G. David Felt

G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com Connect & Cruise CRATE POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS GM has launched their complete solution packages for older auto's. Including both RWD and 4WD solutions, GM wanted to get these launched with a mail-in rebate for an end of the year present to all motor-heads. GM is offering 12 different combinations including emissions certified E-ROD packages. These packages include a factory tuned engine and transmission with all the electronic control modules, wiring harness and other key components so you can truly strip out the old powertrain and go modern. Engine choices come as follows: LC9 (5.3L) - 315HP available in 2WD, 4WD, and E-ROD LS3 (6.2L) - 430HP available in 2WD and E-ROD LS376 / 480 available in 2WD and 4WD LS376 / 525 available in 2WD LSA (6.2L) - 556HP available 2WD and E-ROD LS7 (7.0L) - 505HP available 2WD Rebates are $500 or $750 depending on package. Connect & Cruise Crate Powertrain Systems Crate Engine Depot pricing Some of the best I have seen around. Make your old dream car, truck or SUV come to life. 1970 Chevelle with a Connect and Cruise package.

Awesome auto, be interesting to hear how SMK picks it apart. Overall I think Cadillac outdid themselves on this auto. Be interesting to see what the German loving magazines have to say.

Sweet, very nice work done on the parts. Thanks for keeping us updated and posting the pictures. This truck is going to rock.

Hey Maxx, Tell us a little about yourself, what kind of auto's interest you, etc. Thanks,

According to Motor sports talk a person walked into a dealership, plunks down and sign's for a new Lime Green Hellcat and an hr later, his dream car is gone. http://motorsportstalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/21/highway-to-hellcat-owner-wrecks-707-hp-dodge-challenger-one-hour-after-buying-it/?ocid=Yahoo&partner=ya5nbcs So ya think insurance will cover it?

Is it me or is VW using the same styling cues as the Chevy Corvette?

Welcome Max, Glad to have you join Cheers and Gears. Look forward to your input and discussions. Have fun and check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

Believe it when you see it. Right now Fiat and Alfa both have terrible reputations for delivering product and with quality. If not when it gets here, expect it to loose nuts and bolts being driven off the lot.

Thanks Drew, that is great to see, was not aware of the battery issue with the hybrid. That is a big loss of space.

Cadillac can still do this even with the collapse of Russia and it's supporting countries. MB and BMW need to worry due to the self destructing Socialist of Europe and how many countries there are ready to go bankrupt.

Why is the Sonata Hybrid trunk smaller than the standard Sonata? It is not like a CNG car with they tend to put the tank there. So what is so different between the two?

Very Cool

But the web site says it revs 20% faster than conventional V type engines.

G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com Duke Engines – Time for a NEW FORMAT? A 5-cylinder Axial engine at 1,000cc size begs the question: Is this the future of motorcycle and auto engines or just a wild idea like the Mazda Rotary? Duke Engines has been playing with outside the box engine design for some time. They play in the markets of Marine with inboard and outboard engines to aircraft and AC generators. They recently are using their Axial engine design to play in the Range Extender market for hybrid auto’s with a thought of the VOLT style car, electric driven auto with a generator to produce electricity for long range drives as well as the motorcycle market. So what does a Duke Engine offer over traditional 60 degree, 90 degree v engines or straight 4/6 cylinder engines? Duke says that their Axial engine offer No Vibration, High Power that leads to considerable reduced size and weight. Performance lovers will love the high power to weight ratio or density that the Duke Engine brings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTpPBiReaZk The base engine at 1,000cc gives you 125hp and 20% more torque than the same size conventional engine with much fewer moving parts according to their web site. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c19kn3drdFU These compact Axial engine design is akin to the shape of current electric motors. Their current 3.0L prototype engine has been tested up to 4500rpm putting out 215hp and 250lb of torque. Duke Engine put together this FAQ page. Frequently Asked Questions So with this truly unique design on engines, is this the future for GAS, Diesel, CNG engines / generators? Does this make sense to use this in the next generation of Volt Type hybrid auto’s? Would you drive a motorcycle with an Axial engine? Leave your thoughts on what you think of this new engine design? Could this be the new Small Block V8 pushrod replacement that the world is looking for?

Always good to have family tie in. I see nothing but warmth and growth for Chevy with this.

I could see the Colorado being a short term option as the Trax makes Trax's for you on your possible new Commute!

UGLY!, I see they added those vent openings like the ugly Toyota Hydrogen car has giving it a predator mouth with extra air openings or something. Very weird. Not impressed at all.

Drew so winter tires are more expensive for the Encore than the CR-V?

How about the Chrysler Laser or Aspen? How about the Dodge Rampage?

WOW, Talk about a knock off of Audi with just blah impression it leaves me with. Guess it will appeal to the tree huggers and ultra conservatives that cannot handle beauty.

Japans only real Sports Car was the R34 and R35 Skyline! Those cars kicked everyone else to the curb.

Yet with the Depression in Europe and an over capacity of production, something has to give and I think VW is going to finally cut names and products as it closes un-needed capacity. That plus their terrible reliability will end up hurting them eventually. I still think VW is at their glory days now and will go down hill.

3000? What does that mean? 3000 issues to resolve by production control? 3000 assembly parts? I do not get it? Excited for you that it is in production.

Good Question, I would love to know as I am sure the world would also.

Good deals for people who do not mind used. only positive I can find on those auto's including the over priced over rated S Class.