Latest Posts

Tech Talk On RPM: Snow Suits Range Rover HST

12-03-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Just in time for pre-winter's first serious foray (unfortunately not a flurry) into the heart of New England, the keys to a 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport MHEV HST landed in the gloved hands of Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis, turning what would have been an ugly week of slogging through snow, rain, slush and ice into a confident escapade swathed in elegance.But there's more than chic transportation on slippery surfaces to assess this week as the conversation slides from motion sickness and SpaceX to the five most…

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Ford Ranger 4×4 Makes Winter Easier

https://youtu.be/QZuq_XUA0TQ Reintroduced for the 2019 model year, the all-new Ranger SuperCrew 4x4 pickup has become the new entry point for a Ford pickup. Even so, it just might be all the truck one needs to get through a New England Winter. Smaller than its F-Series brethren but staged on a fully boxed steel frame, the Ranger sacrifices none of the automaker’s “Built Tough” truck heritage. In our seven days with this FX4 off road package equipped XLT edition, the suspension – short and long arm front / leaf spring rear – provided a ride that’s stable and without uncomfortable roughness.…

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Hyundai’s Michael O’Brien Named 2019 Automotive News All-Star

Each November the Automotive News All-Star Awards recognize outstanding leaders from the Automotive Industry. For 2019, they honored Hyundai VP of Product, Corporate and Digital Planning Mike O'Brien as a 2019 All-Star for Product Development. You may remember that Mike stopped by the New England Motor Press Association garage back in 2017 to introduce the then all-new Hyundai Ioniq. We appreciate that Mike took the time to talk to RPM's Rich Taber about the Ioniq and what's needed for mobility to become truly green transportation. Here's a look back at that interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9v3svuC0VQ 2019 Automotive News All-Stars Award Winners Hyundai…

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Sims for the Win on Day 2 Diriyah Formula E-Prix

The second day of the Formula E season opening doubleheader in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia saw plenty of surprises that knocked leading contenders out of the action while elevating BMW i Andretti Motorsport driver Alexander Sims to the top podium spot. Alexander Sims celebrates on the podium in Diriyah photo © FIA Formula E In the lead for much of Friday's opening race but dropping back in the pack as Sam Bird made his way to the front, Sims returned today without hesitation, grabbing the frontrunner spot and sticking to it throughout the race. "That was pretty much a dream race!…

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Sam Bird Wins Formula E Season 6 Opener

Climbing up the order from fifth on the grid, Envision Virgin Racing driver Sam Bird flew to victory in the season six E-Prix opener in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, on the north-western outskirts of the capital, Riyadh. "I felt confident going into the race," exclaimed Bird. "Envision Virgin Racing gave me an amazing car. I think some of it is down to the new beard!" Not a newcomer to the podium, Bird described the previous season as being "difficult" while creating an opportunity for plenty of thinking and mental transformation leading to today's victory. "It’s a great start to the year,…

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Tech Talk on RPM: RAV4 Hybrid Proves Surefooted

11-05-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ A new version of an old friend showed up in the driveway of Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis looking a lot like the familiar RAV4 compact crossover but bearing better fuel economy tidings by virtue of its hybrid powertrain. Evidence the blue swatch beneath the automaker's front emblem as a sure sign that this ute is going green. There are also vehicle depreciation data and spaceship abort tests to sort out as well as a sensor glove for prosthetics and space selfies for would-be astronauts. Tech Talk is a…

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