3DLANES

Today we look into another Volkswagen product, the Touareg. Sources: Volkswagen Touareg – Wikipedia — Most comprehensive single reference covering all three generations, engines, production history, platform details, and sales data20 Years of the Touareg – VW Newsroom — Anniversary release covering 2022The First 21 Years – VW Newsroom — Inception and design historyCurrent Touareg Generation Ends with "Final Edition" – VW Newsroom — Discontinuation announcement, Final Edition pricing, global sales totalsTechnical Data of the New Touareg Hybrid Models – VW Newsroom — Gen 3 eHybrid and Touareg R specificationsVW to Discontinue Gas-Powered Touareg – CBT News — Discontinuation rationale and electric successor hintsVW Is Killing Its Flagship SUV As It Bets On Cheaper Models – Carscoops — Strategic portfolio shift under Oliver BlumeVolkswagen Is Saying Goodbye to Its Longest-Running SUV – Gear Patrol — Overview of the discontinuationVolkswagen Is Killing The Touareg After 24 Years – The Autopian — In-depth editorial on the Touareg's legacy and why it was underratedVolkswagen Discontinues Touareg Vehicle – Endurance Warranty — Summary of discontinuation factorsSay Goodbye to the VW Touareg in the US – CNET — US-market exit in 2017 explainedVW Retires Touareg After 24 Years – Reddit/r/cars — Community discussion with brand perception insightsHartmut Warkuss – Lifetime Achievement Award – Car Design News — Career overview and role at VW Group designHartmut Warkuss – iF Design Jury Profile — Design backgroundMurat Günak Named Head of Design at TOGG – Form Trends — Post-VW career contextThe Crazy Luxury Features of the First-Gen Touareg – Jalopnik — Gen 1 over-engineering and feature detailVW Touareg Years to Avoid – CarInterior/Alibaba — Known reliability issues by model yearVW Touareg: Is It a Reliable Car? – Endurance Warranty — Suspension, timing chain, and coolant issuesVW Touareg Suspension Issues – Brake & Front End — Air suspension failure detailVW Touareg Buyers Guide (2018–2025) – YouTube — Gen 3 powertrain prevalence data and known issuesTouareg III 3.0 V6 TSI Specs – Auto-Data.net — Gen 3 petrol engine specificationsFTC Charges Volkswagen – FTC.gov — Official US government chargeLearn About Volkswagen Violations – EPA.gov — EPA regulatory detailsVolkswagen Emissions Scandal – EBSCO Research Starters — Academic overview of the scandalNever-Sold VW Touareg Diesels Now Command Huge Money – Edmunds — Post-Dieselgate unsold TDI inventory pricingVolkswagen Touareg Price by Year and Trim – CarInterior — MSRP history across generationsUsed VW Touareg Pricing Trends – CarGurus — Current used market valuesVW Touareg Research – Cars.com — Model year research and pricingVW Touareg W12 Values Today – HotCars — W12 collectible pricingVolkswagen Touareg Annual Sales Figures – Good Car Bad Car — Year-by-year US salesVolkswagen Launches Worldwide Marketing Campaign for New Touareg – YouTube/VW — 2018 Gen 3 campaign launchadam&eveDDB's Touareg Night Vision Campaign – Marcomm News — 2020 Black Edition campaign detailsVW Marketing Strategy – Digital Agency Network — Broader VW brand marketing contextBMW X5 vs Mercedes GLE vs VW Touareg 2019 – Drive.com.au — Pricing and segment benchmarkingTouareg vs. Key Rivals – Times of Malta — Segment positioningIs VW Regretting the Name of Its Signature SUV? – Foreign Policy — Background on the "Tuareg" name origin and controversy

Today we cover Doxa.Sources:DOXA official history page:https://doxawatches.com/pages/history​Belmont Watches – “Doxa Watches: A Legacy Beneath the Surface”:https://www.belmontwatches.com/blogs/news/doxa-watches-a-legacy-beneath-the-surface​Time+Tide – “A short history of DOXA, the brand that was almost lost to history”:https://timeandtidewatches.com/diving-into-doxa-watches-history/​The Hour Markers – “Tracing The Evolution Of DOXA Watches From 1880 To 2025”:https://thehourmarkers.com/articles/doxa-watches-history​Teddy Baldassarre – “Doxa Sub Review: The Iconic Dive Watch You Should Know More About”:https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/doxa-sub-review​Europa Star – “Doxa: the spectacular comeback”:https://www.europastar.com/the-watch-files/independent-watchmakers/1004093591-doxa-the-spectacular-comeback.html​The Hour Glass – “Deep Diving Into Conversation with DOXA CEO Jan Edöcs”:https://www.thehourglass.com/story/jan-edocs-doxa-ceo-interview-watches-of-switzerland​FH (Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry) – “Doxa 1889 pursues its international deployment”:https://www.fhs.swiss/eng/2019_09_05_03_Doxa_1889.html​Analog:Shift – “A Guide to DOXA Dive Watches”:https://www.analogshift.com/blogs/transmissions/doxa-dive-watches-guide-history​Fratello – “The Rolex Sea-Dweller Vs. Doxa's Sub 300T – A Battle For The Burly-Wristed”:https://www.fratellowatches.com/the-rolex-sea-dweller-vs-doxas-sub-300t-a-battle-for-the-burly-wristed/​Fratello – “Recap: The Best Dive Watches of 2023”:https://monochrome-watches.com/recap-best-dive-watches-2023-monochrome-watches-doxa-omega-tudor-longines-seiko/​Wrist Enthusiast – “12 Best Dive Watches Under $5,000 for 2025”:https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/dive-watches-under-5000​Teddy Baldassarre – “The 62 Best Dive Watches (2026)”:https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/best-dive-watches​Deloitte – “Swiss watch industry study 2023” (PDF):https://www.wjinitiative2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Deloitte_swiss-watch-industry-study-2023_EN.pdf​Deloitte – Swiss Watch Industry Study 2025 press release:https://www.deloitte.com/ch/en/about/press-room/swiss-watch-industry-study-2025.html​FHH – “Swiss watch industry fights back”:https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/en/watches-and-culture/library/swiss-watch-industry-fights-back​Swatch Group / COMCO material on ETA movements:https://monochrome-watches.com/swatch-group-ban-lifted-on-eta-movement-deliveries-industry-news/​https://calibercorner.com/eta-watch-movements-unavailable/​https://www.swatchgroup.com/en/services/archive/2019/mechanical-movements-comcos-dictate-harms-swiss-watch-industry​https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/swatch-group-gets-green-light-in-mechanical-movements-case​Microbrands list (market context):https://microbrandwatchworld.com/reviews/the-complete-microbrands-list/​Moneyhouse – Doxa Uhren AG registry entry:https://www.moneyhouse.ch/en/company/doxa-uhren-ag-21207787411​Grail Watch Wiki – Doxa entry:https://wiki.grail-watch.com/index.php/Doxa​Market context on DOXA vs other luxury dive brands:https://lavianojewelers.com/blogs/news/how-do-doxa-watches-compare-to-other-luxury-dive-watch-brands​Secondary market / pricing references (examples):https://www.chrono24.com/doxa/index.htm​https://everywatch.com/doxa​

Today we talk about the Minolta XG-M a film camera that marked a transition period for the brand. Sources: Minolta XG-M – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minolta_XG-MLENS-DB – Minolta XG-M: https://lens-db.com/camera/minolta-xg-m-1982/The Rokkor Files – Minolta XG Series: https://www.rokkorfiles.com/XG%20Series.htmRandom Camera Blog – “The Minolta XG-M”: https://randomphoto.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-minolta-xg-m.htmlAperture Preview – “The Legacy of Minolta”: https://www.aperturepreview.com/the-legacy-of-minoltaRelics Film Lab – Minolta XG-M product page: https://relicsfilmlab.com/products/minolta-xg-mKamerastore – Minolta XG-M listing: https://kamerastore.com/en-us/products/minolta-xg-m-minolta-mdEtsy listing (example XG-M with 45mm f/2): https://www.etsy.com/listing/1863257614/minolta-xg-m-35mm-film-slr-camera-withCollectiblend – Minolta XG-M price guide: https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Minolta/Minolta-XG-M.html678 Vintage Cameras – “The Contraction(s) of the Camera Market – Part 2”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/the-contractions-of-the-camera-market-part-2678 Vintage Cameras – “First Movers – Part 2”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/do-first-movers-always-win-part-2Company-Histories.com – Minolta Co., Ltd.: https://www.company-histories.com/Minolta-Co-Ltd-Company-History.htmlPetaPixel – “Minolta: Tales of a Forgotten Camera Maker”: https://petapixel.com/minolta-history/Canon AE-1 – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_AE-1678 Vintage Cameras – “Minolta Capacitors”: https://www.678vintagecameras.ca/blog/what-was-up-with-minolta-and-capacitorsEverything Vintage – XG-M capacitor replacement: https://everythingvintage.uk/vintage-camera/minolta-xg-m-capacitor-replacement/Photrio – XG-M capacitor replacement thread: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/minolta-xg-m-replacing-the-electrolytic-capacitors.203831/Reddit – r/minolta XG-M reliability discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/minolta/comments/o8iicn/minolta_xgm_reliability/Reddit – r/AnalogCommunity pricing/Minolta XG discussion (example): https://www.reddit.com/r/AnalogCommunity/1981 Minolta XG-M ad (example listing): https://www.ebid.net/us/for-sale/1981-minolta-xg-m-camera-ad-not-following-the-crowd-159299274.htmEtsy 1981 XG-M ad scan: https://www.etsy.com/listing/914585507/minolta-xg-m-ad-from-1981-81-lif-04Minolta XG-M user manual (PDF): http://www.sandkuhl-online.de/Minolta/XG-Serie/XGM/UserManual/UM-XGM.pdfMinolta XG-M advertising brochure (PDF): https://www.rokkorfiles.com/Advertising/XG-M.pdfCapture.com – “20 1980s Cameras Ranked from Best to Worst”: https://www.capture.com/blogs/photo/1980s-camera-best-to-worstBob Simmons Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/bobsimmons/p/still-the-perfect-starter-why-the?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

