The Slingshot is one of those vehicles that might appear interesting on paper but the reality becomes a different thing. Blame our regulations regarding boutique cars that can’t utilize a fourth wheel without onerous costs. I personally find the Slingshot hideously ugly but if some people like ‘em, go for it. The only…

It’s understandable why dealers could be excited. It’s a cheeky little runabout at a very good price. Many folks would look at this as a second or third car to pair with their big hauler. EV fence-sitters might finally dip their toes in the electric waters and be pleasantly.... shocked. LOL! Seriously, a Suzuki Samurai…

The Smart ForTwo was designed for the European market and it sold well. It may not have worked for the US, but it was entirely right for tight urban environments and limited street parking.

I think Toyota should’ve pursued the Bronco /Jeep route with removable roof and doors. The model name has heritage going back to the FJ40. You know off-roaders who consider the Bronco and Jeep would love a third option. Perhaps the new 4Runner goes that route.  

The Fiat will have some stiff competition once Mini introduces their new electric Cooper. As currently reported, the higher optioned Cooper will deliver more power and range. The base option should be relatively equivalent to the Fiat. Looks like some test drives are in order.

Hybrids still have application for folks like apartment dwellers or in areas of limited public charging. It’s easy to charge at a private house or garage, but not everyone has the capability. In time, BEV’s will take over, but we’re not there yet.

Well in the case of an i3, maintenance can be expensive. I put 80K miles on my i3 and the single speed transmission started to go south. Add some suspension issues, a electronic controller and those pricey tires, repairs were close to $8.5K. Granted, the i3 was a unique machine, but that was steep. I ended up trading…

That inline six had such a good sound.

I think there are a variety of factors at play the signal both temporary and permanent changes. It’s not uncommon for large trade show gatherings to rise, fall and reemerge in different ways. Comdex used to be the biggest computer show in the industry but eventually fell away due changing methods of reaching potential…

Well said, shanepj13. Car shows are one of the few events open to the public and the desire to see the latest and greatest can still be of value. Yes, the internet makes it easier to learn about new vehicles, but that can’t completely replace the in-person experience of seeing those cars. I suspect the lingering…

Range-extending hybrids still have a place in the automotive mix, especially in countries without a robust charging infrastructure. Since most commutes involve shorter distances, why have massive battery packs onboard when a fuel-sipping, tiny generator can supply the power when distances are longer. A smaller battery…

But you forgot to mention the LED lights change color! I mean we’re talkin’ innovation now! 

Now that will be interesting and eliminates the call for manual-equipped Venices. Eagerly awaiting. :-)

My first thought was delivery truck, but a boat is close too.

It pretty much sounds like a delivery truck.

Shades of the VW diesel issue...

Yep, my wife and I gave up on the Elio a long time ago. I appreciate the vision behind the product, but the realization has been too problematic. As an alternative, we’ve looked at the three-wheeled Arcimoto. It’s a little more motorcycle than car, but the founders didn’t overshoot the goal and the price is…

The Model X’s production issues represents the difficulty of nailing nitty-griity details in car manufacturing. All of the systems and subsystems, electronics, electro-mechanical items, ancillary parts, moulding, trim, etc. require complex production solutions with a variety of suppliers. The traditional automakers…

My thoughts as well. VW is a bit of poison pill right now. Apple may not want the “connection” just yet.