G. David Felt

Mazda has decided that i-Active AWD (all-wheel drive) is a standard across the entire CX lineup for the U.S. market, starting with the 2022 model year. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 receives the following elegant enhancements: Performance-enhancing i-Active AWD standard on all CX Models Sophisticated styling updates heightens CX-5's appeal, especially with turbo models Significant vehicle dynamic improvements to elevate the driving experience Mazda since the debut of the CX-5 a decade ago has looked to be consider a more luxury crossover than your standard Toyota, Chevrolet, Nissan, Ford, etc.. They did this via combining outstanding design, quality, performance and fuel efficiency earning many awards such as the IIHS Top Safety Pick. Mazda's Kodo design language brings a sophisticated level of "Less is More" approach to their styling and will continue in their latest version of the CX-5. The 2022 CX-5 models will be recognizable still as they host refreshed exterior styling with a focus on refining the front and rear, optimizing to minimize character lines in favor of reflective body surfaces that offer a distinguished and elegant appearance. The front fascia adopts a new signature wing extending outwards from the front grill. The front grill is updated with a three-dimensional texture that replaces the outgoing mesh surface. The headlights and tailights receive significant design changes as each lamp featuring a pair of horizontally spaced rectangular LED lights to create a sleek, eye-catching expression. All new aluminum alloy wheels complete the transformation of the CX-5 crossover enhancing the urban and elegant appeal. The 2022 CX-5 Turbo models receive additional styling enhancements further distinguishing it from non-turbo models. The formerly Grand Touring Reserve becomes the new 2.5 Turbo model offering contemporary styling appeal for sport-minded enthusiasts. To quote the press release: The exterior features gloss black finishes throughout to support an athletic look, while the interior is complemented with red accents and stitching. Altogether, creating an expressive vibe that encourages the CX-5 to be driven and enjoyed. Elevating to the 2.5 Turbo Signature model, thoughtful design changes were made to help make the CX-5 feel more elegant. The cladding on the exterior of this model adopts the same unified color scheme as the rest of the body and will be contrasted by bright silver finished wheels. The interior is appointed with premium quality materials such as Nappa leather and genuine woodgrain. The 2022 CX-5 model lineup takes the elegant design, driving dynamics and ride quality to a new evolved level via updates drive modes, seats, body and suspension. The 2022 CX-5 introduces Mazda intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive), which enables the driver to select the most appropriate drive mode to optimize driving capability with one touch. Mazda's human-centric philosophy, shows in the seats being redesigned to help provide the driver and the vehicles occupants with greater stability to help create a natural and comfortable experience. The experience begins with smooth accelerations via a more responsive six-speed automatic transmission, updates to the suspension include improved dampening control structures, increased frame rigidity helping to suppress unpleasant vibrations, road noise and helping to provide a quieter cabin with higher quality of ride comfort. The Mazda brand's expansion into the premium space comes via making the i-Active AWD system standard on all CX-5 models. Mazda unique i-Active AWD system continuously monitors weight transfer, based on acceleration and cornering forces, and shifts power to the appropriate wheels, providing drivers a near instant response to inputs. The sharpening turn-in response and control based on all these inputs, the i-Active AWD system enhances the vehicles performance, while providing additional safety in various road conditions. Look for the 2022 CX-5 at your dealerships in the near future. 2022 Mazda CX-5 Receives Elegant Enhancements - Sep 14, 2021 | Mazda USA News View full article

LFP cells tend to be cheaper, and contain no nickel or cobalt, but their energy density is lower. Conventional wisdom is that this trade-off makes LFP less suitable for high-end EVs, which need to deliver performance and range, but a good choice for lower-priced models. LFP can charge to 100% faster and do not need the 10 to 20% space for optimum use compared to the NCA batteries. Will be interesting to see where this goes as we see more and more batteries, especially solid state come to market and different designs with some using sulfur and other materials that allow faster charging and higher temps without the cell loss of current NCA batteries.

My sister has a Buick Envision and loves it. At 6'6" tall I can sit in the front, get out and sit in the back with leg room to spare. With a Sister that is over 6' tall, this is a normal test for our family and everyone has been really comfy in it. She loves the Heated and Cooled Seats as well as the heated steering wheel. From Winter to summer, as a in home nurse dealing with open wound care, she has been very comfy in her Envision and is looking to get another one as her 2 year old Envision is approaching 60,000 miles due to on the road job.

Glad to fully understand it, I read the story on the monster and came away feeling it was a Cadillac directed/engineered car that was built by others. Seems many of Cadillac cars for 24hr Le Mans or 24hr Daytona are built by others even when the engineering comes from within the house of GM.

While not winning the 24hr Le Mans in 1950, Cadillac did show off their bleeding edge innovation with "The Monster". This was a 5.4 Liter V8 Type 61 coupe that was specially designed prototype with multitubular space frame and aluminum body. The body built in collaboration with Grumman Aircraft with wind tunnel testing. Check out more on "The Monster" here for how it drove and the lack of safety back in 1950 compared to today. Cadillac Spyder The Monster Le Mans 1950 (autoconcept-reviews.com) Specifications between the 1950 "The Monster" and the 2018 Cadillac DPi-V.R prototype: 1950 Cadillac Series 61, Le Mans "LeMonstre" 90-degree Cadillac V-8 engine with overhead valves, custom 5-carburator induction, 331 cubic-inch displacement, making 160 hp at 3,800 rpm. 2018 Cadillac DPi-V.R Prototype Cadillac V-Performance V-8, stressed member, 580 horsepower at 7,050 rpm (approx.) IMSA mandated power level. After 50 years of running a true Cadillac at 24hrs Le Mans, Cadillac returned in 2000 with another true Cadillac to show off the NorthStar LMP System. 2000 was also the start of Cadillacs return with the Arts and Science Style. Since then Cadillac has been more of a contributor via sponsoring than focused on a full fledge true Cadillac engineered race car. 2015 2017 Now we have a return via the Cadillac V-Series! Winning technologies have been applied for decades from the race track to the performance V series of cars on the road today and Global VP Rory Harvey of Cadillac has stated that Cadillac looks forward to continuing the heritage of Cadillac by competing in a new exciting chapter at the highest level of international motorsport using the Cadillac LMDh-V.R prototype hybrid system designed to conform to IMSA and ACO Le Mans Daytona Hybrid Specifications for the new top tier class of endurance racing that replaces the current DPi class. Based on a standardized chassis and incorporating the spec hybrid powertrain system that will feature a unique combustion engine with distinctive bodywork in a hybrid system for racing. Cadillac as a contributor to the DPi-V.R is looking to expand and go beyond their years of racing with this new Cadillac Hybrid system. Current DPi-V.R achievements: Winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona four times in a row: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Winning the Michelin North American Endurance Cup four times: 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Winning the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship twice: 2018 and 2017 Prior to competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Cadillac competed in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship, earning five Manufacturing Championships (2014, 2013, 2007, 2005), and five Driver’s Championships (2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2005). To quote Cadillac press release: Cadillac’s commitment to performance is embodied in the V-Series portfolio. Its recent expansion includes the CT4-V and CT5-V sport sedans, as well as the track-capable CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing. Cadillac has stated that they are partnering with Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing. The Cadillac LMDh will debut on the track for the first time at the Rolex 24 Hours @ Daytona January 2023 getting dialed in for the 24 Hours Le Mans later that same year. Cadillac to Compete in IMSA and WEC in 2023 Cadillac at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: 2000, new with old! (endurancemag.fr) Cadillac Spyder The Monster Le Mans 1950 (autoconcept-reviews.com) View full article

Lots of great real world use cases that allows you to justify a 6 1/2 or 8 ft bed. Most people rarely use it other than to haul occasional yard stuff or interior stuff from various stores and be it 4 1/2 ft, 5 or 5 1/2 ft bed, these are plenty for most people who want a family hauler plus the ability to putts around in their yard. As I said, pictures I have posted here show that Rivian is exploring King cabs to go with crew cabs and un-verified long beds by rivian, but the pictures show differences. Clearly I think Rivian is exploring to expand their truck offerings once they get the truck and SUV into mass production and shipping. I would expect in 3 to 5 years they will have many options from the single option they offer today.

I agree and think they will have more, but for a startup, I think they are building an outstanding truck to start. Most people do not need more than a 4 1/2 foot to 5 ft bed and for residential users this truck allows hauling people as well as stuff from Home Depot / Lowes. Yes this is not a commercial use truck or for those that want a 6 or 8 ft bed for work. Yet for most people I think this truck hits all the right boxs.

Valid point, but I wonder how many would read the details like you or me on this. It will be interesting to see how this goes for Tesla.

Gotta say I have been enjoying this read and why I think Rivian is the Truck Maker to beat. Exclusive: We Drive the 2022 Rivian R1T Off-Road Across the Trans-America Trail, Part 1 (motortrend.com) Exclusive: We Drive the 2022 Rivian R1T Off-Road Across the Trans-America Trail, Part 2 (motortrend.com) I doubt any Tesla has done a trip like this. Clearly a proper electric truck can get to just about any place you want to go. Seems Rivian can check off many of the same trails that Jeep has covered and sells auto's tagged with specific names such as Rubicon!

Another interesting read on how BMW and Mercedes wants to keep prices high even when costs drop to increase profits for executives and especially the stock holders. BMW, Daimler Pledge To Keep Prices High As Costs Drop (jalopnik.com)

WOW, Crazy money being spent on 1987 IROC Z/28 with only 2,000 miles. Don't Panic, but Someone Just Paid $56,000 for a 1987 Chevy Camaro (thedrive.com) This one is for @balthazar

Interesting read on Toyota and Honda response to the new EV Tax Credit that is being considered. Toyota, Honda strenuously oppose U.S. House Dems' EV tax-credit plan (autoblog.com)

Did not think about that, so used to digital photo's posted now that I actually zoned on being a picture of a picture. LOL Will agree that GM lagged behind the others but for me, it was a greasy fast food approach I feel to how they did their interiors. Rat Fuzz Interior roof liners comes to mind of how I remember reading plenty of reviews.

Scruffy and relaxing, now for either a beer or wine in the hand for perfection for me!

Why does the rear wheels look like they are at a 60 degree angle? ? Even the rear of the car looks weird like Shrek crushed the trunk with a fist and the fenders and wheels tilted in at the top.

Tesla has 5 lower prices EVs that are competing, be interesting to see how they do next year. Affordable, all-electric: The 5 lowest-priced new EVs in the US (greencarreports.com)

Interesting news stories out there: Dems propose new $12,500 electric car rebate, Tesla left with $4,500 disadvantage - Electrek Here are the main changes: Remove the 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer cap Keep the $7,500 incentive for new electric cars for 5 years Make the $7,500 incentive a point-of-sale discount instead of tax credit EVs with battery pack smaller than 40 kWh are limited to a $4,000 incentive Add an additional $4,500 for EV assembled at union factories Add another $500 for EVs using battery packs with 50% of components (including cells) are made in the US After the first 5 years, the $7,500 becomes only for US-made electric vehicles and it applies for another 5 years. They are introduce price limits on the EVs eligible for the incentives: Sedans under $55,000 SUVs under $69,000 Pickup trucks under $74,000 Vans under $54,000 They are also introducing caps on income to get access to the incentives, but they are fairly high at an adjusted gross income of up to $400,000 for individuals and up to $800,000 for joint filers. Seems like Subaru and Toyota will release identical BEVs uxcept for the badge. See New Images Of The Subaru Solterra (insideevs.com) Subaru Toyota Subaru Interior Toyota Interior Seems that rebadging will be it for Toyota/Subaru BEVs.

Wonder if Tesla is shooting themselves in the foot. Seems to get your Tesla 3 faster you can take a hit to range by accepting LFP over NCA batteries. Tesla says it is only a 10 miles of range reduction, but Tesla has stretched and said many false things before to get a product out the door. Charged EVs | Tesla buyers offered a choice between LFP or NCA battery packs - Charged EVs

Yes you are right that Limited is above the Big Horn, but then the XR2 and Ford Platinum are competing against the Big Horn and then Ford also has the top trim which is limited, but the second and 3rd pics are both Fords. I showed the Platinum and Limited as other than the seats on the Fords, the dash really is not any different between the two trims and I honestly think the XR2 dash from Chevrolet is as nice but IMHO nicer than the Ford Dash or the Ram. I think it will be very competitive. I do see the confusion I caused by calling the Big Horn top of the line when for that trim the top of the line starts with Cloth and then later in the configurator you can option in Leather which is interesting. Sorry for the confusion.

So 2022 Chevrolet XR2 Interior Ford 2021 F-150 Platinum Interior Ford 2021 F-150 Limited Ram 2021 Big Horn Interesting comparison on interiors, Big Horn Ram's top of the line starts with Premium Cloth seats and an up charge for Leather where Ford and Chevrolet start at leather and you have to move down to lower trim to get cloth options.

Interior is nice, but that Front end of a Cheese Grader is a head shaker!

Just read the Blue and White is their Launch edition ID4, so pretty much their initial 2021 production are all Blue and White. Crazy when Ford has 6 or more colors per trim level including their Launch Edition. Went to the configurator and in 2022, you can configure and order up your new ID4 for delivery then, but you only get gray, silver, black or white unless you go with the pro model where you get blue and then only if you choose the $1,500 Gradient package you can also choose red then. Crazy terrible color choices in a compact size auto. Mach-e is a better option imho.

Just ran to Costco for a few things and saw a brand new VW ID4 in Blue and White. Sadly did not have a chance to take a picture of it, but cool to see these are finally hitting the street.

Thanks, corrected it to say Chevrolet. I would actually disagree with you that they amount to a lot of nothing. These sales battles I see them as needed to push brands moving forward and to better products than what they had. Sales battles either perceived as true or not help push a company in innovating.