Google opened it doors to demonstrate the two vehicles that they are currently using to develop a fully autonomous car. The first is a fleet of converted Lexus RX450hs covered with sensors and loaded with computing power. The second is a purpose built pod-like vehicle lacking a steering wheel, accelerator, brake pedals, and a dash. Join Charlie as he meets up with Editor-In-Chief Ed Loh to get an update on Google's self-driving car project and catch a ride in the two vehicles. Correspondent Alex Stack followed the drive and joins the conversation.

#69 - Taken For A Ride

Host, auto industry veteran, Charlie Vogelheim along with enthusiast Shawn Myers share a variety of automobile related conversations and experiences. These weekly podcasts feature candid interviews with industry leaders, owners, enthusiasts, and celebrities. They cover a wide gamut of topics including: new cars, used cars, road tests, collectible cars, unusual cars, concept cars, auto shows, events, car buying, selling and ownership information & advice. Additionally the latest automotive industry news, product and vehicle releases, other car trends and related news from Motor Trend including discussions with the Motor Trend editors, the annual Motor Trend Car, Truck and Sport/Utility of the Year award winners and much more.

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Vic Doolan is a successful automotive executive that contributed to the popularity of BMW in the USA.  He talks about his experience starting in Africa with British Leyland, as well as his tenure at Volvo North America, paving strong sales foundations for each manufacturer along the way.  Additionally, we're joined by famous car designer Henrik Fisker who also made his mark at BMW.  Henrik started at BMW before moving on to Ford and Aston Martin and has had a hand in many modern automotive masterpieces including the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage, and of course, the Fisker Karma.  Now, as a founding partner of VLF Automotive, Henrik is yet again looking to set the bar when it comes to design, innovation and luxury standards.

#94 - Setting the Course

Every two years Mini takes the States! Mini organizes a drive across the United States and anyone who owns a Mini can participate. Thousands of Mini owners from around the country (and around the world) join all or part of the drive. For the past 10 years the 6 MTTSs have become the largest owner driving event created by a brand. This year's 15 day rally was 4373 miles long through 18 states and ended in sweltering desert heat. Two years ago Charlie and Shawn drove the first day and this time they drove the last. Along the way they share their impression of the event, the Mini Clubman and meet several Mini aficionados including Tom from Mini, Eric from Automobile, Fausto from Spain and our good friends Todd and Alex from White Roof Radio.

#93 - Dam Hot Mini

Maurizio Sala wrote the book on Alfa Romeo…well, if not "the" book it was "a" book and there were lots of pictures. He is passionate about Alfa Romeo because it's been an integral part of his family for generations. Maurizio has an infectious accent and he's excited to share his family's history and advice for future car buyers.  We also meet Dr. John "Tico" McNutt, Founder and Director of the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust.  He shares his multi-decade experience operating a fleet of Land Rovers in the wilds of Africa. Every day, Tico puts Land Rover engineering and his own resourcefulness to the test as he depends on the marque's "reliability" in an incredibly hostile environment.

#92 - Storied Histories

Two of Europe's most historic rally races, the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, take center stage in this week's episode.  Motor Trend's Senior Features Editor Jonny Lieberman and legendary racing driver and team owner Chip Ganassi leave their mark in Europe.  We start with Jonny who relives the thrill of being behind the wheel of a $2 million dollar 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL in the Mille Miglia, the 1000-mile open-road endurance rally held in Italy.  Over the course of 4 days, Jonny and his Gullwing travel from Brescia to Rome and back at breakneck speeds, ignoring speed limits and traffic lights in what Enzo Ferrari once called "the world's most beautiful road race."  Jonny also comments on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team won the GTE Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford GT.  We asked Chip Ganassi to give his perspective on fielding the winning car and his renewed appreciation for the event.

#90 - For Speed and Glory

Ferrari or Porsche?  No matter your preference, both manufacturers performance and design pedigree is world-renown.  Charlie's travels take him to Maranello, home of the Prancing Horse, where he shares his impressions of the Ferrari Factory Tour-an experience typically available only to Ferrari owners.  Our man on the ground gets a rare look at the way Ferraris are assembled as well as a quick behind-the-scenes peak at F1 Team developments.  Shawn took advice from our last episode and arranged to drive his dream car on his birthday via Fast Toys Club.  With sporty gear changes, increased aerodynamic downforce and a chassis engineered for track use, the GT4 is a sports car just begging to be driven on the edge.

#69 - Taken For A Ride

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