Featured Threads Archive

Source: Tesla to release VW-style minibus. All part of the master plan? - CSMonitor.com

I'm hesitant to cite the article because of the source, Twitter. Still, VW has already claimed they have one planned and released sketches. Still, if done right, it could be a nice ride.

Bob Wilson

Tony gets a feel for the big chair at What Drives Us and... Tony RAV4 hybrid drive review Mark EV Charging Corridors Proposed for National Highways Pencils down for Tesla Model 3, Chevy Bolt readies for production Tony Carbon footprint of new cars versus used

Read more about this episode on WhatDrives.Us

Hey, it's a start.
EV Charging Corridors Proposed for the National Highways

The Vesta EV, built on the same platform as the company's new flagship sedan, the Lada Vesta, is equipped with a 60kW electric motor, which offers the equivalent of about 82 hp and has a battery capacity of 25 kilowatt-hours. The car's motor will allow the 1.4 metric ton sedan to go from 0-100 km/h in 15.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of 140 km/h.


Spark of Genius: Sneak Peak at Russia's New Lada Vesta-Based Electric Car

...

Review: 2016 Toyota Prius C - Motoring TV | Motoring TV

I need to repair my Prius plug-in for minor damage on the back side door and fender. All 3 auto body shops want 2 weeks to repair even Toyota. Although they rent Plugins but none has the HOV sticker I need to get on the car pool lane. What is bad is they can't save 1 sticker and I was told it is technically illegal to drive with 3 stickers AND i have to remove all 4 stickers and send them to Sacramento which will replace them MAYBE in 4 months according to other blogs. Does anyone know a rental agency that rents cars with HOV stickers..green ones in OC or near LAX?

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 7.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 24.8 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 7.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.1 sec @ 85 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 102 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 190 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.84 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA combined driving, gasoline only: 42 mpg
EPA combined driving: 106 MPGe
EPA driving range, battery only: 53 miles
C/D observed range, battery only (suburban/highway): 53/45 mpg
C/D observed total range: 490 miles
C/D observed: 59 MPGe

It's quite fast in 7.5 second to finish 0~60mile. other performances are also ok

does anyone know these two results meaning? why the observed range unit is mpg? and 59 MPGe is for fuel only or electricity only or mixed gas and electricity?
C/D observed range, battery only (suburban/highway): 53/45 mpg
C/D observed: 59 MPGe

The silver one is probably the hybrid (base 15" eco-spoke alloys). The blue and grey ones are most likely PHEVs. All of them have the base halogen projector headlights.

Source: Used Car Buyers Charged Up about EVs and Hybrids | TheDetroitBureau.com


Bob Wilson

Tony My topic compliments of Philip Barclay Mark Bolt EV production confirmed for October Spark EV to remain & Volt upgrades and face lift for 2019 Russell Even if we had autopilot, who really wants it? Unintended consequences and static law in an evolving world CR calls for Tesla to disable autopilot The failure of FCA, dumping Dart to make more Jeeps

Read more about this episode on WhatDrives.Us

every contender is on the table.
those midsize sedans with hybrid powertrain.

accord
camry
fusion
malibu
sonata

really want to see a comparison of their performance, efficiency and so on.

we can set some criteria for hybrid midsize sedan test.
performance, 0~100km accelerate, 60~100, 80~120 or 130 km/hour accelerate
fueleconomy, real world mpg in city, freeway and so on
driving dynamic, throttle response, brake feel , steering feel, suspension and so on

Source: Ford Using Tequila Producer Jose Cuervo’s Agave Plants to Meet Sustainability Goals


Hummm, almost quitting time. I'll help ...


Bob Wilson

ps. No one is suggesting driving after helping in the 'research.'

Is Toyota Prius hybrid simply passe now that plug-in cars are here?

Here's the article from this thread: Anyone willing to be interviewed? | PriusChat

Prius’ Best Days in Rearview Mirror? | Engines content from WardsAuto

Surprised this hasn't been posted yet.

54.5 mpg target is off the table, U.S. regulators say

Title pretty much says it. Low gas prices with increased popularity of trucks and crossovers is sited for a new target of 50 to 53 mpg in the draft Technical Assessment Report from the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and California Air Resources Board.

There is 60 days for the public to comment one it.

At dealers as of last month.

Various reviews coming out today from a Honda press event in Napa, CA last week.

Here's mine:
2017 Honda Accord Hybrid Review – First Drive

Well, from my contact who recently saw the Pacifica Hybrid (which is exciting in my world...maybe until you hear this information).

• 8 seat option confirmed.
• Moonroof option unknown at the moment.
• There is a delay...looking at a January release now.
• There will be a trim worth $55k (lol Wth!) - he's not sure what trim.
• The Pacifica Plugin Hybrid was seen but not driven, no one got to drive it.

Ok...so I have a huge problem with the markup. If the base model is $30k, and there's a ton of battery power, doesn't it make sense to raise it $10-$15k?

In an ideal world the incentives should bring it down close to the base model of a non plugin (hybrid) version.

IE, hopefully the Prime is only $1-2k above the Prius price after incentives.

$55k is like...uhh $20k short of a Tesla? I sure hope it won't be that price.