As silly as the names sounds, the current QX50 is actually rather good. Mostly because it utilizes Nissan’s “FM” platform, i.e. the front-mid-engine configuration. To give you an idea of how capable the QX50 is, all we have to do is say that the underpinnings of the QX50 are the same as those found in the Q50 and more importantly, the 370Z. The FM platform positions the engine in the front of the car, but behind the front axle, effectively giving it that front-mid-engine layout we talked about. This means that the weight distribution is about as perfect as it can get with a front-engined vehicle. The setup uses control arms at the front and a multilink rear setup. None of this has been lost in the transition from a sporty sedan or coupe such as the 370Z or Q50 to the QX50. This effectively means that you’re getting a proper sporty vehicle wrapped into a large SUV-shaped body.

The VQ engines from Nissan have always been powerful and rather charismatic, even if at times they seemed a bit rough. The VQ37VHR which is now under the hood of the QX has 3.7 liters and it develops 325 hp, despite the fact that it’s an “old-school” engine. We say that because it lacks forced induction (turbocharging) and direct fuel injection. What you do get however is immediate throttle response because there’s nothing holding the engine back. Just like in its lower, more sedan and coupe-shaped cousins, the QX50 has the engine mounted longitudinally and power is sent to the rear wheels.

If it does have one major drawback, it would have to be the seven-speed automatic gearbox. It’s okay for normal use, but the lack of paddle shifters and the relatively slow shift times (compared to new autos) make it a pain in the… We can’t fault the transmission since it is around seven years old, but we can fault Infiniti for not fitting anything newer in it.

The 2016 QX50 can hit 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds and it will run the quarter mile in around 14 seconds. Fuel economy is appalling (17/24 mpg for city/highway respectively). It is a large and powerful SUV however, and we can’t say we didn’t expect that.

In short, if you want a genuinely sporty SUV you won’t find anything better this side of a Porsche Macan, and we all know how much more expensive that is. For what it is, the QX50 is one of our favorites. The interior is luxurious and plush, and we can’t argue with the monstrous engine. A great buy if you’re in the market for a car like the QX50.

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My first Gose was made with blood oranges.
My second was made with cherries.
My third was closer to the traditional version.
So was my fourth.

Sierra Nevada Otra Vez is more like my first two Gose experiences.
It’s brewed with prickly cactus pear and grapefruit.
Their goal was to brew up a warm weather friendly beer.
One that’s thirst quenching, yet packed with flavor.
Let’s find out if it’s any good…

Sierra Nevada Otra Vez is tart, but not too tart.
Fruity, but not too fruity.
Citrusy, but not at all pithy.
Crisp, refreshing, and infinitely drinkable,
With a finish that leaves you with a mild pucker.
The kind you’d get after sipping on a dry German wine.

In the words of The Alemonger,
“Probably not a true classic Gose, but approachable and addictive.”
I couldn’t agree more!

This is spacer content. Sierra Nevada Otra Vez is an excellent beer. And an excellent bear. It’s both, and neither. Why are you yelling at me? Look, I’m sorry that you’re upset, but that’s really no reason to take your pants off. Please restrain yourself, you crazy devil. 

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During my commute to class, I felt quite comfortable and incredibly stable, even on a few more iced over inclines at the bus-stop. This level of versatility is nothing new from Ridgemont, yet is just as much of a pleasant surprise as the first time I came in contact with an Outfitters shoe: The Monty Hi. The Crest, in contrast, is significantly lighter, and although it offers comfortable ankle support, doesn’t quite match the level of the Monty – but then again, the Crest is a drastically lighter shoe that reminds more of the Southern California skate culture, and less so of the Colorado Rockies snow communities, the way the Monty does.

