Search results

I have a CVT in my 2.0 Subaru Impreza with AWD. I get around 34MPG, not too shabby. It takes some getting used to the way it shifts (or more accurately doesn't), but I don't mind it at all.

Not to mention the added part count and complexity on the assembly line

My initial reaction was "of course it costs more", but then I started thinking about the off-the-shelf approach, bulk production, and the price drop in technology. If we're talking current parts sourced from the production automotive industry, I imagine they might have trouble even finding a...

I guarantee this will have keyless entry. Why? They're saying power locks are standard every time they rattle off specs. What's the point of power locks on a car with ONE DOOR without keyless entry?

Locks are a deterrent, they prevent the easiest point of access from being accessed without permission. 'Better locks' are better at doing that, but only that - there are diminishing returns. Once the locked door is no longer the easiest point of entry, it will get bypassed by using an easier...

From a security standpoint, simple is good. This is likely not going to be a highly targeted vehicle as far as thefts go unless there is a easily exploited security flaw. Given the timeframe they're working with, I wouldn't do anything new or 'fancy'. If people want to steal things, they'll...

My vote is for a simple key/remote-in-one combo like my Subaru has. I put a keypad on the front door of my house, so the only key I carry on a regular day is my car key, in the 'fob/watch pocket' of my pants (no keyring). If it's a key/fob combo or even a flip key I'm going to be sad.

Ignoring all other factors, from a simple numbers perspective: Tesla's current big battery is 85kWh. To move that much power in 5 minutes you're talking about 1,020,000 watts. Even at 480 volts, that's over 2000 Amps you're talking about running into a car.

Interesting, didn't know that. They won't insure my MGTD kit car, so still out.

Our stuff gets used by soldiers, thus the repeated tests till it breaks. It's astounding what they'll do to expensive gear.

Can't say for sure, depends how insurance classifies it. I know when I was looking at motorcycle quotes they directed me to Progressive

In my world, if it ain't broke - it hasn't been tested enough.

USAA is excellent - I have my homeowner's insurance through them. I haven't switched my auto insurance over because they can't beat the 'loyal customer' rate I've got with Erie, who are also fantastic. Plus, USAA doesn't do motorcycles directly. I think those are the top two in customer...

Without the artist, you'd get products designed by the scientists, engineers, and accountants. I've seen firsthand how that goes ;). Being on the engineering side myself, I can make things work - but they ain't pretty!

I was thinking of these images: But if I flip that and overlay it onto an actual picture of the right side, it's well clear of the filler door. No probs :-)

It's something that doesn't really exist in a usable/marketable form yet. I wouldn't worry about them causing any impact for quite some time.

As silly as this discussion is, it does seem a little odd that the fuel door is directly above the exhaust - or am I mistaken?

If I were them, from day 1 I would ship all the vehicles from the plant to a few key distribution centers via train where they would be temporarily stored. Logistics of delivering them to the 'target markets' would be managed from those locations using whatever carriers/trucks/etc are going to...

I'm not trying to say they would be ready. Or they'd actually reach that production scale, or when. The thing is if they're planning to hit that scale, they have to plan to support it. I don't believe it's realistic to think they're going to just start making cars and figure out shipping...

This looks more like a blog post than a tech talk to me... On an unrelated note - it seems I'm not getting any of these emails. Is there a separate mailing list to opt-in?