21 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

or group meets for frost-free freezers.

 

I propose we make that a thing. We have a frost free freezer, in the sense that the frost doesn't cost you anything.

I think there is easy more than 30 years worth of petrol & diesel engine cars already in the UK if people want to keep running them and there is at least 9 years more of ones going onto the UK roads.

There might be quite a few of those being hybrids that get first registered in the next decade or more. 

 

Plenty cars in the UK still that are already over 30 years old. 

Edited 30 December, 20214 yr by roottoot

But you must have seen the beginnings of the shift to reviewing more and more electric vehicles. I basically look at the photos of the interior to see if there are any real buttons and knobs, check what the range is and the price, then I'm done. 

 

I don't sit in my virtual racing seat and imagine the climbing revs, the careful matching of revs with the gear change, the extra push of the final few revs (Porsche GT3 I'm thinking of you) and ultimately the gentle clinking of a cooling down car that's had a good thrashing. Sounds a bit sexual I grant you, but the electric car doesn't really do that for me. I have nothing against EVs, but they don't have the general interest levels that combustion  engines enjoy imho Hence forums and the printed word will slowly die out to a fair degree I believe 😞 

Yes but motoring journalists know where their daily bread comes from. 

 

People live in the real world of UK Speed Limits and keeping their driving licences and funnily those with the fastest sportiest cars seem to be those that can not even drive at the max limit.

Those that buy family / taxi / commercial driver type cars with sporty looks and more show than go want to remap them or add tuning boxes because they are just renting the cars. 

19 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

 

 

^^^ this

 

 

I've been following a chap who's been building a Stratos replica for several years and is clearly a labour of love. I honestly can't see that ever being the case for a Tesla and it's ilk. It depends on how you view your cars I suppose. Are they just a mode of transport for you? and do you measure it's success in that department in how efficient it is in doing its job. Is it comfortable, quiet, reliable, capacious and has reasonable running costs? Many of us will compromise some of those factors for a car that gives us that little (to quote James May) "fizz".  

 

There aren't any forums, as far as I am aware, that are dedicated to washing machines and their modding, or group meets for frost-free freezers. That's why I find myself glossing over more and more car reviews and wonder on the future effect of the electric car on magazines, both in print and online. It therefore seems an extension of that, which will lead to car forums dwindling too. That's the main question I'm throwing out there. 

a car to me is never just a form of A2B .. but thats the mechanic in me .have hopefully tmrw just sold my  audi A2 TDI tmrw .. but it was a  quirky  little guy with character  plus soooo cheap to run 

one of my old girls back in OZ ... 5.8  4 speed manual ... pure driving 

1 hour ago, roottoot said:

They are away to have a MX5 vs a Mazda EV on Fifth Gear Recharged on Quest now.

I saw that. Very interesting. I suspect that chap's using written off BMW 330 motors for his conversions  
OT for a mo as it's on the same programme, The Mazda they tested was awful. esp for rear passengers in a crash. I wondered if that's even legal to have a door you can't exit in a smash?
I think so far the Enyaq has fared best in the team tests.

BMW 330E are plug in hybrids not BEV's.

 

The Mazda obviously is legal, Type Approval, certificated, and imported and on the roads.  

Little different from a 3 door or 2 door car really with 4 seats.

 

 

 

The power can be turned up if wanted!

 

 

 

Edited 30 December, 20214 yr by roottoot

32 minutes ago, scoutabout1 said:

a car to me is never just a form of A2B .. but thats the mechanic in me .have hopefully tmrw just sold my  audi A2 TDI tmrw .. but it was a  quirky  little guy with character  plus soooo cheap to run 

one of my old girls back in OZ ... 5.8  4 speed manual ... pure driving 

 

For me, this is a perfect example of why I like combustion engines. Two opposing types really, but both brilliant cars. I love a V8 (I assume it's a V8) and the A2 is a genius little car. I came close to buying one, but ended up with a VW Golf TDi. Always regretted not owning one, the idea of a futuristic aluminium car with a super efficient 1.4 diesel (it was a 1.4 wasn't it?) was a great idea. Dummy grill at the front exposing a couple of filler nozzles if I remember correctly. I watch a video review of a V8 and I turn the sound up and wait for the drift moments. I see an electric review and I probably skip forward to see what the 0-60 number is and then go make a cup of tea. 

 

A friend of mine sold his crazy NA V8 Audi and bought a V6 Twin turbo replacement. A more complete car but not as charismatic. Now he's ordered an electric car because it makes sense financially (he can right off his first year's corporation tax with it). Given a review of those 3 cars, whether in print, or especially if it was a video review, I would choose to read/watch the V8 first, then the V6 and might not even bother with the EV. There is an irony in that the EV may well be the most complete car of the 3, it just doesn't do it for me. 

 

Maybe time for a magazine called 'What Recharge' 

3 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

the idea of a futuristic aluminium car with a super efficient 1.4 diesel (it was a 1.4 wasn't it?) was a great idea.

 

Yes it was, a TDI diesel or a 16v petrol.

 

3 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

Dummy grill at the front exposing a couple of filler nozzles if I remember correctly.

 

Aye, there was one on CarThrottle not too long ago.

 

 

 

10 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

Always regretted not owning one, the idea of a futuristic aluminium car with a super efficient 1.4 diesel (it was a 1.4 wasn't it?) was a great idea. Dummy grill at the front exposing a couple of filler nozzles if I remember correctly.

We tried one, the 1.4TDi. Three pot diesel and it sounded awful, drove terrible and the interior and boot space was shoite. SWMBO likewise went for a MkV Golf TDi 140 in New river blue. That had some great features - the best being a VW branded bottle opener in the centre console for those drives home from the pub and you're still thirsty  

 

Quote

Maybe time for a magazine called 'What Recharge'

Or a magazine for Hydrogen cars called 'No Charge'. However that may cause some confusion at the checkout.

Edited 30 December, 20214 yr by @Lee

11 minutes ago, @Lee said:

That had some great features - the best being a VW branded bottle opener in the centre console for those drives home from the pub and you're still thirsty  

 

Didn't the N16 Nissan Almera have a hook for hanging your Chinese takeaway up on?

 

FOUND IT!

 

Edited 30 December, 20214 yr by AnnoyingPentium

27 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

 

For me, this is a perfect example of why I like combustion engines. Two opposing types really, but both brilliant cars. I love a V8 (I assume it's a V8) and the A2 is a genius little car. I came close to buying one, but ended up with a VW Golf TDi. Always regretted not owning one, the idea of a futuristic aluminium car with a super efficient 1.4 diesel (it was a 1.4 wasn't it?) was a great idea. Dummy grill at the front exposing a couple of filler nozzles if I remember correctly. I watch a video review of a V8 and I turn the sound up and wait for the drift moments. I see an electric review and I probably skip forward to see what the 0-60 number is and then go make a cup of tea. 

 

A friend of mine sold his crazy NA V8 Audi and bought a V6 Twin turbo replacement. A more complete car but not as charismatic. Now he's ordered an electric car because it makes sense financially (he can right off his first year's corporation tax with it). Given a review of those 3 cars, whether in print, or especially if it was a video review, I would choose to read/watch the V8 first, then the V6 and might not even bother with the EV. There is an irony in that the EV may well be the most complete car of the 3, it just doesn't do it for me. 

 

Maybe time for a magazine called 'What Recharge' 

The old xb falcon was a beast  , you couldn't help ya self  but drive it like ya stole it...  and then the A2  if  you was to drive it like ya stole it no one would notice  😅😅 .  Yep flap front grille to check all the  vitals .. and 20 seconds to remove the whole bonnet.  .  Bonkers cars 

6 minutes ago, AnnoyingPentium said:

 

Didn't the N16 Nissan Almera have a hook for hanging your Chinese takeaway up on?

 

FOUND IT!

 

I didn't know Nissan had them but I use the curry hooks all the time in my old MkII Fabia Kombi and now in my Rapid.
Pistonheads has a whole topic in praise of curry hooks. Page one even praises Skodas washer bottle cap but likens it to a she-wee  
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1911024&i=80

Curry hooks are probably availabe on PHEVs, full EV's and other non ICE vehicles and will no doubt be discussed at length in future media.

Just now, @Lee said:

I didn't know Nissan had them but I use the curry hooks all the time in my old MkII Fabia Kombi and now in my Rapid.
Pistonheads has a whole topic in praise of curry hooks. Page one even praises Skodas washer bottle cap but likens it to a she-wee  
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1911024&i=80

Curry hooks are probably availabe on PHEVs, full EV's and other non ICE vehicles and will no doubt be discussed at length in future media.

 

I want a curry hook, I got my mate to hold the McDonalds and he dropped it. Canny be trusted.

Every EV car should have one of these fitted as standard. 

https://youtu.be/b9XAC-BvUyo

Well reading the interesting posts about the "curry hook" (we used to call it that when we sold the Almera  - it was in a former life ) maybe car media isn't going to die out with the combustion engine... as long as there are curry hooks fitted to EVs that is 

3 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

Well reading the interesting posts about the "curry hook" (we used to call it that when we sold the Almera  - it was in a former life ) maybe car media isn't going to die out with the combustion engine... as long as there are curry hooks fitted to EVs that is 

I can see the stories now;
'Is your curry hook wi-fi connected to your infotainment system? 
'Blutooth connectivity for your curry hook curry temperature sensor - don't get home to find a cold vindaloo ever again'.

etc etc

26 minutes ago, @Lee said:

I can see the stories now;
'Is your curry hook wi-fi connected to your infotainment system? 
'Blutooth connectivity for your curry hook curry temperature sensor - don't get home to find a cold vindaloo ever again'.

etc etc

 

You might be on to something there! 

38 minutes ago, @Lee said:

I can see the stories now;
'Is your curry hook wi-fi connected to your infotainment system? 
'Blutooth connectivity for your curry hook curry temperature sensor - don't get home to find a cold vindaloo ever again'.

etc etc

 

And tonight on Dragons Den...

So another interesting development in the car world is, after Apple's aborted mash-up with Hyundai fell apart, SONY have announced a couple of prototype EVs. This seems to signal that all sorts of electronic component and white goods manufacturers, have a gimlet eye on the car market and a quick buck (figuratively speaking).

 

Personally, I find it quite alarming. Musk showed that using his 'special set of skills' he could take the automotive world by storm, all from a standing start and not having a history in making cars at all. An entrepreneur for sure, but certainly not a traditional 'car guy'. Apple similarly are looking at making cars, Google has more than dabbled and now SONY intended to enter the market. As I said in my opening salvo a couple of weeks ago, I like to interact with my cars, the combustion engine and gearbox are the key to that particular lock, EVs don't do that for me. It would seem that we are moving even further from my true desires, more and more companies that have no real interest in the motor trade and especially what enthusiast want, are after a slice of the pie. It shows a move in the market that appears to signal that the car is going to eventually be seen, at least in the mainstream, as nothing more than a commodity for moving people and stuff and will be nothing short of a large white goods box with wheels stuck on the side. I fear for us, that like and enthuse over our cars. Cars built without passion and the only important fact for the manufacturers is the profit, will kill the whole scene for me. A big part of my life will be over and there will only the past to look forward to. It's a very sad state of affairs that I see encroaching on us 😞 

 

On 30/12/2021 at 21:39, Lady Elanore said:

There aren't any forums, as far as I am aware, that are dedicated to washing machines and their modding, or group meets for frost-free freezers. That's why I find myself glossing over more and more car reviews and wonder on the future effect of the electric car on magazines, both in print and online. It therefore seems an extension of that, which will lead to car forums dwindling too. That's the main question I'm throwing out there. 

Unlike washing machines and fridge/freezers, there are many group meets for EV's, car is still a passion for many. Just a change of powertrain does not change people's passion for cars. CENEX LCV and Fully Charged show are good examples of organised shows.

 

Make no mistake, people will turn out to meet if they are interested. In 2018, before Tesla Model 3 came out in Europe, someone shipped an early one across the pond to show it to people and road trip around Europe. I lend him my cable. Later that night about 30min after he shared his charging location and he's free for people to come and see the car, about 30 people turned up on such short notice.

 

Sorry to say, I think this is the root of the issue, the change in powertrain meant YOU are no longer interested and YOU don't like the change of target audience.

45 minutes ago, Lady Elanore said:

As I said in my opening salvo a couple of weeks ago, I like to interact with my cars, the combustion engine and gearbox are the key to that particular lock, EVs don't do that for me.

 

1 hour ago, Lady Elanore said:

It shows a move in the market that appears to signal that the car is going to eventually be seen, at least in the mainstream, as nothing more than a commodity for moving people and stuff and will be nothing short of a large white goods box with wheels stuck on the side.

 

Unfortunately for enthusiasts that does seem to be the direction the mass-market is headed to some degree - and follows on from things like PCP,s where you never actually owning a car only 'rent 'it / battery leasing / car clubs / increased levels of 'driver assistance' and autonomous vehicles...   It's simply a fact of life that the majority of people see their cars as a means of getting from A to B in a convenient way and would rather spend time surfing the internet / reading a book etc. than the physical 'enagement' of driving.

Will there be a revival of nostalgia  for the internal combustion engine as we are witnessing with vinyl records? I am pleased to have learnt to drive and own, which may be my last car, with the internal combustion engine. The weekends adjusting points, renewing plugs and engine oil are memories of pleasure. My vehicle was maintained and cherished which can be compared to playing a vinyl record. The removing from the sleeve and carefully placing on the turntable and lowering the arm onto the record with care is an immersive experience.

My son who represents the youth of modern-day motoring is told what to do by a display of warning symbols on the dash and has no love for his vehicle and thinks of it as a tool rather like his Apple MacBook or i-phone. I envy him as he has a Mini Cooper S and I have always yearned to own one but bringing him up with his sister has reduced my finances in buying practical over style. In eight years time his Mini Cooper S will be a dinosaur and considered to be the vinyl equivalent of the motoring world - unless nostalgia comes rushing back and the excitement returns to drive an internal combustion propelled car.

41 minutes ago, wyx087 said:

 

 

Sorry to say, I think this is the root of the issue, the change in powertrain meant YOU are no longer interested and YOU don't like the change of target audience.

 

 

That is exactly what I said in the quote YOU used

 

 

.

 

 

Edited 5 January, 20224 yr by Lady Elanore

I've taken for granted, but now realise, that I like cars built by car companies that have tradition, especially if that leans to something a little sporty. I like the sound track, I like the subtle vibrations, I like the compromises (which to be fair are pretty small) that IC engines and gearbox come with. I work in an industry dominated by advanced electronics, but that's my job, it's not a hobby. A car can be used for pleasure and business, it's quite a trick, really. I don't think I have many objects in my life that can serve those dual roles, or at least provide the same amount of both pleasure and usefulness in all aspects of my daily routine. 

 

No, for me, once we go full EV, I won’t be going to car meets or shows for them. I'd rather huddle together with my friends who have oil under their fingernails and listen to their V8s roar.