With Utah fitting right between the two, I took the liberty of introducing the Crests’ to some Utah habits to get a better understanding of their abilities: I stopped at home to drop by school backpack off, grabbed my board at the door, plugged my head into the newest Yeezy album, and went for a cruise. After blowing a few stop signs, sliding the board to a standstill to test the grip of the soles, and one or two emergency bails, I was sold this shoe could easily double as a quality skate shoe. As I boarded home and hopped on my motorcycle to study at the library, I continued to enjoy the Crest. It provided a rigid composite lasting board, combined with an Ortholite sole, making it stable enough for any hike, should you choose to throw one at it, but also comfortable after quite a few hours into the night studying at the library.

The Crest Hi is perfect for anyone needing improved ankle support and water proof grade construction, without having to sacrifice their steeze.

Under normal circumstances, you’d have to take your pick: active and capable but uncomfortable and uglier than your aunt’s Crocs, cool but only wearable during sunshine and blue skies, fashionable but flimsy, the list goes on an on of possible combinations that only sometimes are the right option.

With Ridgemont Outfitters, you’re able to find a shoe that meets all your needs without compromise, tailored to your particular style, that’s always the right option.

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I enjoyed Polestar in a classic Pilsner glass where it pours a pale and clear golden yellow with small bubbles and uniform carbonation.  The light and airy white head dissipates quickly into a thin cloud that still aerates the beer yet does not compromise the flavor in any way. The nose is characterized by a hint of floral notes and a lingering essence of hops. The taste is light, crisp and balanced with the final impression being much more complex and flavorful than the body would indicate.  The aftertaste is mildly skunky but this is a good thing with the slight bitterness and a hint of hops finishing this beer quite well. The Pilsner Malt and Pale 2-row grain help balance this beer in a way that makes it possible to drink this all day as you are cooped up in a warm house by the fire while the snow piles up outside.

Left Hand Brewing’s Polestar Pilsner is an amazingly well balanced beer that is at the pinnacle of its style and can be enjoyed year round: whether it is cooling you down after a hot day or keeping you warm in the depths of winter.

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First – the film. Spectre is heavy on the action and drinking, but light on the womanizing and jokes. Not terribly different from the other Craig Bond movies then. This one seems to hit all the required 007 boxes, but not in a very enjoyable way. The story here seems to be more going through the motions than anything else. Oh but what motions they are. As always, there are exotic locals, even more exotic women, and baddies with very loose and not-really-thought-out plans for world domination. Is it a good Bond film. Yes, but only barely and because the bad Bond films have set that bar fairly low.

Now the really interesting part is at the end of the film. ***Spoiler Alert*** Spectre concludes with Bond seemingly walking away from the spying life. Now sure, many a Bond film ends with James riding off into the sunset with his newly acquired love interest only to find him back in the saddle in the next film. I get it. But this film makes James walking away part of it’s core narrative. Scenes are constructed and psyche explored around there not being a 007 anymore. And the final scene has him walking away as promised.

What I’m telling you right now is, Daniel Craig knows exactly what he is doing. He’s a producer on Spectre. He has a financial interest in how the film does after release. And right now, he is engaged in some next level trolling to fill those theater seats. And it’s working. The actor is still playing a part, and he has taken the movies narrative beyond the 4th wall. Everyone is talking about him quitting his Bond contract (even though he still has one movie left in it), and they are clearly flocking to the theater to see what all his fuss is about. Then the last scene waves goodbye and the fictional world and the real world meet with Bond walking away. It’s a put on. It’s part of the PR master scheme. Daniel Craig is messing with you. And it’s selling more tickets than TV commercials ever could.

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Well, not all of them have. The updated, outside the box 2015 Jeep Cherokee brings that whole standard back to the table, delivering not only an on-the-road performance to rival many other manufacturer’s rides, but also has the ability to take on the off road segment with ease, comfort, and in a strange way, luxury.

Now I am not a fan of this vehicle’s looks on the outside, feeling they are too much of a departure from the ‘Jeep’ look that has been so long established and ingrained, but I can see why they did it. You will never mistake this SUV for another on the road, and Jeep has now developed a second look to add to its future development and design of rides. And while this look is a bit alien with the squinted headlights and rounded body, the look still maintains the vertical bar grill that is common on other Jeep rides. And, again, you will not be mistaking this ride for another on the road.

Inside, the Cherokee is clean with a well appointed dash and technology all around. Packed with the latest and greatest from Chrysler’s tech side, the huge MMI screen is easy to read while driving, and even quicker than previous versions to update and make changes when needed. The steering wheel has one of my favorite new features, the rear mounted volume/channel controls, built in, as well as the standard buttons for driving comforts at easy reach.

Wrapping around this technology is the somewhat, almost too much, luxurious interior, appointed in soft leather and solid dash. I say almost too much as it’s one of the best interiors I have seen on the market for a smaller SUV, and this is one designed to take off road and get dirty. Granted, I know it can handle it, but I personally would still have second thoughts. And the overall comfort of the ride inside was top notch with higher priced SUVs, with great driver’ positions and smoothness on the full variety of terrain tested.

You might say if I just stayed inside the ride, I would be sold, and while that is where I would spend most my time as the driver, the outside still has me questioning if it would be the car for me. Yes, it is a vanity aspect, and the design doesn’t take away from the capability of this ride, but overall it just doesn’t look like the Jeep I would take on the trail. And while most drivers sadly wont be barging through deep mud pits or climbing rocky paths, the vehicle surely sets itself apart on all areas of design and functionality.

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Now, I have never been one to think about over-ear headphones as they tend to not fit comfortably for me to endure for hours on end. That is until I discovered the XQISIT LZ380 bluetooth headphones. Then everything changed.

Most my speakers in my house are bluetooth, along with the speaker I bring along during excursions, so it only makes sense for me to be looking to bluetooth for my next set. Originally, I was looking at the in-ear options, but the idea of having wires handing around my neck did not appeal to me. So I decided I needed to rethink this anti-over-ear mentality, and despite trying out everything from BOSE to BEATS, was not sold on the price nor features. BOSE are incredible, but come with that incredible price tag and had features I have no interest in, such as noise cancelling. And the BEATS headphones were, well, gaudy, outlandish, and provided poor quality of sound for the price being asked. So those were out.

Stumbling around, the XQISIT brand was introduced to me, and throwing caution to the wind about a brand I had not heard of, decided to give them a shot. Priced around $80 on various online stores, the price was perfect for me, and the styling was nice from the start (Yes, vanity plays into these decisions). The major thing I noticed was a lack of physical controls, with only one button visible along the sleek design, and the ability to fold up into a smaller package made these look to be a good fit. The sound quality is incredible as well, with a perfect balance of all the notes and not too much bass (common in BEATS), and while I listen to classical most the day, I feel more connected to the music as it plays than I ever did with my in-ear options.

Speaking of fit, simply put they are extremely comfortable. Wearing these for hours on end cause no fatigue and I have yet to notice any of the standard sweat that tends to build up with other over-ear options. And when I say hours, I mean upwards of 6 hours in a day I have these on, playing music. I can still hear a glimmer of the conversations around me, which is nice when people start talking to me, but I can still focus on the music playing over any of that dribble. And controlling my music is easiest with the touch-pad style controls on the right ear piece. Finger up/down for volume, back/forward for song selection, and the main power button acts as a pause. Range is incredible as well, with me being able to wander about 30 or 40 feet from my phone with no degradation in quality of sound.

What can I say? I am hooked to these headphones. Traveling on the plane was a breeze, with no wires to worry about tangling, and tossing them folded up into my bag is second nature now. And with the ability to hold a charge for days, I have literally no complaints of these.

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As an Audi fan, I am often the one glancing in the direction of the Subaru, never giving them second thought beyond knowing what they are and their capabilities, and showing a bit of respect for them. That is, until I had the  and was able to really experience everything the wagon had to offer, putting it up against just about every weather condition I could in a week’s period.

This is not a special car by any means, and feels quite regular and familiar. It drives well, is solidly built, and has all the features I love to see in vehicles these days. It has some of the known Subaru quirks (two controls for the sunroof – really?), but aside from that, it holds up well to the notion that Subarus are well built machines designed for longevity. I can’t necessarily say the same about other rides out there, and in that sense, the Outback hits all the marks of necessity, technology, and comfort that should be standard in rides.  For that, it is not special.

