Wheel Bearings

This weeks show is a bit different. Robbie is dealing with some family stuff, Nicole is at DisneyWorld wedding and Sam is headed to Omaha for Operation Frodo so no regular review section until next week. Instead, Sam and Robbie recorded a discussion on the death of Cruise and the future of automated driving. Sam also had a conversation with Chad Kirchner about our first drive experiences of the new Dodge Charger Daytona. Sam also interviewed Dodge CEO Matt McAlear and Charger chief engineer Audrey Moore. Links Sam's initial review of the Dodge Charger Daytona The Kirchner Report RIP Cruise Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Robbie didn't drive anything, but Nicole got time with the Ram 1500 RHO and Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback while Sam had the Kia Niro PHEV. At Art Basel Miami, Jaguar showed off its new design direction with the Type 00 Concept and it's different. Toyota is taking advantage of its joint venture factory with Mazda to offer Soul Red Crystal as an optional color on the Corolla Cross. Carlos Tavares has been ousted as CEO of Stellantis. Hyundai has a new version of the Palisade coming and Genesis is building a race car to go to Le Mans in 2026. Nissan's Ariya can use Superchargers now but it needs an extra adapter for its adapter. Ion Dynamics has a cool little mobile EV charger and we recommend tires for winter driving in West Virginia. Get your Wheel Bearings merch at https://shop.wheelbearings.media Links Ram 1500 RHO Jaguar Type 00 Concept Toyota Corolla Cross gets Soul Crystal Red Carlos Tavares is Out at Stellantis Genesis Shows New Le Mans Racecar Nissan's NACS adapter needs an extra adapter 2026 Hyundai Palisade Ion Dynamics Mobile Charger Michelin CrossClimate 2 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam has been driving the Ford Ranger with the 2.7-liter V6 and Kia Carnival Hybrid. Nicole had the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Robbie had the outgoing VW Tiguan. In the news, Acura has a new entry-level crossover, the ADX and Toyota is working on a new generation Celica. California's governor has a plan to preserve EV incentives in the states if the Trump administration pulls the plug, and it doesn't include Tesla. Cadillac is joining the F1 circus in 2026 and Dodge is slapping some big money on the hood of the new Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S. ConnectDER has a solution for installing EV charging on older homes and smaller apartments. Edmunds range tests the Chevrolet Equinox EV and decides to unload their Fisker Ocean while they still can and we answer listener questions. Links Acura ADX Mercedes-Benz in-drive brakes Toyota Working on New Celica Tesla left out of new California EV Incentives GM/Cadillac To Go F1 in 2026 ConnectDER Map of NEVI sites Dodge Charger Daytona Leases Edmunds unloads its Fisker Ocean early Edmunds Gets 356 miles with Equinox EV Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The whole team is back this week with lots of LA Auto Show news. Nicole drove the Audi SQ8 around Los Angeles for the week. Robbie had the new Toyota Land Cruiser. In the news, Jaguar has launched new branding ahead of the reveal of concept version of its next new EV. Stellantis talked about the STLA Frame platform for its new EV an EREV large trucks and SUVs, and we spoke with Stellantis executives including NA COO Antonio Filosa about where Jeep and the other brands are headed. Nicole got to try out the new GMC Sierra EV Denali. Lotus is also bringing out some EREVs. We also discussed some of the products announced at the LA Auto Show including a refreshed Genesis GV70, new VW Tiguan, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the NACTOY finalists. We also answered some listener questions. Links Nissan N7 More on Mercedes-Benz CLA New JaGUar branding Stellantis talks about STLA Frame GMC Sierra EV 2026 Genesis GV70 2025 VW Tiguan Honda Solid State Battery plant Acura ADX Jeep Giving Customers What they Want Hyundai Ioniq 9 Lotus Shifts to EREVs NACTOY Finalists Mercedes-Benz in-drive brakes OTA Cost Consideration Guide Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie at a gas station chicken sandwich and the results were predictable so it's just Sam and Nicole both driving Hondas this week with Sam in the Prologue and Nicole in the Odyssey. In the news, automakers need to stop with electronic door switches, and while Teslas are generally safe in a crash, bad driver behavior is still leading to more fatal crashes than any other brand. Honda has revealed a new 2026 Passport and Acura has their own version of the HR-V, the new ADX. Toyota is offering a dealer installed shield to guard against catalytic converter theft on Priuses. Dodge is about to launch the electric Charger Daytona, but pulling ahead production of the gas version to mid-2025. Jaguar has released the first images of camoflaged prototypes of its new EV and Lexus is adding a cheaper front-drive RZ. Jose Munoz is being promoted to global CEO at Hyundai and GM laid off 1,000 people by email. Links People still being burned alive in Teslas 2026 Honda Passport 2025 Acura ADX Tesla is deadliest car brand in America Catalytic converter shield tested Dodge pulling up production of gas Chargers First images of new electric Jaguar GM cuts 1,000 jobs Lexus adds cheaper FWD RZ300e Jose Munoz becomes CEO of Hyundai Motor Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kia WKNDR concept Mercedes-Benz CLA preview Volvo EX30 arriving in America this year Mazda Iconic-SP to get produced 2026 Cadillac Vistiq first look Cadillac XT4 to give way to new Bolt Bentley To Launch EV in 2026, delay full transition to 2035 SEMA 2024 Roundup Mercedes-AMG Electric SUV A2RL Roman's New G-Wagen Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Robbie and Sam both spent time driving the Volkswagen ID Buzz and came away surprisingly delighted. Sam also spent a week with the Toyota Land Cruiser while Nicole got to drive the 2025 Camry. In the news, VW is adding enhanced hazard alerts to its latest models and Polestar and Volvo finally have Supercharger access for their EVs. Ford is now shipping Lectron NACS to CCS adapters to customers instead of Tesla made adapters. Cadillac is bringing a Lyriq-V in 2025 and Lucid is about to open the order books for the Gravity SUV. Hyundai has a new fuel cell vehicle coming in 2025 with a new look for the brand and sister brand Kia is launching the Tasman pickup but it can't come to America because of the chicken tax. Rivian doesn't believe in buttons and they are wrong. FSD can't see deer at night and the Ferrari Enzo had different sized mirrors. We also have a bunch of listener questions. Links VW integrates enhanced hazard alerts Enhanced Hazard Alerts Polestar & Volvo turn on Supercharger access Lectron NACS-CCS adapter Cadillac Lyriq-V coming in 2025 Lucid Gravity Pricing and Orders announced Lucid Gravity Design Tour Peter Rawlinson on Efficiency Hyundai Initium concept Kia Tasman Rivian Software Chief is Wrong about Buttons FSD completely ignores a deer The Ferrari Enzo's Asymetric Mirrors Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey everyone, we're back with a standard episode this week. Unfortunately a family emergency came up at the last moment and Robbie couldn't join us. Fortunately, our friend Perry Stern was able to step in and join Nicole and Sam. Perry was driving around in the new Subaru Forester while Nicole had the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sam had the Kia Sorento Hybrid. It was good to have Perry on the show, because he was the only one among the group that was able to attend the reveal event of the new Scout Terra and Traveler which are due to arrive in 2027. Stellantis has started assembly of battery modules at its new factory in Windsor, Ontario, and plans to try out semi-solid state batteries in 2027. They have also updated their Auburn Hills wind tunnel and are planning to sell their Arizona proving ground. Ford has cut prices on its F-150 Lightning Pro and Mach-E for 2025. Costco has installed its first DC fast charging station and Nicole shares some highlights from this week's semi-finalist drive for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year. Links Scout Terra and Traveller Stellantis to try semi-solid state cells in 2027 Charger NextStar Energy Starts Battery Module Production Ford Pro Cuts EV prices High speed trains are awesome 2025 Mach-E gets price cut, GT look Stellantis updates wind tunnel/Proving ground sale Coscto gets in to fast charging NACTOY Drive Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hey everyone, this week's show is a bit different. Sam is on his way to South Korea for the week, Nicole is visiting her daughter in Wisconsin and Robbie is Lake Tahoe for a gig with one of his bands. But rather than leave you with no content, we've got some material from the Nissan Fast Forward event that Sam attended in Nashville this week. Nissan unveiled the new 2025 Murano and Sam has some thoughts and then we have presentations from 4 Nissan executives including chief product officer for North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, VP of sales and marketing Vinay Shahani, VP of aftersales Kim Less and SVP manufacturing David Johnson. Lots of interesting stuff in here about where Nissan is going for the rest of the decade including plug-in hybrids, e-Power, and extended range EVs. We'll back with a regular episode next week. Links The 2025 Nissan Murano Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is back and she drove the Honda Prologue while Robbie spent more time with the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the VW GTi. Links 2025 Jeep Compass 2025 Bronco Free Wheeling 2025 Chevy Silverado EV Updates Volkswagen Tayron MCity 2.0 CyberCab 2-seat robotaxis Carlos Tavares to retire in early 2026 Stellantis EV price parity More cheap EU EVs Fisker reaches bankruptcy deal https://carbuzz.com/fisker-faces-new-government-probe/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole's Saturday morning flight home from Venice was cancelled so she'll be back next week. In the meantime, Chad Kirchner joins us to talk about what's going on. Robbie has been driving the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the Mazda CX-70 and a weekend with the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato. In the news, Mazda has launched a new electric sedan in China that goes for just under $23,000 but we can't have it. Lots of charging news this week with Enel X Way shutting down it's US operations, but Ford is offering EV buyers free chargers and installation. Ionna has started construction on its first charging station with just 29,990 chargers to go. Ford had cut pricing on BlueCruise and launched a somewhat-new Expedition. Our pals at TFL finally got FSD Supervised on their Cybertruck and Toyota pushed back the launch of their 3-row electric SUV by 6 months. Rivian cut its 2024 production forecast but an R1T survived the Hurricane Helene flooding with flying colors. Speaking of the hurricane, if you have a few extra dollars, send some to Feeding America for TacoTober to help out those affected by the disaster. Also check out The Kirchner Report and buy a copy of Racecar by the Drastic Cats Links Mazda EZ-6 Ford Home charging Enel X Way shuts down Ionna breaks ground on first rechargery Ford cuts BlueCruise pricing TFL tries FSD on their Cybertruck 2025 Ford Expedition Toyota delays 3-row EV Rivian cuts production forecast Rivian R1T survives Helene The Kirchner Report tacotober Hummer HX Concept Noodoe Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Chargelab Drastic Cats - Racecar Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is still riding the rails in Europe so Stephanie Brinley joins Robbie and Sam again. Stephanie has been driving the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the Toyota Crown Signia. Robbie got to try out the new electric motorcycles from Can Am and Sam got some quality time with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Sam also got to sample the new 2025 Nissan Kicks which is bigger, more powerful and more expensive than the original. Ontario premier Doug Ford has a crazy scheme to build a 34 mile tunnel under Toronto to fix congestion on highway 401 and it probably won't work. Stellantis has begun the search for a successor to CEO Carlos Tavares while Jeep and VW are planning to add hybrids to their North American lineups. Honda is developing a new hybrid Prelude coupe and there are reports it could be offered with a manual transmission. Finally, ACMI has tested Tesla FSD and it was to say the least, problematic. Links Can-Am Origin / Pulse 2025 Nissan Kicks 34 mile tunnel to fix Toronto traffic, or not Stellantis searching for new CEO Jeep looking at adding hybrids to lineup VW likely to add hybrids to US within 2 years Audi prices US Q6 e-tron, adds RWD model The New Hybrid Honda Prelude Could Have a Manual ACMI Tests FSD, It's Not Good Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As Nicole and her spouse are riding the rails in Europe, Tanya Gazdik is back with the Land Rover Defender 130 and the Mercedes-AMG SL63. Sam has thoughts about Ineos Grenadier and Robbie has something he can't discuss until next week. Tanya and Sam drove the Polestar 3 this week and share their first impressions. Elektrobit's Dr. Mortiz Neukirchner has developed a taxonomy for software defined vehicles. More vehicles are getting in-cabin radar sensors to make sure no one is left behind. The IIHS says ADAS is leading to driver complacency. Maserati needs marketing help and Waymo may be turning to Hyundai for its next robotaxi. Links Software defined vehicle levels In-cabin radar for rear seat detection IIHS study says drivers more distracted using ADAS IIHS ADAS safety ratings Polestar 3 first drive Maserati Marketing, does it exist? Waymo and Hyundai may collaborate on robotaxis Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Nicole has been driving the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus hybrid and Sam has the Toyota Highlander XSE 2.4T. Lucid held a technology day this week where they announced that the Gravity SUV will go into production in the 4th quarter complete with a J3400 charging port and a $50,000 midsize model is coming by 2026. Nicole tells us all about Heels and Wheels. At the 2024 Mobility Experience, Bosch demoed is new ABS for e-bikes, proactive vehicle dynamics control, steer by wire and more. Nuro is pivoting away from automated delivery bots and Ford wants to listen in to what is happening in your car to serve you ads on the road. NHTSA is finally starting to move toward some pedestrian protection standards. Magna has a new inner door carrier made from sustainable plant based fibers and polymers and GM and Hyundai want to partner up to save money on next-generation vehicles. Links Lucid updates Ford Eavesdropping Patent NHTSA finally proposes pedestrian protection Bosch e-Bike ABS Nuro pivots from delivery bots to licensing software Bosch mobility experience Magna Sustainable door carrier GM-Hyundai deal Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we drive the 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Volvo C40 Recharge. Sam also shares thoughts on the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson and the Santa Fe hybrid. We also have an interview with Michael Fischer, Project lead for the Honda EV Hub in Ohio Links 2025 Nissan Armada VW ID.4 Gets ChatGPT Top 10 Cars for Gen Z Mazda S or Model 6 2025 Volvo XC90 Drunk Philidelphia Women Charged with Homicide While Using BlueCruise Defence attorney blames BlueCruise 28th Takata airbag death in US Cox Battery operations center AAA driving cost survey https://newsroom.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/YDC-Brochure-FINAL-9.2024.pdf Honda EV hub BYD Shark Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie is sick this week and his voice is shot, so it's just Sam and Nicole. Nicole has been driving the Subaru Ascent while Sam had the Lexus RX450h+ plug-in hybrid. Hyundai made lots of news this week at its investor day as well as during a drive program in California. Its new 3-row electric crossover, the Ioniq 9 will launch production in 2025 at the new Savannah, GA factory and in 2026, Hyundai will launch an extended range EV (EREV). But before the Ioniq 9 arrives, Hyundai will be producing the Ioniq 5 at the new factory beginning in October. Along with a mild styling refresh and bigger batteries, the Ioniq 5 is getting an SAE J3400/NACS charging port. 3 weeks after the regular Ioniq 5, Hyundai will start production of the Ioniq 5 XRT for those that can't wait for the Rivian R3. Hyundai will also build a limited production version of the N Vision 74 concept. Sam and Nicole both drove the new Volvo EX90 electric 3-row SUV (everyone else is building 3-row EVs, why can't Ford?). Nicole also got to drive the new gas fueled Chevy Equinox. Walter Chrysler's great grandson is offering to buy the Chrysler and Dodge brands from Stellantis and we have interviews with Luminar CEO Austin Russell and Volvo's Thomas Broberg. Links Hyundai to Build Ioniq 9 in US, offer EREVs Hyundai investor day Volvo EX90 first drive 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Hyundai N Vision 74 production Walter Chrysler descendant wants to buy Chrysler and Dodge Volvo Interview Gary Kalsaria Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sam speaks with Volvo senior technical leader about the driver understanding system in the new EX90 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie is back from Germany where he got to drive the updated Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo and he wants one. Nicole got to drive a pair of new Hyundai Santa Fes at home and at a family wedding. Meanwhile, Sam got surprisingly good efficiency from the latest edition of the VW ID4 but those window switches are still dumb. In the news, the US market version of the VW ID Buzz finally has a price and let's just say affordability isn't part of the formula. Ford has again pivoted on its electric vehicle plans and there won't be anything fresh in showrooms for a few more years. GM is bringing some plug-in hybrid powertrains to its US lineup, but the new Equinox won't be home to this system. Ford has updated the Bronco Sport for 2025 with some cool new lifestyle features. Tesla has been purging old claims about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving but the internet never forgets and Robbie visited Electrify Expo and you can too. Links VW ID Buzz pricing and range Ford backs off on EV plans Tesla purging FSD claims Elon's 2016 Autopilot V2 conference call The purged blog post Chevrolet won't give us Chinese developed Equinox PHEV 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Electrify Expo Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Our regular lineup is back together, after a delayed arrival from Robbie. Robbie got to spend some time with the new Toyota Prius Prime while spending a couple of days in Detroit. Sam drove the Hyundai Kona Electric and Nicole has been in the latest Subaru Impreza RS and Mazda CX-90 since she last appeared. This week Sam got to visit the Volvo Cars factory near Charleston, South Carolina where they have just added production of the Polestar 3 in addition to the Volvo EX90. JD Power continues to survey EV drivers about their satisfaction with the public charging experience and while it has ticked upward overall just a but this year, it still has a lot of room for improvement. While traditional auto shows are flagging, Monterey Car Week has become the place to launch premium and expensive machines and wild concepts. We discuss the Cadillac Opulent Velocity and Acura Performance EV concepts and the production 2025 Lincoln Navigator. In China, GM like most other non-Chinese brands is struggling against surging domestic competitors. One of those competitors is Zeekr which has launched a new battery capable of some impressive charging speeds. Links Volvo/Polestar factory visit Charging satisfaction improves - a bit Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept 2025 Lincoln Navigator GM China Layoffs New fast charging Zeekr LFP battery Acura Performance EV concept Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

While Nicole is off enjoying a fancy brunch with friends visiting from out of town, Robbie and Sam are again joined by Stephanie Brinley. Robbie has been driving the Ford Ranger Raptor while Steph spent time with the latest Honda Civic Hybrid and Genesis G70. Sam spent the week with the Kia EV6 GT-Line. In the news, Fiat is now integrating charging cables into the nose of EVs. Chargepoint showed off its solution for handling EVs with CCS or J3400/NACS charging ports, the new Omni Port and Robbie got to try it out. Dodge announced pricing for its e-muscle car, the Charger Daytona and we got to hear what it sounds like. Tesla has dropped the reservation system for the Cybertruck and deliveries are available almost immediately. Volvo has bumped the pricing for the new EX90 and a bunch of features missing at launch. GMC has a redesigned Terrain for 2025. Finally, Sam had an in-depth conversation with Joerg Grotendorst, SVP of Corporate R&D at Magna International (and no they didn't discuss Fisker). Wheel Bearings listeners get an extra 3 months for free when they sign up for ExpressVPN at https://www.expressvpn.com/wheelbearings Links Fiat to integrate charging cables Chargepoint Omni Port NACS and CCS on one cable 2025 GMC Terrain 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona pricing No more Tesla Cybertruck reservations, Canada/Mexico now open Volvo EX90 price bumped by $3300, features missing Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy