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)
Jeep Plugs In
There's a (couple) new Jeeps in town. The Wagoneer returns in Grand fashion, and the Wrangler gets zapped with the new 4XE plug-in hybrid model. Rebecca shares her thoughts about on the Volvo XC90 T6, Dan's driving the limited-edition Series.White Subaru WRX, and Sam took the Cadillac CT5 on a road trip. We also check out the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and finish up with your questions. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
High Performance Bargains
Bargain is a relative term. Sam's ride this week could be the performance bargain of the decade, the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Rebecca was driving the Genesis G70, and Dan tried the Jeep Gladiator Mojave, which is no bargain, but still very good. We talk Strategic Vision's Brand Equity Index and JD Power's Technology Experience Index before diving into a bunch of listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Pineapple Pizza? Absolutely…Or Not
Dan's back this week but before we addressed the truly pressing issue of whether pineapple is a suitable pizza topping, we talked about the BMW 228i xDrive Gran Coupe, Cadillac XT6, Subaru Outback, and Ram 1500.In the news, Rebecca got a first in-person look at the new Ford Bronco while Sam got to ride in it. Ram has gotten the Hellcat bug with the new 702-hp Ram 1500 TRX, and we finish with answers to some listener queestions. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Interior and Tech of the Ford Bronco Family
Sam speaks with Rob Gelardi, interior design manager of the 2021 Ford Bronco 2-door and 4-door and Scott Anderson, interior design manager of the 2021 Bronco Sport. The discussion then turns to the technology side with Bronco technology strategy chief Donna Bell. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The True Successor To The F1
This week it's just Rebecca and Sam. Rebecca shares her experience with the Kia Seltos. Meanwhile Sam has been driving the BMW X3 xDrive30e, the smaller plug-in hybrid SUV from Munich (via Spartanburg).Ford announced another changing of the guard as Jim Farley prepares to succeed Jim Hackett as CEO. Cadillac finally had the delayed public introduction of the Lyriq electric crossover, and Hyundai has decided to replace the current Ioniq with a whole sub-brand of Ioniq electric vehicles. Finally, Sam shares some history with his first exposure to the legendary McLaren F1 before our team discusses it's true succcessor, the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How to Expand the EV Market
Rebecca is back from a vacation with the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, capped off by the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. Sam tried out the Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, while Dan sampled the Nissan Versa. We talk all about electrification with the Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 and its seven motors, GM and EVGo deploying 2,700 DC fast charging stations, and we finish with listener emails about towing, premium compact crossovers and what sedan to buy.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Stash The Doors, Hit The Trails
It's Bronco time! Two door, four door, and Bronco Sport are all on the list. We talk about the Nissan Ariya EV, too, and the announcement of Stellantis as the name for a merged FCA and PSA.We're driving the Honda CR-V Hybrid, BMW 840i, BMW X3e, Fiat 500X, and Ford F350 Platinum.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Zoom #2 - Subscriptions All Around
The team reconvened this week for another live Zoom session with some listeners. In the garage, Sam reiterates his love for traditional station wagons and why they are better than any SUV or crossover for most people as he discusses the Volvo V60 T8. Rebecca spent time with the refreshed 2020 Nissan Titan Pro-4X and the all-wheel-drive Toyota Prius. Meanwhile Dan was in the Toyota Tacoma TRD-Pro.In the news, our crew discusses the announcement of a family of Ford Broncos, the upcoming Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the coming of subscriptions for features like heated seats.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
There's A New F-150 In Town
Our intrepid trio reconvenes to talk about the all-new, cleverly updated Ford F-150. The lineup now includes a hybrid, on-board generator, and more thoughtful features than a Swiss Army knife. We talk about driving the Genesis G90, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Buick Encore GX, and Cadillac XT4. It wraps up with a couple listener questions, so listen and let us know what's on your mind!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
From Miata to Aston Martin
With Dan absent, Rebecca discusses back-to-back Aston Martin experiences with the Vantage and DB11. Sam again professes his disdain for anything that isn't a Mazda Miata after driving the more powerful 2020 edition. In the news, Nissan launched a redesigned Rogue but forgot to put in a hybrid version. Speaking of hybrids, Lexus didn't announce one for the revamped 2021 IS either, but given that they are a division of Toyota, an electrified model almost assuredly is coming.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Stupid Stocks and Plug-in Hybrids
Rebecca is out hanging with a real-life friend for this episode so it's just Dan and Sam. Sam has been driving the 2020 Hyundai Palisade while Dan got his first taste of Nissan's variable compression 2.0-liter turbo four in the Infiniti QX50. In the news, we discuss the electric range and fuel efficiency of the new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid and compare it to the upcoming Toyota Rav4 Prime. Nikola Motors has some very interesting technology and a planned business model for hydrogen fuel cell long-haul trucks. The problem is Nikola has yet to deliver, has zero revenue and a ridiculous stock price. We wrap up with discussion of electric Lemons racing and listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hybrids, hybrids, and more hybrids
This episode is extra-packed. We go twice around the circle with the Nissan Altima Platinum VC-T, Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and Lexus GS350. Round two is all hybrid all the time: Camry Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.New we talk about is Ford's heater disinfectant hack, the Mustang Mach 1, the 20201 Acura TLX, and Andy Palmer's ousting at Aston Martin. It winds up with a couple of emails. Thanks for listening! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
£500 Million To Learn That It’s Hard To Make Money Building Cars
We're back after a bit of a break. Sam's new favorite Jeep is the Gladiator Mojave. He also tried the Wrangler Ecodiesel, while Rebecca was in the Toyota 86 Hakone edition. Dan tried the Nissan Leaf SL Plus, and insists it's the best car the company makes. In the news, we discuss James Dyson spending £500 million to learn that it's hard to build a car company. (We coulda told him that for a few million). Toyota unveiled the 2021 Sienna and Venza, and the company is also celebrating 20 years of Prius hybrids. Finally, Dan got a briefing from Fiat Chrysler on its new Uconnect 5 infotainment system built on Google's Android Automotive operating system and launching this fall on the refreshed Pacifica minivan.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Happens Next?
This week Rebecca has been self-isolating in the new Toyota Rav4 TRD Off-Road edition, Sam has been enjoying time in the Mazda CX-30 and Dan is going old school in the Lexus GX460. The team has a lively debate on the merits of letting Georgia teenagers skip the road test on the way to getting a driver's license. The conversation then turns to what happens to the auto industry as the pandemic hopefully subsides and then we finish off with a couple of listener questions and an interview that Sam did with Jaguar Formula E driver James Calado.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Zoom-Zoom #1
The Wheel Bearings team of Rebecca Lindland, Dan Roth and Sam Abuelsamid take to Zoom for a live episode of chatting with the listeners.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Destination Charges
Technology let us down near the end of this episode, but we got in a good discussion of the 2020 Lexus UX250h Luxury, Hyundai Venue, Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander.For news, we talked about manuals returning to MINI, the next generation RWD I-6 Mazda 6, and the new Genesis G80. We finish up with some commentary about destination charges and we managed to answer at least one question about how the industry is holding up during this crisis before our app decided it'd had enough. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Preserving Your Ride
Bentley brought the launch of the Flying Spur to Rebecca's doorstep. We also sample the 2020 GMC Acadia, Sam wrung every mile out of the 2020 Audi e-Tron, and Dan tried the completely charming 2020 Toyota Yaris XLE.We talk Honda and GM partnering on EVs, Autocar's EV range tests, EV Mustangs, and then we take your questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Press On Regardless
As the lockdown continues, Rebecca spent time with the Jeep Gladiator in extra-quiet Connecticut. Sam got Android Auto working in the Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid without infotainment crashes, while Dan sampled the pint-sized Hyundai Kona.We dive into the Navigant Research Automated Driving Leaderboard report and robotaxi safety. Racing looks different for now, and we talk about Sim racing and its excellent ratings so far. Then we ogle Audi's virtual backgrounds images and finish up with a few listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sheltering In Place But Still Driving (for now)
To start, we ponder the near-term future. Then we get to cars, including the Hyundai Venue, Nissan Rogue Sport, BMW M340i, and the Ford pickup lineup from Ranger to Super Duty. For news, we talk about the 20201 Hyundai Elantra and follow up on GM EV day. We finish with some of your emails. If that seems like a long show, you're right. Just the thing for quarantine. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
GM Gets Plugged In
It's a splice-fest! First, Dan and Sam talk about driving the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Edition 30 and the Ford Ranger XLT. Some of the early impact of COVID-19 is pondered, and development mules like the Plymouth "Prangler" finish it up. For part 2, Sam and Rebecca review General Motors EV day, including a new battery design and previews of 12 upcoming electric vehicles.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Corvettes In The Desert, The Cheapest Nissan, Consumer Reports Top Picks
Rebecca gives first drive impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Sam has been driving the value-conscious 2020 Nissan Versa and the fuel-hungry Armada. Dan shares impressions of the Infiniti QX50. We wrap with a run through Consumer Reports 2020 Top 10 cars selections.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Dependability, the Badger, and in-car exercise routines
Lots of driving impressions this time! We start with a 200,000 mile 2008 Honda Odyssey, and then cover the Ford Explorer ST and Escape Titanium, Mazda 3 (with a manual!), Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, and Honda Civic Sport Touring.News includes the Nikola Badger fuel-cell hybrid pickup, innovations from automotive supplier Faurecia, and the 2020 J.D. Power dependability survey.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Live (ish) from LA and Chicago
Escalade! Hummer EV truck! Chicago Auto Show! Jeep Mojave, Ford GT Liquid Carbon, and Joe Eberhardt! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ep. 138 - It's All About the Context
It's premium SUVs in the driveway this week. Sam's in the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (complete with a faulty 12V battery) and Lexus LX570. Dan went from Mercedes-Benz GLC300 to the Polestar-Engineered Volvo XC90. Rebecca has been enjoying open-top life in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. In the news, Sam attended the Cruise Origin reveal, and we get into a discussion of our approach to reviewing vehicles and addressing reader comments on differing opinions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Big Screens and Blimps - CES 2020
Rebecca and Sam are back from CES with lots to discuss, including: • Nissan two-motor mule for the Ariya electric crossover• A flight in the Goodyear blimp• A ride in the Audi AI:ME and Yandex autonomous cars• Mercedes-Benz AVTR• Sony Vision S and Magna International• Hyundai SA-1Here's what we were driving: Rebecca had the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE, Sam was in the Genesis G80 Sport and Dan had the 2020 Ram Rebel EcoDiesel. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy