Wheel Bearings
https://wheelbearings.media
Updated 6 days agoWheel Bearings is a podcast about cars and transportation hosted by Sam Abuelsamid, Nicole Wakelin and Roberto Baldwin
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Episodes (462)
It's Not Just Another Hyundai
In the garage this week, Sam has been driving one of the last car-shaped Volkswagens still available in America, the 2021 Arteon SE 2.0T and finds that yes, it can almost swallow a thick queen-size mattress through its sleek hatchback rear opening. Before jetting off to Munich for the IAA Mobility show, Roberto spent time in the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the first battery electric model from the Swedish brand. Nicole spent her time with the 2022 Genesis GV70, a lifted, wagonish version of the lovely G70.Since our last recording session, Audi unveiled the GrandSphere concept, a preview of its new design direction as it goes all electric. Another brand going all electric is Cadillac and their first battery model is the upcoming Lyriq. Sam got to spend three hours with the team developing it and shares some thoughts. Finally, Nicole and Sam got to drive the 2022 Infiniti QX60 which also has a new design language for the brand although it lacks any electrification at this point. Nicole and Sam also speak with group VP of Infiniti Americas, Jeff Pope.LinksAudi GrandSphere conceptAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Mars Is Not The Utopia Elon Thinks It Is
This week in the garage, Sam is driving the Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge as it heads into its final model year before a complete redesign as an all-electric utility with a new name. Roberto got to the drive the Porsche Macan S and GT and gives an initial impression of the Ford Bronco that just landed in his driveway. Meanwhile Nicole takes advantage of some apparently rare nice weather in New Hampshire to drop the top on the new BMW 430i Convertible.We had special guest Jamie Kitman join us to talk about those cars and a whole lot more including his great new feature on Elon Musk for the British magazine, The Road Rat. Jamie discusses Elon, his car collection and dives into the prospects of electric restomods and driver assistance for large vehicles.LinksThe Road RatRobbie reviews the Porsche MacanPre-order the Ford Eluminator crate motor for your restomodAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
One Heading Out The Door, The Other Heading In
In the garage this week Nicole has one car on the way out of production, the 2021 Mazda6 Signature and another on the way, the 2022 Toyota GR86. Sam had the 2021 Hyundai Veloster N with its new 8-spd dual clutch transmission that behaves just like a good manual would. Roberto got sit in but not drive the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq and only briefly drive the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt.The Bolt had to leave Robbie's driveway after barely 24 hrs because GM issued a recall of all the Bolts made so far to replace the batteries. The New York Auto Show got cancelled again because of Covid, but Genesis decided to release photos of its first EV that scheduled to appear there, the new GV60 and Robbie did some real-time photoshop work to change the color to something better suited to the brand. Another car that did make a NY debut even without an auto show is the 2023 Nissan 400Z which is basically unchanged from the Proto we saw last year. Sam discusses his first impressions of Ford's hands-free BlueCruise driving assist feature and we wrap with listener questions.LinksGenesis GV60Chevrolet Bolt battery recall2023 Nissan 400ZAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Classic Nameplates Return
This week the whole crew did some travelling with Nicole and Sam going to New York to drive the new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer while Roberto went to Monterey in a Lamborghini Urus and got some seat time in a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster. Robbie also got to check out the new Countach while he was there. While Roberto didn't go to Acura's event, we discuss the return of the Integra in 2022. Other stuff we drove included Nicole's time with the 2021 Toyota Sienna, Hyundai Santa Cruz and Nissan Frontier while Sam came home to the Audi SQ7. Finally, there is discussion of Nissan possibly jumping into the compact truck segment with an electric example and some listener questions including whether yellow is a suitable color for a sports car.links2022 Jeep Wagoneer first driveLamborghini Countach LPI 800-4Acura Integra is coming back Electric Nissan Compact pickupAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Launching, Road Tripping and Parking
