Wheel Bearings
https://wheelbearings.media
Updated 3 days agoWheel Bearings is a podcast about cars and transportation hosted by Sam Abuelsamid, Nicole Wakelin and Roberto Baldwin
Are you the creator? Get your badge · Claim this podcast
Episodes (469)
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
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