Wheel Bearings
353 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 172 ratingsNicole, Roberto and Sam discuss the cars they are driving each week and then dive into some of the big topics of the auto industry including the technology, trends and personalities.
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Episodes
145 – Preserving Your Ride
April 10, 2020 16:18 - 1 hour - 84 BytesBentley brought the launch of the Flying Spur to Rebecca's doorstep. We also sample the 2020 GMC Acadia, Sam wrung every mile out of the 2020 Audi e-Tron, and Dan tried the completely charming 2020 Toyota Yaris XLE. We talk Honda and GM partnering on EVs, Autocar's EV range tests, EV Mustangs, and then we take your questions.
144 – Press On Regardless
March 30, 2020 01:36 - 1 hour - 83 BytesAs the lockdowns continue, our intrepid crew is still venturing out while staying isolated to bring you their impressions of the vehicles you might want to consider buying when this is all over. Rebecca spent time with the Jeep Gladiator in a seemingly deserted corner of Connecticut. Sam got Android Auto working in the Toyota… Read More »144 – Press On Regardless
143 – Sheltering In Place But Still Driving
March 21, 2020 16:12 - 1 hour - 86 BytesTo start, we ponder the near-term future. Then we get to cars, including the Hyundai Venue, Nissan Rogue Sport, BMW M340i, and the Ford pickup lineup from Ranger to Super Duty. For news, we talk about the 20201 Hyundai Elantra and follow up on GM EV day. We finish with some of your emails. If that seems like a long show, you're right. Just the thing for quarantine.
142 – GM Gets Plugged In
March 09, 2020 15:14 - 2 hours - 89 BytesIt's a splice-fest! First, Dan and Sam talk about driving the 2020 Infiniti Q50 Edition 30 and the Ford Ranger XLT. Some of the early impact of COVID-19 is pondered, and development mules like the Plymouth "Prangler" finish it up. For part 2, Sam and Rebecca review General Motors EV day, including a new battery design and previews of 12 upcoming electric vehicles.
141 – Corvettes In The Desert
February 28, 2020 16:20 - 1 hour - 49 BytesRebecca gives first drive impressions of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Sam has been driving the value-conscious 2020 Nissan Versa and the fuel-hungry Armada. Dan shares impressions of the Infiniti QX50. We wrap with a run through Consumer Reports 2020 Top 10 cars selections.
Ep 140 – Dependability, the Badger, and in-car exercise routines
February 14, 2020 17:58 - 1 hour - 76 BytesSince Rebecca and Sam skipped driving impressions on the last episode, there’s a lot of cars to talk about. Rebecca hit the road in her cousin’s 2008 Honda Odyssey with nearly 200,000 miles on the clock. Even after all those miles, this one is in great shape and proves that minivans are still a great… Read More »Ep 140 – Dependability, the Badger, and in-car exercise routines
Ep 140 – Dependability
February 14, 2020 17:58 - 1 hour - 76 BytesSince Rebecca and Sam skipped driving impressions on the last episode, there’s a lot of cars to talk about. Rebecca hit the road in her cousin’s 2008 Honda Odyssey with nearly 200,000 miles on the clock. Even after all those miles, this one is in great shape and proves that minivans are still a great… Read More »Ep 140 – Dependability
Ep 139 – Live From LA and Chicago
February 07, 2020 23:02 - 1 hour - 63.2 MBThis week Rebecca and Sam record another in-person show in two parts. The show starts at the Delta lounge at LAX and finishes in the windy city for the biggest little auto show in America. Cadillac has taken the wraps off the 2021 Escalade which should be on track to remain the most popular full-size… Read More »Ep 139 – Live From LA and Chicago
Ep. 138 – It’s All About the Context
January 31, 2020 17:57 - 1 hour - 77 MBThis week the crew has a range of premium (at least price-wise) SUVs to drive. Since our last gathering, Sam has been in the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring (complete with a faulty 12V battery) and the Lexus LX570. Dan went from Mercedes-Benz GLC300 to the Polestar engineered Volvo XC90 and Rebecca has been enjoying open-top… Read More »Ep. 138 – It’s All About the Context
Ep 137 – Big Screens and Blimps
January 17, 2020 16:36 - 1 hour - 73 BytesRebecca and Sam are back from another trek to CES and lots of stuff to discuss. Rebecca has been driving the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE, Sam was in the Genesis G80 Sport and Dan had the 2020 Ram Rebel EcoDiesel. At CES Rebecca drove a twin motor Nissan development mule for the upcoming Ariya electric… Read More »Ep 137 – Big Screens and Blimps
Radenso Radar Interview – John Dandrow and Randy Bader
January 10, 2020 17:57 - 41 minutes - 29 BytesWhile Sam and Rebecca were at CES, Dan spoke with John Dandrow and Randy Bader of Radenso Radar to discuss Rai and Theia, their new AI-based technology.
Ep 135 – Who’s Going To Buy All The EVs?
December 31, 2019 19:20 - 1 hour - 80 BytesThe crew gathers for a mid-holiday recording with Sam in the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While it’s definitely gotten better with some recent updates, it is value challenged against the new Mazda CX-30. Meanwhile Rebecca has been in the Ram 1500 with the e-Torque Hemi and the Lexus LX570 and Dan is still in the… Read More »Ep 135 – Who’s Going To Buy All The EVs?
Ep 134 – SUVs, Big, Little and Faux
December 27, 2019 01:46 - 1 hour - 70 BytesThe whole crew is back with both Dan and Rebecca sampling the aging Acura MDX A-Spec. Dan also had the Honda CR-V Touring. Since our last team gathering, Rebecca and Sam both drove the Mazda CX-30 and declare it the best small crossover. Sam has also been driving the Volvo V60 T5 and the Hyundai Santa Fe. In the news, GM has launched the first of its new generation of full-size SUVs from Chevrolet and Cadillac declares the ICE age over as it plans to go electric with new model names.
Ep 133 – Sedans, SUVs and More Cybertruck
December 10, 2019 18:40 - 1 hour - 79 BytesDan has driven the Dodge Durango SRT and Genesis G70 while Sam has been in the Honda Passport and Toyota Avalon Hybrid. GM and LG Chem form a lithium ion cell production joint venture and Mazda considers electrification options for the next generation Miata. Sam has an interview with Audi e-Tron manager Matt Mostafaei from the LA Auto Show. Finally we address some listener emails
Ep 132 – Electric Trucks
November 28, 2019 15:29 - 1 hour - 80 BytesWe drive the Mazda 3 AWD sedan, Mazda 6 Signature, and GMC Sierra AT4 CarbonPro Off-Road. Topics include the Tesla Cybertruck and highlights from the Los Angeles auto show including the Audi e-Tron Sportback, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Vision T concept
Ep. 131 – Ford Mustang Mach-E – Dave Pericak interview
November 19, 2019 19:54 - 58 minutes - 42 BytesFord has lifted the veil on the Mustang Mach-E. It's an electric SUV with a lot of hopes and goals riding on it. We take a deep dive into what we know so far, and Sam got a few minutes with Dave Pericak, who is the director of Ford Icons, and deeply involved with Mach-E development.
Ep 130 – Not Your Grandfather’s Mustang
November 18, 2019 01:48 - 1 minute - 73 MBIn the news, we discuss a Ford Raptor being forceably removed from blocking an EV charger, Tata searching for electrification partners for Jaguar Land Rover and the official name of Ford's new EV, the Mustang Mach-E. We wrap up with a couple of listener questions.
Ep. 129 – From Basic to Supercharged
November 08, 2019 22:41 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBWe're driving mainstream compacts, luxury sedans, and the $100,000 Ford Shelby GT500. Topics include the seemingly imminent merger of FCA and PSA, and the surprisingly reasonable price of the new MINI Cooper SE EV.
Ep. 128 – Bryan Salesky
October 25, 2019 20:49 - 48 minutes - 35 BytesThis time around, the whole crew is on the call to talk with Bryan Salesky, CEO and co-founder of Argo AI. Argo is the company developing the production automated driving system for Ford and VW and Bryan shares his thoughts on testing AVs in multiple cities, lidar, HD Maps and much more. Links Argo AI… Read More »Ep. 128 – Bryan Salesky
Ep. 127 – Ford’s Jim Farley On Building Mobility Technology, Services and Brands
October 21, 2019 12:23 - 182 BytesFor this special episode Sam sat down with Jim Farley, Ford’s president, new businesses, technology & strategy to talk about has been learned about mobility services, automated driving and brands. Links Ford’s Jim Farley On Building Mobility Technology, Services and Brands Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like the show and would like… Read More »Ep. 127 – Ford’s Jim Farley On Building Mobility Technology, Services and Brands
Ep. 126 – Volvo Gets Recharged
October 20, 2019 01:06 - 56.1 MBWith Rebecca bogged down in a big project that helps pay the bills, Dan recruited his friend George Kennedy from the Boston Globe and CarGurus to fill the third microphone. Sam spent time with the Honda Civic Touring sedan and then took a road trip to Pittsburgh in the Hyundai Veloster N. Dan drove the… Read More »Ep. 126 – Volvo Gets Recharged
Ep. 125 – Trusting Your Assistant
October 11, 2019 22:05 - 72.3 MBWith the whole crew back in action, Sam has been driving the Lexus LS500h. Rebecca samples a couple of luxury SUVs in the form of the Audi Q8 and Volvo XC90 T8. Meanwhile Dan learns that you can trail-brake a Toyota Sienna minivan before jumping into the Subaru Ascent. In California, PG&E has been shutting… Read More »Ep. 125 – Trusting Your Assistant