But on the opposite end of the spectrum, it is very special, offering a wagon where most manufacturers charge premiums if offered at all, simplifying the drive controls to being very natural in use, and ultimately ensuring that the base of the ride, the AWD system, is as solid as can be.

Heading into the Colorado mountains over winter is always an adventure, and for this trip, the Outback proved to be the key to success. In the four days of travelling, we were able to drive through everything from warm, sunny valleys to blizzards through hairpin passes, rainy mountain roads, ice on steep grades down a mountain, and back to perfect conditions. Even in white-out, snow-packed weather, with the driver’s assist packages all turned on, not once was there a lack of confidence in the handling and safety of the Outback.

Comfortably seated as we explored the Rockies, along with a packed car and a dog in the back, we took on each weather pattern with full gusto and confidence, pushing through safely to each destination, pulling off here and there for photos and site seeing, it felt like the perfect fit for the adventure. And that’s when it really started to stand out, to surpass my love of the Audi (I know). Beyond the fact that it is more affordable, and yes a different car overall, it just felt more at home with everything that came its way. There were no worries of being too low to the ground, or having too much technology in the way of the drivinig experience, and the Subaru Outback just performed as it was intended to.

So what more can be said about this wagon? Well, not much, but I can say while I don’t own one and will still be a fan of the four rings, that glance I give a Subaru in passion will no longer be casual, but one of respect. It’s at home here in Colorado and with the active lifestyle many residents have. I can see now why it is so popular and perfect for this state.

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Case in point, when the new S60 was announced, it was announced alongside the V60 wagon, and in that, continuing to deliver on the unspoken promise to always supply us wagon-lovers here in ‘Merica with a great looking, well performing, hauler of a ride. Other manufacturers (ahem…Audi and Mercedes) seem to enjoy teasing out the rides, but rarely delivering the full force of the wagon to the US roads. And, in a way, I am okay with that. Volvo is picking up the slack.

We have reviewed the 2014 Volvo V60 before, loving it from its great ride all the way to the safety features packed throughout. I will say the 2015 was not a far shot off of the 2014, improving a few little things here and there and adding in features like Volvo Connect, which proved very useful for the cold nights I ventured out. And honestly, there isn’t much more to say about the 2015 version other than I would still buy it in a heartbeat, and still is the first real Volvo I have driven in years, the furthest from the older cars as it could be.

But what of the Sedan, the foundation of the V60 and probably the more popular among the Volvo buyers? Does the sedan stand up to what I have fallen in love with in the wagon? They are the same car, after all, with the same drivetrain, same interior options, same engine and performance.  Or are they?

Well, yes.  And no.  But mainly yes.  The 2015 Volvo S60 is a spectacular ride, hitting all the marks of a great Volvo that continues to deliver the new level of craftsmanship and quality we are seeing from the Swedish brand.  It doesn’t have the same blind spots as the wagon, and is a tad bit quicker off the line, but it is the same car.  Until you get to handling that is.

I don’t know what it is.  Both cars had the same setup, same engine, same tires even, but when I drove the sedan, I felt a disconnect from the road in the corners, almost as if the vehicle was getting close to sliding.  In the wagon, on the same corner, it felt balanced and connected.  The feeling, in the best way I can describe it, would be that as I headed into the turn, the front wheels would stay firm while the rear felt a bit loose and uneasy.

The weight of the two rides are not far off from each other, but my guess is the rear portion of the wagon provides a bit more than extra storage when it comes to the 60 series rides, but I don’t have the data to really prove that statement.

Does that mean the S60 is an inferior vehicle?  Not in the least, and it still delivers the same magnificence of the wagon, but in terms of that one point, which is a bit important, it misses the mark.  Aside from that, it still is the Volvo we are all growing to love again, the real Swedish car that is making a mark of its own on the roads today.

So what does this mean for the wagon lovers out there?  Well, it means that Volvo has no only kept its trend of delivering all the rides for us to enjoy, but in this case, the wagon might just be the better of the Volvo twins out there.

There is always one favorite in the family, and even in the Volvo S60 cs V60 case, the V60 keeps that title.

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Hollywood has not always been known for their accuracy in terms of portraying hacking and the impact.  As seen in this blog I wrote for Webroot, Hollywood and hacking, the majority of the time it feels like producers in Tinsel Town don’t have a full grasp on how hacking works or how to accurately present it to the viewers, and instead come up with ridiculous uses of the computer that make little to no sense to the tech-savvy.

Blackhat felt like the opposite of that.  And that is the biggest surprise for us.  In all honesty, we headed into the movie, expecting it to have major misrepresentations and to tear it apart.  But as we sat around discussing the flick, we concluded that the team behind the movie really did their research.  Dare we say that Blackhat might be one of the best Hollywood representations of hacking and cybercrime, especially focusing on the darker side of criminal activities?

Yes, we do dare.

To say the movie is truly authentic would be a stretch, but the fact is that Michael Mann avoids the major stereotypes that have become all too commonplace in other films. He also does a good job traversing the social-political game of relations between US Government agencies as well as US-China relations. As a result, the story carries itself through very well to the end.

The movie actually presented many different methods that criminals will attempt to breach security, including social engineering, direct breach, cyber espionage, and computer hacking itself.  While hacking was a central topic throughout, ‘Blackhat’ was more than just about hacking, and focused more on cyber-terrorism, a broader yet more relevant topic that has been in the news quite a bit lately.  Each of these methods of breach are an everyday threat to organizations big and small.  If anything, the movie stands as a representation of the complexity of today’s security environment, showing how security alone will do little to keep a network safe.

While there was a bit too much Hollywood sexiness and bravado when it comes to just how talented the characters were, this inclusion surely added to the entertainment value.  We wish we could go from evaluating code to globetrotting, chasing down the bad guys, but sadly that is not how it works these days.

Overall, Blackhat was a well told story, and from a security team’s perspective, it maintains a solid grasp on reality in most of its hacking scenes.  The entertainment value was there, alongside fairly accurate representations of security infiltration, leading us to walk out pleasantly surprised.  And we think you might be as well.

This Blackhat movie review was originally posted on Webroot’s Threat Blog and edited for FactoryTwoFour.

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These folks represent only a small handful of hard-up citizens of a Welsh community whose miners have gone on strike, and they are but one-half of this film’s equation. The other half is a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists. Led by firebrand Mark Ashton, the group has taken it upon themselves to support the village’s cause, including fundraising untold sums of money to help meet the living expenses of the miners and their families.

It’s an odd pairing of organizations – one that probably no one saw coming – but with devoted leaders on both sides, wonderful things begin to happen. Closed minds are pried open, friendships are forged, and an incredible alliance is built. It’s powerful stuff, made all the more powerful by the fact that it actually happened.

Looks like I’m not the only one who liked the film, either. It currently has an impressive score of 94% on the Tomatometer, and it’s been nominated for seven British Independent Film Awards, the results of which will be announced in December. So if you get the chance, treat yourself to a piece of dramatized history that will actually make you feel good about humanity again. You’ll be proud you did.

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Now, calm down you Jeep fanatics.  This has nothing against the Grand Cherokee or Wrangler in terms of performance, and these two rides are honestly amazing, but there are few vehicles out there that combine the ruggedness and class that they both have into one ride.  I know the Grand Cherokee can hit the trails, but how often do you really see it on the trail, and honestly, I would cringe with taking it offroad like that.  Other vehicles do come to mind as having various levels of the two combined, but in the end, the 4Runner really stands out as the king, and deservedly so.

Hitting the trials this last fall with the 2014 Toyota 4Runner while on a bachelor party was the best way to really jump into the mix.  This wasn’t the typical bachelor party of course, and involved a 4am wake up, driving to the mountains, and climbing (well, attempting) a 14er.  I wont get into details on the climb, but will say that at 12,500 feet, I know the 4runner would have kept going while a few of us could not.  Something about lack of oxygen, strength, and the wrong food that morning.  But that is neither here nor there.  The vehicle itself performed fantastically as we decided to go exploring around the mountain afterwards, finding little trails and abandoned mining roads to take us to see the amazing fall colors of Colorado.  Climbing over rocky paths and fording some streams in a packed ride, all while having the comfort and conveniences that Toyota has set the standard on, made the journey a bit posh.  And I’m okay with that.

The posh part hits big.  That night was date night for me, and though I did not have time to hit up the car wash before picking her up (plus, it’s Colorado and washing any car makes it rain), I wasn’t concerned.  With a comfrtable ride and the modern conveniences of heated and cooled seats, along with the killer music, I wasn’t worried about how the car looked outside.  It’s rugged for a reason, trail made and driven, all while hitting the better points inside.

Size wise, I am surprised to how big the 4Runner has gotten, remembering back to the first and second generations that seemed big then but small now.  I can’t make a decision on if I am a fan of the increase, but overall, it seems to work in today’s on-the-go world.  The 4Runner is, at the core, an SUV.  It’s not trying to be a car, doesn’t focus on speed or handling like other SUVs on the market, and has that basic feel to it that shows you from the start what you as a driver are getting into.  Inside, the space for individuals was ample enough to warrant a road trip, with enough storage in the back for just about everything we needed and more.

I really can’t say enough about this ride, but it all seems to focus on the one simple concept that this SUV is still an SUV, and it doesn’t try to fancy itself up with unnecessary design or elements.  Its pointed design and combination of creature comforts and smart elements shows that while there are others on the road that can compete, the Toyota 4rfunner is going with the gut and keeping to the plan and showing that it leads from the front.

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The 2014 Kia Sorento is no exception to this general statement either, with a slew of great features, creature comforts, and technology packed into a ride that feature-for-feature, competes well with its more expensive cousins.  It’s a great vehicle designed for the modern family, with 3 rows for all the kids, pets, friends, and toys, along with technology to make the whole experience as easy as possible for the parents.  It looks great in the driveway, fits well in a standard garage, and uses all the nooks and crannies well to fit as much into the ride as possible.  Overall, there is no reason it shouldn’t be one of the top choices for a growing family, especially one looking to haul everyone everywhere.

But there is a downside. This vehicle is probably one of the least comfortable to drive.  I mean physically taxing and uncomfortable.  At 6ft 2in, my head was only a few inches away from the ceiling with the seat as low as it can go, as well as having limited movement back, and the steering wheel couldn’t telescope out far enough for an optimal position.  I found myself sitting for hours in a vehicle that was not ergonomic to the driver, especially one of my height.  Sitting so close to the dash and steering wheel.  To say I was tired of driving at the end would be an understatement.  The other seats were amazing, with a back row that would slide back and forth with ease, and the passenger seat was comfortable and lacked the same feel as the driver’s.  I was not able to test the third row as I have legs, but it looked as if I could have tossed a child or two back there with ease.  But the driver’s position killed my enthusiasm to drive a car, and I feel this should be one of the most important aspects in designing of any ride.  If a vehicle is taxing in the drive, or the positioning isn’t proper, safety can be compromised.  Reactionary movements have to change, and in this day and age, a driver needs to be as focused as possible on the road ahead and not on the comfort (or discomfort) of the driving position.

Then there comes the singular issue of the quality of the seat, not something I am usually able to speak on as the vehicles we drive are often fresh from the factory.  But this one, within 8000 miles, had a broken seat cushion that made it feel as if I had a wrench in my back pockets.  Trying to find an optimal position after driving for a few hours with that constant feeling was neither pleasant or comfortable, and after only 8000 miles, it’s disappointing.  I will note that I was able to speak with a few other journalists who had driven the same exact vehicle in the past, and we all felt the same on the issue.*

So where does this bring me?  Well, the 2014 Kia Sorento is an amazing SUV packed full of features often reserved for the luxury market.  It has a great price tag, an amazing warranty, and overall is a great buy.  But there is a feeling that maybe, just maybe, Kia was so concerned about putting as much technology into the ride they missed a few of the quality and ergonomic check marks.  And that’s what feels strange about the whole ride; compared to the other vehicles from the up and coming brand, the Sorento is the only one that has that issue.  With all the updates we saw in this new generation, maybe, just maybe, they will see this miss and catch is next time.  Maybe.

*Editor’s Note: The seat issue was brought to the attention of the press fleet management group in hopes of getting it repaired for future journalists.

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And if none of those categories appeal to you? Well, I still think you won’t go wrong with this film. Between the lush Italian backdrop and Rob Brydon’s hilarious impersonations of Al Pacino and Christian Bale, it’s simply got too much going for it. In the spirit of full disclosure, however, I must confess: I might have a tiny crush on Steve Coogan. I haven’t the foggiest notion why, but let’s just set that aside for now and take a closer look at the irrefutable facts of the situation.

The Trip to Italy is the unlikely sequel to 2010’s The Trip, in which Coogan and Brydon take a road trip through the rural north of England sampling – you guessed it – haute cuisine as food critics for the UK’s Observer. I say “unlikely sequel” because the original Trip grossed only $2M at the box office, which means you probably didn’t see it. No matter – you needn’t have seen it in order to appreciate this latest installment, especially when it comes to the humor. I’m not ashamed to say I fell for every joke they proffered, from the urbane to the profane.

Both Trips were brought to you by revered British screenwriter and director Michael Winterbottom, and it’s his genius behind the camera that has people walking out of the theater asking, “Was that fictional or not?” Although much of Italy was improvised by the two leading men, it was indeed fictional. However, if you want to go through life thinking it was more real than not, I don’t think anyone involved would mind. I personally can’t wait to find out where our roving food critics are headed to next! Here’s hoping they save us all a seat at the table.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55OtglvtXuI

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Before I get started, I am still hesitant on battery technology in vehicles.  The manufacturing and after-life of the components worries me a bit, and while there are companies seeking to improve it, I feel that we as a buying public should have a full understanding of the full process and life of these vehicles.  Some companies, such as Nissan, are working on technology to reuse their batteries in local municipalities, while others such as Tesla are looking at new recycling techniques.  This gives me hope, but in the end, I tend to lean towards efficient motors such as the TDI technology from Volkswagen and Audi as a great sign to a fuel efficient future.

But let’s look beyond my bias as the Volt has made a fan out of me.  From the sleek styling to the well appointed interior, technology integration to the drive technology, it is one of the most well thought-out hybrids in my opinion.  With the electric motor powering the vehicle for 40 or so miles, I never once had to switch over the gas mode in the ending as I was able to charge up at most the locations I visited around Denver.  With enough get-up-and-go to keep up on the highways as well, I never felt like I was driving a battery laden car.  Instead, it handled more like the electric go-carts at the local track, with a great amount of torque taking the vehicle up to speed.  It was a joy to drive and made me think that maybe, just maybe, I could add it to my garage to offset the V10 diesel Touareg I used as a daily.  Granted, if I had a family or had to carry my dog around more, this would not be the ride for me.  The back seats have little to no legroom when I am in my driving position, and with the center console bulge in the middle, my dog cannot lay down as he normally would in most other vehicles.  But these things aside, it’s impressive enough to warrant a solid second look from anyone looking to buy a hybrid vehicle.

Truly, I think the Chevy Volt does something more than bring faith to the hybrid vehicle market.  For me, as I look at the amazing technology in this car, from the touch sensitive buttons or the large display featuring just about every bit of information you could ever want or need, I see the future of Chevrolet at the rest of the GM brands.  It’s a proof of concept that even well priced vehicles can have great technology, interior designs, and futuristic features.  And by showing that eco-friendly can be classy, futuristic, and fun, I cannot imagine why GM would not be looking to bring these kinds of updates to other affordable vehicles in the near future.

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