Skip to content

crossover utility

Wheel Bearings 36

Episode #036 – Rome Isn’t Burning, Why Skip The VCs? & Diesel Crossovers

Podcast Archives
Episode #036 - Rome Isn't Burning, Why Skip The VCs? & Diesel Crossovers
Loading
/

The 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 edge with the 39 mpg Chevy Equinox. links FCA Joins BMW/Intel Autonomous Driving Partnership Chevy Equinox Diesel rated at 39 mpg highway Uber Kills Leasing Program Future of Smaller Automakers May Be As Tier 1 Suppliers Ford Makes $1B Bet On Argo.AI As Recruiting Tool Kia… Read More »Episode #036 – Rome Isn’t Burning, Why Skip The VCs? & Diesel Crossovers

Episode #033 – Faster, Slower, Fix It Now or Fix It Later

Podcast Archives
Episode #033 - Faster, Slower, Fix It Now or Fix It Later
Loading
/

This 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. Links The automated driving economy turns into the app store economy Who’s ultimately responsible for fixing recalled Volkswagen diesels Will automated cars cost $400,000? Spoiler alert, no. Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings 30

Episode #31 – Absolutely Mainstream to Utterly Extreme

Podcast Archives
Episode #31 - Absolutely Mainstream to Utterly Extreme
Loading
/

  This 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. Links Concours de’Elegance of America 2018 Honda Accord and more on the Accord Aston Martin Valkyrie Hespen Rally   Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings 30

Episode #30 – Crashing and Electrifying

Podcast Archives
Episode #30 - Crashing and Electrifying
Loading
/

As 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. Finally, if you are in the Detroit area on August 6, 2017, please come join the Hespen Rally to honor the memory of Patrick Hespen and help raise funds for research into a cure for cholangiocarcinoma , the rare cancer that took Patrick’s life way too soon. There were will be lots of cool cars and Patrick’s friends, family and colleagues. Register at http://hespenrally.com/ Links Tesla Takes on the IIHS Volvo Electrifies and… Read More »Episode #30 – Crashing and Electrifying

Episode #26 – Smokeless Launches and Exhausted Patents

Podcast Archives
Episode #26 - Smokeless Launches and Exhausted Patents
Loading
/

This week, Dan and Sam talk about driving the BMW 530i, Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, Ford Escape Platinum and Acura NSX. Then they dive into how a printer patent case might impact the future of automated driving, the Acura NSX racing program and insuring Teslas. Guest: Art St. Cyr, President Honda Performance Development Links: SCOTUS ruling limits patent exhaustion Lawyers not ethicists will solve trolley problem Acura NSX launch control Tesla Insurance Premiums Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings #25

Episode #25 – Aging Trucks, New Crossovers, Vintage Convertibles and Cheap EVs

Podcast Archives
Episode #25 - Aging Trucks, New Crossovers, Vintage Convertibles and Cheap EVs
Loading
/

This week Dan and Sam discuss lots of listener comments and questions throughout the show. Dan has spent the week with the Toyota Tundra and advises a listener to look elsewhere for their hauling needs. Sam has the new Chevrolet Equinox and also discusses his new acquisition, a 1990 Mazda Miata. In the ongoing Uber saga, former Google engineer Anthony Levandoski is now also a former Uber engineer as the ride-hailing leader fires him. The guys discuss invisible Camrys, electric vehicle conversions, autonomous shuttles and whether it is worth buying a cheap used Fiat 500e. links Uber Fires Anthony Levandoski Toyota Tundra review Autonomous Shuttles Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings Ep #23

Episode #23 – The Anti-Demon, Midsize Pickups, VW Ads & Ditching The Past

Podcast Archives
Episode #23 - The Anti-Demon, Midsize Pickups, VW Ads & Ditching The Past
Loading
/

On this week’s edition, Dan and Sam discuss whether Fiat might have a better Miata than Mazda with the 124 Spider and whether midsized pickups like the GMC Canyon Denali might be too compromised to be truly useful. Volkswagen has some interesting new ads aimed at attracting buyers to the new Atlas SUV and the brand in general as it tries to recover from the diesel emissions scandal. Sam expounds on why stand-alone ride-hailing services are probably doomed and then the team ponders why Delphi is splitting itself up to leave powertrain systems behind. Dan interviews one of the masterminds behind GM’s latest 6.6-liter Duramax V8 and we address a listener question about diesel particulate filters. Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings episode 21

Episode #21 – Lincolns, Lambos, Buicks and Cadillacs in Manhattan

Podcast Archives
Episode #21 - Lincolns, Lambos, Buicks and Cadillacs in Manhattan
Loading
/

We wrap up highlights from the 2017 New York Auto Show including an all-new Lincoln Navigator, Buick Enclave, SuperCruising Cadillacs and aero-vectoring Lamborghini Huracans. We also discuss a Tesla AutoPilot lawsuit and modern turbocharged engines.  In the time gap since we last recorded, Dan has driven the Genesis G90 and Lexus RX450h while Sam has been through the aging Infiniti QX50 and the stunning new Infiniti Q60. Sam also spent a weekend with Chevrolet’s second-generation Cruze diesel to see if it could be a viable alternative for the all the Volkswagen TDI refugees. Links 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir reveal Lamborghini Huracan Performante Active Aerodynamics Cadillac SuperCruise Tesla AutoPilot 2.0 Class-Action  2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Review Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and hosting it you can join at https://www.patreon.com/wheelbearingsmedia

Wheel Bearings Episode 20

Episode #20 – Stump Pulling Trucks, Sport Sedans, Hatchbacks and Crossover Wagons

Podcast Archives
Episode #20 - Stump Pulling Trucks, Sport Sedans, Hatchbacks and Crossover Wagons
Loading
/

In episode 20, Dan ponders what to tow with the massive 910 lb-ft of torque available from the redesigned 6.6-liter Duramax diesel in the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 while Sam swaps the BMW 530i for a 330i. Buick has shifted gears with the new 2018 Regal, ditching the trunk in favor of a five-door hatchback or wagon/crossover and Hyundai Motor Group has launched two distinctly different vehicles off its first dedicated electrified vehicle platform. Sam got to drive the electric and hybrid variants of the Hyundai Ioniq while Dan got to at least see the Kia Niro. Links 2018 Buick Regal Sportback and TourX Fill White Spaces in GM’s Lineup Kia Reveals Its First Dedicated Hybrid, The Niro Crossover Plus New Optima Hybrids 2017 Hyundai Ioniq, Company’s First Dedicated Electrified Vehicle Platform Arrives In December Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like… Read More »Episode #20 – Stump Pulling Trucks, Sport Sedans, Hatchbacks and Crossover Wagons

Episode #12 – Driving Long-Range EVs and Snow-Bound Muscle Cars

Podcast Archives
Episode #12 - Driving Long-Range EVs and Snow-Bound Muscle Cars
Loading
/

After a week off due to busy schedules, Dan and Sam are back. In the garage, we’ve driven the Genesis G80, Honda Civic Sport hatchback and a Chrysler Pacifica that went back smelling like a bunch of Deadheads had hit the road in it. Sam went to California to drive the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV on some of the same roads where he first drove the Tesla Roadster nine years earlier and finds that those that don’t want to wait for a Tesla Model 3 should be taking a serious look this new entry. Dan, took the Pacifica north to Portland, Maine to bomb around in the snow with an all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger GT. We also answer some reader messages and play an interview with GM designer Stuart Norris. Links: Leave The Brake Pedal, Take The Bolt – Driving Chevrolet’s New EV ABG First Drive:… Read More »Episode #12 – Driving Long-Range EVs and Snow-Bound Muscle Cars