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NEMPA Ragtop Ramble Revs #SaveTheManuals Ardor

by Peter Ciani for RPM News Weekly 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…

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Understated Luxury Evident In Volvo XC60 Recharge PHEV

8-09-22 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ 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…

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Lexus NX 350 F Sport AWD Appeals To The Passions

7-19-22 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Described by Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis as "a slick ride," the 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD certainly has no trouble drawing ones attention. If the brilliant Redline finish in the tested vehicle doesn't appeal to ones passions, then the full-on sport designed interior easily will dismiss any quibbles. Of course, having 365 horsepower that can launch the SUV from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds will tug the heart strings, too. A weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by…

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Premium Experience Validates BMW 230i Coupe Curb Appeal

5-03-22 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Good looks are more than skin deep in the 2022 BMW 230i Coupe alludes Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis in his assessment of the automaker's entry-level 2 Series model. Whether it's the 255 horsepower, the 35 mpg highway rating or the premium interior niceties that commanded his attention or not, this is one vehicle he did not walk away from willingly after a weeklong test drive. Listen up for all the details as well as a handful of informative tech news items that always round out the weekly segment.…

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Ford Aims To Tame Wilderness With Bronco Sasquatch

4-19-22 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ While he didn't uncover any truths to the legend of Bigfoot while spending a week driving around in the reimagined Bronco 4x4 with the optional Sasquatch Package, Tech Talk host Rick DeMeis did discover that Ford has created a fitting challenge to mainstream deep off-road competitors. Not only does this utility vehicle look the part with its front steel bash plates and black roof rails with crossbars, but it delivers the goods with its high-clearance suspension, position sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers and front and rear locking differentials. Have a…

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EVs Jump Start NY Auto Show Possibilities

2022 Auto Show Features Indoor Ride-Alongs by Peter Ciani, Editor RPM News Weekly Following a two year hiatus, the New York International Auto Show kicked off last week with a smaller footprint, fewer manufacturers and a new focus on EVs. The Auto Show runs through Sunday, April 24 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. ~ RPM News Weekly Photo by Peter Ciani ~ New-car shows have been around since the dawn of the automobile but the New York Auto show is, in fact, THE longest running, beginning in 1900. So, as you can imagine the NYIAS has…

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