We had a bit of a break as both Nicole and Sam were travelling but we're back with a full garage. Roberto drove the standard and RS versions of the Audi e-Tron GT. Nicole had a trio from the Hyundai Motor Group starting with the refreshed 2021 Santa Fe and then the Genesis GV80 and G70. Sam had a trio of very different utility vehicles starting with the 2022 Acura MDX A-Spec and the Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid and finished with taking a road trip in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.In the news we discuss some of the challenges of charging an EV on a road trip, the cancellation of the New York Auto Show, President Biden's executive order on electric vehicles and fuel economy and what may have transpired between Elon Musk and Tim Cook. Sam interviewed Kevin Mull from Bosch, Craig Stephens from Ford and Heather Willberger, CIO of Bedrock about the new Detroit Smart Parking Lab. As usual we wrap up with listener questionsLinksBiden EV executive orderWhat did Tim say to ElonRoad Trip EV chargingDetroit Smart Parking LabAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ultra Fine, Fine and Ok
This week in the garage, Roberto has the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Sam is driving the one of the last traditional full-size sedans in America, the Toyota Avalon Hybrid and Nicole is in the improved and refreshed 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.In the news, while Robbie was in Europe, he also got to try out the new Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot system, a level 3 conditional automation system that let's you go hands off and eyes off, but you can't take a nap yet. Stateside, Sam tried out a prototype of the updated 2022 GMC Sierra with Super Cruise that let's you go hands-free while towing a trailer but you have to keep eyes on the road. In the world of truly self-driving cars, Argo AI is teaming up with Lyft to deploy robotaxis in Austin and Miami.LinksMercedes-Benz Drive Pilot2022 GMC Sierra Super CruiseArgo Robotaxis on Lyft in Austin and MiamiCrutchfieldAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sweet, Sweet Options
This week, two-thirds of the team did some travelling as Roberto went all the way to Switzerland to try out Mercedes-Benz first US market bound electric vehicle, the new EQS. Sam just took a train to Chicago and spoke with Ford Maverick marketing manager Trevor Scott about the new compact truck after spending some time driving the new Genesis GV80 luxury crossover. Nicole got to toss around the Mini John Cooper Works convertible with a nifty Union Jack pattern on the top.In the news, a class action lawsuit against Ford is moving forward over destination charges on new vehicles. New car inventories across the US are at all time lows, Rivian has pushed back first customer deliveries of the R1T for a couple more months. Chevrolet Bolts that got software updates to prevent fires while charging are still igniting and the EU wants to ban new internal combustion vehicles by 2035. We wrap the show with more listener questions.LinksClass action lawsuit over delivery feesRivian customer deliveries delayedBolts of fireEU ban on internal combustionAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Dodge Will Sell American eMuscle
This week in the garage, Roberto is driving Volkswagen of America's new entry level model, the 2022 Taos compact crossover. Nicole has the new 11th generation Honda Civic sedan in a strange sort of silver color with a hint of blue and same discusses the VW ID.4, the brand's first dedicated electric vehicle for the North American market.In the news, we have lots more electrification stuff to discuss. Croatian EV startup Rimac has taken over control of Bugatti from the Volkswagen group. BMW brings its i4 and iX roadshow to Detroit and Stellantis spends a couple of hours fleshing out its plans to sell mostly electric vehicles by the end of the decade including the 2024 launch of a battery electric Ram 1500 and a new Dodge eMuscle car and battery-powered versions of every Jeep by 2025. Also from Stellantis, Peugeot has taken the wraps off its radical new Le Mans Hypercar which amazingly has no wings. As usual we wrap up with listener questions.LinksPeugeot 9X8 Le Mans HypercarRimac Takes Control of BugattiStellantis Fleshes out its EV plansAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Interesting and Slightly Less Interesting
This week in the garage, Nicole has something interesting and something slightly less interesting, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited and the Aston Martin DBX, you can guess which is which. Roberto has the Mercedes-Benz E450 wagon and Sam has the Mazda CX-9 Signature.In the news Volvo hosted a tech moment where they unveiled some news about their electrification and automated driving plans and revealed the Concept Recharge which previews the replacement for the XC90 coming in 2022. The Concours d'Elegance of America is coming up at the Inn at St Johns in Plymouth, Mich. on July 23-25. New owner Hagerty announced that in 2022, the show will move to midtown Detroit and the Detroit Institute of the Arts. GM is partnering with Controlled Thermal Resources to develop domestic production of lithium for all of its upcoming electric vehicles and Sam has an interview with Tim Grewe, GM's director of electrification strategy. We also answer a bunch of listener questions.LinksVolvo Concept RechargeConcours of AmericaConcours of America moving to DetroitGM Invests in low-cost, low-carbon lithium productionAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Just a Basic Entry Level Sedan
This week in the garage Roberto drove a car that we agree is basically interchangeable cross-shopped with the Hyundai Accent, it's the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Meanwhile, Nicole had Kia's new "not-a-minivan" minivan, the 2022 Carnival which replaces the Sedona with slightly more crossover-ish styling. Sam drives the latest sedan from the Acura, the 2021 TLX A-Spec.In the news, some early deliveries of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L may get delayed due to flooding in a storage lot near the Detroit plant and the Woodward Dream Cruise is returning this August with sponsorship from Ford. Honda has announced the name of the upcoming electric crossover that GM will build for it starting in early 2024, it's the Prologue. Finally Volvo decides to make lidar a standard feature on the next-generation electric XC90 coming in 2022. We answer some listener questions and Roberto tempers his opinion of the Ford Bronco Sport.LinksHonda Prologue Electric CUV Coming in 2024Flooding near the Jeep Assembly Plant in DetroitThe Woodward Dream Cruise is BackVolvo Makes Lidar StandardAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
You Can Have Too Much Grille
In the garage this week, Nicole has the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid with plugs in the back and a work surface perfect for holding Crumble Cookies. Roberto drives the Subaru Forester Sport and we wonder if black wheels and red trim stripes can actually make a vehicle sporty. Robbie also spends time in the Ford Bronco Sport and has complaints. Sam drove the new hybrid Toyota Sienna and comes to the realization that Chevrolet was just premature in trying to make the old Uplander look like an SUV and also spends a weekend with the Polestar 2.In the news, Toyota proves you can have too much grille when an image of the 2022 Tundra leaks out, Infiniti adopts a new design language for the new QX60 and Ferrari takes a new direction with the replacement for its long-running series of V8 sports cars by adopting a twin-turbo V6 and plug-in hybrid for the new 296 GTB. Finally, Nicole and Sam discuss their impressions of the driving the real 2021 Ford Bronco for the first time.Links2022 Infiniti QX602022 Toyota Tundra is all GrilleFerrari 296 GTB Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Return of the PT Cruiser
For episode 200 of the show, both of our emeritus hosts return for a special guest appearance as Rebecca Lindland and Dan Roth stop by. Sam and Dan compare notes on the Ford Ranger as Dan bought a Lariat with his new employee discount and Sam drove the new Ranger Tremor. Nicole also had a Tremor from Ford but hers was based on the F-350 Super Duty. She also spent time with the new Kia K5 during a trip to Seattle. Roberto shared his impressions of the plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4XE.In the news we discuss the new Papal Transport from Fisker, the absurd Tesla Model S Plaid and the new 2022 Lexus NX. We wrap up with another round of listener questions about mini cars, Raptors, selling Miatas and our favorite cars.LinksTesla Model S Plaid2022 Lexus NXAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Small Trucks and Toyota-Pallooza
This week in the garage, Sam has been driving the 2022 Infiniti QX55 Sensory AWD, while Nicole had the opportunity to drive the newest Mitsubishi Outlander in many years, the 2021 Outlander that shares its platform with the Nissan Rogue.Robbie didn't have anything to drive this week, but he did go to LA to check out BMW's new electric vehicles that are coming to America, the i4 sedan and iX crossover. Nicole went to Toyota HQ in Texas for a huge product showcase featuring the new Corolla Cross, GR86, bZ4X, Lexus LF-Z and Teammate hands-free driver assist system.Nicole and Sam share some first driving impressions of the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder and then we dive into a discussion of Ford's new compact pickup truck the Maverick which will take on the Hyundai Santa Cruz.Links2022 Ford MaverickBMW i42022 Nissan Pathfinder first drivePodcast Episode DetailsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Wanna Buy A Sports Car Assembly Line?
Roberto reconfirms the Honda Ridgeline is all the truck most people need. He uses it to tow the Honda Talon for off-road thrills. Robbie also tries the Polestar 2 and its Android Automotive infotainment system. Nicole drives the Subaru Forester and the refreshed Nissan Armada. Sam also gets back into a big SUV, returning to the 2021 Cadillac Escalade, this time focusing on the new second-generation Super Cruise system.In the news, Lotus has put the Elise tooling up for sale. Tesla drops radar from the Model 3 and Y and faces challenges selling cars built in Texas to Texans. We bid a melancholy goodbye to the Mazda 6 and CX-3, and then wrap up with your questions, including test-drive advice. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Is This Doing Here?
