#best electric toyota

[autosinsightofficial]

2023 Toyota Crown Overview

Toyota Crown, a new high-riding sedan with the shape of a hatchback (though it has a conventional trunk), hybrid-only powertrains and truly funky styling. Toyota often plays it too safe with its new vehicles, so it's nice to see the company really swinging for the fences with the Crown.

t has been 50 years since Toyota last sold its Crown sedan in the U.S., but the model was introduced in Japan in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown. It has been Toyota's mainstream sedan there ever since, the choice of families, executives, taxi drivers, and police.

The 2023 Crown, now in its 16th generation, is back in the States as the three-trim, all-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, tall-roofed, fastback-styled four-door replacing the venerable Toyota Avalon sedan. It is almost the same size, inside and out, as the Honda Accord and Volkswagen Arteon sedans.

The Crown's tall roofline and high seating position have generated some debate. But there's no denying that it is eye-catching, especially in the optional two-tone color scheme available with the top Platinum trim.

By positioning the Crown as a premium model, Toyota is telling shoppers that this is a special vehicle, not to be confused with other midsize sedans. By offering two hybrid powertrains, one of them more performance-oriented, Toyota hopes the Crown will appeal to those seeking fuel efficiency and creature comforts as well as those hoping for a bit of twisty country road fun.

We found that generally, it succeeds but still falls short on driving excitement, even with the 340-horsepower hybrid system and adaptive suspension that come exclusively with the Platinum trim.

Competition in the non-luxury large sedan segment is almost gone. Three rivals — the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Nissan Maxima — are being discontinued in 2023. That leaves the Accord Hybrid and VW Arteon. Some shoppers might consider the Genesis G80, Audi A6, and Volvo S90 mild hybrids, all of which cost more and aren't likely to be cross-shopped with the Toyota Crown. Based on appearance and premium content, though, the Crown can proudly hold its head high in that crowd.

All the Platinum's performance enhancements come at a serious penalty to fuel economy. Toyota estimates this version of the Crown will return 27 mpg in combined driving — a fairly unimpressive figure compared to other sedans with non-hybrid powertrains. The current Avalon V6, for instance, produces a bit less power and has a 26 mpg combined estimate, as does the BMW 540i with its marginally less potent turbocharged inline-six. On paper, the Crown Platinum's powertrain seems heavy and overengineered without much benefit to the driver compared to other options.

[bestgaddi]

Best Cars in the US 2024: Complete Overview

The automotive industry in the US is ever-evolving, with new models hitting the market each year. As we look ahead to 2024, several cars stand out for their innovation, performance, and value. In this article, we’ll explore the best cars in the US for 2024, including the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota RAV4, Tesla Model Y, Honda CR-V, and Mercedes AMG. We’ll dive into their prices, specifications, features, and more.

Ford F-Series is the Best car in the US

Overview of Best Cars

The Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling truck for decades, known for its reliability, power, and versatility. The 2024 model continues this legacy with significant updates.

Price

The Ford F-Series 2024 starts at around $30,000, with higher trims and additional features pushing the price upwards of $70,000.

Specifications

The F-Series offers a range of engines, including V6 and V8 options, and can tow up to 14,000 pounds. It’s available in various trims, from the basic XL to the luxurious Limited.

Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.3L Ti-VCT V6, 2.7L EcoBoost V6, 5.0L Ti-VCT V8

Horsepower: Up to 450 hp

Torque: Up to 510 lb-ft

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

https://bestgaddi.com/best-cars-in-the-us-2024/

Features

The F-Series includes advanced features like Pro Power Onboard, Ford Co-Pilot360, and a spacious interior with the latest tech integrations.

Interior

Inside, the F-Series is both comfortable and functional. High-quality materials, ample legroom, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems make for an enjoyable ride.

Exterior

The exterior design of the 2024 F-Series is robust and stylish, with a bold grille, LED lighting, and various customization options.

Suggested Article: Which is Best 7 Seater Car for Family trip

[paisainvests-1]

Best Cars in the US 2024: Complete Overview

The automotive industry in the US is ever-evolving, with new models hitting the market each year. As we look ahead to 2024, several cars stand out for their innovation, performance, and value. In this article, we’ll explore the best cars in the US for 2024, including the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota RAV4, Tesla Model Y, Honda CR-V, and Mercedes AMG. We’ll dive into their prices, specifications, features, and more.

[childscare]

Toyota Land Cruiser 2024: The Ultimate Off-Road Icon

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser marks the return of a legendary nameplate, blending rugged durability with modern sophistication. As one of the most anticipated SUVs of the year, the new Land Cruiser continues to build on its heritage while incorporating advanced technology and premium features.

Bold and Robust Design

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser features a bold, muscular design that exudes strength and capability. Its robust exterior, highlighted by a prominent grille and angular lines, reflects its off-road prowess. Available in a range of colors and finishes, the new Land Cruiser ensures you make a statement wherever you go.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Connectivity

Step inside the 2024 Land Cruiser, and you're greeted by a blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. The infotainment system, with a large touchscreen display, supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. The premium JBL sound system delivers exceptional audio quality, making every journey enjoyable.

Exceptional Off-Road Capability

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser is engineered for unparalleled off-road performance. Equipped with a powerful V6 engine and a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, this SUV can conquer the toughest terrains with ease. Features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhance its off-road capabilities, ensuring you can tackle any adventure confidently.

Advanced Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in the 2024 Land Cruiser, featuring Toyota's latest Safety Sense suite of driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic emergency braking are just a few of the systems designed to keep you and your passengers safe. Additionally, the vehicle's robust construction and multiple airbags provide superior protection in any driving condition.

Luxurious and Spacious Interior

The interior of the 2024 Land Cruiser is both luxurious and functional, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. High-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and wood accents, create an upscale atmosphere. The versatile seating configurations and generous cargo space ensure that you can bring everything you need for your next adventure.

Conclusion

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser redefines what it means to be an off-road icon. With its blend of rugged capability, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort, this SUV is perfect for those who demand the best of both worlds. Whether navigating city streets or exploring uncharted territories, the 2024 Land Cruiser is ready for any challenge.

Discover more about the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser and schedule a test drive at your local Toyota dealership. Experience firsthand the legendary performance and modern amenities that make this SUV a standout in its class. Embrace the adventure with the all-new Land Cruiser and see why it's a name that commands respect worldwide.

[savageonwheels]

2024 Zoomie Top 10 Vehicles

Mark Savage selects the Top 10 vehicles of the year … The easiest way to narrow my top test drives of the past year would be to just go high-end and sporty on everything. But that’s not what most folks drive, that’s mostly trucks, SUVs and crossovers. So Zoomie selects winners from various segments, always with an eye to style and value. For instance, when my first Zoomie awards hit print in…

[formulaphoe]

a deep dive into endurance racing

wec for beginners

image source: british gq

the fia world endurance championship (wec) is a racing discipline where speed meets strategy, and drivers push their limits for hours on end. if you're new to this exhilarating world, or if you've been following it from a distance, we're going to explore everything you need to know about this thrilling motorsport.

what is wec?

image source: dailysportscar

the wec, established in 2012, is an international series of endurance races organised by the fédération internationale de l'automobile (fia). it brings together the best manufacturers and drivers from around the globe, testing not just their speed, but also their ability to endure the grueling demands of long-distance racing. each race can last anywhere from six to 24 hours, with teams often swapping drivers and strategising pit stops to keep their cars in peak condition.

key features

endurance racing format: unlike traditional races that might only last a couple of hours, wec events are marathons. the races include the iconic 24 hours of le mans, a test of stamina, skill, and strategy, held annually since 1923. other races in the championship include six-hour events at various tracks around the world.

diverse categories: the wec features several classes of cars, including le mans prototype (lmp) and grand touring (gt) categories. each class has its own unique set of regulations and performance characteristics, making for an exciting mix on the track

global reach: the championship hosts races in various countries, providing fans with a chance to experience a multitude of different tracks and cultures. from the rolling hills of spa-francorchamps in belgium to the iconic circuit de la sarthe in france, each location brings its own challenges and charm.

evolution of wec

image source: wec-magazin

the history of the wec is a fascinating one. it replaced the previous intercontinental le mans cup and aimed to revitalize interest in endurance racing. the early years saw fierce competition, particularly in the lmp1 class, which featured powerful hybrid prototypes from manufacturers like audi, porsche, and toyota. these teams showcased cutting-edge technology, blending performance with environmental considerations.

as the years progressed, regulations changed, leading to the introduction of the le mans daytona h (lmdh) class, which aims to bring more manufacturers into the fold. this class allows for greater technical freedom while ensuring that costs remain manageable, making it more accessible for teams looking to compete at the highest level.

iconic races and legendary teams

image source: autosport

one of the standout features of wec is its iconic races. the 24 hours of le mans is undoubtedly the crown jewel, drawing massive crowds and significant media attention. winning at le mans is considered one of the highest honours in motorsport, and teams prepare for it all year round.

aside from le mans, other races like the 6 hours of silverstone and the 6 hours of fuji have become staples in the endurance racing calendar. legendary teams such as audi, porsche, and toyota have built a rich legacy in these events, each with their own stories of triumph and heartache.

the role of technology

image source: pit lane

technology plats a massive role in wec racing. cars are equipped with hybrid powertrains, advanced aerodynamics, and sophisticated data analytics. this focus on innovation not only pushes the boundaries of performance on the track, but also helps manufacturers develop technologies that can be applied to road cars too. the crossover between motorsport and everyday vehicles is a hallmark of wec's philosophy, blending sustainability with speed.

sustainability and the future

as we move towards a more environmentally-conscious future, the wec has made significant strides in promoting sustainability. with the introduction of hybrid technology and plans for fully electric racing, the championship is at the forefront of a green revolution in motorsport. this focus on eco-friendliness doesn't sacrifice the excitement and competitiveness that fans crave; instead, it enhances the sport's relevance in a changing world.

how to get involved

image source: racer

whether you're a die-hard motorsport enthusiast or a casual fan, getting involved in the wec can be incredibly rewarding. attending a race is an experience like no other. the atmosphere is electric, and the camaraderie among fans is palpable. for those who prefer to enjoy the action from home, wec races are broadcast worldwide, often featuring comprehensive coverage that highlights not just the racing, but also the stories behind the teams and drivers that make up the sport.

sources

"fia world endurance championship." fia wec, www.fiawec.com/en/

"fia world endurance championship." wikipedia, 9 aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIA_World_Endurance_Championship

"wec beginner's guide: about the fia wec." wec-magazin, www.wec-magazin.com/features/about-the-fia-wec/

"fia world endurance championship." federation internationale de l'automobile, www.fia.com/events/world-endurance-championship/season-2023/fia-world-endurance-championship

"the world of wec: a beginner's guide to endurance racing." circuit of the americas, 1 sept. 2023, www.circuitoftheamericas.com/blog/2023/9/1/the-world-of-wec-a-beginners-guide-to-endurance-racing/

"history of the wec." wec-magazin, www.wec-magazin.com/features/history-of-the-wec/

if any errors or typos are noticed, PLS PLS point them out via comment, ask, or dm. if there is a specific topic you would like me to cover, send in an ask and i'll look into it!

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

so, I found out about the fact that apparently the fiat panda, has been getting 4x4 variants today.

and I thought them to be too interesting not to share them with the world. Which was the moment I realized that you may be the best way of doing that, as you probably also have some cool, and weird facts/opinions about this weirdly amazing, and surprisingly cool looking car.

Indeed I do, and I wrote them up in this post! And if you feel bad about not having seen that post and/or thought to search for Fiat Panda on my blog (we are assuming that the search function would work, though, which as I found is not at all a guarantee even when you explicitly search for a tag I have used verbatim), worry not - as not only are you going to get more Panda words out of me than you could possibly have asked for, but you gave me the chance to post about an incredible detail about the original Panda I had forgotten to mention there!

See, there are cars where the front and rear windows roll down electrically (not electronically, by the way, those are two different things) as standard. There are cars (yes, even today) in which the front windows roll down electrically as standard, but the rear windows that roll down electrically are an optional extra. And then there was the Mk1 Panda, in which... all the windows were manual only, you might guess I'm going to say. But no: surprisingly, they were offered with optional electric front windows. The rear windows though?

You got a hinge that opened up this much. Now, I should note this is not that unique, such windows have been used by cars as upmarket as the Accord Aerodeck and as modern as the first generation Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroën C1 (they were the same basic car), and even some minivans for the third row seats - it's what you do when space or other constraints make rolling the window into the body impossible; and having been in the back of an Aygo I can also attest that they are reasonably effective. So no, the Mk1 Panda is not the only car that had such a rear window. However it is the only car I know of in which it wasn't standard. That's right, the Fiat Panda was so goddamn basic that a manual rear window that didn't roll down was an option. Absolutely amazing. I love this car.

Links in blue are posts of mine about the topic in question - if you liked this post, you might like those!

[zenonaa]

💗 slow kiss / gentle kiss / inevitable / soft

Tofu!

[ao3]

Byakuya glares at his all-electric Toyota that should be fully charged and ready to go. Instead it sits in his driveway, refusing to switch on despite working perfectly well the night before. Fixing it shouldn’t be an issue. Though he isn’t a former Super High School Level Mechanic with pointed teeth and cheap hair dye, he knows a fair bit about the inner workings of vehicles. He ran a secondhand automobile business as a preteen, where not only did he sell used cars but fixed them too. In fact, he even taught employees and customers how to repair them. This had been for one of the conglomerate's challenges for choosing an heir, then once he had completed the task, he sold the business to some locals who continued to run it for quite some time afterwards.

The business only became defunct when the world almost ended.

However, while Byakuya could try to repair his car and probably would succeed, he is donning a clean work suit and is due at his job in twenty minutes.

“Togami-chi!” lilts a familiar voice.

A car trundles to a stop on the road perpendicular to Byakuya's driveway. From the driver’s seat, Yasuhiro beams at him, eyes twinkling behind his spectacles.

“What are you standing around for? Let me guess. Enjoying the morning dew?”

“Do I look like I’m enjoying myself?” says Byakuya, scowling.

Yasuhiro squints. Adjusts his spectacles. “Uh...”

“My car isn’t starting,” says Byakuya bluntly.

“Did you charge it?”

“Of course I did,” snaps Byakuya. “There shouldn’t be anything wrong with it.”

Yet it won't start up at all. He shoots it a frosty look.

“Cars break down for all sorts of reasons. Electronics failure, motor corrosion...” Yasuhiro counts off his fingers. “The all-mighty Indra has the flu...”

Byakuya’s lips almost disappear into his mouth as he purses them.

“No matter. I can work from home,” says Byakuya, even if he prefers to teach his students in person. Less distractions. Better internet connection. Decent coffee.

Yasuhiro waves a hand. “No need for that. I'll give you a lift, ‘right?”

A single furrow dents Byakuya’s brow while Yasuhiro's car is dented in several places. Not including its owner, it’s a car only Columbo could love. Whatever’s wrong with the suspension means the car seems to lurch every time it goes over a pebble. As he stares at it, Byakuya half-expects the tires to roll off in different directions and the vehicle to suddenly be enveloped in a ball of flames.

It’s in Byakuya’s best interest to refuse. He cups his chin. Then again, not only would he rather be physically at the school than teaching his students from home, he has also been looking forward to lunch today.

“... Fine,” says Byakuya. “I accept.”

A wide grin spreads across Yasuhiro’s face. “I knew you’d come around. Hop on in!”

But when Byakuya heads toward the front passenger seat, Yasuhiro waves his hands frantically.

“Sorry, dude! That door won’t open. And I, uh, need to clean that seat anyway. I got some ketchup stains on it... You know what burgers are like.”

Byakuya had thought he knew what burgers were like, having even eaten his first one two years ago. Since meeting Yasuhiro, however, he isn’t so sure about them. Like how he isn’t so sure he should get into Yasuhiro’s car. His fists clench at his sides as he reminds himself that he would prefer to be physically present at the school, that he has survived much more hazardous situations than this, and he has really been looking forward to today’s lunch.

So long as he makes it there alive, anyway.

Squaring his shoulders, Byakuya forces himself into the back of the car. The stitching on the seats frays in some places, puckers in others, but is surprisingly clean. Like it has recently been washed. He can see moisture on the windows and a few crumbs on the floor, but overall, the interior isn't too horrific. Somewhat cramped, but dare he say tolerable.

And it’s just a ten minute journey. Yasuhiro glows.

“All righty.” The car rattles as Yasuhiro puts it into gear. “We’ll be on our way to Hope’s Peak in no time... just as soon as we collect Fukawa-chi.”

Byakuya's brow crinkles. “What?”

The car jerks forward, jolting Byakuya. With a grimace, he settles into his seat as best he can and looks out of the window. Touko only lives down the road, so it won't eat up too much of his time. He is slightly surprised that Yasuhiro is giving her a lift to work, though. Other than Makoto and Byakuya, Touko doesn't usually feel comfortable enough to accept rides alone with men.

The car soon stops, spluttering as it does so. Byakuya and his fellow killing game survivors used to live on Hope's Peak’s campus, but after it was sufficiently rebuilt, they moved into some modest housing in a street across the city. Even if the school is quite different now, none of them can stomach living there full-time, permanently.

He folds his arms over his chest. Drums his fingers.

“We'll pop Fukawa-chi in the back next to you,” says Yasuhiro. “Won't it be nice to see her again?”

“I saw her yesterday.” Byakuya glowers. “You know I don't like being late.”

Yasuhiro laughs. “You won't be late. She'll be out any minute now, ‘right?”

Touko’s house resembles the others on the street for the most part, two stories with a window embedded in its slanted roof. The garden is what makes her home recognisable, with long grass, wildflowers throughout and log piles. When the front door opens, Byakuya’s eyes draw toward the movement, and out comes Touko. Her single braid bounces as she hurries down the path.

His eyebrows raise a tad. She seems oddly eager to get into Yasuhiro’s car.

“Good morning, Fukawa-chi!” Yasuhiro says as she slips into the back of the car.

Touko doesn't spare Yasuhiro a glance. “Good morning, Byakuya-sama!”

She must have spotted Byakuya from her window. That explained why she came over to Yasuhiro’s car so enthusiastically. Though, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she had known of Byakuya’s arrival without having to look outside. There must be some logical explanation, but she has an almost uncanny ability to know when he’s nearby... something he has somehow gained over the years.

Probably just intuition. Yes.

“Good morning,” says Byakuya before curling his lip in disdain. “Is that everyone, Hagakure? Or are you carpooling the whole street today?”

“Just you two,” Yasuhiro replies. “Next stop, work!”

The car emits a grinding noise that Byakuya doesn’t think cars should make, then they’re on the move. Byakuya stares out of the window again and tightens his lips. Without needing to look at Touko, he knows she’s staring at him. He can imagine her unblinking grey eyes, her chapped lips smile. The mole by her mouth. By now, he's very familiar with the sight of her. Understandable. They see each other inside and outside of work.

“Anyone want music?” asks Yasuhiro.

“No,” Byakuya and Touko say in unison.

Yasuhiro flicks the car radio on. The song begins with almost-immediate dialogue, a woman speaking in English about having rotten judgement. Within a few lines, the tempo picks up and a backing choir joins in. Byakuya still doesn’t recognise the song, but he doesn’t care to know either. He checks his wristwatch. Despite the minor detour, they should still arrive on time.

“Have you ever seen Hercules, Togami-chi?” asks Yasuhiro.

“No, I haven’t seen the fictional son of the fictional god of sky and thunder,” says Byakuya.

“I mean the Disney movie! This song is in it. It’s when this chick called Meg doesn’t want to admit she’s fallen in love with Hercules, so these pretty goddess ladies try to coax her into embracing her feelings.”

Byakuya doesn’t recall asking him to elaborate.

“I’ve seen it,” Touko pipes up, fidgeting her hands. “I didn’t watch any Disney movies as a kid, but Komaru has shown me some... I really enjoyed M-Megara’s character. She resonated with me a lot.”

A character that’s similar to Touko isn’t what Byakuya would expect from that kind of mass media company. And from what he knows of Megara from Greek mythology, he can’t see the resemblance. He turns to her, curious. “Why is that?”

“You should totally watch it sometime, Togami-chi!” says Yasuhiro before Touko can reply. “You could get together with Fukawa-chi, sit on the couch, share some popcorn...”

Touko growls. “Don’t interrupt me!”

“Sorry, sorry!” Yasuhiro says, wincing.

She looks at Byakuya again. “The character, Megara... Her story in the movie is different to her usual depiction in Greek mythology. In the movie, s-she sold her soul to Hades in a deal to bring back her dead lover, only for him to fall in love with someone else. It left her jaded and unable to trust easily, until she met Hercules...”

“That is quite different,” replies Byakuya. “In Greek mythology, she’s gifted to Hercules by her father for winning a war. Then, while Hercules was under a spell of madness, he murdered their children and in many retellings slayed her as well.”

“He’s different in the movie. Much more... palatable. In the mythology, as you will know, with his third wife, Deianira, he was constantly unfaithful and abusive toward her, and h-he even...”

“Girl, don't be proud! It's okay you're in love!” Yasuhiro belts along with the radio, earning glares from both Byakuya and Touko.

The song peters out soon after and the next rolls on. It immediately starts with dialogue as well, in English again, but this time with goofy voices that Yasuhiro tries to imitate.

“I can see what’s happening, and they don’t have a clue. They'll fall in love, and here's the bottom line. Our trio's down to two.”

“Is this from that movie as well?” asks Byakuya.

“Nope. Still Disney, but Lion King this time,” says Yasuhiro.

Byakuya squints. “Are you playing a Disney CD?”

“Yep!”

“Do you have anything else we can listen to?”

“The CD tray won’t open. It’s jammed.”

Of course.

“Does your radio have an off switch?” asks Byakuya.

“Aw, it’s not that bad! Did you really not watch any Disney movies growing up, Togami-chi?”

“No, I didn’t. I was more interested in works by directors such as Shinya Tsukamoto and Seijun Suzuki.”

Touko, who had been listening and quietly twiddling her fingers, perks up. “E-Excellent taste, Byakuya-sama! And it’s thanks to you helping me overcome my fear of blood that I could recently watch one of Tsukamoto’s finest works.”

Byakuya knows exactly which she is referring to. The premise is that the main character had double vision that caused her to hallucinate doppelgangers who wanted to harm her child. He had recommended it to Touko, actually.

“That one was interesting, wasn’t it?” he says. “Mental health is still a rather taboo subject in this country. And you did well tolerating the graphic imagery, as her hallucinations about her son dying can get incredibly violent. There was also a lot of self-mutilation in it with the main character...”

“Indeed. But she did it for an unusual reason... She was fascinated by her body’s determination t-to stay alive. It was gruesome, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away. It was strangely cathartic...”

“I thought you would enjoy it. You know, when I look at you, due to your alter, it’s as if I see two people that appear the same but are remarkably different... one being a serial killer, and the other of course being you.”

“Can you feel the love tonight?” warbles a woman’s voice.

“Hey, uh, it’s nice seeing you two get along and all, but let’s keep the tone light, ‘right?” says Yasuhiro, frowning.

Byakuya and Touko glare at him. It’s not that he’s wrong - over time, Byakuya has discovered that he and Touko share a number of interests, and their discussions can get quite deep and passionate. So yes, he and Touko can and do get along now, but he doesn’t need Yasuhiro to say that. Or to interrupt their discussion.

According to Byakuya’s wristwatch, they should reach Hope’s Peak in approximately five minutes. Only one, maybe two more songs can play within that time. Then Byakuya can leave the car, go into work, and finally...

“Uh oh,” Yasuhiro says loudly. “Traffic!”

Byakuya and Touko both look outside of the car and stiffen. Last time he checked, a mere minute ago, the road had been busy with just the usual morning traffic. Now motor vehicles pack them in on all sides and cram the road as far as he can see. They're all at a standstill.

“Huh. Is it the Pride Parade already?” asks Yasuhiro.

“That was last month,” says Byakuya. He scowls. “Idiot, we all went together, remember?”

“Welcome to the impromptu Sayaka Maizono Tribute Act!” booms a disembodied feminine voice. “Today would have been her early twenty something birthday... so to celebrate her life, we have taken over the city to play her songs all day! Let's kick things off with a classic... Let's Be In Together, Best Friend’!”

Obnoxious pop music blasts from outside of Yasuhiro's car. Touko shrieks, while Byakuya restrains himself to a shoulder twitch. For this supposedly being an impromptu event, the organisers seem to have fitted speakers throughout the city with remarkable speed. Around them, the other vehicles empty out as their occupants stand on their roofs and start dancing to the beat.

“This is unbelievable,” says Byakuya. “I'm walking the rest of the way.”

He tries to open the door, only for it to not budge. Hopefully it's just child lock, though he wouldn't be surprised if the door is broken.

“Unlock the door,” says Byakuya.

Yasuhiro shakes his head. “No can do, I’m afraid. It’s too wild out there, Togami-chi. And hot... Without the air con, you’d melt within seconds. This is for your own safety.”

As if on cue, the people outside start jumping and screaming. Touko yelps and hides her head under her arms, as if a group of hooligans will leap over to their car and start stomping on it too. It's peculiar how someone so strong, who had helped save a city, save the world, is cowering at ordinary nine-to-five workers dancing. Then again, Touko has always seemed to view the world in a unique way.

Touko is a peculiar person.

“In here, we’re safe. There’s nothing to worry about,” says Yasuhiro. Byakuya tears his gaze from the roof.

“We’re due at work very soon,” he reminds him in a tight voice.

“Ah.” Yasuhiro wags a finger. “That's where you're wrong. Check the teachers’ group chat.”

The smirk on Yasuhiro's face is unbearable. Byakuya pulls out his phone and swats at the screen until he brings up the aforementioned chat. Near the bottom is a message from Makoto Naegi.

‘Hi all, classes are cancelled today - there's a music event going on in the city centre and most of the students are bunking off to take part, so I figure we may as well officially have a day off today. Have fun!’

“What sort of headmaster is this?” Byakuya says in disbelief, staring at his phone.

“One who was a close friend of the person everyone’s celebrating, as well as the older brother of a fanatic Sayaker,” replies Touko.

“Look on the bright side, now you’re not going to be late,” says Yasuhiro, grinning widely. “You can stay here with me and Fukawa-chi without worry!”

Either Byakuya can brave trekking back home through the city in the heat, where it's congested and he risks being swept into a stampede, or continue to sit in Yasuhiro’s car.

“Tell me, princess. Now when did you last let your heart decide?” warbles the radio.

Byakuya starts pulling harder on the door handle. Yasuhiro twitches.

“Togami-chi! You’re gonna break my car!”

“And it’s not already falling apart?” Byakuya snaps.

A rare look of seriousness washes across Yasuhiro’s face.

“I see now... I know what’s happening.” Yasuhiro opens the sunroof. “You’re hungry. Tell you what. There’s a generic fast food restaurant nearby. I’ll grab us an early lunch before the midday rush. You two stay here and I’ll be right back. You can pay me back later.”

“Wait. Why are you able to leave but not me?” asks Byakuya.

Yasuhiro gives him a pitying look. “Togami-chi, I hate to break it to ya, but you look like the sort of person that people would want to rob.”

“What?”

Without another word, Yasuhiro climbs out through the sunroof. The car shakes a bit as he clomps across the bonnet before jumping off. Then he disappears into the crowd, leaving Byakuya and Touko alone in the car together.

“The only person who has been robbed is me, as you've stolen my heart,” says Touko, placing a hand over her heart.

Byakuya’s eyes roll. “If I possessed your heart, you would be dead.”

As quick as a cat, Touko clasps her hands together and says, “Ah... that explains it.”

“Explains what?”

 “I died, and so I am in heaven...”

Some people have the nerve to clap back at him. Others just have the capability. Few possess both qualities. In the past, Byakuya would have dismissed her as being stupid or delusional, but he has come to acknowledge, almost admire, her responses.

He clicks his tongue. With the sunroof open, music pours in from outside, a song called ‘Girls Are Yummy.’ It meshes with the off-key singing of the audience, and the radio's tune.

“That fool left the sunroof open,” says Touko, squinting upward.

“And he left the radio on,” adds Byakuya.

If he's going to be detained in Yasuhiro’s car for some time, he may as well try to make himself more comfortable. He leans over between the front seats. First, he locks the car, in case someone tries to drag him out and get him to join in the celebrations. Then he focuses on the sunroof and radio. Though he succeeds in shutting the sunroof, which only slightly muffles the noise that had been pouring in from outside, the radio doesn't respond to any of his button presses.

This goes beyond the CD tray being jammed. Frowning, he stretches over to take the keys out of the ignition, but the music continues even then.

“What...?”

Without the engine on, the radio shouldn’t be able to play anything. Yet it is. After a few more attempts at pressing on the radio, Byakuya stops shy of punching it, instead returning the key so they can have air con again and withdrawing back.

His weight shifts. He wobbles. Falls backward. And onto Touko's lap.

“Yes, you want her. Look at her, you know you do. Possible she wants you too. There is one way to ask her,” sings the radio.

“I was enjoying the view before, but I think I prefer this side of you,” says Touko, smirking.

Byakuya’s face burns. “You need to watch your mouth.”

“Do I? We’re finally alone,” says Touko, undeterred. “Now that oaf’s gone.”

She isn’t wrong.

“Nobody’s paying us any attention,” she says, with a smile that sends a shiver down him. “They’re all engrossed in the event.”

That smile used to repulse him. Used to make his skin crawl, his stomach flutter. He supposes her smile still has that effect on him, but now he doesn't mind the sensation so much. Dare he say he might even like it. Enough that he brushes some hair from her face and tucks it behind her ear so he can see the curve of her lips better.

“In that movie by Tsukamoto, despite the danger of being around the main character, her guardian angel loves her and lets her use him as a punching bag,” says Touko.

“Perhaps he is just a figment of her imagination?” he suggests lightly, his hand resting on her cheek still.

Touko hums. “He could be real.”

“You referred to him as a guardian angel.”

“That’s not a contradiction.”

Byakuya clicks his tongue, looking at her while she looks at him. When her smile widens, he smiles back slightly.

“Sha-la-la-la-la-la. Float along and listen to the song. The song say kiss the girl,” the radio warbles. 

It wouldn’t have mattered if a different song had been playing, or if the radio had been silent. Byakuya still would have leaned in, and their lips still would have met. His eyes flutter shut. Keeping his hand on her cheek, his other holds her upper arm. Their mouths lock together, slowly enough that the movement doesn’t disturb their glasses. He can’t see her, and with the cacophony going on all around them, he can barely hear her either, barely hear her quiet mewls and hitches of breath. But he can feel her fingers curl in his hair, feel her body press closer. A hand lands on his thigh. And he can feel her warmth.

When his head draws back slightly, his lips tingle. Hers remain puckered.

“I suppose it’s not too bad being here after all,” he remarks quietly. To think he would be saying this in Yasuhiro Hagakure’s car. Or while surrounded by fevered idol fans. But Touko has always been an anomaly. When others defy him, his spit becomes acid. Yet when she stands her ground, he places his feet by hers. “Though I’m surprised you accepted a lift from Hagakure this morning. I thought Naegi and I were the only guys you felt comfortable being in a car alone with.”

“That’s still true...” Touko squirms a bit. “I would have declined if he hadn’t said he was giving you a lift because your car wouldn’t start.”

That makes Byakuya flinch.

“Byakuya-sama?” she says, confused.

“That can’t be right,” he tells her. “Hagakure stumbled upon me when my car was refusing to start. Then after I got in the car, he said he was on his way to collect you...”

Byakuya looks away from her, as if expecting the car’s interior to grow teeth and crush them. For a trap, any trap, to be revealed. Instead, he spots Yasuhiro, whose grinning face is pressed against the window. Soon after, Touko notices him too and shrieks. Yasuhiro jolts back with a scream.

“Hagakure!” Byakuya seethes while Touko disentangles herself from him. Both are equally flustered. He could ask Yasuhiro how long he was there for, but right now he’d rather not know. “Explain yourself. How were you able to tell Fukawa you were giving me a lift to work this morning before I told you that my car had broken down?”

“I... um...” Yasuhiro tries to smile again. “I have good intuition?”

“I will phone your mother in precisely three seconds if you don’t explain yourself.”

“No! Anything but that!” Yasuhiro squeezes his hands together, trembling. “Okay, so I might have loosened the battery terminal before you went out this morning... but I did so with good intentions! You and Fukawa-chi were about to get together and kiss just now, ‘right? I’m doing you a favour.”

Byakuya stares at him, wide-eyed. A few seconds later, his brow furrows.

“Idiot,” he says. “We’ve been dating for five months.”

Yasuhiro’s head jerks back. “Huh?”

Touko’s initial shock at seeing him quickly melts. She shoots a fiery glare his way.

“W-Weren’t you paying attention when Byakuya-sama announced our new relationship status at lunch five months ago?” she asks.

“I think I was going through a phase with a certain mobile game and must have missed him saying it,” says Yasuhiro, scratching his head. 

“We’ve held hands on multiple occasions,” says Byakuya. “We’ve kissed in your presence.”

Yasuhiro clicks his fingers.

“Oh yeah. That’s right, I remember now. Well, anyway, I brought lunch.” He tries to open the door. “Can you let me back in please?”

“No,” says Byakuya. “You wanted us to be alone in here, so we’ll give you your wish.”

“And we don’t need any of your shitty food either. We h-have the lunch I made for myself and Byakuya-sama to enjoy,” adds Touko.

“Hey, I put a lot of effort into setting this all up!” Yasuhiro shoves his paper bag containing fast food against the car window. “I had to prove my loyalty to the Official Sayakers Fan Club by buying a year's membership, then I had to get a tattoo on my butt before they’d hear my idea out on their reddit. Also, it’s my car!”

Only Yasuhiro would think that would endear himself to anyone in any way. Byakuya wishes he was in the driver’s seat so he could run Yasuhiro over. Except there’s too much traffic to move the car even if he wanted to. Traffic that Yasuhiro created with his pointless scheme.

“Scram!” says Byakuya.

“Ignore him, darling.” Touko touches a hand to his cheek and turns his head toward her. “Or would it help if I distracted you?”

Before he can think of a reply, her lips soar up and latch onto his. A shiver washes through Byakuya, tingling in his extremities. He’s fully aware that Yasuhiro can see them, and though Yasuhiro has seen them kiss before, this feels different somehow. Like being in this enclosed space means what they’re doing should be totally private. Yet when she pushes him onto his back and lies on top of him, he has no desire to break free. And when her tongue kneads at the divide between his lips, he grabs her behind with one hand and opens his mouth.

If Yasuhiro likes movies so much, Byakuya will give him a full goddamn performance.

“No! Please!” Yasuhiro bangs on the window. “Not on the seats! I only just got them cleaned from when I tried this with Naegi-chi and Kirigiri-chi last week!”

[st0rmyskies]

Renault Avantime

Acura Legend

Nissan Skyline

Renault Wind

Ford Ranger Wildtrack

Toyota FourRunner

Renault Twizy

Eagle Malon TSi

Rolls Royce Silver Shadow

Mitsubishi L200 Warriors

Ducati Diavel Dark

Range Roolie

This anon knows that I am secretly a Car Guy™.

Renault Avantime

Look at this thing. Look at this European-ass Ford Flex wannabe bullshit. It gets some points for being a coupe, somehow - Time would rather not drive around with a back door that someone could pop into at will - but even a sick set of tints isn't going to hide his embarrassment at this beaky profile. There's a nose joke in there somewhere. 3/10.

Acura Legend

Impeccable. Looks like someone's first car so that they can haul ass back and forth to college several times a year. Ravio and Legend rip out the back seats to make room for as much product as this shitty 2.5L can manage. The back is also positively PLASTERED in the most amazing sarcastic bumper stickers you can imagine (Bestie Please Let Me Merge, I Fucked Bigfoot, etc.). 10/10

Nissan Skyline

Some part of me hurts to think that Sky would be a Nissan driver, but that's my own personal bias. Does look like something he would take out for weekend track days or the odd drag strip competition and wipe the floor with others. When Groose pulls up he parks entirely too close and gets Sky's rare scowl for even joking about having scratched the paint. 8/10

Renault Wind

Look at this fuckin thing. Wind hates it. Daddy bought it for him as a "Sorry I missed your 16th birthday!" gift. The only saving grace is that it's not the powder blue version; Wind would have turned those keys right over to Aryll SO FAST. It's hardly big enough for him to bring a surfboard to the beach in. The convertible is a nice touch for sunset beach drives though. 5/10.

Ford Ranger Wildtrak

Can you imagine??? Can you imagine?????? Wild wakes up one morning after a night of hard partying to suddenly remember, "I have a car." He digs through his old belongings to produce a nondescript keychain - which he promptly switches out for a big sparkly white puffball - and wanders off into the world to find where he parked THIS truck of Champion's. The ENERGY of seeing tiny Wild with his long hair blowing out the side window as he rolls up in THIS THING is hysterical to me. He will literally never be able to double-park it and just pull it up over the sidewalk to leave it in Time's yard. 11/10.

Toyota FourRunner

If one person - if ONE PERSON - makes a short joke Four is gonna flip the fuck out. He'll need the version with side rails so he can actually get into the damn thing, probably, and the seat adjuster is aftermarket so that he can bring the driver's seat up high enough to see over the steering wheel. Bonus points, though, that he can drive right over all the haters. However, I would argue that this isn't the best city car for someone like Four. Yes it can haul lots of junk in the back for his work needs, but a pickup truck - and something older that he can service himself - would suit him a bit better. 7/10

Renault Twizy

Sure, let's put the anxious kid on the highway between two 18-wheelers in this little Fisher Price death trap. His shoulders wouldn't fit inside this thing, let alone his ass. 0/10

Eagle Malon TSi

Well if this isn't a divorcee car then I don't know what is. Does get some points since it looks like it would run badly forever, which is the solid basis of any good farmer's errand car. I do like to think, though, that Malon would have a bit more self respect than this. 1/10.

Rolls Royce Silver Shadow

I had to include the photo with the text because that's so something Shadow would make himself. Four loudly and vehemently disagrees; he's spent more time on his back beneath that engine bay fixing electrical issues nearly as quickly as Shadow can cause them. Perhaps the aftermarket tablet screen he had installed in the center console at some dubious backyard mechanic was a bad idea. Also I bet that engine is so fucking loud and puts out NO power. 7/10

Mitsubishi L200 Warriors

What the hell and fuck is this? What are all the antennae for, so he can be tuned in to the latest Sephora sale?? And the extra lighting, is that for his Instagram photoshoots??? Ew, do you think Wars is an Instagram influencer???? -0.5/10

Ducati Diavel Dark

Oh, this is canon. 15/10

Range Roolie

I just had a visceral reaction picturing our own Doctor Hyrule, MD, rolling around town in this thing hopelessly lost. He somehow keeps missing all the turns on his GPS. The OnStar dispatcher eventually gets to know him by name. They just talk while he's on his way to work in the morning. 10/10

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Nick Anderson

* * * *

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

November 10, 2023

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

NOV 11, 2023

For months now it has felt weirdly as if life in the United States of America is playing out on a split screen. That sense is very strong tonight.

On one side is a country that in the past three years has invested in its people more completely than in any era since the 1960s. The American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act jump-started the U.S. economy after the devastation of the coronavirus pandemic; are rebuilding our roads, bridges, harbors, and internet infrastructure; have attracted $200 billion in private investment for chip manufacturing; and have invested billions in addressing the effects of climate change. 

All of these changes need workers, and the economy emerged from the coronavirus pandemic with extraordinary growth that reached 4.9% in the last quarter and has seen record employment and dramatic wage gains. Median household wealth has grown by 37% since the pandemic, with wages growing faster at the bottom of the economy than at the top.

Yesterday, President Biden, in a buoyant mood, reflected this America when he congratulated members of the United Auto Workers in Belvidere, Illinois, for the strong contracts that came from negotiations with the nation’s three top automakers—Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors—thanks to the UAW workers’ 46-day graduated strike. The union demanded the automakers make up the ground that workers had ceded years ago when the plants were suffering.

The final contracts that emerged from long negotiations gave workers wage gains of 30% over the next four and a half years, better retirement security, more paid leave, commitments that automakers would create more union jobs, union coverage for workers at electric vehicle battery plants—the lack of that protection had been a key reason autoworkers had been skittish about electric vehicles—and a commitment from Stellantis to reopen the Jeep Cherokee plant in Belvidere that had been shuttered in February. 

The UAW’s success is already affecting other automakers. As workers at non-union plants begin to explore unionization, Honda and Toyota have already announced wage hikes to match those in the new UAW contracts, and Subaru is hinting it will do the same. 

Biden had worked hard to get the Belvidere plant reopened, and he joined the UAW picket line—the first president to do such a thing. He told the autoworkers that he ran for the presidency “to…bring back good-paying jobs that you can raise a family on, whether or not you went to college, and give working families more breathing room. And the way to do that is to invest in ourselves again, invest in America, invest in American workers.  And that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

In Belvidere, Biden and UAW president Shawn Fain cut a selfie video. In it, Biden says: “[Y]ou know, the middle class built this country, but unions built the middle class. And when unions do well, everybody does well. The economy does well.” Fain adds: “And this is what happens when working class people come together and stand together. Stand united. You know, one of the best things I’ve ever seen in my life was seeing a sitting U.S. president visit striking workers on the picket line. That goes a long way for showing where this president stands with working-class people.” Biden says: “Well, I want to tell you, from where I stood, you did a hell of a job, pal.” Fain answers: “Yep. Back at you.” 

In contrast to this optimistic can-do vision that is making American lives better is the other side of the screen: that of former president Trump and the MAGA Republicans who have doubled down on supporting him.  

In Ohio, after voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the state constitution protecting abortion rights, Republicans are calling the amendment “ambiguous” and trying to remove it from the jurisdiction of the courts. They want to make the legislature—which they dominate thanks to gerrymandering—the only body that can decide what the measure means. They are openly trying to override the decision of the voters.

In Washington, Republicans have empowered Christian extremist Mike Johnson (R-LA) to lead the House of Representatives as speaker, and today we learned that outside his office he displays a flag associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) network that wants to place the United States government under the control of right-wing Christians. On January 6, 2021, rioters took these flags with them into the U.S. Capitol.

Johnson is also associated with a right-wing movement to call a convention of states to rewrite the Constitution. 

In The Bulwark on Wednesday, A. B. Stoddard noted that the Republican Party’s surrender to its MAGA wing is nearly complete. Today, Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who is the third most powerful Republican in the House, illustrated that capitulation when she filed a five-page letter to the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Stefanik’s letter drew on an article from the right-wing Breitbart media outlet to accuse Judge Arthur Engoron and his principal law clerk of being partisan operatives. Engoron is presiding over the New York fraud trial of former president Trump and the Trump Organization. 

Legal analyst Lisa Rubin noted that Stefanik’s position as a member of Congress shields her from Freedom of Information Act requests, meaning that journalists will be unable to uncover whether members of Trump’s legal defense worked with her to produce the letter. And while the mistrial motion that observers like Rubin expected to see Trump defenders produce could be dismissed quickly by Engoron himself, a complaint to the state’s judicial conduct commission will hang out there until the commission meets again. 

Undermining their opponents through accusations of impropriety has been a mainstay of the Republicans since the 1990s, and it is a tactic Trump likes to use. In this case, it illustrates that Stefanik, an official who swore to defend the Constitution, has abandoned the defense of our legal system and is instead embracing Trump’s efforts to tear it down. 

Meanwhile, the inability of the Republicans to figure out a way to fund the government has led the credit-rating agency Moody’s to downgrade the outlook for the credit rating of the United States today from “stable” to “negative.” Moody’s expressed concern about the fight over the debt limit last spring, the removal of House speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and the rising threat of a government shutdown.

All of this plays into the hands of former president Donald Trump, who is eager to return to the White House. From there, he promises, he will take revenge on those he thinks have wronged him. 

John Hendrickson of The Atlantic was at Trump’s political rally in Hialeah, Florida, on Wednesday, where the former president railed against those “coming into our country,” people he compared to “Hannibal Lecter,” a fictional serial killer who ate his victims. Trump said that under Biden, the U.S. has become “the dumping ground of the world,” and he attacked the “liars and leeches” who have been “sucking the life and blood” out of the country. He also attacked the “rotten, corrupt, and tyrannical establishment” of Washington, D.C.

Hendrickson called it a “dystopian, at times gothic speech [that] droned on for nearly 90 minutes.” 

It was a sharp contrast to Biden’s speech in Belvidere.

“We have more to do, but we’re finally building an economy that works for the people—working people, the middle class—and, as a consequence, the entire country,” Biden said. “When I look out at all of you and the communities like Belvidere, I see real heroes of your story—you know, you and the American worker, you’re the American people.

“Because of you, I can honestly say—and I mean this from the bottom of my heart—I’ve never been more optimistic about America’s future than I am today…. Donald Trump often says…, ‘We are now a failing nation. We’re a nation in decline.’”

“But that’s not what I see,” Biden said. “I know this country. I know what we can do if folks are given half a chance. That’s why I’m so optimistic about our future. We just have to remember who we are. We are the United States of America. There is nothing beyond our capacity if we work together.”  

—

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[ausetkmt]

AL.com: Legendary R&B singer retiring after 54 years: ‘It’s been a great ride through the decades’

Frankie Beverly, the charismatic frontman of Maze, has announced that he’ll retire this year, after a farewell tour with the R&B band that made him famous.

Six shows were announced this week for Beverly’s “I Wanna Thank You Farewell Tour,” including an April 6 concert at the Mobile Fairgrounds, also known as The Grounds. The dates start on March 22 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, and end on May 12 at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. More tour stops will be announced in the weeks and months to come, according to a press release.

Beverly, 77, is a favorite in Alabama, playing to cheering crowds at concert venues and festivals throughout the state. His signature tunes with Maze range from electric funk to romantic jams to classic R&B, and include “Southern Girl,” “Back in Stride,” “We Are One,” “Golden Time of Day,” “Can’t Get Over You,” “The Morning After,” “Joy and Pain” and “Happy Feelin’s.”

Fans needn’t worry, however, that the band will be defunct when Beverly makes his exit. He plans to hand the microphone to Tony Lindsay, best known as the lead singer for Santana. The band name will change when Beverly leaves, transitioning from Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly to Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly.

“I want to share with my lifelong fans and associates that I’ll be going out on the road one last time, then retire,” Beverly said in a statement to Billboard magazine. “Thank you so much for the support given to me for over 50 years as I pass on the lead vocalist torch to Tony Lindsay. The band will continue on as Maze Honoring Frankie Beverly. It’s been a great ride through the decades. Let the music of my legacy continue.”

Beverly founded Maze in 1970 in his hometown of Philadelphia, initially calling the group Raw Soul. The band changed its name in the mid-’70s, released several albums, 1977-1993, and developed a loyal following throughout the country. Beverly’s all-white attire on stage is one of his trademarks, along with his smooth baritone voice and ability to connect with the crowd.

Frankie Beverly performed with Maze on the Coca-Cola Classic Stage at the 2008 City Stages festival in Birmingham.(AL.com file photo/Frank Couch)

Beverly and Maze have performed many times in Birmingham over the years, at venues that range from Boutwell Auditorium to the Alabama Theatre to the former City Stages festival. A concert typically becomes a big ol’ dance party when Beverly and Maze take the stage; in fact, some ticketholders have been known to bring maracas and use them for appreciative percussion.

Beverly’s farewell tour is produced by the Black Promoters Collective. “Beverly is embarking in this farewell tour before slowing down to enjoy life in his California Bay Area home,” a press release says. The artist plans to “complete the tour with several major city stops. He’ll then make his way to Philadelphia for a street renaming ceremony in the city where he and his group launched their phenomenal musical legacy.”

Here are the shows announced thus far for the tour:

March 22, State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia.

April 6. Mobile County Fairgrounds, Mobile, Alabama.

April 13, Toyota Arena, Houston, Texas.

April 27, United Center, Chicago, Illinois.

May 12, KIA Forum, Los Angeles, California.

July 6, Dell Music Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

ENJOY THE MEMORIES -

[trivialbob]

Last night I went to the auto show at the convention center.

I have been going every few years since I was old enough to drive. The early shows were more fun. Hustle and bustle. All the companies, except Ferrari and Lamborghini, had models there. The Mercedes and BMW vehicles were always locked. Then Lexus arrived on the scene and let everyone sit in their flagship LS400 sedan. The next year the Germans decided it was OK for people to look out the windshield and feel that nice leather on their backsides. This year though a lot of the pricier vehicles were locked.

The show seems to be declining in size and enthusiasm. Porsche was absent. The Thursday night crowd was much smaller than I anticipated. None of the “as sold on TV” types of displays had to be on the upper level. Now the Ginsu knives were in the front hallway. The far ends of the convention center were closed off because nothing was there.

Prices are horribly high. The number of options and their cost are astounding. Some high end pickups and SUVs are comfortably above six figures. There are more electric vehicles every year. Few are what I consider affordable for their size and content.

The Toyota Corolla sure has come a long way. I had a 2005 Corolla that never broke. It was lightweight feeling, but a terrific value. The 2023 Corolla on display was an AWD hybrid. The interior looked super nice for an “economy” car.

KIA got my vote for best designed LED head and tail lights. Those are nice looking vehicles. Mitsubishi had the least appealing vehicles to me.

Toyota and Chevy actually had some cars with manual transmissions. It used to be that sticks got better mileage than automatics. Computers upended that advantage. Now the only advantage of a stick shift is being one of a diminishing crowd of drivers who can operate one.

Some things never change though

There is always a freelance, volunteer salesman. He approaches people sitting behind the wheel taking a mental test drive. “Yeah, my buddy got one of these in 2021. Sweet ride! Acceleration is really good for a car that gets such good fuel economy! You probably want to act soon, because interest rates seem to be on the rise!” The driver nods politely, then crawls out the passenger door.

Some 10-year-old has to sit in every single vehicle, even the boring ones. At the fun cars, this kid takes 17 minutes to touch every button, jiggle the locked steering wheel, and adjust the seats while people wait for their turn.

There are the guys who want people to know they know someone who owns a fun vehicle. Standing near a small group of people around a Camaro, he loudly says to his companion, “Remember my pal Tony? Yep, Tony just got one of these. I think his has the metallic paint though, not this dull stuff.” Oh dude, that is cool. May I touch your arm?

The missing gearshift knobs. The dealerships or manufacturers have to remove them so they don’t get stolen.

[anonymusbosch]

have seen the "you really bought a tesla?" post a couple times now and it's another one of those things that I think people often have misconceptions about

1. the cheapest Tesla (model 3) was the world's bestselling electric car from 2018 to 2020, when it was ousted by the 2nd-cheapest Tesla (model Y). the model Y was the single best selling car in the world in the first quarter of 2023. they are very popular.

2. the cheapest Tesla is $40,240 new. with the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, a price tag of $32,740 puts it on par with the Honda Odyssey minivan's base price or with slightly nicer trims of SUVs like the Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4, and only about $100 more than a new Prius Prime. People in California may also qualify for an additional $2000-$5000 rebate for buying one, bringing the price down to $27,740 - just $1000 more than a new Toyota Camry.

3. the concerns about safety are often weighted against an incorrect baseline - so far, current data show that electric vehicles aren't more likely to catch fire in an accident than gas vehicles and are actually less likely to do so (but this is difficult to get solid data on. there's a bunch of articles reporting on a study by an insurance company showing a massive reduction in fire risk but the underlying data are highly suspicious).

4. the big point of distrust that I think is grounded: recalls. some of the 22 (22!) model 3 recalls are ~trivial, like "the driver's side sun visor may be missing the airbag warning sticker", but some are more serious, like "the airbags might not be correctly connected to the car." it seems like a lot of the issues have been addressed on the current (2023-2027) line, but the recurring problems with things ranging from minor software issues to pretty serious function issues are good cause for concern. None of the ones I've read about seem as severe as Toyota's "oops the accelerator gets stuck and your car can't stop moving forward" recall or Ford's "oops the engine explodes" recalls [plural], and even the worst ones are on par with things we've seen before especially from US automakers (glaring at Ford, GM, and Ford again). Ford and GM are both guilty of continuing to use known bad parts for >5 years with (in one case) thousands of fires and (in another) over a hundred deaths. moreover, GM's Bolt EV is under a 100% recall for the 2017-2022 model years for high fire risk and Ford recalled over 100,000 hybrids for fire risk - so is Tesla worse than GM or Ford? I don't know if I'd say that, but I'd really want a car I buy to live up to a higher standard.

in short, the most popular teslas by a huge margin are the two most affordable ones, which are fairly accessible to consumers (especially in California). the risk of a tesla exploding or catching on fire is not, as far as I can tell, higher than other cars (and it appears to be less likely per million miles traveled than some other EVs on the market). teslas still have a bunch of quality issues, and they still have some stupid design choices - but you can easily buy a shittier car for a lot more money, particularly an American-made one.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/2024-tacoma-trd-baja-designs-x-spdo-pro-grille-kit/

2024 Tacoma TRD Baja Designs x sPDO Pro Grille Kit

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma features a bold new design and enhanced performance. To elevate its appearance and safety, Baja Designs offers various LED lighting solutions. Including fog pocket replacements, ditch lights, and reverse lights; all designed for a seamless fit. These lights improve visibility and driving enjoyment, whether on desert roads or forest trails. Each kit ensures a clean installation and is supported by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. 

The sPOD BantamX HD Vehicle-Specific Kit for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma is designed to seamlessly integrate the sPOD HD control panel into the vehicle’s cabin, providing a centralized and convenient location for accessory controls. This kit is compatible with all Toyota Tacoma trim models, ensuring that controls are always within arm’s reach. It features the BantamX power module, which offers eight power circuits, each supporting 30A per channel and a total of 100A. 

Additionally, the kit includes sPODConnect Bluetooth technology, allowing users to program and control their accessories from any iOS or Android device via the sPOD app. It also features integrated LVCO low-voltage cutoff battery protection, which monitors and protects the vehicle’s electrical system to ensure reliability. 

Below are some of the many options that Baja Designs has recently released for 2024 Toyota Tacoma owners to elevate their ride from stock to shocking! Check it out below and don’t forget to shop through our website for the best deals on all 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Deals! 

BantamX Upfitter Power Management Vehicle Kit 

Specifically engineered to combine the factory upfitter switches and aftermarket capability. Offering 8 power circuits to deliver adequate power. With additional control from the touch of your fingertips that allows you to dim, strobe, flash, and many other options for lights for you to ride worry-free and take control!

Key Features: 

Use your OEM upfitter switches to trigger the BantamX

Increase amp rating across OEM switches to 30A

Gain five extra switches 

Bluetooth functionality 

5-year manufacturer warranty 

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HD/BantamX Power Management Vehicle Kit

The sPOD BantamX HD vehicle-specific kit is designed seamlessly for the new Tacoma. Easy access to accessory controls from the cabin allows the driver to feel in control of each power circuit. This product also has scalability options to expand up to 32 channels controlled by a single unit. 

Key Features: 

Installs effortlessly 

8 circuits to power accessories 

Bluetooth connectivity 

Programming options (dimming, strobing, flashing, memory, switch linking, and more) 

Battery protection 

Backlighting 

Multi-controller compatibility 

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S8 10-inch / S2 Pro Grille Light Kit 

With some slight trimming, you can be the new grille master of your neighborhood! Baja Designs is now introducing the Grille Light Kit that features both clear or amber lights. The dual wiring harnesses allow separate control for optimal zone illumination. 

Key Features: 

Powerful lighting 

Dual functionality 

Wide coverage 

Amber backlight

Easy installation 

uService Technology to swap out lenses and adjust beam patterns without voiding warranty

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There are so many more upgrades that Baja Designs has carefully and strategically manufactured to make the best upgrade for your 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD! The time is now to build out your truck! With more upgrades including a reverse kit, llinkable roof kit, pillar kit, and more! Shop all these great modifications and more at www.vividracing.com ! 

[trans-africa-2024]

It was another great day of rallying! First we had an early game drive and had to get up at 5:00 in order to board one of these Toyota trucks they use for 8 people. We got an electric one and sure enough it quit after 15 minutes and was replaced by a good old diesel truck. Another reason why Len and myself will never drive one unless in the city only or if those politicians force us to get one. It was cold and dark at first but the first sighting could not have been better when we saw 3 female lions walking along the road and then disappeared in the bush. After that we encountered a couple of elephants and all sorts of birds, baboons, impalas and other antilopes and deer.

After our drive they served us breakfast before we drove off to the Zimbabwe border. Crossing it was relatively efficient and around 13:00 o‘clock we got to the Victoria Falls Hotel an old colonial style hotel and still very British. We had lunch and then took a taxi to visit the Victoria Falls from the Zambian side on a 45 minutes walk. The water thundering that over the cliffs is massive and fascinating to watch. They skim off USD 50,- per person but it is well worth it!

Afterwards we had to drive over the bridge to cross into Sambia. While the Zimbabwe side was very efficient total chaos broke out at the Sambian side. Some people totally lost it after they had spent 2 hours trying to get their passport and carnets stamped. The forms we could fill out in 30 seconds took them 15 minutes and afterwards the exact same information was then entered into a computer that broke down every once in a while. Eventually we got through and checked into the Royal Livingston Hotel supposedly one of the best hotels in Africa.

Tomorrow is a day off and we shall try to arrange to raft down the rapids of the mighty Zambesi river.

We shall keep you posted!

Best

L&C