Moment of Musk Archives - Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be talking about Justin Timberlake’s DUI. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Currently working on Aidens RAV4…  Insane to think I picked up 2 factory-fit fog lights with wire… with bulbs for 40 bucks.  Tie Rod was bad…  Was making a hell of a racket!  It’s like new.

The 1996 Celica is leaking oil…  badly!  Time to pull it in the shop and do the maintenance that’s overdue!  

The ’69 Volvo 144 is in the shop ready to get driveline work, but it’s TOO DAMN HOT.

I’m also working on getting the ‘55 Plymouth ready for a little road trip to Western Illinois Saturday. Oil, filter and lube. Something we never hear today. What happened to non-greaseable suspension parts? 

Source: CNN

 A second cyber incident at data provider CDK Global, whose software is used at 15,000 auto dealers, continued to slow operations to a near-standstill Thursday at US and Canada dealerships, the company said in a message sent to dealers.

On Wednesday, CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney said in a statement shared with CNN: “We are actively investigating a cyber incident. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.”

Later that day the company announced that most of the critical computer systems were back online. But Thursday morning, the company sent dealerships another message indicating things had a taken a turn for the worse.

CDK operates numerous different products that car dealers use to handle things like keeping records of negotiated deals to scheduling and communicating about service. Not every dealer uses CDK’s products, and even those that do may not use them for everything, but the system shutdown has been a problem for many.

Eric’s note: This is a big deal, even locally.  Our competition is hamstrung by it  

Source: electrek

Rivian’s new high-powered Ascend Quad Max R1T variant will race up Pike’s Peak, one of the longest-running and most difficult races in the world, this weekend.

The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of the longest-running races in the world, being held 102 times since 1916.

It’s a famously difficult race, starting at an already-high 9,390ft (2,862m) in elevation and finishing at 14,110ft (4,300m), with an average 7.2% vertical grade. Until 2011, the track was largely unpaved on dirt or gravel roads, and it is not uncommon for cars to leave the track and crash into the woods or, worse, end up tumbling down the mountain. The race is also commonly stopped by rain, snow, fog, or other inclement weather of the type you commonly get at the top of mountains.

In particular, the high altitude nature of the race (which earned it the nickname “Race to the Clouds”) has always been difficult, because at high altitudes there is less oxygen, which means less complete combustion of fuel. This means that gas-powered race vehicles need to have incredibly oversized engines to do well.

That difficulty does not apply to electric vehicles since EVs don’t need oxygen for combustion, so for years EVs have overperformed in the race. Currently the all-time record for the 12.42-mile hillclimb is 7:57.148, set by the Volkswagen ID.R in 2018. And this year, an EV (Acura ZDX) will be the pace car for the first time, and Hyundai is bringing its fun Ioniq 5N, hoping for a record among EV crossovers.

Rivian’s entry is a little less wild than those, consisting of what seems to be a stock R1T – but with Rivian’s new upgraded “Ascend Quad Max” trim,. This ups the torque and horsepower to 1,198lb-ft and 1,025hp respectively, much higher than the previous 835hp top-spec.

Source: Autocar

Lexus is set to launch a new V8-engined supercar as a rival to the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT and a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA.

Parent company Toyota’s hardcore GT3 GR concept car, revealed in 2022, has now evolved into a prototype that has been spotted running at Spa-Francorchamps, and its Gazoo Racing motorsport division is expected to have it ready for top-flight competition – including the Le Mans 24 Hours – in 2026.

FIA homologation rules dictate that any GT3 racer shares its basic body design with a related road car, so a toned-down version of the GT3 GR is expected in showrooms within the next two years.

Source: NY Post

“Two homicidal maniacs” have threatened to kill Elon Musk in the past seven months, the Tesla CEO claimed at a recent shareholder meeting, while comparing himself to the slain Beatles legend John Lennon.

During the question and answer portion of the electric vehicle company’s annual shareholders meeting last week, Musk said his high profile has put a target on his back — just like Lennon.

An anonymous shareholder asked Musk what he’s doing to make sure he stays healthy and safe, to which Musk acknowledged he should maybe start working out to avoid being “assassinated.”

Musk then revealed that Tesla “ actually did have two homicidal maniacs in the last roughly seven months come to aspirationally try to kill me, and a bunch of other people — so it’s not just me. 

“And then there wasn’t like an actual issue that they articulated, they were just in the homicidal maniac career, so I do need to be kind of careful,” Musk said

Musk said he’s been forced to “be a bit more standoffish” as a result and has stopped signing things for fans who come up to him in public.

Musk then compared himself to Lennon — who was notoriously shot and killed outside the Dakota Apartments in Manhattan in 1980 by Beatles superfan Mark David Chapman moments after Lennon signed an album for him.

“I will endeavor to stay alive,” Musk said.

Seller’s Description

Ever since the Bradley Car show a few years ago I have been intrigued by the Vanderhall.  There was a tan one there with some antiqued accents and it gave that British roadster vibe.

I have been smitten ever since!

I totally want to drive one of these sometime.  WHY ARE THESE ALL AUTOMATICS?!?!?!?!?

Source: Kraft Auctions

The post Episode 90 – CARSTAR North Peoria with Jack Allison appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that did not buy a Bentley Continental last week…

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected]

Eric explains how a trailer toilet works, rattles off some rally time with his son, Aiden, and recaps this year’s MOORE Overlanding & Off Road Expo. It sounds like a really cool event and may be worth checking out in 2025.

Meanwhile, Daryl is tracking down some tires for his 1947 Chevy Fleetline and preparing for some spring cleaning on all the daily drivers. He needs to get a good coat of wax on everything.

Source: Bloomberg

Tesla’s edge over Toyota narrowed to about $83 billion before the start of regular US trading Tuesday. After the close, the electric-vehicle maker is expected to report its first decline in quarterly revenue in four years and a 40% plunge in operating earnings. Toyota has drawn criticism for biding its time on cars entirely powered by batteries and wagering that consumers will be more open to its gas-electric hybrids. Its strategy has paid off in recent months as EV sales growth has slowed.

Source: Automotive News 

A group of state dealer associations is pressing Honda Motor Co. and Volkswagen Group not to sell planned electric vehicles from Scout and Sony Honda Mobility outside of the country’s franchised dealer system. The Automotive Trade Association Executives, in perhaps the most public display of frustration yet, addressed the issue in a full-page ad in the April 15 issue of Automotive News, calling out both automakers as well as Scout, a brand formed by Volkswagen Group, and Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda that is developing electric vehicles under the Afeela brand.

