Toyota Supra Scores Superlatives

09-28-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

What’s not to like about a two-seat, 382 horsepower road rocket? That’s the question Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis found himself asking this week every time he got behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium. One can imagine that answering the question became more and more futile with each subsequent press of the accelerator, as powerful G-forces pushed him back into his seat and his lips curled up into a smile. Listen in for all the gripping details of his impressive ride of the week.
Also on tap this week is a new study from iseecars.com that reveals just how much used car prices rose in the month of August. Plus, there’s the weekly roundup of fascinating new tech developments.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

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2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium

photos by Rich Taber
see RPM News Weekly Photo Gallery for more GR Supra images

As Driven:

  • Engine: 3.0-liter Twin Scroll Turbo, Inline 6-cylinder
  • 382 Horsepower, 368 lb-ft of Torque
  • 8-speed Automatic Transmission w/ Paddle Shifters
  • Rear Wheel Drive
  • 22 City / 30 Hwy / 25 Combined MPG
  • Launch Control
  • Sport Calibrated Electric Power Steering
  • Adaptive Variable Sport Suspension
  • Brembo 4-piston Ventilated Disc Brakes (Front)
  • Single Piston Cast Iron Disc Brakes (Rear)
  • Red Brake Calipers (Front & Rear)
  • Auto-leveling LED Headlights
  • Full Color Head-up Display
  • 14-way Heated Power Black Leather-trimmed Sport Seats
  • 8.8-inch Touchscreen w/ Navigation
  • 12-speaker JBL Audio System w/ Amplifier
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Wireless Charging
  • MSRP ~ $56,890 as driven

“Toyota is keeping the pedal down, boosting output of the Supra’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from 335 hp at 5,000-6,500 rpm to 382 hp at 5,800-6,500 rpm, a 14-percent increase. Torque rises from 365 lb.-ft. at 1,600-4,500 rpm to 368 lb.-ft. at 1,800-5,000 rpm.
The increased output results from a slew of upgrades throughout the engine. The new dual-branch exhaust manifold, with six ports instead of two, improves heat management. A new piston design reduces the engine’s compression ratio from 11:1 to 10.2:1.
The greatly revised engine produces higher torque at higher rpm and retains the eagerness to rev with turbine-like smoothness. Toyota projects that the new engine will reduce the Supra 3.0 model’s 0-60 acceleration time to 3.9 seconds, from 4.1.” ~ Toyota Media


Automotive News:

iSeeCars Studies August Used Car Prices

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Inspiration4 Experiences Toilet Trouble In Space

Volvo Construction Equipment Lauds Pilot Electric Vehicles’ Test Results 

Rolls-Royce Wins U.S. Airforce Contract For B-52 Engine Replacements

MIT Wearable Sensor To Help ALS Patients Communicate


Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Offers Unlimited Fun In The Sun

09-14-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Finding 4-door convertible fun in the sun with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle turned a trip through the great outdoors into a true adventure for Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis. Listen in to get all the details.
Also, there are reports on Michelin’s innovative airless tire, the iseecars.com study of the fastest selling cars in the month of August, and a carbon dioxide capture facility in Iceland that turns the gas into stone.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
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2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4Xe PHEV

top left photo by Rick DeMeis
all other photos courtesy of Stellantis Media

As Driven:

  • Engine: 2.0-liter Turbo Gas/Electric I-4  
  • Net Horsepower @ RPM: 375 @ 5250  
  • Net Torque @ RPM: 470 @ 3000  
  • Drivetrain: Part & Full-Time Four Wheel Drive 
  • Transmission: 8-sp. Automatic w/OD & Seq. Shift
  • Hybrid Electric Motor
  • Lithium Ion Traction Battery 17.3 kWh Capacity
  • 2 Hrs Charge Time @ 220/240V
  • Driver Selectable Front / Rear Locking Differentials
  • Manual Transfer Case
  • Performance Suspension
  • Heavy Duty Shock Absorbers
  • Trailer Sway Control
  • 5 Skid Plates
  • Front Active w/Driver Control Anti-Roll Bar & Rear Anti-Roll Bar
  • Hill Descent Control & Hill Hold Control
  • Manual Convertible Top w/Fixed Roll-Over Protection
  • 8.4-in. Infotainment Display w/ Navigation
  • Alpine Audio System w/ 9 Speakers
  • MSRP ~ $62,660 as driven

“This is advanced, environmentally friendly technology that seamlessly fits into anyone’s daily life. Then you take the Jeep Wrangler 4xe off road and it hits you that electrified propulsion and nearly silent running are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. You won’t want to come off the trails.” ~ Micky Bly, Stellantis Head of Propulsion Systems


Automotive News:

Michelin Develops Airless Tire

iSeeCars Studies The Fastest Selling Cars In August


More Tech News:

Inspiration4 Takes First All-Civilian Crew Into Space

Carbon In The Air Captured & Turned To Stone


Subaru Forester & Outback Wilderness Driven Back To Back

08-25-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live by RPM News Weekly ~

Making the most of a back-to-back opportunity to drive the 2021 Subaru Forester and all-new 2022 Outback Wilderness, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis compiled a dual report for this week’s podcast. Find out which he preferred and why – even if his spouse’s influence may have helped tip the scales.
Also in this week’s episode, iseecars.com puts forth another automotive study that indicates where there’s surprising new value to be found in cars that are coming off lease. Plus, hear more on the ongoing saga of SpaceX’s plans to go to the moon getting a closer scrutiny.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
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Forester / Outback Back-To-Back Collage
photos by Rick DeMeis
illustration by RPM News Weekly

2021 Subaru Forester

photos courtesy of Subaru Media

“The Forester offers comfort, safety, and versatility to support you through all your daily adventures—while encouraging you to go on new ones. With a tough, compact body that’s easily manoeuvrable yet spacious and comfortable inside, Forester gives you the peace of mind from knowing everyone’s fully enjoying their time.” ~ Subaru Global Media

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness

photos courtesy of Subaru Media

“The all-new Outback Wilderness debuts for the 2022 model year and is ready for adventure with a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, advanced dual function X-MODE®, elevated 9.5-inch ground clearance, all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension and unique exterior and interior styling.” ~ Subaru Media


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Automotive News:

iSeeCars Sees Leased Car Residual Values Drop Below Market Value

New Lithium Battery Technology Promises Greater Energy Density


More Tech News:

Musk Moon Mission Practicality Challenged


Elegance Assured In Lincoln Corsair

07-06-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

It’s not as if Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis needed a rainbow to assure him that his weeklong test drive of the Lincoln Nautilus would be an exercise in the art of elegance, but that’s just what mother nature had in store for him. Listen in for more details of his most enjoyable experience with this all-wheel drive, five-star safety awarded, compact SUV.
Also in this week’s episode, there’s analysis of a new automotive study from iseecars.com , plus a bevy of space and high-tech stories to keep you up to date with all things technology.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/549366/episodes


2021 Lincoln Corsair

Corsair with rainbow photos by Rick DeMeis
all other photos courtesy of Lincoln Media

As Driven:

  • 2.3L Turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder Engine
  • 295 Horsepower; 310 lb-ft of Torque
  • 8-Speed Automatic Transmission w/ SelectShift
  • Driver Selectable Drive Modes
  • All-Wheel Drive
  • Head-Up Display
  • Premium Heated Leather Seats
  • Rear Privacy Windows
  • Sync 3 Communication & Entertainment Sys.
  • Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto)
  • Co-Pilot360 Safety System w/ 360° Camera
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Forward Sensing
  • Blind Spot Alert
  • Active Park Assist
  • MSRP ~ $58,000 as driven

“Lincoln’s newest small luxury SUV, features a luxurious, airy cabin that clients have come to love in the brand’s larger SUVs including the Navigator and Aviator. Clean, horizontal lines across the dashboard and an attractive mix of glossy and matte surfaces, as well as five different interior color options place Lincoln Corsair on Autotrader’s top 10 list.” ~ Lincoln Media


Automotive News:

iSeeCars Studies Previously Owned Cars Selling For More Than New


More Tech News:

Musk To Increase Number Of Starship Engines

Branson Ventures To Edge Of Space

Chinese Astronauts Complete Dual Spacewalk

Korean Institute Develops Long-Life Desalinization Membrane

Vibrasonic Hearing Aid Attaches To Eardrum

UC Berkeley Wireless Implant Detects Oxygen Deep In Body


Volvo XC60 Extols The Pleasure Of Serenity

06-22-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Quietness is indeed an attribute that Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis admires in a vehicle, and the 2021 Volvo XC60 did not disappoint. In fact, the entire cabin of the mid-size SUV offered up a measure of luxury that elicited an abundance of oohs and ahhs, whether it was the sumptuous accommodations or the copious high tech equipment. There’s more, too, on his exciting week with the T5 Momentum edition of this Volvo that’s shown in the featured image. Have a listen for all the details.
Then stay with the program for more automotive news, a couple of space news items and some mighty interesting alternative energy solutions.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/549366/episodes


2021 Volvo XC60

gallery photos courtesy of Volvo Media

As Driven:

  • 2.0L 16V DI I4 Turbocharged Drive-E Engine
  • 8-Speed Geartronic Automatic w/ Adaptive Shift Transmission
  • Driver Selectable Drive Modes
  • Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
  • High Performance Audio System – 220-watt Audio w/ 10 Speakers
  • Sensus Connect Touchscreen
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay / Android Auto)
  • 2 Front USB-A Ports; 2 Rear USB-C
  • Voice Control
  • Heated Front Bucket Seats w/ 10-way Power Front Seats
  • Rear Park Assist Rear Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Alert w/ Lane Change Merge Aid
  • City Safety
  • Lane Keeping Aid / Run-off Road Mitigation
  • Lane Departure Warning

“We care for the environment both outside and inside the car. Advanced filtration technology works as part of our world-first air quality system to help make the air you breathe in the cabin clean.” ~ Volvo


Automotive News:

iSeeCars Studies Hot Selling Cars In May


More Tech News:

Chinese Astronauts Voyage To Their Space Station

China-Russia International Lunar Research Station Announced

Japan Prepares Program To Develop Supersonic Transport

GM & Wabtec Develop Electric / Fuel Cell Locomotive

Michelin Explores Inflatable Wing Sail For Merchant Ships


Lincoln Nautilus Dives Deep Into Luxury

06-01-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

More than merely satisfied with the luxuriously big ride he experienced this week in the mid-size 2021 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label SUV, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis has lots of good points to make about the all-wheel drive vehicle. For one, it sure handled well on some twisty roads in upstate New York despite its not being a sports car. No doubt the abundance of luxury accommodations to be found in the Black Label edition had something to do with the assessment. Have a listen and get the details.
Also, stay tuned in as the podcast digs into news from an iseecars.com study, high speed air travel, a hybrid electric airplane, transparent solar cells and more.

Rick's Tech Talk A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/549366/episodes


2021 Lincoln Nautilus AWD

photos courtesy of Mazda Media & Rick DeMeis

As Driven:

  • 2.7L Twin-Turbocharged V6 w/ Start-Stop Technology
  • 8-speed Automatic w/SelectShift & Paddle Shifters
  • Automatic Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
  • Ride Control Adaptive Suspension
  • Express Sliding & Tilting Glass Panoramic Roof
  • Revel AM/FM/HD Ultima Audio System
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
  • Enhanced Active Park Assist
  • 360 Degree Camera
  • Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop-&-Go and Lane Centering
  • Distance Alert & Distance Indication
  • Mood Lighting
  • Wireless Charging
  • 5-Star Safety Rating

“Our focus continues to be on long-term, healthy growth, and despite the many challenges we’ve all faced this year, the Lincoln brand continues to build momentum and outperform around the world. Global sales rose 17 percent year-over-year in the third quarter, we had our best October in 34 years, and we’re excited to keep building on that success with the new Nautilus.” ~ Joy Falotico, president, Lincoln Motor Company


Musk Minute:

Tesla Faces Lawsuit On Battery Performance

Automotive News:

iSeeCars Studies The Best & Worst Used Cars To Buy


More Tech News:

Venus Aerospace Launches Mach 12 Transport Idea

Virgin Galactic Unity21 Flies Into Space From New Mexico

MIT Eyes Hybrid Electric Airliner

Univ. of Singapore Produces Water From Air With Smart Aerogel

China Sets Fusion Record

Penn State Develops Transparent Solar Cell Electrode