Wheel Bearings

Sam is in Chicago for the auto show, where the biggest news is the biggest SUV Ford makes, the Expedition. We talk about the new 2018 Ford Expedition, changes to the automotive landscape and fuel economy should certain political actions happen, and also discuss Volkswagen’s move to edge away from diesels. We finish up with a couple of interviews – Chevrolet Marketing Manager Steve Majoros and GM Electric Propulsion Calibrator Adam Heisel. We get some questions in before wrapping up, as well.

2017 Volvo S90 T6 Inscription AWD – Taking the Fight to the Germans

Show notes:

Tesla Lightning Lap

After a week off due to busy schedules, Dan and Sam are back. In the garage, we've driven the Genesis G80, Honda Civic Sport hatchback and a Chrysler Pacifica that went back smelling like a bunch of Deadheads had hit the road in it. Sam went to California to drive the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV on some of the same roads where he first drove the Tesla Roadster nine years earlier and finds that those that don't want to wait for a Tesla Model 3 should be taking a serious look this new entry. Dan, took the Pacifica north to Portland, Maine to bomb around in the snow with an all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger GT.

After a week off due to busy schedules, Dan and Sam are back. In the garage, we’ve driven the Genesis G80, Honda Civic Sport hatchback and a Chrysler Pacifica that went back smelling like a bunch of Deadheads had hit the road in it. Sam went to California to drive the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV on some of the same roads where he first drove the Tesla Roadster nine years earlier and finds that those that don’t want to wait for a Tesla Model 3 should be taking a serious look this new entry. Dan, took the Pacifica north to Portland, Maine to bomb around in the snow with an all-wheel-drive Dodge Challenger GT. We also answer some reader messages and play an interview with GM designer Stuart Norris.

Links:

Leave The Brake Pedal, Take The Bolt – Driving Chevrolet’s New EV

ABG First Drive: Hitting the road in the Tesla Roadster!

Since it's a quiet week (/s), we spend a good amount of time talking about the newly-refreshed 2018 Ford Mustang. Sam had a chance to speak with Mustang Vehicle Engineer Tom Barnes, too. We also talk about Mazda's move to introduce an HCCI engine for the next generation of Skyactiv powertrains, take some questions, and finish up with Sam's interview with Jim Zizelman from Delphi, talking about Dynamic Skip-Fire and other topics.
 

This week Dan has been driving the Dodge Charger Rallye AWD and finds that despite the age of the platform the big FCA sedans are still surprisingly good. Sam finds the Toyota Corolla is a solid car that provides basic but utterly uninspiring transportation. For 2018, the Ford Mustang gets a mid-cycle update with design, powertrain and technology changes and Sam chats with vehicle engineering manager Tom Barnes. Mazda looks to dump the spark plug for its next generation SkyActiv engines and we provide a gentle reminder to bring your key fob along even if you can start your car from your smartphone. Finally, Sam talks with Delphi VP engineering Jim Zizelman about dynamic skip fire technology and autonomous driving.

Sam walked a metric ton of miles around CES and then again at NAIAS, and we talk about what he saw and heard. We talk about the presentation by Ford's Mark Fields at CES, Detroit Auto Show highlights, and we answer some of your questions, too.

Sam walked a metric ton of miles around CES and then again at NAIAS, and we talk about what he saw and heard. We talk about the presentation by Ford’s Mark Fields at CES, Detroit Auto Show highlights, and we answer some of your questions, too.