Source: Automotive News

Big discounts to move electric vehicles off dealership lots means consumers have a selection of vehicles priced below $41,000. Automakers and retailers offered huge incentives — sometimes five-digit discounts — to sell EVs that lingered on dealership lots for more than 100 days in the first quarter of 2024. They are trying to overcome consumer worries about EV driving range limitations, a lack of public charging stations and high prices. The price-cutting strategy is not sustainable long term, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.

Source: Automotive News

Subaru said it will end production of its oldest U.S.-built model, the Legacy sedan, after the 2025 model year, citing a shift in consumer preferences away from cars to crossovers and SUVs. The Japanese automaker also said Tuesday that it plans to produce eight electric vehicles globally by 2028. Ending Legacy output at a plant in Lafayette, Ind., would presumably free up capacity for Subaru to produce at least one of those EVs in the U.S., helping it to potentially qualify for EV consumer tax credits.

Source: NBC News

More than 40,000 people were killed last year in traffic crashes, according to preliminary data released Monday, remaining above pre-pandemic levels but slightly down from their peak in 2021. Traffic deaths spiked in 2020 and again in 2021 and have since declined slightly. Still,they are up 25% since 2013, and the Governors Highway Safety Association found that pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in the United States in 2022.

The NHTSA said that “distracted driving,” an issue that has grown in urgency with the ubiquity of smartphones, resulted in 3,308 deaths and 289,310 injuries in 2022, and 3,522 deaths in 2021.

The agency released the data to coincide with the launch of an April campaign to spread awareness about distracted driving called “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” which hopes to scare people away from texting and driving, but which some advocates call an ineffective waste of resources.

Source: CI PROUD

Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning.

According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen.

One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license.

The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw police, he abandoned the car and ran.

He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle.

When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Elon Musk‘s X platform is continuing its video push, launching a dedicated app for smart TV sets.

The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV.

The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday.

“We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said.

The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage of a SpaceX rocket lifting off. SpaceX is also owned by Musk.

Video has emerged as a key priority for X, which is led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, a veteran NBCUniversal advertising executive.

In addition to letting users upload their own videos, à la YouTube, the company also cut deals with some third parties, like a multiyear deal with Range Media Partners. That deal included a show hosted by sports personality Jim Rome, with the tech company also unveiling shows hosted by Tulsi Gabbard and Don Lemon.

Source: Car From Japan

Car from Japan for the win this week…  Searching for Toyota models from 1928 to 1999 with a max value of 5k.  96 cars showed up…  Lots of weird stuff… and one cool hatch. You might be more familiar with this model as a Tercel.  Sold in the US with a 2 or 4-door option without the hatch.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Original Colorado barn find. That’s all the ad says. Maybe it’s a scam. Maybe it’s a cool 50’s car that should come to the Scott Auto Museum.

That’s all for this week. Thanks again for your support and we’ll catch you on the next episode!  

The post Episode 88 – Leaving a Lasting Legacy appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that is pondering the question… Do you still want an EV?

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world!

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Projects

Eric:

Daryl:

NEWS

WORLD:

BMW Sees Top-End EVs Driving Profit Even as Demand Cools

BMW AG said its top-end electric vehicles like the 7-Series sedans, X7 and Rolls Royce Spectre will drive profit this year, even as faltering global demand weighs on broader EV sales. The German luxury-car maker expects its priciest models to be key contributors to a 8% to 10% margin for its automotive segment, in line with its long-term target. BMW sees overall sales increasing slightly.

Source: Bloomberg 

Nissan Returns to Sales Playbook to Move Old Rogue Supply

Nissan has a Rogue problem — and it’s turning to an old playbook to fix it. Even as 2024 Rogues are dropped off at Nissan stores this month, Edmunds data shows that the brand’s dealerships have as many as 24,000 previous model-year crossovers on their lots. Nissan has a “big time” issue with its bestseller, said a retailer, one of a half-dozen interviewed by Automotive News. According to a memo obtained by Automotive News last week, Nissan is offering dealers $1,000 on each 2023 Rogue sold if they hit their March sales targets for the compact crossover, which vary by store. Dealers may count 2024 Rogue sales toward the goal, but the bonus is paid out only on last year’s models. If dealers miss the target by even one vehicle, they don’t get the bonus for any of them.

Source: Automotive News 

Plants geared to pet­rol engines are moth­balled as for­eign car­makers lose mar­ket share

In 2017, Hyundai inves­ted $1.15bn in a new fact­ory in Chongqing, south-west­ern China, with the goal of reach­ing an annual out­put of 300,000 internal com­bus­tion engine cars. But six years later, the rapid switch by Chinese con­sumers to elec­tric vehicles has stalled sales, for­cing the car­maker to sell the fact­ory in Decem­ber for less than a quarter of the invest­ment value.

“The Chongqing plant con­tin­ued to be in the red and China’s auto mar­ket is grap­pling with over­sup­ply,” said Lee Hang-koo at the Jeon­buk Insti­tute of Auto­mot­ive Con­ver­gence Tech­no­logy, a South Korean research group. “No one was will­ing to buy the plant at a high price.”

That plant is one of the hun­dreds of zom­bie factor­ies that ana­lysts are pre­dict­ing over the next dec­ade in the Chinese car mar­ket, the world’s biggest across sales, pro­duc­tion and, since last year, exports. In 2023, China pro­duced 17.7mn internal com­bus­tion engine cars, a 37 per cent fall from its peak in 2017, accord­ing to data from Auto­mobil­ity, a Shang­hai con­sultancy.

While some older factor­ies will be repur­posed for plug-in hybrids or pure bat­tery elec­tric vehicles, oth­ers will never pro­duce another car, pos­ing a prob­lem for both for­eign and Chinese com­pan­ies.

Many car­makers in China, Russo said, ulti­mately faced two choices: “Leave the fact­ory moth­balled or crank out some volume and send it to Rus­sia, send it to Mex­ico.”

That’s right, China is now doing the same stuff other countries used to do to China.

NATIONAL

GM, Ford Will Reroute Baltimore Shipments After Bridge Collapse

U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford will reroute affected shipments after a bridge collapse in the U.S. shuttered the Port of Baltimore, but the companies said on Tuesday the impact will be minimal. The Port of Baltimore is the busiest U.S. port for car shipments, handling at least 750,000 vehicles in 2023, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration. Motor vehicles and parts accounted for 42% of all Baltimore port imports.

