Latest Posts

‘Tech Talk’ on RPM: Lexus UX Hybrid Enjoins the Unexpected

10-01-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ The 2019 Lexus UX Hybrid sharpens Tech Talk point-man Rick DeMeis' appetite for the brand's luxury sport offerings even when they're packed into a fuel efficient sub-compact crossover SUV.Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt. Ride of the Week: 2019 Lexus UX 250h 2019 Lexus UX Hybrid Series-Parallel Gasoline-Electric Hybrid2-liter 4-Cylinder EngineHigh Output Electric-Drive Motor w/ EV Mode181 Total System HorsepowerElectronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission24kW Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack41 City / 38 Highway / 39 Combined MPG RatingStart-Stop…

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‘Tech Talk’ On RPM: Safety Stars Come Out For Honda Civic

9-24-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis revels in the safety ratings and satisfying cosmic blue aura of the turbocharged 2019 Honda Civic 1.5T Touring Edition 4-door sedan.Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt. Ride of the Week: 2019 Honda Civic 1.5T 4-Door Touring Edition 2019 Honda Civic Sedan 1.5-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 174 hpContinuously Variable Transmission w/ Paddle Shifters5-Star NHTSA Safety Rating30 City / 38 Highway / 33 Combined MPG RatingEco ModeAdaptive Cruise ControlCollision Mitigation BrakingLane Keeping AssistForward…

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Performance At Acura Turns On The Lights

Brand Officer Jon Ikeda Talks Up NSX Flagship & TLX PMC Edition https://youtu.be/godtjY8wbFs Call it a halo car or call it a flagship, either way the Acura NSX is all performance. But that's not as far as the brand is going in that direction according to Jon Ikeda, brand officer at Acura who recently paid a visit to NEMPA headquarters in Middleboro, MA. Turning the lights on performance across the lineup will be the company's goal going forward. As proof, he brought along a special PMC edition of the TLX, one of just 360 or so that will be built…

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‘Tech Talk’ on RPM: Tiguan Pleases In Mid-Size Way

9-03-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ The 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan takes Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis to that happy place where economy and functionality meet drivability and a quiet ride.Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt. Ride of the Week: 2019 Volkwagen Tiguan 2.0T SE 2-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 184 hp8-speed Automatic Transmission22 City / 29 Highway / 25 Combined MPG Rating7-Passenger Mid-Size Crossover8-in. Color Touchscreen DisplayCD PlayerForward Collision WarningAutomatic Emergency BrakingBlind Spot Monitor6-Year / 72,000-Mile Warranty$27,690 as driven Musk Minute: Starhopper 500-ft…

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Going Electric? Time to Check the eQ Factor

What is the eQ Factor? Simply put, it's an easy, accurate way of calculating the true cost of fuel in an electric vehicle. Manufacturer's are required to provide MPGe ratings for their electric vehicles, but those figures can be misleading if used on a one-to-one basis with the MPG numbers for gasoline powered vehicles. Here's why – and why RPM's Rich Taber created the eQ Factor. The cost of a gallon of gasoline varies from location to location, but typically the prices are reasonably close within a region of the country. Not so with electricity. In one community, a resident…

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Jetta GLI Provides A Gleeful Test Drive

8-20-19 Tech Talk ~ Recorded Live from KOWS FM 92.5 ~ Tech Talk commentator Rick DeMeis drives the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI to Cape Cod to catch the Martha's Vineyard ferry and discovers that the 5-passenger sedan butters its bread on both sides, offering sporty performance as well as commendable fuel economy. What's more, the exuberant experience was duly amplified by the vehicle's Tornado Red exterior.Tech Talk is a weekly feature on KOWS 92.5 FM radio Newtopian Dream program hosted by RT Newt. Ride of the Week: 2019 Volkwagen Jetta GLI 2-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine w/ 228 hp7-speed Automatic Direct…

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