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)
Canoo Without A Paddle
This week as we prepare for our next round of driving new cars, Nicole tells us about driving the Hyundai Ioniq6, Robbie fills in the details on the BMW Z4 and Sam has the Chevrolet Blazer EV LT.Sam had an opportunity this week for a local drive of the new Nissan Murano and Armada. Acura releases an image and name for its new electric crossover coupe. There's disscussion of what engine Scout will use as a range extender. VW plans to bring its Cupra brand to America in partnership with Penske. The Auto Alliance sues to block the new automatic braking regulations. Subaru is adopting Toyota's infotainment system. Ram is dropping plans for the big battery Ram REV and Canoo finally unplugs.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksAcura RSXHow big a range extender does Scout need?VW to bring Cupra brand to US with PenskeAuto Alliance Sues NHTSA over AEB rule2026 Subaru Outback to get Toyota InfotainmentRam cancels long-range REVCanoo Files For Chapter 7 BankruptcyBob BroderdorfAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Do You Want a Luxury Minivan
We're all back from CES in one piece. Nicole finally got to swap out the Buick Enclave and got a Land Rover Defender 110 while Sam discusses the GMC Sierra EV and how good it is to be able to pre-condition the cabin of an EV on cold winter mornings. Robby has a manual transmission BMW Z4 that he's barely driven yet.At CES Sam and Nicole got a briefing from Faraday X and learned very little and have little more confidence than we had 8 years ago when we first saw the FF91. Honda showed us prototypes of its first two new EVs coming in 2026 in the 0 Series line and Sam got a close look at the half-Honda/half-Sony Afeela 1. Chevrolet has priced the new Corvette ZR1 and it is both really expensive and a bargain. The Detroit Auto Show continues its retreat into a regional dealer show which is not a bad thing, but we did get to find out the winners of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicles of the year. Sam also stumbled across a cool electric RV based on the Brightdrop delivery van. While at CES Sam also had a conversation with Anders Bell, head of global engineering for Volvo Cars.LinksFaraday XHonda 0 SeriesAfeela 1 PreviewCorvette ZR1 pricing2025 NACTOY WinnersGrounded electric camper vanThe "end" of the Detroit Auto ShowTommy and Roman Check out the Lexus LMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Live From Las Vegas
This week, all 3 members of our crew are in Las Vegas from CES recording from separate hotel rooms with terrible wifi. Nicole finished her stint with the Buick Envoy, Robbie had the Land Rover Defender 130 and Sam had the new Infiniti QX80.In the news Faraday Future is still not dead somehow and it's going to be unveiling new lower cost EVs at CES that we'll see and talk more about next week. Over at TFL, our pal Andre has been re-engining his Soviet era Buhanka van with an LS V8 and chronicling the multi-month effort on video. Nicole wrote about whether the construction of the Cybertruck might have helped mitigate the damage from the New Years Day explosion in Las Vegas. Q4 2024 sales numbers are coming out and contrary to all the naysayers, EVs aren't quite dead yet. At CES, Toyota is giving an update on its Woven City project in Japan.Toyota Completes First Phase Of Experimental Woven City In JapanLinksWhy is Faraday still alive?Andre's Buhanka LS-swapDid the Cybertruck structure prevent more damage in explosion?Toyota Woven City UpdateAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Happy New Year
For the final show of 2024, Nicole shares more on her ongoing experience hauling her family around in the new Buick Enclave. Robbie and his wife drove their Hyundai Ioniq 5 to southern California and he tells us about their charging experience. Sam had the new Nissan Kicks and Kia K4 GT-Line.In the news, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi have signed an MOU that may end up with them merging by 2026. Our friends at TFL had some speculation on the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Sam offers a rebuttal. Our entrepid crew shares what their favorite drives of 2024 were and what they are looking forward to in 2025. Toyota and Subaru have seen the light and slashed the prices on the bZ4X and Solterra for 2025 and Chinese battery maker has an interesting new EV skateboard chassis design that is claimed to be much safer than anything currently offered.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksNissan-Honda MergerRebutting TFL's Ramcharger commentsfavorites of 2024What we're looking forward to in 2025Toyota slashes bZ4X pricingCATL Bedrock ChassisCATL Bedrock Chassis crash testCATL Bedrock skateboardAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Wrangling Beagles
