to 20,000 components and the motor, battery and controler plant as well as wiring is already built here. As the RAW Material for Lithium and other battery components builds up in North America, I see no reason to go backwards for the Boomers with more ICE, but move forward with Hybrids for the Boomers and pure EVs for those that have common sense on moving forward into the future. Tariffs is death to ICE more than EVs as it also brings parity in price to EVs due to the increase in prices for ICE built outside the U.S. People will see this now that various auto companies have stated like VW/Audi/Porsche will have a Tariff line on the window invoice showing how much extra money will be paid to the U.S. government. Taxation at it's biggest point ever since 1930. Pathetic that they kept prices the same and shrunkflation has happened in the portion size. Pretty much you have to order double to get what they used to serve.

While I really like Panera's concept and vibe, their portion control is, literally, for the birds.

You’re thinking in purely North American terms. China and Middle East still have decent sedan sales. It costs Genesis next to nothing to put a couple of these on a boat to the US with some GV80s. The boat is already headed that direction anyway.    As for coupes and convertibles, these are just concepts for now, but as platform flexibility increases with the move to EV, I think we will see he return of lower volume body styles like these.

This looks so freakin great.  

Well kids, today's lesson is: Just buy the effing tool you need. Last weekend I took the R1100RS out on the longest ride I've been on with it. A total of 5 hours of wandering. Even with 109k miles on it, this bike just loves to chew up highway. The engine runs superbly.  I was really trying to burn off gas that's been in the tank a little long for comfort, but even with 5 hours of riding, I have more than half a tank left! No issues on the trip except I noticed that the right fork was leaking oil.  These are telelever forks that don't actually have any suspension components in them. The shock and spring are mounted on a cantilever platform between the forks.  Essentially, all the forks do is slide up and down and keep the wheel aligned. When I got back from the trip, I ordered a set of fork seals and picked up fork oil. Watched a few videos on the process and decided I was set. ALL of the videos suggested that I could get the oil seal out with a flat head screwdriver. Both my Haynes manual and the BMW service manual I have said to use an oil seal remover tool. You can see where this is going. I effed with that oil seal for a good hour with a flat head, some long needle nose pliers, even some plastic bodywork tools I have before I gave up and drove to Harbor Freight.  Harbor Freight has an Oil Seal Removal tool for $7.99.  I got that and a few other things that I decided I might need to try also. Got home and with the tool I had the oil seal out in 15 seconds. . I replaced the seals, topped it off with some fresh fork oil, and had it back together faster than the time I spent just trying to get the damn seal out. So, moral of the story is: Just buy the damn tool.