Car Minded

Nissan Could Rule the EV Mass Market

Last updated: Oct 23, 2019 at 11:55AM
Published on: Dec 3, 2015 by tgriffith

Does the NIssan IDS concept preview the next Leaf? — Does the Nissan IDS concept preview the next Leaf?

Conversation tends to drift toward Tesla and its competitors when the topic of discussion turns to electric cars.

That happens because Tesla is a sexy topic. Its cars are fast, beautiful, expensive, and represent some of the most advanced technology in the auto business. Both mainstream and upstart automakers want to compete with Tesla.

Audi and Porsche are scrambling to field a competitor to the Model S, while Karma Automotive teases us with the rebirth of an early EV. But these are all cars that will require an executive salary to afford.

The real money, though, is probably found where very few are currently looking: the mass market.

Five New Cars That Make Us Thankful

Nov 26, 2015 by Matt Smith

Here in New England, autumn holds a special place in our hearts. Be it the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, the knowledge that bitter cold and long nights are just around the corner, or the New England Patriots’ triumphant march toward the playoffs, the fall season brings with it a sense of comfort. Timed perfectly with the season’s capstone in America’s northeast corner, Thanksgiving manages to wrap up this autumnal attitude and outlook, bringing together families for a yearly reflection (and plenty of slumber-inducing turkey).

Does the Nissan IDS Concept Take Autonomous Driving Too Far?

Last updated: Oct 23, 2019 at 11:55AM
Published on: Nov 11, 2015 by tgriffith

Nissan IDS concept

Some people went too far when Tesla released its Autopilot Mode on the Model S.

Owners are taking videos of themselves eating breakfast, shaving, and texting (at the same time) while Autopilot is activated. One reckless soul even hopped into the backseat with the Tesla at full control and relaxed while the car handled the driving.

It’s gotten bad enough that Tesla will take action. Elon Musk said,

There’s been some fairly crazy videos on YouTube… this is not good. And we will be putting some additional constraints on when autopilot can be activated to minimize the possibility of people doing crazy things with it.

Unfortunately, this could be a trend that doesn’t stop with Tesla. Case in point: the Nissan IDS Concept.

Defining the Driver’s Car: Our Experience at IMPA’s Test Days

Last updated: Mar 18, 2016 at 1:29PM
Published on: Oct 23, 2015 by John Harrington

While many auto journalists will tell you they’re just trying to scratch a living out of whatever they can, it’s an undisputed fact that the job has some definite perks. Although we can’t live the life of the rich and famous every day, we do occasionally get invited to drive the cars we cover. For a couple of beautiful days in October, Monticello Motor Club—one of the most exclusive and impressive automotive country clubs in America—opens its doors for the International Motor Press Association‘s (IMPA) Test Days, where schlubs like us get asked to drive some of the best new cars in the world on both a technical race track and the back roads of the Catskill Mountains.

Identical Cars on the Road: Have You Seen Yours?

Oct 9, 2015 by tgriffith

Ferrari Testarossas

Whatever kind of car you drive, there’s nothing like seeing the exact same car on the road to make you feel less special.

Last summer I saw two identical Mustang Shelby GT350s directly next to each other on a road in North Idaho. Had there been just one, I would’ve thought the car looked cool and been mildly impressed at the driver’s choice in vehicles. Seeing two in the identical color and same model year suddenly made them look like novelties. I was a little embarrassed for the drivers.

The two cars weren’t cool anymore. They were common.

This week I stumbled across a website that highlights what it calls Auto Buds, two cars of the exact same make, model, and color, crossing paths in public areas. Has it happened to you?

Car Minded

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