We're catching up on some reviews this week with Nicole starting a 3 week stint in the Buick Enclave and Sam driving the Chevy Equinox EV and Rivian R1S.Last week Sam participated in Operation Frodo, where 20 journalists transported rescue beagles from Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, he drove the Kia Carnival and Genesis GV70. The amazing Jean Jennings passed this week after battling Alzheimers for several years. Friend of the show Tommy Mica leased a Fiat 500e for no monthly payment. Stellantis is shifting plans with the Ram REV pushed to 2026 and the extended range Ramcharger coming in the first part of 2025. The Hemi is also living on for another year in the Durango.Hyundai Motor Group is going to adopt Android Automotive but before that, Kia will include Google Maps points of interest data. Honda has confirmed that the new hybrid Prelude is definitely coming in 2025. Nicole drove the new Nissan Armada and Murano.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksBuick Enclave Sport Touringoperation frodo - Kia Carnival/Genesis GV70Jean JenningsFree Fiat 500eRam Rev Delayed, Ramcharger firstDurango Hemi lives on into 2025Edmunds Tests the Base Equinox EVHMG to go Android AutomotiveHonda Prelude in 2025Sam rants about vent controlsNissan Murano First DriveNissan Armada First DriveRobbie's Giant Nintendo controllerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Charging The Charger
This weeks show is a bit different. Robbie is dealing with some family stuff, Nicole is at DisneyWorld wedding and Sam is headed to Omaha for Operation Frodo so no regular review section until next week.Instead, Sam and Robbie recorded a discussion on the death of Cruise and the future of automated driving. Sam also had a conversation with Chad Kirchner about our first drive experiences of the new Dodge Charger Daytona. Sam also interviewed Dodge CEO Matt McAlear and Charger chief engineer Audrey Moore.LinksSam's initial review of the Dodge Charger DaytonaThe Kirchner ReportRIP CruiseOperation FrodoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tacos At Every Charger
This week, Robbie didn't drive anything, but Nicole got time with the Ram 1500 RHO and Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback while Sam had the Kia Niro PHEV.At Art Basel Miami, Jaguar showed off its new design direction with the Type 00 Concept and it's different. Toyota is taking advantage of its joint venture factory with Mazda to offer Soul Red Crystal as an optional color on the Corolla Cross. Carlos Tavares has been ousted as CEO of Stellantis. Hyundai has a new version of the Palisade coming and Genesis is building a race car to go to Le Mans in 2026. Nissan's Ariya can use Superchargers now but it needs an extra adapter for its adapter. Ion Dynamics has a cool little mobile EV charger and we recommend tires for winter driving in West Virginia.Get your Wheel Bearings merch at https://shop.wheelbearings.mediaLinksRam 1500 RHOJaguar Type 00 ConceptToyota Corolla Cross gets Soul Crystal RedCarlos Tavares is Out at StellantisGenesis Shows New Le Mans RacecarNissan's NACS adapter needs an extra adapter2026 Hyundai PalisadeIon Dynamics Mobile ChargerMichelin CrossClimate 2Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Let's Go Racing
This week Sam has been driving the Ford Ranger with the 2.7-liter V6 and Kia Carnival Hybrid. Nicole had the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Robbie had the outgoing VW Tiguan.In the news, Acura has a new entry-level crossover, the ADX and Toyota is working on a new generation Celica. California's governor has a plan to preserve EV incentives in the states if the Trump administration pulls the plug, and it doesn't include Tesla. Cadillac is joining the F1 circus in 2026 and Dodge is slapping some big money on the hood of the new Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S. ConnectDER has a solution for installing EV charging on older homes and smaller apartments. Edmunds range tests the Chevrolet Equinox EV and decides to unload their Fisker Ocean while they still can and we answer listener questions.We've updated the Wheel Bearings merch store and there's now a lot of new stuff including hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, stickers and of course T-shirts. Until December 13, you get 25% of every order at http://shop.wheelbearings.media/LinksAcura ADXMercedes-Benz in-drive brakesToyota Working on New CelicaTesla left out of new California EV IncentivesGM/Cadillac To Go F1 in 2026ConnectDERMap of NEVI sitesDodge Charger Daytona LeasesEdmunds unloads its Fisker Ocean earlyEdmunds Gets 356 miles with Equinox EVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Are Bad Font Choices A Bad Sign?
The whole team is back this week with lots of LA Auto Show news. Nicole drove the Audi SQ8 around Los Angeles for the week. Robbie had the new Toyota Land Cruiser.In the news, Jaguar has launched new branding ahead of the reveal of concept version of its next new EV. Stellantis talked about the STLA Frame platform for its new EV an EREV large trucks and SUVs, and we spoke with Stellantis executives including NA COO Antonio Filosa about where Jeep and the other brands are headed. Nicole got to try out the new GMC Sierra EV Denali. Lotus is also bringing out some EREVs. We also discussed some of the products announced at the LA Auto Show including a refreshed Genesis GV70, new VW Tiguan, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the NACTOY finalists. We also answered some listener questions.LinksNissan N7More on Mercedes-Benz CLANew JaGUar brandingStellantis talks about STLA FrameGMC Sierra EV2026 Genesis GV702025 VW TiguanHonda Solid State Battery plantAcura ADXJeep Giving Customers What they WantHyundai Ioniq 9Lotus Shifts to EREVsNACTOY FinalistsMercedes-Benz in-drive brakesOTA Cost Consideration GuideAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Be More Humane
Robbie at a gas station chicken sandwich and the results were predictable so it's just Sam and Nicole both driving Hondas this week with Sam in the Prologue and Nicole in the Odyssey.In the news, automakers need to stop with electronic door switches, and while Teslas are generally safe in a crash, bad driver behavior is still leading to more fatal crashes than any other brand. Honda has revealed a new 2026 Passport and Acura has their own version of the HR-V, the new ADX. Toyota is offering a dealer installed shield to guard against catalytic converter theft on Priuses. Dodge is about to launch the electric Charger Daytona, but pulling ahead production of the gas version to mid-2025. Jaguar has released the first images of camoflaged prototypes of its new EV and Lexus is adding a cheaper front-drive RZ. Jose Munoz is being promoted to global CEO at Hyundai and GM laid off 1,000 people by email.LinksPeople still being burned alive in Teslas2026 Honda Passport2025 Acura ADXTesla is deadliest car brand in AmericaCatalytic converter shield testedDodge pulling up production of gas ChargersFirst images of new electric JaguarGM cuts 1,000 jobsLexus adds cheaper FWD RZ300eJose Munoz becomes CEO of Hyundai MotorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Working for the WKNDR
Kia WKNDR conceptMercedes-Benz CLA previewVolvo EX30 arriving in America this yearMazda Iconic-SP to get produced2026 Cadillac Vistiq first lookCadillac XT4 to give way to new BoltBentley To Launch EV in 2026, delay full transition to 2035SEMA 2024 RoundupMercedes-AMG Electric SUVA2RLRoman's New G-WagenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We've Got The Buzz
This week Robbie and Sam both spent time driving the Volkswagen ID Buzz and came away surprisingly delighted. Sam also spent a week with the Toyota Land Cruiser while Nicole got to drive the 2025 Camry.In the news, VW is adding enhanced hazard alerts to its latest models and Polestar and Volvo finally have Supercharger access for their EVs. Ford is now shipping Lectron NACS to CCS adapters to customers instead of Tesla made adapters. Cadillac is bringing a Lyriq-V in 2025 and Lucid is about to open the order books for the Gravity SUV. Hyundai has a new fuel cell vehicle coming in 2025 with a new look for the brand and sister brand Kia is launching the Tasman pickup but it can't come to America because of the chicken tax. Rivian doesn't believe in buttons and they are wrong. FSD can't see deer at night and the Ferrari Enzo had different sized mirrors. We also have a bunch of listener questions.LinksVW integrates enhanced hazard alertsEnhanced Hazard AlertsPolestar & Volvo turn on Supercharger accessLectron NACS-CCS adapterCadillac Lyriq-V coming in 2025Lucid Gravity Pricing and Orders announcedLucid Gravity Design TourPeter Rawlinson on EfficiencyHyundai Initium conceptKia TasmanRivian Software Chief is Wrong about ButtonsFSD completely ignores a deerThe Ferrari Enzo's Asymetric MirrorsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Scouting Mission
Hey everyone, we're back with a standard episode this week. Unfortunately a family emergency came up at the last moment and Robbie couldn't join us. Fortunately, our friend Perry Stern was able to step in and join Nicole and Sam. Perry was driving around in the new Subaru Forester while Nicole had the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sam had the Kia Sorento Hybrid.It was good to have Perry on the show, because he was the only one among the group that was able to attend the reveal event of the new Scout Terra and Traveler which are due to arrive in 2027. Stellantis has started assembly of battery modules at its new factory in Windsor, Ontario, and plans to try out semi-solid state batteries in 2027. They have also updated their Auburn Hills wind tunnel and are planning to sell their Arizona proving ground. Ford has cut prices on its F-150 Lightning Pro and Mach-E for 2025. Costco has installed its first DC fast charging station and Nicole shares some highlights from this week's semi-finalist drive for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year.LinksScout Terra and TravellerStellantis to try semi-solid state cells in 2027 ChargerNextStar Energy Starts Battery Module ProductionFord Pro Cuts EV pricesHigh speed trains are awesome2025 Mach-E gets price cut, GT lookStellantis updates wind tunnel/Proving ground saleCoscto gets in to fast chargingNACTOY DriveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Where's The Plug?
