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Posting Leader
Posted 15 February 2025 - 01:38 PM
The first time I saw this TV ad, I laughed my a** off.
Maybe with a truck it makes sense. But many years ago, Honda tried it on their Prelude model. Didn't last long.
Anyway, it seems the city has purchased at least one of the Jimmy Denalis to use for plowing. Entertaining to watch how it follows the curved curbing at the intersections, and jogs over to clear the wide driveway approaches in front of the matchstick mansions that have gone up near me.
Race Leader
Posted 15 February 2025 - 03:13 PM
Under the heading, "what will they think of next?": at least it's not anti-phase or opposite rear wheel steering as seen on some 45-ft motor coaches. Those systems are locked out over 15-20 MPH and rightfully so. When engaged at low speed, makes the vehicle very manuverable. The back end comes around real quickly if you aren't ready for it. Stay safe.
Village Luddite
Posted 16 February 2025 - 11:00 AM
Every time I see that ad, I ask the voices in my head "Why?" Still no definitive answer.
I am not a doctor, but I played one as a child with the girl next door.
Posting Leader
Posted 16 February 2025 - 11:50 AM
Dave wrote " Honda tried it on their Prelude model. Didn't last long."
I drove a Prelude for a short time. It felt like the frame was broken in the middle. Very unnatural. 
It was a direct mechanical connection though.
So I can imagine computers adjust for speed and do a better job? But one more complexity to go wrong 
Posting Leader
Posted 16 February 2025 - 12:18 PM
I drove a showroom stock version of a Prelude at Blackhawk Farms. A little weird until I got used to it, then it drove like any other front drive car. Later that day I drove a Dodge Shelby Daytona GLHS from the same class. Much faster and more predictable.
The big advantage the GM trucks have is in parking.
Village Luddite
Posted 17 February 2025 - 10:12 AM
The big advantage the GM trucks have is in parking.
How so? Around here they take up anywhere from 2 to 4 spaces in a parking lot, depending on how big a jerk the driver is. 
I am not a doctor, but I played one as a child with the girl next door.
Posting Leader
Posted 17 February 2025 - 01:48 PM
In this area it's the high-end sedans that park cattywampus across two spots, ostensibly to keep their cars from getting door-dinged. The pick-em-ups seem to mostly behave themselves by parking between the lines or parking far away from the stores. When I was still driving I had an ongoing war with the city over this. When I found a car parked in a handicapped spot without the proper credentials I would call the police dept. and report it. But I never saw a squad respond to check it out. I'm sure they just figured I was just another crabby old man, and wished I would move the eff out of town so the builders could have my lot to build a matchstick mansion on. They pay three times the property tax I do. Some even more.
I think it may take a little while for drivers to figure out how to use the system. I watched some videos, and it is certainly easier to maneuver using it.
https://youtu.be/7_m...o81SeYE6rx0QH-t
On another note, three of my vintage racing buddies went to the Chicago Auto Show last Wednesday. These are the kind of guys that show up when the doors open, and stay until someone kicks them out. They have to see and do everything. So even if I could still walk, I wouldn't have gone with. They did all the ride-alongs, including in the new Dodge Charger EV. Of all the things they did, this stood out the most among them. One of the guys was a bit shaken up after his ride, and since he drives a Lola T-222 in the Can-Am class, that had to take quite a bit. He was the one to call me and fill me in on their day, and very likely to make me feel bad that I didn't go along. Anyway, he drove the new Hummer with the crabwalk feature. Found it very entertaining.