Source: Reuters

CAR FROM JAPAN

The Biden administration moved Wednesday to throttle pollution from the nation’s cars and light trucks, imposing tailpipe emission limits so stringent they will compel automakers to rapidly boost sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. Though the near-term requirements were eased after pushback from automakers, the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandates would nevertheless require manufacturers to make a rapid shift toward zero-emission vehicles. The National Automobile Dealers Association said the regulation outpaces consumer demand, adding the group is “highly skeptical that consumers will adopt EVs anywhere near the levels required.”

Source: Bloomberg

Electric vehicle owners are noticing vehicle tires wearing faster than those on gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. Findings from the study highlight EV owners having less satisfaction with the durability of their tires, expecting them to wear similar to gasoline-powered vehicle tires. However, EV tires naturally wear quicker because of greater vehicle weight and higher torque.

Source: Automotive News

Dealers See the Good and Bad Out of Unchanged Interest Rates

The average interest rate on auto loans for new vehicles was 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 6.1 percent a year earlier, according to Experian. The average used-vehicle auto loan charged 11.9 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year earlier. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke told Automotive News anticipation of future rate cuts hurts today’s auto market.

Source: Automotive News 

Source: Yahoo! Finance

White-collar workers at Chrysler-parent Stellantis have reason to be nervous if they ever receive a company notice telling them it’s mandatory that they work remotely on a particular day.

That’s what happened to 400 or so of their colleagues on Thursday. They were informed via a notice that the next day the carmaker would be “holding important operational meetings that require specific attention and participation.”

“To ensure everyone can effectively participate,” the notice continued, “we have decided to implement a mandatory remote work day.” Employees, it indicated, were “expected to work from home unless otherwise instructed by your manager.” The Car Dealership Guy X account shared the notice on Thursday.

The workers in question were salaried, nonunion employees in technology and engineering in the U.S.

During the remote meeting on Friday, they were informed that they were being laid off.

The automaker—which counts Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge among its brands—said in a statement: “As the auto industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainties and heightened competitive pressures around the world, Stellantis continues to make the appropriate structural decisions across the enterprise to improve efficiency and optimize our cost structure.”

At least they’re efficient. 

Moment of Musk

The price of dogecoin has doubled in the last month amid rumours that it could soon be integrated into Elon Musk’s X platform.

The tech billionaire, who is a vocal advocate of the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has previously spoken of his plan to build an “everything app” that incorporates messaging, marketplaces and online payments.

On Monday, he shared an animation from X user DogeDesigner showing his former payments platform X merg

ing with the social media app he took over in 2022.

“The circle will be complete,” he commented.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 

This 2010 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 that drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transaxle, and it is finished in Cypress Gray Metallic over beige leather. Equipment includes a Torsen center differential, 20″ twin-spoke wheels, a glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, soft-close doors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rearview camera, a 12-speaker sound system, cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, and infotainment with navigation. The seller purchased the car in December 2012 and has since added approximately 30k of the 39k indicated miles. This Flying Spur is now offered in California with the owner’s manual, a damage-free Carfax report, and a clean Hawaii title in the seller’s name.

I love this car for a couple of reasons…

Hawaii car.  When does that ever happen?

W12 engine.  6 liter.  Yes, please

39,000 miles

MSRP was 177,000 bucks.  

It qualifies for the additional 5% luxury tax  (20,000 extra in tax!)

Sold for 34,000!!!  

14 years old…  Thats 163K in depreciation…  Only $11,642 a year!

Or… Even better…  $4+ per mile.   (17 miles to COSTCO from my house…  Roundtrip…  136 bucks in depreciation… plus gas)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-bentley-continental-flying-spur-7/

Daryl: 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven-Passenger Sedan – $42,500

Source: Facebook

 Marketplace

This is a pretty rare and very beautiful 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven Passenger.  You don’t see these to often because they only made 1,790 of them!  This Packard was restored several years ago, but it still looks incredible!  The black acrylic enamel paint still shines beautifully.  The interior was completely restored as well using period correct fabrics and materials.  The 356 cu in. straight eight cylinder engine runs like a Swiss watch.  It was professionally rebuilt with only 500 miles on it currently.  The complete brake system was also completely rebuilt 500 miles ago.  The transmission is a three speed manual with electromatic overdrive, which was a pretty rare option.  The chrome and glass are in excellent condition with the front and rear bumpers also having the custom center bars.  It has the rare, four heater option and the front and rear radios as well!  It was retrofitted with a modern alternator (original generator included) and an electric fuel pump. Asking $42,500.

The post Episode 87 – Bridges and Bentley’s appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

 Welcome to the auto podcast that is not trying to populate the world with narcissistic CEOs.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches.

Source: LA Times

In an extraordinary public apology, NBC said Tuesday night that it erred in staging a fiery test crash of a General Motors pickup truck for its “Dateline NBC” news program and agreed to settle a defamation suit filed by the automaker.

“We deeply regret we included the inappropriate demonstration in our ‘Dateline’ report,” said a statement read by NBC News co-anchors Jane Pauley and Stone Phillips Tuesday night. “We apologize to our viewers and to General Motors. We have also concluded that unscientific demonstrations should have no place in hard news stories at NBC. That’s our new policy.”

The apology, still being negotiated within five minutes of air time, was part of a settlement of a lawsuit GM filed Monday over film used in a Nov. 17 segment of “Dateline.”

In its apology, NBC admitted that it had used incendiary devices to ensure that a fire would erupt if gasoline leaked from the truck being hit by a test car. The 15-minute segment was addressing critics’ charges that GM’s full-size pickup trucks built between 1973 and 1987 are unsafe because their gasoline tanks are on the sides of the trucks, outside the frame.

GM has staunchly denied that the trucks have safety problems.

Source: Automotive News

Used-vehicle prices will continue falling this year, but affordability remains an issue for many buyers, said Jonathan Banks, vice president of product development and valuation services at J.D. Power. Speaking at the J.D. Power Auto Summit in Las Vegas, Banks said he expects used-vehicle prices will fall 5.7 percent this year, more than the 3.5 percent decline in 2023, as the market continues to recover from skyrocketing prices during the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Reuters

U.S. hybrid sales have been rising as consumers balk at high EV prices and are anxious about the range of electric cars, especially in more rural areas, where there could be long distances between charging stations. Battery EVs are not as widely accepted in the Midwest as they are on the West Coast and other parts of the United States, Davis said.

Source: Automotive News

Car dealers looking to boost dealership profits might want to consider more inclusive hiring strategies. “If you want to add more revenue to your dealership, do the right thing. It’s good for business,” said Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient, which seeks to advance equality in the workplace and raise the visibility of women across industries, including automotive. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and bestselling author, also challenged the auto industry to reimagine their power and how it is conveyed in the workplace.

Executives and employees from the Toyota Chicago Region have a show and it’s pretty great.  Taken from the view that women in the automotive industry have as they build careers in a traditionally male industry.  

Learn More at getinherlane.com

Source: The Guardian

The average new car today sells for nearly $49,000, and the average used car lists at more than $26,000 – representing a 31% increase for new cars and nearly 40% increase for used cars since 2020, according to data from the industry group Cox Automotive.

These increases have brought the total cost of car ownership to all-time highs in a country where cars aren’t really optional. And that’s despite the easing of inflation and the supply chain issues that snarled the auto industry during the pandemic. So why are consumers still getting squeezed?

Here’s a hint: the automakers are doing great. By essentially coordinating an industry-wide production cut, the pandemic gave manufacturers power to demand mind-boggling prices for fewer cars, leading to record profits. As consumers adjusted their expectations, executives saw an opportunity to establish a lucrative new normal. Low inventory is an “opportunity to drive strong margins”, GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, told shareholders in 2022. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, went even further, declaring: “I want to make it extremely clear to everyone: we are going to run our business with a lower day supply than we have had in the recent past because that’s good for our company.”

Brian Moody, a senior editor at Kelley Blue Book, a car industry publication, says automakers used the pandemic to shift product lines toward higher-margin products. Instead of small cars and base models, they pivoted to luxury cars and SUVs with fully loaded trims, which turn far greater profits per sale. That means “the less expensive the car, the fewer choices you have”, says Moody. Some commentators have called the trend “trimflation”. 

Source: 25 News

A union with almost 600,000 members is seeking to expand its ranks by organizing thousands of workers who build electric vehicles and Rivian Automotive in Normal.

The unionization effort has gained the attention of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D – IL), who brought up the topic Wednesday during a meeting in Washington with Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe.

The International Association of Machinists (IAM) created a Rivian Auto Union website stating that workers at the plant are “demanding fairness, respect and a voice on the job.”

Workers are being asked to sign authorization cards. If there’s enough interest, IAM will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which will hold a hearing to determine who at the factory would be represented by the union. The NLRB would then hold an election requiring majority support to form a union.

Meantime, Sen. Durbin on Wednesday urged Scaringe to support the workers’ collective bargaining efforts.

“Rivian took a chance on Normal, Illinois, and it has paid off. Illinois is a leader in electric vehicle production, but only because of the unrelenting efforts of Rivian and its employees,” Durbin said in a statement.

“In meeting with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe today, I reiterated my support for the company’s mission while reminding Mr. Scaringe that Rivian employees deserve the benefits and security offered by a union if they so choose,” Durbin also said.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, is also known for his distinct approach to family, as detailed in his biography by Walter Isaacson. The book sheds light on Musk’s rationale for having multiple children with different women, emphasizing his belief in the need for intelligent people to procreate.

Shivon Zilis, a senior executive at Neuralink Corp. — a company Musk helped to establish — played a pivotal role in this narrative. Initially contemplating sperm donation for childbirth, Zilis was persuaded by Musk to consider him as the donor, a proposal that aligned with Musk’s advocacy for procreation among the intellectually inclined.

“He really wants smart people to have kids, so he encouraged me to,” Zilis said.

When faced with the choice between an anonymous donor and Musk, whom she greatly admires, Zilis described the decision as straightforward.

“If the choice is between an anonymous donor or doing it with the person you admire more in the world, for me it was a pretty f***king easy decision,” she said.

This arrangement, according to Zilis, was also perceived as something that would “make him very, very happy.”

Initially, she said that she didn’t expect him to be very involved — he is the father to multiple other children with two other women. In the biography, she explains she assumed he would take on a more “godfatherly” role to the twins. However, he has been actively involved in their lives.

Trending: Are you rich? Here’s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.

Their decision to have children together, despite not being in a romantic relationship, stems from Musk’s broader concerns about the global decline in population. He has frequently voiced the importance of reversing this trend, especially among those with high intelligence, viewing it as crucial for civilization’s survival.

In July 2022, Musk took to X to express his commitment to addressing the underpopulation crisis, posting, “Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis. A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far.”

The post was just one day after Insider reported on court documents detailing how Musk and Zilis petitioned for their twins’ names to be changed to include Musk’s surname and incorporate Zilis’ last name into their middle name, according to Forbes.

On Jan. 29, Musk took a significant step with Neuralink, announcing the first successful implantation of a “brain-reading” device in a person, marking a milestone in merging human cognition with technology. This advancement, coupled with his unique approach to family, highlights his multifaceted strategy to foster a smarter, more capable future generation.

Musk’s life, straddling groundbreaking technological innovations and personal choices like fathering children with “smart people,” reflects his complex approach to solving global challenges, from combating population decline to pioneering brain-computer interfaces.

Source: Bring a Trailer

From the listing:

This 1994 Toyota Celica SS-I is a right-hand-drive example that is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle and is finished in black over gray cloth upholstery. It is equipped with black-finished 18″ wheels, a sunroof, a rear wing, fog lights, power windows, air conditioning, and an Addzest stereo. The car was acquired by the selling dealer in November 2022 and imported from Japan to the US. This ST202 shows 83k kilometers (~52k miles) and is offered at no reserve with a Texas title.

Source: Bring a Trailer

From the listing:

This 1956 Continental Mark II is one of approximately 2,550 first-year examples produced and was modified under prior ownership in 2019–2020 with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an 8.8” rear differential. 

Finished in black, the shaved exterior features narrowed chrome bumpers, flush door handles, and stainless-steel side moldings. A Heidts front subframe has been added along with a four-link rear setup, coilovers, 18” alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. 

The interior has been customized with brown leather upholstery, a full-length center console, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital instrumentation, a Jensen touchscreen head unit, power windows, and power-adjustable front seats. 

Acquired by the current owner in May 2021, this modified Mark II is now offered on dealer consignment in Arizona with a Minnesota title.

The post Episode 86 – Trimflation is on the Rise appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that is wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

Learn more about Toyota Care Plus and Toyota Service Care packages are on sale for the holiday season.

We couldn’t do this show without your support.

Eric recaps his recent trip to Rome, Italy. It’s way more exciting that Rome, Illinois. It’s also his ancestral home, and he talks about visiting relatives, eating mountains of carbonara, and taking pictures of every unique Toyota he could find that the U.S. never sees.

Source: Reuters

The rise of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles has upped the pressure on legacy automakers who have turned to suppliers, from battery materials makers to chipmakers, to squeeze out costs and develop affordable EVs quicker than previously planned. Fears of slowing demand because EVs are expensive has increased urgency to reduce costs.

Source: Detroit Free Press

The Motor City can add a new claim to fame, as home to the country’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles.

On Wednesday, members of the news media got a chance to see it in action.

A blue electric Ford E-Transit commercial van was able to charge as it moved over a quarter-mile stretch of newly paved 14th Street, a short distance from the towering Michigan Central Station, thanks to rubber-coated copper coils buried underneath the road surface.

Source: Sunday Times

Electric cars in the UK should finally become more affordable next year because new government rules will levy a fine of £15,000 per car if too few are sold.

Under the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which comes into force on January 1, manufacturers will have to ensure that 22 per cent of cars they sell every year are fully electric. The target will rise each year, hitting 80 per cent in 2030.

If too few electric cars are sold, the manufacturer will either have to pay a £15,000 fine for each petrol, diesel or hybrid model sold above that threshold, or buy “credits” from rivals such as Tesla, which has an all-electric range.

Car manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford will be under intense pressure to sell more electric cars, which account for only 16.3 per cent of the market according to the trade body, the SMMT.

They are therefore expected to cut prices, making electric cars a little more affordable. Many people are put off by the price of an electric car, with only nine new models available for under £30,000, compared with 90 petrol or diesel models on sale for less than that price.

Source: NBC News

Automakers often display a warning in commercials when showing a car executing incredible stunts: “Professional driver on a closed course. Please do not attempt.”

But with deaths from car crashes rising every year, experts are asking if that kind of boilerplate language, which more or less fades into the background as a vehicle burns rubber on the screen, goes far enough.

Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a study of car advertisements, saying the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) should try to determine if there is a link between commercials that show unsafe driver behavior and real-world speeding or reckless driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation and is distinct from the independent NTSB, says that deaths in car crashes increased 27% from 2012 to 2021, the most recent year for which it has reported data.

“It’s becoming increasingly accepted that contributing factors to the increase in road deaths over the last decade or so is largely due to bad driver behavior, or risk-taking behavior,” said Zuby.

Source: Cnet

Under Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Charging Act, new properties must be EV-capable starting in 2024. In addition, landlords and HOAs can’t unduly restrict residents from installing EV chargers.

Starting next year, new homes in Illinois will be required to support electric vehicle charging stations under a new state law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 9.

Originally, the measure required every spot to be fully EV-ready with a charger in place. That was eventually walked back to require them only to be EV-capable, with conduits that would allow a charger to be installed at a future date.

We share a very special encore of The Night Before Christmas with Elon by Jen Fulwiler

Here’s the holiday yule log everyone’s been waiting for: Our list of the 3 words Christmas ‘car” gifts we each received.

From the listing:

The Ferrari Mondial was built in Maranello, Italy, and designed by Pininfarina. The QV Cabriolet model was produced between 1983 and 1985 with a small production run of 629 units worldwide. Powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine rated at 240HP with 4 valves per cylinder. The 4-seat mid-engine Ferrari is equipped with a gated 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, solid wheels, and a soft top with a boot.

From the listing:

The post Episode 84 – Christmas, Compressors & Cupholder French Fries appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that loves a good TLCA event … And a return guest like Mr Jacob Irish!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on iTunes to be heard around the world!

The camper brakes exploded.  

Treehugger 1.0 is getting brakes – more on that later. 

It’s a mystery.

Tractor stuff, brush cutter to backhoe

The new garage door got a new height

Landcruiser getting new rubber seals, rubber everything this winter, and maybe seats?  Other odds and ends

Went to Culvers tonight and saw two cars in line..  Got to the little hut that the order taker stands in and thought all was going well… until she directed me to a parking lot full of cars waiting for food.

Can we just have 20 cars piled up in line so I know that its busy?

Don’t lie to me and take my order… then make me wait 20 minutes!!!

/rant

Brace yourselves. Jokes incoming. Elon Musk has announced the introduction of “Grok,” an artificially intelligent chatbot, for some users of X, which the billionaire suggests has a sarcastic sense of humor similar to his own.

Musk, who has owned X — formerly known as Twitter — for a year, announced late Saturday that Grok is being trained by having “real-time access” to information from the platform.

Musk’s AI startup, xAI, which developed the bot, said in a blogpost that it took inspiration from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, a comedy sci-fi novel by British author Douglas Adams.

Grok “loves sarcasm,” Musk posted on X. “I have no idea who could have guided it this way.”

“Grok is designed to answer questions with a bit of wit and has a rebellious streak, so please don’t use it if you hate humor!” xAI said in its blogpost.

The bot is still in an early stage of testing, Musk said, but will soon be made available to subscribers of X’s Premium+ service, who, in the United States, pay $16 a month for features such as the once-coveted blue checkmark.

Also… Not to be confused with GROCK!  

Grock (born Charles Adrien Wettach; 10 January 1880 – 14 July 1959) was a Swiss clown, composer, and musician. Called “the king of clowns” and “the greatest of Europe’s clowns”,

Grock was once the most highly-paid entertainer in Europe. That’s news to us. 

Cars of the Weak

Source: Bring a Trailer

This 1992 Toyota TownAce is a right-hand-drive 4X4 diesel tanker truck that was imported from Japan to the United States by the selling dealer in 2023. Finished in white over gray cloth and vinyl upholstery, the truck is powered by a 2.0-liter 2C diesel inline-four mated to five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case.

The truck is finished in white, and it features a fuel supply tank connected to an electric pump with a hose and a gauge to show liters pumped. Fire extinguishers and diamond-plate steps are additional elements. Corrosion on pumping components and other areas is shown in the gallery below.

Current Bid: $3,450Ends in2 days – SOLD FOR 14K!!!!!  WTH????