Hey everyone, this week's show is a bit different. Sam is on his way to South Korea for the week, Nicole is visiting her daughter in Wisconsin and Robbie is Lake Tahoe for a gig with one of his bands. But rather than leave you with no content, we've got some material from the Nissan Fast Forward event that Sam attended in Nashville this week. Nissan unveiled the new 2025 Murano and Sam has some thoughts and then we have presentations from 4 Nissan executives including chief product officer for North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, VP of sales and marketing Vinay Shahani, VP of aftersales Kim Less and SVP manufacturing David Johnson. Lots of interesting stuff in here about where Nissan is going for the rest of the decade including plug-in hybrids, e-Power, and extended range EVs. We'll back with a regular episode next week.LinksThe 2025 Nissan MuranoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
AI Stock Boondoggle
Nicole is back and she drove the Honda Prologue while Robbie spent more time with the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the VW GTi.Links2025 Jeep Compass2025 Bronco Free Wheeling2025 Chevy Silverado EV UpdatesVolkswagen TayronMCity 2.0CyberCab2-seat robotaxisCarlos Tavares to retire in early 2026Stellantis EV price parityMore cheap EU EVsFisker reaches bankruptcy dealhttps://carbuzz.com/fisker-faces-new-government-probe/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Is All-New?
Nicole's Saturday morning flight home from Venice was cancelled so she'll be back next week. In the meantime, Chad Kirchner joins us to talk about what's going on. Robbie has been driving the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the Mazda CX-70 and a weekend with the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.In the news, Mazda has launched a new electric sedan in China that goes for just under $23,000 but we can't have it. Lots of charging news this week with Enel X Way shutting down it's US operations, but Ford is offering EV buyers free chargers and installation. Ionna has started construction on its first charging station with just 29,990 chargers to go. Ford had cut pricing on BlueCruise and launched a somewhat-new Expedition. Our pals at TFL finally got FSD Supervised on their Cybertruck and Toyota pushed back the launch of their 3-row electric SUV by 6 months. Rivian cut its 2024 production forecast but an R1T survived the Hurricane Helene flooding with flying colors.Speaking of the hurricane, if you have a few extra dollars, send some to Feeding America for TacoTober to help out those affected by the disaster. Also check out The Kirchner Report and buy a copy of Racecar by the Drastic CatsLinksMazda EZ-6Ford Home chargingEnel X Way shuts downIonna breaks ground on first rechargeryFord cuts BlueCruise pricingTFL tries FSD on their Cybertruck2025 Ford ExpeditionToyota delays 3-row EVRivian cuts production forecastRivian R1T survives HeleneThe Kirchner ReporttacotoberHummer HX ConceptNoodoeLamborghini Huracan SterratoChargelabDrastic Cats - RacecarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Simulated Engagement
Nicole is still riding the rails in Europe so Stephanie Brinley joins Robbie and Sam again. Stephanie has been driving the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the Toyota Crown Signia. Robbie got to try out the new electric motorcycles from Can Am and Sam got some quality time with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.Sam also got to sample the new 2025 Nissan Kicks which is bigger, more powerful and more expensive than the original. Ontario premier Doug Ford has a crazy scheme to build a 34 mile tunnel under Toronto to fix congestion on highway 401 and it probably won't work. Stellantis has begun the search for a successor to CEO Carlos Tavares while Jeep and VW are planning to add hybrids to their North American lineups. Honda is developing a new hybrid Prelude coupe and there are reports it could be offered with a manual transmission. Finally, ACMI has tested Tesla FSD and it was to say the least, problematic.LinksCan-Am Origin / Pulse2025 Nissan Kicks34 mile tunnel to fix Toronto traffic, or notStellantis searching for new CEOJeep looking at adding hybrids to lineupVW likely to add hybrids to US within 2 yearsAudi prices US Q6 e-tron, adds RWD modelThe New Hybrid Honda Prelude Could Have a ManualACMI Tests FSD, It's Not GoodAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
ADAS Distractions
As Nicole and her spouse are riding the rails in Europe, Tanya Gazdik is back with the Land Rover Defender 130 and the Mercedes-AMG SL63. Sam has thoughts about Ineos Grenadier and Robbie has something he can't discuss until next week.Tanya and Sam drove the Polestar 3 this week and share their first impressions. Elektrobit's Dr. Mortiz Neukirchner has developed a taxonomy for software defined vehicles. More vehicles are getting in-cabin radar sensors to make sure no one is left behind. The IIHS says ADAS is leading to driver complacency. Maserati needs marketing help and Waymo may be turning to Hyundai for its next robotaxi.LinksSoftware defined vehicle levelsIn-cabin radar for rear seat detectionIIHS study says drivers more distracted using ADASIIHS ADAS safety ratingsPolestar 3 first driveMaserati Marketing, does it exist?Waymo and Hyundai may collaborate on robotaxisAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Touchscreen Vents Are Stupid
This week, Nicole has been driving the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus hybrid and Sam has the Toyota Highlander XSE 2.4T.Lucid held a technology day this week where they announced that the Gravity SUV will go into production in the 4th quarter complete with a J3400 charging port and a $50,000 midsize model is coming by 2026. Nicole tells us all about Heels and Wheels. At the 2024 Mobility Experience, Bosch demoed is new ABS for e-bikes, proactive vehicle dynamics control, steer by wire and more. Nuro is pivoting away from automated delivery bots and Ford wants to listen in to what is happening in your car to serve you ads on the road. NHTSA is finally starting to move toward some pedestrian protection standards. Magna has a new inner door carrier made from sustainable plant based fibers and polymers and GM and Hyundai want to partner up to save money on next-generation vehicles.LinksLucid updatesFord Eavesdropping PatentNHTSA finally proposes pedestrian protectionBosch e-Bike ABSNuro pivots from delivery bots to licensing softwareBosch mobility experienceMagna Sustainable door carrierGM-Hyundai dealAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Get Your Recalls Fixed
This week we drive the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Volvo C40 Recharge. Sam also shares thoughts on the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe hybrid.We also have an interview with Michael Fischer, Project lead for the Honda EV Hub in OhioLinks2025 Nissan ArmadaVW ID.4 Gets ChatGPTTop 10 Cars for Gen ZMazda S or Model 62025 Volvo XC90Drunk Philidelphia Women Charged with Homicide While Using BlueCruiseDefence attorney blames BlueCruise28th Takata airbag death in USCox Battery operations centerAAA driving cost surveyhttps://newsroom.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/YDC-Brochure-FINAL-9.2024.pdfHonda EV hubBYD SharkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Hyundai Is Busy
Robbie is sick this week and his voice is shot, so it's just Sam and Nicole. Nicole has been driving the Subaru Ascent while Sam had the Lexus RX450h+ plug-in hybrid.Hyundai made lots of news this week at its investor day as well as during a drive program in California. Its new 3-row electric crossover, the Ioniq 9 will launch production in 2025 at the new Savannah, GA factory and in 2026, Hyundai will launch an extended range EV (EREV). But before the Ioniq 9 arrives, Hyundai will be producing the Ioniq 5 at the new factory beginning in October. Along with a mild styling refresh and bigger batteries, the Ioniq 5 is getting an SAE J3400/NACS charging port. 3 weeks after the regular Ioniq 5, Hyundai will start production of the Ioniq 5 XRT for those that can't wait for the Rivian R3. Hyundai will also build a limited production version of the N Vision 74 concept.Sam and Nicole both drove the new Volvo EX90 electric 3-row SUV (everyone else is building 3-row EVs, why can't Ford?). Nicole also got to drive the new gas fueled Chevy Equinox. Walter Chrysler's great grandson is offering to buy the Chrysler and Dodge brands from Stellantis and we have interviews with Luminar CEO Austin Russell and Volvo's Thomas Broberg.LinksHyundai to Build Ioniq 9 in US, offer EREVsHyundai investor daySam's Volvo EX90 first driveNicole's Volvo EX90 review2025 Hyundai Ioniq 52025 Chevrolet EquinoxHyundai N Vision 74 productionWalter Chrysler descendant wants to buy Chrysler and DodgeVolvo Interview Gary KalsariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Volvo's Mikael Ljung Aust on Driver Understanding
Sam speaks with Volvo senior technical leader about the driver understanding system in the new EX90Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Losing the Buzz
Robbie is back from Germany where he got to drive the updated Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and he wants one. Nicole got to drive a pair of new Hyundai Santa Fes at home and at a family wedding. Meanwhile, Sam got surprisingly good efficiency from the latest edition of the VW ID4 but those window switches are still dumb.In the news, the US market version of the VW ID Buzz finally has a price and let's just say affordability isn't part of the formula. Ford has again pivoted on its electric vehicle plans and there won't be anything fresh in showrooms for a few more years. GM is bringing some plug-in hybrid powertrains to its US lineup, but the new Equinox won't be home to this system. Ford has updated the Bronco Sport for 2025 with some cool new lifestyle features. Tesla has been purging old claims about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving but the internet never forgets and Robbie visited Electrify Expo and you can too.LinksVW ID Buzz pricing and rangeFord backs off on EV plansTesla purging FSD claimsElon's 2016 Autopilot V2 conference callThe purged blog postChevrolet won't give us Chinese developed Equinox PHEV2025 Ford Bronco SportElectrify ExpoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Should Have Saved The Name
Our regular lineup is back together, after a delayed arrival from Robbie. Robbie got to spend some time with the new Toyota Prius Prime while spending a couple of days in Detroit. Sam drove the Hyundai Kona Electric and Nicole has been in the latest Subaru Impreza RS and Mazda CX-90 since she last appeared.This week Sam got to visit the Volvo Cars factory near Charleston, South Carolina where they have just added production of the Polestar 3 in addition to the Volvo EX90. JD Power continues to survey EV drivers about their satisfaction with the public charging experience and while it has ticked upward overall just a but this year, it still has a lot of room for improvement. While traditional auto shows are flagging, Monterey Car Week has become the place to launch premium and expensive machines and wild concepts. We discuss the Cadillac Opulent Velocity and Acura Performance EV concepts and the production 2025 Lincoln Navigator. In China, GM like most other non-Chinese brands is struggling against surging domestic competitors. One of those competitors is Zeekr which has launched a new battery capable of some impressive charging speeds.LinksVolvo/Polestar factory visitCharging satisfaction improves - a bitCadillac Opulent Velocity concept2025 Lincoln NavigatorGM China LayoffsNew fast charging Zeekr LFP batteryAcura Performance EV conceptAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
No Fancy Brunch
While Nicole is off enjoying a fancy brunch with friends visiting from out of town, Robbie and Sam are again joined by Stephanie Brinley. Robbie has been driving the Ford Ranger Raptor while Steph spent time with the latest Honda Civic Hybrid and Genesis G70. Sam spent the week with the Kia EV6 GT-Line.In the news, Fiat is now integrating charging cables into the nose of EVs. Chargepoint showed off its solution for handling EVs with CCS or J3400/NACS charging ports, the new Omni Port and Robbie got to try it out. Dodge announced pricing for its e-muscle car, the Charger Daytona and we got to hear what it sounds like. Tesla has dropped the reservation system for the Cybertruck and deliveries are available almost immediately. Volvo has bumped the pricing for the new EX90 and a bunch of features missing at launch. GMC has a redesigned Terrain for 2025. Finally, Sam had an in-depth conversation with Joerg Grotendorst, SVP of Corporate R&D at Magna International (and no they didn't discuss Fisker).Wheel Bearings listeners get an extra 3 months for free when they sign up for ExpressVPN at https://www.expressvpn.com/wheelbearingsLinksFiat to integrate charging cablesChargepoint Omni PortNACS and CCS on one cable2025 GMC Terrain2025 Dodge Charger Daytona pricingNo more Tesla Cybertruck reservations, Canada/Mexico now openVolvo EX90 price bumped by $3300, features missingAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy