In the News – Page 17 – RPM News Weekly

Rock-Solid Value Marks 2022 Toyota 4Runner Trail SE

3-01-22 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

This week, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis extols the value and adventurous spirit he discovered in his week-long test driving of the 2022 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition 4×4. Whether it was the commanding power of its 4-liter V6 engine, its rough-and-ready architecture or the trail-ready features, this version of the 4Runner delivered as promised.
Tech Talk continues with more automotive news as well as a rundown of some of the latest developments from the wide world of technology.

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.
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Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition

Photos Courtesy of Toyota Media

As Driven:

4.0L DOHC V6
270 Horsepower; 278 lb-ft Torque
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
16 City / 19 Highway / 17 Combined MPG
Trail Edition Package:
– cargo area cooler
– front & rear badge overlay
– trunk carpet
– all weather floor liners
– crossbars
– Yakima load warrior rack
MSRP as Driven: $45,142

“Toyota 4Runner buyers are among the most “outdoorsy” people in the segment, enjoying activities including camping, fishing, and hiking. Recognizing and rewarding that trend, Toyota introduced the … Trail Special Edition with an emphasis on extra storage (including insulated), convenience, and special styling touches. The 4Runner Trail is based on the SR5 grade and is offered in either 2WD or 4WD, in both cases featuring dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels.” ~ Toyota Media

Automotive News:

EV Sales Rise to 8.3% Worldwide

Monash University Australia Develops Longer Lasting Li Sulfur Battery

More Tech News:

Musk Minute: Starlink Internet Satellites Made Available To Ukraine

UPDATED: EU Plan To Supply Fighter Jets To Ukraine Dropped

University of Austin Plans Smart Underwater Cables

Boron Based Rocket Fuels Studied At UCal Riverside

Rice University Turns Tires Into Graphene For Stronger Concrete

GMC Canyon AT4 Takes Old & New Pathways To Get Here

2-08-22 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

With its Cayenne Red Tintcoat finish, the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 that Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis borrowed from the NEMPA press fleet for the week was certainly not blue – but it did offer something old and something new for our intrepid host to experience. He’s not yet married to the purpose of the folding rear bench seat but he did find the off-road performance capabilities engaging. Listen in for details.
(featured photo by Rick DeMeis)

GMC Canyon AT4

Gallery Photos Courtesy of GMC Media

As Driven:

3.6L DOHC V6 w/ Direct Injection
308-Horsepower; 275 lb-ft Torque
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
17 City / 24 Highway / 19 Combined MPG
Off-Road Performance Package:
– Suspension Leveling Kit
– Performance Front & Mid Skid Plates
– Off-Road Rocker Panel Protector
– Unique 17” Gloss Black Wheels
– Gloss Black Performance Exhaust Tip
– Carbon Black AT4 Logos
– GMC Spray-In Bedliner
– Accessory Floor Liners
MSRP as Driven: $46,700

“When customers are looking for a capable off-road truck, we know that they want improved vehicle height as well as additional protection. Whether it’s tackling die-hard off-road courses or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition provides an improved approach angle, enhanced maneuverability and underbody protection to key parts of the truck, while still delivering a premium GMC experience.” ~ GMC Marketing Director Rich Latek

Automotive News:

iseecars.com Survey: Used Cars Costing More Than New
Ford F-150 Lightning Powers House

More Tech News:

Starship Updates Announced
California Stop Prompts Tesla Recall
Insect Drone Gets Its Wings

Affordable Luxury Amplifies Lincoln Corsair Experience

2-01-22 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Ensconced in the sublime luxury of the 2022 Lincoln Corsair, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis is left to wonder if the plushness of this compact crossover just might cause him to forget its utility vehicle capabilities. Listen in to hear all the details of this 5-star safety rated all-wheel drive SUV.
Plus, there’s a host of news and updates from the world of technology including a report on using drones to harvest fruit.

Lincoln Corsair AWD Reserve

RPM News Weekly Photos

As Driven:

295 Horsepower 2.3L Turbocharged I-4 Engine
8-speed Automatic Transmission
21 City / 28 Highway / 24 Combined MPG
20-inch Bright Aluminum Wheels
Rain Sensing Wipers
Windshield Wiper De-Icer
LED Fog Lamps
Panoramic Roof
Adaptive Cruise Control
12.3-inch Cluster Display
8-inch Control Stack Touchscreen
Heated / Ventilated Front Seats
Head-Up Display
Wireless Charging Pad
360 Degree Camera
MSRP as Driven: $56,985

“Human hands worked to develop those sculpted S-curves and sides, all of which play off light and movement. It is virtually sculpture in motion, a vehicle definitely meant to seduce.” ~ David Woodhouse, director of design, Lincoln

Automotive News:

Ford Electrifies Grape Growing

More Tech News:

Tevel Aerobotics Develops Drones To Pick Fruit
Elroy Air To Employ Autonomous Aircraft For Cargo Delivery
Volatus Aerospace Aims Autonomous Aircraft For Cargo Deliveries

Elantra N Line Helps To Save The Manuals

11-16-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Given the increasingly rare opportunity to row through six gears of a manual transmission, Tech Talk podcast host Rick DeMeis found the Hyundai Elantra N Line demanded a bit of muscle memory and attention when coming out of hyperspace into a familiar highway turn off. Nevertheless, the experience reached the high end of the fun gauge even if a bit noisy. Tune in to find out about all the excitement of this week’s ride as well as a big handful of the latest tech news.

Hyundai Elantra N Line

photos courtesy of Hyundai Media

As Driven:

Turbocharged 1.6-liter In-line 4-cylinder Engine
201 horsepower; 195 lb.-ft. of Torque
6-speed Manual Transmission
Multi-link rear suspension
18-inch Alloy Wheels
Chrome Twin Exhaust
Sunroof
Full LED Taillights
N Line Front grille & Bumper
N Line Rear Fascia w/ Diffuser
N Line Glossy Black Beltline Molding
Heated Outside Mirrors
Digital Key
Wireless Charging Pad
Leather / Cloth Combination Sport Seats
Power Driver Seat
Heated Front Seats
8-inch Touchscreen Display Audio Sys. w/ 6 speakers
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Assist
Safe Exit Warning & Rear Occupant Alert
N Line Analog Gauge Cluster
Leather-wrapped Sport Steering Wheel & Shift Knob
Alloy Pedals
Black Headliner
60/40 Split Folding Rear Seat w/ Armrest & Cup Holders
25 City / 34 Highway / 28 Combined MPG Rating

“As with the exterior and interior, the driving experience is enhanced for N Line performance with sport tuned suspension, steering and revised powertrain mounts. Additionally, Elantra N Line’s multi-link independent rear suspension, larger front brake rotors and summer tires make it at home on the commute or on the back roads. ” ~ Hyundai Media

Automotive News:

iseecars.com Studies Fastest Selling Cars in October

Nissan Recycles Leaf Batteries For Emergency Power Supplies

More Tech News:

SpinLaunch Tests Suborbital Accelerator

Britten-Norman Commits To Zero-Carbon Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft

Smart Window Controls Heat Transmission Without Blocking Views

NASA Delays Moon Landing Until 2025

Lexus UX Melds Hybrid Dynamics With Compact Luxury

10-05-21 Tech Talk

~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~

Tech Talk podcast host Rick DeMeis explores the 2022 Lexus UX 250h and comes to the conclusion that if you want luxury, get a Lexus. In this case, the F-Sport enhancements to the compact UX hybrid SUV furthered the observation. Listen up for the full analysis of this 5-Star Safety rated vehicle.
From there, Tech Talk launches into the weekly space news updates including the peculiar development of an origami bladder for rocket refueling. Also, there’s automotive news of several EV related developments including technology from ABB for faster EV battery charging.

2022 Lexus UX 250h

photos courtesy of Lexus Media

As Driven:

2.0-liter In-line 4-cylinder Engine w/ Lexus Hybrid Drive
High-output, Permanent-magnet, Electric-drive Motor w/ EV Mode
Certified Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV III)
41 City / 38 Hwy / 39 Combined EPA MPG
5-star Safety Rated
All-Wheel Drive
Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Drive Mode Select w/ Sport, Normal & ECO drive modes
F SPORT bolstered front seats
F SPORT Aluminum Pedals & Fr. Aluminum Door-sill Scuff Plates
8-speaker Premium Sound System
Apple Carplay Integration; Android Auto / Alexa Compatibility
Navigation System
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
MSRP ~ $43,885 As Driven (incl. Delivery & Destination)

“The UX makes the driver feel more in touch with the road thanks to a “seat-in-control” concept. Essential vehicle functions are grouped around the driver’s side of the cabin, and the seatback shape allows the driver to operate them while maintaining a comfortable, natural posture.” ~ Lexus Media

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.

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

More Tech News:

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