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
Are you the creator? Claim this podcast
Episodes (462)
Too Much Name
This week Sam is driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano and Nicole has the Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec.Nicole also had her first major technical issue with her Jeep Wagoneer S. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota is publicly demoing its new sports car and upcoming GT3 race car while Hyundai has the Ioniq 6 N. Mazda shows off the new third generation CX-5, now with a touchscreen. Dodge trademarks the name Charger Outlaw. Subaru teases its next EV called Uncharted. Nissan is delaying some EV production, while Cadillac is pushing forward. We also answer the question, what is a Monroney?LinksHyundai Ioniq 6 N2026 Mazda CX-5Dodge Charger OutlawNissan delays US EV production another yearToyota runs new supercar at GoodwoodSubaru UnchartedThe Great EV PullbackNissan delays Leaf production due to China rare earth limitsCadillac likely to stick to long term EV planMonroney StickerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Buying A Used EV
After some hiccups getting the recording started, Nicole told us about the latest Genesis GV70 and Robbie almost had a chance to save a wedding with the Ford F-150 Lightning. Sam enjoyed cruising in the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack which both really loud and not loud enough.Sam tried out BlueCruise 1.5 and its auto lane changing while driving to Ohio to buy a used EV. He and his wife came back to Michigan with a lightly used Kia EV6. Make sure to check out the No Pain, No Gain series on TFL. Hertz is starting to use AI scanners to detect damage on rental cars. The EV tax credits are being killed at the end of September. Volvo is going to build the Polestar 7 at its new Slovakia plant starting in 2028. The Chevy Trax is getting a big price bump for 2026 and a Tesla robotaxi tapped a parked car. We also responded to a bunch of listener emails.LinksFord Blue Cruise 1.5No Pain, No Gain on TFLCharger Daytona recalled for being too quietHertz AI ScannersEV Tax Credits end Sept 30Polestar 7 to be produced in Slovakia in 2028Chevy Trax Price IncreaseTesla contacts parked carAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hot Charging
This week Nicole has been tackling the notoriously smooth New England pavement in the Hyundai Ioniq 5N while Robbie had the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV and Sam trecked across Michigan in the Mini Countryman SE ALL4.This week Sam visited two plants for the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries, Ford's BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, MI and the LG Energy Solution plant in Holland, MI. Ford revealed the new Explorer Tremor and AMG has a concept for its upcoming EV, the GT XX. Tesla sort of launched its robotaxis and Mazda launched the 6e sedan in Europe. Nicole and Sam drove the 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport, Nissan has launched its next-generation e-Power system in the Qashqi in Europe and it's coming to the Rogue in 2026. Cadillac is already making notable upgrades to the Optiq for model year 2026. Sam also has conversations with Ford's Lisa Drake and Honda's Jonathan Yu.LinksFord BlueOval Battery ParkFord Explorer TremorCONCEPT AMG GT XXLG Energy Solution Holland PlantTesla Robotaxi launch failMazda 6eHonda CR-V TrailsportNissan Qashqi e-Power2026 Cadillac Optiq upgradesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How Many Tasks
Robbie has family commitments today so Perry Stern is sitting in with Nicole and Sam. Perry's been driving the McLaren 750S in Volcano Yellow and Cadillac Escalade. Nicole had the new gas powered Chevy Equinox and Sam had the new 2025 Mini Cooper S 4-door.In the news we discuss Audi's latest attempt to reinvent the steering wheel stalk and BMW's new flax fiber composites. Most of China's auto plants are barely producing any vehicles and Congress is trying to gut fuel economy, emissions standards and kill any incentive for EVs. Hyundai and Toyota think 60 miles of range is enough for a plug-in hybrid. Stellantis is testing Fiat 500e's with swappable battery modules. Changes to the national electrical code could kill DIY EV charger installs. Ram cranks up the powertrain warranty and Honda launches an electric delivery vehicle for Europe.LinksAudi Q3 reinvents the stalkBMW creates plant fiber compositesChina auto plants average 49% utilzationCongessional majority aiming to gut emissions, CAFE, IRAHyundai/Toyota pausing race for ultra long range PHEVsStellantis testing battery swap 500e with AmpleElectric code change could ban DIY charger installsRam launches 10year/100K mile warrantyHonda launches Fastport eQuad prototypeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Leafs Not Leaves
In the news, Nissan finally completely redesigns the Nissan Leaf after 15 years. The Corvette reaches its pinnacle, but it's not called Zora. GM is spending $4 billion move vehicle assembly from Mexico to the US. BMW and AAA have dueling EV consumer surveys. The Mustang GTD costs nearly twice as much as a ZR1 and the Republican war on EVs continues.Links2026 Nissan LeafGM spends $4B to shift production from Mexico to USCorvette ZR1XNHTSA to Streamline AV Exemption ProcessBMW EV surveyAAA EV surveyMustang GTD Costs Nearly Double Corvette ZR1Trump Revokes California Emissions Waiver, Stellantis Still on the hook for EVsBudget bill could prevent states from regulating AVsCheck out Sam's 2-minute daily podcastAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Kind of Pie?
Nicole is back and to tell us what sorts of pies she shared with her husband at the Julian Pie Company last week and talk about the Kia K4 that turned up in her driveway for the third time as well as the Toyota 4Runner. Robbie did some G-Turns in the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology. Sam had the Nissan Murano Platinum and Honda Passport Trailsport.Porsche has built a road legal version of the 963 race car for Roger Penske and Tim Kuniskis has restored the Hemi V8 to its rightful place in the Ram 1500. China is playing trade hardball with rare earth magnets. Edmunds finally sold their Fisker Ocean and lost a fortune on it. The data proves it, interesting car colors are better than boring monochromatic colors. Cadillac has announced a faster Optiq-V with a NACS charging port and Ford has created an FX package for Mustang Fox body fans. Finally, Nicole and Sam chat with Mike Tripp, group vice president of marketing for Toyota brand.LinksPorsche Builds Road-legal 963Ram Brings Back the HemiRare Earth magnets could halt auto productionEdmunds Finally Unloads its Fisker OceanBest Colors to Reduce DepreciationCadillac Optiq-V2026 Ford Mustang FX PackageMike TrippAI RevolutionAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Stopping Beating The Horse
Nicole is trekking to the Julian Pie Company with her husband so it's mostly just Robbie and Sam. Robbie gives a preview of the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Sam reviews the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Platinum.In the news, Stellantis picks Antonio Fillosa as its new CEO and cancels a smart cockpit deal with Amazon. The Dodge Durango is back for another year with Hellcat power and we get our first look at the new Jeep Cherokee. Tesla FSD still doesn't stop for school buses. SAE has published an update to the J3400 standard for NACS charging connectors to enable higher speeds and GM may be producing LFP cells with LG and Samsung in the US. Nicole and Sam pre-recorded a review of the 2026 Toyota bZ and Sam interviews chief engineer Daisuke Ido. Nicole has a conversation with Mike Pennington, Director - Global Training, Event Marketing & Consumer Relations at Meguiar's all about car care.LinksNo More Manual VersasAmazon and Stellantis kill Smart Cockpit dealAntonio Filosa Gets the Top Job at StellantisFirst 2026 Jeep Cherokee imagesTesla FSD still doesn't stop for school buses1 year only Durango Hellcat returns for year 5SAE J3400/2 brings faster charging for NACSNicole on the 2026 Toyota bZSam's Thoughts on the Toyota bZGM may produce LFP cells with LG and SamsungAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Adandoned Gas Stations
Nicole and Sam returned from Texas without picking up any measels. Nicole spent quality time with the Toyota Grand Highlander while Sam drove the Kia K5 GT, and Robbie spent another week without driving anything.While in Texas for Toyota's HQ Confidential event, we saw the new 2026 all hybrid Rav4 and Lexus RZ 550e F-Sport with fake shifting along with a bunch of other stuff. The week before, we drove the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Cadillac Vistiq for the first time. Nissan has a cute new Micra EV but Americans won't be getting it because not enough of us will drive small cars. Honda is slowing some of its EV plans while Republican US senators voted to rescind California's ability to set its own EV rules. Customers are adding rip cords to Teslas so they can get out of the car loses power and Chevrolet has launched the Trail Boss version of the Silverado EV.We answer some listener questions and we have an interview with Cooper Ericksen, head of product planning with Toyota North AmericaLinks2026 Toyota Rav4Lexus RZ 550e F SportNissan Micra EVCadillac VistiqNicole on the Hyundai Ioniq 9Sam on the Hyundai Ioniq 9Honda's slowing EV rolloutTesla RipcordsCongress Trying to Kill California Emissions StandardsChevrolet Silverado EV Trail BossAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Does Robbie Fit
This week Sam has been driving the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq and supercharging it with the Lectron Vortex adapter. Nicole had the Subaru Forester Hybrid and Robbie rented a Toyota Camry Hybrid while covering the Formula SAE competition in Michigan.Nicole also went on the first drive of the 2026 Ford Expedition and Sam had a first ride in the 2026 Hummer EV. Toyota announced 3 updated or new EVs for its lineup while Stellantis delayed the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. Aston Martin is finally launcing Carplay Ultra in the DBX and Infiniti is updating the QX60. We love Miatas, but we know some people don't fit so what should they buy? We also have listener emails.https://youtu.be/drS2Gr6ozLkGet the Lectron Vortex NACS-CCS charging adapter at a discountLinksToyota bZ WoodlandToyota CH-R EV2026 Toyota bZ2026 Ford Expedition2026 GMC HummerTrucks Faster than Vettes legal, small trucks notRamcharger Delayed AgainWhat to Buy If You Don't Fit in a MiataAston Martin CarPlay Ultra2026 Infiniti QX60Nissan RestructuringAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Fake Recovery Hooks
We've got a bit of a shorter show today because it was Nicole's turn to catch a trip and she accidently stopped the recording. Robbie went to Austria to ride the Can-Am Origin and Pulse electric motorcycles. Nicole drove the updated 2025.5 Volvo XC90 and Sam had the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek with its non-recovery hooks.The 2026 Corvette looses its wall of buttons and gains a fabulous new color. Jeep launched the new Compass in Europe, but who knows when or if we will get it in North America thanks to tariffs. Volvo has an extended range PHEV XC70 for China and Ford is raising prices due to tariffs. Hyundai has Plug&Charge now and an electric Ferrari is coming in October. The F1 drivers paraded in Lego cars in Miami last week and the new Mercedes CLA won't charge on 400-500V chargers.See the F1 Lego CarsSam tests the Lectron Vortex NACS-CCS adapter with a 2025 Cadillac Lyriq at a Supercharger. Get your Vortex adapter for a discount at https://ev-lectron.com/Wheel_Bearings_VortexPlugLinksCorvette Roswell Green Metallic2026 Jeep Compass HEV/BEV - 375hpVolvo XC70Ford increases prices on Mexico-built modelsFord expects tariffs to cost $1.5B in 2025Hyundai starts to deploy Plug&ChargeElectric Ferrari to be revealed in OctoberMiami F1 Lego Driver's ParadeBe careful when photographing your lidarCharging the Mercedes-Benz CLAAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Too Much Seat Comfort
This week Robbie has the Chevrolet Silverado EV LT and Nicole shares her Portugese airport blackout adventure. Sam drives the Ford F250 XL and the Chevrolet Equinox LT.Akio Toyoda loves cool cars and doesn't think electric sports cars fit the bill. More than 28,000 GM V8s failed before GM recalled them. Who are the most influential people in automotive history? Toyota is sort of hooking up with Waymo. The VW ID Buzz is getting recalled because the 3rd seats are too roomy and there are new chargers in Detroit. Many automakers have underutilized factories and Hyundai has priced the Ioniq 9, plus answers to listener questions.LinksAkio doesn't believe in electric sports cars28K GM V8s failed before recallmost influential people in automotive historyToyota Hails a WaymoID Buzz recalled because rear seat too comfortableUS plant utilizationHyundai prices Ioniq 9 in USAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Get The Versa
This week Nicole had a Mustang GT convertible with the California Special package but New Hampshire spring weather only allowed her to put down the top once. Sam had the cheapest car currently available in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa SR.Robbie went to the unveiling of the Slate truck and we have thoughts. Ford is countering with an even more expensive Super Duty pickup. Nicole and Sam drove the 2026 Lincoln Navigator and we have more thoughts.Cadillac is bringing an Optiq-V. Audi is launching a sub-brand for China called AUDI and we discuss this as well as new stuff from VW, Buick, Lexus, Toyota and Nissan from the Shanghai Motor Show. Finally, Walmart is getting into the EV charging business.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinks2026 Lincoln NavigatorSlateSlate's Market Research ExperimentAudi E5 SportbackVW Shanghai conceptsCadillac Optiq-VBuick Electra GS conceptBuick Super Architecture, Electra NEV sub-brandNew Lexus ESToyota bZ7Ford Super Duty Platinum PlusNissan Frontier PHEVTesla to benefit from AV FrameworkWalmart to build EV charging networkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
New York, New York
This week, Nicole tells us about driving the Toyota Land Cruiser and BMW M235 while Sam has the BMW i4 M50.Nicole has flown across the country 4 times in the last week to drive the Lucid Gravity in California, some Cupras in Florida, a Lincoln back in Calfornia and visit the New York Auto Show. We've got lots of news from New York including the 3 Subarus, the 2026 Solterra, Trailseeker and Outback. Kia had the EV4 sedan and K4 hatchback, Hyundai showed us the new 2026 Palisade and Genesis showed off the X Gran Equator concept and the GMR-001 race car it will take to Le Mans next year. In China, regulators are cracking down on automated driving claims by automakers and Mercedes has a new limited edition retro G-Wagen. Sam also has a conversation with Subaru car line product manager Bill Stokes about its EVs.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksLucid Gravity first drive - Sam's takeNicole on the Lucid GravityRobbie on the GravityGenesis X Gran EquatorGenesis GMR-001Kia k4 hatchbackKia EV42026 Hyundai PalisadeSubaru TrailseekerSubaru OutbackSampling CupraChinese regulators crack down on Smart DrivingMercedes-Benz G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980sLucid Gravity VideosAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Does the World Want Cheap Electric Trucks
This week Nicole is trecking back and forth and back and forth again across the US so Chad Kirchner joins us again. Sam had the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV edition and it's a mixed bag. Chad and Sam both got to see this year's Easter Jeep Safari concepts before they got shipped to Moab. We have the first image of the secretive Slate electric truck and a prototype electric truck from Kia. GM's new UK design studio has an interesting new electric Corvette concept. Jeep seems to be working on a new high performance Grand Cherokee and TFL drag races an old Corvette, a new one and a Nissan Leaf. Finally, Ford has a new electric Puma in Europe and a Ranger Super Duty for the rest of the world.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksEaster Jeep Safari conceptsKia developing midsize electric pickup for USFord Puma Gen-EFord Ranger Super DutyGM opens UK studio with Corvette concept1968 Corvette vs C8 vs LeafSlate truckThe Kirchner ReportNew Jeep Grand Cherokee SRTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Smart Off-Roading
This week in the garage Nicole has the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Robbie has the Ford e-Transit and Sam has the Corvette Stingray 3LT.Sam and Nicole both drove the 2026 Honda Passport in Puerto Rico last week and have thoughts. Sam also interviewed chief engineer Todd Hemertt. Nicole tells us about climbing Davis Dam in the 2025 Ram HD. Somehow Aptera is still trying to get its little solar and electric three-wheeler to production and an initial road trip yields dissapointing efficiency numbers. Restomod producer Icon is now offering an electric 1st generation Bronco and it's not cheap. Hakan Samuelsson has returned temporarily as the CEO of Volvo Cars. At the Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai showed off a cool Pikes Peak ready version of its Inster electric mini car, a refreshed Ioniq 6 and promised not to raise prices in response to tariffs. Sam also spoke with Honda of America safety strategy director Brian Bautsch about level 3 automation.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksNicole Drives the New Ram HDSam's Take on the 2026 Honda PassportNicole's Review of the 2026 Passport1st Aptera Road TripIcon Electric BroncoHakan Samuelsson returns as Volvo CEOHyundai InsteroidNew Hyundai NexoRefreshed Hyundai Ioniq 6Hyundai not raising prices, yetHyundai Honors the Mustang's 45th BirthdayAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
99% Looks or Capability
Robbie is back from Japan where he drove the best selling EV in that country, the Nissan Sakura. Nicole is back to discuss the Lexus GX, and Nissan Frontier and Armada Pro-4X models. Sam took the Ram 1500 RHO to Ikea and found it challenging to park.In the news, GMC is bringing lower priced versions of the Sierra EV for the 2026 model year and Electrify America is piloting new Alpitronic chargers with J3400 cables. Robbie discusses some of what he saw in Japan (more to come in the near future) and we all ponder if VW's Cupra brand will actually make it to America. New tariffs could hammer Stellantis profits by 75% and kill affordable new cars entirely. The cheapest 2-door Ford Bronco with a V6 now costs $78,000 and we learn a bit of history about VW and the Kong your dog likes to chew on.LinksCheaper GMC Sierra EVsElectrify America installing new chargers with J3400What's coming from NissanWill Cupra actually make it to America?Stellantis profits could drop 75%Affordable cars could be sacrificed to tariffs2-door V6 Bronco now $78,000VW and KongNicole Drives Nissan Pro-4X Frontier and ArmadaToyota Land Cruiser vs Lexus GXAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swap or Charge
Robbie and Nicole are both traveling this week so Stephanie Brinley from S&P Global Mobility and Jeff Gilbert from WWJ radio in Detroit are stepping in with Sam. Stephanie and Jeff both got to drive the new Cadillac Optiq and Escalade IQ and Jeff also moved stuff with the Chevrolet Suburban. Sam drove the Lincoln Nautilus and BMW X5M Competition.In the news we discuss BYD's 1MW charging announcement and the CATL/NIO battery swapping partnership and which is a better solution. There are reports that Honda may buy hybrid batteries made by Toyota in North Carolina and Jeff moderated a session with the CEO of LG Energy Systems about slowing investments in battery production. We touch a bit on tariffs and discuss GM's decision to switch from Qualcomm to Nvidia chips for its next generation in-car compute.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksBYD 1MW chargingHonda to maybe buy hybrid batteries from ToyotaGM switching from Qualcomm to Nvidia for next-gen computeCATL and NIO partner on battery swapping standardLGES CEO on Slowing Battery InvestmentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Cars Are Better Than Crossovers
While Nicole spends the weekend at Disney World, Perry Stern has stepped in to join Robbie and Sam with the Audi RS6 Avant. Robbie spent some more time with the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 to do some charging tests with its new NACS/J3400 charging port and Sam went hands-free in the 2025 Ford Explorer and Lexus LS500h with Teammate.Nissan's CEO is stepping aside which may reopen the opportunity for a Honda merger. Ford has shipped 140,000 free NACS adapters to owners and is now offering its Lectron-built adapter to everyone. Toyota and Lexus are upgraded their EVs. Waymos are getting parking tickets in San Francisco. Acura's new ADX is good, but cars are better. BMW is getting ready to launch the new i3 and iX3 and a CDC study shows America is the only developed country where more pedestrians are dying on the roads. Nicole shares her thoughts on driving the Ineos Grenadier and we answer some listener questions.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksNissan CEO Uchida Quits, Honda Merger back on?Ford goes exclusive with Lectron for NACS adaptersLexus upgrading the RZAcura ADX first driveNicole drives the Ineos GrenadierParking tickets for robotaxisBMW i3 & iX3 testingToyota bZ4X getting updatesCDC Study shows America only country where pedestrian deaths upBackup copy of the CDC study in case the Feds decide to delete itAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Yes, Car Buying Still Sucks
Robbie is under the weather this week so Nicole shares her thoughts on the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and then Sam discusses the Acura ZDX Type-S.While we get to drive new cars every week sometimes we also buy some for ourselves. This week, Nicole finally took delivery of her new Jeep Wagoneer S and tells us about the buying experience. Honda has some performance and range upgrades to the 2025 Prologue but holds the line on pricing. Buyers of the EREV version of the new Scout trucks and SUVs might be a bit disappointed at the towing capability. In the name of safety, EVGo has banned extension cords and breakaway adapters at its DC chargers. Honda may not want to publicly admit it, but its hybrids do have CVTs. VW showed off the concept version of its upcoming $21,000 ID.1 and it has buttons and Rivian software. Maserati has decided not to build electric supercars and North Carolina state police are patrolling in V8 Mustangs again. One-quarter of UK vehicle sales are electric this year and Volvo is going to upgrade the computers in new EX90s.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinks2025 Honda Prologue Gets more rangeEREV Scouts will have less towing capacityEVGo bans breakaway adapters and extension cablesVW shows $21K ID Every1 conceptVW ID Every1 Gets Rivian architectureOne Rivian Lesson VW is Ignoring, Buttons are BackMaserati cancels MC20 FolgoreMustang Cop Cars are back in NCEVs are ¼ of UK salesUK Volvo EX90 buyers to get compute upgradeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Why Is High Temperature Cold?
This week Nicole has been driving the new GMC Acadia AT4 while Sam had the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid featuring a Toyota hybrid powertrain.This week Ram held a technical deep dive on the new EREV Ramcharger pickup and we've got details. Mercedes-Benz is testing an EQS with semi-solid state batteries from Factorial Energy and Sam has a conversation with Factorial CEO Siyu Huang. Polestar is trying to attract Tesla owners with up to $20,000 in savings on a Polestar 3. Ford has a new plan to cover deductibles on stolen F-Series trucks and Volvo is teasing more details on the new ES90. Kia showed all the details on the new EV4 and showed a concept for its upcoming EV2. Jeep is delaying the US launch of the new Compass and our pal Tommy Mica from TFL compares the new Mini Countryman SE to his classic 1993 Mini Cooper.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinks2025 GMC AcadiaRam 1500 RamchargerMercedes-Benz and Factorial Begin Testing Solid State batteriesPolestar goes after Tesla owners$8/month Ford Plan will cover deductible if your vehicle is stolenMore Volvo ES90 detailsKia EV2 Concept and EV4Jeep Delays Launch of New CompassMaxi MiniInterview with Factorial Energy's Dr. Raimund KoerverAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
All The Weathers
This week, Sam has driven the Genesis GV80 Coupe while Nicole had the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. Nicole, Robbie and Sam all had a chance to drive the updated the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 including the off-roady XRT model.In the news this week, the General Services Administration has decided that federal government facilities don't need EV charging facilities and it will decomission 8,000 chargers over the next several weeks. There's a new Chevrolet Spark EV, but it's not coming to America. Kia has shown off production images of the EV4 and PV5. BMW has an impressive new prototype called Heart of Joy based on the upcoming Neue Klasse. Stellantis has completed development of its level 3 AutoDrive, but has no schedule for putting it on production vehicles. Polestar is going to provide electronics upgrades to early buyers of the PS3 and Volvo has teased the ES90 sedan.LinksNicole on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5Sam on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRTRobbie looks at J3400 charging on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5New Chevy Spark EVKia EV4BMW "Heart of Joy" prototypeSTLA AutoDrivePolestar to upgrade ADAS computersVolvo teases ES90 sedanGSA to shut down chargers and sell off EVsKia shows production PV5 vanAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
No Pop Ups!
This week all three of our crew were in Palm Springs at various times to drive a new car that we'll discuss next week. We did however discuss the Temu mid-century modern hotel with Ritz-Carlton prices that we stayed at. At home Sam drove the Toyota Crown Signia and Nicole had the Subaru Solterra.Volvo announced a Cross Country edition of the EX30 this week. Sam took his wife to Palm Springs and rented a Polestar2 from Hertz and charged it at the Rivian outpost near Joshua Tree. Honda and Nissan called off their engagement and Honda announced pricing for the new Passport. Some Jeep owners reported pop up ads for extended warranties. Continental is adding aero-dimples to some tires. The Toyota Tacoma is getting recalled for trapping off-road mud and damaging the brakes. Sam and Jonathan supercharged a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and we have an update on last week's discussion of turning on headlights to warm a cold car battery and responding to listener mails.LinksVolvo EX30 Cross CountryRenting a Polestar 2 from HertzCharging a Polestar 2 at a Rivian Charging OutpostNissan Honda merger officially deadHonda prices new PassportJeep Pop up adsContinental AerodimplesToyota Tacoma muddy brakesSupercharging the Ioniq 5Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Good And Bad Cold Weather Advice
Nicole is back after driving both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia K4 GT-Line turbo. Sam did some truck stuff with Hyundai's trucklet, the 2025 Santa Cruz and Robbie has some tire feedback.Ford has confirmed its plans to offer extened range EV powertrains in large trucks and SUVs. Someone has developed a wide-body kit for the already wide new Dodge Charger Daytona, and VW has teased a new $21,000 EV that will be revealed next month. Nissan apparently doesn't want to just be a subsidiary of Honda and is looking for other partners. Subaru has unveiled the new Forester hybrid coming this spring with 35 mpg. There's a Faraday Future FF91 on bring a trailer. Tesla sales are crashing all over the place and apparently, most of them still don't have the hardware needed for unsupervised self-driving. Finally we answer a listener question about starting a car when it's really cold and discover some very dubious advice.LinksFord Confirms EREV plansModel 3 sales crash in CaliforniaApparently the Dodge Charger Daytona wasn't widen enoughHonda-Nissan Merger might be offVW teases new entry-level EV2025 Subaru Forester hybridFaraday FF91 for $40K?Tesla Vehicles Still Don't Have L5 HardwareOct 2016 Autopilot Conference callBridgestone Blizzak tiresTerrible cold weather advice from JD PowerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Buy While You Can
This weekend Nicole is visiting her daughters and Robbie is taking care of a family medical emergency, so Sam is joined by Perry Stern and Stephanie Brinley. Stephanie has been driving a Toyota GR Corolla on winter tires and Perry has the new GMC Terrain. Sam drove a Honda Ridgeline Trailsport to Ohio to visit Honda's new EV hub.In the news, is there a chance that GM could sell a rebadged version of Hyundai's Korean Staria minivan? Kia is sending its more affordable EV5 electric crossover to Canada, but has no US plans for it. VW has also cancelled plans to bring the ID7 sedan to America. Polestar has put together winter rally special versions of all three of its current models. In the auctions, someone actually paid over $71,000 for a Honda CR-X. Sam and Steph drove the new Toyota 4Runner, on road and off. The Trump administration has imposed 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico and vehicles are going to get way more expensive in the coming weeks. Between tariffs and moves to eliminate EV incentives, GM has already cut a shift at production at its Ramos Arizpe factory that builds the gas and electric Blazer, Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq and Honda Prologue.We answer some listener questions and Sam has a conversation with General Motors SVP of Software engineering Dave Richardson.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksCould GM sell the Hyundai Staria?Polestar Arctic Circle CollectionToyota 4Runner Drive$71K for a CR-X!?Cars, trucks and everything about to get more expensiveCanada to get Kia EV5, not USGM cuts shift at Ramos Arizpe plant in MexicoNo VW ID7 for AmericaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swagoneer
This week, Nicole has been driving the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson in the New Hampshire cold while Robbie enjoyed some unseasonably warm bay area weather with the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. Sam was pleasantly surprised with the efficiency and value of the new VW Jetta.In the news, Nicole and Sam have a first drive report on the new Jeep Wagoneer S EV. Ram confirms a midsize pickup will be built in Belvidere, Ill. in 2027 and Cadillac launches its first electric V model, the Lyriq-V. The new national electrical code could be a problem for anyone that wants to install a level 2 EV charger with a plug. Clarios has an interesting new 12V battery with an integrated supercapacitor. Apple has wiped the claims that next-gen Carplay will launch in 2024 from its website and Ford has promised dealers more affordable models.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksSam's take on the Jeep Wagoneer SNicole's Wagoneer S 1st driveRam Midsize truck in BelvidereCadillac Lyriq-VCould GM sell the Hyundai Staria?Electric Code update could be problematic for EV chargingClarios launching hybrid supercapicitor batteriesNext-gen carplay not coming in 2024Ford to expand affordable models and trimsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy