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.

Enjoy listening to your favorite episodes while you drive.
Tune in to Tech Talk on Stitcher.
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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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2021 Mazda3 2.5 Turbo AWD Sedan

9-16-21 Featured Vehicle

With a ride that feels confident, steering that’s tight and performance that’s rousing enough to question its $32K compact sedan pricing, the all-new, all-wheel drive 2.5-liter turbocharged Mazda3 with Premium Plus Package advances the award-winning legacy of its predecessors.

2021 Mazda3 Turbo Pricing

RPM News Weekly Photos by Rich Taber


RPM Instagram Photo Feed

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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.
https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/549366/episodes


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.
https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/549366/episodes


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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Every Tuesday at 1:30pm ET


Automotive News:

iSeeCars Sees Leased Car Residual Values Drop Below Market Value

New Lithium Battery Technology Promises Greater Energy Density


More Tech News:

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