Random Thoughts Thread

[balthazar]

[trinacriabob]

4 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Don't like the 300? They can be had for not much money at all on the CPO market. 

Chrysler 300, right?  I rented one.  I liked it.  I didn't love it.  I expected it to be a much more refined experience than the Charger, to differentiate itself.  It wasn't.  It was all in the sheet metal, seating, and shape and finishes in the dash.  I know I've reviewed one here.  I certainly think they are much easier on the eye at the end of their run than what the initial (now a "gang banger") version looks like.

Got to be careful with the 300, too.  It really needs toned down colors, wheels, options, and such to keep it classy.  It can go pimpy real fast.

This is my idea of nice as far a 300 goes.

 

Yes, folks, L.A. does have an ugly side ... or two ... or three.  That would be in the revitalized arts district right next to the concrete culvert that is the L.A. River.

[Drew Dowdell]

8 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

Chrysler 300, right?  I rented one.  I liked it.  I didn't love it.  I expected it to be a much more refined experience than the Charger, to differentiate itself.  It wasn't.  It was all in the sheet metal, seating, and shape and finishes in the dash.  I know I've reviewed one here.  I certainly think they are much easier on the eye at the end of their run than what the initial (now a "gang banger") version looks like.

Got to be careful with the 300, too.  It really needs toned down colors, wheels, options, and such to keep it classy.  It can go pimpy real fast.

This is my idea of nice as far a 300 goes.

 

Yes, folks, L.A. does have an ugly side ... or two ... or three.  That would be in the revitalized arts district right next to the concrete culvert that is the L.A. River.

I like the 300S myself. 

[ocnblu]

5 hours ago, ccap41 said:

For our bud @dfelt

https://cleantechnica.com/2019/08/20/this-ev-is-huge-bright-green-never-needs-recharging/amp/

 

"Dumper" is a great name for it.

[ocnblu]

Here's a pic of Fap on his birthday.  Be gentle as he goes into the night.

 

 

 

Edited August 21, 2019 by ocnblu

[balthazar]

^ Can't be Fap; both hands are in focus.
- - - - - 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ocnblu said:

Here's a pic of Fap on his birthday.  Be gentle as he goes into the night.

 

 

 

I think this is more representative:

[G. David Felt]

Some interesting news on Reuters:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-manufacturing-automation/north-american-companies-boost-spending-on-industrial-robots-study-idUSKCN1VA12C

Seems a 19% increase in robots ordered over last year to automate assembly production in the US rather than hire manual labor and costs have come down for the Robots.

Interesting quote is that as Robot sales increased, unemployment went down, but when sales went down for robots, unemployment went up.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-trump/trump-attacks-ford-motor-for-not-backing-fuel-economy-rollback-idUSKCN1VB1QQ

As Ford has backed California CARB over the Feds for fuel efficiency standards, the president has attacked today Ford for not being American and too politically correct as well as Honda, BMW and Volkswagen who all signed on to back CARB over the EPA standard.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-daimler-china-foton-truck-exclusive/exclusive-daimler-to-make-mercedes-benz-branded-heavy-trucks-in-china-sources-idUSKCN1VC05T

Seems Daimler will go full steam ahead next year as they start full scale production of heavy duty commercial trucks in China for the Chinese market and possibly other markets. Daimler expects China to become their number 1 heavy duty truck manufacturing market. 

Diamler sold 100,000 trucks last year in China, not all produced locally. With 3 plants now, Diamler will be able to produce 160,000 trucks a year and will be looking to expand production in a market that is hitting 1 million heavy duty truck sales a year.

[balthazar]

And the toyoterization of mercedes continues, unabated.
- - - - - 

[ocnblu]

See how dfelt injects his political views into posts that otherwise are not political?  It happens all over the site.  He should run for congress.  And it is not a "rollback", it is simply a milder increase (thanks Reuters for the slanted article title).  And it is rooted in reality based on what type of vehicles people have shown a willingness to spend THEIR OWN money on, as opposed to OTHER PEOPLE'S money.

Edited August 22, 2019 by ocnblu

[balthazar]

[balthazar]

'03 ~ 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting story of most and least loyal auto customers.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/car-brands-with-the-most-and-least-loyal-customers/ss-AAFu5bz?li=BBnb7Kz#image=3

Least Loyal Customers:

#10 - Volvo 33.3% are loyal

#9 - Infiniti 32.1% are loyal

#8 - Mitsubishi 30.2% are loyal

#7 - Mini 29.1% are loyal

#6 - Buick 28.3% are loyal

#5 - Jaguar 20.6% are loyal

#4 - Dodge 16.8% are loyal

#3 - Fiat 16.5% are loyal

#2 - Chrysler 14.4% are loyal

#1 - Smart 14.3% are loyal

Most Loyal Customers:

#10 - Hyundai 44.8% are loyal

#9 - Nissan 45.8% are loyal

#8 - Lexus 47.6% are loyal

#7 - Chevrolet 49% are loyal

#6 - Kia 49.4% are loyal

#5 - Ford 54% are loyal

#4 - Ram 56.2% are loyal

#3 - Honda 57.7% are loyal

#2 - Toyota 59.5% are loyal

#1 - Subaru 62.5% are loyal

What do you all think of this list?

Sound off on if you agree or not and why.

[Drew Dowdell]

90% of Ford's loyalty comes from F-150 and Explorer. 

[ccap41]

25 minutes ago, dfelt said:

What do you all think of this list?

Sound off on if you agree or not and why.

It seems pretty accurate to me. Especially having the US truck brands in the most loyal customers. The car/cuv owners might not be but the truck buyers alone probably force them in that list. 

The least loyal list seems pretty logical as well. The "crapier" brands tend to have people come and go more often than re-buy another Fiat 500. Volvo surprises me on that list as they seem to have a pretty fantastic lineup right now but being on the bottom of the list is "okay". 

22 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

90% of Ford's loyalty comes from F-150 and Explorer. 

Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500.. surprise surprise.. 

[riviera74]

It is unsurprising that truck buyers are quite loyal.  The real question is what Nissan needs to do with Infiniti.  Also, how does Buick and Cadillac gain Lexus-like loyalty numbers?

[A Horse With No Name]

18 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I like the 300S myself. 

I have a co worker that has one...nice car.

 

1 hour ago, riviera74 said:

It is unsurprising that truck buyers are quite loyal.  The real question is what Nissan needs to do with Infiniti.  Also, how does Buick and Cadillac gain Lexus-like loyalty numbers?

Infinity will be a profitable but second Tier luxury brand for forever.

Buick and Cadillac will never get those numbers.

 

 

[G. David Felt]

6 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Buick and Cadillac will never get those numbers.

Buick could with China as well as Cadillac. 

Bigger question is will GM invest the needed updates / quality of materials to achieve it?

[A Horse With No Name]

3 hours ago, dfelt said:

Interesting story of most and least loyal auto customers.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/car-brands-with-the-most-and-least-loyal-customers/ss-AAFu5bz?li=BBnb7Kz#image=3

Least Loyal Customers:

#10 - Volvo 33.3% are loyal

#9 - Infiniti 32.1% are loyal

#8 - Mitsubishi 30.2% are loyal

#7 - Mini 29.1% are loyal

#6 - Buick 28.3% are loyal

#5 - Jaguar 20.6% are loyal

#4 - Dodge 16.8% are loyal

#3 - Fiat 16.5% are loyal

#2 - Chrysler 14.4% are loyal

#1 - Smart 14.3% are loyal

Most Loyal Customers:

#10 - Hyundai 44.8% are loyal

#9 - Nissan 45.8% are loyal

#8 - Lexus 47.6% are loyal

#7 - Chevrolet 49% are loyal

#6 - Kia 49.4% are loyal

#5 - Ford 54% are loyal

#4 - Ram 56.2% are loyal

#3 - Honda 57.7% are loyal

#2 - Toyota 59.5% are loyal

#1 - Subaru 62.5% are loyal

What do you all think of this list?

Sound off on if you agree or not and why.

Hyundai and Kia have figured out what real car buyers, and not the insane folks who argue about inane things....want.

Subaru and Lexus would be among my top picks for my next car.

You all know my feelings about Ford, although they have moderated a bit.

Honda needs more coffee for the guys in the design studio, that will never change. And they are resting on their laurels.

A lot of the Chevy and Ford Loyalty is full size trucks. Also why RAM ranks so high and the rest of FCA ranks in the dumpster fire end of the list.

38 minutes ago, dfelt said:

Buick could with China as well as Cadillac. 

Bigger question is will GM invest the needed updates / quality of materials to achieve it?

The trade war will influence people....as much as anything, brand image with American nastiness.  One Senator, Tom Cotton, suggested expelling Chinese students from the USA. This won't end well. Not trying to be political, just realistic.

 

3 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

90% of Ford's loyalty comes from F-150 and Explorer. 

Outside of the Mustang.....yeah.....about those cars that just got cancelled.

[G. David Felt]

Some interesting news in the auto world today:

Ford Mustang inspired Mach E is caught in public.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/21/ford-mach-e-electric-crossover-mustang-inspired-spied/#slide-2163283

Looks like it will be coupe inspired CUV. Heavy cover, but be interesting.

Chevrolet BOLT will have a 259 mile battery pack for the 2020 model year along with new colors and hi-def cameras. Here is hoping that the colors also apply to the inside and that black and white dash.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/22/2020-chevy-bolt-ev-range-increase/

The other is a first review of the Lincoln Aviator Hybrid. Seems to be a focus on performance over efficiency with the power it has. 494HP / 630 lb-ft of torque. Crazy cool.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/22/2020-lincoln-aviator-hybrid-grand-touring-first-drive/

 

[ccap41]

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Ford Mustang inspired Mach E is caught in public.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/21/ford-mach-e-electric-crossover-mustang-inspired-spied/#slide-2163283

Looks like it will be coupe inspired CUV. Heavy cover, but be interesting.

Unfortunately, I have that same feeling. They seemed to cover the rear so much to make it look like something else..it'll end up as a fckd up coupe CUV. 

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

Chevrolet BOLT will have a 259 mile battery pack for the 2020 model year along with new colors and hi-def cameras. Here is hoping that the colors also apply to the inside and that black and white dash.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/22/2020-chevy-bolt-ev-range-increase/

259 is pretty awesome. 

 

1 hour ago, dfelt said:

The other is a first review of the Lincoln Aviator Hybrid. Seems to be a focus on performance over efficiency with the power it has. 494HP / 630 lb-ft of torque. Crazy cool.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/22/2020-lincoln-aviator-hybrid-grand-touring-first-drive/

The electric-only range of like 18 miles is a little weak but I get it, it's a plug-in that seems more performance oriented. 

[G. David Felt]

Next wave of cool AUTO News:

Ford is going down 3 paths of EV strategy one of which is with Rivian for an Electrified F150. This is all part of the committed push to have 40 EVs on the market Globally by 2022 at a committed cost of $11.5 Billion dollars invested with their own EV strategy for Americas for cars and CUVs. EV platform with VW for European markets and the Pickups / Full size SUVs cobuilt with Rivian.

VW MEB platform for Fords small FWD EVs for Europe with a goal of 600,000 EVs over 6 years starting in 2023.

Ford Developed body for F150 and Full Size SUV, built by Rivian at their Illinois factory for global market.

