Latest Posts

Sonata Hybrid Melds Tech With Fun

6-23-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ A Technology Tour de Force is the over-arching term Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis uses to describe the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited Hybrid press vehicle he tested on a drive from the metro west suburbs of Boston to upstate New York and back. But, the week-long experience with the 5-passenger sedan was clearly more enjoyable than a detached, cold, hard look at the spec sheets. Have a listen to find out why. Rick then digs into a report from iseecars.com on the ups and downs and ups again of…

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Chevy Bolt Connects Positively

6-16-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ If one needs an incentive to shop EVs, then the popularity of the Chevrolet Bolt leaves the all-electric 5-passenger crossover at an apparent disadvantage. But, Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis paints a more rosy picture than what appears on the surface. No spoiler alert here. Just an invitation to listen in to the full podcast and find out why the Chevrolet Bolt makes a good case for ownership if you look closely at the numbers. But wait! There's more automotive news, including a report out of Australia about the…

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Pre-Owned Auctions Go Virtual; Pacifica Gets AWD; Affordable Yaris Mimics Mazda2

RPM News Podcast 6-05-20 This week's discussion kicks off on indications that online-only auctions have so satisfied dealers' appetite for pre-owned vehicles during the pandemic that it's to the point where auctions will never return to going live. But, RPM podcasters Rich Taber and Peter Ciani aren't convinced that the trend is permanent. Listen in to find out why. Also on the agenda this week is news that the Chrysler Pacifica is getting a 2020 all-wheel drive Launch Edition in advance of the release of the new 2021 models which will offer AWD in several trims. The podcast then turns…

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Wheels Keep Turning At Toyota, Ford, Rivian

RPM News Podcast 5-22-20 RPM podcasters Rich Taber and Peter Ciani break their self-imposed silence of the last two months and dive right back into pressing automotive news of the week with a double dose of hybrid announcements from Toyota and a puzzling decision from Ford to back away from its investment in the all-electric upstart Rivian.Then, after a brief update on the fate of the 2020 New York International Auto Show, the podcast concludes with a throwback to the 2019 NYIAS where RPM News Weekly interviewed Rivian Chief Engineer for Special Projects Brian Gase. Join the discussion by leaving…

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New Toyota Sienna & Venza Hybrids Unveiled

PLANO, Texas – Toyota moved a couple steps closer to a 2025 goal of offering electrified powertrains on 100 percent of its automobile lineup with the debut today of all-new Sienna hybrid and Venza hybrid models. Both ride on the new TNGA-K platform that's designed to reduce noise intrusion and curb vibration, with the Sienna retaining its minivan functionality while looking less boxy and more confident. Meanwhile, the 5-passenger Venza, which will arrive in showrooms this summer ahead of a late year release for the Sienna, presents a sophisticated, urbane look that fits into the brand's utility vehicle offerings between…

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Prius AWD-e Geared for Northern Clime

5-05-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Though it didn't break the sound barrier, the Supersonic Red Toyota Prius AWD-e that Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis had the pleasure to test drive this week certainly didn't break his wallet either. Rated at a combined city / highway 50 miles per gallon, this spiffy hybrid continued to prove that burning lots of petro doesn't chart as a fact of life in the 21st century. Plus, having electronic all-wheel drive qualifies the five-passenger sedan as a bonafide all-weather vehicle, and there's hardly a price to pay in fuel…

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