Projects Archives - Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be cutting 5% of its workforce through a voluntary redundancy programs.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

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

As always, we’d like to give special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their ongoing support of this program.

In addition to the fine folks at Fort’s, our Patreon supporters help keeping the wrenches flying. Thank you!

Eric’s Adventures: Racing, wheeling, detailed maps, and roadside attraction photography from the remote U.S. in his newly-equipped Land Cruiser. The man’s got a full plate… and an empty tank of gas.

Daryl

Back when German cars were still making exciting, well-engineered compact sedans, we had some absolute legends.

Doggone it, these cars had soul! They were engineered to last, easy to work on, and genuinely fun to drive. Compare that to today’s “connected” vehicles with sealed powertrains and software you can’t touch. We’d say the enpoopification is real.

Which would you choose to Race?

Let us know at [email protected] or on Facebook.

Two of the world’s biggest automakers are testing 100% renewable gasoline in Spain with partners Bosch and Repsol. Here’s the kicker: no engine modifications required. Your existing car, your existing fuel system, same fuel pump… just different fuel.

The renewable gas is made from cooking oil, animal fats, and biological waste. Since hundreds of millions of combustion vehicles will be on the road through the 2040s (especially in developing countries where charging infrastructure is sparse), this could be a realistic bridge to a cleaner future without replacing every car on Earth.

Source: Expedition Portal

BMW confirmed it will cut roughly 8,000 jobs through a voluntary redundancy program running October 2026 through end of 2027. The deal targets admin, development, and corporate functions—production jobs are explicitly off the table. Estimated savings: ~€1 billion annually starting 2028.

More than half of BMW’s global staff (87,000 of ~154,500) are based in Germany, with major concentrations in Munich, Regensburg, Dingolfing, and Leipzig. The Munich research center alone, home to 25,000 engineers and developers, will be hit hardest.

Source: Automotive World

Bloomberg dropped a report in July saying Tesla’s Cybertruck has become the auto industry’s biggest commercial flop—surpassing even Ford’s legendary Edsel disaster (1958).

The Numbers:

For context, the Edsel was supposed to sell 200,000 units in year one. It sold less than a third of that. The Cybertruck is following a similar trajectory but starting from the opposite direction: overhyped promise turning into the cold reality of consumer rejection.

Source: Yahoo Finance

Shell just divested Jiffy Lube to private equity firm Monomoy Capital Partners. The deal closed July 1, 2026.

The Timeline:

Jiffy Lube now operates some 2,000 independent service centers across North America. Shell is offloading “non-core” businesses as part of a strategic pivot away from traditional lubricants and drilling operations.

If you’ve got a Jiffy Lube horror story (and honestly, who doesn’t?), expect the franchise model to tighten under private equity. Pennzoil Quaker State will keep supplying the chain for now.

Source: Yahoo Finance

After nearly 40 years of faithful service, the USPS is finally retiring the Grumman Long Life Vehicle (LLV). You know the one: right-hand-drive, aluminum body, famously tiny, powered by a Pontiac “Iron Duke” four-cylinder and Chevrolet S10 pickup chassis.

The Stats:

The Replacement? Oshkosh’s new Next-Gen Delivery Vehicle (NGDV). It’s actually a proper vehicle: airbags, air conditioning, modern safety features. Finally. The USPS allocated $9.6 billion for this overdue update.

The LLV is a slice of automotive history. It’s a humble, brilliantly simple machine that did one job and did it for longer than anyone expected. RIP to a legend.

Source: Hagerty

 Eric: 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder – $5,500

From the listing: 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder convertible. 102,000 miles. Full set of wheels and tires will go with the car. Aftermarket stereo. Custom black and silver leather seats. Aftermarket seat covers installed to protect them. $5,500 obo. No trades, no deliveries. Rebuilt title in hand.

Daryl: 1993 Chevrolet G20 Conversion Van – $6,000

From the listing: 1993 Chevy G 20 Conversion Van with 146000 miles on it. Has a 4.3 V6 with a automatic with overdrive. I have owned it for 26 years, has a very nice interior. It has some body damage on the passenger side, the 

doors open and close and is drivable as it is. The Van was damaged when I bought it, and I drove it the way it was. Van has a clean and clear title. I have the 3 doors needed to repair and they are included with the sale. I have done alot of maintenance work on the van, about  $3000 in parts, too much to list, This is a bargain!! 

Email us: [email protected]

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon

The post Episode 112 – Cyber Edsel appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

A Very Wrenches Christmas

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

Thanks for listening.  Thanks for being a fan.  

Spotify Wrapped…  For podcasters

Spotify Comments:

Projects

Eric:

Toilet!

Went to Italy.  Drove a Renault Clio with more buzzers and alarms than any car I have ever driven in my life!  

Ubigi for Cellular…  Love that.  No texts or calls… but I had data

Daryl:

Highlander got fixed after my parking lot ding. Body shop didn’t clean the dust and there were footprints on the seat. Zero pride? 

Moment of Musk:  Elon’s head was exploding

Eric: 

The taxi cab in the movie Scrooged belongs to the fictional Belle Cab Co.. The vehicle itself is an iconic 1978 Checker A11 Taxicab (though some sources mention a 1970 or 1974 model year, the A-series ran largely unchanged from 1959-1982).

This car zooms all over the skyline and slides through time in a decently fun twist on the ghost of Christmas Past.   RIP Buster Poindexter aka David Johanssen of the New York Dolls.  A role of a lifetime to be sure.  

I rode in one of these back in the early 80’s…  Took the plane from O’Hare to LaGuardia and had a taxi driver who I am pretty sure was Bob Hoskins.  My brother and I talked big stuff and declared that we would be running this town before our easter week was over.  Sat behind Dan Rather at Sunday Mass BTW…  

I love these cars because of the jump seats.  They are so damn big, but at first glance, you think nothing of them.  Get in, and you will be shocked at the space.  

2  Chrysler Town and Country K CAr from Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

The car driven by Neal Page (Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (John Candy) in the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a 1986 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country convertible, not a Dodge Aries K. 

While the LeBaron is built on the same Chrysler K-car platform as the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant, the specific model in the film is a LeBaron. 

This car is dead on what people were driving when I was a kid.  My great uncle worked for Chrysler from the 60’s tothe  90’s…  His Mom, my Grandma Giancarli, drove a 1985 Airies K Car after she drove my 1978 Volare.  I got the Volare, my brother got the Aries.  HE took it all the way to LA to go to MIT… Eventually driving it back from LA to Fort Meyers.  That car was pretty decent.  I recall the back suspension collapsing from him hauling drums all the time.  

3

Debate this It was going to be the Camaro from Better Off Dead, but Angela did not agree that its a Christmas movie… she obviously had not listened to our older Christmas shows!

OK…  How about this…  George Bailey’s car from It’s a Wonderful Life?

“The main car in It’s a Wonderful Life is George Bailey’s 1919 Dodge Brothers touring car, a black, open-top vehicle used for everything from family moves (with a goat!) to the iconic scene where he crashes it into a tree before contemplating suicide. The same car, with a specific studio tag (789), also featured as Ernie the taxi driver’s vehicle and remains a famous movie prop, now owned by collectors and occasionally shown at events. “

Classic, iconic, and I would totally pull this out for a chug around the block during parade season.  The images I see online are morose and depressing from the black and white view… but this car is what scoots the story around Bedford Falls

The main car in It’s a Wonderful Life is George Bailey’s 1919 Dodge Brothers touring car, a black, open-top vehicle used for everything from family moves (with a goat!) to the iconic scene where he crashes it into a tree before contemplating suicide. The same car, with a specific studio tag (789), also featured as Ernie the taxi driver’s vehicle and remains a famous movie prop, now owned by collectors and occasionally shown at events. 

Daryl:

The first-generation Ford Taurus SHO was the real deal. Manual trans. Yamaha-built V6 with a crazy intake design and beautiful exhaust note. Tim Allen being a car guy helped make sure Santa had a cool ride in addition to his sleigh. I saw this film in High School gym class one day before Christmas Break because Mr. Petty was phoning it in. This car is the only thing I remember from that movie. 

In the beginning of the film Gremlins, our hero Billy Peltzer is portrayed as a mild-mannered young bank teller who drives a responsible car, a classic 60’s VW Beetle. Only it doesn’t want to start on the cold, snowy morning in Kingston Falls. This leads to a great soliloquy from the gruff neighbor, Mr. Futterman, who gives him a dig about those “foreign cars.” This is a great example of the cultural debates about American manufacturing and global competition being carried out across many parts of the United States in the 1980s. 

From the classic tire-changing “oh fudge” scene, to the Bumpiss hound attack in the driveway, and the final scene with the snowy Christmas night, the Old Man’s Oldsmobile in A Christmas Story is very much part of the Parker family. Ralphie describes his dad as “an Oldsmobile man”, brand-loyal to a fault, even when the car won’t start on the coldest Indiana mornings. It’s a fixture that gets the Parkers to and from all the important family functions, and hauls home the big Christmas tree from the downtown tree lot. If the Old Man only used the Oldsmobile to drive the kids to school, maybe Ralphie would never have gotten picked on by Scut Farkus. One will never know. 

Honorable Mention: Ellen’s Parents’ 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible | National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) 

 We never see this car except after they come to visit and it magically appears on the street outside the Griswolds’ house. It’s a clean machine, and is surprising to see for a so-called Chicagoland winter driver, even for a senior couple who might have bought it new. Cars of the Weak

Eric:

I cant find autobello anymore?!?!?  What happened there?  I know once place in the world that delivers…  Car from Japan.  Even when I am looking for a rough little italian workhorse… I can count on this site to take care of me!!!  

Its not a 4×4 but it is a stick… And the color is lovely…  Kind of a cinnamon milk thing with panels that have faded more than others.  Is that quaint italian workmanship or a second paint job from a battle wound from a roundabout in Pescara?  Hard to say.

Saw many of these cars on this past trip to Rome and Naples…  A few going 50KPH in the mountains and that was dangerously slow compared to the cars trying to avoid them.  

Daryl:

1927 Pierce Arrow Coupe – $48,000

1927 Pierce Arrow Series 80 Coupe with Rumble Seat.  There aren’t very many Series 80 Coupes out there.  Take advantage of this opportunity to add this well-crafted treasure to your collection.  Maintained and cared for by the current owner since 2006, always stored in a temperature-controlled building.  Previous owner was a long-time collector as well.  This stylish automobile is in very good condition and runs very well.  Starts right up with a pull of the Primer.  The coupe features 4-wheel disc brakes and drives straight down the road.  Aluminum body panels.  Body and roof are all in great condition.  The wood above the windshield could use some attention.  New tires, tubes and flaps in 2024.  Windows and doors open and close with ease.  Chrome shines beautifully. The interior is luxurious and comfortable.  From the solid wood steering wheel to the chrome trimmed gauges, the elegant features make this a joy to drive. Large storage area behind the front seat.  It is time for someone else to enjoy the beauty of this car with its distinct lines.  Always a head turner.

Marion, IA  (Location is approximate)

Thanks for listening and see you next year as we continue to geek out over all the Automotive news that matters in 2026.

Oh, look out for Eric’s Coffee Table book… Coming to a Borders, Walden or B Dalton book stores next year.

What AI thinks that might look like…  And some outtakes…

The post TW 107 – A Very Wrenches Christmas 2025 appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that knows Cars and Coffee

This week, we’re shifting gears to spotlight the community builders who make Central Illinois car culture thrive!  We welcome Preston Lutton and Jacob Walker, the driving forces behind Cental Illinois Cars & Coffee.

Welcome Preston Lutton and Jacob Walker!

We discuss their passion for bringing car enthusiasts together and the effort that goes into each monthly meetup. We also hear about their personal journeys and get an exclusive preview of what’s coming for Cars & Coffee in 2025.

Eric also takes us on a surprising detour through Mexico’s streets, where Chinese automotive brands like Chery, VinFast, and BYD are making unexpected inroads, while Daryl updates us on his ongoing adventures with his Plymouth Fury, and Cadillac projects, and how a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500 slipped through his hands.

Whether you’re a regular at Cars & Coffee events or curious about joining the community, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who turn a simple concept—cars and coffee—into unforgettable gatherings.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Special thanks to our sponsor, Fort’s Toyota for their ongoing support of this show.

The post Episode 99 – Central Illinois Cars & Coffee appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is sending you an audio Valentine.

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 worldwide!

Special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their ongoing support of our podcast. If you’re in the market for a new or used Toyota, or service, please give them a try!

We’d also like to thank our dedicated Patreon supporters and iTunes Premium supporters for helping to make this program possible.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Nissan’s board has determined that Honda’s terms for a combination of the two automakers are unacceptable, people familiar with the matter said, endangering a merger plan designed to shore up Nissan’s faltering business. In a statement, Nissan said no decision had been reached but one option under discussion was scrapping its December agreement with Honda to aim for a merger. Both automakers said talks were continuing and they aimed to announce their direction in mid-February.  

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Source: Reuters

 New U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order on Tuesday directing U.S. regulators to rescind landmark fuel economy standards issued under President Joe Biden that aimed to drastically reduce fuel use for cars and trucks.

In a memo, Duffy directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reconsider the 2022 model year through 2031 model years for cars and trucks.

The agency in June said it would hike Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements to about 50.4 miles per gallon (4.67 liters per 100 km) by 2031 from 39.1 mpg currently for light-duty vehicles.

Duffy, who took office late Tuesday, also directed NHTSA to reconsider rules for heavy duty pickup trucks and vans through 2035.

“Artificially high fuel economy standards designed to meet non-statutory policy goals, such as those NHTSA has promulgated in recent years, impose large costs that render many vehicle models unaffordable for the average American family,” Duffy’s memo said. “They also put coercive pressure on automakers to phase out production of various models of popular (internal combustion engine) vehicles.”

Source: Automotive News

Increased throughput across Mazda’s dealer network helped the Japanese automaker achieve its highest sales in nearly four decades. “Mazda is focused on pushing more sales through the current dealerships rather than trying to add on more dealers for growth,” Rob Sickel, chairman of the Mazda National Dealer Advisory Council, told Automotive News after the automaker held a virtual franchise meeting on Jan. 30. Mazda has 545 dealers in its network. In 2024, they sold an average of 669 vehicles, up from 625 in 2023. Sickel said 21 Mazda dealers topped sales of 2,000 vehicles last year.

Source:Auto Dealer Today

Car insurance rates are expected to continue to rise this year, though at a slower pace. Rates climbed 15% across the country last year and have jumped a cumulative 42% since 2022, according to insurance comparison-shopping website Insurify. 

Insurify forecasts a 5% rate increase this year to a national average full-coverage rate of $2,435 by year-end.

Source: CBT News

Despite South Carolina granting Scout Motors $1.3 billion in incentives to build its $2 billion EV plant in Blythewood, state residents won’t be able to buy the company’s vehicles when they hit the market in 2027. Due to state laws prohibiting direct sales, even the 4,000 workers employed at the facility will have to go out of state to purchase a Scout EV.

Scout, owned by Volkswagen, has opted for a direct-to-consumer sales model, similar to Tesla and Lucid, aiming to provide a more transparent and cost-effective buying process. However, South Carolina is among the nearly 20 states that mandate vehicles to be sold exclusively through dealerships. Other states with similar restrictions include Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, and Kansas, while North Carolina allows direct sales.

Source: InsideEVs.com

What an age of miracles we find ourselves in. The internet is the greatest tool for disseminating information that humanity has ever created, but it also allows anybody to just instantly broadcast whatever is on their mind at any given moment, regardless of how true it is or not. That does lead to the occasional bit of misinformation that news outlets like InsideEVs must correct.

Since the recent debut of two new electric concepts from Scout Motors, the American truck and SUV brand revived by the Volkswagen Group, we have noticed more than a few comparisons drawn to another EV truck company: Rivian.

The comparisons are fair; Scout’s two concept vehicles bear a strong resemblance to Rivian’s first two vehicles, the R1T truck and R1S SUV. And the lines between the two brands are further blurred by the fact that the Volkswagen Group and Rivian have recently started working together.

While Scout and Rivian have similar designs and will probably compete for the same customer, and Scout will use the new electrical architecture that VW is co-developing with Rivian, the two vehicles and brands are not the same. They do not use the same platform, are built (or rather, will be built) in different places and should have considerably different price tags.

Auto Industry Bracing for Further Disruption in 2025, Experts Say

Source: Detroit Free Press

Tariff threats, affordability issues and electric vehicle adoption hurdles are among the many dark storm clouds blocking projections of the 2025 auto industry landscape. 

Analysts, experts and professionals from the auto industry spoke out about their concerns Wednesday at the 31st Annual Automotive Symposium hosted at the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago on Wednesday.

Some key takeaways from the event include: 

Kristin Dziczek, policy adviser for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, told guests and assorted news media that everything is changing when it comes to the auto industry — the vehicles sold and what fuels them; the infrastructure needed to support those new fuel sources; the technologies those products use; and how automakers produce them. The potential for disruption is absolute, but really, what else is new?

“What never changes is people need a car,” Dziczek said. “The U.S. is a large country.”

Source: Investor’s Business Daily

Rivian (RIVN) has made its all-electric commercial van available for sale to the general public after years of it being only available to Amazon.com (AMZN).

Late Wednesday, the EV startup officially made the Rivian commercial van available with a starting price of $79,900 with deliveries slated to begin in April 2025. There are two variants, a 500 series and a 700 series, with both getting around 160 miles of range.

Rivian signed an agreement with Amazon in 2019 to design and develop electric commercial delivery vans and has prioritized production for Amazon since then. The online marketplace ordered 100,000 of Rivian’s electric vans and said in December 2024 it had 20,000 Rivian electric vans in its delivery fleet.

Amazon currently has a 15.6% stake in Rivian, according to FactSet. However, Amazon is also looking elsewhere to electrify its fleet.

However, Rivian in November 2023 amended its agreement with Amazon to allow the EV startup to sell commercial vans to any other commercial customers. At the end of the third-quarter, Rivian said it expected Amazon to increase its delivery order of vans in Q4 and announced it had launched the Rivian Commercial Van platform for the commercial market.

Meanwhile, Bernstein on Jan. 28 initiated coverage of Rivian with an underperform rating and a 6.10 price target, 52% below the current trading level.

The firm believes Rivian has built a brand based on adventure and has the resources to scale it, but it faces slower market growth, rising competition and limits to the segments its brand can address.

Bernstein analysts wrote that Rivian can succeed in its plan to reach more than 500,000 units by 2030, but that financial success for shareholders is not a given and that Rivian’s breakeven is “years away” and the company is facing “mounting risks.”

Source: CarBuzz

You’ve probably heard of the so-called Ferrari blacklist, which is essentially a list of individuals the Italian automaker won’t sell cars to. Why does the list even exist? Well, Ferrari and its Prancing Horse logo have a carefully curated reputation, and it remains one of the most exclusive brands out there.

You may argue that a car company has no right to tell you what to do with an expensive car you paid for, but it works. Ferrari is one of the most valuable car brands in the world, and most of its vehicles can be found in the garages of any avid car collector. You may own the car, but Ferrari owns the brand, and it will go to great lengths to protect it from people like Justin Bieber.

(Best Write-up Award-Winner) 

Features

Seller’s Description:

Divorced? Single? Lonely? Confidence taken a hit? 

Never fear, help is here! Cancel that Bumble account, put away those ED pills and grab this once-in-a blue-moon opportunity for permanent MoJo.

In fact, once finished digesting this advert, I suggest hitting a furniture store and acquiring a new bed. You can transport it home in your size-substitution pickup and prepare to embrace your new life.

Here in sunny Broad Ripple (46220), I offer you this fine 1969 Classic Fiat 500. Imported by myself from Naples (Italy, not Florida), this has been my (occasional) daily driver, and I am hoarse from shouting ‘I have a girlfriend’.

Powered by an eager 495cc, delivered to the rear (12”) wheel via an agricultural (it’s a 1969) 4 speed gearbox, fun and attention are a guarantee.

Proud in Ferrari Red with a black interior, the bodywork is in perfect shape. Drives as smooth as your new girlfriends panties.

Like a clown looking for a circus, I have decided, reluctantly to part with it.

If it is listed, it is available. ‘Is it available?’ will be ignored. 

Low ballers will be forwarded to the MOJO Gods and you will forever sleep alone

Source: ClassicCars.com/

Seller’s Description

The 88 is a full-size car that Oldsmobile produced from 1949 until 1999 and was an image leader for GM when first introduced. It was one of the best performing vehicles on the market at the time due to its relatively small sized, lightweight, high compression V8 engine whose performance enabled the Olds 88 to be considered the first muscle car by some even though the title is disputed.

Specific to the 1957 model year is the Golden Rocket 88 whose only badging was 88’s under each taillight. It was equipped with a 371ci Rocket V8 rated at 277hp. Styling highlights were more evolutionary than radical, with a three-piece rear window design marketed as the “Twin-Strut Rear Window.” This particular example is a two-family car that the original owner traded for a new vehicle in 1977. The original owner left his name & number for the 2nd owner and they became life-long family friends shortly after.

In the early 80’s the 2nd owner repainted it in its original color of Banff Blue. The 2nd owner sold it back to the original owner (and his son) in 1987. The original owner gifted the car to his son in 2016 and his son has been the sole owner since. At just over 100,000 miles the current owner had the original Rocket V8 and 4 speed Jetaway auto transmission rebuilt and both run incredibly.

We’re close to our 100th episode, so stay tuned for a special celebration.

The post Episode 98 – Love is in the Air (Unless You Drive a Nissan) appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

In the heart of Washington, Illinois, lives a true automotive superhero who has turned childhood dreams into a reality.

John Bisanz isn’t just a car enthusiast—he’s a real-life Batman, complete with a meticulously-crafted 1966 Batmobile that would make George Barris proud. In addition, John was one of the most hospitable guests we’ve ever had, and invited us into his garage/workshop/house combo that any gearhead would be proud to call home.

Bisanz’s Batmobile is more than just a stunning replica of the iconic television show car that everyone knows and loves – it’s a beacon of hope, serving a greater purpose through charitable work with OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. This isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of joy and inspiration for many across the Midwest. When Bisanz cruises down the street, he doesn’t just turn heads—he creates smiles. Children and adults alike are transported back to the campy, colorful world of the 1960s Batman series.

Starting with a 1977 Lincoln Continental Coupe, Bisanz transformed the vehicle into a near-perfect recreation of the legendary Batmobile. Every panel, every detail carefully modified to capture the essence of the 1960s Batmobile. It’s not just a car—it’s truly a work of art on wheels. We talk about the history of the Barris Batmobiles and it’s glamourous beginning as a Ford concept car from the 1950’s to the Hollywood studio backlot of the 1960s. There’s also some great legal drama thrown in there for good measure.

The unique part about John is that he’s not only a Batman fan, he’s into all things automotive. He owns a supercharged Dodge Viper, a replica of Barney Fife’s Ford Mayberry squad car from The Andy Griffith Show. He also owns a full-blown Dodge Challenger race car and a few other goodies. We sit down for a long chat to learn more about the man behind the myth.

Fans can connect with our guest under his Central Illinois Batman Facebook page, where he lists his upcoming events and has some great photo coverage.

Local journalist Phil Luciano also did a great write-up of John’s work in a 2023 Peoria Magazines article that we highly recommend. Give it a read whenever you have a moment.

Catch the full story on this latest episode of Throwin’ Wrenches Podcast!

The post Episode 97 – From Man Cave to Bat Cave appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be merging with Honda, Nissan and Mitsubushi.

In this week’s episode, hosts Eric & Daryl dive into the transforming automotive landscape, from industry mergers to electrification challenges.

We explore two highly anticipated releases:

This week’s spotlight falls on a meticulously restored 1998 BMW M3 Coupe with DINAN upgrades, representing the perfect blend of classic BMW engineering and modern performance enhancements.

And Eric picks a tiki hut on wheels that spent its life on Gilligan’s Island.

Join the conversation:

Catch new episodes of Throwin’ Wrenches on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to Fort’s Toyota of Pekin for their continued support.

The post Episode 96 – Automotive Merger Mania appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is ready for some trunk-or-treat!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

Source: CNBC

Stellantis’ U.S. new vehicle sales during the third quarter continued a yearslong freefall despite CEO Carlos Tavares’ actions to fix what he has called “arrogant” mistakes by the company. The Transatlantic carmaker reported U.S. sales Tuesday of 305,294 from July through September, a 19.8% decline from the third quarter of 2023 and an 11.5% decrease from the prior three months of this year. Stellantis was expected to be the worst sales performer of major automakers during the third quarter, and auto industry forecaster Cox Automotive had projected a sales decline of roughly 21%.

Source: Reuters

European automakers are the most likely to be affected by the dockworkers strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports because they rely heavily on those locations, but a longer walkout could prove “debilitating” to the entire sector, industry officials and analysts said. The dockworkers began their first large-scale stoppage in nearly 50 years early on Tuesday, halting the flow of about half the nation’s ocean shipping.

Source: AP News

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Saturday that would have required new cars to beep at drivers if they exceed the speed limit.

California would have become the first to require such systems for all new cars, trucks and buses sold in the state starting in 2030. The bill, aimed at reducing traffic deaths, would have mandated that vehicles beep at drivers when they exceed the speed limit by at least 10 mph (16kph).

The European Union has passed similar legislation to encourage drivers to slow down. California’s proposal would have provided exceptions for emergency vehicles, motorcycles and motorized scooters.

In explaining his veto, Newsom said federal law already dictates vehicle safety standards and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety “is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments,” the Democratic governor said.

Source: Wards Auto

General Motors recently entered into a Memo of Understanding with Hyundai Group for co-development of a wide array of possible projects, technology sharing and purchasing for shared projects. GM President Mark Reuss says he has high expectations for the agreement despite the automaker’s spotty history with joint ventures. “This is really a shared vision around what both of our goals are and objectives, and open communication and I think staying agile and flexible because this industry and market isn’t stagnant,” says Reuss.

Source: CNBC

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-AMG is hatching plans for a spectacular electric supercar that will launch the performance brand into the EV age.

The new performance halo model was previewed by last year’s retro-inspired Vision One-Eleven concept, and it is described as a “brand-defining successor to the SLS Electric Drive”, the 730bhp quad-motor EV that was launched in 2013 and which cost £333,000. But while that car was limited to just nine examples, the new AMG supercar is planned for significantly higher production numbers when it arrives later this decade.

Making its flagship less of an exclusive offering is central to AMG’s evolving electrification strategy. It has already launched powered-up versions of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV, with specific motors and battery technology separate from those of their standard siblings.

The new electric supercar is considered a key part of Mercedes-AMG’s future, despite CEO Michael Schiebe moving to extend the life of some of AMG’s more profitable combustion-engined models amid slower than expected sales of its EVs.

However, Schiebe leaves little doubt about the company’s ultimate trajectory, telling Autocar: “It’s clear that we are going all-electric.”

The new supercar will be charged with cementing AMG’s performance credentials as it switches from high-output combustion engines to electric power. Autocar understands it is likely to outpace the 1049bhp Mercedes-AMG One, whose Formula 1-derived, V6/electric hybrid set-up is good for 0-62mph in 2.9sec and 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

Source: Facebook Markplace

From the Listing: 1996 Fiat Panda 4×4 imported from Japan over a year ago.  Has all original import documents as well as clean Michigan title.  Engine is recently rebuilt and has a ton of life left.  4×4 works great without issue, is FWD with 4×4 disengaged.  Has 1.1 liter Fiat FIRE engine that gets great mileage and has no problem hitting highway speeds.  Has new engine and tranny oil, antifreeze, tires, water pump, timing belt, 4×4 bushing, and thermostat.  Has small rust spots on rockers and seats have slight blemishes.  Also has cold working AC and a 5 speed manual transmission.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Listing: Who needs a sweet solid 1963 AMC rambler custom wagon project as a Ford straight six. It will need a motor I’m told. Automatic transmission, Ohio Title. If you know somebody looking for a project wagon, please feel free to share my ad.

The post Episode 93 – Panda Versus Rambler appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

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

The contenders this time are all three-wheeled wonders.

Source: NADA

For the largest global automakers, profits in China have been hit by falling sales as consumers embrace electric vehicles from homegrown brands such as BYD, which last year supplanted Volkswagen as China’s bestselling carmaker. In July, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for over half of all cars sold in the country for the first time, while the share shipped to dealers by non-Chinese brands slipped to 33%, down from 50% two years earlier.

Source: Electronics Weekly

Nissan and Honda announced an EV collaboration in March.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan says: “We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, said the industry is going through a “once in a century” period of transformation towards electrification and collaboration would help resolve related issues more quickly.

Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, said that collaboration is essential to future success in the automotive industry.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was scathing about the  move: “I can’t imagine for one moment how it’s going to work between Honda and Nissan unless it’s a takeover, unless it’s a disguised takeover by Honda of Nissan and Mitsubishi with Honda in the driver’s seat. It’s going to be a takeover, a disguised takeover,” he told Automotive News.

One of the most controversial executives in the car industry is not afraid to call things as he sees them. After saying Nissan is “boring, mediocre” and in a “bad position” while describing the Renault-Nissan alliance as “small and fragile,” the 70-year-old fugitive now has something to say about the newly formed Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership.

Source: Motor1

Mercedes-Benz becomes the first foreign automaker to gain approval to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology in prototype vehicles on selected roads in Beijing. The approval, granted by the Chinese government, is described by Mercedes-Benz as a “crucial step” in advancing its existing Drive Pilot system to a level where it possesses full control from start to finish of any given journey where the conditions and autonomous regulatory framework allow.

Source: WardsAuto

Source: Automotive News

Stellantis is halting production for a week at the Trenton, Mich., plant that makes V-6 engines for the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 Classic to whittle down a large backlog. The downtime is because of a need “to balance engine inventories with production,” the automaker said. Stellantis has been adjusting its production output and laying off workers, in some cases, amid sliding sales and changes to its vehicle portfolio.

Source: Reuters

Source: Axios

Source: POLITICO

Most states now levy a dedicated fee on electric vehicle owners. Some also have rolled back other incentives, such as New Jersey’s decision this year to restart sales tax on EVs. Or they have reconfigured registration fees to land more heavily on EVs, as in Maryland. The justification from both Democratic and Republican policymakers for making EVs more expensive is that states are staring down a budgetary cliff. The gasoline tax — long the backbone of transportation funding — has lost potency as vehicles become more efficient.

“It’s more of an anti-electric vehicle policy than a road funding policy,” state Rep. Frank Hornstein, the Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee, said of states trying to make up gas tax revenue by charging EV owners.

States face a balancing act: The more quickly drivers go electric, the more quickly gas tax revenues decline; the more states lean on EVs to make up lost gas tax revenue, the more it weighs down EV demand.

“We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax,” Hornstein said. “We’re far from that. … It’s a drop in the bucket.”

Source: Motor1

Ferrari is set to reveal its first electric vehicle by the end of 2025 and it should be a big deal for the Italian automaker. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says that the automaker’s first electric car won’t lose the brand’s “unique” feel. Vigna also pointed out the obvious—Ferrari’s first EV “will have four wheels.”

Ferrari has been testing heavily camouflaged prototypes ahead of the EV’s debut, but we don’t really know if the test mules will resemble the finished product.

Ferrari has turned to former Apple Design Chief Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson to work on the car’s outside appearance.

Our friends over at Motor1 stated the following in regard to the vehicle’s design:

Our first look at Ferrari’s EV was hiding underneath a heavily modified Maserati Levante body with fake exhaust tips tacked on the back. But just because the prototype is an SUV doesn’t necessarily mean Ferrari’s EV will be one as well. It’s unclear what the final form looks like at this stage of its development, although we expect some light crossover-like features (like minor cladding and a slight lift).

Like some other automakers, Ferrari wants to develop “sound signatures” for the vehicle. So, this means that it won’t be virtually silent.

Ferrari CEO Vigna previously stated, “Electric cars are not silent,” but he didn’t reveal what sort of non-silence we should expect from Ferrari’s first EV.

Ferrari has been working with SK On, a South Korean vehicle battery manufacturer, and the two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue their ongoing collaboration. So, it seems likely, though not guaranteed, that the batteries for Ferrari’s first EV will come from SK On.

We expect the EV to have at least two electric motors, but of course, there’s room for more. Perhaps a top-level version will have three or even four motors.

There have been some reports suggesting that Ferrari would price the EV at over $500,000 to start. However, Ferrari CEO Vigna said $500,000 was “a surprise” to him, so we expect a lower figure.

It won’t be cheap though. Our friends over at Motor1 suggest, “It’ll likely cost much more than the Portofino M, which starts at around $250,000, but it could cost less than the SF90 Stradale that’s on its way out.”  That model starts at over $520,000. There’s a lot of space between those two figures. We should find out its price when it debuts.

Source: Bring a Trailer

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad:

The post Episode 92 – Electric Ferraris and a Trike Showdown appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

Welcome to the automotive podcast that does not require a special license to listen to… unless you live in Australia!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

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

We joke all the time about our retirement job.  More often than not, we find ourselves looking at being a Good Humor salesman. (Remember them?)

They all have wheels, and some even have motors, so it all counts for Throwin’ Wrenches.

Similar style to Race Daily Kill…  I want to know what your opinions are on these three different levels of food trucks… Would you quit your day job and make this the full-time gig…  Maybe it’s something you might do part-time?  What about a straight side hustle?

What are your choices for…  Full-time, Part-time or Side Hustle?

(A side hustle is a secondary job or small business that someone has in addition to their main career to earn extra money or fulfill a passion. Side hustles can offer more freedom and control than part-time jobs, allowing people to choose when and how many hours they work, and to pursue activities that align with their interests. Some people may eventually turn their side hustle into their primary career.)

Source: The U.S. Sun

All cars will now have to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech due to new EU rules. The new gadget can, in some cases, slow the vehicle down for you if it catches you breaking the speed limit.

Intelligent Speed Assitance (ISA) systems became a legal requirement for motors across the EU as a law passed two years ago came into effect on July 7.

ISAs make use of AI, GPS data and even onboard cameras to assess your speed in real time as you drive along.

The system will then intervene if you go above the limit it has worked out for the road you are on.

For example, the system can assess things like road markings to determine whether you are in a 20mph or 30mph zone.

From there, there are three types of ISA which firms could opt to install, with each offering different levels of intervention.

First of all, informative ISAs only result in a warning message and sound to alert the driver that they are breaking the limit.

One level up from that is the supportive ISA, which works by increasing the upward force on the accelerator pedal to try and make it harder for drivers to speed up.

Finally, intervening ISAs are the most active, with the system actually slowing the vehicle down, whether the driver wants it to or not, until it goes back under the limit.

Source: Morning Edition, NPR

Depending on where you live, you may have already heard of street takeovers: impromptu events, usually at night, in which drivers of muscle cars take turns doing donuts in intersections for cheering crowds.

In Alabama, the police refer to it as “exhibition driving.” Birmingham officer Mark Jones says it’s hard to miss.

“You can see the smoke from them burning their tires from several blocks away,” he says.

Police say the phenomenon grew during the pandemic, but it isn’t new. Filmmaker Yakpasua Zazaboi encountered it 25 years ago as a young man in Oakland. Californians call the events “sideshows,” and he says it helps to understand the original slang.

“When you see young fellas pulling up in their cars and they’re trying to look cool,” he says, “the way that you kind of lean back and towards the side — it was generally called ‘sidin.’ ”

And he says the sideshow is just a show of show-offs. People showing off their souped up cars, along with elements of style and fashion. He says it was “love at first sight” for him.

“[It was] hundreds if not thousands of black faces, all getting along together, all having fun in the middle of the night,” he says.

But sideshows also disrupt traffic, disturb neighbors and endanger lives. Spectators make a game of crowding in as close as they can around the spinning cars, and the resulting collisions are prime viewing on social media.

For coastal automobile dealers, contingency planning for severe tropical weather is muscle memory. But higher insurance premiums are an added pain point this year, some said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an 85 percent chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It expects 17 to 25 named storms. Dealers told Automotive News they are confident in their hurricane readiness, though they plan to closely monitor the weather.

Source WMBD-TV, Peoria

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 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 the 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: Road & Track

Younger drivers in the United States are already familiar with the restrictions brought by graduated licensing, with the grindingly slow graduation from provisional, probationary, or intermediate status to the glorious freedom that comes with a full license. From that point onwards, you are free to drive any car you can afford and insure.

Now one Australian state is set to impose new restrictions on all drivers wanting to drive the most powerful cars, regardless of their age or level of experience. From December this year, anybody in South Australia wanting to operate what is categorized as an Ultra High Powered Vehicle (UHPV) will have to take and pass an additional test to earn a new U-License. Failing to do so will result in a fine of up to $2500 Australian if caught in a qualifying car; that’s nearly $1700 at current exchange rates. Get caught a second time and you face up to a year in jail.

Earning the U-License will be done through an online training course followed by a test; there is no practical element to prove any level of driving skills. Much of the course is reportedly dedicated to explaining the function of active safety systems.

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad: 1929 Mercedes Gazelle kit car. I belongs to a friend of mine. Want info? Call or text. 

What a comprehensive ad, wouldn’t you say?

There’s a TON of these air-cooled VW Beetle-based kit cars lurking around Marketplace these days. Just taking a quick look yielded quite a few:

Could these be the cheapest and most fun roadster “fun cars” out there today?

Speaking of roadsters…

Source: Hemmings

From the ad: Gateway Classic Cars of Atlanta is proud to present this 1991 Buick Reatta convertible. Its red exterior turns heads while the tan leather interior offers a touch of elegance and sophistication. Under the hood a 3.8 liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This Reatta is equipped with power features including power brakes power locks power seats power steering and power windows all designed to provide you with a convenient driving experience. 

For your comfort the Reatta comes with air conditioning and the AM/FM radio provides a variety of entertainment options for your journey. The manual convertible top is easy to operate allowing you to enjoy the open air at a moment’s notice. The car also features seatbelts. The leather interior adds a touch of luxury to this classic car. This 1991 Buick Reatta convertible is a blend of classic style and modern convenience offering a unique driving experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this classic Reatta.

The post Episode 91 – Food Truck Frenzy! appeared first on 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.