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)
More Questions, Answers, And Names
We tackle a backlog of listener questions along with our usual garage segment. Rebecca and Sam got an early drive in the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Rebecca also had the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, so we compared. We discuss changing the names of the Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee after concerns were expressed by the chief of the Cherokee Nation. In questions, we ponder the size of door openings on modern vehicles, more complaints about car dealers, life-cycle emissions of electric vs gasoline vehicles and get feedback from a listener on dealer markups and freight charges in Ontario, Canada. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nilay Patel On Mustangs, Raptors, Apple Cars and Touchscreens
Dan and Sam handle the garage while Rebecca attends to other things. We're in the 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 and 2021 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands. A listener emailed us about his Alfa Romeo Giulia and Genesis G70, and for second half of the show, we're joined by Nilay Patel, editor in chief of The Verge. We talk technology and cars including touchscreens and human-machine-interface, Apple cars, moving out of the city in a pandemic and driving Mustangs and Raptors. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Who Will Win The Electric Truck Battle?
This week, the Volkswagen Passat leaves Rebecca a little bored, while the Ford F-150 King Ranch Hybrid powered smiles from Sam, and Dan made an Ikea run with the ideal vehicle: the 2021 Honda Odyssey Elite. We talk about interest in electrified pickups, Jaguar and Ford commiting to EVs in Europe, and the mailbag updates us on listener Mach-E buying experiences and we got some feedback about our bad attitudes, too. Speaking of bad attitudes, Rebecca is trying to buy a car and getting the run-around, instead. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Bonus Episode: Peter Egan on Isettas, Car Writing, and Guitars
An auction post on CarTwitter started this. Someone was selling an Isetta. And it made Dan think about how that little car has a meaning we only half-understand. It's a deeper symbolism he learned by reading a Peter Egan feature in Road & Track. So we called him up to talk...Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Extremely Underwhelming Vehicle
The wonderful Nicole Wakelin joins to share about cars, SUVs, dealer experiences, and more. Nicole has been driving the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier, while Rebecca had the new Ford Bronco Sport. Sam tried the Mustang Mach-E in some frigid weather and shares thoughts on range and charging in the winter.Continuing with the Mach-E we dive into listener mail earlier in the show and talk about the challenges posed by traditional dealers to EV adoption. We also address questions about small engine durability and renting SUVs when needed. Finally, we talk about the refreshed 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the new Bolt EUV.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Electric Vehicles for Teenagers
We mostly skipped the news to answer a backlog of listener questions (keep 'em coming!). We're driving 'Utes! We share impressions of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E, 2021 Kia Telluride SX, and a second bite with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade 2021We cover the big Ford-Google cloud/Android deal, built-in dash-cam functionality, used EVs for teenagers, a listener's experience with his Model 3, average and median car prices, EV incentives, OTA updates and more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Three-Wheel Driver
We have another special guest, Alex Roy, cannonballer, podcaster and director of special operations at Argo AI. In the garage, Alex is driving his 1987 Porsche 911 Targa lately. Dan gushes over the new Cadillac Escalade and the Genesis GV80. In Connecticut, Rebecca has been digging the Audi A6 AllRoad, because wagons are the best. And Sam's trying out the Infiniti QX50 Autograph and its VCT engine. Alex shares opinions on Tesla and automated driving as we talk over the refresh of the Model S and Model X interiors. We shift gears to discuss the end of Elise, Exige and Evora production at Lotus, and we wrap up with listener question about what happens to car functionality when connectivity technology or free subscriptions expire.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What's In Your Garage?
Listeners Dave, Ben, and Pasha joined us live this week as we discussed the 2021 Kia K5 EX, Hyundai Sonata N-Line, and GMC Canyon AT4. Our guests share their own garages with some surprises, too. We answer a question about the latest Tesla infotainment recall, and Dan's interview with ad executive Henry Louis Gomez of Zubi Advertising about car marketing finishes things off. For early access and more upcoming exclusive content help support the show through Patreon. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What's a BrightDrop?
We're driving the 2021 Ford F-250 Platinum with Tremor package and 6.7L Diesel, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade, and the 2021 Nissan Rogue SL. We talk about the completion of the FCA/PSA merger to create Stellantis, BMW and Audi dropping subscriptions, GM creating its BrightDrop commercial EV project, and Mazda cancelling the CX-5 diesel. We wrap with a question that sparks a lively debate of its own. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Do Logos Even Matter?
This week we're driving the 2021 GM Yukon Denali, Subaru Crosstrek Limited, and a pair of Kia K5 GT-Line sedans.We talk about GM's new logo, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen for the EQS. There's an interview with Ryan Matulich from Ford about the 7.3L "Godzilla" V8, and we wrap with a listener question about EV marketing. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Highs, Lows, and Minivans
There's not much news to chew over, so we talk about Rebecca's time with the BMW 540i xDrive, and Sam's experience in the refreshed 2021 Chrysler Pacifica AWDWe pick our most and least favorite drives of the 2020, including the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Silverado and Corvette, Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Genesis the GV80 and G80, and the new Hyundai Sonata. Lowlights include the infotainment systems in the new Subaru Legacy and Outback, and Mazda CX-9. And then we close the first show of 2021 out with some prognostication for the year ahead.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Adios, 2020
For the final episode of 2020, Rebecca had a pair of Lexus LS500s, Sam spent a day with the redesigned 2021 Kia Sorento and a week with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. We cover the rumors of an Apple car and wind up the year with a bunch of listener questions including electric restomods, modern vehicle ergonomics and corporate culture. We all hope you enjoy the show and keep listening into 2021 and beyond. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Robot Dogs and Taxis
2020 is winding down and we talk about the Ford F-350 Tremor, Land Rover Defender 110, 2021 Transit T150, Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban with GM's 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder diesel engine.In the news, we discuss the new Zoox robotaxi, Hyundai's purchase of Boston Dynamics, and Lordstown Motors getting together with Camping World. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Mach-E edition
This special episode of Wheel Bearings is dedicated to just one topic, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. Sam had and opportunity to drive the Mach-E and also record an interview with Ford's Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer, Hau Thai-Tang about how the company's product development system has changed and how lessons from Mach-E will impact other products.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Not So Uber Anymore
It's just Dan and Sam this time. Sam's driving the 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge Polestar Engineered and the 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE. Dan comes back with a more complete take on the Cadillac CT5 550T.In the news, Uber off-loads the automated driving group to Aurora. Sam talks about his first drive of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and we answer some listener mail.Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Old Enough to Know Better, Too Young to Care
We reconvene to talk about Rebecca's time with the VW Altas Cross Sport, Sam's spin in the 2021 Toyota Supra, and Dan's bonding with the Subaru Crosstrek Sport and Cadillac CT5.We cover the new Hyundai Motor Group electric-global modular platform, Cadillac dealer buyouts, and ICE bans. We eulogize the VW Passat to close the show before answering some questions.Finally, Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmediaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Bad HMI Design Decisions
It's another Sunday session for us. Dan drives the Lincoln Corsair, Sam discusses the 2021 Genesis G80, and Rebecca shares thoughts on the Mazda CX-9.Both the Genesis and Mazda were marred by some non-trivial human machine interface design decisions, and that led to a lively discussion about designing for actual users.The 2021 Ford F-150 is out and Sam shared his first driving impressions. Infiniti has a new fastback crossover "inspired by the FX" but not a direct replacement. We wrap up with a listener question about about paying for car apps.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
An Offensive Face
Sam has been driving the Audi Q7 Prestige, Dan finally got his turn in the Hyundai Venue, and Rebecca shares her thoughts on the Lexus RX450hL.In the news, BMW and Ford launched two very different electric vehicles: the iX and the e-Transit. Sam also shares some thoughts on new lower-cost lidar sensors coming to market and we wrap up with a couple of listener questions. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Questions, Questions, Questions
This week in the garage, Rebecca has the Hyundai Ioniq Electric which is quite a different take on a battery powered vehicle than the Kona she drove a couple of weeks back. The plug-in theme on the east coast continues as Dan still had the Chevy Bolt. In Michigan, Sam had the opposite of these vehicles with the Lexus LC500 Convertible, a true grand touring sled.Instead of news, our intrepid crew just tackled a bunch of listener questions this week including old car values, over-sized grilles, automatic stop-start systems and Tesla's full self-driving beta. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Right Vehicle For The Job
It's a spliced-together show this week. Sam and Rebecca kick off the garage with the 2021 Toyota Sienna hybrid and the Audi S5 Sportback. Then Dan and Sam discuss the 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2020 Chevrolet Bolt. (Spoiler alert, Dan loves the Bolt.)Topics include the Genesis GV80, GMC Hummer EV pickup, and Sam and Rebecca wrap up with a couple of listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Green Dragons and Organs
This week Sam was in the Hyundai Venue SEL. Dan had the 2021 Kia Seltos SX Turbo, and Rebecca made do with the Audi Q7.For this show, Jonathan Klinger, VP of Car Culture at Hagerty Insurance hung out for a wide-ranging discussion that covered cross-country drives in hundred-year-old cars, teaching kids stickshift, classic restoration, and musical instruments. We wove through a lot of topics, but always came back to the cars. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Keeping It Running
Everyone is back this time, and we've been driving the Honda Civic Type-R, Hyundai Kona EV, Toyota 86 GT, and AWD Ford Transit.Sam got a first taste of the redesigned 2021 Nissan Rogue, and we talked about California mandating new vehicles go all electric by 2035. The show wraps up with a bunch of listener emails which you can submit at [email protected] Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How Much Is Too Much?
Sam and Dan take it this week while Auntie Rebecca hung out with her nephews. Dan drove the Lexus ES350 F-Sport and the Mazda CX-30. Sam got reaquainted with the 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid.In news, Sam got to take a farewell drive in the 2020 Ford Shelby GT350R Mustang Heritage Edition as production of this high-revving pony draws to a close. The guys also discuss Sam's diatribe on the ridiculous performance being put into today's vehicles, especially EVs. Ford also released full specs on the 2021 F-150 including the PowerBoost hybrid. As usual we wrap up with listener questions such as what minivan to buy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Who Gets to Sell the EVs?
Sam and Rebecca take the reins this week, and they had lots to talk about. There were tons of cars - Rebecca did the edia drive for the Subaru Crosstrek and Land Rover Defender. In between she drove the Toyota Avalon hybrid. Sam had the Cadillac CT4-V and the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid.News includes In the news, Michigan lawmakers are trying to shut down Tesla and Rivian sales loopholes. Volkswagen has revealed all the details on the ID.4., and finally, we wrap up again with listener questions. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Into The Air
Sam drives the smoothest diesel he's ever tried in the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. Dan gets some seat time in the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring and Rebecca tries Toyota's highs and lows with both the CH-R compact crossover and the Lexus LC500 Convertible.We talk about the GM-Nikola strategic partnership announced this week, the reveal of the Lucid Air electric sedan, and some listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy