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)
Bringing Back Hybrids
This week Sam is driving a very luxurious and pricey version of the J300 Land Cruiser in the form of the Lexus LX600. Robbie has been trying out the 2024 Ford Mustang Premium Ecoboost and Nicole had Toyota Prius.Nicole has first thoughts on driving the new Lexus GX. Ford and Lincoln have finally gotten around to updating the Explorer and Aviator and they both lose their hybrid variants. Mazda is adding another plug-in hybrid with the new CX-70, basically a two-row version of the CX-90. GM is also bringing plug-in hybrids back to the US market, eventually. Honda is reportedly working on an electric next-gen NSX. Kyle Conner tries to buy a Vinfast VF8 and Volvo is pausing deliveries of the EX30 because of software problems. Early Cybertruck owners are having issues with tires and suspensions and Elon wants protection from China.Links2024 Lexus GX2025 Ford Explorer2025 Lincoln Aviator2025 Mazda CX-70GM to bring back PHEVsHonda NSX EVKyle Conner tries to buy a Vinfast VF8Volvo EX30 deliveries paused because SoftwareCybertruck aero wheel covers chewing up tiresBroken Cybertruck at King of the HammersElon wants more tariffs on Chinese EVsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Lucy With the Football
Nicole has been having some fun with the Mazda 3 Turbo while Robbie has the Subaru Impreza RS. Sam is driving the most affordable Buick in a long time in the form of the new Envista.In the news, Chevrolet has revealed a second completely different and not at all electric Equinox and expanded its CT5 refresh to the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. Honda and Acura have released pricing on the Prologue and ZDX which won't be released until GM fixes the software platform. The dealership employees that sold a Dodge Demon 170 that was allocated to a member of the military to someone willing to pay an extra $50,000 have been fired. Porsche has released a second-generation Macan that is now exclusively electric. Akio Toyoda thinks EVs won't exceed 30% market share and Revoy has an electric assist system for heavy trucks. Sam talked with Andrey at TFL trucks about modded trucks and we answer some listener questions.Links2025 Chevrolet EquinoxDealers fires employees who sold Demon 170Acura ZDX pricingHonda Prologue pricing and rangePorsche Macan EVAkio Toyoda projects EVs will top out at 30% share2025 Cadillac CT5-V/CT5-V BlackwingRevoy electric truck assistThe limits of modified and lifted trucksChevy Astro commercialAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Dealers be Dealering
This week, Nicole has the Mazda CX-50 in a disappointing color, Robbie has the Range Rover Velar in one of the 8 available non-colors and Sam is driving the Chevrolet Trailblazer in Cacti Green.In the news, Jeep teases the upcoming Wagoneer S EV with too much power. Stellantis also launches the Ram Promaster EV and confirms the STLA Large EV platform will also support hybrid powertrains. JerryRigEverything tries towing with the Cybertruck and comes up short. For some reason, BMW has decided to put some humanoid robots into the Spartanburg assembly plant, what could go wrong? Mazda has launched a development program for a new rotary sports car, will it ever be built?Ford and Lincoln are launching an all-new infotainment system based on Android with a 48-inch full-width screen. Sam also spoke with friend of the show, Andrey Smirnov for an episode of TFL Trucks about lifted trucks and we debate the legitimacy of a threads video about software defined vehicles. Sam also has a conversation with Paul Thomas, president of the mobility unit of Bosch from CES.LinksJeep Wagoneer S8 STLA Large EVs coming by 2026Ram Promaster EVJerryRigEverything Tows with the CybertruckBMW to deploy humanoid robots in SpartanburgFord abandons self-repo carsMazda Launching rotary sports car developmentFord/Lincoln Digital ExperienceThe problem with lifted trucks no one talks aboutMore software defined vehicle troubleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tell Me A Dinosaur Story
Sam and Robbie survived another year of CES and have lots to discuss. Sam has been driving the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid since returning. Nicole has had the Hyundai Tucson and Robbie got to ride the Honda Motocompacto at CES.At CES, large language models have been integrated into cars with VW using ChatGPT, BMW using one from Amazon and Mercedes-Benz working with Nvidia. Fisker joins Vinfast in ditching direct sales as it signs up dealers and Sam chats with Henrik Fisker about it. Honda's new concepts preview its upcoming Series 0 EVs coming in 2026. There was lidar news from Hesai, Robosense, Aeva and Luminar. Intel is jumping back into the automotive chip business. Eaton has developed an EV charger that fits in your circuit breaker panel. Supernal and Xpeng are still trying to make personal aviation a thing. Android Auto is getting battery state of charge information for Google Maps and the Detroit Auto Show is going back to January. Vinfast also showed off a pickup truck and tiny crossover at CES.LinksVW gets ChatGPT, LLMs everywhereFisker abandons direct salesHonda Series 0 conceptsLidar in ChinaLuminar DemoIntel gets into cars - againEaton's mini EV chargerSupernalXpeng AeroHTNAIAS Goes Back to January, right against CESAndroid Auto gets battery informationVinfast at CESAmphicarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
And The Winners Are...
This week Sam and Robbie both have large, luxury, three-row SUVs with turbocharged inline-six cylinder engines. Robbie has the BMW X7 and Sam has the Cadillac Escalade Platinum diesel.In the news we have the winners of the 2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. Ford also bumps up pricing on the F-150 Lightning again, only a few EVs retain tax credit eligibility for 2024, Porsche is making a faster Taycan, Stellantis is quiting auto shows and Tesla is cutting the estimated ranges of its EVs to something more realistic. Motor Trend drives the BYD Seal in Mexico and a University of Michigan study says you won't save money driving an EV if you fast charge.LinksNACTOY 2024 winnersFord Lightning prices on the rise againWhich EVs are still eligible for tax creditsNew track focused Porsche TaycanBYD Seal first drive at MTStellantis done with auto showsUofM TCO studyTesla lowers range estimatesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We Can't Have Nice Things
This week, Sam has been driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce and Nicole shares her experience renting a Volvo XC60 diesel in Switzerland.Daihatsu which only briefly sold its small cars in the US in late 1980s and early 1990s reveals that for more than 30 years it has been faking safety certification documents for its vehicles along with those it has built for Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. Volvo is rolling out more EVs as it moves towards being an all-electric brand by the end of the decade with the ES90 sedan no in early pre-production. It's not unusual for car rental companies to have age limits for renters, but you might think 3-time F1 champion might get an exception, but you'd be wrong. Vinfast which launched with direct consumer sales has signed up its first franchised dealer. Apparently California law doesn't allow police to write tickets to driverless cars that break traffic laws. The last V8-powered Dodge Challenger has left the building and VW has an electric GTI coming in 2026 but America might not get it. Finally, patron Adam J writes in to tell us about his experience using Auto Socks.If you didn't get your Wheel Bearings swag for the holidays, you can still order what you want at https://shop.wheelbearings.mediaLinksDaihatsu forges crash test results for 30 yearsVolvo ES90 could arrive by 2025Max Verstappen too young to rent AMG GTVinfast gets 1st US dealerCalifornia AVs can't get ticketsthe last V8 Dodge ChallengerVW ID GTI arrives in 2026Burgess Meredith Twilight Zone - Time Enough At LastAuto SocksAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Winter Socks for Tires
Nicole is back and she has the new Honda Accord Hybrid Sport! Robbie is back and he's got thoughts on the Volvo C40 and Electrify America! Sam gets a bunch of electric miles out of the Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti eAWD.In the news, the Chevy Blazer EV we discussed last week is having some major software issues and GM has issued a stop sale order. Tesla's big recall hasn't actually address the problems with Autopilot as expected and they are also having trouble making batteries for the Cybertruck. Scooter sharing pioneer Bird goes bankrupt and Hyperloop One shuts down for good. Porsche and Aston Martin may be debut brands for next-generation Apple CarPlay and the first Cadillac Celestiq is spotted on Woodward Avenue. Our friends at TFL test winter tires vs all-seasons vs chains vs snow socks and you might be surprised at the winner. Finally, SAE has finished the new charging standard based on the Tesla connector (J3400) and Sam talks with Dr. Rodney McGee, chair of the task force that developed it.Charging socket typesNACS 277V supportLinksSnow/All-Season tires vs chains and snow socksBlazer EV problemsMore Blazer EV problemsTesla recall doesn't workTesla battery hellBird goes bankruptHyperloop One is donePorsche and Aston Martin to launch next-gen CarplayFirst Cadillac Celestiq prototype spottedAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Strategic Crown Vic Reserve
This week Robbie and his wife are visiting New York for the holidays and Nicole and her hubbie are hitting the Christmas markets along their European river cruise route. Fortunately, Stephanie Brinley is back to join Sam. Steph has been driving the Nissan Leaf SV+ while Sam spent time in the Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss and the Kia EV9.Stephanie and Sam both got to drive the new Chevrolet Blazer EV and share their thoughts good and otherwise on the vehicle and the new Carplay-free infotainment system. Cadillac also dropped the first images of its fourth electric SUV, the three-row Vistiq coming as a 2026 model. The Los Angeles County Sherrif's department was such a fan of the Ford Crown Victoria that when production ended 11 years ago, they ordered a stockpile and they still have hundreds in service. Tesla had a big recall this week that will have almost zero impact and a Model S driver in Germany has racked up more than 1 millions but is this the Tesla of Theseus? Finally, VW is going back to physical buttons and we have a listener question.LinksChevy Blazer EV first DriveGM's new projection-free infotainment2026 Cadillac VistiqLA Sherrif dept strategic Crown Vic reserveanti-drunk driving techTesla Autopilot recallMillion mile Tesla of TheseusVW bringing back physical buttonsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Are We Ready To Swap?
Tanya joins us again this week as Nicole's European Christmas vacation continues. She spent time with the Toyota Sequoia and the Honda Civic sedan. Meanwhile Sam spent a week with the updated BMW X5 eDrive50 that went 45 miles on a charge of the new larger battery pack.In the news, friend of the show Jamie Kitman shared his first driving impressions of the Fisker Ocean and concluded, that it's not yet fully baked. Stellantis is winding down production of the Chrysler 300 and partnering with Ample to test battery module swapping for a fleet of 500es in a car sharing service in Madrid. Once batteries reach the end of their life, they need to be recycled and Toyota is partnering with Cirba to develop a collection and distribution system for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries to go to recycling centers. Honda has teased the radical new look for its upcoming EVs and Chevrolet has confirmed the next-generation Bolt will come out in 2025. So what do you do when you have a 22 year old Honda Odyssey minivan and a wrecked Tesla Model S Plaid? Why merge them of course. Tanya tells us about her visit to the BMW Silicon Valley Tech Center and Sam talks with GM Energy's Derek Sequeira about what the automaker is doing on the charging front.LinksJamie Kitman reviews the Fisker OceanStellantis to test Ample battery swappingThe end of the road for the Chrysler 300Toyota partners with Cirba Solutions for battery recyclingHonda teases new EVs for CESNew Chevrolet Bolt in 2025PlaidesseyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Better Late Than Never?
This week Sam drove the 2024 GMC Canyon AT4 and guest host Tanya Gazdik tells us about her experience with a rental Jeep Renegade in Utah and the new Honda Civic. Tanya also got a first drive in the new Toyota Tacoma.Almost 4 years to the day after smashing the windows on the Cybertruck concept, Tesla finally delivered the first 10 production examples to customers. It's both less and more than the original concept although it looks pretty much the same (apart from the triangular side mirrors and the ludicrously large windshield wiper). Another EV startup Fisker is facing some major challenges and is cutting production for 2023 to conserve cash. The IRS says no tax credits for EVs with Chinese parts or minerals in the batteries (unless you lease) and Connecticut is pausing efforts to ban sales of new ICE vehicles by 2035. Nissan is going to build the next generation Leaf in the UK and it might be a small crossover that looks like the 2021 Chill-out concept. Detroit now has a small stretch of road that can charge EVs while they drive and Atlanta wants to ban drunk drivers and street racers for life. If you want to drive fast, go to a local track or drag strip or autocross, it's suprisingly cheap and easy. Finally, we have an interview with Hyundai North America senior manager of product planning Michael Evanoff.Head to FactorMeals.com/wheelbearings50 and use code wheelbearings50 to get 50% offLinksCybertruckFisker in trouble?No Tax Credits for Chinese batteriesConnecticut pulls the plug on ICE banNissan Chill-out concept = Next Leaf?Detroit's EV Charging RoadAtlanta wants to ban drunk drivers and street racers for lifeRivian range extender patentHagerty Motorsport RegistrationRoman Mica on the "Cybercar"Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Not A Daily Driver
It's just Robbie and Sam today as Nicole starts a European vacation with her hubbie. Next week we should have a third participant. Sam drove the 2024 Ford F-250 King Ranch which is a really impressive truck for doing work, but trucks this size have no business being used as daily drivers. Robbie had another stint in the Kia EV6, this time a RWD GT-Line variant. Motorsports has become increasingly important to Hyundai, but its new performance standard bearer, the Ioniq 5 N has nowhere to compete, so Hyundai might just create a one-make series for it. Next year, you'll be able to buy Hyundai vehicles on Amazon. Porsche has a new Panamera with more electric driving range, Magna will be engineering the new Scout electric off-roaders from VW, and New Jersey will ban new internal combustion cars, but will it let people charge their own EVs?Cruise has been in a lot of trouble in the past month and its CEO just resigned. When the GM subsidiary does resume operations, it will be scaling way back and slowing down growth plans. Toyota is also taking it slow with solid-state batteries and a judge has decided that Tesla new about defects in Autopilot. Tesla offers customers insurance, but is it worth it? While Tesla Cybertruck deliveries are scheduled to start this week, a Vietnamese craftsman has built his own, out of wood. We anser listener questions and Sam talks to Kia COO Steve Center. Head to FactorMeals.com/wheelbearings50 and use code wheelbearings50 to get 50% off.LinksWill the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N get a 1 make series?Buying a Hyundai on Amazon2024 Porsche PanameraMagna Steyr may develop Scout for VWCruise scales way backNew Jersey to ban ICE, but will they let you charge your own EV?Judge decides Tesla knew about Autopilot FlawsToyota goes slow on solid state batteriesTesla Insurance a lemon?Wooden CybertruckEV GuideCherry 1977 Ford BroncoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Frunk-Gating
This week Sam drove the 2024 Hyundai Kona and also got a bit of wheel time in the new Volvo EX30. Nicole got another stint in the Subaru Crosstrek, this time in sport trim.In the news, there's lots of stuff from the LA Auto Show including the 2025 Toyota Camry and Crown Signia, Kia's EV3 and EV4 concepts, the Genesis GV80 Coupe with an updated interior and the debut of the Lucid Gravity. EVs are getting a new on-board diagnostics standard and the Honda Prelude is headed for production as a hybrid sport coupe. Sam had an interview with Lucid software/electronics chief Mike Bell, chief engineer Eric Bach and CEO Peter Rawlinson.LinksCadillac Optiq2025 Toyota Camry2025 Toyota Crown SigniaEVs get standard OBDLucid GravityKia EV3 and EV4Honda Prelude headed to productionNew GV80 interiorLucid Gravity design walk around with Derek JenkinsLucid Gravity HMI tour with Dave FlintAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Appropriately Named
This week it's just Nicole and Sam. Since she last joined us, Nicole has been driving a fabulous wagon, the Volvo V60 Cross-Country and the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 high-performance SUV. Sam has had the Chevrolet Tahoe RST with a big, classic American V8.Sam got to drive a bunch of newer models from the BMW group including the i5 eDrive40, i5 M60, 530i, XM and the fabulous and quiet Rolls-Royce Spectre. Nicole ran the Mille Miglia Warmup again, scoring better than last year, but unfortunately falling one slot in the standings. At Polestar Day, Sam saw all the new stuff coming from the Volvo spin-off brand including getting rides in the P3 and P4. Nicole got to try out the new Volvo EX30 in Spain and NHTSA warns drivers not to bedazzle their air-bag equipped steering wheels. We also answer a listener question about liability with automated vehicles.Check out Factor 75 and use my code wheelbearings50 for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com/Links2024 BMW 5/i5Rolls-Royce SpectrePolestar DayStoredot batteriesDon't bedazzle your steering wheelVolvo EX30Mille Miglia warmupVredestein tiresAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Don't Call It A Hybrid
Nicole is on the road this week so it's just Sam and Robbie. But Robbie was flying back and forth to Singapore so he didn't drive anything. Sam had the new Subaru Impreza and a short stint with the Kia EV9.In the news, details of the Stellantis tentative agreement with the UAW are out and confirm plans for a new midsize pickup as well as several EVs and where they will be built. Ram is refreshing the 1500 pickup with new engines and grilles and adding the "range extended paradigm changer" aka the Ramcharger. Just don't call it a hybrid. Hyundai has cut prices on the Ioniq 6 sedan for 2024 and Porsche is adopting Android Automotive for its infotainment from 2025. Or friends at TFL check out the Nissan Safari Z concept at SEMA and Sam saw the original in Japan. We finish up with listener questions.Check out Factor 75 and use my code wheelbearings50 for a great deal: https://www.factor75.com/LinksRam midsize pickup going to Belvidere plant2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 up to $4100 cheaperPorsche goes Android in 2025TFL checks out the Nissan Safari Z conceptThe original Safari Z2025 Ram 1500 and RamchargerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Tardis of EVs
Sam is back from Korea and Japan and has driven the 2024 Chevrolet Trax. Nicole has the Ford Maverick Tremor and spends time riding on a GoCycle e-Bike. Robbie spent the week with the Subaru Crosstrek.In the news, Sam has highlights from the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo including the Mazda Iconic SP concept, the Infiniti Vision Qe concept which previews a new electric sedan coming for 2026, and the Nissan Hyper Force concept. Honda showed off a new hybrid sports coupe that brings back the Prelude name. Lexus also had some concepts including the LF-ZC sedan (also coming in 2026) and an off-road equipped RZ. Subaru also dropped a coupe concept called Sport Mobility with no details. Finall Sam got to try out a couple of Japanese market Nissans, the Sakura electric Kei car and the series hybrid X-Trail (sold in America as Rogue) E-Power. We finish up with a couple of listener questions.LinksMazda Iconic SP conceptInfiniti Vision QeNissan SakuraNissan Sakura photosNissan X-Trail e-PowerHonda PreludeNissan Hyper ForceLexus RZ Off-RoaderLexus LF-ZCSubaru Sport Mobility ConceptTFL Tours the Japan Mobility ShowGrumpy Roman on the Lexus RZAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Falling Short and Expensive
Sam is in the middle of a 2 week jaunt in Korea and Japan so it's just Nicole and Robbie today. Robbie has the Ford F-150 Lightning again and Nicole is driving the refreshed Kia Seltos.In the news, Toyota dropped a bunch of images of new EV concepts it will highlighting at the Japan Mobility Show. Mercedes dealers are apparently having a hard time moving EVs. We'll see if Tesla has an equally hard time selling Cybertrucks soon because they apparently will be a lot more expensive than the announced prices back in 2019. For those that were hoping for a big range boost on the refreshed Model 3, think again. Stellantis is saving some cash by withdrawing from SEMA, LA auto show and CES. GM's new Brightdrop Zevo 6 delivery van is being transformed into an electric camper and more workers are being furloughed due to the UAW strikes.Don't forget your Wheel Bearings merch at https://shop.wheelbearings.mediaLinksToyota Tokyo EV conceptsMercedes dealers having trouble selling EVsCybertruck deliveries soon? Affordable, not so muchStellantis pulls out of Sema, LA, CESRefreshed Tesla Model 3 fails to meet range claims, againTransforming the Brightdrop delivery van into a camperUAW Layoffs and….…more to comeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A Very Expensive Bumper
This week on the show we've been driving a broad selection of stuff even though Robbie had nothing new to report on the Kia Niro EV. Sam had two very quick but very different red cars, the Kia EV6 GT and an all too brief stint with the Maserati MC20. Nicole drove the BMW M2 with a manual gearbox and sampled the new Lexus TX 3-row utility.Our good pals at TFL have a "new" car in their fleet that they regretted buying before they even got off the auction lot, the Kandi K27. Kia unveiled a batch of lower cost EVs in Korea this week that we may or may not see in North America. BMW unveiled the next-generation X2 and Nissan dropped some renders of the 2nd of 3 EV concepts that Sam will see in Tokyo in a couple of weeks. If you're not satisfied with the paint on your Tesla (and let's face it, who is?) Tesla will now wrap it for you.Finally, we have some merch now at Cotton Bureau so you can show off your favorite automotive podcast. Go to https://shop.wheelbearings.media and check out our selection of shirts and phone cases.LinksTFL and the Kandi K27Wheel Bearings Merchlower cost Kia EVs2024 BMW X2Tesla wrapsNissan Hyper Adventure ConceptAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A Long Note
This week Robbie gets his hands on the almost base model Lucid Air, the all-wheel drive Pure. Nicole has the new Subaru Crosstrek which is no longer offered in high-visibility orange and Sam drive the Lexus RZ450e with its flimsy charge port door.In the news, Ford is upgrading the climate control on the 2024 F-150 Lightning with heat pumps, and Nissan previews the Hyper Urban concept EV that we'll see in Tokyo in a couple of weeks. A company that was burning used EV batteries for testing in central Ohio agrees to stop and EV owners in Texas encounter a nasty-gram at the charger - from other EV owners. Volvo announces pricing for the new EX30 and Home Depot is going to phase out gas powered outdoor equipment. Rivians can now be ordered with the Max battery pack for over 400 miles of range. Rivian owners that get minor body damage should consider looking beyond company authorized body shops for service and the UAW gets a huge concession from GM on battery plants.LinksMY 24 Ford Lightning gets heat pumpsNissan Hyper Urban ConceptPiqua Ohio ends battery testingVolvo prices EX30Getting EV drivers to use appropriate chargersRivian dent repairHome depot to phase out gas lawn equipmentRivian delivers 410-mile max packUAW gets big battery win from GMCalculations with the Kia EV6EGo Single stage battery snow blowerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
I Found It A Little Wonkety
This week, Robbie rented a Chrysler Pacifica for a family road trip. Nicole drove the lovely Volvo S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid sedan and Sam had the latest Honda Accord Hybrid.In the news, Honda showed off the Prologue, its first high-volume battery electric vehicle. It's a midsize crossover built for Honda on the Ultium architecture. At the 7th Rennsport Reunion at Laguna Seca, Porsche unveiled the 911 GT3 R Rennsport, a $1 million track day special. Sam was in Austin for Move America 2023 where he met a company called Carvaloo that claims to be able to detect even minor impacts based on signals from vehicle sensors and then went for some more rides in Cruise robotaxis.Finally, it's Tacotober. Food insecurity is a major problem in America. Robbie is raising funds for Feeding America and you can help out by donating. If you give at least $50, Robbie will write a song about you. Even if you can't donate right now, consider going and volunteering some time at a local food bank.LinksCarvalooAnother Austin CruisePorsche 911 GT3 Rennsport2024 Honda PrologueTacotober donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Sharing a Bench With Your Bestie
In the garage, Nicole has the Chevrolet Silverado Z71 Trail Boss which isn't as expensive as the GMC Sierra she drove last week and also the Polaris Ranger. Robbie has been getting to band gigs quickly in the Cadillac Escalade V. Sam drove mostly on electrons in the new Prius Prime.In the news, Ford has announced a plug-in hybrid version of the new Ranger but it's not coming to America ... yet. The third-generation VW Tiguan is coming next year and VW has announced the end of its diesel engines early in 2024. Vinfast is selling EVs, mostly to itself and the UAW has expanded its strike against GM and Stellantis. Our friends at TFL have tested the towing capability of the new Silverado EV. We wrap up with listener questions and Sam's conversation with BorgWarner CTO Harry Husted.Links3rd Gen VW TiguanFord Ranger PHEVTFL tests the Silverado EV,No more Volvo dieselsUAW strike expansionMost Vinfast cars delivered to itselfPolaris RangerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Suitcase Scooter
This week the whole team converged on the Detroit Auto Show but we never managed to get more than two members in the same place at the same time with Robbie mostly focused on the nearby battery show. Sam drove the Toyota Crown Limited while Nicole had the most off-roady of GMC Sierras with the AT4X AEV Edition. Meanwhile Robbie managed to squeeze his lanky body into a tiny Honda Beat and a bonkers Honda CR-V Hybrid racer (aka The Beast).At the show, we got refreshed versions of the Ford F-150, Cadillac CT5 and Jeep Gladiator and a brand new GMC Acadia. During but not at the show, Honda announced the foldable Motocompacto Scooter and Ford had the production edition of the Mustang Mach-E Rally. That Mach-E will be raced in the upcoming Rebelle Rally. We have listener questions and Sam's conversations with Bosch CEO Dr. Stefan Hartung and Hyundai global chief safety officer Brian Latouf.Links2024 Ford F-1502025 Cadillac CT52024 GMC AcadiaHonda MotocompactoMustang Mach-E Rally in the Rebelle RallyMustang Mach-E RallyMike Levine in the RamboxRebelle RallyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Made In China
We've got a full team this week as Robbie drove the updated 2024 Polestar 2, Nicole had the Ford F-150 Raptor R and Hyundai Palisade and Sam spent time with the Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid.Sam got to spend a few days in Munich this week at the IAA Mobility show which included some ride and drive opportunities in some Chinese built cars. First up was the new Lotus Eletre, a radically different type of vehicle from the brand created by Colin Chapman. Later this week, Lotus also unveiled the new Emeya electric four-door GT in New York. Lotus is now owned by China's Geely Group which also owns Zeekr, whose first product, the 001 shares a platform with the upcoming Polestar 4 including its Mobileye SuperVision hands free driving assist system. Finally, there was the Xpeng P7, a very impressive electric sedan from this relatively young Chinese brand. During IAA, there were a number of concepts unveiled that are very close to upcoming production models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, the BMW Neue Klasse and the VW ID GTI. BMW also designed to end its test of charging a subscription for features like heated seats.The show wraps up with interviews that Sam did with Acura ZDX chief engineer John Wong and design manager Andrew Foster.LinksLotus EletreXpeng p7BMW neue klasseMercedes CLAVW iD GTIBMW drops heated seat subscriptionsLotus EmeyaLet's go back to smaller wheelsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Extinction Event
We had record early this week because Sam is flying to Germany this weekend, but Robbie is trying out new Bridgestone tires so it's just Nicole and Sam. Nicole had the fraternal twin of the Toyota Supra, the BMW Z4 while Sam drove the Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD.Continuing with Hyundai sedans, the Elantra and Sonata get refreshes for 2024 with new looks and assorted other updates. Mercedes-Benz is about to launch the first of its new DC fast charging stations, complete with canopies. Alfa Romeo is marking the end of internal combustion vehicles with a limited run of the 33 Stradale (sorry, they're already sold out). Also about to be extinct is the manual gearbox in the VW Golf R and GTI and the Ram TRX also ends production at the end of 2023. Sam has a chat with Ford's director of icon vehicles Ali Jammoul and we answer a listener question.LinksMercedes-Benz to open first DC fast chargers by end of year2024 Hyundai Elantra2024 Hyundia SonataAlfa Romeo 33 StradaleLast call for the Ram TRXNo More Manual Golf GTI or RAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Send Them To School
Tanya Gazdik is back this week subbing for Nicole and she has been driving the Mercedes-Benz EQB and having a bad charging experience in Detroit. Tanya also spent time in the latest Range Rover LWB. Robbie tells us about driving the new BMW X5M Competition to Monterey car week and renting a Tesla Model 3 from Hertz. Meanwhile Sam got to do some shifting in the Toyota GR Supra with a manual gearbox.In the news, Ford offers a factory matte black wrap for the Lightning and launches a cool looking Transit Custom-based camper in Europe called the Nugget. NHTSA has given clearance for automakers to comply with the lates Massachusetts right to repair law and Chevrolet has launched the first EV with a full police pursuit package.In China, Kia has unveiled a compact electric crossover that will hopefully be offered in North America and taken away its cheap and fun Rio. EV drivers that want to future proof their home charging have a great new option in the Universal Wall Connector from Tesla. Our pals at TFL have created a great cheap Jeep series where they take some cheap old Jeeps to Moab. Finally we answer some listener questions including what to do with a young driver.LinksFord wraps the F-150 LightningFord Nugget CamperNHTSA approves Mass. Right to Repair lawChevrolet Blazer EV Police PursuitKia EV5Kia Rio dead in AmericaTesla Magic Dock home chargerCheap Jeep seriesThe Fast LaneAtlanta area advance driving skills for teensSkip Barber Driving AcademyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Most Audacious
This week Robbie hanging out among the fancy people covering Monterey Car Week so Stephanie Brinley is back with Nicole and Sam. Sam took a road trip in the Honda Pilot Trailsport. Stephanie had the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV and Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid. Nicole drove the Mazda CX-30 turbo.In the news, we've got several of the vehicles unveiled in Monterey including the new Acura ZDX, Lamborghini Lanzador and Mustang GTD. Ford CEO Jim Farley took a cross country road trip in an F-150 Lightning and came away with the same conclusion as other non-Tesla EV drivers, the charging experience sucks. Ford continues to keep its transaction prices up by culling base models. It turns out people really did want a Supra with a manual gearbox and we answer a bunch of listener questions.LinksAcura ZDXCharging satisfaction continues to declineNearly 50% of Supras are manualFord dropping base Bronco, now nearly $40KMustang GTDJim Farley faces terrible charging experienceLamborghini LanzadorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy