Latest Posts

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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Toyota Highlander Limited Offers No Limits To Enjoyment

4-07-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Even though COVID-19 has put restrictions on extensive test driving, Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis still managed to give the 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited a satisfactory workout. Enough so that, with all of its elegance and serenity, yet commanding V6 performance, the Highlander left him wishing he had more places to go. No matter, listen in for a run down of its many features. Also in this week's episode, there's technology news about companies such as Tesla and Husky Corporation stepping forward with new ways to manufacture much needed…

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RAM 1500 & Subaru Legacy Tout Safety First

3-31-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ This week's edition of Tech Talk opens with news of tech adaptations from New Balance and Bauer Hockey to fight the Corona virus pandemic. Good news for sure. Commentator Rick DeMeis then pluralizes the Ride Of The Week feature, giving us insights into both the RAM 15500 Laramie Crew Cab pickup and the Subaru Legacy Premium edition. One might be inclined to think that these two vehicles couldn't more different considering the RAM 1500 boasts a hefty 5.7-liter V8 HEMI powerplant while the Legacy does quite well with it's…

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COVID-19 Stalls Global Auto Events

RPM News Podcast 3-15-20 Keeping the conversation informative yet upbeat in this very challenging period of time for everyone, RPM commentators Rich Taber and Peter Ciani open the discussion with updates on how the corona virus has altered 2020 auto events around the globe. The dialogue then turns to their recent experiences with a run of vehicles from Hyundai. From there, an electric snowblower purchase melts into a bit of ruminating on the EV landscape. Things wrap up with a rundown of developments across RPM News channels. Have a listen and jump into the discussion by leaving a comment. Segment…

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Wrangler Rubicon Heeds Call Of The Off-Road

3-03-20 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Built to get to four people to some of the most extreme places on the planet, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon gives Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis a full immersion into its symphony of bells and whistles. Whether one plans to go off-road into the snowy wilderness or sun bathe in a dose of early spring weather while driving with the panels off, this is one 4X4 that doesn't come up short.But don't turn off the audio, yet. There's more automotive news with highlights from a NEMPA event…

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