Source: Bonhams

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts, because we’re about to take you on a rollercoaster ride through the glitzy and uproarious world of Hollywood’s most outrageous superstar on four wheels! Feast your eyes on the Lamborghini Countach Hero Car, the unrivaled automotive icon that left its tire marks on the silver screen in Martin Scorsese’s epic masterpiece, The Wolf of Wall Street, starring alongside none other than Leonardo DiCaprio.

 The legendary Hero Car from Martin Scorsese’s modern masterpiece, The Wolf of Wall Street, complete with authenticity documentation

Jacob:

Source: Bring a Trailer

This 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ81 VX Limited is a Japanese-market example that was imported to the US by the selling dealer in September 2023 and is finished in black over gray cloth upholstery. Power is provided by a diesel 4.2-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking center differential. Additional equipment includes running boards, headlight wipers, a split-folding tailgate, 16″ six-spoke Keeler wheels, heated front seats, black and gray leather seat covers, automatic climate control, and a cooled center console with an integrated ice cube tray. This Land Cruiser shows 238k kilometers (~148k miles) and is offered at no reserve by the selling dealer with manufacturer’s literature and a Maryland title.

The post Episode 83- Salina and the Southern Cruiser Crawl appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that will not be replaced by Noonoouri, no matter how much money Warner Brothers throws at us!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on Apple Podcasts to be heard around the world!

There’s also iTunes premium, which people love. 

Source: automotivehistory.com

Bill Mitchell was born on July 2, 1912, in Cleveland, Ohio. From an early age, he displayed a deep fascination with automobiles and design, a passion that would shape his life’s work. After graduating from the Carnegie Institute of Technology, he was recruited by Harley Earl to join the Art and Color section at General Motors (GM) in 1935. This marked the beginning of a legendary career that would span over four decades.

Mitchell’s ascendancy within GM, from junior engineer to chief designer at Cadillac to Director of Styling and finally to VP of styling Section, in 1958, where he oversaw all GM designs, was swift and well-deserved. His artistic sensibilities and bold creativity soon earned him the nickname “Mr. Glamour.” As he climbed the ranks, his influence on automotive design became unmistakable.

Under Mitchell’s visionary leadership as the head of GM’s Styling Section, the company introduced a new era of automotive aesthetics. He possessed a unique ability to infuse artistry into the practical world of car design. His keen eye for lines, shapes, and proportions resulted in vehicles that transcended mere transportation—they became rolling works of art. By the end of his career, he would hold responsibility for more than 72.5 million cars produced. Among them:

Source: Automotive News

After a long, slow climb back, new-vehicle inventory levels in the United States topped 2 million last month for the first time since April 2021 as the industry continues to move away from production disruptions, according to estimates by Cox Automotive and the Automotive News Research & Data Center.

Source: Automotive News

U.S. market share for electric vehicles rose to 7.2 percent in the January to July period, according to new-vehicle registration data from Experian, with Tesla spurring demand with escalating price cuts throughout the year. New U.S. EV registrations rose to 655,986 in the seven-month period for a 67 percent rise over the year-earlier period when EV share was 4.9 percent. Total new light-vehicle registrations for the seven months were about 9.1 million, the data showed.

Source: Automotive News

Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday said it has hired a new chief marketing officer and moved two members of the Ford family into new roles. The automaker said Lisa Materazzo, who was the top marketing executive at Toyota Motor North America, has been named CMO, effective immediately. She will report to CEO Jim Farley and lead advanced product planning and all marketing activities across the Ford Blue, Model E and Ford Pro business units. Materazzo, who had been with Toyota for 20 years, also will oversee Ford Performance and Lincoln.

Source: Automotive News

Days before it’s threatening to strike the Detroit 3, the UAW has reduced its demand for pay raises over the next four years to the mid-30 percent range, according to people familiar with the offer. The union in recent days has made counteroffers to all three automakers that include the new target. It previously had demanded raises totaling more than 40 percent.

Source: ManufacturingDrive.com

China’s Gotion High-tech Co Ltd (002074.SZ) will set up a $2 billion electric vehicle (EV) lithium battery manufacturing plant in Manteno, Illinois that would create about 2,600 new jobs, the state governor’s office said on Friday.

Global EV battery makers and automakers have been eyeing the North American market for setting up new manufacturing plants as they look to diversify supply chains and attract incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act.

“Gotion’s battery technology will help to boost e-mobility in North America and the economic and trade exchanges between China and the United States,” said Gotion chairman Li Zhen.

Gotion will be eligible to receive tax benefits totaling $213 million over 30 years and also get $125 million in capital funding from the U.S. state’s Reimagining Energy and Vehicles incentive package.

Gotion’s property tax abatement for 30 years was also approved by local authorities.

Once completed, the facility in Manteno is expected to produce 10 GWh of lithium-ion battery packs and 40 GWh of lithium-ion battery cells, according to the statement.

The plant is expected to begin production in 2024.

Source: CNN

Elon Musk has confirmed that he and former partner Grimes have a third child together – and its name is just as unusual as its siblings’.

The child is called Tau Techno Mechanicus, the technology billionaire wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

Musk, who owns the social network, was responding to a post from entertainment news account Pop Base, which named his and Grimes’ three children as “X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl Musk, Techno Mechanicus.”

Source: CarFromJapan.com 

☆ COROLLA Ⅱ CLASSIC ☆ AW RIMS ☆ VERY CLEAN INTERIOR ☆ TIMING BELT CHANGED ☆ NO ACCIDENTS ☆

This Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car features a Modellista body kit, and looks like something from the 1960s… but in a good way.

It needs some clear coat help, and sure it’s bizarre. But Eric would be guaranteed to be the only one around Central Illinois with one. Maybe even the United States!

Source: Gary Ufring Classic Cars

This is an all-original 65 Galaxie 500 convertible with 20,530 actual miles. Red over red it also has a power convertible top. Historical information comes with it. The car was purchased new by a young soldier returning from Vietnam to his home in Charlotte, Virginia. He purchased the car at Grinele Motors Co in Appomattox, Virginia. Later that year, he passed away from an accidental drowning. 

The family stored this car in their barn for approximately 26 years until it was finally purchased by the 2nd owner. It stayed in the barn except to get it serviced once a year. We are the third owners of this rare barn find. The Galaxie 500 has a 390ci V8 4 speed manual transmission. It has power steering, factory wire wheel coves, stainless steel side skirts, 4 barrel carb, full bench seat, seat belts and comes with a full size spare

The post Episode 81 – UAW Strike, Illinois EV Batteries and Stupid Baby Names appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the auto podcast that loves a good hill climb.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

All that and more on Throwin’ Wrenches.

The answer is in this week’s show.

Source: Reuters

U.S. electric truck manufacturer Lordstown Motors (RIDE.O) filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday and put itself up for sale after failing to resolve a dispute over a promised investment from Taiwan’s Foxconn (2354.TW).

Source: WardsAuto

Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schaefer is warning of tough times, suggesting “all is at stake” in a fiery address during an internal managers’ meeting held this week. In the hour-long meeting, Schaefer laid out the breadth and severity of problems facing VW as it seeks to become a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles while continuing to serve global markets with traditional internal-combustion-engine models, telling more than 2,000 senior managers, “The roof is on fire.”

Source: Hypebeast

The Rimac Nevera, already the fastest accelerating production car in the world and the production EV with the highest verified top speed, is now also the fastest electric production car to have ever taken on the famous Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb, as well as the fastest overall production car this year. In the Supercar Shootout on the final day of the event, the Nevera set a time of 49.32 seconds.

The car – fitted with Pirelli Pilot Sport 4S tires – was driven throughout the weekend by Bugatti Rimac Chief Test and Development Driver, Miroslav Zrnčević, who famously spent most of his time on the hill in Nevera during 2022 sideways, in smoky drifts through every corner. But for 2023, the focus wasn’t just on putting on a show, it was on setting a record.

Miroslav Zrnčević, Rimac Chief Test and Development Driver, said: “Taking on the narrow hillclimb at Goodwood, with its tight corners and off-camber sections, is actually one of the scariest places to drive a car quickly. But this is the record-setting year for the Nevera, and Goodwood hillclimb was yet another challenge to conquer. With tens of thousands watching on-site and millions more online, there’s a fine-line between glory and a trip into the hay bales, but I’m so happy to have showcased the incredible work of the design and engineering teams with another verified record for this revolutionary car.”

Key to the Nevera’s speed is its advanced battery system, powertrain and software, all developed in-house at the Rimac Group. The front and rear powertrains – each composed of two individual motors – provide power to each wheel individually. At the rear, a 1MW dual inverter enables 900Nm and 470kW per motor, while an entirely bespoke front powertrain is designed to deliver optimum power and control. All systems are overseen by a complex web of in-house developed electronic control units, working in conjunction with an NVIDIA Pegasus-based supercomputer to calculate and send output to the four powertrain systems 100 times a second. The combination of all these systems, and the software that controls them, is known as Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring 2.

The Rimac Nevera is limited to 150 examples and it is currently being built on the outskirts of Zagreb, with deliveries ongoing to customers all over the world.

Source: Radford

18 July 2023. California, USA – After a successful dynamic debut of the Type 62-2 in last year’s supercar paddock, Radford chose the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed to showcase their new limited series Track Edition of the Type 62-2.

Source: Carscoops

On July 3rd, a TikTok user, @oclaguna999, posted a short clip of a person in a Nissan Armada trying to squeeze their large SUV through the trunk of a Redwood tree named “The Shrine.” Technically, the driver succeeds in the clip but not before knocking off the passenger side mirror of the vehicle.

The Shrine is one of three “drive-through” Redwoods in the area and is estimated to be some 2,500 years old. That means that it was around at about the same time that Pythagoras died. Now some dude in an oversized Nissan just damaged it with his wing mirror.

Source: CBS News

The measure, brought forward by the state House, adds phosphogypsum to a list of “recyclable materials” that state officials say can be used in road construction. The list already included ground rubber from car tires, ash residue from coal combustion byproducts, recycled mixed-plastic, glass and construction steel, which officials had previously determined are “part of the solid waste stream and that contribute to problems of declining space in landfills.”

But unlike most of those products, phosphogypsum is not a material that is aggregated in landfills. It’s the remains left behind from mining phosphate, which is described by the EPA as being a “radioactive material” because it contains “small amounts” of uranium and radium.

Phosphate rock is mined to create fertilizer, but the leftover material, known as phosphogypsum, had decaying remains of those elements that eventually produce radon. And because of that risk, phosphogypsum is federally required to be stored in gypstack systems – not landfills – in an attempt to prevent it from coming in contact with people and the environment.

Before it can be used, the state’s Department of Transportation will need to conduct a study to “evaluate the suitability” of its use, the bill says, and “may consider any prior or ongoing studies of phosphogypsum’s road suitability in the fulfillment of this duty.” That task must be completed by April 1, 2024.

Source: Benzinga/Automotive News

Porsche Cars North America’s former top executive, Kjell Gruner, is said to be headed to the U.S. electric vehicle upstart Rivian Automotive, sources have told Automotive News. Gruner’s role at Rivian is unknown, but the executive is not likely to replace founder RJ Scaringe as CEO.

Watch out Elon, Zuck means business.

Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg is training the house down, judging by a photo of the tech guru with UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alex Volkanovski.

On Wednesday, Adesanya posted photos of Zuckberg training with the two UFC teammates and it’s safe to say the Facebook boss is looking in great shape.

Adesanya wrote: “No fugazi with Mark. This is Serious Business”

Zuckerberg commented on Instagram: “It’s an honor to train with you guys!”

#Zuckthecuck LIVE#btc #eth #uniswap pic.twitter.com/mbnOqUIJqe

— ZUCK THE CUCK (@zuckthecuckETH) July 22, 2023

Peel Trident – $40,000

1976 VW Beetle (90’s Showcar)

Hideous is the new normal.

The post Episode 79 – Running Up That Hill appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

It’s been a hot minute since Gabe Casey dropped by, and there’s quite a lot going on in his garage of magical wonders. Things like a TOTAL GARAGE EXPANSION. We catch back up with our good friend to hear more about what he’s calling his “Fortress of Gabe-itude.” 

All of this, plus a fresh Moment of Musk and Cars of the Weak!

For show stuff, or to let Gabe know where some other rare car, truck or motorcyle is, hit us up at [email protected]

The post Episode 78 – UK Recap & The Fortress of Gabe-itude appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that didn’t find the cats on the last show…. but we did find a 1977 Panther. More on that later in the show.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

Remember, you can always email us at [email protected] or post a review on Apple Podcasts to be heard around the world!

Base price: $52,000 / Engine: 8.2L twin-turbocharged V8 / Power: 600 hp

Ha! Just when you thought that you’d seen it all when it came to six-wheelers (see Covini C6W ), think again. The British-born Panther 6 is earlier (and therefore more original) take on the more-is-more school of thought and was believed to be a sign of future things to come at the time.

Clearly, the idea of driving a car with 4 wheels over the front axle didn’t really end up picking up steam, despite the Panther 6 – having been equipped with a formidable 8.2L twin-turbocharged Cadillac V8 which produced over 600 hp – putting in a good word for it. Only two were ever made, further underlining the ultimate failure of both the car and its message had any resonance.

After two years of Oldsmobile domination, the Chevrolet Impala/Caprice takes advantage of its downsizing to become America’s best-selling vehicle and passenger car with a whopping 657,151 sales, up 45% on 1976. The Oldsmobile Cutlass is now #2 with sales still up year-on-year, but at a shyer 6% to 527,939 units.

In the trucks ranking, the Ford F-Series climbs onto the pole position, and has never looked back since, holding the title of America’s best-selling truck for 34 consecutive years!

Back to passenger cars to salute the 3rd place of the Ford LTD, up 5% on last year to reach 380,499 sales, followed by the Chevrolet Monte Carlo, down one spot to #4. There are 3 newcomers in the Top 10: the Ford Granada directly to 5th place with 355,186 sales, the Ford Thunderbird at #6 and 325,153 units and the Buick Century in 10th position with 279,657 sales.

Source: Car & Driver

Gordon Maltby bought his first Porsche 50 years ago and his latest just this year. Between those two purchases, he has owned around three dozen cars from the sporting German marque. But he has always been fond of the 356.

In fact, he wrote one of the first comprehensive books on the model, Porsche 356 and RS Spyders, in 1991, and for decades acted as the editor-in-chief of 356 Registry, the official magazine of the 356 owners’ club. “The 356, of course, is the original Porsche,” he says.

Now, Maltby has taken that longtime love of the brand and nameplate and assembled it all into a fascinating, well-written, and beautifully illustrated coffee table book, Porsche 356: 75th Anniversary (Motorbooks, $75). And it’s coming out just in time for the bathtub-shaped sports car’s diamond jubilee.

The book’s strength lies in its straightforward writing dosed with just the right amount of technical detail. It also benefits from comprehensive storytelling with plenty of insider anecdotes and delves deeply into the complex history of the manufacturing of the 356, an area that has not been substantially covered in previous accounts of the model’s 17-year lifespan.

“The book specifically is focused on the relationship between Reutter and Porsche,” Maltby says, naming the local German coachbuilder (karosserie) that was responsible for constructing bodies for the 356 and executing the complex and innovative aluminum and/or steel forms.

The book is also an excellent resource on the vehicles designed and engineered in the early years of the Porsche consultancy, in the decades before 1948 when Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche released the first car to bear their last name. “I think a modern Porsche enthusiast maybe doesn’t have a very good idea of the fact that Ferdinand Porsche worked in the automotive industry for 50 years before the 356 was built.”

Source: Automotive News

Ford Motor Co. on Tuesday said the previously announced $1.3 billion transformation of its Oakville Assembly Plant for electric vehicle manufacturing will begin in the second quarter of next year and take about six months to complete. During that time some of the 3,000 workers at the Ontario, Canada, site will be furloughed, although the company expects to retain virtually all of the employees when the plant comes back online at the end of 2024.

Source: The Mirror

Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emission Zone scheme is already estimated to have raked in almost £250 million since it was first implemented in 2019 and more protests have been staged over its expansion. Seething Londoners have been reduced to stealing Ultra-Low Emission Zone cameras and cutting wires as fury mounts over the government’s controversial expansion.

Major Sadiq Khan is facing more backlash over his plan to include all 32 London boroughs in the idea dubbed a ‘pure money-making scheme’ by angry protestors. He yesterday defended his detested ULEZ project by claiming it will give men higher sperm counts because of the reduction in air pollution. From August 29, the enlargement will be rolled out meaning an estimated 700,000 more car owners must pay £12.50 daily charge to travel around the capital.

ULEZ cameras are reported to have been ripped from their bases and damaged with claims some of the registration detection devices have had their wires cut. City Hall said in a statement: “As of 21 March 2023, there had been 31 instances of vandalism or theft to ULEZ cameras within the expansion zone. Within the existing zone, there had been 12 instances of vandalism or theft.

Source: NADA

Federal tax credits for electric vehicle (EV) purchases are about to disappear for many models under newly released IRS rules, but savvy shoppers are finding a workaround by leasing, rather than buying, their new car. Why it matters: President Biden’s effort to expand EV adoption through newly revised tax credits is proving to be unworkable for many of today’s models, creating confusion and frustration for automakers, dealers and consumers.

Eric and Daryl break down the recent venue change for Central Illinois Cars & Coffee and the social media drama that unfolded. Tearing down one another isn’t what we need to be doing in this hobby. The moral of the story is people should be more supportive when it comes to local events. If you’ve got a better idea, get involved or start your own event.

What do Ice T, Allen Iverson, and Rick Flair have in common?

They all pitch Car Shield!

Imagine the scene: It’s a barber shop anywhere in the United States. A barber needs advice on a repair for his car, so he asks his customer in the chair… Known automotive expert or acting as one…  ICE T!   What should he do?

Thankfully, ICE T has the answer (not the answer answer. )The Answer must have been Allan Iverson’s nickname.  Do You remember Iverson? The guy who couldn’t show up for “practice”.  Suddenly, he now knows a lot about car warranties.

If this commercial didn’t go far enough into the d level celebrity ditch,  another customer in chair chimes in… It’s a crazy-eyed Rick Flair doing his best impression of former Democratic leader Howard Dean. YEAHHHHHHHH!

Chris Berman is driving around the nation like he’s the poor mans John Madden in his CarShield MegaBus doing the worst city tour since Wesley Snipes was a spokesman for H&R Block.

OK… Eric made that part up.  It would have been better than the Berman Bus!

Eric: Porsche 911

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Source: Riverside Chevrolet

You can’t go wrong with the classics! This vintage beauty is in mint condition with only 98k miles. Take a trip back in time with this wood-paneled station wagon. It will certainly have everyone talking!

This car was on BaT and sold for $4,100.

The post Episode 77 – Panthers, Cars & Coffee and Ice-T appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.