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)
Power is Not Enough
The crew reconvenes to catch up on the Acura Integra, Polestar 2 single motor, Toyota Corolla Cross, Ford F-150 Raptor and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE.Since they haven't spoken since before Woodward Dream Cruise and Monterey Car week, Robbie and Nicole share their impressions of the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept. Robbie tells us about the Acura Precision Concept EV and we discuss naming Acura's first EV the ZDX. There was also the Lincoln L100 concept and the Meyers Manx EV. A Swedish study says touchscreens are bad, and we all agree. Lamborghini says it will need more than power to compete in the EV age. An Australian Bank will stop providing financing for ICEs in 2025 and sales of new ICEs are getting banned in 2035.LinksDodge Charger Daytona SRTAcura Precision EV conceptLincoln L100Touchscreens are badLamborghini needs more than powerMeyers Manx EVNo loans for Australian ICEsNo new ICEs in CaliforniaAcura ZDX reviewAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
An EV With An Exhaust System?
This week Sam is flying solo and he's got interviews with Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, Stellantis head of propulsion Micky Bly and Ford Mustang and Shelby marketing and brand manager Jim Owens.LinksDodge Charger Daytona SRT conceptDodge HornetMustang Stampede Sept. 14Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A Really Long Dirt Driveway
This week, Roberto tells us about driving the other trucklet, the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz. Nicole drives the Mazda CX-30 and takes a road trip in the Nissan Rogue with its new 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo and Sam has a blast in the Hyundai Elantra Na.All three of our intrepid hosts ventured to North Carolina to drive the refreshed Hyundai Palisade on a really long dirt driveway. EV prices are heading up instead of down and you'll be able to chow down on Swedish meatballs and cinamon rolls as Electrify America is coming to the home of the flat pack. Nicole has some thoughts on Cadillac's new model names. Finally Ralph Nader takes aim at Tesla "full self-driving" and we answe a bunch of questions.LinksElectrify America at IkeaRalph Nader aims at TeslaEV prices going upCadillac's new namesAccidental Tech Podcast #495Accurate Ranging PerceptionLuminar ProActive SafetyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
How Much For The Paint?
This week Sam went through two vehicles that are basically the same, internal combustion engine, 4 wheels, 4 doors plus a hatch and neat paint jobs, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and the Maserati Levante Trofeo. One is slightly more expensive than the other. Nicole has been driving Mazda MX-5 RF and Robbie is still foregoing new cars while he catches up on a backlog of reviewsIn the news, VW has started US production of the ID.4 with a new cheaper standard model with less range and more screen. VW is also confirmed as the customer for the $4 billion lidar order from Innoviz and GM is doubling the number of roads where Super Cruise can be used. Toyota has just barely started selling the bZ4X and is already considering a buyback. Sam spoke with Hyundai's VP of Product and Mobility Olabisi Boyle and we answer some questions.Links2023 VW ID.4VW orders 8M lidar sensorsGM expands Super Cruise to 400K miles of roadsToyota might buy back bZ4XOlabisi BoyleThis or MichiganAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
You Are The Kindling
This week Robbie is catching up on a backlog of articles he has to write so he didn't have anything to drive. But Nicole found the Ford Expedition Max to be the perfect mount for getting to a gathering of extended family in the White Mountains. Meanwhile, Sam finally got his hands on the lovely Audi e-Tron GT.In the news, we catch up on the Cadillac Celestiq that Sam forgot to add to the rundown last week. Chevrolet has revealed the next-generation of its midsize Colorado pickup with only crew cab shortbed configuration and turbo four-cylinder engines. Expanded EV tax incentives are back (maybe depending on what Sen. Sinema decides to do) and GM and Ford continue to try to fight back against customers and dealers flipping and gouging on their most popular models. Among those popular models is likely to be the new Ford Maverick Tremor. We also have a bunch of listener questions.Links2023 Chevrolet ColoradoCadillac CelestiqNew EV incentive dealGM and Ford fight dealer markups and flippersFord Maverick TremorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Failure to Charge
We took a week off to recharge but we're back with a packed show. Roberto went to Germany to drive the Mercedes-Benz EQXX concept and the production EQB evs. Sam drove the 2023 Nissan Z and the Ford Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Nicole had the Mercedes-AMG GLB.In the news, Chevrolet unveiled its Mach-E/Model Y challenger, the 2024 Blazer EV. Scott Keogh is moving over from running VW of North America to establish Scout as an all-EV SUV and truck brand. Mercedes is prepping to launch the its hands-off/eyes-off Drive Pilot assist system in the US in 2023. Toyota is bringing the new Crown to America. Sam finally encounters a major charging fail with Electrify America and Ford is bringing CATL lithium iron phosphate batteries to the Mach-E and Lightning.Links2024 Chevrolet Blazer EVScott Keogh to lead ScoutMercedes-Benz Drive Pilot to AmericaToyota CrownCharging FailFord Adopting LFP batteriesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Locked in the Center
In the garage this week, Robbie had the Ford F-150 Lightning XLT with the big battery but he somehow neglected to haul any mulch. Sam had a last minute schedule change that led to substituting the Chevrolet Bolt EUV with Super Cruise. Nicole also had a scheduling hickup that meant she still had the same Nissan Altima from last week.In the news, while everyone is rolling out EVs as fast they can, Mazda has opted to launch an all-new 3.3-liter inline-six diesel engine for the CX-60 in Europe. We also discuss the challenges of parking in your driveway if live in San Francisco. Ford has filed two new trademarks, Escape Active for an updated version of the compact crossover and Thunder for trucks. Tesla will start opening some of its Supercharger stations in the US to other EV brands by the end of the year. Despite being an EV, using a Hummer EV leads to more CO2 emissions than driving a Chevy Malibu. Finally, a new crowd-sourced website lets car shoppers figure out which dealers have the biggest markups and which are selling at sticker price.LinksSearch for dealer markupsUS access to Tesla Superchargers GMC Hummer EV emits more CO2 than MalibuMazda's new dieselParking in San FranciscoFord Escape ActiveFord trademarks ThunderAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Into the Swamp
This week in the garage Sam has been driving the 2023 Kia Sportage hybrid which is now longer and electrified. Nicole has Nissan Altima with AWD and Robbie has just started testing some e-bikes.Nicole got to do a first drive in the Ford Bronco Everglades through the swamps of Michigan's Drummond Island. Ford will no longer allow customers to buy out their EVs at the end of the lease while Hyundai gives the first official glimpse of the Ioniq 6 electric sedan. At Pikes Peak, Randy Pobst almost ran off the side of the mountain because he couldn't find the windshield defroster control on the touchscreen menu of the Tesla Model S Plaid he was racing and the TFL Truck crew put the Ford F-150 Lightning to the towing test. Finally we answer listener questions and Sam interviews Toyota executive vice president of sales Jack Hollis.LinksJack HollisTFL Truck tows with the LightningTouchscreens and hillclimbs don't mixFord won't let EV lessee's buy at the end of the contractHyundai Ioniq 6Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Cadillac Sings a New Tune
This week in the garage, Sam drives the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (unfortunately with an automatic transmission) and Nicole gets the new Acura Integra (spoiler, Mr Nicole who owned an original Integra back in the day approves).Unfortunately, a flight cancellation means Nicole didn't make it to Utah to drive the new Cadillac Lyriq, Sam and Robbie did get to try it out. Nicole did however, get to drive the second-generation Honda HR-V. At Goodwood, Polestar demoed the prototype of the 5, their new 884-hp GT sedan and Sam went for a spin in Ford's new simulator.LinksPolestar 5 prototypeFord dynamic driving labSam’s take on the Cadillac LyriqAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Broncos Big and Small
This week, Sam has a comparison of two of the first electric pickup trucks, the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. Roberto, has the Kia Stinger and drives the new Lunar Rover in GM's simulator. Nicole has the Ford Bronco Sport at home and drove the new Bronco Raptor in California.Cadillac will build its new electric flagship the Celistiq at a facility on its Warren, Mich tech center campus. NHTSA drops the first batch of data on crashes while using assisted and automated driving systems and you'll never guess who had the most crashes. Sony is forming an EV joint venture with Honda. Sam also answers lots of Lightning listener questions.LinksSony Honda joint ventureCadillac Celistiq productionNHTSA ADAS/ADS data dumpAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Talking About Pie
In this week's garage, Robbie reveals that he is the last journo to drive the Kia Stinger, Nicole spends time with the Ford Bronco 2-door and Sam has the refreshed edition of the Lincoln Navigator.Polestar has revealed the first photo of the 3 electric crossover with the full unveiling coming in October. Renders of the new Ford Ranger-based Volkswagen Amarok are out but the truck isn't coming to North America. Honda has a larger Civic-based HR-V coming to the US market. Lightning owners get an adapter to let their trucks charge stranded Teslas. The Biden administration has rules for EV charging companies that want federal dollars. Nicole has driven the Cadillac Escalade-V and Sam talks with Toyota product planning VP Cooper Ericksen.LinksPolestar 3VW Amarok2023 Ford Ranger2023 Honda HR-VLightnings with Tesla adaptersEV charging rulesWarda PatisserieAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
ToyotaPalooza 2022
In the garage this week, Nicole is back in the Mercedes-Benz GLS450 while Sam has the dual motor, all-wheel-drive version of the VW ID4. Last fall, Robbie was about to review the refreshed 2022 Chevrolet Bolt when he got a call just after receiving it, telling him not to drive it. Since then, GM has replaced batteries in all of the Bolts built to date and they are safe again so Robbie is taking another stab at it.Last week, Toyota held the second annual edition of its all-Toyota-all-Lexus auto show at its North American headquarters in Plano, TX. Nicole and Sam got to check out the new but very familiar looking 2023 Lexus RX, see the Morizo Edition of the GR Corolla and drive the hybrid-only 2023 Sequoia. They also got to see some stuff that they can't talk about or even acknowledge yet. Sam also spoke with Lexus NA chief Andrew Gilliland about where the brand is going. Oh yeah and Buick announced it's going all electric and released a hot new concept that they probably won't build.Links2023 Toyota SequoiaBuick Wildcat EV concept2023 Lexus RXChevy Bolt Price cutAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Teslas Can't See Aircraft
This week, Robbie has been testing out the Audi Q5 Sportback, Nicole continues Hyundai-Fest with the new Tucson N-Line and Sam drives the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Sam also got a Kia EV6 for an EV road trip to Wisconsin.In the news we discuss why it's not ok that Tesla FSD can't recognize airplanes. NHTSA finally has an administrator after 5 years without one. Rivian loses its manufacturing boss while getting a new COO. BBS introduces new universal fit wheels and the Fisker Pear is coming to Lordstown, Ohio.LinksTesla Crashes into Cirrus jetTeslas can't see aircraftSteven Cliff confirmed as new NHTSA administratorRivian mfg chief leaves, new COO incomingBBS CI-R universal wheelFisker Pear coming in 2024, under $29,900Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Porter Wins
We've had a quite a variety of vehicles to drive in the past week. Robbie went all the way to Germany to drive the new BMW iX M60 from Munich to Lake Como in Italy. Nicole has been juggling Hyundais with a Sonata N-Line sedan at home and most of the brand's electrified lineup in Nashville with the Ioniq 5, Kona EV, Tucson PHEV and Santa Fe PHEV. Sam finally got to spend some quality time with the new Toyota Tundra as well.In the news, Porsche revealed a preview of what might be its next car for a single make race series, the battery powered, 1,000+ hp 718 Cayman ePerformance. Honda released the first teaser sketch of the 2024 Prologue electric crossover that will be built by GM on its Ultium platform. Robbie shares his impressions of the Concorso D'eleganza and Nissan and Mitsubishi have a new electric Kei car in Japan called the Sakura, that American drivers can't have. Sam also shares his thoughts on the new New York Times documentary Elon Musk's Crash Course.LinksPorsche 718 Cayman ePerformanceHonda Prologue teaserElon Musk's Crash CourseNissan SakuraPiaggio PorterRobbie's InstagramAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Scout Lives
This week Nicole has two quite different machines to discuss, the updated, extended range Volvo XC60 T8 Recharge and the Mazda3 Turbo. Roberto has the BMW M240i that hearkens back to the classic E36 3 Series and Sam has a reprise of the Ford F-150 Platinum hybrid.Sam also got to spend a couple of quality hours blasting around in the new 2023 Nissan Z. In the news, Lordstown has completed the sale of its factory to Foxconn, but there is far from a guarantee that the Endurance will ever get to full production. Motor Trend gets some very disappointing charging results from the new Toyota bZ4X AWD. With the post-IPO lockup expired, Ford has sold off two large tranches of its Rivian stock on the way to what will likely be a full divestment in time. Finally, Volkswagen announced that it will revive the old International Scout brand for an upcoming electric SUV and pickup truck.LinksLordstown closes sale of plant to Foxconn, Fisker Pear to be produced thereToyota BZ4X slow DC charging when coldFord selling off Rivian stakeReturn of Scout2023 Nissan Z first driveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Lightning Strikes
This week in the garage, Roberto and Sam have been evaluating electric driving range. Robbie has been pushing the BMW iX to its limits while Sam has been driving the Hyundai Tucson plug-in hybrid. Meanwhile Nicole has been on the road and in the desert with the 2022 GMC Sierra in Denali Ultimate and AT4X forms.Nicole and Sam have finally gotten behind the wheel of the Ford F-150 Lightning and they share their impressions and answer a bunch of questions. Sam also sat down with Darren Palmer, VP of electric vehicle programs at Ford to talk about charging, range estimation and how the Lightning came to be. We also discuss Robbie's recent article on whether it's better to keep driving an old beater or buy a new EV. Tesla doesn't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but one creative person got it sort of working with the help of a couple of Raspberry Pis. Meanwhile, BMW does support AA and Carplay, but cars built since the beginning of the year are missing the functionality as the automaker rewrites the code for a new chip they are now using.LinksF-150 Lightning First DriveEVs vs BeatersBMWs being delivered without Android Auto/Apple CarplayGetting Apple CarPlay to work in a Tesla ... with AndroidGas Superuser StudyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Deer Ran Into Me
This week on the show, Roberto reviews the Kia Soul rental car he had on Kauai last week, Nicole drives the baby Range Rover, the Evoque, and Sam discusses the new eighth-generation Volkswagen GTI.In the news, Chevrolet teased out upcoming hybrid and electric versions of the Corvette and all of GM's Ultium platform EVs are getting a heat pump energy recovery system as standard equipment. Dodge is expanding its lineup with a compact crossover called the Hornet which we'll see in August and Nissan is working on a new ADAS system using Luminar lidar. Finally, a dealer in Colorado has opened a used car store that only sells hybrids and EVs and we answer some questions.LinksElectrified CorvettesGM Ultium Energy Recovery SystemDodge HornetNew Nissan ADAS with lidarColorado dealer that only sells used EVs and hybridsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Some Compromises
Robbie is on vacation this week, but Nicole is back. She's been driving the Infiniti QX55 and the Toyota 4Runner, one of which was very pleasant. Sam had the Mazda CZ-9 Signature.We've got lots of news this week starting with the Lincoln Star concept that previews the design direction for Ford's premium brand as it goes electric and Sam spoke with design director Kemal Curic. On the same day that the Lincoln was revealed, BMW showed off its new 7 series including the electric i7 and Lexus dropped the RZ450e electric crossover. Nicole and Sam both recently drove the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4Xe plug-in hybrid. Nicole also provides her impressions of the Subaru Solterra.LinksLincoln Star ConceptBMW 7 Series and i7Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XELexus RZ450Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Coexisting Assistants
Nicole is off again this week caring for her mom, but the boys are carrying on. Roberto has been putting more miles on the BMW i4 and found it to be surprisingly efficient. Meanwhile Sam also got very good fuel efficiency while driving the Honda Civic Si which retains a rapidly nearing extinction manual gearbox.In the news, the New York Auto Show was this week where Genesis showed off a new electric luxury coupe concept, Ford expanded its relationship with Amazon Alexa and some cool Radwood cars appeared on the show floor. BMW also announced a mid-cycle refresh of the X7 and Sam again spoke with Alfa Romeo NA boss Larry Dominque.LinksFord and AlexaBMW X7 refreshGenesis X Spedium conceptRadwood at NYASAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Not A Crazed Squirrel
This week on the show, Roberto went all the way to Germany to drive the new Mercedes-Benz EQE midsize electric sedan. Nicole had a very different Mercedes, the seven-seat GLS450 SUV as well as the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Sam tested his new EV charger with the Mini Cooper SE.Nicole and Roberto also drove the GMC Hummer EV while Sam and Nicole tried out the Toyota bZ4X. A San Francisco police officer pulled over a driverless Cruise AV. Jeep is launching an even bigger version of the Wagoneer with the new Hurricane inline-six and Lincoln is teasing its upcoming EV concept.LinksGMC Hummer EV first driveLincoln EV concept teaseToyota bZ4X first driveCruise AV traffic stop2023 Jeep Wagoneer L/Grand Wagoneer LManheim auctions tests used EV batteries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
100 HP Per Cylinder
Nicole is attending to her mom this week, so it's just the guys. Robbie had two different EVs off the same platform, the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and the Audi RS e-tron GT. Sam drove the GMC Canyon AT4.Rolls-Royce has released testing images and video of its first EV, the Specter undergoing winter testing in Sweden. Honda and Acura have extended their certified pre-owned car program to models as old as 10 and Toyota has released its hottest hatch yet, the Corolla GR. NHTSA also announced plans to raise corporate average fuel economy standards to over 40 mpg by 2026.LinksRolls-Royce SpecterHonda/Acura CPO changesToyota Corolla GRNew Fuel Economy standardsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Orange is Rugged
The end of quarter travel is still going strong this week. Since our last regular episode Roberto has driven two new electric vehicles, the Lucid Air Dream Edition and the Nissan Ariya. Meanwhile, Sam having just returned from California on a red-eye talks about the Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid. Nicole was going the opposite direction from Sam and slid in late after being in transit from San Diego airport for the first part of the show. She has been playing with the Honda Passport Trailsport, complete with orange trim.Sam and Nicole shared some impressions of the updated Volvo XC60 Recharge with its longer 35-mile electric range. Stellantis is trailing the pack in fuel economy so since it expects to be still selling internal combustion vehicles into the 2030s, it has developed a new engine called Hurricane to replace the Hemi V8s. Lotus has revealed its first crossover, the electric Eletre. Nicole also shares her driving impressions of the new Mazda CX-50 and we answer questions.LinksStellantis Hurricane I-6Volvo XC60 RechargeLotus EletreNissan AriyaLucid AirAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Electric Volvos and More
This week our usual recording time coincided with both Roberto and Nicole being in transit somewhere while Sam is hitting the road again in a couple of days. But rather than let you down, we do have some fresh content for you. First off, both Nicole and Sam drove the new Volvo C40 Recharge and sat down in a garden afterward to discuss their impressions. While at the Volvo event, Sam also chatted with Volvo Cars NA chief Anders Gustafsson and Senior product manager Christina Vasandani. We also have the rest of the interviews Sam recorded at the Chicago Auto Show including Steve Gehring, safety regulation and policy executive director at Hyundai, Jasen Turnbull, marketing manager for the the Ford F-150 Lightning and Arie Groenveld, Ford Bronco Raptor chief engineerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
The Buzz is Back
This week Roberto has two vehicles to discuss, the Ford Maverick Lariat and the Kia EV6. Nicole has the massive Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Sam drives the not-a-minivan Jeep Grand Wagoneer.In the news, VW has finally unveiled the production version of the ID Buzz which Europeans get this summer and Americans will have to wait for until 2024. PG&E is testing bidirectional charging with GM and Ford. Honda is making a plan to make a plan to maybe make EVs with Sony. Rivian is still facing some production challenges. There won't be a new gas powered Subaru STi and questions are answered.LinksVW ID BuzzGM and PG&E to test bidirectional chargingHonda and Sony may tie up on EVsRivian still having a hard time building No more gas STis from SubaruExtended warranties on Car TalkAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Gliding Actively Sometimes
Unfortunately, Roberto woke up today with a massive migraine so it's just Nicole and Sam this week. Nicole has been driving the refreshed 2022 Acura RDX A-Spec, while Sam has been shuttling around in the 2022 Infiniti QX60 Autograph.The embargo has lifted on drive impressions of the updated 2022 Lincoln Navigator, the first model in the lineup with hands-free driving assist and we have some thoughts. Sam also had a conversation with Mike Sprague, North America director for Lincoln about the brand and where it goes in the future. Mike's boss, Jim Farley, made a big announcement about reorganizing Ford and we talk about how that might affect dealers and customers. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares laid out a vision for the company through 2030 and showed off first renders of the upcoming 2023 Jeep EV and 2024 Ram 1500 EV. Polestar revealed a stunning new electric roadster concept and Rivian had a bad day with a pricing announcement. As usual we also answer questions.Links2022 Lincoln Navigator first drivePolestar O2 conceptFirst Look at Jeep EV for 2023Ford reorganizesRivian announces new dual motor configuration and raises pricesRivian rethinks price increaseAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy