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Delivery Charges

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Delivery Charges
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Technology let us down near the end of this episode, but we got in a good discussion of the 2020 Lexus UX250h Luxury, Hyundai Venue, Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander.

For news, we talked about manuals returning to MINI, the next generation RWD I-6 Mazda 6, and the new Genesis G80. We finish up with some commentary about destination charges and we managed to answer at least one question about how the industry is holding up during this crisis before our app decided it’d had enough.

144 – Press On Regardless

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
144 - Press On Regardless
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As the lockdowns continue, our intrepid crew is still venturing out while staying isolated to bring you their impressions of the vehicles you might want to consider buying when this is all over. Rebecca spent time with the Jeep Gladiator in a seemingly deserted corner of Connecticut. Sam got Android Auto working in the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid without crashing the infotainment system. Meanwhile Dan sampled the pint-sized Hyundai Kona. In the news, we dive into the Navigant Research Automated Driving Leaderboard report and what robotaxi developers will have to do to keep passengers safe. While we work from home and connect with co-workers on video conferences, Audi has started publishing images to use for virtual backgrounds. With motorsports idled globally, the drivers are taking to sims and the fans seem to be digging it. We wrap up with a few listener questions. Links Jeep Gladiator… Read More »144 – Press On Regardless

143 – Sheltering In Place But Still Driving

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
143 - Sheltering In Place But Still Driving
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To start, we ponder the near-term future. Then we get to cars, including the Hyundai Venue, Nissan Rogue Sport, BMW M340i, and the Ford pickup lineup from Ranger to Super Duty. For news, we talk about the 20201 Hyundai Elantra and follow up on GM EV day. We finish with some of your emails. If that seems like a long show, you’re right. Just the thing for quarantine.

142 – GM Gets Plugged In

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
142 - GM Gets Plugged In
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It’s a splice-fest! First, Dan and Sam talk about driving the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Edition 30 and the Ford Ranger XLT. Some of the early impact of COVID-19 is pondered, and development mules like the Plymouth “Prangler” finish it up. For part 2, Sam and Rebecca review General Motors EV day, including a new battery design and previews of 12 upcoming electric vehicles.

141 – Corvettes In The Desert

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
141 - Corvettes In The Desert
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Rebecca gives first drive impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Sam has been driving the value-conscious 2020 Nissan Versa and the fuel-hungry Armada. Dan shares impressions of the Infiniti QX50. We wrap with a run through Consumer Reports 2020 Top 10 cars selections.

Ep 139 – Live From LA and Chicago

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Ep 139 - Live From LA and Chicago
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This week Rebecca and Sam record another in-person show in two parts. The show starts at the Delta lounge at LAX and finishes in the windy city for the biggest little auto show in America. Cadillac has taken the wraps off the 2021 Escalade which should be on track to remain the most popular full-size luxury SUV in America. With independent rear suspension, more passenger and cargo space, massive OLED displays, Super Cruise and even an optional diesel engine it has plenty to offer. Speaking of plenty to offer, check out the GMC Hummer EV. Yes, the Hummer name is back on GM’s first electric pickup truck coming in 2021. With 1,000-hp and 0-60 in 3 seconds, it should be an able challenger in the burgeoning electric truck market. From LA, the show shifts to Chicago with some of the show highlights including the Ford… Read More »Ep 139 – Live From LA and Chicago

Ep. 138 – It’s All About the Context

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Ep. 138 - It's All About the Context
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This week the crew has a range of premium (at least price-wise) SUVs to drive. Since our last gathering, Sam has been in the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (complete with a faulty 12V battery) and the Lexus LX570. Dan went from Mercedes-Benz GLC300 to the Polestar engineered Volvo XC90 and Rebecca has been enjoying open-top life in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. In the news, Sam was at the reveal of the Cruise Origin, a purpose-built robotaxi developed by GM and Honda. We also get into a discussion of our approach to reviewing vehicles and addressing reader comments on differing opinions. Links Cruise Origin Differing opinions Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring first drive 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

Ep 137 – Big Screens and Blimps

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Ep 137 - Big Screens and Blimps
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Rebecca and Sam are back from another trek to CES and lots of stuff to discuss. Rebecca has been driving the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE, Sam was in the Genesis G80 Sport and Dan had the 2020 Ram Rebel EcoDiesel. At CES Rebecca drove a twin motor Nissan development mule for the upcoming Ariya electric crossover and took a flight in the Goodyear blimp. Sam meanwhile road in the Audi AI:me concept and one of Yandex’s automated vehicles. We also discuss the Mercedes-Benz AVTR concept, the Sony Vision S, Magna International and Hyundai SA-1 aircraft. Links Sam joins TWiT’s Leo Laporte and Ant Pruitt to look at CES auto tech Ford Mustang Mach-E Aeye lidar NXP ultrawideband Audi EVs, lights and displays Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like to chip in toward the cost of producing and… Read More »Ep 137 – Big Screens and Blimps

Ep. 125 – Trusting Your Assistant

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Ep. 125 - Trusting Your Assistant
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With 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 stay alert. Links California Power Outages Consumer Reports takes on Smart Summon AAA ADAS Study 2019 Lexus LS500h 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

Ep. 124 – What’s Premium

Wheel Bearings
Wheel Bearings
Ep. 124 - What's Premium
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This week as Dan helps the kids with homework, Rebecca 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. The timing of Rebecca driving the Cadillac was fortuitous as Sam had just returned from driving the new Lincoln Corsair and we dive into the differences between the two. In the news, Canoo unveiled its first product, a small electric van that will be offered by subscription only. 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. Links 2020 Lincoln Corsair first drive Hyundai and Aptiv team up on AVs Amazon orders 100,000 Rivian vans Acura’s new ads Canoo debuts without paddles Honda Civic Type-R Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon.… Read More »Ep. 124 – What’s Premium