G. David Felt

Not good for the world economy as China has grown without importing. China’s growth is coming at the rest of the world’s expense

Interesting read The bright spot for EVs nobody is talking about

What is the Kia EV5 WKNDR? A concept that offers modern explorers freedom to transition seamlessly from city to nature It has increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches, protective body cladding and all-terrain tires signal off-road intent An interior that serves as flexible basecamp, bridging gap between urban convenience and outdoor exploration This was a challenge to the Kia Design China team to take the EV5 that has just been released and come up with a trim / option package that would give the customers something they currently do not have. A catalyst for adventure from the design team is what created this working concept, taking ease of city use, but then transforming into an off-road weekend adventure mobile. This stays true to the Kia design language of "Opposites United" in offering a robust but elegant, EV experience that takes one from urban sophistication to rugged adventure, from structured life to ultimate freedom. This is what the EV5 WKNDR delivers in spades. Kia wanted to deliver on some key questions in explaining this possible trim level for the EV5. What are the concept’s key exterior features? The exterior of the EV5 WKNDR projects a confident stance, built for adventure. Designed to communicate capability and readiness from every angle, it balances a sense of power with visual lightness. Increased ground clearance, extended wheel arches, protective body cladding and all-terrain tires signal its off-road intent. Front and rear retractable tow hooks aid in recovery on rough terrain. A panoramic roof rack accommodates traction boards and camping gear, while a side-window pegboard allows for easy tool attachment. A model-specific dashing light signature defines the front end alongside a reinterpreted Tiger Nose framed by a functional hood board featuring a built-in action camera to capture adventures from the driver’s perspective. The rear echoes the front, featuring a geometric bumper and gunmetal trim for a robust, capable stance. What are the concept’s key interior features? The interior of the EV5 WKNDR acts as a flexible, multi-scenario basecamp thanks to thoughtfully crafted space that bridges the gap between urban convenience and outdoor exploration. A slidable display with a modern, flat-art HMI creates a clean, intuitive digital interface. The center console is a hub of creativity and practicality, featuring a rotatable armrest with a built-in walkie-talkie cradle for off-grid communication and an anti-insect camping lamp that provides light, scent and sound. The modular seats are ventilated, rotatable, and foldable, transforming into footrests or creating extended storage. A detachable jump seat can be taken outside to serve as instant, portable camping seating. A rail system in the trunk allows for flexible storage, and the trunk cover itself doubles as a portable table. What role does CMF play in the Kia EV5 WKNDR? The EV5 WKNDR’s CMF strategy draws direct inspiration from the outdoors, using sustainable materials designed for durability. The exterior color ‘Birch’ mimics the grey-white tones of birch tree bark, adept at concealing off-road marks. The interior ‘Spruce Blue’ evokes the serenity of a dawn forest, accented by ‘Citrus Green’ from outdoor safety gear for visual vitality. The cabin uses bio-based PU material derived from corn, offering Nappa leather-like tactility with reduced emissions. 3D knit fabric provides lightweight, breathable and elastic surfaces, combining ruggedness with sustainable functionality. What are the digital features of the Kia EV5 WKNDR? The digital interface of the EV5 WKNDR serves as a reliable co-pilot, designed to be helpful, not distracting, while making adventure planning simple and social. Key data like battery level, range, and next-turn navigation are presented in a clear, glanceable format. The system facilitates group travel, shared routes and camping checklist management, turning a solo trip into a shared social memory. What is the functionality of the EV5 WKNDR’s trailer? The concept of spontaneous escape expands exponentially with a detachable trailer system. The trailer acts as a customizable mobile basecamp, enabling scenarios like a drone-assisted climbing expedition, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen for sunset gatherings, or a cozy stargazing retreat under the open sky. How does the EV5 WKNDR reflect Kia’s brand values? The EV5 WKNDR represents a new chapter for Kia, showcasing an ability to create vehicles that are deeply relevant locally while possessing a spirit with worldwide appeal. The concept enables users to live their lives to the fullest, pursuing the desire for spontaneous freedom and reconnection with nature, which resonates on a global scale. 709683.mp4 View full article

@oldshurst442 I agree with the points you make on engine oil. The story is an interesting one as it also does hit on side notes of the shift to smaller engines. I would agree that the better the oil one uses, the longer the engine will last. Both my past SS and current Escalade, from the first oil change I have always used Mobil 1 synthetic and never had a problem or the Tick Tick Tick noise that is very common in my generation of Escalades, but that Tick goes away and is never heard when you use Mobile 1, but comes back right away with regular oil. I grew up in a household where maintenance was impressed on me from my dad and the importance of using quality parts even if they are not OEM. This has always allowed me to have auto's that easily outlast my time with them, 10 to 20 years for me.

R.I.P. I really liked this actor and especially in the Mortal Kombat series of Movies. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, actor in ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘The Man in the High Castle,’ dies at 75

With all the chat here on this socalled good looking guy, I decided to look it up, I barely remember this as it was in and out of the news. Luigi Mangione is the individual accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4, 2024. Thompson was shot from behind as he was leaving an investor conference in Manhattan. Mangione faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder in state court and federal murder charges, which could potentially lead to the death penalty if convicted. Live updates: Luigi Mangione faces court year after CEO killing – NBC New York Seems the meeting was canceled about 45 minutes after the folks inside learned that the CEO was murdered. FACT CHECK: Did UnitedHealthcare Continue It’s Meeting After Learning Their CEO Was Killed? UnitedHealth Cancels Investor Day After CEO Is Fatally Shot | Kiplinger While there are many stories about the CEO being a good guy like this: UnitedHealthcare CEO killing: Investor day attendees shocked after Brian Thompson death | Fortune While in the same neighborhood, the wife and son lived separate from the Husband and father and there does seem to be questionable things about the CEO life. UnitedHealthcare CEO Was Separated from Wife at Time of Killing: Report Interesting read on this murderer. The Decline, Fall, and Unexpected Veneration of Luigi Mangione

Interesting observation is that this seems to be a partial matte paint job and I have plenty of coworkers who thought the matte paint jobs were cool and only after they bought the auto and read on it, discovered that you cannot run a matte paint job through a touch or touchless auto wash. They have to be hand washed. Paint jobs are terrible when you do not like to do things like hand wash your auto and cannot just run it through a auto wash. One coworker found a place that does hand wash detail jobs for matte paint and so he has resolved himself to pay $200 a month to have his matte painted auto washed and vacuumed. Crazy.

Agree, as I posted in the Random about the new Rivian Fast Charging station, range concerns are overblown imho. Most times when my wife drives down south or up north to deal with Family, if she forgets to charge at home, she will just do 80% as it is more than enough to get back home. She did one time just a charge to 50%, 9 min and then came home. The wife has gone from worrying about range anxiety to it is not an issue for her anymore. She drove the Escalade for the first time in a little over a year and found it so noisy and weird that it just did not move like her EV. Clearly will be an EV driver only.

18 minutes to 80% and 35 total minutes to get the 100%, we were in a Walmart doing shopping, so the extra time did not bother us, that last 20% is the longest time to get charged.