The one thing that I worry if EV's will figure out is how to engage the driver in the act as driving as much as a traditional manual does. At most, we are looking at two gears, so it won't be gear shifting. What other fun thing can they add? Or will I have to wait for fully autonomous cars in order to enjoy transportation times on personal vehicles on a level equivalent to what I feel when driving a manual?
Until EVs can figure out to cut their weight by 30% to be on par with today's cars, the engagement factor will always be missing.
I don't think it's about new tech versus old tech, I think with the shift of EVs and hybrids the past twenty years has been one to vehicles as an appliance, rather than a tool to leave your vicinity and enjoy past your boundaries.
I don't think it's about new tech versus old tech, I think with the shift of EVs and hybrids the past twenty years has been one to vehicles as an appliance, rather than a tool to leave your vicinity and enjoy past your boundaries.
By reilo Go To PostUntil EVs can figure out to cut their weight by 30% to be on par with today's cars, the engagement factor will always be missing.
.
Which is directly related to power storage. Which, if it's every figured out, will kill gas engines entirely. They simply won't be able to compete at consumer or performance levels. Luckily for you guys, that's been a problems that persisted for a very very very long time.
Not sure why the amount of gears matters. The comparison here is constant and instant torque vs hiccups in your momentum.
Because I enjoy the actual physical act of shifting and the feedback it gives. That is more fun to me than instant acceleration. Partially because my Cayman is in a performance bracket where my current acceleration has reached the "good enough" point for me.
EV's have at most two gears, so there really isn't much shifting or otherwise manipulating the transmission in a more manual way. Which leaves me with less to do. Which makes it more boring for me.
EV's have at most two gears, so there really isn't much shifting or otherwise manipulating the transmission in a more manual way. Which leaves me with less to do. Which makes it more boring for me.
By jongkookie Go To PostI drove an i-Pace back in September as well (and I thought I posted about it here but I guess I didn't) and Alpha pretty much summed up my thoughts about it.
The only problem I had with it was the overly aggressive kickback it does when you let go of the go pedal and the regenerative braking kicks in, but apparently you could change it in the car settings to make it more softer (I didn't know you could until after I came back with the car lol).
What I also liked is the noise it makes in the cabin, it's some kind of noise/pitch that follows your speed so it becomes more high pitched the faster you go and lower pitched as you slow down. It was kinda unsettling at first but I ended up liking it coz it felt like some nice driver feedback.
But yeah, it's very nice as an appliance it just needs some soul to it so enthusiasts would get on board.
On the other hand, I think I'm on board the EV hype train tbh… but it'd have to be under $40K for me to jump ship lol. $60K for a EV Jaguar is nice but that's also $60K for an appliance that doesn't really stir your soul… so it's kind of a tough sell for me.
Yeah, you can dial the regen braking feel all the way down where it slows down like a normal car basically, and will also creep forward when you let off the throttle. You were driving the car in 1 pedal mode.
Make no mistake that the I-Pace is actually a car that I DO want, even if it's 60K and it's not soul stirring. Typically, most daily drivers aren't. My F-Pace S has some soul stirring character about it. But does it need it? Eh, not really. But an F-Pace SVR has a ton of character and I would pick that over a well equipped I-Pace because...well...because of noise.
By Fenderputty Go To PostOther than the desire to hear the sound / ruble of an engine, EV motors are better for all cars including non commuter cars. Electric engines shit on gas engine efficiency / torque. In a hypothetical where charging and energy storage improves quite a bit, there will literally be no reason to ever own a gas engine other than nostalgia.
I never understood performance enthusiasts desire to cling onto old tech just because it's what they're used to. This goes doubly for those who would prefer manual over auto when performance auto trannies are out performing their manual counterparts. Yes yes, the feel of the drive, it's still a worse performing vehicle.
Sound makes a huge difference. HUGE. Look at what Jaguar did for the whole sports car segment with the F-Type! Everybody mimicked the pops and bangs, even 4-bangers with 2.0L motors that have no right to make those noises. Enthusiasts care about sound that much. A lot of us don't care about efficiency. Also, battery powered cars don't have the high-end capabilities that gasoline cars do, just look at trap speed results for a P100D Tesla and compare it to a car like an M5 and the M5 is traveling 10MPH faster by the time both cars reach the 1/4 mile mark. That will surely change in time, but it is still a quirk of theres for now. Either way, it's not always about being the best or the fastest.
Often times personality is the key factor, just like it would be with a woman.
Like don’t get me wrong, I get it. I want to put an exhaust on my Tahoe even. It just feels like that’s the way the tech will go.
I mean .... fuck I love going to the NHRA drags. Winter Nationals in Pomona is something to behold in person and it al relates to the raw power, sound and feeling you get as the car goes by.
But if getting quicker on the ring means going auto, they will. If it eventually means elec, they will too. Just feels like that
I mean .... fuck I love going to the NHRA drags. Winter Nationals in Pomona is something to behold in person and it al relates to the raw power, sound and feeling you get as the car goes by.
But if getting quicker on the ring means going auto, they will. If it eventually means elec, they will too. Just feels like that
Yes, hence my concern:
By Kibner Go To PostThe one thing that I worry if EV's will figure out is how to engage the driver in the act as driving as much as a traditional manual does. At most, we are looking at two gears, so it won't be gear shifting. What other fun thing can they add? Or will I have to wait for fully autonomous cars in order to enjoy transportation times on personal vehicles on a level equivalent to what I feel when driving a manual?
The parent in me hopes that in 15 years the appliance and automatization aspect to consumer vehicles is complete lol.
“When I was a kid we used to race down Azusa canyon”
“When I was a kid we used to race down Azusa canyon”
One of the reasons I was asking about that hydro car and limitations, is because it doesn’t seem likely battery tech will improve that much soon. I mean maybe, but it’s not a new problem. So you’re probably right about the Hybrid stuff
Battery tech will probably see a sizable gain in the next 10 years. Not much was done with it for the last 100 years. Also on full automation I don't see it being a reality unless it has some form of centralised traffic management system. Machine learning is dumb as fuck when it comes to making decisions.
TOKYO — Mazda's first production full electric car has finally been revealed, and it's called the MX-30. And the name and shape point to it being a sporty, fun EV, though we're still waiting for more details.
Starting with the name, the 30 designation gives you an idea of its size, which is similar to the upcoming CX-30, itself close to the Mazda3 hatchback. And importantly, it has the MX prefix, which is only used on Mazda's sporty cars, typically with piston engines. The RX prefix is for sporty rotary cars. So clearly the aim of this car is to be fun.
While we get a great look at the MX-30 inside and out, Mazda was light on critical details for an electric car: power and range. Both are mysteries, though it seems it is a single-motor vehicle, and so is likely front-drive only. It does feature an electric version of G-Vectoring Control, which is the system that reduces torque with steering input to shift weight forward for a larger front contact patch and more eager turn-in. The battery, located in the floor of the car, is cooled with a refrigerant, so it isn't simply air-cooled, and the car will be compatible with DC fast charging stations.https://www.autoblog.com/2019/10/23/mazda-mx-30-ev-revealed-tokyo-motor-show-2/
Mazda doesn't use touchscreens anymore. It's all tactile button controlled. Their UX studies indicated that users found touch-centric UX while driving to be difficult to use, which, yeah, I can see that.
EDIT: unless they changed their tune for their EVs since the entire segment does it? Unsure.
EDIT2: lol nvm, why Mazda?
EDIT: unless they changed their tune for their EVs since the entire segment does it? Unsure.
EDIT2: lol nvm, why Mazda?
Internally, the MX-30 includes a 7-inch touchscreen which can be used to control the car’s aircon (a first for a Mazda, according to AutoCar). This touchscreen sits above a gear shifter on the car’s central console, which is partially constructed out of cork.
Yeah, Mazda hasn't been wrong about this though, touchscreens in cars are the devil. Very distracting. More cars also need a shut off infotainment screen button.
This A5 Sportback is turning out to be such a good daily that I'm eyeballing upgrading it to an S5 and flattening out my car collection back to 1, then picking up something older for a fun car later.
Really, give it an open rear diff, more aggressive rubber and an engine with some character and it'd be a killer. Yeah, it understeers but you have to push it way harder than would be safe on surface streets to get it to do that even on all seasons. Some more steering feel would also be nice, but at least it's properly weighted and accurate. As is, you could fix most of my issues with some lighter wheels and some tires, which is also something I'm considering (although I'd want to ECU tune it up to 300+ HP eventually if it was my only car)
As is, it's a shockingly fun car that's faster than it has any business being while getting that kind of gas mileage. It's also super comfortable in traffic and has a great stereo. Plus it holds as much stuff as any compact SUV.
This A5 Sportback is turning out to be such a good daily that I'm eyeballing upgrading it to an S5 and flattening out my car collection back to 1, then picking up something older for a fun car later.
Really, give it an open rear diff, more aggressive rubber and an engine with some character and it'd be a killer. Yeah, it understeers but you have to push it way harder than would be safe on surface streets to get it to do that even on all seasons. Some more steering feel would also be nice, but at least it's properly weighted and accurate. As is, you could fix most of my issues with some lighter wheels and some tires, which is also something I'm considering (although I'd want to ECU tune it up to 300+ HP eventually if it was my only car)
As is, it's a shockingly fun car that's faster than it has any business being while getting that kind of gas mileage. It's also super comfortable in traffic and has a great stereo. Plus it holds as much stuff as any compact SUV.
I won't be able to make it to Cars and Coffee in Dallas this weekend. :( The gf's mom is hosting a giant party at her house three hours away on Saturday so, yeah... maybe next month...
I too dislike touchscreens in my cars. Both Jags have them, and they're both pretty distracting to use. Luckily, both Jags have button controlled A/C systems, so I barely touch the screens. Occasionally if I'm switching playlists, I'll use the screens, but that's pretty quick and easy.
BMW is smart for keeping I-Drive around. Audi is insane for getting rid of their MMI for a cluster of touch screens. When I had the Volvo loaner a few weeks ago, I definitely felt a little lost in the center console's tablet. Luckily that car has features that protect you from your own distracted driving.
BMW is smart for keeping I-Drive around. Audi is insane for getting rid of their MMI for a cluster of touch screens. When I had the Volvo loaner a few weeks ago, I definitely felt a little lost in the center console's tablet. Luckily that car has features that protect you from your own distracted driving.
By Kibner Go To PostI won't be able to make it to Cars and Coffee in Dallas this weekend. :( The gf's mom is hosting a giant party at her house three hours away on Saturday so, yeah… maybe next month…
It's going to be cold and rainy tomorrow so turnout probably wouldn't be too great.
I'm gonna try to go but if it's wet, then I'll probably skip it too.
By jongkookie Go To PostIt's going to be cold and rainy tomorrow so turnout probably wouldn't be too great.Well, it turns out that we are not going to the party, so I may be able to make it. Would be a good excuse to get out of the house.
I'm gonna try to go but if it's wet, then I'll probably skip it too.
e: though my car is a bit dirty and it is too cold and wet to really bother washing it before i go and i don't want to be embarrassed lol
Top Gear Mag does drag race (with numbers) and review of Tesla Model S P100D vs. Taycan Turbo S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F28i1D1OJ5o
The difference in trap speed for the Porsche is astounding. The car has some SERIOUS top end, making it faster than an M5/M6, as fast as a Huracan and 570S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F28i1D1OJ5o
The difference in trap speed for the Porsche is astounding. The car has some SERIOUS top end, making it faster than an M5/M6, as fast as a Huracan and 570S.
Porsche is taking orders for the T versions of the their 718 line: https://www.autoblog.com/2019/11/05/2020-porsche-718-boxster-t-cayman-t/
My biggest takeway from it is that if you are looking to buy a used 718 in a couple years, get the T version because you are guaranteed to get all the performance parts (minus ceramic brakes). You may not be able to get all the other options you would like, but those performance ones are the most important and the least visible/verifiable in online listings.
My biggest takeway from it is that if you are looking to buy a used 718 in a couple years, get the T version because you are guaranteed to get all the performance parts (minus ceramic brakes). You may not be able to get all the other options you would like, but those performance ones are the most important and the least visible/verifiable in online listings.