Fords own EV platform for cars / cuvs for Americas market and export.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/fords-collaboration-with-rivian-is-just-one-of-three-paths-to-electrification/

Madrid Spain has put in place a permanent BAN on all private auto's and requirement to use carbon free mass transit. So do not expect to find auto's for rent or running around Madrid Spain any more. Mass transit is your friend on their electrified transit system.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/madrid-private-car-ban-is-here-to-stay/

In 2018 BMW stareted a Wireless charging option in Germany. Now in 2020, BMW will bring their wireless charging system for EVs to America.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/bmw-to-bring-wireless-charging-pilot-program-to-us/

Are you Battery Surge ready? EVs are expected to be as much as 1/3rd cheaper than ICE auto's within the next 3 years due to massive online coming battery production and solid state. Batteries make up 1/3rd of the cost of an EV, but with this massive push for battery production, costs are expected to drop massively. 

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/ev-battery-production-are-you-ready-for-the-surge/

Battery pack with thermal management that is 40% smaller than todays battery packs. Yup, not only is cost going to go down, but seems size as well by as much as 40% due to efficiency in packaging as well as battery design / building.

https://chargedevs.com/newswire/mahles-new-battery-housing-delivers-same-power-from-40-smaller-batteries/

Get Ready for the Next Auto Revolution and it will be a massive charged one!

[G. David Felt]

More Cool News, 

As many have stated here about EV's, variety of assortment styles is what is holding back EV adoption and AAA latest survey of their members show 20% will go pure EV on their next vehicle purchase to reduce maintenance and increase ease of fueling by fueling at home. Now with that said a much larger survey of people across the US has brought up the following reasons that people have not moved to EV yet.

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1124659_survey-range-cost-infrastructure-sum-up-why-shoppers-avoid-evs

Have to say that the VW ID Buggy would be a blast to have in sunny states and places with off road parks especially sand dunes.

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1124600_first-drive-review-vw-id-buggy-electric-car-meb-platform

EV Fun!

[G. David Felt]

The Drive is saying that Lexus has confirmed they will not build a car to compete with Tesla but instead go the route of a small Urban Hatchback for inner city owners / drivers. I get a total Smart Car vibe on this 2 door 2 person auto and think it will be a FAIL for them.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/29522/lexus-to-build-small-urban-hatchback-instead-of-tesla-fighter-for-its-first-ev-report

Want a station wagon but cannot afford the RS6 or E63 latest MB wagon, go CPO, E63 low miles over 500HP can be had for around 40K, big bargains in the CPO for E63 auto's.

https://jalopnik.com/a-reminder-that-you-can-get-another-german-wagon-with-o-1837474912

BMW is following MB with LED backlit grills now.

https://jalopnik.com/were-really-doing-this-arent-we-1837473276

France spent 5.2 million euros to build a 1K solar road for testing and it was a complete failure.

https://jalopnik.com/turns-out-a-road-made-of-solar-panels-was-in-fact-a-b-1837472544

Lots of interesting stuff today in the auto industry.

[balthazar]

‘Battery cost is 1/3rd of a new vehicle’s cost.’

I don’t believe that’s remotely accurate. It would mean a $21K IC vehicle would only be $27 as a BEV, when —except for 1– they start at $43K and go up from there.

Edited August 22, 2019 by balthazar

[G. David Felt]

Seems South Korea has decided to hit VW hard for Diesel gate and ban 80 auto's from sale in South Korea.

https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/03/business/international/south-korea-volkswagen-emissions.html

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/audi-porsche-vw-emissions-south-korea/

As such, Audi, Porsche and VW are being hit hard for the Emissions cheating.

These stories come from a release from the Korean Herald.

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190820000719#cb

Seems Tesla Giga Factory 3 is in debug phase for entering full production soon this coming fall.

https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-gigafactory-3-model-3-production-debugging-phase-video/

[G. David Felt]

Tesla is driving a Diesel free fall in Norway with some models dropping 95% as EV/BEVs take off.

https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-drives-norway-diesel-freefall/

Is this what could happen as more EV/BEV/Hybrids options come to market?

Good Review

 

[ocnblu]

Drew, a query:  why do the C&G forums have various sections dedicated to different topics?  It is such a quaint idear to have an organized forum.  Chaos reigns!  I am SHOCKED dfelt hasn't posted something about EVs droning on in the "What Are You Listening To?" thread.  Damn, really?

[balthazar]

[ocnblu]

[surreal1272]

47 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

Drew, a query:  why do the C&G forums have various sections dedicated to different topics?  It is such a quaint idear to have an organized forum.  Chaos reigns!  I am SHOCKED dfelt hasn't posted something about EVs droning on in the "What Are You Listening To?" thread.  Damn, really?

When you “like” a post about escalating (and not doing it) one day and later post the above on another day.

 

I am willing to bet that you wouldn’t have a problem with it if this were always about Diesels or basically anything else that doesn’t have the word “electric” in it. Get the F over it.

 

Edited August 22, 2019 by surreal1272

[ocnblu]

9 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

Get the F over it.

You obviously haven't seen the forums page, and how it is organized into various headers, and under those headers, there are threads, each pertaining to the topic listed in the header.  Check it out some time!  You'll be surprised.  There's even a long-neglected alternative propulsion section here at C&G.  Have you seent it?

For example, this section of the forums is called "The Lounge".  We are in the "Random Thoughts" thread.  Be my guest... look up the word "random" in the dictionary.  Do you have one?

16 minutes ago, surreal1272 said:

(and not doing it)

 

[Robert Hall]

A very strange looking homemade crew cab Chebby

Another odd crew cab..

I like this one...

How about a Jeep FC crew cab? 

[surreal1272]

17 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

You obviously haven't seen the forums page, and how it is organized into various headers, and under those headers, there are threads, each pertaining to the topic listed in the header.  Check it out some time!  You'll be surprised.  There's even a long-neglected alternative propulsion section here at C&G.  Have you seent it?

For example, this section of the forums is called "The Lounge".  We are in the "Random Thoughts" thread.  Be my guest... look up the word "random" in the dictionary.  Do you have one?

 

Oh stop it drama queen. There was a conservation about the subject you hate prior to your interjection. What qualifies as a “random thought” anyway? I see the same things talked about on this thread all the time and no one has had a problem with it (unless is politics which gets shut down for obvious reasons). Want to solve YOUR problem about seeing anything to do with dfelts preferred subject matter? Add him to your “ignore” list and POOOF! Problem solved and you can stop acting like a baby about it. Again if his were about anything else you didn’t hate, you wouldn’t have a problem with it. 

Edited August 23, 2019 by surreal1272

[balthazar]

Must've been tough being King ~ 

[ocnblu]

[ocnblu]

??

 

 

[A Horse With No Name]

12 hours ago, ocnblu said:

Drew, a query:  why do the C&G forums have various sections dedicated to different topics?  It is such a quaint idear to have an organized forum.  Chaos reigns!  I am SHOCKED dfelt hasn't posted something about EVs droning on in the "What Are You Listening To?" thread.  Damn, really?

EV's are silent, ergo.....he isn't listening to an EV. 

37 minutes ago, ocnblu said:

??

 

 

i wanted one of those surplus trucks for the longest time when I was younger. 

10 hours ago, balthazar said:

Must've been tough being King ~ 

heck yes!

11 hours ago, ocnblu said:

You obviously haven't seen the forums page, and how it is organized into various headers, and under those headers, there are threads, each pertaining to the topic listed in the header.  Check it out some time!  You'll be surprised.  There's even a long-neglected alternative propulsion section here at C&G.  Have you seent it?

For example, this section of the forums is called "The Lounge".  We are in the "Random Thoughts" thread.  Be my guest... look up the word "random" in the dictionary.  Do you have one?

