Unpopular opinion: New Supra looks like a spiced-up BMW Z4. In addition, there’s nothing really “crazy” about its design; hell, even the LFA pushed the boundaries, and I personally saw that thing more so as a spiritual successor to the Supra.

This. While I do firmly believe we need to continue developing the technology (which we are, thus improving it over time) there should be greater emphasis on driver education. Because you’re right; machines are (at least at this point in time) predictable. Humans are not and never have been.

Don’t forget, shitty drivers. Shitty drivers everywhere, not only in the U.S., but the entire globe. 

I respect your opinion, but I humbly disagree. No one predicted we’d make such leaps in microchip technology, yet here we are, with a supercomputer (back in the day) that now fits in the palm of our hands.

I remember a story (I think it was on Jalopnik last year) about how they did autonomous car testing in Russia’s chaotic driving conditions (horrible drivers, lack of respect for signage and regulations, shitty weather, etc) and most if not all the systems failed or did very poorly. That, I think is the next hurdle…

Ditto. Plus all the grinding shit isn’t even worth it, because the game is laggy af, and full of dickheads who only want to troll, hack the game and create a shitty play experience for everyone.

It’s too bad GM never offered it in Canada.

Oh if the gen 5 Outback (current) looked like the awful mess that was the gen 4, I would have never gotten one, that’s for sure.

Gotcha. Makes sense; I know here in Victoria Volvo specialists are far and few between, which is why their maintenance isn’t easy or cheap, but maybe that will change. 

Is it terrible that I kinda like it? It’s like a crossover, but the 2 and a half doors, the sleek ute back end, and an aggressive front end. Can’t pinpoint it exactly, but it’s got a badass feel to it. I like badass. 

Interesting! I do like the XC90; and I’m totally in love with Volvo’s current design language, which is why these cars remain on my list.

It’s true. And that legacy is now fading away, as the older generations that kept it alive are fading away too. In addition, fewer and fewer of their kids are sticking to the “ol’ GM family” tradition and going to other brands long-considered as the enemy, such as the Japanese, Korean, or even German.

Good to know. Been considering a V60 for a while now.

GM: We need more EVs n shit. Laying off 15,000+ ppl because we fucked up and need to start over.

Thanks for the insight, it’s honestly interesting to hear how other cities have done it. Knowing Oshawa and its mayor/council right now, they have no idea what to do and just freaking out. GM said some jobs may be available at local dealerships for workers, but nothing official has been put on paper or laid out. I can…

This. I agree with his point about the towns not adapting (because I know how many think, as if this kind of thing lasts forever) - but this doesn’t fall on the consumers; people look for value, for reliability; they don’t want cars that will give them headaches over and over, or not having the right kit for their…

I hate to say it, but I agree with you on the towns not changing with the times. Oshawa (and many other cities like it) have traditionally built their city economy and future around the plant itself, but little else. It’s why Oshawa’s future looks so damn gloomy right now; GM was everything to that area. Without it,…

Neutral: I see three major players in this, at least, in my opinion.

Tom, have you heard anything through the grapevine about the reliability of recent Volvos (I’m thinking last 5 years or so) - specifically powertrain and electrics (such as sensors, wiring, etc). 

That Avancier (or UR-V) has been for sale in China for a few years now, it’s awesome. It also rides on the long-forgotten-but-not-totally-dead Accord Crosstour chassis.