Shows
Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 126Rebecca trades seats with George Kennedy from the Boston Globe and CarGurus, and we talk about Sam's time with the Honda Civic Touring sedan, and a road trip to Pittsburgh with the Hyundai Veloster N. Both Dan and George drove the new Subaru Legacy and share thoughts about the big touch screen. We also dive into lots of electric vehicle stories with Volvo introducing the XC40 Recharge, second-generation Toyota Mirai, and Bosch silicon carbide chips for more EV efficiency. We also talk about the Fordpass app and charging network, and finished up with the breaking news of a possible...
2019-10-191h 20Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 125With the whole crew back in action, Sam has been driving the Lexus LS500h. Rebecca samples a couple of luxury SUVs in the form of the Audi Q8 and Volvo XC90 T8. Meanwhile Dan learns that you can trail-brake a Toyota Sienna minivan before jumping into the Subaru Ascent. In California, PG&E has been shutting down power to try prevent wild fires and it's impacting EV drivers. Tesla has released a less than fully baked Smart Summon feature and AAA tests a bunch of other driver assist systems that serve to demonstrate that human drivers need to...
2019-10-111h 44Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 124Rebecca and Sam perform an automotive duet. Sam drove the Honda Civic Type-R for a week while Rebecca had the Toyota Rav4 hybrid and Cadillac XT4. Sam had just returned from driving the new Lincoln Corsair and we dive into the differences between the two.Canoo unveiled its small electric van. Amazon ordered 100,000 electric delivery vans from Rivian and Acura unveiled a new ad campaign that focuses on driving. Finally, Hyundai and Aptiv team up on automated driving.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-10-031h 27Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 123Rebecca has been off cavorting on a new Lexus yacht before coming home to move some stuff in the Toyota Sienna. Meanwhile Sam has enjoying the premium cabin of the Kia Telluride and Dan does a bit of four wheel drifting in the Audi Q3. Rebecca and Sam each got to try out the 2020 Ford Escape in gas and hybrid form and found it has shifted more toward its Focus sibling. Sam also got to check out the interesting new user interface of the upcoming Byton M-Byte during his latest jaunt to Silicon Valley.Advertising Inquiries...
2019-09-241h 16Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 122This week we have lots of vehicles to talk about. Rebecca drove the Mercedes-AMG GTC Roadster to the US Open, and the Honda Accord Hybrid in SoCal. Sam discusses the Mazda CX-5 Diesel and the base Volkswagen Atlas. Dan shares his take on the Toyota 4Runner. Then we dive into the Porsche Taycan and how we evaluate vehicles.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-09-111h 53Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 121The gang is all back together this week. Since we last talked about the garage, Sam has been driving the Lincoln Navigator in San Francisco, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio in Ohio and Jeep Gladiator in Michigan. Rebecca escapes a ticket in the Honda Civic Sport and Dan has been road tripping in the Cadillac XT6.We review the goings on at Monterey Car Week and the legacy of Ferdinand Piech.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-08-311h 44Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 119It's a slow news week so the crew is just talking about the cars they've driving. Rebecca opens it up with the second-generation Audi Q3 while Sam has been in the 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie. Dan proclaims his love for the Mazda Miata which remains one of the last true roadsters available. Rebecca and Sam got to drive the 2020 Nissan Versa in Nashville and Rebecca tells the story of driving the 2020 Subaru Outback in the wilds of Northern California.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-08-091h 37Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 118The whole crew is back this week as they delve into the garage. Sam drove the BMW X2 M35i, Rebecca had the Volvo S60 sedan and Dan sampled the GMC Acadia. The Corvette C8 conversation continues with two-thirds of the team having now seen it in person. While feelings about the center console have been slightly tempered, they still aren't positive. The GM theme concludes with Sam's thoughts on the 2020 Cadillac XT6 before we wind down the evening with a couple of listener questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https...
2019-08-021h 33Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 117This week Rebecca is off gallavanting around northern California in the new Subaru Outback. That leaves Dan and Sam to discuss living with the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and the Fiat 500C Abarth. Coming out of the garage, the discussion turns to the eighth generation Chevrolet Corvette. After more than 40 decades of tilting at this automotive windmill, Don Sherman can now finally have some peace knowing that there is a real production mid-engine Corvette. The boys finish off with a chat about turbochargers and BMTS Technologies.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2019-07-261h 14Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 115Dan and Sam talk about the Volkswagen ID.R Goodwood speed record, the Volkswagen/Ford/Argo.ai deal announced Friday, and the 2020 Hyundai Palisade. Sam drove the Range Rover Evoque while Dan was in the Volkswagen Jetta GLI S and Tiguan SE.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-07-131h 16Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 114Dan is back and talking about the BMW X2 M35i that he used to shuttle his kids around on a family trip. Rebecca goes beyond the infotainment of the Lexus RC350 F-Sport and Sam swaps a Rav4 with flaky bluetooth for a Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. In the news, the crew discusses GPS spoofing and high-definition maps. Rebecca and Sam went to the Fiat Chrysler What's New event and talked with Transmission and powertrain head Jeff Lux about electrification and brand management. Speaking of electrification, the new Ferrari SF90 Stradale is a plug-in hybrid with a front-wheel-drive electric...
2019-07-021h 52Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Podcast 113Dan was traveling on family business this week so it's just Sam and Rebecca. Sam sings the praises of the 2019 Mazda 3 and laments bluetooth causing the infotainment system in the Toyota Rav 4 to crash. Speaking of bluetooth issues and Toyota adjacent vehicles, Rebecca had issues trying to connect to the Lexus RC350 F Sport but very much enjoyed driving the new Hyundai Palisade. The crew also discusses designing the technology for consumers and how to help them understand what it can and cannot do before finishing up with news of the BMW Vision M Next concept....
2019-06-251h 18Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 112This week Rebecca and Sam had very different hybrid experiences on opposite coasts. Rebecca has been enjoying the thrill of the Acura NSX while Sam got to sample the 2020 Ford Explorer. They also both to sample the third generation Kia Soul in faux crossover flavor and find it continues to be a favorite small car. Meanwhile Dan has been getting around in the latest Nissan Altima.GM is reportedly considering reviving the once gas guzzling Hummer brand to build EVs. Aurora Innovation is shifting alliances and taking on new partners to develop automated driving systems and Mazda...
2019-06-191h 33Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 111We drive the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet, 2019 Hyundai Tucson, and Cadillac Escalade ESV. Sam rides subways in NYC, and we talk about the failed Fiat Chrysler/Renault merger and where it might go next. VW, maybe? Speaking of VW, we talk about the new ad campaign that apologizes for diesel as they shift to electric vehicles.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-06-111h 29Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 110Rebecca and Dan both sampled the new Kia Telluride. Dan also tried the Mercedes-Benz G550. Sam's utilities were both electrified with the Lexus UX250h F-Sport and new Range Rover P400e PHEV. In the news we cover the FCA/Renault merger chatter, the impact of new potential tariffs on the auto industry and new "sport" sedans from Cadillac. Rebecca also discusses her time at the Heels and Wheels event in California. Check out the Wheelbearings.media site for a video Sam made to answer some common autonomous mobility questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2019-06-031h 32Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 110Rebecca and Dan both sampled the new Kia Telluride. Dan also tried the Mercedes-Benz G550. Sam's utilities were both electrified with the Lexus UX250h F-Sport and new Range Rover P400e PHEV. In the news we cover the FCA/Renault merger chatter, the impact of new potential tariffs on the auto industry and new "sport" sedans from Cadillac. Rebecca also discusses her time at the Heels and Wheels event in California. Check out the Wheelbearings.media site for a video Sam made to answer some common autonomous mobility questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2019-06-031h 32Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 109The crew is back with the Chevy Blazer, Ford Ranger and Mazda Miata RF. Sam has been driving the Audi E-Tron Quattro in northern California. Amy Mirentic talks Ford Icons, Mazda is bringing back inline sixes and GM Cruise gets more cash.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-05-171h 47Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 108Dan doesn’t like convertibles after driving the BMW M850i. Rebecca has a noisy seat in the Nissan Maxima and thinks the Hyundai Tucson is a great value. Sam finds that the Ford Ranger rides a lot better with 600 lbs of dirt in the back and the interior materials don’t feel up to snuff for the price of the Lariat.In the news, with Ford finally connecting its vehicles, it’s starting to roll out new services that leverage the connectivity. We also discuss who’s to blame when a driver that knows Tesla Autopilot misbehav...
2019-05-031h 34Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 107The gang are all back in their respective homes this week as we catch up on a couple of weeks of driving. Sam has had the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and Ford Edge Titanium. Rebecca had the BMW i3 Rex and Lexus NX300 while Dan had the latest Lincoln Navigator and Lexus ES350. We also talk about Ford's investment in Rivian, Tesla Mobility Day, and structural adhesives (it's fascinating, we promise!)Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-04-261h 52Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 105This week Sam and Rebecca both discuss their experience with the Nissan Murano. Rebecca has also been in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV while Dan drives the Honda Pilot.In the news, four decades of tilting at mid-engine wind mills finally pays off for Don Sherman as GM confirms the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette will debut on July 18, 2019. Tesla really doesn't want to sell any $35,000 Model 3s and the gang discuss the challenges of updating a 50 year old airplane for the 21st century.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-04-151h 36Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 104This week Rebecca describes a road trip she took in the Buick Regal with her millennial nephew to watch some sportsball. She also samples the new generation Mazda3 sedan and we ponder the potential of Mazda to reposition itself as a more premium brand. Sam drives the BMW X4 and isn't repulsed while Dan is less enamored with the latest Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.In the news, Ford's fourth-generation Escape is revealed and it's becoming more of a city slicker. It also brings back the hybrid and adds a plug-in hybrid. The Audi e-tron Quattro has a...
2019-04-061h 25Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 103This week, Rebecca finishes up with the Volvo V60 and tries out the new Ram 2500 in Manhattan. Sam has also been in a big truck with the 2019 Nissan Titan Pro4X while Dan goes small with the Hyundai Kona Ultimate. In the news, Lincoln releases the first teaser image for the Corsair compact crossover while Geely ponders stepping in to save the Smart brand from oblivion. Speaking of smarts, the European Commission is moving to make a whole suite of driver assistance features mandatory including automatic speed limiting.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands...
2019-03-291h 36Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 102This week Sam has returned from California and after driving the 2019 Kia Niro EV, he has a rant about electric vehicle drivers that think they have a right to park right next to the building even when they aren't charging. Rebecca has been driving the lovely new Volvo V60 and Dan has the "first ever" Ford Edge ST. In the news, the crew ponders the new Cadillac CT5 that was shown ahead of its public debut at the New York Auto Show. Porsche drops some teasers of the upcoming Taycan electric sedan and Fisker pivots with a new production...
2019-03-231h 57Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 101The whole crew is back in the same time zone this week as Rebecca shares her thoughts on the new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, Sam drives the refreshed 2019 Nissan Maxima and Dan plays with the Ford F-150 Raptor. The mythical mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette has been Don Sherman's personal unicorn for nearly 50 years and the first prototypes go back even farther than that. It now seems closer than ever and yet still so far away and we discuss why.Cadillac is adopting a new badging scheme similar to what Audi launched in Europe a couple of years ago and...
2019-03-161h 37Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 100As Wheel Bearings breaks into triple digits we have one more two part show with Rebecca still in the sub-continent. In the first half of the show, Sam and Rebecca talk more about transportation in India and the challenges of deploying electric vehicles there. Sam has been driving the Genesis G70. Then Rebecca and Sam dive into some of the highlights of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show including the Honda E prototype, a new era of coachbuilding based on electric vehicle platforms like the VW MEB, the Alfa Romeo Tonale and some new Aston Martins.Meanwhile Dan has...
2019-03-081h 49Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 99This week, location and schedule constraints meant that the show was recorded in two parts. Sam talked with Rebecca while she was on vacation in India and then picked up later with Dan back in his native time zone. Sam drove the Hyundai Kona Electric and Rebecca describes transportation in India. Tesla made some news just hours before recording by finally releasing the mythical $35,000 model 3 and simultaneously announcing the closure of almost all of its stores. Being in India gives Rebecca some insight into why Ford's adoption of What3Words is meaningful.Meanwhile back in New England...
2019-03-021h 37Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 98This week we're talking luxury as Rebecca drives the Maserati Levante, Dan has the Mercedes-Benz E450 and Sam relaxes in the Kia K900. At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Anton Piech, son of Ferdinand and great grandson of Ferdinand Porsche launches his own car company with an electric sports car. Ford has more trouble with emissions and fuel economy testing, Elon Musk proves again that he shouldn't have a twitter account as Tesla General Counsel bails after less than two months at the company and IIHS tests pedestrian detection and braking systems. A reminder not to rely too much...
2019-02-251h 16Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 97This week our intrepid trio has been tackling everything from mainstream to super-luxury. Rebecca went to rainy Palm Springs to sample the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and more from BMW before returning home to the 2019 Kia Forte. In between, Sam had the 2019 Mazda CX-9 and Dan drove the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus which leads into a discussion of who is doing luxury right. In the news, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fudged the numbers to show Tesla Autopilot was safer than it really was. Jaguar Land Rover debuts a new inline-six gas engine with mild hybrid capability and that leads to a...
2019-02-161h 39Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 96This week Sam and Rebecca call in from Chicago, home of the biggest little auto show in America. Before arriving in the windy city, they both drove the 2019 Mazda CX-5 with the new 2.5-liter turbo. Meanwhile Dan has been commuting in the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and while we may mock it, we also acknowledge that there is a place for cars like this. Rebecca shares her thoughts on the revived Chevrolet Blazer. The crew discuss the new Ram 1500 Multi-function tailgate, the ginormous Chevrolet Silverado HD, the 30th anniversary Mazda Miata and more.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle...
2019-02-101h 33Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 95This week we kick off a new era in the show by introducing a new member of the Wheel Bearings team. Veteran auto industry analyst Rebecca Lindland joins Dan and Sam to talk cars every week. For her debut, Rebecca has been tooling around Connecticut in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio while Sam has been driving the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe and Dan has had the yet again refreshed Dodge Charger AWD.Continuing the crossover theme, Rebecca and Sam both got to drive the 2019 Honda Passport in Utah and we dive into some discussion of why women (and...
2019-02-021h 31Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 94The guys are back with the 2019 Kia Forte EX, 2019 Toyota Avalon, Dodge Challenger Scat Pack and the 2019 Volvo S60 sedan. We review some of the highlights of the last January outing of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a new infotainment system for the upcoming Polestar 2 and finish up with some suggestions about the lowest power car you can have fun with for a listener.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-01-271h 41Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 93Before heading off to CES, Sam drove the BMW X1 while Dan had a direct competitor in the Volvo XC40. This week Ford unveiled the all-new (no really, it is actually almost all-new!) 2020 Explorer. At CES, companies were showing off chips, software and sensors while Nissan announced a Leaf that finally goes over 200 miles on a charge and Hyundai showed a wild new ultimate mobility concept.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-01-131h 58Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 92This week Dan is driving the new 2019 Kia Forte EX and Sam has been in the all-new 2019 Nissan Altima. The conversation then moves into whether cars are actually getting heavier, spoiler alert - Yes and No! Is a low-mileage 1994 Toyota Supra really worth $121,000? Another Alphabet moonshot project becomes its own company with a novel way to store energy from renewable sources.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-01-041h 31Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 91As the guys get together one final time for 2018, Sam used the Buick Regal TourX to pick up a new puppy, and the Ram 1500 North Edition spends an extended stay in Dan's driveway . We re-visit Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid impressions at the request of a listener looking to replace a GMC Safari, ponder a German Turbo EV, and consider the utility of fingerprints in the car. We finish up by answering a listener question about aerodynamics on everyday cars before bidding everyone a pre-emptive Happy New Year.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out...
2018-12-291h 23Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 90This week Sam has been driving the Cadillac ATS-V and GMC Acadia Denali. Dan gets to be one of the first to try out the new Ram 1500 North Edition.Electric vehicle batteries don't ignite very often, but when they do, they are really hard to put out. Lincoln goes back to the past for a special edition of the Continental and FCA appears to be preparing a new inline six cylinder engine.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-12-221h 21Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 89We're back with seat time in the Honda Odyssey, Jaguar i-Pace, Mazda6 Signature and Volkswagen Jetta S. Meanwhile Waymo sort of launches a commercial sort of driverless robo-taxi service, Porsche tests ultra-fast charging and Aston Martin reveals some engine details about the Valykerie.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-12-141h 19Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 88The American automotive market is more about trucks and utilities than ever before. Sam and Dan look at a couple of bookends with the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and Ford EcoSport. GM CEO Mary Barra makes the tough call to end production at five factories. Meanwhile at the 2018 LA Auto Show, there was lots of new product many of them with plugs. Some highlights include the 2020 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, 2020 Mazda3, 2020 Porsche 911, Audi e-Tron GT concept and the new Kia Soul with a battery that should go 250 miles or so.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands...
2018-12-031h 37Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 87 This week Sam drives the new Volkswagen Jetta and Dan spends time with the Acura RDX and VW Golf Sportwagen.Out in the real world, Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Renault and Chairman of Nissan is arrested for alleged financial malfeasance and the future of the Alliance is in doubt. With snow and ice now on the road, it's time again to think about winter tires. Land Rover unveils the second-generation Evoque with electrified powertrains and Tesla owners are experiencing Supercharger issues. Sam also interviews Pete Rander and Brett Browning of Argo AI.A...
2018-11-262h 07Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 86This time out, Sam is recording from a hotel room in Miami as we discuss the Volvo XC40 T5 and its goofy shifter design, the Audi Q5 and its surprisingly fast handwriting recognition and the marvelous Kia Stinger. Subscriptions may or may not be the future of car buying, assuming car buying even has a future in an age of automated vehicles. Faraday almost certainly has no Future and Walmart joins Ford's automated delivery test program.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-11-171h 40Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 85After a week off, we have an extended length show to make up for it. Dan drives a very expensive Ford F-150 and a sportier Acura MDX A-Spec. Sam goes from the not really a crossover Toyota C-HR to the ginormous Genesis G90. Then we dive into some discussion of sales and earnings, GM's call for a national EV mandate in response to Trump administration moves to freeze fuel economy standards and cost cutting moves while profits are still reasonably healthy. We also discuss Consumer Reports reliability data and answer listener questions including the Hyundai pickup truck.
2018-11-021h 53Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 84This week, Sam and Dan are both commuting, Dan from his office near Boston and Sam heading back to SFO from the Verge Transport Conference in Oakland. Sam is on his second consecutive battery electric car, driving the 2018 BMW i3S after leaving the Hyundai Ioniq Electric behind in Detroit. Meanwhile Dan joins the party from the 2019 Lexus LS500 after transitioning from the 2019 Subaru Forester. In the news, the guys discuss the latest assessment from Munro and Associates about how Tesla is building the Model 3 and Dan opines on advertising changes at Ford. At the end of the show...
2018-10-201h 42Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 83This week Sam drives the latest Mazda6 which is still his favorite midsize sedan while Dan samples the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Sienna with all-wheel-drive. As the auto industry changes, Mercedes-Benz considers paring down niche models while GM and Honda team up on automated driving and mobility.Finally, we bid farewell to Tony Swan.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-10-091h 11Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 82This week, Brianna Wu returns to the show to talk about her Porsche Cayman, Sam drives 2019 Hyundai Veloster Turbo Ultimate and Dan shares his feelings on the Ford Mustang Convertible. Lucid follows up on their big Saudi funding round with a deal with Electrify America to provide charging for the upcoming Air electric sedan. The crew also discusses the lack of togetherness between BMW and Toyota in developing the new Z4 and Supra.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-09-2759 minWheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 81After a hectic week of travel for Sam while Dan was making an emergency TV commercial, the guys are back with a bunch of vehicles they've driven. Sam spent time with the BMW 230i and Kia Rio EX while Dan was in the BMW X2 and the VW Beetle convertible for a last hurrah before it rolls off into the sunset. Sam also drove the Cadillac XT4 and Lincoln Nautilus and attended the global reveal of the Audi E-Tron Quattro. Also J Mays emerges from retirement to design something new.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2018-09-211h 50Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 80Since the last regular episode, Sam has been in the new Jeep Wrangler with a 48V mild hybrid and a Nissan Kicks. Meanwhile Dan has been hauling stuff in the Hyundai Ioniq and picks up the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Mercedes-Benz revealed the new EQC this week and the Ford Focus Active isn't coming to America.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-09-071h 11Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 78This week Dan records his end of the show from the new Kia Rio which proves an affordable new car doesn't have to be cheap junk. Sam is at home after having driven the 2019 Jeep Cherokee and the 48V mild hybrid Ram 1500. The guys discuss the wisdom of Jaguar building electric restomod E-types, Audi's new Pebble Beach electric supercar concept and whether Elon Musk has outlived his usefulness to TeslaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-08-251h 21Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 77Lots of electrified vehicles this week as Sam discusses the Lexus LC500h and Honda Clarity Fuel Cell while Dan gets his hands on the new Honda Insight and the Ford Expedition Max Platinum. Casey Liss is also back to talk about the VW Golf R. Everyone's favorite 80s and 90s near vaporware is trying to make a comeback as Vector offers up a couple of old prototypes to kickstart a revival.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-08-181h 31Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 76This week, Sam describes his time with the impressive Honda Accord Hybrid - perfected just in time for the sedan market to dry up - and Dan gets charmed by the Ford Raptor and Expedition Max. We talk abut the looming fight over relaxin or even rolling back fuel economy standards, SAE working to define safety tests for autonomous vehicles, and the layoffs that just happened at Car & Driver.Sam found and fixed an error with our feedback form, and so we spend a good amount of time answering a backlog of listener emails, too.
2018-08-091h 42Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 75Since we last turned on the mics, Sam has been in the Ford F-150 King Ranch diesel and the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid. Dan has been sampling Subaru's new big SUV, the Ascent. The automotive world loses big names to the inevitable.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-07-2758 minWheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 74This week Sam drives what may end up being the last Ford car to Pittsburgh to learn about how Argo AI is helping Ford build the future of transportation. Dan takes a road trip in the biggest of Ford's passenger carrying vehicles. A lot of very cool vehicles climb Lord March's driveway at the Goodwood festival of Speed. VW will build some of its new generation of EVs in America. Small Hyundai's are really good. The guys discuss the meaning of crossover in an attempt to answer a listener question, too.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com...
2018-07-181h 46Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 73This week Sam has been in the new Ford Expedition Max, Dan gets a re-run of the Lincoln Navigator and Mazda CX-9. Lots of news including the new Audi e-Tron quattro without mirrors, chargers for GM's automated Chevy Bolts, rising prices due to the trade war and the Toyota Supra goes to NASCAR. Finally, Honda builds a 150 mph lawnmower because why not?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-07-081h 27Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 72This week Sam drives Ford's new baby SUV, the EcoSport and Dan marvels at the progress of Kia over 20 years after driving the new Sorento. This week Fiat Chrysler held their annual What's New preview and showed off the latest even faster Challenger variant, the Hellcat Redeye. Like the Challenger, many of the products in the FCA lineup have been around for quite a long time but the company has made an effort to continuously update them in ways that seem small on the surface but matter to customers. The show wraps up with a discussion of the impact...
2018-06-291h 15Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 71The delay between episodes is always Dan's fault. Most of the miles were put on this week via 737-700s and a rental Kia Soul. Sam was busy paying attention to all of the automotive goings-on, including leadership shuffles at General Motors, and Ford's latest real estate investment in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, while also finding time to drive the 2019 Honda Insight. Because it's been a while, there's also a plethora of cars we've been driving. Sam was in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the 2018 Nissan Leaf while Dan tried out the 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie and the 2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label.
2018-06-241h 40Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 70This week Sam really likes the third-generation Acura RDX, Dan likes the Mazda CX-5 and then they try hard not to talk about Tesla and mostly succeed. The guys also talk GM and Softbank and the upcoming product plans for Chrysler and Dodge. Just kidding on the last part, there are no known product plans for Chrysler and Dodge but Jeep, Ram, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are all getting new stuff.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-06-091h 49Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 69We missed last week for reasons we don't need to get into (OK, it was Dan's fault) but Sam drove the Volkswagen Tiguan and Atlas while Dan had the new Jeep Wrangler. Sam went to the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally at Road America where he went for a ride in the Ford GT and drove a whole bunch of other cars and utilities. He came to the conclusion that for those that actually want to have fun driving, the VW GTI is a better choice than the Golf R. Finally, Tesla continues to have quality issues and...
2018-05-301h 25Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 68This week Sam is in California talking autonomous cars at a conference. He's driven the BMW X3 before the trip and trying out the Cadillac CT6 with SuperCruise in Silicon Valley. Dan has been enjoying the rough edges of the Subaru WRX. The guys discuss Teslas crashing into fire trucks, batteries that re-ignite and the pending demise of the diesel.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-05-181h 20Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 67Sam spends time with the Range Rover Velar and laments touchscreens that can't be seen through polarized sunglasses. Dan continues to be impressed by the Genesis G80 and lauds the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as a great family hauler that is also really efficient. Rolls-Royce follows the crowd and launches and SUV named after what else? a massive diamond. The guys lament the deather of the Cadillac ATS. Waymo is learning to see through snow, Uber can see but doesn't know what to do and battery fires don't always stay extiAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2018-05-111h 30Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 66After a week off, the guys are back with lots of stuff to talk about. Since the last show, Sam has been in the Mini Countryman Cooper S E (where do they come up with these naming conventions?) and the BMW 530e xDrive while Dan has found himself surprisingly enamored with the Toyota Camry Hybrid. While electrification is the future, it's not the only solution for improving efficiency, especially in the big trucks that Americans favor. That's why Ford is launching a diesel engine in the F-150. Someday we may not be actively driving anymore but we're still a...
2018-05-031h 45Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 65Since the last show, Sam has spent time with the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLE550e plug-in hybrid. Dan gets an encore with the Nissan Armada and some time with the Dodge Charger GT. As we head into this year's Beijing Motor Show, images of the new Mercedes-Maybach sedan-SUV concept surface and frankly it's not good. Audi provides a preview of some of the testing they are doing with the upcoming e-Tron Quattro and VW subsidiary Electrify America gets ready to challenge the Tesla SuperCharger network. Finally, Toyota commits to talking cars and wants the rest of the industry...
2018-04-221h 31Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 64It's all hatchbacks this week as Sam talks about the Hyundai Ioniq Electric and trying to find an EV charging station in San Jose. The Toyota Yaris was also surprisingly enjoyable to drive but Dan had the best ride with the VW GTI. The EPA has decided to rescind the Obama administration's late decision to lock in the 2022-25 fuel economy and CO2 standards and your hosts the discuss the impact or lack thereof on the industry. Ford debuts the fourth generation Focus which Americans will get far fewer of. Sam rants about jackasses doing stupid shit with Tesla...
2018-04-121h 29Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 63This week, Dan and Sam come in favor of a couple of very different sedans, the plug-in hybrid BMW 740e and the latest generation Honda Accord. Despite how different these cars are, both feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine under the hood. The show is a bit late because Sam was travelling in California last week for the Nvidia GPU Technology Conference. Meanwhile on the opposite coast, Waymo and Jaguar announced a deal, Nissan unveiled an Altima with variable compression ratio, VW took the wraps off a pickup truck concept, and Lincoln showed the first of new generation...
2018-04-041h 42Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 62This week Car and Driver transportation editor Pete Bigelow drops by get some family car buying advice and discuss the first pedestrian fatality from an automated vehicle. Dan drives the Nissan Armada while same raves about the Kia Stinger and Cadillac has a new twin-turbo V8 engine.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-03-231h 44Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 61This week Dan marvels at the stunning build quality of the beautifully sculpted Infiniti Q60 coupe (something Tesla seems fundamentally incapable of accomplishing). In discussing the Volvo V90, Sam demonstrates why auto journalists love wagons so much (bring on the new V60 please!). Then the guys dive into Ford's new product strategy and all of the upcoming hybrids, the refined new Ram 1500 and GM's call for higher-octane gasoline. Finally, Dan has a chat with Zach Bowman.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-03-182h 18Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 60Sam returns from duty as a judge at a FIRST Robotics competition and gives his impressions of the 2018 Toyota Camry. Dan finds himself surprisingly enamored with the Acura TLX A-Spec. Following the Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar i-Pace is officially on sale in Europe and coming to America soon. It will be followed by a pair of electric Porsches, the Mission E sedan and then the Mission E Cross Turismo. Ford patents a repair drone for its automated vehicles and guys dish out more car buying advice.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy...
2018-03-121h 40Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 59This week Sam talks about and to the 2018 Lincoln Navigator while Dan shows some love to the auto journalist's special, the Volvo V90 in brown. The guys then discuss the production launch of the Jaguar i-Pace and some of the unique distinguishing features of the 2019 GMC Sierra including the available carbon fiber bed.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-03-031h 01Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 58Dan and Sam fired up the recorders late Friday night to marvel at the insanity that is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the combination of practicality and efficiency that is Hyundai's new Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid. Sam gives a primer on advanced driver assist systems in responses to comments on the Accidental Tech Podcast #261 and Waymo gets a license to operate an autonomous ride-hailing service in Arizona. Volvo launches its first three-cylinder engine. The demise of now former Ford executive Raj Nair shows that automakers may finally be getting serious about tackling harassment and bad behavior in the workplace...
2018-02-251h 37Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 57In this week's rambling episode, Accidental Tech Podcast co-host Casey Liss returns to talk about his experience with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and compare notes with Sam. Sam also brings up his experience trying to drive the Giulia Quadrifoglio in the wake of a winter storm and Dan talks about the new Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid. The conversation then returns to the prior discussion Volvo's Sensus infotainment system and Casey's newfound frustrations with it. Dan is considering replacing his Crown Victoria with a Mazda6 and Casey is continuing to ponder the new Jeep Wrangler. A...
2018-02-181h 41Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 56The guys are back after failing to get our collective acts together last week. Dan drove the VW Beetle with a 2.0-liter turbo that makes as much power as many much smaller engines, while Sam drives a three-row utility that actually has room for humans in the back, the 2018 Dodge Durango GT. This week Sam records his end of the show from Chicago as he gets ready for the auto show there. Ford is making a little bit of news with a mid-cycle refresh of the Transit Connect that surprisingly adds a new diesel engine. The best promoter in...
2018-02-091h 07Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 55This week, Sam spends quality time with the Dodge Challenger GT AWD and comes away pleasantly surprised. Dan shares his appreciation of the 2018 Hyundai Sonata Sport and its naturally aspirated engine. Mazda invited Sam to California to learn more about the upcoming SkyActiv-X engine and drive a prototype. Then the guys go on an extended rant about BMW's plans to charge a subscription fee for Apple CarPlay and flow right into how reckless Elon Musk is being with flame throwers.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-01-291h 12Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 54This week Sam commutes through the winter slog to the Detroit Auto Show in the 2018 Jeep Compass while Dan gets Toyota's new non-crossover crossover, the CH-R. The guys discuss all of the pickup trucks that debuted at the Detroit show and all the car brands that didn't show up along with more new crossovers and another Mustang Bullitt Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2018-01-201h 44Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 53This week Sam is just back from the giant Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. While at CES, he rode in an Aptiv autonomous vehicle and discusses that experience, along with a few other highlights. Dan haas been battle-testing a Hyundai Elantra GT during a stretch of brutal, fickle winter weather in Boston. Other topics include the officially-announced Ford F-150 Powerstroke Diesel, a field report on GM Marketplace, and a quick spin through our favorite nominees to win North American Car and Truck of the Year at the NAIAS in Detroit.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com...
2018-01-131h 19Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 52As the frigid temperatures continue to encase the midwest and spread to the eastern half of the US this week, Sam has been driving the new Hyundai Elantra GT Sport, his favorite variant of this compact Korean platform. Dan meanwhile has been taking to the snow-covered streets of the Boston area in the all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger GT. In a relatively light news week ahead of CES and the Detroit show, the guys discuss driving in these wintery conditions, Volkswagen and Hyundai both announcing autonomous driving partnerships with Aurora Innovation and they follow-up last week's conversation about the death of...
2018-01-061h 10Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 51For the final edition of 2017, Dan drives the 2018 Hyundai Accent, Sam gets in the Mazda CX-3 and Larry Vellequette from Automotive News drops by to talk about the end of car collecting. There's a growing backlash from people tired of drivers trying to bypass traffic jams with online navigation apps like Waze but will the problem only get worse when we have automated mobility services like what Uber wants to build with money from Softbank? Kenichi Yamamoto, the brilliant engineer that led Mazda for many years and made the Wankel rotary almost viable, dies at 95 and the guys talk...
2017-12-301h 35Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 50We've got another special guest this week as the great Phil Berg visit's Sam's basement to tell some stories talk about cars of the past, present and future. In the garage, Phil is driving the Chevrolet Bolt EV, Sam disses the Toyota Prius C and Dan shifts gears in the Toyota Corolla SE. In the discussion we solve the problem of distracted driving by declaring that everyone must drive manual transmission Mazda Miata. We ponder the refreshed 2019 Jeep Cherokee and the revival of the Honda Insight name. Finally, a reminder to make sure that if you get a recall...
2017-12-221h 46Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 49On this week's edition of the show, Dan and Sam are joined by very special guest Brianna Wu, head of development at game studio Giant Space Kat, congressional candidate and all-around car geek! Bri tells us why she is so passionate about driving and why she chose her current ride, the Porsche Cayman. Dan and Sam meanwhile have to make do with a couple of fine, but far less exciting sedans, the 2018 Hyundai Sonata and the Genesis G80 Sport. Then everyone dives into a discussion the latest product from the McLaren Cars, the aptly named Senna and some speculation...
2017-12-161h 48Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 48After a hiatus while Sam finished off a flurry of travel, the team is back for episode 48. Sam drives the 2017 Mazda CX-5 while Dan gets the Hyundai Ioniq and Mitsubishi Outlander (is it just me or does it seem like Mitsubishi has sent its entire press fleet to New England for Dan to drive?). While in Napa to drive the new Nissan Leaf, Sam talked with Jalopnik's Jason Torchinsky about what defines a station wagon and picks up the conversation with Dan. Lincolns have names again, VW is building EVs, Sam rides in automated Chevrolet Bolt and Infiniti launches...
2017-12-081h 31Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 47The guys are back with some Thanksgiving car chatter after a week of travel for Sam. It's a full slate of hybrids in the garage. Since the last show, Sam has driven the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the fuel-cell Toyota Mirai. Meanwhile, Dan gives his take on the Toyota Prius Prime and the new Volvo XC60 T8 Twin-Drive. From there, the conversation devolves into complaints about touchscreens in cars and the future of voice recognition. Then we take on the king of the car touchscreens with the launch of the Tesla Semi, a new Roadster and production problems. Finally...
2017-11-231h 40Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 46This week, Dan and Sam compare notes on the two Mercedes-Benz cars they drove, the E400 coupe and 2018 S560 4Matic sedan. Sam ponders whether partially automated systems are a good idea and whether everyone should simply take the Waymo path of highly automated driving that launching without a driver this week in Arizona. With the new Corvette ZR1 about to launch, Dan bemoans its looks and the guys ponder whether this will be the last front engine Vette.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-11-101h 21Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 45This week a special guest joins Dan and Sam. Casey Liss of the Accidental Tech Podcast and Analog(ue) stops by to share his thoughts on the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Volvo Sensus. Sam ponders the Cadillac CT6 Plug-in and his experience visiting Waymo's secret test track in the California desert.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-11-031h 29Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 44This week Sam praises Volvo for continuing to build great wagons, Dan plays with a fast BMW and the guys discuss acquisitions, working overtime and more.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-10-271h 17Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 43This week, Sam talks about driving the Toyota Prius Prime which if you can get past the design is a really good and fuel efficient car. Dan ponders the Mitsubishi Mirage GT instead of something slightly used and way better for the same money before he transitions to the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack. Volvo launches its first dedicated car for the Polestar brand, a 600-hp plug-in hybrid coupe, Audi rolls out a second-generation A7 and Tesla fires a whole bunch of people. Dan explains why he doesn't watch Star Trek Discovery and Sam gives his verdict and the guys answer a...
2017-10-201h 30Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 42 - Maxi Mini, Family Haulin’, Car Subscriptions & Autonomous SafetyThis week, Dan hauls his family around in the Hyundai Santa Fe and Sam ponders how big a Mini can be and still be a Mini. If you have a hard time committing to just one car, subscription services like Passport by Porsche may be the answer for you. Mislabeling of metals is not a problem you can fix with an over-the-air software update and may put Kobe Steel in even more trouble than Takata. Waymo publishes a surprisingly detailed safety report about its automated driving system and the guys answer some listener questions.Advertising Inquiries...
2017-10-141h 29Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 41 - SuperCruising Across America, EVs Coming Up EverywhereWe're back with a regular episode with Sam driving the Acura TLX A-Spec and Dan expounding upon the . Last week Sam spent a couple of days crossing the heartland in a Cadillac CT6 with his hands mostly off the steering wheel. Along the way, it seems like everyone from vacuum cleaner maven James Dyson to Ford CEO Jim Hackett was talking about building EVs with GM in the middle.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-10-041h 47Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 39 - The Off-Road Ford GT, New Jaguars, Stupid TechThis week Dan and Sam have both recently driven the off-road specialist from Ford Performance, the F-150 Raptor. It's got visual presence and a great engine, but would your humble hosts actually want to own one? Sam has also driven the Hyundai Elantra Sport, but unlike the manual transmission version Dan drove a few weeks ago, this one had the seven-speed dual clutch transmission.Volvo has revealed the new XC40 compact crossover with a new subscription leasing program that turns out to be very similar to Apple's iPhone upgrade program. Jaguar brought most of its 2018 model lineup...
2017-09-221h 29Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 38 - Grand Touring, Fun Hybrids, Frankfurt and Mazda ClevernessThe guys return after a week away with Dan getting his turn at the Kia Niro while Sam tours in the Lexus LC500. We review the highlights of the Frankfurt Motor Show plus the hideous BMW X7, discuss what the NTSB had to say about a fatal Tesla crash, ponder stolen VW diesels and marvel at the creativity of Mazda's engineers. We also answer some really old voice mails.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-09-151h 41Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 37 - NSX weekend, warm and hot hatches, and piping-hot pizzaSam tells us about driving the Acura NSX for a weekend, and we also discuss hatches warm and hot. The Hyundai Elantra GT Sport is the warm one while the Honda Civic Type R is on-boil. Speaking of hot, we finish up by discussing the partnership Ford and Dominos Pizza have just announced so both companies can learn more about autonomous logistics and customer behavior.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-09-011h 38Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 36 - Rome Isn’t Burning, Why Skip The VCs? & Diesel CrossoversThe guys are back with a regular episode wherein we drive sibling vehicles from Korea, the Hyundai Elantra Sport and Kia Niro FE. Sam was wiped out last week after a whirlwind trip to San Francisco for the City of Tomorrow symposium hosted by Ford. While there he got the chance to talk with Bryan Salesky, one of the most experienced software engineers working on automated vehicles. Fiat Chrysler is also trying to get a foothold in the automated driving space while rumors of a Chinese acquisition swirl. Meanwhile GM still hopes that diesel can give them a competitive...
2017-08-241h 23Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Special Episode: NEMPA MIT Technology Conference - "Stronger, Lighter, Faster"Sam is recovering from a redeye flight, but we’ll be recording the next episode soon. In the meantime, we’re sharing recordings made during the New England Motor Press Association MIT Technology Conference. Held annually at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this year’s theme was Lighter, Stronger, Faster.This week, we’ll present the first two panelists: Doctor Jody Hall, Vice President of the automotive market for the Steel Market Development Institute, and NanoSteel’s David Paratore.MIT's Bryan Reimer provides an introduction first.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPr...
2017-08-1854 minWheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 35 – Dull Edge, Travis Gets Sued, Mazda InnovatesThis week, Sam is again driving a Mazda Miata with brilliant steering while Dan fights the steering in the Ford Edge Sport. Another Hespen Rally is in the books and Sam goes off on a tangent about what happens to engineering development vehicles. Mazda announces the first production HCCI engine for 2019 and one of Uber’s biggest investors sues former CEO Travis Kalanick and guys try to give some advice on what kind of car should replace a VW GTI. Colin Sultan of 3M explains what the inventor of post-it notes is doing to enable automated and connected vehicles....
2017-08-111h 51Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 34 - AMG Roadtripping, More Miata Love and EV FrustrationThis week Dan takes his turn in the Mazda Miata RF while Sam does a road trip to the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars in the Mercedes-AMG E43. While at MBS Sam talked with Nvidia's director of automotive, Danny Shapiro, heard Mazda SVP Robert Davis extol the virtues of internal combustion and saw his friend Bob Gritzenger struggle with EV charging infrastructure in northern Michigan.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-08-061h 39Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 033 - Faster, Slower, Fix It Now or Fix It LaterThis week Sam is in the slightly quicker Civic, the Si sedan, Dan stays on-road in the off-road Jeep Compass and the guys delve into fixing diesel Volkswagens, regulations for automated driving and whether anyone will ever make any money on self-driving software. Also, Waze comes to Android Auto, the end of big cars and a contemplation on how to fix Lincoln.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-07-281h 25Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 032 - Convertibles, Hybrids, Not Self-Driving and Comcast HateThis week Sam has driven Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and compares the latest Mazda Miata to the original. Dan spends the week with a very different kind of convertible, the Mustang GT. When the new Nissan Leaf arrives this fall, it will have e-pedal for strong regenerative braking and ProPilot Assist which is automated but not self-driving. Before some listener questions, the guys dive into the latest ploy by Comcast to remain the most hated company in America.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-07-211h 34Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 031 - Absolutely Mainstream to Utterly ExtremeThis week Sam and Dan discuss the merits of the Subaru Impreza vs the Mistubishi Outlander Sport, the Merccedes-AMG GLA45, the all-new 2018 Honda Accord, the Aston Martin Valkyrie and a preview of the 2017 Concours de'Elegance of America. Don't forget to join the Hespen Rally if you are in Michigan on August 6, 2017.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-07-151h 06Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 030 - Crashing and ElectrifyingAs we head into the second half of 2017, Dan and Sam have a bunch of stuff to discuss including spending time with the Chevrolet Bolt and the air conditioning capacity of the Mazda CX-9. In the news topics, Tesla responds badly to IIHS crash test results, Volvo adds electrons to its full lineup and sales of the Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq reflect the changing character of the automotive market as a whole. EVENT ALERT: On August 6, 2017, please come join the Hespen Rally to honor the memory of Patrick HespenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
2017-07-071h 20Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 029 - Big Sedans, Servicing Autonomous Vehicles, Racing Old CarsThis week Sam drives a couple of big American sedans, the Buick LaCrosse and Lincoln Continental and Dan samples the Mazda CX-9. This devolves into a chat about Chris Lattner and working with/for Elon Musk and using rental car companies to service fleets of autonomous vehicles. Then Sam goes all analog with a visit to the Great Race stop in Ypsilanti, Mich.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-06-301h 18Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 028 - Uber loses its CEO, JD Power IQS, and your questionsThis week we talk about Travis Kalanick stepping down from Uber, the JD Power Initial Quality Scores, and a bunch of your questions.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2017-06-231h 17Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 002 - Hyundai Ioniq, Electrified Ferraris, Cord Revival, Peak AutomobileWelcome back for the second episode of the Wheelbearings Podcast. This week we're driving the Hyundai Elantra Eco and the Volvo XC60 T6. We cover the Hyundai Ioniq, Ferrari going all-hybrid by 2020, the latest effort to revive Cord, and projections that auto sales have peaked.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2016-11-111h 06Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 002 - Hyundai Ioniq, Electrified Ferraris, Cord Revival, Peak AutomobileWelcome back for the second episode of the Wheelbearings Podcast. This week we're driving the Hyundai Elantra Eco and the Volvo XC60 T6. We cover the Hyundai Ioniq, Ferrari going all-hybrid by 2020, the latest effort to revive Cord, and projections that auto sales have peaked.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2016-11-111h 06Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 001 - Dan and Sam kick it offDan Roth and Sam Abuelsamid have launched a new podcast with a familiar feel.Check out the first episode of Wheelbearings. Topics are the new Mercedes-Benz engine architecture and autonomous vehicles, especially Sam's being stood up by Comma.ai and George Hotz.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2016-11-081h 32Wheel BearingsWheelbearings Episode 001 - Dan and Sam kick it offDan Roth and Sam Abuelsamid have launched a new podcast with a familiar feel.Check out the first episode of Wheelbearings. Topics are the new Mercedes-Benz engine architecture and autonomous vehicles, especially Sam's being stood up by Comma.ai and George Hotz.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2016-11-081h 32