E-quipment highlight: 4,400 hp Wabtec FLXDrive electric locomotive [update]

Metra’s diesel-engined commuter trains are familiar sights in and around Chicago, and so is the smell of spent diesel that surrounds them – but a new battery-electric FLIRT locomotive from Stadler is about to change all that, and it’s set to arrive this week. Officially dubbed the Flinker Leichter Innovativer Regional-Triebzug (FLIRT), the German-designed battery-electric locomotive promises a (wait for it …) fast, light, and innovative rapid transit solution that drops right into Chicago’s regional rail system, replacing aging diesel locomotives along the Beverly branch of Metra’s Rock Island Line between La Salle St. and Blue Island, where the trains are expected to significantly improve air quality for the people who live, work, and travel near the rails.

Matt Nelson is an automotive journalist with nearly a decade of experience in all things cars.  He's spent years working at dealerships in sales, finance, and service. He's since traded in his pens and wrenches for a keyboard, and leveraged the expertise gained from his work experience into a writing career. When it comes to cars, facts, and the truth, Matt’s equal love for all three meant automotive journalism was the only path forward. Ever since the age of six, when he’d spend his time helping his father fix his family’s old Buick, Matt has had a keen interest in anything and everything with four wheels. Naturally, once Matt started working, he ensconced himself in the automotive industry and held positions spanning from car detailer, mechanic, to automotive sales and finance. Because he’s seen it all, driven most, and heard a lot, auto journalism came naturally to him. With a passion for cars like Matt’s, it’s safe to say every article will showcase his penchant for truth, accuracy, and overarching desire to make sense of the modern, complex automotive world. This means every one of his readers can be at the forefront of the most important automotive news.

Tesla's big party trick when it re-revealed the Roadster last week was the cold thrusters that not only generate downforce but also purportedly let it "fly. " We'll let you determine for yourself how viable that last feature actually is when or if the car arrives in a real Tesla showroom, but cold thrusters that supply downforce aren't actually a new idea, nor are they exclusive to Tesla. The McMurtry Spéirling famously has a "Downforce on Demand" fan system that lets it drive upside down, and it's now come to light that Bugatti Rimac boss Mate Rimac considered something similar for the Nevera hypercar 7 years ago. In a social media video talking about the Tesla Roadster's thruster abilities, Rimac said, "Lots of people asked us if we ever considered something like that, and you would be surprised. The answer is actually yes. " He then goes on to show an email he apparently sent seven years ago detailing something he called "static downforce" inspired by Gordon Murray's Brabham BT46B Formula 1 fan car from 1978.

Today’s story about the rental car ridiculousness reminded me of a scary bill I once received from, hmm, I want to say Enterprise. Doesn’t matter. Via mail (this was in the late 90s), the company wanted me to pay the toll fees I accumulated over four days in California, which is only fair. What could it cost – ten dollars? Twenty? “See attached.” I saw attached and it was something like $1,200, with all missed tolls listed –covering several months. I highlighted the dates I was actually in California and sent a check for the tolls I missed, some six dollars and change. … And that’s the short, boring story of how I got off way easier than poor Yuehao Huang, who Avis somehow thought managed to drive 112 mph, 24 hours a day, for a full seven-day week.

Joel was previously an editor at Autoblog for nearly a decade, covering cars from humble economy hatchbacks to high-end sports cars. He has extensive driving experience with plenty of track time, and even dabbles in motorcycling. Joel has shared his experiences in the car world not just in text, but also on podcasts and web videos.

Elon Musk said Tuesday that he would like to see the consolidation of his business empire by formally merging his two largest companies, SpaceX and Tesla. “Do I think it would be a good idea? Yes,” Musk said of a potential merger. He was speaking during a question-and-answer period as part of SpaceX’s third-quarter earnings call. Musk said, ultimately, it not his decision. “But at the end of the day the shareholders have to be supportive of this.”