Random Thoughts Thread

[ccap41]

7 minutes ago, David said:

Yes, I would agree that the Cadillac has its gaudy points, but then what Luxury line does not. I see it as a very strong starting point for a V edition Coupe for Cadillac.

I think their current V-B's look soooo much better than that concept. 

Personally, I don't think any mainstream luxury line, including Cadillac, has any gaudy vehicles. 

[Robert Hall]

I'd love to see a return of a Cadillac coupe...this concept is too gaudy and overwrought, but imagine a 2dr version of the CT5 or CT4...

[G. David Felt]

4 hours ago, Robert Hall said:

I'd love to see a return of a Cadillac coupe...this concept is too gaudy and overwrought, but imagine a 2dr version of the CT5 or CT4...

That as an EV would rock!

[G. David Felt]

Very cool the power of this mega dump truck.

 

This Cheetos Tesla Semi is cool to see. I love the graphic design work the company did on the truck.

Tesla Semi Details From Frito-Lay Visit: Powertrain, Interior, Charging (insideevs.com)

One could never say the battery pack was tiny on the Tesla Semi.

New Photo Reveals Tesla Semi's Massive Battery System (insideevs.com)

[G. David Felt]

@oldshurst442 @ccap41 You guys like cars, I think if Ford is paying attention, this Galaxie EV Concept is Da Bomb!

This Futuristic Ford Galaxie Concept Could Compete With Modern EVs (hotcars.com)

[oldshurst442]

 

 

Good-Bye Golden Jet.  Rest in Peace! 

 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting read for the science nerds here. Seems like the Germans are late to the party of tying up Lithium and other raw material components for batteries. As such with a huge abundance of Calcium and Sulfur, Germany is paying for a 3-year R&D to see if they can make a Calcium/Sulfur battery that is equal too if not better than the Lithium-ion battery.

Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics - Sustainable Batteries Based on Calcium And Sulfur (dlr.de)

More good news for Lithium batteries and making them safer.

Stanford scientists figured out why lithium metal batteries fail (electrek.co)

[G. David Felt]

Interesting read on the Detroit auto makers.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/01/30/ford-general-motors-earnings-prices.html

Cool, GMC Hummer SUV has entered production.

https://electrek.co/2023/01/30/2024-gmc-hummer-ev-suv-enters-production/

[G. David Felt]

KBB can make it so hard to gather the info on EVs compared to ICE at times, but still the results are not surprising, and I do find it humorous that they contradict Consumers Reports on these autos. I feel the past over the current 2023 models has CR hung up on past issues rather than looking at the latest auto with the fixes and how it is doing.

Electric Vehicle Research Center | Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com)

3 of the Best Electric Cars According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com)

3 of the Best Electric Trucks According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com)

3 of the Best Electric SUVs According to Kelley Blue Book (motorbiscuit.com)

 

[G. David Felt]

I say Tesla needs to worry, after all, they have always stated they are the best and longest range EVs and yet now the world knows they are not.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats the Tesla Model 3 on Range (motortrend.com)

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats Tesla Model 3 in EPA Range (yahoo.com)

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV achieves EPA range of 508 km, beats Tesla Model 3 - Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 official EV range beats the Tesla Model 3 RWD - The Verge

@oldshurst442 Might be your new car?

[oldshurst442]

1 minute ago, David said:

I say Tesla needs to worry, after all, they have always stated they are the best and longest range EVs and yet now the world knows they are not.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats the Tesla Model 3 on Range (motortrend.com)

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats Tesla Model 3 in EPA Range (yahoo.com)

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV achieves EPA range of 508 km, beats Tesla Model 3 - Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 official EV range beats the Tesla Model 3 RWD - The Verge

@oldshurst442 Might be your new car?

Nothing Korean for me.  

Good cars, yes. But no thanx.

Maybe this one

 if the tech is as good as a and on par or better than whatever else is out when this EV muscle machine eventually comes out. 

If not...when Ford decides to refresh and update this one. No need for the GT.  This one is plenty EV for me.

 

But then we have to see what the General will give us.  Surely there  MUST be a Chevrolet sedan-ish type of CUV called a Camaro kinda like the KIA EV6 or Charger somewhere that could tickle my fancy?

My wife likes the Equinox EV.    

But we are not buying new cars anytime soon.  While business is doing OK...life has gotten extremely expensive and both of us are really really in saving money mode.  Vacations put on hold. Big item purchases as well.  

 

[G. David Felt]

10 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Nothing Korean for me.  

Good cars, yes. But no thanx.

Maybe this one

 if the tech is as good as a and on par or better than whatever else is out when this EV muscle machine eventually comes out. 

If not...when Ford decides to refresh and update this one. No need for the GT.  This one is plenty EV for me.

 

But then we have to see what the General will give us.  Surely there  MUST be a Chevrolet sedan-ish type of CUV called a Camaro kinda like the KIA EV6 or Charger somewhere that could tickle my fancy?

My wife likes the Equinox EV.    

But we are not buying new cars anytime soon.  While business is doing OK...life has gotten extremely expensive and both of us are really really in saving money mode.  Vacations put on hold. Big item purchases as well.  

 

Korean is the only thing I would consider outside of the U.S. if I could fit in smaller autos.

Pretty much I love the Dodge Banshee EV and I do think the next generation of Mach-e will be even better. I am excited to see what all GM also brings out as we should be seeing some time in 2023 the Escalade EV Concept as well as I would expect other EVs under the various name plates.

I do agree with you that GM should be able to build a profitable car based on Ultium platform.

[ccap41]

11 hours ago, David said:

I say Tesla needs to worry, after all, they have always stated they are the best and longest range EVs and yet now the world knows they are not.

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats the Tesla Model 3 on Range (motortrend.com)

Hyundai Ioniq 6 Beats Tesla Model 3 in EPA Range (yahoo.com)

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV achieves EPA range of 508 km, beats Tesla Model 3 - Times of India (indiatimes.com)

Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 official EV range beats the Tesla Model 3 RWD - The Verge

@oldshurst442 Might be your new car?

The Ionic 6 is one of those cars that's pretty ugly...but I kind of like it a lot. 

Of course Tesla should worry but I don't exactly think they're sitting on their hands just hoping for sales. They're improving their vehicles but I think a 5th all-new vehicle to the lineup would be much welcomed or at least all-new versions of their current lineup. I mean, the Model S is like 10-15 years old at this point? I know it's been completely updated by now but it's just getting long in the tooth. 

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

The Ionic 6 is one of those cars that's pretty ugly...but I kind of like it a lot. 

Of course Tesla should worry but I don't exactly think they're sitting on their hands just hoping for sales. They're improving their vehicles but I think a 5th all-new vehicle to the lineup would be much welcomed or at least all-new versions of their current lineup. I mean, the Model S is like 10-15 years old at this point? I know it's been completely updated by now but it's just getting long in the tooth. 

Totally agree that it is an Ugly car, but just something about it also draws my attention. Your right, at least it is not 15 year old style and looking worse with every month.

[oldshurst442]

14 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Of course Tesla should worry but I don't exactly think they're sitting on their hands just hoping for sales. 

Its weird to me that Elon hasnt twitted about any future products.  He usually gets the fandom and the investors all giddy with talk of product. But he has remained silent.  Unlike him.  Sales havent gone down but market share has and the only thing he has done is...reduce prices, to get investor and fanbase interest.  Favourable Telsa media all have said that that should worry GM, Ford and Stellantis but GM, Ford and the Chrysler part of Stellantis ALL have gone down THAT road SEVERAL times in their history and well...its just business as usual for them.  

GM recorded some pretty nice profits and the Equinox EV is just around the corner with plenty of other Ultium EVs to help with economies of scale including pretty expensive models so...I dont think GM is worried all that much with Tesla slashing prices. 

Stellantis in Europe is one of those OEMs that Tesla is losing market share to.  Small amounts, but Stellantis is gaining ground nonetheless.  Here in North America will be totally different, so there is that, but at least Stellantis in Europe is not worried about Tesla price drops...

Ford might be in a pickle if Ford does not take care of those unnecessary expensive recalls...

Sandy Munro is saying that Tesla's production costs are low. Lower than we think so Tesla's vehicles are more profitable that we know of...  And he too says that GM and others should worry...   I heard that Sandy Munro, an automotive industry specialist  I once trusted, that Sandy once owned Tesla stock...   There goes THAT unbiased news source...   Ranting...but I dont personally think Tesla will maintain market share with just price reducing.  Tesla cars visually, are old.  Tesla tech might still be the benchmark, but Tesla style is old and THAT is a MAJOR selling point to people when tech is equal all around and EV tech from other OEMs are pretty close to Tesla's now. 

 

 

14 hours ago, ccap41 said:

The Ionic 6 is one of those cars that's pretty ugly...but I kind of like it a lot. 

I agree.  I kinda like it too.  Its weird that I like it but I give grief to Mercedes for having 2 EV sedans equally soapy and ugly. 

Truth be told though, I dont necessarily hate the Mercedes EVs either.   

[oldshurst442]

14 hours ago, David said:

I do agree with you that GM should be able to build a profitable car based on Ultium platform.

Im crossing my fingers that GM hasnt given up on Chevrolet and Buick sedans in the EV era.  

[G. David Felt]

WOW, interesting story of an Audi e-tron in an accident with a Toyota sedan and the battery pack gets ejected. 

Watch Audi e-tron Battery Pack Get Ejected During Crash (insideevs.com)

[oldshurst442]

I really do want to go back in owning a Chevrolet again.  If Pontiac and Oldsmobile is no longer around, Im more than happy being a Chevy guy.  I like being a Ford guy, but technically Im an Acura guy as the Ford is my wife's car.  And I dont mind being part of the Acura family, Im kinda over it.  I really like to go back in being a GM guy.   

Or a Mustang EV guy.  Better yet, that Challenger/Charger Banshee really speaks to me, but if Chevrolet could make a similar Camaro as that Banshee, Im back in being a Chevy guy.  Chevy dont even need to call it a Camaro. Chevy could call it whatever they want, if Chevy can style an EV sedan with muscle car looks, Im in!  

Edited February 3, 2023 by oldshurst442

[G. David Felt]

7 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

I really do want to go back in owning a Chevrolet again.  If Pontiac and Oldsmobile is no longer around, Im more than happy being a Chevy guy.  I like being a Ford guy, but technically Im an Acura guy as the Ford is my wife's car.  And I dont mind being part of the Acura family, Im kinda over it.  I really like to go back in being a GM guy.   

Or a Mustang EV guy.  Better yet, that Challenger/Charger Banshee really speaks to me, but if Chevrolet could make a similar Camaro as that Banshee, Im back in being a Chevy guy.  Chevy dont even need to call it a Camaro. Chevy could call it whatever they want, if Chevy can style an EV sedan with muscle car looks, Im in!  

I am excited to replace my Trailblazer SS with a Corvette SUV EV.  

[ccap41]

8 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Ford might be in a pickle if Ford does not take care of those unnecessary expensive recalls...

I also think Ford could use something a little more conventional to add to their 2-vehicle EV lineup. A sporty "SUV" and a truck are nice and all but I'd think a more conventional style SUV would benefit them quite a bit. Make it comparable to either the Blazer EV or Equinox EV, size-wise. 

I don't know when those GM EVs are supposed to start production but I think those categories are fantastic starting points, along with their Silverado EV. 

8 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I agree.  I kinda like it too.  Its weird that I like it but I give grief to Mercedes for having 2 EV sedans equally soapy and ugly. 

Truth be told though, I dont necessarily hate the Mercedes EVs either.   

See, I don't think it's quite as soapy as the Merc siblings. It isn't too far off, but it isn't as extremely soapy.

The EQS Sedan does look better in person. It still isn't great but its size is what makes it actually stand out. 

[oldshurst442]

8 hours ago, David said:

I am excited to replace my Trailblazer SS with a Corvette SUV EV.  

I dont know what Chevrolet is thinking to do with Corvette branding.  Its no secret that I like the idea of Corvette expanding its portfolio and from that becoming more of a brand within Chevrolet.  But I am almost sure that Chevrolet has cold feet about that idea.   Corvette is 70 years old. It took Chevrolet 60 years to move the engine from the front to the back.  And that is a such a small move compared to making Corvette its own brand.  And that was with Zora Duntov's idea 60 years ago...   Yeah...I dont think Corvette is gonna do a SUV anytime soon.  Tadge said so when they released the C8 that as long as he is Corvette's chief engineer a SUV is NOT part of the plan.  Plans do change, but like I said, it took Corvette 60 years out of 70 to move the engine from the front to the back.  

[ccap41]

8 hours ago, David said:

I am excited to replace my Trailblazer SS with a Corvette SUV EV.  

If you can't fit in a Lincoln Continental or a Mazda CX-90, there's no way you'll fit in a Corvette SUV. 

[oldshurst442]

21 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

I also think Ford could use something a little more conventional to add to their 2-vehicle EV lineup. A sporty "SUV" and a truck are nice and all but I'd think a more conventional style SUV would benefit them quite a bit. Make it comparable to either the Blazer EV or Equinox EV, size-wise. 

I don't know when those GM EVs are supposed to start production but I think those categories are fantastic starting points, along with their Silverado EV. 

See, I don't think it's quite as soapy as the Merc siblings. It isn't too far off, but it isn't as extremely soapy.

The EQS Sedan does look better in person. It still isn't great but its size is what makes it actually stand out. 

 

For sure.  Ford DOES need more EV products and a more diversified portfolio.  But like everything else Ford does, its all hush hush.  The Mustang Mach E was a surprise.  The Ford GT was a surprise.  The F150 EV not so much but still.

Both the Mach E and the GT, not only did it surprise literally everybody in the automotive world that they existed and were put to poroduction for sale immediately right after introduction, both products suprised everyone, including consumers as to how good they actually are.   Im sure Ford has their other EV products close to their chest and when the time is right, they will come online.  Ford does best when no hype is involved.  The other hyped cars, the Bronco, the current gen Explorer, the last gen Fusion, all hype and rushed and all kinds of recalls.   

 

Mercedes is more of an engineering first company.   Their cars are styled accordingingly.  I shouldnt fault them for that.  Not anybody else for that matter.   But...doesnt mean I wouldnt want them to put a little bit of soul into them.  I find that when they actually do, they produce some of the finest automobiles in history.  When its just logic and math into their cars, their cars just become forgettable.   And the EQS and EQE is just that...forgettable.   I dont hate them, but...  

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I dont know what Chevrolet is thinking to do with Corvette branding.  Its no secret that I like the idea of Corvette expanding its portfolio and from that becoming more of a brand within Chevrolet.  But I am almost sure that Chevrolet has cold feet about that idea.   Corvette is 70 years old. It took Chevrolet 60 years to move the engine from the front to the back.  And that is a such a small move compared to making Corvette its own brand.  And that was with Zora Duntov's idea 60 years ago...   Yeah...I dont think Corvette is gonna do a SUV anytime soon.  Tadge said so when they released the C8 that as long as he is Corvette's chief engineer a SUV is NOT part of the plan.  Plans do change, but like I said, it took Corvette 60 years out of 70 to move the engine from the front to the back.  

We'll yes, the ICE crowd hates it, but then Corvette's Chief Engineer for ICE development is not going to be the EV Chief Engineer who is the former ICE Corvette chief who moved to EV to develop the roadmap and plan for EVs across Chevrolet and Corvette.

Right now I would not count on anything said from the ICE side affecting what they do on the EV side. All up in the air IMHO.

[G. David Felt]

Agree with @ccap41 that Ford needs a more diverse product line of EVs, but since they have only given vary vague guidelines and they are way behind GM on building battery plants, I think we will have to wait another year or two to see what they do.

@oldshurst442 I agree with you that Mercedes is a strong Engineering company, with that said, I also kind of see them going down the road of Digital Computer. Great Engineer, OK sales and Marketing, terrible style and eventually they are surpassed by Genesis/Hyundai/Kia and end up dying off.

Why do I say that about Mercedes? Easy, their CEO of Daimler has his job with a huge gold parachute to bring money into the parent coffins and has done that by following the same plane mediocre CEOs do, break up and sell off a company via stock / new individual companies.

Mercedes is already having trouble generating the money needed to R&D EVs and they have turned to the government to supply EV Battery R&D funds due to a lack of secure raw materials. Right now the German brands excluding VW/Porsche/Audi are struggling to build enough batteries, build enough EVs to sell.

I just do not see their socialist approach to business is working for them.

Interesting times we are in.

[G. David Felt]

WOW, Talk about a Nightmare. You have to remove the whole cab of the Super Duty trucks to get at the Oil Pan if there is a leak that needs to be fixed. Ya know, ya have to pull the pan, replace the gasket and put it back on.

 

[ccap41]

17 minutes ago, David said:

WOW, Talk about a Nightmare. You have to remove the whole cab of the Super Duty trucks to get at the Oil Pan if there is a leak that needs to be fixed. Ya know, ya have to pull the pan, replace the gasket and put it back on.

 

This is the first I've ever heard of an "upper oil pan" meeting a "lower oil pan". It all sounds complex and it's probably safe to say this is a diesel-only situation. 

[G. David Felt]

Interesting to see that the Domestic brands are getting back to where they want to be for 60 day auto supplies compared to everyone else that is from the mid 20's to low 30's for number of day auto supplies.

Car buyers frustrated with inventory shortages should head to a Ford or GM dealer (msn.com)

[G. David Felt]

Very cool story, very cool car I did not know Ford built.

All videos on this project from the son who did the restoration work is here:

Tommy Superbird - YouTube

Additional videos on this rare ride and value.

Very cool car.

[G. David Felt]

Love this story, these are some sexy Lincolns.

We'd Love To Own These Modified Lincoln Continentals (hotcars.com)

@oldshurst442 @ccap41 @surreal1272 I really hope someone takes this to the next logical step of a modern take as an EV. These are awesome cars IMHO.

Check out all the takes this guy has on various cars, but I love this modern take on the Hard top Lincoln.

Pin by Jimmy Craft on Hotwheels | Lincoln continental, Lincoln cars, Futuristic cars (pinterest.com)

 

[oldshurst442]

12 hours ago, David said:

I really hope someone takes this to the next logical step of a modern take as an EV.

Elsewhere in the world...sure.  The Asian and European markets dont seem to be addicted to CUVs and SUVs as much as the North American market is.   I think our North American market will detox from CUVs by going through the 'not quite CUV/not quite sedan' phase before going to full on sedans.  This phase will probably last a good decade. 1 or 2 car platform generations...

But elsewhere in the world, I dont think retro American land yachts will make the cut...  

 

 

[oldshurst442]

22 hours ago, David said:

Agree with @ccap41 that Ford needs a more diverse product line of EVs, but since they have only given vary vague guidelines and they are way behind GM on building battery plants, I think we will have to wait another year or two to see what they do.

@oldshurst442 I agree with you that Mercedes is a strong Engineering company, with that said, I also kind of see them going down the road of Digital Computer. Great Engineer, OK sales and Marketing, terrible style and eventually they are surpassed by Genesis/Hyundai/Kia and end up dying off.

Why do I say that about Mercedes? Easy, their CEO of Daimler has his job with a huge gold parachute to bring money into the parent coffins and has done that by following the same plane mediocre CEOs do, break up and sell off a company via stock / new individual companies.

Mercedes is already having trouble generating the money needed to R&D EVs and they have turned to the government to supply EV Battery R&D funds due to a lack of secure raw materials. Right now the German brands excluding VW/Porsche/Audi are struggling to build enough batteries, build enough EVs to sell.

I just do not see their socialist approach to business is working for them.

Interesting times we are in.

 Maybe they could partner up with another OEM again, not quite struggling but emerging from a struggle just a decade before,  call it a merger of equals, and...loot all their great engineering ideas and assets and then leave them to rot...  

Cant do it with Chrysler again because Chrysler belongs to the Stellantis group.  

Cant do it with GM as GM is a powerhouse.  No need for a merger at this point in time.

Cant do it with Toyota... Toyota has cash.  Lots of it.  Toyota's cash wont allow for a powermove like that to happen. If anything, Toyota will be the one using Mercedes as a call girl...

Hyundai/KIA is not interested.

That leaves Honda and Ford.

Honda doesnt have anything of value...but Ford does.   

Hey...I got it! 

Maybe Mercedes could partner up with FoMoCo.  Their aging G-Wagon could be based off the Bronco.  Imagine the Bronco Raptor as a G Wagon!!!   

Their Sprinter vans could be merged with the Transit line. 

And...Mercedes could allow for the development of the next Ford GT...Mercedes could scuttle that program, say that American cars suck, cancel the GT program, take that engineering with them, make the next Mercedes SLS off that prgram, take all the Ford F150 future development plans and voila...Mercedes has a legit full sized pick-up truck to sell and have a cash cow for the next 20 years as they did with Chrysler and Jeep with the SUV craze...   

 

 

 

[riviera74]

Given what happened to Chrysler after 1998, why would FORD partner up with Mercedes?

[oldshurst442]

9 minutes ago, riviera74 said:

Given what happened to Chrysler after 1998, why would FORD partner up with Mercedes?

Its called a sarcastic post. 

Read it again, but keep in mind the sarcasm part.  It will hopefully make sense to you, as an anti-Mercedes rant, and you could have a chuckle or two about it.    

[G. David Felt]

@oldshurst442 Great Sarcastic Post!!!

@riviera74 I get it that the mess of Daimler and Chryler is a poster child for not letting anyone tie up with you.

Yet with that said, Ford seems to have tied up with VW as they both are moving forward here in the U.S. and Europe with the MEB+ electric platform. Lucky it is a shared platform of equals. So will be interesting to see how this plays out for Ford and VW.

[ccap41]

On 2/4/2023 at 10:05 AM, oldshurst442 said:

 Maybe they could partner up with another OEM again, not quite struggling but emerging from a struggle just a decade before,  call it a merger of equals, and...loot all their great engineering ideas and assets and then leave them to rot...  

Cant do it with Chrysler again because Chrysler belongs to the Stellantis group.  

Cant do it with GM as GM is a powerhouse.  No need for a merger at this point in time.

Cant do it with Toyota... Toyota has cash.  Lots of it.  Toyota's cash wont allow for a powermove like that to happen. If anything, Toyota will be the one using Mercedes as a call girl...

Hyundai/KIA is not interested.

That leaves Honda and Ford.

Honda doesnt have anything of value...but Ford does.   

Hey...I got it! 

Maybe Mercedes could partner up with FoMoCo.  Their aging G-Wagon could be based off the Bronco.  Imagine the Bronco Raptor as a G Wagon!!!   

Their Sprinter vans could be merged with the Transit line. 

And...Mercedes could allow for the development of the next Ford GT...Mercedes could scuttle that program, say that American cars suck, cancel the GT program, take that engineering with them, make the next Mercedes SLS off that prgram, take all the Ford F150 future development plans and voila...Mercedes has a legit full sized pick-up truck to sell and have a cash cow for the next 20 years as they did with Chrysler and Jeep with the SUV craze...   

 

 

 

Here's a pretty crazy idea that's apparently already in the works, too.  

https://www.motortrend.com/news/ford-red-bull-developing-strategically-important-ev/

"Earlier today, Ford announced a surprise return to Formula 1 racing in a new partnership with Red Bull Racing starting in 2026 to explore and develop vehicle dynamics, stability control, traction control, dynamic drive modes, software engineering and battery management, and of course, aerodynamics for future Ford production cars. In an interview with MotorTrend, Ford CEO Jim Farley hinted that they've already been hard at work on a "strategically important" EV we can get excited about."

On 2/4/2023 at 10:05 AM, oldshurst442 said:

Their aging G-Wagon could be based off the Bronco.  Imagine the Bronco Raptor as a G Wagon!!! 

I know you're being sarcastic but the G Wagen was all-new in 2019.

Okay, now that I think about it, that's already FOUR YEARS OLD! Dang, how time flies. 

[ccap41]

To go with the above Red Bull/Ford announcement.. An SVT/performance Lightning would be pretty whoop-@ss!

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/02/06/ford-high-performance-electric-pickup-truck-teaser-red-bull-announcement/

"What's the guaranteed follow-up to an automaker making a big fuss about entering a global motorsport series? Talk how about race technology is going to carom off the track and into the street cars in the parking lot. When done properly, the talk can be demonstrated with a street car that maximizes the transfer possibilities such as the Audi R8, Porsche 911 GT3 or the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It can also happen in a more general, widespread way that's equally beneficial, like when Volvo entered the World Touring Car Championship in 2016 and Polestar began to really bloom. Now we get Ford returning to Formula 1 in 2026 with Red Bull as Red Bull Ford. As part of the announcement, Motor Authority picked up on the Dearborn manufacturer showing an infographic about how its global motorsports programs exchange expertise from road to race and back. In the lower right of the image at top, the slide shows something wicked, new and electric this way comes.

We're not sure precisely what the vehicle will be, but it will join the cadre of EV performance demonstrators Ford's been showing for the past two years. The pickup silhouette leads to the obvious guess that we're looking for an imperious F-150 Lightning. The other EV demonstrators are the seven-motor, 1,400-horsepower Mach-E 1400 Prototype, the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 dragstrip special, the 1978 F-100 Eluminator pickup with two crate e-motors, and the 1,973-hp quad-motor SuperVan 4 that gets from zero to 62 miles per hour in less than two seconds.     

The silhouettes in the other slides are the Mustang GT3 in the upper left, the Ranger Raptor in the upper right, and the Red Bull Ford we imagine will be the RB22 assuming Red Bull's naming convention holds through 2026. 

The biggest issue we have with the EV demonstrators we've seen so far is that no one can buy them. The standard Lightning with 563 hp and 775 lb-ft is certainly quick in its own right, though it does contend with the weight of many batteries. Still, if there were ever a time for the return of a retail Lightning with electric performance as comparatively audacious as the original, now is it."

[oldshurst442]

5 hours ago, ccap41 said:

To go with the above Red Bull/Ford announcement.. An SVT/performance Lightning would be pretty whoop-@ss!

https://www.autoblog.com/2023/02/06/ford-high-performance-electric-pickup-truck-teaser-red-bull-announcement/

"What's the guaranteed follow-up to an automaker making a big fuss about entering a global motorsport series? Talk how about race technology is going to carom off the track and into the street cars in the parking lot. When done properly, the talk can be demonstrated with a street car that maximizes the transfer possibilities such as the Audi R8, Porsche 911 GT3 or the new Chevrolet Corvette Z06. It can also happen in a more general, widespread way that's equally beneficial, like when Volvo entered the World Touring Car Championship in 2016 and Polestar began to really bloom. Now we get Ford returning to Formula 1 in 2026 with Red Bull as Red Bull Ford. As part of the announcement, Motor Authority picked up on the Dearborn manufacturer showing an infographic about how its global motorsports programs exchange expertise from road to race and back. In the lower right of the image at top, the slide shows something wicked, new and electric this way comes.

We're not sure precisely what the vehicle will be, but it will join the cadre of EV performance demonstrators Ford's been showing for the past two years. The pickup silhouette leads to the obvious guess that we're looking for an imperious F-150 Lightning. The other EV demonstrators are the seven-motor, 1,400-horsepower Mach-E 1400 Prototype, the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 dragstrip special, the 1978 F-100 Eluminator pickup with two crate e-motors, and the 1,973-hp quad-motor SuperVan 4 that gets from zero to 62 miles per hour in less than two seconds.     

The silhouettes in the other slides are the Mustang GT3 in the upper left, the Ranger Raptor in the upper right, and the Red Bull Ford we imagine will be the RB22 assuming Red Bull's naming convention holds through 2026. 

The biggest issue we have with the EV demonstrators we've seen so far is that no one can buy them. The standard Lightning with 563 hp and 775 lb-ft is certainly quick in its own right, though it does contend with the weight of many batteries. Still, if there were ever a time for the return of a retail Lightning with electric performance as comparatively audacious as the original, now is it."

Im excited for this!!!

I was excited for Cadillac and Andretti too.  But that quickly deflated.  I havent heard any news for THATannouncement, Im assuming the F1 owners REALLY dont want Andretti so they completely denounced him and went with Ford and Red Bull instead. 

[G. David Felt]

Tonight was a comfort food carb night. 

First was an all-beef hotdog in homemade Mac n Cheese with a mixture of chedder, Havarti and Smoked Gouda.

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes. 

Golden Potatoes, peeled and then mandolin sliced for consistency. Then Sugar Sweet Spanish onions sauteed in cream. Then a laying process of potatoes, onion cream mixture and Havarti cheese. Multiple layers till full and then baked in the oven.

[ccap41]

15 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

Im excited for this!!!

I was excited for Cadillac and Andretti too.  But that quickly deflated.  I havent heard any news for THATannouncement, Im assuming the F1 owners REALLY dont want Andretti so they completely denounced him and went with Ford and Red Bull instead. 

I believe the FIA made an announcement that they'll have final approval/denial for all new team proposals in April or something. I would LOVE for Cadillac to have their own factory team in F1! Andretti/Cadillac isn't the only new team proposal, just the loudest. 

The problem is the current team owners don't want to split the pie into smaller slices.. I really hope Cadillac/Andretti's proposal blows their tits off and they can justify another team. 

Red Bull has been a team for a couple decades already so it isn't a new team. They're just partnering with Ford on their new powertrains for 2026, when the regulations move to more battery electric power and less ICE power. Red Bull has been with Honda/Acura for the past few years but have been with all sorts of engine suppliers. 

2005: Cosworth

2006: Ferrari

2007-2015: Renault

2016-2018: Tag Heuer-badged Renault engines

2019-2021: Honda/Acura

2022: Honda engines but they formed their own company and are branded Red Bull Powertrains(confusing situation)

I believe the current power split is around 150hp electric power and 650-700hp ICE and the 2026 regulations move to a 350hp electric power and a 20% reduced fuel flow rate, so less ICE power.

[oldshurst442]

8 hours ago, ccap41 said:

I believe the FIA made an announcement that they'll have final approval/denial for all new team proposals in April or something. I would LOVE for Cadillac to have their own factory team in F1! Andretti/Cadillac isn't the only new team proposal, just the loudest. 

The problem is the current team owners don't want to split the pie into smaller slices.. I really hope Cadillac/Andretti's proposal blows their tits off and they can justify another team. 

Red Bull has been a team for a couple decades already so it isn't a new team. They're just partnering with Ford on their new powertrains for 2026, when the regulations move to more battery electric power and less ICE power. Red Bull has been with Honda/Acura for the past few years but have been with all sorts of engine suppliers. 

2005: Cosworth

2006: Ferrari

2007-2015: Renault

2016-2018: Tag Heuer-badged Renault engines

2019-2021: Honda/Acura

2022: Honda engines but they formed their own company and are branded Red Bull Powertrains(confusing situation)

I believe the current power split is around 150hp electric power and 650-700hp ICE and the 2026 regulations move to a 350hp electric power and a 20% reduced fuel flow rate, so less ICE power.

Thanx for all that info.

I knew Red Bull was a team. And I knew they had other engine builders in their young ownership group. 

What I knew was the partnership between them and Honda ended. What I just learned from your post a day ago was that Ford was their new partner.  

What I didnt know was Ford not needing approval.  But since Red Bull was already an F1 ownership group, the slice of the pie wouldnt change no matter who Red Bull chose to partner itself with.   

I understood the slice of the pie getting smaller for the F1 owners, and I get and sympathize with the F1 owner's plight regarding that, but Toto Wolff, the Mercedes F1 boss' reasoning AND  questioning what Andretti and Cadillac could bring to the table is asinine. 

Why?

1. Andretti (and Cadillac) would be the ONLY real LEGIT American Formula One team (there is 1  so called American team...but it aint so American...) and Formula One WANTS to EXPAND the US racing circuit.  They want MORE races run in the US and they want MORE American fans watching these races...   Andretti AND Cadillac WOULD expand their wishes EASILY.     Andretti is an AMERICAN RACING FAMILY LEGEND not only in Europe, BUT ESPECIALLY in the USA.   CADILLAC racing against Mercedes and Ferrari in Formula one?  Are you kidding me???!!!  Doesnt THAT excite American racing fanatics????!!!! If THAT doesnt excite American racing fans...NOTHING does...   NASCAR has been invaded by Honda and Toyota lets not forget...   American racing pride to go alongside IMSA's Corvette and...Cadillac no less would be GREAT for F1...

2. Cadillac has General phoquing Motors backing them up.  General phoquing Motors...    Of ALL the racing teams in Formula One now, General phoquing Motors has the MOST money to SPEND on racing engineering...  And I guess THAT is another reason as to why they dont want.    In no time Cadillac would dominate.

3. They question GM and Cadillac on how GM's (Cadillac's) tech could benefit...anybody.  But I KNOW Mercedes knows that GM has Corvette Racing in IMSA along with Cadillac and GM has Chevrolet doing NASCAR and Indycar...  And I know Wolff and Mercedes KNOWS that GM racing tech is LEAGUE leaging in ANY racing circuit.  So to repeat...Mercedes has been winning in F1...Cadillac would in no time disrupt that winning.

4. Wolff questions Cadillac's engine building and questions why Alpine would supply Cadilla\c engines...

Well...Alpine would only supply Cadillac 2 years.  The time for Cadillac to enter Formula One and the time for Cadillac to get the feelz for Formula One racing... 

5. I think Ferrari and Mercedes are both peeved and Andretti for reasons that I dont know... and are using those shytty reasons to block Andretti and not necessarily Cadillac.  

Edited February 7, 2023 by oldshurst442

[G. David Felt]

@ccap41 @oldshurst442 Here are the press releases on the racing.

Cadillac Reveals Liveries for V-LMDh Race Cars

Andretti Global and General Motors Team Up in F1 Pursuit (cadillac.com)

[ccap41]

15 hours ago, oldshurst442 said:

I understood the slice of the pie getting smaller for the F1 owners, and I get and sympathize with the F1 owner's plight regarding that, but Toto Wolff, the Mercedes F1 boss' reasoning AND  questioning what Andretti and Cadillac could bring to the table is asinine. 

Why?