By Kibner Go To PostPorsche is taking orders for the T versions of the their 718 line: https://www.autoblog.com/2019/11/05/2020-porsche-718-boxster-t-cayman-t/
My biggest takeway from it is that if you are looking to buy a used 718 in a couple years, get the T version because you are guaranteed to get all the performance parts (minus ceramic brakes). You may not be able to get all the other options you would like, but those performance ones are the most important and the least visible/verifiable in online listings.
Are you Porsche 4 lyfe now, kib?
By Smokey Go To PostAre you Porsche 4 lyfe now, kib?If I can continue to afford them, yeah. They just feel right to me when driving. Honestly makes driving something I look forward to doing.
RIP Fiat 500. FCA is quitting the segment to focus on ... what else ... crossovers.
Oh, but before you go "well, it probably doesn't sell", well:
Amazing. A near top 15 selling car that's quite outdated just isn't good enough today.
Oh, but before you go "well, it probably doesn't sell", well:
The 500 and the Panda, Fiat's entries in the segment, continue to sell relatively well in spite of their age. The 12-year old 500 was the 16th best-selling car in Europe in 2018; the eight-year old Panda finished in 20th position, but it led the Italian sales chart by a significant margin. Fiat already announced the next-generation 500 -- which likely won't be sold in the United States -- will only be offered with an electric powertrain, but the current car is expected to remain in production for as long as possible. The Panda's future is murkier; the 2019 Centoventi concept hinted at an electric replacement, but Manley's statement seemingly suggests Fiat shifted the project to the back burner.https://www.autoblog.com/2019/11/06/fiat-exiting-minicar-business/
Amazing. A near top 15 selling car that's quite outdated just isn't good enough today.
By KRaZyAmmo Go To PostIs anyone at or looking at all the crazy builds coming out SEMA?No. I am still rather new to this kind of stuff so do tell!
By Kibner Go To PostNo. I am still rather new to this kind of stuff so do tell!SEMA is the US BIGGEST Aftermarket show. You get all kind of builds over there from rat rods to stance to pike peaks. It's overwhelming. Of course the star of the show is the A90 Toyota Supra.
That looks like an impressive greebly car. That first shot gives me a cleaned-up Millennium Falcon kind of feeling.
I also heard there was a Tesla Powered RWB Porsche there, recreation of the NFS Heat Cover Car Polestar One (just the shell no engine), lots of Liberty Walk, ect. After SEMA, Japan is gonna have Tokyo Auto Salon Jan 10-12th.
By reilo Go To PostRIP Fiat 500. FCA is quitting the segment to focus on … what else … crossovers.
Oh, but before you go "well, it probably doesn't sell", well:
https://www.autoblog.com/2019/11/06/fiat-exiting-minicar-business/
Amazing. A near top 15 selling car that's quite outdated just isn't good enough today.
middle-class white British girls letting out a collective scream over this news rn.
By KRaZyAmmo Go To PostI also heard there was a Tesla Powered RWB Porsche there, recreation of the NFS Heat Cover Car Polestar One (just the shell no engine), lots of Liberty Walk, ect. After SEMA, Japan is gonna have Tokyo Auto Salon Jan 10-12th.Huh. That seems like a lot of work. I wonder how it turned out!
By Facism Go To Postmiddle-class white British girls letting out a collective scream over this news rn.I guess they are expecting the whole of Europe to either stop buying cars or for every major city to tear down every old building and cobblestone street and make it three lanes wide to fit a crossover? 500s and Minis make absolute sense in this world, not sure what the angle is here.
By Kibner Go To PostHuh. That seems like a lot of work. I wonder how it turned out!here's how it turned out
By KRaZyAmmo Go To Posthere's how it turned out
why'd they have to ruin it with Burberry :(
I like this new trend of manufacturers going back to Inline-6 engines. Even FCA is in the process of developing one.
By Kibner Go To PostJoin the Porsche family, Smokey. Even if it is just a Macan. They own.
I've got about 2.5k left on my Honda.
Will chill for a while and enjoy the no car payment life and then start seriously looking. After I had my BMW and paid it off, I told myself I was not going to have more than 1 car payment at a time, moving forward.
So far I've stuck to it!
I think a Panamera would be more in play for me than a Macan if I went the P car route.
Saw a Panamera today at a light. I think the Macan looks more appealing, tbh. Panamera is the better performer by far, though.
https://www.lot99llc.com/vehicle-details/2003-bmw-m3-310hp-6-speed-manual-heated-leather-moon-roof-18s-coupe-e98c5ec8747bce42a3dc5ea351c641dc
Alright, folks. Talk me out of buying this M3 as a project car. Stuff I see:
Rear armrest liner falling apart
Passenger side rear has a hitch print
Aftermarket front splitter and bumper drilled for tow hook
18 inch wheels instead of 19s, all season tires
Dealer site is sketchy
On the upside, the interior is in reasonably good shape, the mechanical rubber and plastic bits I see are clean looking/uncracked and the back end sits even.
Alright, folks. Talk me out of buying this M3 as a project car. Stuff I see:
Rear armrest liner falling apart
Passenger side rear has a hitch print
Aftermarket front splitter and bumper drilled for tow hook
18 inch wheels instead of 19s, all season tires
Dealer site is sketchy
On the upside, the interior is in reasonably good shape, the mechanical rubber and plastic bits I see are clean looking/uncracked and the back end sits even.
The dealer site being sketchy is the only thing that would scare me off, but I have never done a project car so I don't know what would make something more trouble than it's worth.
The dealer being kinda sketch isn't necessarily a problem per se, although it does mean you'll want to have your own financing ahead of time. With a vehicle like this it's really more all about the pre purchase inspection. In pictures (and first visit) I'm largely looking for signs that the vehicle hasn't been maintained properly. Aftermarket parts frequently means some kid has trashed it, and the new-ish cheap all season tires tell me either the dealer probably installed them after purchase or whoever it was didn't have the $$$ to take care of things right.
The rubber and plastic in the engine bay looking that squeaky clean does give me a little hope though.
Haha, now that I look at the Carfax, this is a big fat no. It's on owner number 6 and it's been floating around dealerships nonstop for the last 5 years.
The rubber and plastic in the engine bay looking that squeaky clean does give me a little hope though.
Haha, now that I look at the Carfax, this is a big fat no. It's on owner number 6 and it's been floating around dealerships nonstop for the last 5 years.
By Christberg Go To PostThe dealer being kinda sketch isn't necessarily a problem per se, although it does mean you'll want to have your own financing ahead of time. With a vehicle like this it's really more all about the pre purchase inspection. In pictures (and first visit) I'm largely looking for signs that the vehicle hasn't been maintained properly. Aftermarket parts frequently means some kid has trashed it, and the new-ish cheap all season tires tell me either the dealer probably installed them after purchase or whoever it was didn't have the $$$ to take care of things right.Well....that and you know, the accident on the record.
The rubber and plastic in the engine bay looking that squeaky clean does give me a little hope though.
Haha, now that I look at the Carfax, this is a big fat no. It's on owner number 6 and it's been floating around dealerships nonstop for the last 5 years.
Owner numbers are whatever. It's a 16 year old car. It's the accident that would turn me off. Otherwise, I'd have taken this car.
So talking to Alpha a bit about this... but Ford really going all in on having a bunch of different models under the Mustang umbrella. This is really fucking off the wall. My guess is they will eventually offshoot the Mustang name into its own luxury brand, ala what Hyundai did with Genesis.
But this reeks of business decisions built off focus groups. What's the one thing everyone positively associates Ford with? The Mustang. Now they are gonna proliferate it into other brands across segments.
They killed the Focus and Mondeo so they can build small CUVs named Mustang. Incredible.
But this reeks of business decisions built off focus groups. What's the one thing everyone positively associates Ford with? The Mustang. Now they are gonna proliferate it into other brands across segments.
They killed the Focus and Mondeo so they can build small CUVs named Mustang. Incredible.
"There's a lot of emotion with the Mustang, and it's time to progress that and make it spread wider," explained Murat Gueler, the head of Ford's European design department, in an interview with British magazine Autocar. "We've talked about building a family," he added.