After a month-long hiatus, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis jumps back in the saddle to kick off a new year of episodes with the big and small extremes of the Grand Wagoneer and the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF for a double dose of the podcast’s Ride of the Week segment.
Listen in for all the automotive news including a quick tour of the all-new Alfa Romeo Tonale that will arrive in the 2nd quarter of 2023. There’s a couple of spacecraft launch items, too.
A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
“The Jeep brand is built on more than 80 years of class-leading 4×4 capability, and the new Wagoneer expands that legendary capability to the large SUV segment. To earn the prestigious title of Four Wheeler SUV of the Year for the second year in a row and the 18th time overall is a testament to our core values of delivering Freedom, Adventure, Authenticity and Passion to our Jeep customers, and now our Wagoneer customers, by giving them the capability to truly go anywhere and do anything.” ~ Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep Brand North America
2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
“Well-balanced, lightweight, and outstanding power-to-weight ratio all help make the MX-5 a popular driver’s car. All MX-5 Miata models have a front engine, rear-wheel drive layout, with a Skyactiv-G 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering an inspiring 181 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm routed through a six-speed transmission.” ~ Mazda Media
When it come to value, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis lauds the 2023 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy AWD model for its abundance of premium refinements and notable safety achievements that bely a sticker price that’s modest for its segment of the market. Praiseworthy, too, was the ability to garner 27+ mpg on the highway while test driving this large SUV – 3.8-liter V8 notwithstanding. Listen up for the full report.
Also, there’s informative automotive news on tap including briefs about Tesla facing stiff competition in China, and Ford bringing new electrified versions of the Escape to market… and more.
A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
New instrument panel, gauge cluster and audio interface design
New steering wheel design
New seating surfaces and materials
Ergo-motion driver’s seat
2nd-row armrest angle adjuster (8 passenger, first for Hyundai)
Heated 3rd row seats (first application for Hyundai)
Acoustic-laminated rear door glass (Calligraphy model)
Infotainment / Convenience Technology
12-inch navigation with 720p resolution
Digital, full-display center rearview mirror (first application for Hyundai)
WiFi hotspot (first application for Hyundai)
Digital Key 2 Touch (compatible with iPhone and Android)
New Bluelink features (see Bluelink detail)
Enhanced USB-C ports replace USB-A ports (quicker charging up to 3 amps)
Enhanced wireless device charging (from 5W to 15W)
Enhanced dynamic voice recognition
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control
Highway Driving Assist
Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Remote Smart Parking Assist
Passive Safety Technology
Standard rear side-impact airbags
“The enhanced 2023 Hyundai Palisade offers the design appeal and features worthy of Hyundai’s flagship SUV. More than ever, Palisade is the ultimate family vehicle for daily use and memory-making road trips.” ~ Olabisi Boyle, vice president, product planning and mobility strategy, Hyundai Motor North America
Although Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis found blessed quietude in the all-electric Mustang Mach-E by turning off the fake performance sounds, he also discovered that he would rather not experience the one-pedal driving capability. Why? Find out in the full report.
Want more? There’s also plenty of other informative automotive news briefs including a survey of the safest and most reliable pre-owned cars for teenagers. And, then there’s the bit about a California baker trying to recreate the New York bagel. Can it be done? Listen up.
A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
“Adding Ford Co-Pilot360 Driver Assist Technology to the entire Mustang Mach-E lineup gives more customers access to services like BlueCruise hands-free driving and future ADAS services through Ford Power-Up software updates. We’re sharing these changes ahead of re-opening order banks on Tuesday (Aug. 30, 2022) so customers can understand the feature and pricing adjustments around ordering a Mustang Mach-E.” ~ Marin Gjaja, chief customer officer, Model e
The Kia EV6 brings the brand’s first all-electric vehicle built on a dedicated EV platform to the SUV marketplace. The clean sheet design of the EV6 features a low-mounted battery pack, the benefits of which include a lower center of gravity and increased interior space.
Stylish, powerful and quick to charge, the EV6 provides as much as 310 miles of range.
When it comes to range, even the base Light trim offers up to 232 miles on a full charge, as does the EV6 Wind RWD featured here, while the top-tier rear-wheel-drive equipped GT-Line goes up to 310 miles. The EV6 features an 800-volt multi-charging architecture that enables ultra-fast DC fast charging, which as we confirmed during our testing can add over 200 miles of range in the time that it takes you to walk from the charger to the mall men’s room and back. A 240-volt home charger can charge up the EV6 in just under 6 hours, which is plenty for the average American driver. The EV6 also offers Vehicle-to-Load capability, which provides up to 1900 watts of power for electrical appliances, power tools, or other electronics.
The roomy interior of the EV6 seats five passengers, comes with plenty of tech and offers loads of cargo space.
The EV6 has received a multitude of props from reviewers for its nimble, dynamic handling. The upcoming launch of a 576-horsepower EV6 GT edition is expected to revolutionize the ‘hot hatch’ segment.
On top of all its performance attributes, the EV6 comes loaded with a bounty of tech features including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display and a 12.3-inch navigation display with natural voice recognition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Kia’s Drive Wise suite of safety technologies includes standard Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-spot Monitoring, and Lane Keep Assist among its many driver assist features.
Beyond the futuristic styling, when you factor in the abundant standard technology features with the all-electric performance, the EV6 delivers a lot of car for its $41,400 base price.
RPM News Weekly Photos by Rich Taber
EV6 LIGHT RWD – STANDARD FEATURES
MECHANICAL
58.0 kWh Lithium Ion Battery / 232mi All-Electric Range
Although the New England Motor Press Association Ragtop Ramble starts off as a showcase of some of the latest and greatest new cars in today’s automotive marketplace, it isn’t exactly a car show – at least not in the traditional sense. Nor is it a bevy of convertibles parading in the summer sun with their tops down. Actually, the annual event is a private road tour that kicks off from the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline Massachusetts and makes its way north to the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine where a lobster picnic dinner awaits.
On the way, the Ramble creates an opportunity for the automotive journalists who make up the New England Motor Press to sample (i.e. test drive) some of the newer and sometimes more exciting cars on the market. This is helpful because higher-end and specialty cars often are not available for typical weeks-long evaluations.
All Photos by Peter Ciani for RPM News Weekly (except as noted)
There used to be lots more convertibles – a.k.a.“ragtops” – in the marketplace back when this event originated. Many would take part in the drive. In that spirit the name lives on.
Gathering at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum
The day begins with breakfast on the lawn at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum. Once again, Subaru served up tasty Suburritos from a Burritomobile, assuring that no one would be driving on an empty stomach. Then, to be certain that everyone knew where the day was headed, T-shirts emblazoned with the image of a lobster were available for everyone along with a detailed roadmap.
NEMPA members, OEM reps, and Automotion staff gather outside the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA for the start of the 2022 Ragtop Ramble.
If you’re a fan of automobiles in New England, then you probably are familiar with the Larz Anderson Museum. It’s home to what is recognized as the oldest car collection in America, but what distinguishes the museum from just a random assortment of old cars is that it features themed exhibits. For example, their current displays are ‘Hidden Treasures’ showcasing cars that are normally locked away in private collections, and ‘Born of Necessity’ charting the evolution of the pickup truck from makeshift, homebrew DIY farm trucks to mass production and adoption.
The Larz Anderson is also known for its monthly Cars and Coffee gatherings and themed lawn events, which include the upcoming Porsche Day, VW Transporterfest, Japanese Car Day and Extinct Car Day, just to name a few. The most recent events were Swedish Car Day and Alternative Motor Day where according to the museum website “All forms of mobility using alternative fuels are welcome!”.
Pick a Car, Any Car!
At around 8 a.m, automotive writers from around New England begin to converge on the front lawn of the museum where the cars are lined up and readied for the ride. This part of the event is sort of like a traditional car show, although it’s not advertised to the public. Nevertheless, people walking by or visiting the museum can (and do) stop and check out the cars.
For the first leg of the tour, journalists don’t get to choose the car they’ll be driving. Instead, keys are put into a so-called hat, in this case, a Cheez-Its box, and are blindly picked at random. Some of the cars up for grabs were a 70th anniversary C8 Corvette Convertible, Lexus LC Hybrid, and a Charger SRT Hellcat.
My Rides of the Day, or Should I Say, “My #SaveTheManuals Day?“
#1 – 2022 Hyundai Elantra N
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
I started my morning by driving to the event in the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N. Sure, it’s no modified Mustang or Hemi ‘Cuda, but the way I see it, even classic car enthusiasts need a winter ride and this car fits the bill.
Yes, it comes with some great safety and infotainment tech, but for Hyundai, the Elantra N is quite the bold offering actually. Performance equipment that one normally wouldn’t see in a budget-friendly compact sedan, such as a 276-horsepower turbocharged 2-liter engine and a crazy, manually controlled shifting device with 6 numbers on and an extra pedal on the floor – that’s what this little gem is all about.
The Elantra N also features performance brakes, chassis braces, a limited-slip differential, and an electronically controlled suspension. Not too shabby for an efficient car with a 10-year powertrain warranty and a $32,000 starting price.
#2 – 2022 Subaru WRX
2022 Subaru WRX
When it comes to modern performance cars, the Subaru WRX needs no introduction. That said, here is my personal introduction to the 2022 Subaru WRX Premium in the gorgeous WR Blue Pearl color…
This was my blind pick of the day, and I’ll admit when I first saw the Subaru logo on the key I was hoping that it belonged to the new BRZ that my partner at RPMNewsWeekly.com, Rich Taber, drove to the event. Not that I consider the WRX a second-place prize, but it would have been nice to experience the next generation BRZ, too.
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Rich Taber
The WRX is all new for 2022 and features a more rigid chassis, more technology features, and increased power. The styling of the new WRX is a bit of a controversy for fans, but I’m more concerned about the performance, and even though my time in the WRX was fairly brief, I’d say that it didn’t disappoint.
The suspension felt a little stiff while I was driving out of the Boston area, but I wouldn’t exactly call it a deal breaker. Hey, it’s a WRX. Considering that I was driving mostly on some surly stretches of Massachusetts’ roads in this part of the journey, I’d say it was still pretty comfortable.
It’s kind of sad to think that in many ways this generation of the WRX is an end-of-an-era car before they introduce some kind of electrification to the model. Don’t get me wrong, electrification is great when used properly, but it just won’t be the same.
I was surprised a bit by the price of the WRX. For some reason I was thinking it was more expensive than it is. The Premium model that I drove was on par price-wise with the Elantra N, while the base WRX sells for just under $30k. Oh, and you may have heard, that there is no STI – not yet anyway.
Thankfully, the WRX still offers a 6-speed manual. There are very few manual-transmission-equipped performance sedans, especially with AWD. If you live in New England, or anywhere else in the world that has bouts of bad weather and would like a year-round performance car, this should put the WRX at the top of your list.
#3 – 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec
Getting to swap out of the WRX at a New Hampshire rest stop and into the new Integra A-Spec was a pleasant surprise and I’ll admit, at first glance, I didn’t even realize that it was on hand. Unlike the Elantra N with its boy-racer looks and red exterior trim, or the bright blue WRX, the Integra with its somewhat understated gray exterior color known as Liquid Carbon Metallic just seemed to be hiding quietly in the background.
At first glance, the gray Liquid Carbon Metallic finish of the Acura Integra A-Spec seemed to hide the vehicle from the author’s observant eyes.
It’s no surprise that the new Integra shares a powertrain and platform with the Civic Si, but unlike the Civic Si, the Integra’s turbocharged 1.5-liter engine can be paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Nice for volume sales and all, but I’ve been talking about manual transmissions here, so fortunately, I can tell you from my test ride that the Integra has one of the smoothest shifting manuals that I’ve driven recently.
The clutch pedal itself is super light and although the 1.5-liter puts out only 200 horsepower, it certainly feels like more. Sorry, you might not be able to live your life “one quarter-mile at a time” without some mods, but at the same time the Integra sure was a blast on the curvy back roads of Maine.
The manual-equipped Integra also includes standard down-shift rev-matching. You’ll have to opt for the A-Spec with Technology package if you plan to do your own shifting, and that’s $5,000 over the base price. So, I guess you really have to be dedicated to the #savethemanuals cause.
Even though there were a few muscle cars on hand for the Ragtop Ramble, I’m glad that I got to drive other performance cars instead that represent a segment that many people including myself might not normally consider.
Here’s a look at some of the other cars that participated. Special thanks to the New England Motor Press Association, the staff at Automotion, the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, and the various manufacturers and their reps who were on hand for the day.
Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis makes no apologies for the Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV easily giving away its Swedish upbringing. Sure it’s got lots of power – 400 horsepower for that matter, and it’s mighty efficient all things considered. But then there’s that Swedish penchant for doing things in moderation that imparts a uniquely understated character to this luxury vehicle that’s more than charming – something more assured and calming than brash and ostentatious.
The conversation then shifts to the recent New England Motor Press Association Winter Vehicle Awards ceremony. Yes, it’s summer – what better time to begin considering how you’ll be getting around when temperatures drop and the snow begins to fly.
Listen in for reports on the history of the ice cream truck and lots more.
A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt.
“The entire 2023 lineup of Volvo cars in the U.S. will consist of mild hybrid, hybrid or electric vehicles equipped with Google built-in. As part of the Google ecosystem, Volvo cars now offer a seamless transition between digital life at home and on the phone, bringing customers’ digital lives, and much greater personalization, directly into their cars. ~ Volvo USA Media
A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt. 