1. Andretti (and Cadillac) would be the ONLY real LEGIT American Formula One team (there is 1  so called American team...but it aint so American...) and Formula One WANTS to EXPAND the US racing circuit.  They want MORE races run in the US and they want MORE American fans watching these races...   Andretti AND Cadillac WOULD expand their wishes EASILY.     Andretti is an AMERICAN RACING FAMILY LEGEND not only in Europe, BUT ESPECIALLY in the USA.   CADILLAC racing against Mercedes and Ferrari in Formula one?  Are you kidding me???!!!  Doesnt THAT excite American racing fanatics????!!!! If THAT doesnt excite American racing fans...NOTHING does...   NASCAR has been invaded by Honda and Toyota lets not forget...   American racing pride to go alongside IMSA's Corvette and...Cadillac no less would be GREAT for F1...

2. Cadillac has General phoquing Motors backing them up.  General phoquing Motors...    Of ALL the racing teams in Formula One now, General phoquing Motors has the MOST money to SPEND on racing engineering...  And I guess THAT is another reason as to why they dont want.    In no time Cadillac would dominate.

3. They question GM and Cadillac on how GM's (Cadillac's) tech could benefit...anybody.  But I KNOW Mercedes knows that GM has Corvette Racing in IMSA along with Cadillac and GM has Chevrolet doing NASCAR and Indycar...  And I know Wolff and Mercedes KNOWS that GM racing tech is LEAGUE leaging in ANY racing circuit.  So to repeat...Mercedes has been winning in F1...Cadillac would in no time disrupt that winning.

4. Wolff questions Cadillac's engine building and questions why Alpine would supply Cadilla\c engines...

Well...Alpine would only supply Cadillac 2 years.  The time for Cadillac to enter Formula One and the time for Cadillac to get the feelz for Formula One racing... 

5. I think Ferrari and Mercedes are both peeved and Andretti for reasons that I dont know... and are using those shytty reasons to block Andretti and not necessarily Cadillac.  

My honest opinion is that those big guns in Merc, Ferrari, and Red Bull are just scared. I'm sure Cadillac/GM/Andretti can justify how they'll bring more total revenue to the sport but I think they're more scared of a legitimate OEM coming into the sport and bringing with them a truly competitive car. I think it will take some time to get their feet under them so I wouldn't expect a podium-finishing car in the first year but I/we KNOW they have it in them to learn and engineer with the best. 

I don't really like Alpine supplying them their power unit the first two years but I guess if that's what they need to do to get into the sport, then that's what they'll have to do. I'd MUCH prefer a Cadillac car with a Cadillac power unit. A Nissan(Renault) power unit in a Cadillac.. just makes me cringe a little. 

15 hours ago, David said:

@ccap41 @oldshurst442 Here are the press releases on the racing.

Cadillac Reveals Liveries for V-LMDh Race Cars

Andretti Global and General Motors Team Up in F1 Pursuit (cadillac.com)

They already have one race under their belts this season, Rolex 24hr of Daytona. They finished 3rd & 4th to the Acuras which were just waaaay faster cars. 

[ccap41]

Hey! We're back up! 

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, ccap41 said:

Hey! We're back up! 

Had to get that first post in since the servers went down.  

[G. David Felt]

@Robert Hall @Drew Dowdell @ccap41 @surreal1272 @oldshurst442 I know so many others will enjoy this, but especially the tech folks. 

I remember doing this in interviews when I was a QA manager having people write steps down on how they would tell someone to do something. Great test for seeing how clear one can write. Now someone did this with their kids and recorded it, posted it to Instagram.

When you and Developer understand requirements differently.

More wonderful tech humor from the poster below.

The Testers Family (@thetestersfamily) • Instagram photos and videos

 

 

[Drew Dowdell]

@David - Network cards on Dell servers

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

@David - Network cards on Dell servers

That does not surprise me as they use Intel and or Broadcom depending on choice and lately Intel cards have had firmware issues and a weird overheating issue.

ESG-12G-Select-Network-Adapters-whitepaper-final.pdf (dell.com)

Interesting learning about Porsche EV system.

Charged EVs | Porsche fine-tunes Taycan EV braking for better recuperation without reduced comfort - Charged EVs

[Drew Dowdell]

4 minutes ago, David said:

That does not surprise me as they use Intel and or Broadcom depending on choice and lately Intel cards have had firmware issues and a weird overheating issue.

ESG-12G-Select-Network-Adapters-whitepaper-final.pdf (dell.com)

Interesting learning about Porsche EV system.

Charged EVs | Porsche fine-tunes Taycan EV braking for better recuperation without reduced comfort - Charged EVs

It was an intel, but it’s optical 10g port

[G. David Felt]

Not allot to cover for a story, but at least it is a confirmation of the name.

Stellantis Media - Ram Brand Confirms Name of First Electric Pickup: Ram 1500 REV (stellantisnorthamerica.com)

“At Ram, we started a revolution last year as we invited consumers along on the beginning of our electrification journey, gathering their feedback on exactly what they are looking for in an electric pickup truck,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “We look forward to delivering our first EV pickup – the all-new Ram 1500 REV – to those consumers next year. We are confident the Ram 1500 REV will push past the competition, offering what will be the leading combination of attributes customers care about the most: range, payload, towing and charge time.”
 
Production of the all-new Ram 1500 REV will begin next year. More information will be available Sunday, Feb. 12, and the vehicle will be formally revealed to the public in the coming months.