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Future Fantasy Cars and Trucks
In the Year 2021... Envisioning Our Favorite Vehicles' Futures
In our Future of Performance Cars feature earlier this year, we asked a number of movers and shakers in the auto biz what they believe the future of performance will be in a decade or so. We got a lot of interesting and thoughtful responses, although many of them were generic, as most execs keep future product plans so close to the vest they're practically part of the vest's fabric. That story naturally got us here at MT HQ talking and thinking about the future of some of our favorite cars and trucks.
You know that old saying, the one about the future being unwritten? We thought it'd be mentally stimulating to predict what we think will happen to a handful of our favorite vehicles in the year 2021. After taking into account what numerous auto manufacturers' executives and experts said, a couple of editors tried their hands at playing armchair product planner and envisioned/fantasized what would be in store 10 years from now, without going off the deep end. (OK, maybe a little.) Flying cars with an appetite for everyday refuse? According to "Back to the Future Part II," those are now just four years away...
Did your favorite cars make the cut for prognostication? Read on to find out, and don't forget to bring along a grain or two of salt.
2021 Audi A4/S4
In a segment as crowded as the compact luxury sedan class, the 2021 Audi A4 distinguishes itself with class-leading style and of course, standard Quattro all-wheel drive. A powerful four-cylinder turbodiesel is the fuel economy leader for the A4 lineup, surpassing 50 mpg on the highway. HID headlights were dropped years ago, leaving the more energy efficient (and cooler) LED headlights first used on the R8 and A6. The LED love continues in the taillights and with extensive mood lighting inside. Audi A7-like wood trim, a head-up display, and a driver-oriented center stack are standard, as are gently arcing side windows similar to the ones found on every A4 since the model was introduced in the 1990s.
With more aluminum and high-strength steel construction, the 2021 boasts increased interior dimensions and trunk space yet a curb weight hundreds of pounds lighter than the A4 just one decade ago. By now, Audi has dropped a manual transmission altogether from the basic A4 lineup, instead sticking with eight-speed automatic and twin-clutch automatic transmissions. The separation of the A4 sedan and A5 coupe/convertible remains, but the A4 Avant wagon is now a special-order option in the U.S.
If you really want a manual transmission, you'll find one on the 2021 S4 as an option. Forget about the 333-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 that powered the S4 in 2011; a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel makes more power and torque, and is aided by two electric motors driving the front wheels, pushing highway fuel economy past 35 mpg. - Zach Gale
2021 Audi R8 TDI
After years of dominating at Le Mans and touting the advantages of diesel power on the road, Audi has shocked the world by relaunching its R8 halo car as a diesel-powered supercar. Purists are aghast at the decision to drop gasoline engines altogether, but Audi calls it "responsible performance."
Developed from the engine that first powered the R18 Le Mans Prototype to an overall win in 2011, the R8 TDI sports a twin-turbo 3.7-liter diesel V-6 mounted in the traditional mid-ship location, but thanks to its smaller proportions, its mass closer to the ground. Producing 600 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque, the all-wheel-drive supercar will hit 60 mph in just under 3 seconds. At the same time, it will return 28/45 mpg city/highway when driven with a light foot.
While its straight-line performance is impressive, the R8 TDI is an unassuming monster on the racetrack. Thanks to a flywheel-based kinetic energy recovery system co-developed with Porsche, the R8 TDI can send stored energy captured during braking back to an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and provide a 100-horsepower boost for up to 15 seconds, allowing the car to launch out of turns like it's been fired from a cannon. - Scott Evans
2021 Cadillac DeVille
Realizing that Cadillac couldn't truly be the "standard of the world" without a legitimate flagship, the iconic DeVille was relaunched in 2015 and aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Drawing inspiration from the popular Sixteen concept, the long-nosed sedan was an instant hit.
Now in its second generation, the DeVille has expanded its range to include a sportier Coupe DeVille with a side profile that suggests a modern interpretation of 1930s Bugattis. The base engine for both models is twin-turbo 4.8-liter DOHC V-8 based in part on the abandoned Northstar replacement. Base cars offer 450 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, while high-performance V Series models lay down 525 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque from an enlarged 5.2-liter DOHC twin-turbo V-8. Also available is a hybrid variant using a supercharged 370-horsepower version of the 3.6-liter V-6 mated to a 150-horsepower electric motor and a 5-kilowatt-hour battery that can propel the car up to 68 mph on electric power alone and increases fuel economy to 35 mpg. A 3.2-liter twin-turbo diesel V-6 with 330 horsepower and 580 lb-ft of torque has just been announced for the U.S. market after seeing success overseas.
To effectively battle the luxury standards, Cadillac has taken a cost-is-no-object approach to the DeVille and loaded it with technology and features. The 360 View camera system - similar to Infiniti's Around View - is standard, as are heated and cooled seats for all occupants. Nanoparticle technology, still in its infancy, allows the all-glass roof to fade from completely transparent to completely solid in less than a second, and can be set at any point in between. The same technology embedded in the window glass allows passengers to tint the windows for privacy, but for safety reasons won't completely black them out. The conversion of GPS, radar, and laser technology will essentially allow the car to drive itself in normal weather conditions, though U.S. law doesn't yet allow the driver to hand over complete control to the computer. - Scott Evans
2021 Chevrolet Corvette
The C8 Corvette represents the clean-sheet Corvette the engineers have dreamed about since GM emerged from bankruptcy more than a decade ago. In an homage to the original six-cylinder engine of the 1953 model, the "Blue Flame" moniker has been resurrected, and applied to the new premium engine for the Corvette, a tri-fuel gasoline, E85, or natural gas engine. The tri-fuel strategy was employed to offers owners the choice of high fuel economy or ultra-high performance. The advanced fueling system can run on any of the fuels individually, or on a combination of gasoline and E85, or natural gas.
In addition, the new 'Vette employs a bank of ultracapacitors behind the driver and passenger seat to provide bursts of electrically assisted acceleration to the front in-wheel electric motors/brakes. Front braking is normally accomplished via a regenerative function of the motors, sending surplus power back to the ultracapacitors. Under hard or emergency use, integrated hydraulic composite brakes add additional stopping force. Peak power on the 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged Blue Flame V-6 engine is 550 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque when running on separately injected E85 and gasoline. Fuel economy in this mode is a highly respectable 23/34 mpg city/highway.
Natural gas mode knocks power down 100 hp and lb-ft, respectively, but increases the mpg equivalent to 25/36 mpg city/highway. The natural gas tank is made from an advanced composite that is capable of withstanding high pressures at a fraction of the weight of a conventional steel tank. Strategic placement of the ultracapacitors and the fuel tanks help maintain the 'Vette's customary 50/50 weight distribution. The 2800-pound C8 is capable of going from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, thanks to the integrated launch control with the xAssist front hub motors, providing on-demand, performance-oriented all-wheel drive. - Ed Sanchez
2021 Chevrolet Volt 3.0
Now in its third generation, the 2021 Volt makes version 1.0 look like a relic. Its engine has been downsized to the fuel-sipper Chevrolet always envisioned. Now a flex-fuel-ready, 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, it produces 90 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, but also returns 60 mpg in extended range mode.
With the latest lithium-iron-phosphate 50-kilowatt-hour battery onboard, it can travel 120 miles on battery power and nearly 600 miles with a full tank of gas. Plug in at any of the widely available 440-volt Level 3 public charging stations and you'll be topped off in less than 30 minutes. A more powerful 250-horsepower electric motor has dropped 0-60-mph times to 6.5 seconds. All models now feature optional (but expensive) 3-D photovoltaic cell technology integrated into the horizontal body panels that helps recharge the car while parked or assists the battery while driving, increasing electric-only range. (You might want to avoid any door dings, though.)
Chevrolet has expanded the Volt from a single car into a family of vehicles. A small crossover trades some range and efficiency for SUV style and increased cargo capacity, while a panel van version, similar in concept to the old HHR Panel Van, is proving popular with small businesses. A sporty 2+2 two-door is lighter and sleeker and features a high-performance 275-horsepower electric motor that drops 0-60-mph times to 5.5 seconds while nearly matching the sedan's efficiency. - Scott Evans
2021 Dodge Viper
Almost 30 years after the introduction of the first Viper, Dodge's newest performance flagship trades the blunt-force, big-inch approach employed by its forebears for high-tech precision, influenced in large part by its corporate cousins, Ferrari and Maserati. With less than half the displacement of its first-generation namesake, the newest Viper is powered by a twin-turbocharged MultiAir V-6. Displacing 3.6 liters and pumping a diesel-like 24 psi of boost, the engine romps out a substantial 540 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. This is down 60 horsepower from the massive 8.4-liter V-10 offered in the 2010 model, but matches the torque.
Another trick the newest model has that wasn't employed by its comparatively knuckle-dragging predecessor is a kinetic energy recovery system setup that ingeniously integrates a flywheel, electric motor, and a dual-clutch nine-speed transmission. Additional energy storage can be found in a bank of ultracapacitors behind the seats, similar to the new Corvette. The Viper's KERS, developed in conjunction with Ferrari, adds an additional 110 horsepower in short bursts.
Unlike the Corvette, the Viper sends all of its power through the 345-width rear tires, but does utilize energy recovery through its composite regenerative front brake system, closely related to a system developed in cooperation with Italian performance brake titan Brembo and (once again) Ferrari. Thanks to proprietary launch control software, and despite the lack of all-wheel-drive, the new Viper launches to 60 mph in a seemingly physics-defying 2.6 seconds, according to Dodge. Extensive use of carbon fiber, advanced composites, and aluminum helps the Viper weigh in at near the same 2800-pound mark as its bow tie-clad rival.
Although journalists that have had a chance to drive the car have been put under a driving impressions embargo, we managed to coax out a few tidbits. Terms like "eye-opening," "cat-like," and "you can feel the Ferrari DNA" were a few of the consistent themes. - Ed Sanchez
2021 Ferrari F70
With the entry-level Ferrari 458 Italia setting Enzo-matching times around the Fiorano test track in Maranello, Italy, Ferrari has just released a new flagship supercar. Continuing the nomenclature originating with the F40 and culminating in the F60 Enzo, the F70 is highly efficient, lightweight, and more eco-conscious than any Ferrari to go before it.
Developed in conjunction with the Ferrari-developed Mille Chile (literally 1000 kilograms) program at the University of Modena, the F70's weight is be a shade more than 2000 pounds, putting it in the same bracket as the 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata and Lotus Elise. Getting all that weight down took some advanced materials -- expect plenty of featherweight composites and aluminum, including a carbon-fiber monocoque tub.
Emissions and fuel consumption standards mandated a departure from the large-displacement, naturally aspirated V-12 found in the F50 and the Enzo. Instead, Ferrari returned to the turbocharged V-8 format, last seen in the F40. Don't worry about horsepower though. At roughly 700 hp, the F70 is significantly more potent than any previous Ferrari supercar -- especially when the car's low weight is factored in. A KERS-type hybrid system is also used to give occasional extra boosts of power. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox has been developed specifically for the F70 based on the current unit found in the 458 Italia and California models.
Design-wise, the F70 takes inspiration yet again from Formula 1 race cars, which means that a little form is sacrificed in the name of function. Ferrari also uses lessons learned from the aerodynamic evolution of the FXX test program to shape the F70's slippery skin. Performance? The 0-60 mph sprint is dispatched in the 2.5-second range and a top speed of over 220 mph is possible, along with lateral acceleration approaching 1.2 g. Nurburgring lap times? Ferrari remains coy, but this could be a world beater. - Rory Jurnecka
2021 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
Ford F-150 SVT Raptor fans were genuinely surprised by the announcement that their favorite desert runner is getting another engine option in addition to the 400-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. A skunkworks squad within the Blue Oval's Special Vehicle Team is reputedly responsible for the Raptor's new 3.7-liter diesel inline-five, a substantially modified version of the global 3.2-liter five. Stroked to accommodate more swept volume, the reciprocating assembly has been upgraded with a beefier forged crankshaft with reinforced connecting rods and pistons, critical to enduring compression-ignition temperatures and pressures. The front-mounted intercooler setup is strategically positioned, and piping design was optimized for excellent charge flow. The net result is a wonderfully smooth 360 horsepower that pulls to a previously unheard-of 6000-rpm redline, along with 630 lb-ft of torque reached at just 1500 rpm. With enormous vats of algae now churning out massive quantities of biofuel across the nation, the Raptor's diesel is happy to run on B20.
Keeping in line with strict emissions regulations, Ford devised an aggressively tuned EGR system to reduce NOx production, forgoing the need for urea injection. A Raptor-specific eight-speed automatic is tasked with managing engine output and sends power through the four-wheel-drive system. Furthering Ford's relationship with Fox Racing, the long-travel suspension is endowed with the latest electronically enhanced Shox shock absorbers with remote reservoirs. Drivers are able to adjust low- and high-speed compression and rebound from the cabin via the new Raptor Off-road Assist Directive (ROAD) system, which also uses honed radar to scan for obstacles off paved roads. Not straying from tradition, the front end is held up by a strong, aluminum-intensive double A-arm arrangement; the rear has lightened yet highly rigid leaf springs.
The ladder frame is now assembled from the latest high-strength steel, good for a 10-percent savings over the last-gen Raptor. Active aerodynamics comprised of front grille shutters and a retractable front spoiler help reduce drag. The shutters automatically open and close depending on engine cooling needs. The splitter is carefully sculpted to streamline airflow and deploys at highway speeds, but stays retracted when the truck is put in selectable off-road mode. Ford recommends a tonneau cover for Raptors expecting plentiful freeway duty. - Benson Kong
2021 Ford Mustang
Everyone knows that the Mustang's magic lies in a very simple formula: one front-mounted V-8 engine, two rear-driven wheels, three pedals, and a solid rear axle. Fortunately for us, very little of that formula has changed for the 2021 Mustang.
The good news first: that V-8 engine hasn't gone anywhere. Still in its 5.0-liter capacity, the eight-cylinder engine has become more efficient and more powerful. A full 480 horsepower on tap and yes, Ford will still let you order one with a clutch pedal. The Mustang chassis is slightly shorter than the outgoing version for reasons of lighter weight and greater maneuverability; the curb weight is just 3400 pounds, 200 pounds lighter than the previous model.
And about that rear suspension? Sorry, purists. Ford has finally given in and charged full speed ahead on an all-new independent rear suspension setup in an attempt to sharpen the Mustang's handling even further, all in effort to keep its lead over the pony car competition from Chevy and Chrysler when the going gets twisty.
The entry-level Mustang has lost two cylinders (for a total of four) but gained a turbocharger, helping to balance out emissions and fuel economy across the Mustang range. This pony doesn't need to drink nearly as much as its predecessors; a full 40 mpg is available on the highway. The four-cylinder 'Stang has even more flab with the deletion of two cylinders, dropping to 3100 pounds.
To keep costs down, Ford didn't use too many exotic materials for the standard production Mustang. Still, a new breed of fire-breathing Shelby variants is looking to take on the Europeans with composite body panels and plenty of aluminum in both the suspension and engine bay. Horsepower figures are on the rise here too, with the continued use of forced induction to create huge gains - 625 hp from the supercharged GT500 and a displacement increase to 5.7 liters. A sophisticated launch control system is finally included to help the GT500 lay that power down effectively too. Ford claims a 0-60 mph sprint in the low 3-second range. - Rory Jurnecka
2021 Honda Civic
Honda's compact entry has become the automaker's best-seller in the U.S., far outdoing the larger Accord. Responding to criticism that the last two generations of Civics haven't raised the bar high enough, Honda has responded with a radical restyling inside and out. Thanks to the car's two body styles and expanded range of powertrain options, the Civic once again dominates the compact segment.
With an increasing number of consumers looking for ways of avoiding the pinch at the gas pump, sales of the Civic Natural Gas will match those of the Civic Hybrid. About that hybrid model, even with lightweight batteries and plug-in technology, this Civic is still parked in the shadow of the Toyota Prius. For those who want even lower emissions, the fully electric Civic is a low-volume model capable of cruising for 150 miles before needing to be plugged in.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Civic Si continues to share powertrains with the base Acura TSX, making 230 horsepower and sticking with front-wheel drive. In an age when Chevrolet offers its top performance Camaro with an automatic transmission, it's not shocking to see Honda offer an automatic transmission on the Si to keep sales at sustainable levels.
The basic gas Civic has EPA-rated highway mileage in the high 40-mpg range, making the HF model unnecessary until compact sedans in the U.S. approach the big 5-0 in highway mileage. There are rumors that Honda is developing a three-cylinder engine that nearly matches the 2021 Civic's I-4 in power, yet with far better fuel economy. Now that Honda's six-speed automatic transmission has spread around the automaker's lineup in larger vehicles like the Accord, the fuel-efficient technology has finally made its way into a Civic. - Zach Gale
2021 Mazda2/Mazdaspeed2
The Mazda2 hits the entry-level market with a freshly molded composite body that helps hold the curb weight at less than 2000 pounds. Strong development and competitive pricing in the aluminum market means the little Mazda's chassis and suspension is mostly aluminum, with high-strength steel and some small magnesium castings thrown into the mix. A revised and efficiently packaged MacPherson strut design continues to guide and drive the front wheels, while the refined torsion-beam rear is again summoned for service. Shades of 2011, anyone?
Now offered as a three- or five-door hatchback, the '2's lone engine is the recently debuted all-aluminum SkyActiv 1.4-liter double-overhead-cam inline-four developing 140 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. The engine is easily capable of 50 mpg highway with either a throwback six-speed manual or economy-optimized seven-speed automatic. A radically shaped piston crown works in conjunction with precision-calculated ignition and timing control to empower Mazda's spray-guided direct injection, promising the engine series' greatest thermal efficiency yet.
Although the 2021 Mazda2 can run a stratified charge deep into the powerband, it's also a perfect candidate for the now-standard i-stop auto stop-start feature. Inside, there's the option for unconventional gel seats that weigh around 5 percent less than comparable cloth buckets and feature limited firmness control.
But the big performance news comes in the form of a five-door hot hatch ably called the Mazdaspeed2. In response to overwhelming owner and dealer requests, and with favorable market research to back the outstretched hands, Mazda has thrown the enthusiasts a small bone. The SkyActiv 1.4-liter was given a lower compression ratio before it was turbocharged in the Mazdaspeed spirit. A quick-spooling, variable-geometry turbo teams with retuned injection and additional engine friction reduction to produce 205 horsepower. The six-speed stick with limited-slip is the only transmission choice, and it's assisted by a lightened flywheel.
Handling-wise, higher-rate titanium springs supplant the stock Mazda2 pieces. There's added damping to control suspension movement; a lower center of gravity; and sharper electric steering. Standout 16-inch magnesium wheels (the regular Mazda2 has 16-inch aluminum alloys) provide an advantageous footprint for handling excellence. - Benson Kong
2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A light weight and high efficiency will be key in the design of the fifth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata, as the brand's purest sports car builds on the success of the upcoming, back-to-basics fourth-generation car. Weight will be pared down from the fourth-gen's 2200 pounds to an even ton, and a small 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will be found below the hood. Don't let the diminutive size fool you, this Miata will push out just over 200 horsepower in top spec.
To keep weight down, thin-gauge high-strength steel will be employed by the chassis and aluminum will be used in greater quantities than ever before (both in suspension components and body panels), helping to push the Miata's sticker price up into the $30,000 range. Still, the Miata will be among the more affordable cars on the road, especially when taking into account starting prices for competing sports cars. While Mazda will continue to offer a manual transmission in what will continue to be one of the purest sports cars on the market, a paddle-shift-equipped dual-clutch gearbox will replace the conventional automatic transmission, bringing the car firmly into the new century.
We expect new trim levels that go beyond those currently available. Mazda will finally capitalize on the Miata's broad appeal by offering a car for the daily driver and weekend track junkie - along with a few stops in-between. A Mazdaspeed variant will return as the flagship model and will be tauter and stiffer than base models. Opt for the track package and one-piece race seats, a roll bar, and a hard top will all be included, giving a factory option to those who want to race on Sunday, but still commute to work on Monday. - Rory Jurnecka
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
In an attempt to continue to stay ahead of the premium coupe-like sedan craze it helped invent, Mercedes-Benz offers a stylish wagon variant of the 2021 CLS similar to the Shooting Break Concept previewed a decade ago. For the U.S. market, though, a sedan will remain crucial to the CLS' success. Though the option of a wagon body style is an improvement on the somewhat cramped quarters of the original car, Mercedes-Benz knows better than to sacrifice too much of the attractive form to benefit function and increase passenger space.
No CLS is subject to the EPA's gas guzzler tax, including the AMG model. The 2021 CLS AMG model has a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that's supplemented by a third electric turbocharger to simultaneously boost power and efficiency. Want a V-8? Head for the S-Class lineup.
By now, Mercedes-Benz makes available a four-cylinder powered CLS. With weight reduction measures and smoother engine stop-start technology, a CLS I-4 almost keep up with the original CLS powered by a 5.5-liter V-8 and is EPA-rated above 30 mpg on the highway. The 2021 Benz keeps its rich interior and adds the latest in safety technology including a cruise control system that not only accelerates and brakes by itself, but is capable of steering into a different lane when necessary. - Zach Gale
2021 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XII
The 2021 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XII took a year longer than expected to hit the market. Like the Evo XI, the XII is a plug-in hybrid. Maintaining the Lancer Evolution's rally roots, the Evo XII remains all-wheel drive, although not in the traditional sense. Its rear wheels are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four making 325 horsepower, while the front wheels are driven by an 80-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor making a peak 405 hp with a 20/80 front/rear power split. Lithium-ion batteries are the primary energy storage devices, but supercapacitors are used for the first time in a hybrid as well.
Mitsubishi has trimmed weight where possible. This includes spreading carbon fiber throughout the car, including the drive shaft. Other weight-saving measures include one-piece forged alloy wheels and a smaller lithium-ion battery pack that is feasible due to the Evo's new supercapacitors.
Under normal loads, the electric motor draws power from the battery pack; however, when maximum performance is needed (or when the driver hits the Ralliart button), the motor is augmented by the capacitors, which are capable of releasing quick bursts of power, providing an extra 25 horsepower to the motor. The supercapacitors were pivotal for the development of the Evo XII's kinetic energy recovery system. According to Mitsubishi, its KERS has two operation modes. The Normal mode has KERS putting all the recovered energy back into the supercapacitors and batteries. It may then be dispersed automatically, similar to a hybrid's operating habits. In Ralliart mode, KERS acts as a sort-of electric turbocharger, delivering maximum power when the system deems it necessary. Mitsubishi says a driver-operable KERS boost button will be available in the near future.
While many enthusiasts bemoan the lack of a manual transmission in the Evo XII, Mitsubishi went with a lightweight eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to save weight. The transmission has three modes. Eco mode allows the Evo XII to cruise for up to 25 miles on pure electricity, but is recommended for city use only. Past the high battery buffer mark, the Evo kicks into its default Normal mode, where the Evo will achieve 28/39 mpg city/highway functioning as a traditional hybrid. Ralliart mode which completely throws efficiency out the window by making full use of KERS and allowing the Evo to claw its way to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and top out at a limited 170 mph. -Christian Seabaugh
2021 Nissan GT-R
For model year 2021, the R37 GT-R continues the green streak it began five years ago. As expected, a V Spec plug-in EV version (remember, it's not Spec V anymore, per Nismo's request to stick to its roots) called the [E]V-Spec arrives this model year to join its standard internal combustion-powered base and Spec V brethren, as well as the standard all-electric model. Thus, the Godzilla family grows to four.
In the standard car, power from the VM26DETT twin-turbocharged 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder grows to 525 horsepower from 515. The 10-pony bump also applies to the V-Spec, which now routes 560 horsepower to its ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. Torque on both models remains at the 600 lb-ft level. Its nine-speed twin-clutch gearbox knocks off gears in just over a tenth of a second, so acceleration carries on as one of this beast's strongest abilities. (According to Nissan officials, the final number will reside just above the federally mandated 2.0-second limit. Anything quicker requires the driver to pay the controversial "Pay-to-Play Tax. ")
A few tweaks to the advanced electronics system reduce emissions to near-hybrid-vehicle levels. The innovative transmission and SAVE mode (which temporarily deactivates three cylinders) also help achieve a greener footprint.
Compared to the R35 and R36, the gas-driven R37 is a featherweight. Nearly every panel is constructed of carbon fiber, meaning a curb weight of 2900 pounds is expected (final numbers have yet to be released). Magnesium wheels, lighter nitrogen-filled Dunlop tires, and forged-aluminum Akebono brakes taken directly from Japan's Super GT racing series give the latest Godzilla an absurd amount of performance for its rumored five-figure price.
The new [E]V-Spec's output is bumped to an equivalent 300 horsepower from the standard EV's 280. And yes, all the instant torque means the [E]V-Spec is quicker to 60 mph than even the gas-fueled V-Spec. How does 2.0 seconds and a zero well-to-wheel emissions rating sound? (Nissan promotes the utilization of hydro, solar, wind, and other green-fuel electricity.) We thought so. Even with lightened lithium-ion power packs on board, the [E]V-Spec will likely weigh in at just 3200 pounds. Pricing for the fastest eco-friendly Godzilla should be near $130,000. - Nate Martinez
2021 Pagani Huayra R
Per his longtime tradition, Horacio Pagani has left his best iteration for last. When it came to crafting the final and most aggressive Huayra to date, wringing out a substantial boost in power and performance was his primary goal. But of course, it never comes at the expense of luxury and class-leading hyper-car efficiency. Unlike R's of the past, most notably the Zonda R, this R was created to be the ultimate sports car -- track and road.
Amazingly, with a lot of help from longtime partners like Mercedes-Benz AMG, Brembo, Pirelli, etc., Pagani has thoroughly accomplished his mission. The more civilized Huayra S' 2800-pound curb weight drops to a paltry 2400 pounds in R guise. Glass is replaced by featherweight polycarbonate. The rigid, 300-pound spaceframe chassis introduced in the V-8-powered S (which is made from a unique aluminum/titanium hybrid metal) now dons titanium-carbon-fiber panels. A stronger polymer-based passenger monocoque protects passengers should the worst occur.
It took Pagani almost a year to finalize the R's revised exterior profile, which is replete with "active-aero" vents and outlets. Massive 20-inch carbon-fiber HRE wheels inside of Pirelli's low-resistance rubber set the car off visually and reduce unsprung weight. Additional air-directing canards at each corner and a Formula 1-derived undertray extending to the Pirellis' outer edges glue the 800-horsepower car to planet Earth. Ohlins offers a bespoke suspension setup for the R made of titanium and steel. It's digitally adjustable via the center console's OLED menu display. Brembo provides its latest carbon-carbon brakes direct from its Formula 1 program; the front/rear bias too can be adjusted on-the-fly. Going from a claimed 300-mph V-max to nothing shouldn't be a problem with the heat-loving binders aboard.
AMG produced its M340 twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-6 heart specifically for Pagani's application. Using three engines (V-12, V-8, and now, V-6) for three trims of one model usually proves too expensive for such a low-volume brand, but with such high demand from very well-off customers, any worries related to costs vanish quickly -- much like the R itself. Switched in Competizione mode, Xtrac's nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox runs through successive gears in less than a tenth of a second. As such, getting to 62 mph from nil takes just 2.3 seconds; knock off two-tenths to get to 60 mph. Equally as impressive are its expected mpg ratings: 31 mpg on urban streets and 38 mpg on the highway.
Toora's latest HANS-compatible carbon-titanium buckets and high-strength five-point harnesses keep passengers snug as they experience F1-like g-forces. Once off track, the harnesses can convert to more traditional three-point road belts at the press of a dash-mounted button. No leather or fancy woods here, just smooth Alcantara. The brand's lightest material is available in any color the owner desires.
Exclusivity and uncompromised performance have their price: Only 15 Huayra R's are slated to begin delivery at the fall of 2021, with a 2 million Euro price tag attached. - Nate Martinez
2021 Porsche 911 KERrera E
After five straight overall victories at Le Mans, Porsche is releasing a special edition 911 using hybrid technology taken almost directly from its racing program. The KERrera E uses a Kinetic Energy Recovery System to store power in a lightweight flywheel system mounted just forward of the passenger compartment. Unlike the 400-pound battery KERS we have seen from Porsche in the last few years, this entire KERS weighs in at just under 200 pounds, including the flywheel, motors, and associated electronics.
Visual differences for the new KERrera are minimal when compared to the standard 911. A redesigned active rear spoiler is programmed to reduce drag during cruising mode and add up to 100 pounds of downforce when the car is in either Sport or Track mode. The front valence is slightly different, with smaller intakes to reduce drag, and the side view mirrors have been replaced with cameras in an effort to reduce drag. The only other difference on the outside is the flat-face 20-inch wheels reminiscent of the Design 90 wheels from three decades ago.
Inside, the KERrera uses the lightweight interior that is optional on standard 911s. The seats and door panels are trimmed in a houndstooth material unique to the model that invokes 911 interiors of decades past, while door panels use a nylon pull normally reserved for GT and RS models.
The rear-mounted 3.0-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder now produces 400 hp, all sent to the ground through Porsche's amazing nine-speed PDK transaxle. The front-mounted electric drive unit produces an additional 150 hp, which is tied into both the engine ECU for acceleration and the PSVM - Porsche Stability and Vector Management system - to improve cornering performance. Porsche claims the engine is as efficient as the turbocharged 2.2-liter H-6 found in the Kraken, the roadster built on the shared VW/Audi platform. Using pneumatic valve springs with continually variable lift and duration, the engine no longer needs throttle bodies to control air intake.
With performance just shy of the 911 Twin Turbo and an eye towards the environment, this is probably the most significant sports car in years. Rumors are swirling that this will finally be the street-legal car the breaks the 2-second 0-60 mph barrier. We can't wait to test it to see if it really can shave those two-tenths of a second off the Twin Turbo's acceleration time. - Mike Febbo
2021 Ram 1500 and 2500 HD
Due to ever-tightening fuel economy and emissions requirements, the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 is now only available on Heavy Duty models, along with the optional Cummins inline-six turbo diesel. With engine output long ago surpassing the capabilities of a non-commercial truck chassis, Ram has focused instead on efficiency, and allowed the Hemi V-8 to plateau at 450 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency has greatly improved to 22 mpg combined. Similarly, the Cummins diesel has held steady at 400 horsepower and 800 lb-ft for nearly a decade, but it now returns 26 mpg combined and produces half the emissions it did 10 years ago.
Light-duty 1500 models have seen significantly more changes. With the V-8 moved to Heavy Duty models only, the 1500's base engine is a Fiat-based twin-turbo four-cylinder making 310 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque and returning 30 mpg combined, but it is only available in lower trims. A twin-turbocharged version of the Pentastar V-6 now displaces 3.5 liters and turns out 395 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque while getting 26 mpg combined. An optional hybrid system adds an electric motor and 24-kilowatt-hour battery pack to the gasoline V-6 and improves the combined fuel economy by 3 mpg. The most popular engine is a Fiat-derived 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 that produces 370 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque while returning 28 mpg combined.
Helping all models achieve better fuel economy and emissions is an advanced ladder frame made almost entirely of high-strength steels, and body panels made of high-strength polymers. Along with other lightweight components, they help drop the trucks' curb weight by hundreds of pounds and improve crash safety. - Scott Evans
2021 Saab Sonett IV
Just ten years ago it looked as if 2011 would be the end of the beloved Swedish auto manufacturer. After being bought by a consortium lead by members of the pop group ABBA, the company's return to financial stability took nearly six years to complete. Now three years back in the black, Saab has decided to launch a retro-styled supercar to celebrate its success. To assure that the new halo car is cutting edge, Saab Automotive is partnering Saab Aerospace for both the composite structure and hybrid drivetrain.
The original Saab Sonett was produced until 1974, when the oil crisis killed the market for large-displacement sports cars like the final generation 1.7-liter Sonett III. The celebrated moniker returns in its fourth generation, powered by a hybrid drive system that centers on a hydrogen-powered turbine. In this application, the turbine engine spins a generator that supplies power to the barium-titanate batteries and ultracapacitors. The system is considered a plug-in hybrid drive, but for the much hyped 3-minute battery and capacitor charge, the Sonett IV must be plugged into a hydrogen fuel-cell home charging station that also is equipped with ultracapacitors.
Four Yasa electric motors, one mounted in each wheel, are used for both powering the vehicle and torque vectoring. Each motor is capable of producing 200 hp, but the ultracapacitors are capable of supplying maximum power for 20 seconds, with a 30-second regeneration period needed for full acceleration again. Under normal conditions, the system can provide up to 15 minutes of 50-hp operation from each motor while the turbine-powered generator re-charges the battery packs.
With the involvement of Saab Aerospace, it is no surprise the Sonett IV's sleek shape looks classic but still takes design cues from the Swedes' own space shuttle. Americans -- who haven't had a space program of their own in nearly a decade -- may be resistant to the styling. Anders Bjornhold -- Saab CEO and ABBA keytarist during the Waterloo Tour -- said, "We are excited by the styling of the new vehicle. We understand some consumers may take time to warm up to it, but the Olarp [armchair] was not an instant success for Ikea either." Speaking of the Swedish furniture giant, it has designed the entire interior. Not only is it modular, but seats, dash, and door panels can all be purchased from the dealership in a small box for a mere $50.
The Sonett IV should be hitting dealerships within the next few months. We are expecting a price just slightly higher than its competition: the 900-hp Kia Soulorte at $140,000 and the $135,000, 983-hp Volvo Duett. While certainly more striking than either car, will it be able to compete with the Volvo's sportier image and Kia's clout as Asia luxury giant? - Mike Febbo
2021 Subaru WRX/WRX STI
Subaru's Impreza WRX STI has a lot to be proud of nowadays. It's smaller and lighter than ever, and has a 312-horsepower turbo boxer that returns an impressive 41-plus mpg combined fuel economy. The STI's little WRX brother has raised the "sporty car" bar by unprecedented levels by applying some useful STI traits. Safe to say, for the 2021 model year, Subaru's and STI's engineers had a lot of work cut out for them when it came to improving upon such capable outgoing cars. But according to executives, they have.
Now based on the championship-winning 2020 WRC race car, the 2500-pound WRX STI three-door employs a turbocharged 1.6-liter boxer married to an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox (the only transmission available). The combination sends 350 horsepower to all four wheels via two intuitive electronic limited-slip differentials.
Aluminum body panels are affixed to the stiffened chassis where carbon-fiber counterparts can't be used per international safety regulations. Pirelli's newest PZeros ring the retro-styled BBS forged magnesium wheels. Alcon's forged-aluminum six-piston calipers clamp hard on 14-inch slotted rotors. Handling is improved, thanks to Bilstein's lightweight magnetorheological coilover system that can be adjusted for various road conditions.
The optional Circuit Setup package adds a motorsport-derived fine-tuning aspect to the suspension, throttle, turbo, and brakes. It allows the adjustment of grip and power delivery (a la anti-lag settings) per corner on a given track, as well as pre-loads brakes for impeding hard stops. Expect a sprint to 60 mph from a standstill to take 4.0 seconds.
The less aggressive WRX relies on a version of the STI's 1.6-liter turbo powertrain that is, of course, milder in power and responsiveness. Output is kept at the 280-horse level, while efficiency grows to 45 mpg combined. Bigger wheels and brakes, plus a stiffer suspension, ensure the WRX sticks and stops with improved authority.
Unlike the STI, the WRX also includes an EV version, meaning sportiness and eco-friendliness go hand-in-hand per the brand's longstanding "green" tradition. All will employ advanced hybrid technology born of the Toyota-Subaru partnership when they hit the market a few months after their combustion counterparts in the fall of 2021. - Nate Martinez
2021 Tesla Roadster
Ten years have passed since the first Tesla Roadsters electrified driving for more than 1000 early-adopters, and the 2021 model is upon us. After years of continuous research and development, a two-speed transmission has earned a seal of approval for mass consumption. For current electric vehicle owners desiring familiar one-speed action, a single-gear gearbox is available at no charge.
Investing in lithium-ion batteries has paid off. The small-form 18560 shares the company cupboard with larger-form energy storage formats, and progressive improvements with newly synthesized anodes, cathodes, and high-voltage electrolytes mean the Roadster's liquid-cooled battery is lighter than its founding model from a watt-hours/kilogram perspective. Range now sits at 400 miles, but the hunt for commercially viable high energy density chemistry (in excess of 1000 watt-hours/kilogram with durable duty cycles) continues.
Tesla's newest electric motor will spin up the rear wheels, drawing from the battery's greater energy and power density. Amendments to the motor design reduce electromagnetic resistance; output is a brisk 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The power electronics module is now more flexible in order to accommodate compacted packaging demand. In addition, copper-clad aluminum wiring looms and thin-wall wire coatings are found in abundance.
Conceived in its earliest development stages as a rolling test lab, the Roadster is now a mobile showcase for the 12th and 13th elements of the periodic table -- magnesium and aluminum, respectively -- along with the latest composites. High-strength steel is also used in moderation on the Roadster's dedicated platform. The cast magnesium subframes don't come cheap, but work wonders when it's time to weigh in. Whether you're assessing the castings, closures, impact beams, or panels, it'll be difficult to find a 2200-pound vehicle as dedicated to advanced materials.
The short-long arm front suspension and multilink rear are endowed with actively monitored shock absorbers and titanium springs. An electronic suspension setup assistant is accessible to the driver and displays the state of the wheels and tires and suspension in real time. Lightweight 18-inch magnesium wheels provide noticeable weight savings over similarly sized aluminum alloys; magnesium-carbon composite 18s may be purchased for owners looking for extra curbside appeal.
Employing the top software programmers of this generation has created a highly configurable driving experience. An innovative head-up display can show the typical measurements or navigation. In race mode, the stability control will continue to allow drivers to exploit the Roadster's low polar moment of inertia. The level of regenerative braking can be adjusted with a toggle -- the maximum setting truly allows for single-pedal driving. When put in Eco mode, the driver can restrict battery power to limit energy consumption, but only up until 35 mph. For those who decide to compete in the various EV racing leagues, the driver may actively adjust the deployable rear wing's angle of attack for an added edge. - Benson Kong
2021 Toyota Camry SE
Following CEO Akio Toyoda's ultimatum in 2014 of "no more boring cars," Toyota has worked this philosophy through most of its lineup, and finally injected some adrenaline into its customarily dull Camry midsize sedan line. The 2021 Camry SE has a combined total of 360 horsepower from the company's fifth-generation HSD-V hybrid drive system. HSD-V combines plug-in capability, all-wheel drive through in-wheel motors, and electromagnetic front-axle disconnects to allow propulsion to be all-electric, gas-electric, or primarily gas. In addition, energy from regenerative braking channels back to a combination of ultracapacitors and lithium-ion battery packs.
Embodying the "car for everybody" philosophy, the 1.8-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 260 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, combined with the 120 horsepower provided by the HSD-V, returns a range-extended MPGe of 100 mpg in both city and highway driving, and a still-good 64/60 mpg city/highway in normal hybrid mode. Even with this class-leading efficiency, 0-60 mph acceleration is a plenty-quick 5 seconds flat.
The Camry is also compliant with the U.S. DOT's new AutoTrain automated lane management system, allowing for hands-free driving in designated carpool and automated lanes. The system utilizing sonar and cameras to maintain a safe distance between other AutoTrain-capable cars, and even other cars not equipped with the system. Drivers can seamlessly enter and depart from AutoTrain lanes, and the system will automatically activate. When in full AutoTrain mode, in-car video conferencing is enabled on the central dashboard display, and displayed on the front seat headrests for rear passengers, if equipped. If the car departs from an AutoTrain lane when in the middle of a video conference, the system will automatically revert to audio-only for the driver. - Ed Sanchez
2021 Volkswagen GTI
The VW Golf is the true people's car. Having been the world's number-one seller for the past five years, it is no surprise that the more enthusiast-oriented GTI is a sales success of its own. In an effort to improve what is already a good thing, an entirely new powertrain and suspension system have been included for the 2021 mid-cycle refresh.
The 1.0-liter turbo and supercharged, direct-injection engine produces a full 250 hp, while the rear-mounted electric motors provide an additional 100 hp on command for both torque-vectoring and added acceleration. Efficiency on the Golf performance variant is also improved through an even lighter aluminum unibody. The floor structure is a stressed-skin honeycomb sandwich structure, while the roof skins and lateral reinforcements are molded in one-piece woven carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic.
Further mass has been shed with chopped carbon-fiber reinforced suspension components and subframes both front and rear. The suspension's optional electrorheological damping system has been upgraded with greater adjustability and air springs now provide a ride height adjustment of up to 3 inches.
Wider fender flares cover the now-standard 20-inch composite BBS wheels. Inside the lightweight wheels are even lighter carbon-ceramic brake rotors. Pedal feel has been greatly improved on the brake-by-wire system, and the 2200-pound car can stop from 60 mph in a mere 90 feet. The deeper front valence now incorporates active intake technology that opens and closes air ducting for cooling as needed to improve aerodynamics. The movable front splitter works in conjunction with the movable rear spoiler to add downforce or reduce drag, adding to the GTI's impressive 50-mpg combined rating.
The automated-drive system has been upgraded with improved radar sensors and faster car-to-car cloud communication, allowing for true all-weather operation. Speeds up to 120 mph are possible on designated smart highways, but the point of the GTI is being able to drive it yourself. Expect typical smile-inducing dynamics that will remind you of past GTIs. Traction and stability controls can be used in Sport Mode on the street, and the optional DOT/EPA Performance Tax Key will allow them to be completely disabled along with a 50-hp increase at any approved motorsports facility. - Mike Febbo


text:
Do not expose yourself to danger. Some risks include onset illness caused by growth of harmful microbes. Also, onset illness through inhalation of contaminated air from sewage or mold contamination to property. Structural damage can happen from flooding, floods.
Professional cleanup fresh or contaminated water all the time with varying degrees of flooding. Immediately after the first precautionary steps of ensuring the safety of your family, you should call us for flood help.
From water heater floods to toilet overflow, we are prepared for any and all water cleanup situations.
Limit the damage before your cleanup company arrives. 1) Turn off you're A/C if you haven't done it yet. This limits the spread of microbes in your home or business. Ensure that children, elderly, people with weakened immune system, and pets stay away from area, especially if there is raw sewage or evidence of mold. Do not try to turn off circuit breakers in or near the affected area. Do not unplug and remove electrical appliances. There is risk of electrical shock. Take pictures of everything, especially electronics (TVs and computers), for insurance purposes. Do not remove wet furniture and other affected items until a professional, or your insurance company has had an opportunity to access the water cleanup area. State Farm insurance claims, Allstate insurance claims, Liberty Mutual insurance claims, USAA insurance claims, and others are welcome.
Hapeville water cleanup is one of those few things that should only be done by a professional water removal company. However, Google search for the term "water cleanup Hapeville" does not yield many useful results to choose from: waste management companies, dumpster rental, and medical waste disposal service companies can not and will not be able to clean up water and perform proper mitigation. Some sewage cleanup search terms can yield a list of sewage mitigation companies. Other search terms used are 'water restoration Hapeville'.
Settling for a neighbor who will shovel out the sewage waste or renting a WetVac are not good options either. Please continue searching for a water removal and clean up companies that area certified in water damage restoration or use the company listed here. When selecting your water removal professional, make sure to ask if they are certified in water damage restoration. Most importantly, remember to stay safe and act immediately! We are who to call to clean up sewer water or sewage in Hapeville.
Sewage backing up (maybel already backed up) into the bathtub is one of the most unpleasant things a homeowner may discover upon entering a finished basement or first floor bathroom. Bathtub filling with raw sewage usually happens when your septic system fails and sewage that is supposed to flow into the septic tank backs up into the lowest level of your home overflowing bathtubs and toilets. Bathtub sewage backup may also happen if your main drain is blocked. Bathtub sewage overflow can be quickly handled by Sewage Damage Cleanup & Repair specialists. Do not flush or run water anywhere in the house. If you decide to use a shop vac and empty into buckets (careful of parasites) do NOT pour it into the sink! If you poured drain cleaner chemicals into your tub and it didn't help, always remember that those drain-clearing (clear a drain) chemicals are highly toxic! Use caution and always warn plumber if you tried using drain cleaner chemicals lately.
Toilet Overflow is the most common cause of residential sewage damage. Toilets overflowing is usually a result of a septic backup, a blocked drain, or the most recent flush is still flushing. Avoid septic system failure by performing regular maintenance and avoid drain blockage by not flushing items such as sanitary wipes, cat litter, condoms and other things that are not intended to be flushed. You will not have overflowing toilets! If you believe your toilet is about to overflow (rising sewage water in the toilet bowl), you can prevent devastating sewage damage or limit sewage contamination by following these steps quickly: Take the toilet tank lid off and plug the rubber flapper valve into the drain leading to the toilet. Then lift up the floater to stop water from entering the toilet tank and lock it in this position. Reach down and close toilet water supply valve. Call the plumber.
If you noticed toilet overflow too late and raw sewage has already spilled on the floor, that means area is contaminated. Based on what materials have been touched by sewage, you may need to remove them. If the contaminated area is small 1-2 square feet, hard (tile) and you cleaned sewage up and disinfected the area immediately (wear gloves), you may not need to call water and sewage damage restoration experts. Just the plumber.
However, if you didn't notice overflowing toilet and the toilet overflow affected area is medium to large or if the material is porous (carpet, vinyl, linoleum, drywall, wood floor) or sewage sat there for longer than 10-20 minutes, you need to call sewage damage restoration company to clean it up. Sewage damage experts usually arrive quickly and come prepared. Ask the sewage restoration technician what needs to be done and discuss options of filing insurance claim or how NOT to file and insurance claim.
Cleaning technicians should normally remove the contaminated materials that can not be disinfected on site. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration standards (IICRC), apply anti-microbial solution that kills bacteria, parasites, mold and mildew. Steam and dry the area.
Flood damage and water damage can be a homeowner's worst nightmare! However, if one is properly insured, such an experience can be a lot less stressful when repairing the flood damage. Successful flood damage and water damage preparation includes knowing the difference between flood damage, and that of water damage. Flooding can be classified as the rising and overflowing of water onto normally dry land. Where as water damage occurs when water damages your home before it actually comes in contact with the ground. While most homeowners insurance policies cover water damage, they do not cover flood damage. Therefore, one should acquire a flood damage insurance policy. A basic flood damage insurance provides coverage up to the policy maximum for flood damage.
Actively in the news today are instances of adults and children who have gone missing or lost their lives due to the devastating Texas floods of 2015, referenced at CNN.com severe weather. Here is some flood damage safety advice. Once you notice that there is a problem of standing water damage or even just squishy carpet, be sure not to touch any lamps, light switches, or pipes overhead. There is risk of electrical shock. Recent rainfall amounts has caused flooded basements and crawlspaces and are a very poignant reminder that flood damage can happen quickly.
Sewage clean up (cleanup), no matter where you discover it (bathroom floor, basement flooding, flooded crawlspace) is a horrible problem. Calling a sewage removal company right away is the best way to help with sewage cleanup cost. Sewage cleanup companies are on call 24/7 and will bring their sewage removal trucks to extract (suck up) the sewage from your floor or anywhere else sewage has touched. Sewage removal services use an antimicrobial application and other necessary decontamination procedures. Sewage remediation specialists will bring your home back to a safe and healthy environment. We love to clean up water in Hapeville!
"Rainwater looks just like sewage in some cases."
Many homeowners and occupants will have to deal with a water clean up situation while in their home. Most times water that needs to be cleaned up will be the result of something small like a leaky pipe or a small water damage. Sometimes, however, a water cleanup can be large. In these cases, the result of the water on the floor is usually a hot water tank that has a leaky valve, or worse a busted water line in the house. In these cases, it is more than appropriate to hire a water cleanup company to help with your water cleanup. The water cleanup company listed on this page is a certified professional water mitigation company. They are prepared and ready to aid you in Hapeville. Water cleanup help is just a phone call away in Hapevile.
Water cleanup (clean up), sewage cleanup (clean up) has varying degrees of contamination. We know the dangers involved and we are prepared to help protect you and your family from the potential flood damage that comes with a water cleanup disaster due to sever storms.
Frozen pipes can happen because cold weather and pipes are not always the best of friends. Cold weather can lead to frozen pipes and ultimately lead to some pretty extensive water damage. Just like ice cubes in a freezer, water expands when it freezes. The expansion in pipes puts a huge amount of pressure on pipes leading to pipes bursting. When pipes burst from being frozen, it sends many gallons of water into a home or business. This drastically compounds the damage suffered by homeowners and business owners alike. Water cleanup is available 24 hours in Hapeville Georgia.
The pipes that are most likely to freeze in the frigid temperatures are the ones located on outside walls, under a sink, in attics, or in an unheated crawlspace. There are a few reasons a pipe might freeze; a sudden drop in temperature, not having the heat set high enough, or not having the right amount of insulation. As State Farm says on their website, "Both plastic and copper pipes can burst when they freeze, and recovering from frozen pipes is not as simple as calling a plumber. A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water a day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the immediate potential for mold." http://learningcenter.statefarm.com/residence/maintenance/preventing-frozen-pipes/index.html
Preventing frozen pipes can save a homeowner or business owner a lot of stress and money. Things that can be done to prevent frozen pipes: insulate pipes or use heat tape on pipes, keep temp at 55 degrees even when traveling, turn on faucet to allow a trickle of water to run in extreme cold temperatures, and fill all gaps where cold air can enter in like where cable lines come in to home.
Not to exclude the clean up (cleanup) of nasty toilet water due to a clogged drain. Quite often, the toilet spill is more than a spill. It can go under bathroom cabinets or vanity, behind and under tile and even pass through the floor and flood levels below. If the water that needs to be extracted goes under the tile floor, there is contamination trapped there. Simply have an IICRC certified professional check for the presence of contaminated toilet water. That nasty water, also called black water or category 3 water, must be removed promptly in order to prevent microbial growth (mold). A backed up toilet, or one that is actively backing up is very serious. The official description of our emergency management industry is water damage restoration.
Toilet back up (backup) of nasty and contaminated toilet water can be sourced by clogged drain. Sometimes a backed up toilet can be a little water on the floor and other times, there may be a completely flooded home (house) or business (office). Take note, that plumbers or a plumbing company in Hapeville is not certified to cleanup, remove, extract, or remediate this situation your flood.
Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Avondale Estates, Berkeley Lake, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Buford, Canton, Chamblee, Chastain, Cobb County, College Park, Cumming, Dacula, Dallas GA, Decatur, Dekalb County, Doraville, Druid Hills, Duluth GA, Dunwoody, Ellenwood, Fairburn, Fair Oaks, Five Points, Fulton County, Grayson, Gwinnett County, Hamilton Mill, Hiram, Hapeville, Inman Park, Johns Creek, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Lithia Springs, Lithonia, Little Five Points, Mableton, Marietta, Mechanicsville, Milton, Norcross, Northwoods, North Druid Hills, Powder Springs, Roswell, Sandy Plains, Sandy Springs, Scottdale, Shake Rag, Smyrna, Stone Mountain, Sugar Hill, Snellville, Suwanee, Tucker, Vinings, Virginia Highlands, Univeter, Woodstock

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- 6 Beds
- 7 Full, 1 Half Baths
Property TypeResidential – Single Family
SubdivisionVail Village 3
Listing Date07/26/18
Year Built2009
AreaVail Village
Lot Size0.47 Acres (20,473 SqFt)
Parking2 Car Garage, Surface
Property Description
Opportunity to own an exceptional warm and inviting contemporary home that complements the grand design of the architecture with its clean, simple lines. Situated in a perfect setting with a crystal clear trout pond that reflects both the cubic nature of the overall design as well as the surrounding mountains. You are greeted immediately upon entering the residence by an abundance of sunlight which filters within the home where a glass staircase encased in stainless steel awaits you. Tonal patterns throughout the home enhance the soft modern feel. A massive slate fireplace provides a connection between the grand great room and open but intimate dining room. The residence provides wonderful spaces with an upper loft and lower level family room. A fly tying room is perfect for one of the valley's perfect pastimes. Master suite with a/c and humidification. The property is being offered designer furnished with impressive interiors which play a major role in the overall effect of the home.
344 Beaver Dam Road - Video Tour
344 Beaver Dam Road - Floorplans
344 Beaver Dam Road - ILC (Improvement Location Certificate)
344 Beaver Dam Road - ISP (Improvement Survery Plat)
Presented By
- In Town
- Walk to Slopes
- Mountains
- Woods
- Hiking/Pedestrian Trail
- Cable Available
- Deck
- Fireplace - Gas
- Hot Tub / Spa
- Multi-Level
- Patio
- Skylight
- Vaulted Ceilings
- Wired for Cable
- Cable TV
- District Sewer
- District Water
- Electricity Avail.
- Natural Gas Avail.
- Phone Available
- Trash Pickup
- Natural Gas
- Radiant
- Zoned AC
- Dryer
- Washer
Financial Information
Additional InformationDocuments
About Vail Village
Charming, pedestrian friendly Vail Village has everything you could need or want right at your fingertips. The heart of Vail is located at the base of the ski mountain, home to the new Gondola One, and has undergone a great transformation with the renovation and construction of dozens of properties. The Village, with its heated cobblestone streets and quaint European architecture, invites you to discover world-class fine dining, art galleries, local boutiques and luxury retail. In addition to the tremendous variety of shopping and dining, Vail Village hosts sporting and cultural events, festivals, and concerts year-round including the Ski Classic, the Burton US Open, Gourmet on the Gore, Saturday Summer Markets, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival, Vail International Dance Festival and a free winter street, and summer outdoor concert series at the stunning Ford Ampitheater.
Area Market Data
5 Beds 10 Baths
We get asked this question a lot. Below is a tool that gives you the ability to see what the market is like in your community. Find out what homes like your own are selling for right in your back yard. Simply enter in your address, choose the proximity of the search and find out market data for other homes that are selling near you.
While we'll provide you with plenty of information, this is a snapshot of your market data and there are real people behind the high-tech and automated tools. If you would like more detailed information or help in understanding the results we are here to help.
Until then, enjoy the tools!
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Vail Multi-List Service, Inc.
Copyright © 2020 Vail Multi List, Inc. (VMLS). The information displayed herein was derived from sources believed to be accurate, but has not been verified by VMLS. Buyers are cautioned to verify all information to their own satisfaction. This information is exclusively for viewers' personal, non- commercial use. Any republication or reproduction of the information herein without the express permission of the VMLS is strictly prohibited.
Listing courtesy of Slifer Smith & Frampton/Bachelor Gulch


text:
THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
It's interesting to me that old and inaccurate performance tuning recommendations seem to have a life of their own. In some ways, old performance tuning recommendations are like the Undead from some kind of cheesy, 1970's zombie movie – no matter how many times you shoot them, they just keep coming back.
Here's a good case in point, http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345118.aspx, a white paper discussing Performance Optimizations for the XML data type in SQL Server 2005. The document states:
XML variables and parameters use main memory as storage as long as their values are small. Large values, however, are backed by tempdb storage. In a multi-user scenario, if many large XML blobs occur, tempdb contention may become a bottleneck for good scalability. Creating multiple tempdb files reduces the storage contention and yields significantly better scalability. The next example illustrates how multiple tempdb files can be created.
Example: Creating Multiple tempdb Files
This example creates two additional data files for tempdb, each with an initial size of 8 MB, and two log files with an initial size of 1 MB.
Copy Code
ALTER DATABASE tempdb ADD FILE
(NAME = 'Tempdb_Data1',
FILENAME = 'C:\temp\Tempdb_Data1.MDF', SIZE = 8 MB),
(NAME = 'Tempdb_Data2',
FILENAME = 'C:\temp\Tempdb_Data2.MDF', SIZE = 8 MB)
ALTER DATABASE tempdb ADD log FILE
(NAME = 'Tempdb_Log1',
FILENAME = 'C:\temp\Tempdb_Log1.LDF', SIZE = 1 MB),
(NAME = 'Tempdb_Log2',
FILENAME = 'C:\temp\Tempdb_Log2.LDF', SIZE = 1 MB)
These files can be removed by using the ALTER DATABASE tempdb REMOVE FILE command. For more information, see SQL Server Books Online.
There was a time when this recommendation made sense. The intent behind multiple tempdb files prior to SQL Server 2005 was to avoid GAM contention on very high throughput scenarios. Later, SQL Server 2005 introduced segmented GAMs even within a single tempdb file.
This recommendation still holds for data files, especially on systems using NUMA processors, where IO should be aligned with one data file per NUMA socket. (It also does no harm on an SMP system to organize your data files this way, hence the standardized recommendation.)
However, the recommendation fails when you get to the log portion of the equation. Why? It's because data file IO is written using the proportional file algorithm where each data file has data written to it in round-robin style. On the other hand, log files are written using the active file algorithm where LogFile1 is written first until full, then LogFile2 is written next until full, and so on… Long story made short (too late, I know) – you get no performance gain from having multiple files in the log because all writes occur on only one file. You can only get a performance gain from multiple files on the data portion of a database.
As an aside, Simon Sabin (http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/simons/) has a wonderful collection of addition myths, misunderstandings, and miscommunications. I'm not sure if they're put together in a single blog post, so put his blog on your watch list.
Twitter @ kekline
P.S. Thanks to Tony Rogerson (http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/tonyrogerson) and Geoff Hiten for the inspiration on this blog post, btw.
P.P.S. I like how the MSDN article refers to SQL Server 2005 as SQL Server 9.0. ;^)
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Great post Kevin, to many people collect and regurgitate best practices without the original data, or current supporting data,
I have had my deep suspicions on this one for a while, but can make no headway because of all the Microsoft people repeating it.
Most of my big servers with 16+ cores (when cores were processor sockets) ran fine with 4-8 tempdb data files. I did one tempdb per LUN used by data file for peak IO capability, not for the rule of 1 per core.
I am also inclined to think that this problem really pertained to code where almost every RPC required a tempdb, explicit or implicit.
A well designed app should only require infrequent use of temp.
But we really a central site to kill stupid, out-of-context best practices. Few people seem to appreciate that long established best practices were established long ago. In computer world, 10 years is 5 generations of Moore's law ago, ie, 32X
Well said, Kevin. I ran across a similar issue the other day where a very credible source was proffering really old SQL Server tempdb advice.
Another major is when people offer configuration recommendations in a blog or forum without specifying the version. Since it lives on the internet, someone may find it years after the fact and consider it still relevant.
> It's because log file IO is written using the proportional file algorithm where LogFile1 is written first until full, then LogFile2 is written next until full, and so on
Hmmm ... I believe the proportional fill algorithm only applies to the data files within a filegroup.
I think you meanth the active log portion is written to a single file, in stead of "proportional fill".
With some instances we enabled autogrow for multi data file tempdb.
Still we see the first datafile grow vastly more than the others.
(startsize 1GB, extend size 100MB)
After a week, we notices the first tempdb file being 23GB whilest the others were still 1GB.
The refs I use for tempdb data files:
help protect SQL Server performance by adding one file to tempdb for every processor core,
or maybe every 1.5 processor cores,
up to a maximum of 8 files.
- "Concurrency enhancements for the tempdb database"
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=818234dc-a17b-4f09-b282-c6830fead499&DisplayLang=en (shorter story)
- Working with tempdb in SQL Server 2005", paragraph "tempdb size, including the right number of files and file size",
- related to max_degree_of_parallelism ? http://support.microsoft.com/kb/329204/ (only if needed)
Great responses, guys!
Linchi and AlzDBA, thanks for pointing out that error. (You knew what I meant though!) I've fixed it.
Also, great info from Linchi Shea at this blog post:
Before I jump onto the Goals and Themeword meme started by my buddy, Thomas LaRock ( blog | twitter ),
This week we're going to look at some issues involving tempdb Provide a tempdb per database #176241 :


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Twin Valley students compete as Jr. Iron Chefs
WHITINGHAM -- "3-2-1-go!"
Food Service Director at Twin Valley Schools, Lonny Paige counted down the seconds to the start of the Junior Iron Chef Cook-off, a competition that took place at the Twin Valley Middle School on Thursday afternoon.
There were three winning teams out of the six teams from the Twin Valley High School and three winning teams out of the 16 teams from the middle school. There were 96 kids who were competing, all wearing red aprons. Some wore distinct costumes such as angel wings, devil horns, wizard hats and bandanas.
"The kids devise their own recipes," said Paige. "They Google ingredients and pick at least five vegetables."
The vegetables have to be locally produced. The recipes have to be kid-friendly, taste good and be able to be replicated in a cafeteria. (Quail eggs have been a rejected ingredient in the past.)
All the food has to be cooked in the auditorium at the middle school and it cannot take longer than 90 minutes.
"All my kids will produce their recipes for the school," which happens later in the school year, said Paige.
With names like Team Quikster, The Things and the Zippin Zebras, the teams made dishes such as "Quinoa Toes," veggie-filled crepes and nine-layered veggie tortilla.
Children were involved in the process by grating, peeling, cutting and mixing. Adults helped children out with preparation, too.
Abbie Nelson, from Vermont Food Education Every Day, believes this is a good way to get kids to eat local and healthy foods. Vermont FEED was created 12 years ago by three non-profit organizations that collaborated to promote foods going from farm to schools.
"We started this six years ago with the Burlington Food Project. The object of the game was getting kids to change by getting them involved," said Nelson.
She also mentioned that they got permission from the actual Iron Chef to call it "Junior Iron Chef."
From the beginning, Paige was able to attract almost 100 kids to the competition.
"This is the majority of the school here today," said Nelson.
Judges were onstage, behind a curtain, taking samples of the prepared dishes before or just after the hour and a half was up. Contestants had adults bring the dishes to the judges onstage.
Todd Darrah, a chef at the Chelsea Royal Diner in Brattleboro, entered his sixth competition on Thursday with his second daughter who's been involved in the cook-offs over the years. The name of their team was Team Deliciousness and they made Pot Pie Shortcake. Cranberry sauce was used as the cherry on top.
"It's fun because it's my passion," said Darrah. "But for these kids, it's a good life skills lesson. They know food. They taste the differences."
He thought it was good to see young children from the middle school involved in the cooking competition.
Paige told the Reformer that seven teams from his competitions have won in Burlington. This is going on to be his sixth year running the local competition.
Winners of this cook-off will compete at Champlain Valley Exhibit in Burlington on Feb. 2, where there are 75 teams competing from around the state. There will be a morning and an afternoon session of cook-offs.
Paige will travel with children and parents and stay at a nearby hotel.
"It's a big deal," said Nelson. "We have kids who are not into sports, have never been on a team, never cooked or ate these foods. Now, they're eating foods that they never would have. It changes their lives."
For more information, visit: Jrironchefvt.org.
Chris Mays can be reached at 802-254-2311, ext. 273, or email@example.com. Follow Chris on Twitter @CMaysReformer.
If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us. We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom.


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Royals name Hall of Famer Brett interim hitting coach
Grifol joins staff as special assignment coach; Maloof, David reassigned
ST. LOUIS -- George Brett never seemed fearful on his way to 3,154 hits, three batting titles, a World Series championship and the Hall of Fame. But he wasn't a hitting coach then.
Now, as interim hitting coach of the Royals, it's a whole new ballgame for Brett.
"I'm scared to death right now, to be honest with you," Brett said after his appointment was announced on Thursday. "But I'm looking forward to the challenge."
In addition to Brett, the Royals also installed Pedro Grifol as the Major League special assignment coach.
They will replace hitting coach Jack Maloof and assistant hitting coach Andre David on the Royals' staff. Installed in those roles just this year when former Royals star Kevin Seitzer was dismissed as hitting coach, Maloof and David were reassigned to the Royals' Minor League staff where they'd worked previously.
Brett joined the Royals immediately for Thursday night's game in St. Louis. Grifol will report for duty on Friday for a series at Texas.
General manager Dayton Moore and manager Ned Yost called Brett in recent days as the Royals' slide deepened. He'd rebuffed similar offers in the past so why did he accept now?
"Out of frustration," Brett said. "I feel the same frustration the players do, I feel the same frustration as our manager Ned and our general manager Dayton and our ownership, David and Dan Glass. I'm just frustrated watching it night after night after night."
Brett insisted on the "interim" part of his title.
"I'm planning on staying at least a month, hopefully more. We're one good week from turning this thing around, we're two good games from turning this around," he said.
He plans to meet with Moore in a month or to re-evaluate his status.
"We'll see. This might be something that I can't stand to do," Brett said. "I don't know. The players and I might not hit it off. I thought it best to do it on interim basis to start off with and we'll go from there."
The addition of Brett, if only on an interim basis, is sure to prove immensely popular in Kansas City where he's a revered link to the Royals' successful past. He's in the Royals' front office as vice president of baseball operations and annually serves as a hitting instructor during Spring Training.
The move also tends to reduce pressure on Yost, who has been under intense scrutiny during the Royals' recent slide in which they've lost 19 of their last 23 games including the last eight in a row.
No further staff changes are planned, according to Moore.
"This is the last move we're making," he said.
As Brett took over, his task looked formidable. Offense has been the primary culprit in the Royals' spin from a 17-10 start to the season to 21-29. With Wednesday night's crushing 5-3 loss to the Cardinals, they thudded into last place in the American League Central.
The team batting average was .261, ranking eighth in the AL, but the Royals were 13th among the 15 teams in runs scored with 199 and last in home runs by far at 28. In 16 of the 19 losses in their recent slide, they'd scored three or fewer runs.
When Brett was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999, he pointed upward and thanked his long-time hitting coach, Charley Lau. At a news conference on Thursday, he invoked his name again.
"I'm basically going to be Charley Lau's ghost," he said.
It was Lau, as the Royals' hitting coach in Brett's formative years, who got him on track.
"I'm going to use the same hitting philosophy that worked for me, and that's the one that Charley Lau taught me in 1974 when I was hitting .200 at the All-Star break in 200 at-bats with two home runs and eight RBIs. And I ended up hitting .282 and came in third for Rookie of the Year," Brett said.
"I'm going to teach these guys the same thing that enabled me to win three batting championships in three decades and get 3,000 hits. If I can do it, these guys are better athletes than I was -- they're stronger, they're faster -- they've just got to have somebody they can trust, and I trusted Charley Lau with my heart and soul, and I hope these guys will trust me."
Brett said it was difficult to verbalize Lau's philosophy, but he had some ideas on how to shape up some of the Royals' young hitters who have been struggling.
"You've got to free up your brain to allow everything else to work. And right now their brain is so discombobulated because of the lack of scoring runs and everybody's putting so much pressure on themselves," Brett said. "When you have a whole team go south, guess what? Everybody starts pressing a little bit and you try to do more than you're capable of doing. You try to stretch the strike zone sometimes. You get out of whack, out of sorts. Basically, it's just going to try to get them in a comfort range where they can have fun, be selective and drive the ball."
He paused and added, "I know one thing -- we need Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer to swing the bat good if we're going to contend."
Grifol, 43, is as anonymous as Brett is famous. Grifol was originally assigned to be hitting coach of the Rookie classification team at Surprise, Ariz. He joined the Royals' organization this year after 13 seasons in the Mariners' system, most recently as manager for Class A High Desert last year. He was on Seattle's Major League staff in the second half of 2010.
Yost, who joined Brett and Moore at the news conference, said that Brett was much more than a famous presence at the Royals' Spring Training.
"From the minute George gets there in Spring Training to the end of the day, George is working," Yost said. "George hits fungoes, throws batting practice, talks to players in the weight room and the locker room. George is there from the first day of Spring Training to the last day. I've never seen a Hall of Famer with the work ethic that he has. And you can see why George was so successful -- his attitude, his passion for the game, his want to give everything that he has for his teammates.
"We're trying to get his thing turned around. We'll do whatever it takes to get it right because Dayton, myself, George -- we all feel we have the right kids in that locker room. We've got the right ingredients. But we've got to help them get through it. We've continue to mentor them, continue to teach them and we've got to continue to grow them up. And to me, this is the perfect choice."


text:
It's been a long time since the folks have gathered. We started so many good things, and changed so much. Then…the music faded. People have kept things going and there are so many cool things going on here in Dallas.
We have to connect share and help each other grow. We all remember Spark Club, we are still trying to keep the dream alive, on our own. It's about time to come together and connect. However, many changes have taken place and as always with a change comes growth. What is the growth you ask?
We still have some of the same good people we know and love, but new people have come into the circle. This doesn't mean we've stopped there, we're still growing and still evolving into doing good. As always the people listed aren't the only ones these are just the few to highlight for now. We are also asking more of the question of what have you done lately?
We're watching TEDxSMU and loving what they say; are there things we can do to keep the great ideas going?
Who else is out there? The Dallas Engaged Professionals, the next generation of Dallas game changes. Instead of just talking they really do take action. In their words,
"Dallas Engaged Professionals (DEP) is a social impact group inspired by the minds and innovators behind TED and TEDxSMU. While learning more and more about TED and other idea sharing forums, a thought formed to create a similar TED platform, but for young professionals and millenials. Our mission is to connect passionate young professionals to enrich their community. We want to be an organization that informs, connects and collaborates with people to have a positive impact on the city of Dallas. DEP is a diverse and multifaceted group that hopes to spark people's passion for their community."
We have the continuing support of Pecha Kucha and the dynamic duo of Sarah Jane Semrad and her partner in crime Brian Murphy. We have much in store planned together for that.
Finally for this post but not for who is out there we have our team members all contributing and also of course still part of the fun we have Super Bob, Bob Wright, still leading some of the light for us. and what we are up to.
So let's get started and start changing the world. We will start updating this blog more often and start putting up a calendar of events as we go as well. It's hard to find all the things going on around us and we invite you to let us know also what is going on, big or small.


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Monday: VACANT
Tuesday: VACANT
Wednesday: VACANT
Thursday: VACANT
Friday: Anders Persson [Yote] 070 - 921 83 97
Saturday: Filip Danielsson [Arcturus] 070 - 799 58 68
Sunday: Roger Johansson [Ulvert] 070 - 418 58 04
From the look of the booking schedule at our old place it almost seemed that some of the time slots were carved in stone. We only have one room now and people that want to use it should not have to wait while someone that is supposed to use it does not. That is why I intend to check at least twice a year with the keepers of a time slot to make sure that they actually use it.
If you want a regular time slot you need to get in touch with me, which is easiest by sending a personal message to me here on the forum. If you want to play on someone else's scheduled time slot then you simply get in touch with the one that has it. Most of the time slots are assumed to be in the evening but do not expect that you can use it earlier in the day just because that is usually the case. If you are unsure just ask whoever has the time slot. A word of advice though; if someone does not answer you, that is not an invitation to show up to use their time slot.
Booking The Roleplaying Room
Här kan alla snacka om vad som helst som faller er in.
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- Mirwouk
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- Blev medlem: ons 07 mar 2007, 22:04
- Namn: Mattias Rehle
- Ort: Lund
Booking The Roleplaying Room
"The avalanche has already started, it is too late for the pebbles to vote."
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