2021 Toyota Avalon Limited Channels Luxury

03-02-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Yes, it’s possible to find a noteworthy luxury sedan priced under $50 thousand, as Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis discovered this week in the first ever all-wheel drive 2021 Toyota Avalon Limited. Bells and whistles aside, this mid-size passenger vehicle proved comfortable, safe and efficient, even if one sacrifices a little bit of power in the name of fuel economy.
Listen in for more on this, as well as tech topics that include a vehicle sales study, the orbiting Tesla roadster, a neutron rocket, micro 3D printing and a farewell to the Learjet.

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 Avalon Limited

photos courtesy of Toyota Media

  • 2.5L 4-cylinder Engine
  • 205 Horsepower; 186 lb-ft Torque
  • 8-speed Direct-Shift Automatic Transmission w/ Sequential Shift Mode
  • Full-Time All-Wheel Drive
  • Quasi-Dual Stainless Steel Exhaust w/ Chrome Tailpipe Finisher
  • 25 City / 34 Hwy / 28 Comb. MPG
  • Body-Colored Power Heated Side Mirrors w/ Driver Auto Dimming
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Pre-Collision System
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
  • Lane Departure Alert w/ Lane Keeping Assist
  • Premium Audio w/ Dynamic Navigation
  • 14 JBL Speakers incl. Subwoofer & Amplifier
  • 8-way Adjustable Heated/Ventilated Front Seats w/ 4-way Lumbar
  • Head-Up Display
  • Price As Driven: $45,479

“Dynamic Torque Control AWD provides effective traction for inclement and slippery weather while minimizing AWD’s typical drag on fuel economy. The system can direct up to 50 percent of engine torque to the rear wheels in response to acceleration from a start or slippage at the front wheels.
When AWD isn’t needed, the electromagnetically controlled coupling on the rear drive axle can disengage the propeller shaft to prioritize fuel efficiency. The AWD is designed to re-engage in an instant when needed, with operation that is transparent to the driver and passengers.” ~ Toyota Media

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Rocket Lab To Launch New Booster


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Texas A&M Improves 3D Printing

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Learjet Production Ends


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2021 Kia K5 Advances Optima Lineage

01-19-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis revels in the quietude of the all-new 2021 Kia K5 that he’s enjoyed as his current ride-of-the-week. If the name sounds unfamiliar to the Kia lineup, take heart that it’s the bold replacement for the retiring Optima mid-size sedan.
In other automotive news, details emerge in the merger of two automaker giants to create the new 14-brand Dutch-based multinational Stellantis automotive company.
But wait… there’s more, including the weekly Musk Minute update, additional space news from NASA and Virgin Galactic, and several tech breakthroughs of interest.

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

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Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
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2021 Kia K5

photos courtesy of Kia Media

  • Bold appearance incorporates Stinger design DNA
  • All-new stronger, longer, wider and lower N3 platform
  • Efficient All-Turbocharged Engine Lineup
  • 180-hp, 1.6-liter Turbo 4-cyl. Engine w/ 195 lb.-ft. of Torque
    Standard 8-speed Automatic Transmission
    27 City / 37 Hwy / 31 Combined mpg
  • Optional All-Wheel Drive
  • Available 290-hp, 2.5-liter Turbo Engine w/ 311 lb.-ft. of Torque
    8-speed “Wet” Dual-Clutch Transmission
    24 City / 32 Hwy / 27 Combined mpg
  • Assembled in West Point, Georgia
  • Base MSRP ~ $23,590
  • As Driven ~ $28,400 incl. destination charge

“Representing one of the biggest leaps forward between generations in recent automotive history, the K5 celebrates this bold new chapter in Kia’s story with an equally bold name to emphasize the mid-size sedan’s revolutionary design, all-new safety and performance enhanced “N3” platform, turbocharged engines, available all-wheel drive, and high-impact technology.” ~ Kia

Automotive News

The Formation of Stellantis

https://youtu.be/4pML6JptrGc

Musk Minute

Starship SN9 Engine Test

Musk Says Starship To Fly 3 Times Per Day


More Space News

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NASA Mars Insight Probe Failure

Virgin Orbit Achieves Success


More Tech News

Abu Dhabi Hydrogen Production Plans

SoundWatch

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Tech Talk Explores The Used, Sadly Delayed & Seriously Solar

12-08-20 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

For Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis, it has been a productive week spent rummaging through a study from iseecars.com on the best time of year to purchase a used car. For obvious reasons, this study gives no points to the best time being the day after your trusty old battle wagon decides it’s the end of the long and winding road you’ve travelled together.
Other automotive news included in the discussion this week includes an update on Ford Bronco production delays and a feature on a very tech-minded solar-powered vehicle.
Also, Elon Musk gets his weekly minute, but we’ll have to wait and see if he gets his dying wish. Listen in to find out what that is – 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.
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Automotive News

iSeeCars.com Studies Best Time To Buy A Used Car

Ford Bronco Delayed

Pre-production versions of the 2021 Bronco, shown here, include Bronco two-door in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat and Bronco four-door in Cactus Gray.

Aptera Solar Car 

Aptera Solar-Powered Vehicle
Aptera photos courtesy of Aptera

Musk Minute

Cargo Dragon Capsule Update:

Starship Test Flight:

Musk Wishes To Die On Mars:


More Tech News

Hayabusa Space Probe Returns Asteroid Material

Sweating Robot

Smart Knee Implant


Tech Talk Extra

Dylan’s Catalog Sale 

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SSC Tuatara Claims World’s Fastest Production Car Title

10-20-20 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

The SSC Tuatara Hypercar leads off this week ‘s episode of Tech Talk giving commentator Rick DeMeis an opening story with plenty of horsepower. After all, any time a vehicle is capable of setting an average speed record of 316.11 mph to clinch the title of the world’s “Fastest Production Car”, it ought to get top billing.
But there’s lots more compelling tech news included in the discussion this week including a story out of Penn State on a self-heating battery that stops lithium from collecting on the positive terminal while improving charge times and the life of the battery.
Also, listen in for updates from the world of Elon Musk regarding lunar mission projections, and from NASA about its current mission to the asteroid Bennu as well as the Perseverance mission to Mars.
The program closes out with information about a portable COVID-19 test and the development of a recyclable running shoe.

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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Automotive News

SSC Tuatara – World’s Fastest Production Car

Penn State Develops Self-Heating Battery


Musk Minute

Starship Aims For 2024 Moon Landing


More Tech News

NASA Osiris-Rex Touches Asteroid Bennu

NASA Eyes Mars Rover

University of Illinois Announces Portable COVID-19 Test

Adidas Seeks Recyclable Running Shoe Testers


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EVs & RVs Top This Edition

10-13-20 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

With new test drives on hiatus, Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis turns to other current automotive news to lead off this week’s episode starting with a new all electric vehicle program called EV Power Podcast which featured the remarkable Lucid Air that has just gone into production.
A brief on a new RV from Volkswagen called the California Camper gets the followup slot that’s quickly followed by the weekly Musk Minute update. Then a juicy sampling of tech news kicks off with a curious tiny new sensor that’s one-tenth the weight of a jellybean. Other highlights include more efficient solar cells, anti-drone technology and a Mayflower autonomous ship that’ll be heading to Plymouth, MA.

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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Automotive News

EVPowerPodcast.com

Volkswagen California Van


Musk Minute

Starship Update

Crew Dragon Planning Next Mission To ISS

Starlink Satellites De-Orbiting


More Tech News

Air-Dropping Tiny Sensors From Moths

Micro Solar Cells Deliver Efficiency Boost

Jammer Defense Disrupts Drone GPS Positioning

Mayflower Autonomous Ship To Set Sail For Plymouth, MA


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Ford F-350 Comes Loaded & Payload Ready

9-15-20 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis had his hands full this week, quite literally, while test driving the 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup. Here’s a big, brawny, work-ready truck that’s capable of towing up to 37,000 pounds when properly equipped, yet when driving unloaded, mostly highway, it delivered our host upwards of 22 miles per gallon.
Even so, penny-pinching is not what this truck is all about. Just checkout some of the many amenities listed below for the Platinum trim… Oh, and its price tag starts in luxury vehicle territory at $66,235.
Don’t stop there. Keep listening for important technology updates that include a new road surface material made by mixing concrete building rubble and old tires, a quick report on the upcoming Starship flight test, possible life in the Venusian atmosphere, a new way to recycle lithium-ion batteries, and a few more tantalizing techno tidbits to savor.

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


Ride of the Week:

2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab 4×4

photos courtesy of Ford Media

Features Of The Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab As Tested

  • 6.7-liter Intercooled Turbo Diesel V-8
  • 475 horsepower / 1050 lb.-ft. of Torque
  • 10-Speed Automatic w/ SelectShift
  • Drive Modes: Normal, Tow/Haul, Eco, Sand/Snow, Slippery
  • 4×4 Four Wheel Drive – Selectable
  • Maximum Conventional Towing: 24,200 lbs.
  • Maximum Gooseneck Towing: 37,000 lbs.
  • Push-Button Tailgate w/ Step
  • Moonroof
  • Dark Marsala Leather Interior
  • 10-way Power Front Seat  
  • 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen Audio
  • Starting at $66,235 MSRP for Platinum Trim

“For 2020 Super Duty gets new trailering technology including available class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, which makes negotiating even the largest trailers into the tightest of spaces easier than ever before. With hands off the steering wheel, drivers use the Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob to steer the trailer via the reverse camera. Trailer Reverse Guidance shows trailer angle and direction and provides steering suggestions to most efficiently direct a trailer backward. Both systems are built to accommodate all trailer styles, including conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck designs.” ~ Ford Media


In Other Automotive News

RMIT Creates Road Grade Material Using Concrete Rubble & Old Tires


Musk Minute

Starship To Fly To 60,000 Feet


More Tech News

Phosphine In Atmosphere Of Venus Might Indicate Life


Curiosity Rover Celebrates 8 Years On Mars

photo courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS


Nanyang Tech U Uses Orange Peels To Recycle Li-ion Batteries


Vinyl Record Sales Exceed CD Sales


Need A Face Mask?

Tech Talk listeners can receive a discount on stylish, high quality face masks purchased from Needham, MA-based Rafi Nova. Just used the Code KOWSRADIO at checkout. Rafi Nova is a fair-trade and sustainable fashion brand. Find them at rafinova.com