 

Or you could just avoid being triggered by other peoples stupidity. It works well for me. You have fabulous automotive content....why don't you post some neat old truck pictures?

I have a rather intense curiosity into the conflict between the Israeli's and Palestinians, If i want to watch people fight, I will check out people who are serious about it. i come here to see cars...MORE of your fantastic vintage truck content, sir. I love it on Facebook, could stand every ounce of it you would bring to these humble pages. 

Warmest regards,

Chris, AKA Horse. 

[A Horse With No Name]

http://newsroom.vw.com/community/why-vws-first-electric-race-car-previews-the-future-of-evs/

 

[A Horse With No Name]

The video is well worth watching, especially where they get the electric record and celebrate...what an accomplishment!

 

[balthazar]

VW was hitting in the low 260s early on, but in the final approach was having difficulty hitting 245- I assume a byproduct of the depleting charge level- and after only a 6+ min run. Also; I realize it's a dedicated race car, but wow is that high-pitched whining annoying!!

[balthazar]

[ccap41]

I think this is a perfect application of EV technology.

There's time to charge between daily uses if 120 miles total isn't enough and obviously overnight is more than enough time to start the day fully charged. 

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/23/blue-bird-school-bus-ev-delivered/

 

[surreal1272]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

I think this is a perfect application of EV technology.

There's time to charge between daily uses if 120 miles total isn't enough and obviously overnight is more than enough time to start the day fully charged. 

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/08/23/blue-bird-school-bus-ev-delivered/

 

Shhhhn! Be careful. That’s not very “random” of you. 

[balthazar]

? buses seem logical for BE power.... as long as $500,000 buses dont bump school taxes as they explode budgets.

[ccap41]

8 minutes ago, balthazar said:

? buses seem logical for BE power.... as long as $500,000 buses dont bump school taxes as they explode budgets.

Initial investment will be high but operating costs should be much lower year after year. I assume they have the break even point figured out. 

[balthazar]

I question that... unless we’re talking about a time span far greater than the average life span of school buses (12 years). Many states have age ceilings that halt ‘fleet replacement funding’- one article I glanced at said 10 yrs. If a new bus costs about $75K, a BE version might be expected to sticker around $100-120K. $25K pays for a LOT of IC-specific maintenance...

Edited August 23, 2019 by balthazar

[G. David Felt]

7 hours ago, A Horse With No Name said:

http://newsroom.vw.com/community/why-vws-first-electric-race-car-previews-the-future-of-evs/

 

Love this, the whine of the power train accelerating and deccelerating. Will take this over the ear blasting noise of a Harley bike that is not needed.

Tuned pipe is one thing like the Corvette, Mustang or Camaro, but over all, would rather have less sound and this ev was a blast to watch run.

[ccap41]

6 minutes ago, balthazar said:

I question that... unless we’re talking about a time span far greater than the average life span of school buses (12 years).

I would assume Blue Bird puts on a presentation to the schools showing them a return on their investments. They aren't just going all willy nilly and throwing cash at something just because it's quieter. Either the school district or the state better have a functioning accounting department. 

[balthazar]

At highway speeds the vast majority of noise from a given vehicle is tire & wind noise, not exhaust/engine noise.

I can’t hear my Duramax at 70MPH.

32 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I would assume Blue Bird puts on a presentation to the schools showing them a return on their investments. 

Maybe. School boards are notoriously ignorant/uncaring about costs. I have seen numerous examples of this.

 

EDIT :: I undershot the cost of an EV bus by a mile : 

 

So now we're talking about $12,000/yr to maintain a diesel bus's IC-specific service points (tires & brakes, for example, are replaced on both). Diesels are amazingly low-maintenance… while of course diesel fuel costs more than electric, buses don't log many miles on average (FHA states the average year miles is only 8,000). 'Cheaper to operate' does NOT address the bottom line cost.

Edited August 23, 2019 by balthazar