We spoke about the Toyota hybrid system before, but what is the bad of it? I mean not everything can be positive. Find out here.Sources:Toyota Global – Toyota Hybrid System II overviewhttps://global.toyota/en/powertrain/ths/[global]​Toyota UK – “Toyota hybrid – how does it work?”https://mag.toyota.co.uk/how-does-toyota-hybrid-work/[mag.toyota.co]​Wikipedia – Hybrid Synergy Drivehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hybrid_Synergy_Drive[en.wikipedia]​Green Car Journal – Inside Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drivehttps://greencarjournal.com/dont-miss/inside-toyotas-hybrid-synergy-drive/[greencarjournal]​PCauto – “Detailed analysis of Toyota's different hybrid systems: THS, HYBRID MAX, i-FORCE MAX, PHEV, Multi-stage”https://www.pcauto.com/my/news/detailed-analysis-of-toyotas-different-hybrid-systems-ths-hybrid-max-i-force-max-phev-multi-stage[pcauto]​Toyota of Orlando – How is the Tundra hybrid system different from the Prius hybrid system?https://www.toyotaoforlando.com/blogs/6087/how-is-the-tundra-hybrid-system-different-from-the-prius-hybrid-system[toyotaoforlando]​Whitby Toyota – i‑FORCE MAX Hybrid or Standard Engine (Tundra guide)https://www.whitbytoyota.com/en/news/view/i-force-max-hybrid-or-standard-engine-2025-toyota-tundra-buyer-s-guide/143797[whitbytoyota]​Toyota Pressroom – Toyota Crown with HYBRID MAX powertrainhttps://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-crown-returns-to-the-us-with-bold-style-and-new-hybrid-max-powertrain/[pressroom.toyota]​Car and Driver – Toyota Hybrid Cars: The Complete Lineup From Prius To Tundrahttps://www.caranddriver.com/features/g62840247/toyota-hybrid-cars/[caranddriver]​Toyota UK – Why does Toyota use Atkinson cycle engines?https://mag.toyota.co.uk/toyota-use-atkinson-cycle-engines/[mag.toyota.co]​Wikipedia – Atkinson cyclehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atkinson_cycle[en.wikipedia]​Green Car Reports – Study: Toyota has the longest‑lasting hybridshttps://www.greencarreports.com/news/1127273_study-toyota-has-the-longest-lasting-hybrids[greencarreports]​A3 Global – How long should a hybrid battery last?https://www.a3global.com/how-long-should-hybrid-battery-last[a3global]​Axio Auto – How long do Toyotas last?https://www.axioauto.com/blog/2025/october/1/how-long-do-toyotas-last-a-complete-guide-to-longevity-and-reliability.htm[axioauto]​Crown Toyota – Hybrid Maintenance: Unveiling the Myths and Realitieshttps://www.crowntoyota.com/blogs/5040/hybrid-maintenance-unveiling-the-myths-and-realities[crowntoyota]​Hagerty – Piston Slap: Hybrid Engine Wear When Cold?https://www.hagerty.com/media/advice/piston-slap/piston-slap-hybrid-engine-wear-when-cold/[hagerty]​AutoExpert – The truth about oil dilution with fuel (and how you can fix it)https://autoexpert.com.au/posts/the-truth-about-oil-dilution-with-fuel-and-how-you-can-fix-it[autoexpert.com]​Reddit – Oil dilution in 2023 Highlander Hybridhttps://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/1aknxne/oil_dilution_due_to_gasoline_in_my_2023/[reddit]​Bob Is The Oil Guy – Hybrid ICE wear discussionhttps://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/hybrid-ice-wear.287947/[bobistheoilguy]​GreenTec Auto – Toyota RAV4 Hybrid battery replacement cost in 2025https://greentecauto.com/toyota-rav4-hybrid-battery-replacement-cost-in-2025-everything-you-need-to-know/[greentecauto]​Ken Ganley Toyota – Toyota Hybrid Battery Service & Replacement Costhttps://www.kenganleytoyotaakron.com/toyota-hybrid-battery-service[kenganleytoyotaakron]​

There was a car feature that has been not banned but "discouraged" for automakers, the auto start-stop system. Is it worth having it? Or is it better to get rid of it? Find out more here.Sources:Consumer Reports – “Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy?”https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a10282359consumerreports+1Edmunds – “Do Stop-Start Systems Really Save Fuel?”https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/do-stop-start-systems-really-save-fuel.html[edmunds]​USA Today (Edmunds data summary) – “Does auto start-stop actually save you gas when driving?”https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/research/2025/09/08/auto-start-stop-disable-good-for-car-fuel-effiency/85972474007/[usatoday]​AAA – “AAA’s Tests Reveal Real-World Benefits of Automatic Stop-Start Technology”https://newsroom.aaa.com/2014/07/aaas-tests-reveal-real-world-benefits-automatic-stop-start-technology/[newsroom.aaa]​NAPA – “Stop-Start Technology — Pros and Cons”https://knowhow.napaonline.com/stop-start-technology-pros-and-cons/napatexas+1SAE / ORNL technical paper – “Auto Stop-Start Fuel Consumption Benefits”(SAE landing page) https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2023-01-0346/[sae]​(ORNL summary) https://www.ornl.gov/publication/auto-stop-start-fuel-consumption-benefits[ornl]​New York Times – “Trump Administration Ends Credit for Start-Stop Feature in Cars”https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/15/business/energy-environment/epa-tax-credits-stop-start-ignition-cars.html[nytimes]​AutoConnectedCar – “EPA Rescinds Endangerment Finding & Kills Start-Stop Off-Cycle Credits”https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2026/02/epa-rescinds-endangerment-finding-kills-start-stop-off-cycle-credits/[autoconnectedcar]​Fox News – “Obama-era greenhouse gas rules gone as EPA’s Zeldin signs ‘single largest deregulatory action’ in history”https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-era-greenhouse-gas-rules-gone-epas-zeldin-signs-single-largest-deregulatory-action-history[foxnews]​

The Porsche 911E, another iteration of the 911. But what made it so special that needed a different letter after the 911 designation? Fuel Injection.

The Hasselblad 500 series? Do you know how many iterations are there? Me either, but we can find out together on this episode. I call this camera the speedmaster of the film cameras, find out why.

Did you think the Porsche 911 was just "911"? Well, there are many iterations of the model, and I am on a mission to help you know them better.

I knew about the X-T Series, I made an episode about those. What is the XH Series? Is it a new line, old line of cameras? Let me tell you about it.

The Fuji XF 16-55mm f2.8, is it still good? It was made on 2014. Let me tell you my experience and a product analysis of this lens.Sources:Product Reviews and Technical Informationhttps://www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-16-55-f28-long-term-reviewhttps://dustinabbott.net/2025/01/fujinon-xf-16-55mm-f2-8-r-lm-wr-ii-review/https://www.reddit.com/r/FujifilmX/comments/1h513qu/early_verdict_on_the_fujifilm_xf1655mm_f28_r_lm/https://fujilove.com/fraternising-with-the-enemy-a-review-of-the-xf16-55mmf2-8/https://www.fujivsfuji.com/fuji-xf-16-55mm-f2pt8-wr-reviewhttps://matthewstorerphotography.com/blog/post/fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-complete-reviewhttps://www.reddit.com/r/FujifilmX/comments/1g5us5y/xf_1655_28_discussion_examples_proscons/https://roverroams.com/blog/my-thoughts-on-fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-f28-r-lm-wr-ii-its-a-game-changerhttps://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/fuji-xf-16-55mm-f-2-8-strengths-and-the-one-weakness.4363490/https://exposuretherapy.ca/fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-f2-8-r-lm-wr-review-still-worth-it/https://www.theinspiredeye.net/fujifilm/fuji-16-55mm-f28-review/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lm5a5hKYVIEhttps://www.alexarmitage.com/blog/2025/11/6/fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-f28-ii-first-impressionshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX7QdxzySUkhttps://www.yahoo.com/tech/fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-f-100020877.htmlhttps://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/xf16-55-f2-8-mark-ii-initial-impressions.4785751/https://www.fujifilm.com/jp/en/news/hq/11806https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/news/digital-cameras/fujifilm-announces-fujinon-xf16-55mmF2-8-r-lm-wr-IIhttps://www.fujifilm-x.com/global/products/x-mount-lens-roadmap/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gp2_gly7Xwhttps://www.canonrumors.com/fujifilm-announces-the-xf-16-55mm-f2-8-r-lm-wr-ii-and-the-xf-500mm-f5-6-2/https://bjornmoerman.blogspot.com/2015/01/first-look-at-fujifilm-xf-16-55-f-28-r.htmlhttps://petapixel.com/2024/10/14/fujifilms-xf-16-55mm-f-2-8-r-lm-wr-ii-shrinks-and-modernizes-popular-pro-standard-zoom/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCYzyJsNbdchttps://www.dpreview.com/forums/threads/hugh-brownstones-review-of-sigmas-18-50mm-f-2-8-dc-dn-vs-xf-16-55-f-2-8.4684978/https://www.fujirumors.com/size-specs-comparison-fujinon-xf16-55mmf2-8-ii-vs-i-vs-sigma-18-50mmf2-8/https://ollyheadey.com/blog/sigma-18-50-vs-fujifilm-16-50-wrhttps://versus.com/en/fujifilm-xf-16-55mm-f-2-8-r-lm-wr-ii-vs-sigma-16mm-f-1-4-dc-dn-sony-e-mounthttps://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-fujifilm-x-mount-mirrorless-lenses/https://www.oreateai.com/blog/strategic-analysis-of-why-fujifilm-chooses-not-to-enter-the-fullframe-market/2fd07e155caa3c17c3278https://www.reddit.com/r/fujix/comments/1oajb7s/a_beginners_guide_to_fuji_xmount_lenses_my_two/https://www.fujirumors.com/camera-market-2024-fujifilm-leads-mirrorless-growth-but-budget-dslrs-still-outsell-fujifilm-or-why-wehttps://www.kevinmullinsphotography.co.uk/blog/top-4-fujifilm-lenseshttps://www.fujirumors.com/fujifilms-secret-lens-roadmap-exposed-are-these-really-the-next-7-x-mount-lenses/https://www.thephoblographer.com/2025/09/27/our-5-favourite-aps-c-cameras-from-fujifilm/https://petapixel.com/2025/08/13/fujifilm-navigates-the-changing-photo-industry-better-than-anyone/https://lesdeuxpiedsdehors.com/en/fujifilm-x-mount-lenses-list/https://www.reddit.com/r/fujifilm/comments/1lq877v/fujifilm_is_professional/https://fujixweekly.com/2025/10/30/has-fujifilm-regained-its-soul/https://www.fujirumors.com/breaking-fujifilm-x-m5-xf16-55mmf2-8-ii-and-xf500mmf5-6-pricing-revealed-in-e/https://revenueml.com/insights/case-studies/price-positioning-industrial-camera-manufacturinghttps://www.reddit.com/r/fujifilm/comments/11ca969/xf_1655mm_f28_is_made_in_philippines_instead_of/https://phys.org/news/2015-04-science-price-camera.htmlhttps://insights.made-in-china.com/5-Strategies-to-Lower-Optical-Lens-Production-Costs-While-Meeting-User-Expectations

If you have wondered about the Porsche nomenclature, you are not alone. But we start here, with the 911S.Sources:Porsche – A brief history of the Porsche 911https://www.porsche.com/stories/innovation/a-brief-history-of-the-porsche-911/​Porsche Newsroom – Porsche Historical Background: 1948–2025https://newsroom.porsche.com/en_US/company/porsche-cars-north-america-historical-background-18072.html​Porsche Newsroom – History: 911 S (ST) (1969–1972)https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/press-kits/911-s-t/History-911-S-ST--1969-to-1972.html​Porsche Newsroom – 60 years of the Porsche 911https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/press-kits/911-s-t/60-years-of-the-Porsche-911.html​Stuttcars – Porsche 911 – Ultimate Guide (Every Generation & Variant)https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-model-research/porsche-911-research/​Wikipedia – Porsche 911https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porsche_911​Excellence Magazine – 1967 911 S Coupe (911) | Specshttps://www.excellence-mag.com/resources/specs/24​Stuttcars – Porsche 911 S 2.0 (1967–1969)https://www.stuttcars.com/porsche-911-s-1966/​Hagerty – 1967 Porsche 911 S | Valuation Toolshttps://www.hagerty.com/valuation-tools/porsche/911/1967/1967-porsche-911-s​Porsche Newsroom – Plain beauty – Porsche advertising ads between 1964 and todayhttps://newsroom.porsche.com/en/history/porsche-advertising-ads-between-1964-and-today-10957.html​

The revival of the VW microbus, a car that hopefully was going to be VW's resurgence... What happened? Why did it fail so bad?Sources:https://www.thedrive.com/news/vw-calls-off-2026-id-buzz-in-us-and-it-may-never-come-back ()​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIROMJsamug ()​https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments/1kxnmxk/vw_id_buzz_why_is_it_not_working_out_in_the_us ()​https://driveteslacanada.ca/news/vw-pulls-the-plug-on-2026-id-buzz-in-the-u-s/ ()​https://electrek.co/2025/12/19/volkswagen-shelves-electric-minibus-for-us-not-forever ()​https://www.volkswagenstatecollege.com/blog/2025/january/23/volkswagen-id-buzz-vs-kia-ev9.htm ()​https://www.mckinsey.com/features/mckinsey-center-for-future-mobility/our-insights/new-twists-in-the-electric-vehicle-transition ()​https://www.teamvw.com/research/id-buzz-vs-kia-ev9.htm ()​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIROMJsamug (web]https://www.electrive.com/2025/05/07/vw-to-recall-over-5000-id-buzz-vans ()​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIROMJsamug (web1]https://evxl.co/2025/12/19/vw-id-buzz-cancelled-for-2026 ()​https://evxl.co/2025/12/19/vw-id-buzz-cancelled-for-2026 ()​https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/03/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-adjusts-imports-of-automobiles ()​https://www.cnet.com/home/electric-vehicles/heres-why-people-are-willing-to-pay-more-for-an-ev ()​https://chargedevs.com/features/ev-minivans-vw-id-buzz-lucid-gravity-expand-electrics-into-family-van-territory ()​https://www.utilitydive.com/news/EY-mobility-lens-forecaster-us-fall-behind-china-global-race-evs-hybrids/761448 ()​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeWpglVHKyM ()​https://www.theautopian.com/wtf-is-going-on-with-the-volkswagen-id-buzz ()​https://media.vw.com/releases/1088 ()​https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62406859/volkswagen-id-buzz-dealer-allocations-on-sale-thanksgiving ()​https://www.creativereview.co.uk/vw-id-buzz-campaign ()​https://www.reddit.com/r/electricvehicles/comments/1kxnmxk/vw_id_buzz_why_is_it_not_working_out_in_the_us ()​https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a35978649/voltswagen-name-change-shows-vw-has-no-clue ()​https://haigpartners.com/resources/volkswagens-rivian-investment-scout-direct-to-consumer-strategy-and-cupra-introduction ()​https://haigpartners.com/resources/volkswagens-rivian-investment-scout-direct-to-consumer-strategy-and-cupra-introduction ()​https://evannex.com/blogs/news/tesla-vs-legacy-automakers-who-s-leading-the-ev-race-in-2024 ()​https://www.mckinsey.com/features/mckinsey-center-for-future-mobility/our-insights/new-twists-in-the-electric-vehicle-transition ()​https://www.utilitydive.com/news/EY-mobility-lens-forecaster-us-fall-behind-china-global-race-evs-hybrids/761448 ()​https://www.autoblog.com/news/kia-ev9-outselling-hyundai-ioniq-9-comparison ()

What was a good example of the Japanese manufacturing revolution but in cars? We spoke about watches, cameras and now cars. The Datsun 510 came to kick butt.Sources:Datsun 510 model overview, specs, variants, and production years: Wikipedia “Datsun 510”.​Narrative history, development story, positioning vs BMW/VW, and enthusiast impact: Silodrome, “A Brief History of the Datsun 510 – Everything You Need to Know.”​Modern retrospective on the 510’s market impact and classic‑car status: Hagerty, “Datsun’s 510 is a fun Japanese classic on the rise.”​General history, design influences, and global model range: The Gentleman Racer, “Everything You Need To Know About The Datsun 510.”​Nissan corporate heritage view of the 510 and its role in U.S. expansion: Nissan Heritage Collection spotlight: Datsun 510 (Nissan USA).​BRE racing program, John Morton, and Trans‑Am U2.5 championships: Petrolicious, “One-On-One With The BRE Datsun 510 And The Man That Drove It To Trans Am Victory.” and Nissan USA Newsroom photo/info page “1971 Datsun 510 BRE #46.”​Additional BRE racing detail and legacy of the #46 car: Z Car Garage, “The 1971 Datsun BRE 510 #46 at Z Car Garage.”​Short historical overview of the Bluebird/510 coupe and its motorsport significance: Japanese Nostalgic Car, “A Brief History of the Nissan 510 Bluebird Coupe.”​Period‑style and retrospective drive review with U.S. pricing/context: MotorTrend Classic, “Drive: Five & Dime, 1968–1973 Datsun 510.”​

Is the Watch Industry moral and ethical? What is the difference between Morality and ethics? let's discuss. Sources:Human Rights Watch – “The Hidden Cost of Jewelry: Human Rights in Supply Chains and the Responsibility of Jewelry Companies.”​Human Rights Watch – “Sparkling Jewels, Opaque Supply Chains: Jewelry Companies, Changing Sourcing Practices, and Human Rights Due Diligence.”​New York Times – “The Watch Industry Lacks Transparency. That Is Changing.”​Zenith – “Responsible Business Practices Policy.”​Code41 / coverage of Code41’s transparency model and cost breakdowns (e.g., NYT article and brand transparency pages).​Rotation Horlogère – “The Ethics Behind Luxury Watches.”​BlockApps – “Pricing Tactics: How to Maximize Profits in the Luxury Watch Market.”​BlockApps – “Understanding Brand Heritage and Its Impact on Value.”​Watch Advice – “How Much Does It Cost To Produce A Luxury Watch?”​Billow Time – “How Much Does It Cost to Manufacture a Watch?”​Fratello Watches – “Watch Prices Keep Rising — Is Greed Killing The Watch Industry?”​Fratello Watches – “Watch Prices Keep Rising — Is That A Good Thing?”​Luxury Bazaar – “Breaking Down Rolex Prices: Retail vs. Actual Market for Top Models.”​Rotation/industry commentary on machine-made vs hand-assembled movements and efficiency.​Articles explaining why luxury watches are expensive and what drives value (craftsmanship, materials, heritage).​

Near Field Communication and Digital Product Passports in the watch industry. Top 10 Sources:** Breitling Official Digital Passport Page** - https://www.breitling.com/us-en/about/digital-passport/ - Primary source detailing Breitling's blockchain implementation, the first luxury watch brand to extend the technology to all watches (October 2020).​** Panerai Digital Product Passport Case Study (Arianee)** - https://www.arianee.com/use-cases/panerai-elevating-luxury-watch-ownership-with-digital-product-passports - Detailed documentation of Panerai's DPP launch (October 2023) and Pam.Guard platform features.​** Panerai Official Digital Passport Launch (Arianee)** - https://www.arianee.com/news/panerai-launches-the-new-digital-passport-for-its-watches - Technical overview of Panerai's blockchain integration and ownership transfer mechanisms.​** Protokol: How Blockchain is Transforming the Luxury Watch Industry** - https://www.protokol.com/insights/how-blockchain-is-transforming-the-luxury-watch-industry/ - Comprehensive analysis of blockchain applications in watchmaking, including supply chain transparency and authentication use cases.​** LVMH Aura Blockchain Consortium Announcement** - https://www.pradagroup.com/en/news-media/press-releases-documents/2021/21-04-20-aura-blockchain-consortium.html - Official announcement of the Aura Blockchain Consortium formed by LVMH, Prada, and Cartier, covering Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Dior Watches.​** Verix: Blockchain Authentication Redefines Luxury Transparency** - https://www.verix.io/blog/blockchain-luxury-authentication - In-depth explanation of how blockchain DPPs work for luxury goods, including digital twin functionality and immutability benefits.​** Rolex Patent-Pending Watch Certificate System** - https://www.perpetualpassion.com/en/2024/09/20/rolex-rivoluziona-lautenticazione-chip-nft-e-blockchain-per-proteggere-i-suoi-oro - Detailed analysis of Rolex's August 2024 WIPO patent filing for blockchain-based authentication with NFT chips.​** Chronoexpert: How Blockchain Secures Watch Authentication** - https://chronoexpert.co.uk/how-blockchain-secures-watch-authentication/ - Technical deep-dive covering physical implementation details, NFC chips, QR codes, and practical authentication processes.​** Reddit Discussion: NFC Tags and Serial Numbers for Authentication** - https://www.reddit.com/r/rolex/comments/1gye95q/can_a_warranty_card_with_an_nfc_tag_and_the/ - Detailed technical explanation of how NFC warranty cards work with watch serial numbers and dynamic URL generation using NTAG 424 DNA encryption.​** Europa Star: Decoding Web3 Solutions in Watchmaking - Aura Blockchain** - https://www.europastar.com/the-watch-files/the-digital-transformation-of-watchmaking/1004093881-decoding-web3-solutions-in-watch - Comprehensive overview of Aura Blockchain consortium's implementation across multiple luxury watch brands and AI-based authentication approaches.​

Some questions about the last episode triggered the creation of this one. Yes, homologation is still a thing but different than before.

The 911R a statement in 1967 and 2016. Two different cars, similar purpose but different approach. Sources for this episode: Porsche Newsroom (official brand history, product specs, strategy, limited production details, promotional narratives)​Classic Driver (detailed model history, original development context, Ferdinand Piëch’s influence)​Revs Institute (historical archives, homologation, racing documentation)​Sports Car Digest (market pricing, auction results, collector context)​Conceptcarz (sales data, historical price references)​GTspirit, Supercars.net, Ecurie (racing, product differentiation, design philosophy)​Excellence Magazine, Love for Porsche (technical specs, motorsport narratives, record achievements)​Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, Motor Trend (2016 911R product positioning, testing, price/context)​Autotrader, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Stuttcars (collector and market positioning for both editions)​Everything-PR, BrandVM, Business Model Analyst, MBA Skool, IIDE (marketing strategies and 4P analysis references)​China Daily, AIADA.org (Porsche dealer network evolution/distribution strategy)​GoToTheGrid (motorsport performance brand positioning)​Sports-Purpose (early racing and homologation analysis)​

What are discoveries or technology advancements that the watch industry has contributed to the world? Also what are some advancements that the watch industry has adopted from other industries?Sources:Seiko/Epson: Technology developed for the world’s first quartz watch and subsequent diffusion into ICs, crystal devices, and broader electronics applications.​Seiko/Epson: World’s first six‑digit field‑effect LCD digital wristwatch and LCD evolution into mainstream displays.​Epson corporate overview: Quartz devices from timepieces to communications infrastructure; GPS radio‑controlled watches; synthetic quartz manufacturing; power‑saving ICs; Magic Lever.​Seiko Museum: Quartz Crisis history and how quartz oscillators, CMOS‑ICs, and LCDs proliferated into IT, telecoms, autos, and networks.​Epson “80‑Year Journey”: Seiko Quartz Astron as inflection point in timekeeping and electronics.​Hoptroff: Technical overview of quartz revolution mechanics and industry impact.​Watchmaking to medtech precision: WatchDec/EPHJ overview of Swiss high‑precision micro‑machining for medical components.​Swiss machining for medical implants and devices (industry practice and tolerances).​CNC Swiss turning’s value in medical device manufacturing (tolerances, micro‑parts).​Décovi: Swiss high‑precision machined parts supplier serving watchmaking and medtech.​easyDec: Precision turning bridging watchmaking and medtech.​IWC x DLR: Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) watch cases adapted from aerospace; process, properties, and collaboration details.​IWC Journal: In‑depth CMC explainer with DLR researchers; material hardness, case manufacturing, aerospace linkage.​SJX: Technical details of IWC’s CMC development and uniqueness in watchmaking.​DLR: Communication on technology transfer “from spaceflight to watch case”.​WorldTempus: Carbon fiber in watches and roots in aerospace/automotive composites.​WatchGecko: How anti‑magnetic watches work; rise of silicon and non‑magnetic alloys.​The 1916 Company: Materials and construction used to achieve high anti‑magnetic resistance in modern watches.​Chrono24 Magazine: Overview of anti‑magnetic standards and technologies.​FDA: Framework and examples for sensor‑based digital health technologies, including smartwatches and rings.​Medical Device Network: FDA 510(k) clearance for Cardiosense CardioTag wearable (ECG, PPG, SCG).​Medical Economics: CardioTag FDA clearance details and clinical signal modalities.​EMPR: Clinical evidence context for CardioTag’s multimodal sensing.​Seiko Museum: Alternative power sources for quartz watches (solar, kinetic, thermic) and GPS Solar examples.​Reservoir: Kinetic watch principles and energy conversion (Auto Quartz lineage).​Solios: Solar‑powered watch considerations and consumer‑level sustainability.​NFC Forum recap: Device‑first approach and adoption trends in NFC wearables.​Market insights: NFC smartwatch/wearable payment adoption and market scale.​Wearable payment device market overview (penetration and growth drivers).​Nanalyze: Nanotechnology waterproofing for electronics and wearables.​EDN: How nanotech coatings waterproof smartphones; relevance to compact wearables.​IEEE case study: Reliability of waterproof tests on wearable electronics.

Did you hear about the Michelin Pilot Sport Endurance tires? Let me tell you more about these racing tires.Key sources include:Environmental research on tire pollution from Yale Environment 360, Nature journals, EPA assessments, and European regulatory bodiesMichelin corporate announcements on the Pilot Sport Endurance (June 2025 reveal, technical specifications, sustainability data)Financial data from Michelin's 2024 Annual Results, investor presentations, and third-party market analysisMotorsport industry reporting from Sportscar365, DailySportsCar, RACER, and official WEC/IMSA communicationsMarket research from IMARC Group, Allied Market Research, Future Market Insights on sustainable tire marketsSupply chain and manufacturing insights from industry publications and Michelin sustainability reportsCompetitive intelligence on Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and Pirelli sustainable tire initiatives

The Hyundai Excel has a special palce in my heart. It was my first car. Rest In Peace flat red.