This week, Nicole drives the Chevroley Suburban Diesel, Roberto tried the Acura TLX Type-S and Ducati Multistrada V4, and Sam was in the Buick Envision.We talk about the Ford F-150 Lightning Pro, The Blue Oval's SK Innovation battery joint venture, the unveiling of the Kia EV6, and the 9,000 pound Hummer EV.Your questions and comments take us home, including a stateside Holden Commodore Ute and a few queries from someone named Rebecca.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
First Close Look At An Electric Pickup
We're back on track this week. Nicole spends time in the new 2021 Kia Sorento X-Line, Robbie tries out opposites: the McLaren GT and Toyota Mirai. Sam finishes up two weeks of Hellcat with the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat.In the news, the UK government moves to legallize Level 3 automated vehicles, Caterham working on electric Sevens, and Sam got a deep dive into the battery-powered 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning and shares his thoughts on what it can do. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
No One Needs a 700hp Truck, But You Sure Might Want It
Robbie forgot to set his alarm, this is a spliced special. Nicole drove the 2021 Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Sam drag raced in the dirt with the Ram 1500 TRX, and Roberto heavy duty in Daimler's EM2 electric box truck and battery-powered E-Cascadia semi. We discuss Ford's launch of the Timberline rugged off-road trim level starting with the Explorer and the return of Citroen to the American market with the Ami filling car sharing fleets. We finish up with a listener letter about electric road tripping.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In Search Of A Rental Car
Nicole and Roberto return from their vacations without having to rent moving vans to get around. Robbie tried a 2020 Kia Sorento in Hawaii. Nicole drove the new Jeep Wrangler 4Xe plug-in hybrid, and Sam went from the old: Lexus GX460; to the new: Buick Encore GX. We skip news this week and address a bunch of listener questions including electric off-roading, low inventory, project car opinions, wagon recommendations, and used PHEVs/BEVs. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A Conversation with Nvidia's Danny Shapiro
Following the 2021 Nvidia GPU Technology Conference, Sam had a conversation with Danny Shapiro to discuss why GPUs were so well suited to advanced automotive applications like automated drivingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Say Hello To Roberto
The internet's Roberto Baldwin joins Nicole and Sam in place of Dan Roth who took off for an automaker job. We drive the Dodge Durango Hellcat, GMC Sierra HD diesel, Toyota RAV4 Prime, and we take a ride in the Lucid Air Grand Touring.We talk about the Toyota Beyond Zero sub-brand and bZ4X concept, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq, and Stellantis winding down its Giorgio platform. We wrap with our usual listener emails.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The End Of An Era
Sam tries out the Mazda3 Turbo, Nicole drives the Toyota Highlander, and Dan finishes with the 2022 Acura MDX and swaps it for the Lincoln Nautilus Black Label.We cover the Mazda MX-30, even its Wankel range extender, GM's new cloud-based navigation for OnStar, and Dan interviews Chrysler Pacifica chief engineer Brian Swanson. We fit a couple listener questions in there, too. Life is all about change and this episode wraps with another change announcement, but it's going to be OK.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It's Infrastructure Week!
Sam drove the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, Dan finished his time in the Mustang Mach-E and moved on to the new 2022 Acura MDX, while Nicole drove one of the last of the big sedans, the Toyota Avalon.We talk about the transportation side of the Biden Administration's infrastructure plan and the new Kia EV6. We wrap with listener questions about excessive badging, road use taxes and climbing prices of old sports cars.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nested Nostalgia
Nicole Wakelin officially joins as a host, and she's driving the 2021 Acura NSX. Sam drove the Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross, and Dan finally tried out the Ford Mustang Mach-E.We talk about buying Teslas with bitcoin, Jeep placing EV chargers at trailheads, and Rivians plans for its own charging network. We finish up with your questions, so keep them coming. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Reporting From The Middle Of America
Dan continues the big Ford Truck run and Sam's in the Honda Odyssey Elite. We get extremely geeky about audio systems for a couple minutes and then move on to the news: the incredible Sabine Schmitz and Sam's experience riding with other racers, Volkswagen's Power Day and a couple of the Jeep Easter Safari concepts. Rebecca calls in from Sergio on I-80 somewhere with more show news, too. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ch-Ch-Changes
There's big show news this week, but first: Rebecca (mostly) raves about the 2021 Toyota Camry TRD, Dan is unsure about the Lincoln Aviator Black Label, but more fond of the Chevrolet Bolt. Sam's falling for the Cadillac Escalade and trying out the Nissan Titan Pro4-X. We talk important EV battery announcements from GM and LG Chem, Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, and take a question before wrapping up with some personal news from Rebecca. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy