Category Archives: cars

cars: electrics eat supercars

Posted on 2022-08-09 by skierpage

There was a lot of coverage of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. More noisy $1M+ supercars that don’t even pretend to be anything other than garage queens that the ultra-rich trailer to the race track for catered racing experiences; more … Continue reading →

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cars: salespeople that don’t sell cars you can’t get

Posted on 2022-08-01 by skierpage

2013 trip to dealer Scene: in front of one Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid out of many that’s close to the spec I want.Me: I’m thinking of ordering this hybrid in a different color. Can I just sit in it?Salesperson: please, yes! … Continue reading →

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cars: Mercedes EQS is another big blob EV

Posted on 2022-05-13 by skierpage

First Mercedes EQS spotted! I joined in online making fun of its front clip that looks like a Honda Civic, but in the flesh it’s quite nice. Like the Lucid Air (I haven’t seen one of those yet), it’s a … Continue reading →

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cars: Tesla Model S Plaid is a bargain at $131,000

Posted on 2021-06-17 by skierpage

The Tesla Model S Plaid is crazy. Nitpicking fans are arguing over whether 0-60 in 2 seconds (!) is real because 1-foot rollout and special pavement blah blah, but Motor Trend managed to do it and found: Faster projected quarter-mile … Continue reading →

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cars: genuine excellence vs. milking the ultra-rich

Posted on 2021-06-15 by skierpage

zOMG, the 25th McLaren F1 built with only 242 miles on the clock, including the luggage, the watch, the magnesium toolkit, … Moooo… Back in 1995 McLaren built a jaw-dropping advance on any production car and most race cars for … Continue reading →

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cars: Toyota fumbles the future

Posted on 2019-11-01 by skierpage

Old-line car companies mangle the English language and engage in doublespeak when they talk about how they are leaders in “electrification” and that soon all their cars will be “electrified.” All “electrified” means is their cars will have something more … Continue reading →

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cars: fun with math and physics

Posted on 2015-04-04 by skierpage

People have a hard time distinguishing between energy and power, it really manifests itself when thinking about electric vehicles (EVs). Batteries store energy, and people grasp that they don’t store a lot of it. To travel about 75 miles the … Continue reading →

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car: hydrogen offered, who will bite?

Posted on 2014-11-30 by skierpage

Toyota had a Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) on its stand at the car show, and a dedicated salesperson talking it up. Hyundai had a hydrogen fuel cell Tucson on its stand, but they didn’t make a big deal … Continue reading →

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cars: finally the new snow car

Posted on 2014-10-27 by skierpage

I’ve driven the same Subaru Outback Sport (a Subaru Impreza with slightly increased ground clearance) for 16 years. After dealers sorted out a wonky thrust plate and rear bearing it’s been rock solid for over a decade. It’s a great … Continue reading →

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cars: Fisker Karma, Hot Wheels brought to life

Posted on 2012-07-14 by skierpage

I saw a Fisker Karma on the street for the first time. The car is huge, and insanely distinctive. It swells and bulges all over the place, making a BMW 6-series look like a bland Hyundai. It’s a Hot Wheels … Continue reading →

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