Ep. 124 – What’s Premium
October 03, 2019 22:20 - 61 MBThis week as Dan helps the kids with homework, Rebecca and Sam perform an automotive duet. Sam drove the Honda Civic Type-R for a week while Rebecca had the Toyota Rav4 hybrid and Cadillac XT4. The timing of Rebecca driving the Cadillac was fortuitous as Sam had just returned from driving the new Lincoln Corsair… Read More »Ep. 124 – What’s Premium
Ep. 123 – Escaping From Focus
September 24, 2019 17:15 - 53.2 MBRebecca has been off cavorting on a new Lexus yacht before coming home to move some stuff in the Toyota Sienna. Meanwhile Sam has enjoying the premium cabin of the Kia Telluride and Dan does a bit of four wheel drifting in the Audi Q3. Rebecca and Sam each got to try out the 2020… Read More »Ep. 123 – Escaping From Focus
Ep. 122 – Porsche Gets Charged Up
September 12, 2019 05:37 - 78.3 MBThis week we have lots of vehicles to talk about. Rebecca drove the Mercedes-AMG GTC Roadster to the US Open, and the Honda Accord Hybrid in SoCal. Sam discusses the Mazda CX-5 Diesel and the base Volkswagen Atlas. Dan shares his take on the Toyota 4Runner. Then we dive into the Porsche Taycan and how… Read More »Ep. 122 – Porsche Gets Charged Up
Ep. 121 – Wretched Excess
August 31, 2019 15:46 - 72.3 MBSam has been driving the Lincoln Navigator, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and Jeep Gladiator. Rebecca escapes a ticket in the Honda Civic Sport and Dan has been road tripping in the Cadillac XT6. We talk Monterey Car Week 2019 and the death of Ferdinand Piech
Episode #120 – Ludicrous!
August 22, 2019 03:49 - 1 hour - 39.3 MBThis week Dan and Rebecca are travelling so Sam is joined by Ed Niedermeyer to talk about his new book, Ludicrous, the Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors. The book is available at Amazon and other booksellers. Link Ludicrous: The Unvarnished Story of Tesla Motors on Amazon Wheel Bearings has launched a Patreon. If you like… Read More »Episode #120 – Ludicrous!
Special: The Drive To Level 5
August 17, 2019 13:23 - 9.67 MBHere’s a special extra episode for our listeners. Sam will be doing a talk on partnerships in automated vehicle development during the Drive World Expo conference in Santa Clara, California August 27-29. In the runup to the conference, the organizers have produced a special podcast series called the Drive to Level 5. Sam talks with… Read More »Special: The Drive To Level 5
Episode #119 – The Value Proposition of New Cars
August 09, 2019 01:53 - 67.6 MBIt’s a slow news week so the crew is just talking about the cars they’ve driving. Rebecca opens it up with the second-generation Audi Q3 while Sam has been in the 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie. Dan proclaims his love for the Mazda Miata which remains one of the last true roadsters available. Rebecca and Sam… Read More »Episode #119 – The Value Proposition of New Cars
Episode #118 – Meeting Expectations
August 02, 2019 22:58 - 64.7 MBThe whole crew is back this week as they delve into the garage. Sam drove the BMW X2 M35i, Rebecca had the Volvo S60 sedan and Dan sampled the GMC Acadia. The Corvette C8 conversation continues with two-thirds of the team having now seen it in person. While feelings about the center console have been… Read More »Episode #118 – Meeting Expectations
Episode #117 – No More Windmills For Don Sherman
July 26, 2019 14:44 - 51.8 MBThis week Rebecca is off gallivanting around northern California in the new Subaru Outback. That leaves Dan and Sam to discuss living with the Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang, the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and the Fiat 500C Abarth. Coming out of the garage, the discussion turns to the eighth generation Chevrolet Corvette. After more than 40… Read More »Episode #117 – No More Windmills For Don Sherman
Episode #116 – Electrifying Racing
July 16, 2019 15:48 - 25.6 MBThis time around Sam and Rebecca sat down on the rooftop of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge where they were staying while attending the finale of the 2018-2019 FIA Formula E season. Our duo talks about driving the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro and the Nissan Leaf Plus. After the garage talk they dive into electric… Read More »Episode #116 – Electrifying Racing
Episode #115 – Goodwood, Records, and Partnerships
July 14, 2019 14:07 - 53.2 MBSam and Dan catch up on Goodwood, where the Volkswagen I.D.R broke the speed record, and then did it again the next day, too. Sam gives impressions of the 2020 Hyundai Palisade, and we wrap up with the news of Ford, Volkswagen, and Argo.ai announcing a collaboration on EVs and autonomous driving development. This week’s… Read More »Episode #115 – Goodwood, Records, and Partnerships
Episode #114 – Managing Brands
July 02, 2019 02:00 - 77.7 MBDan is back and talking about the BMW X2 M35i that he used to shuttle his kids around on a family trip. Rebecca goes beyond the infotainment of the Lexus RC350 F-Sport and Sam swaps a Rav4 with flaky bluetooth for a Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE. In the news, the crew discusses GPS spoofing and… Read More »Episode #114 – Managing Brands
Episode #113 – Technology Confusion Reigns
June 25, 2019 22:04 - 54.7 MBDan was traveling on family business this week so it’s just Sam and Rebecca. Sam sings the praises of the 2019 Mazda 3 and laments bluetooth causing the infotainment system in the Toyota Rav 4 to crash. Speaking of bluetooth issues and Toyota adjacent vehicles, Rebecca had issues trying to connect to the Lexus RC350… Read More »Episode #113 – Technology Confusion Reigns
Episode #112 – Exploring Different Kinds of Hybrids
June 19, 2019 15:09 - 65 MBThis week Rebecca and Sam had very different hybrid experiences on opposite coasts. Rebecca has been enjoying the thrill of the Acura NSX while Sam got to sample the 2020 Ford Explorer. They also both to sample the third generation Kia Soul in faux crossover flavor and find it continues to be a favorite small… Read More »Episode #112 – Exploring Different Kinds of Hybrids
Episode #111 – Changing Perceptions
June 12, 2019 11:02 - 62.4 MBThis week, Dan has been driving the Mercedes-AMG C43 Cabriolet. Sam drove the refreshed 2019 Hyundai Tucson before heading off to Manhattan to ride subways. Rebecca has been driving the Cadillac Escalade around southern California. From there we dive into the failed Fiat Chrysler and Renault merger and where it might go next including hooking… Read More »Episode #111 – Changing Perceptions
Ep. 110 – Luxury Hybrid Utilities, Tariffs and Mergers
June 03, 2019 16:54 - 64.3 MBThis week the crew drives a bunch of different flavors utility vehicles and a convertible. Rebecca and Dan both sampled the new Kia Telluride. Dan also tried a blend of old and new school with the Mercedes-Benz G550. Sam’s utilities were both electrified with the Lexus UX250h F-Sport giving way to the new Range Rover… Read More »Ep. 110 – Luxury Hybrid Utilities, Tariffs and Mergers
Episode #109 – Screaming Fords and Electric Audis
May 19, 2019 00:26 - 173 BytesThe crew is back with the Chevy Blazer, Ford Ranger and Mazda Miata RF. Sam has been driving the Audi E-Tron Quattro in northern California. Amy Marentic talks Ford Icons, Mazda is bringing back inline sixes and GM Cruise gets more cash. Links Driving the 2019 Ford Shelby GT350 Mazda Inline Six-Cylinders GM Cruise Investment… Read More »Episode #109 – Screaming Fords and Electric Audis
Episode #108 – Who’s To Blame?
May 03, 2019 20:32 - 65.2 MBOn this week’s edition we learn that Dan doesn’t like convertibles after driving the BMW M850i. Rebecca has a noisy seat in the Nissan Maxima and thinks the Hyundai Tucson is a great value. Sam finds that the Ford Ranger rides a lot better with 600 lbs of dirt in the back and the interior… Read More »Episode #108 – Who’s To Blame?
Episode #107 – Ford throws money at Rivian, we’ve driven lots of cars, Tesla mobility day
April 26, 2019 15:24 - 77.7 MBThe gang are all back in their respective homes this week as we catch up on a couple of weeks of driving. Sam has had the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and Ford Edge Titanium. Rebecca had the BMW i3 Rex and Lexus NX300 while Dan had the latest Lincoln Navigator and Lexus ES350. Links Ford invests… Read More »Episode #107 – Ford throws money at Rivian, we’ve driven lots of cars, Tesla mobility day
Episode #106 – Live From New York!
April 18, 2019 01:34 - 13.2 MBThis week, Dan has been locked in a closet in Boston working on proposals so Rebecca and Sam locked themselves in a 2019 Lincoln Navigator on the floor of the New York Auto Show at Javits Center. In the sanctuary of the Navigator, they discussed some of the show highlights including the new Lincoln Corsair,… Read More »Episode #106 – Live From New York!
Episode #105 – Sometimes Tilting At Windmills Pays Off
April 15, 2019 04:38 - 66.8 MBThis week Sam and Rebecca both discuss their experience with the Nissan Murano. Rebecca has also been in the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV while Dan drives the Honda Pilot. In the news, four decades of tilting at mid-engine wind mills finally pays off for Don Sherman as GM confirms the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette will debut on… Read More »Episode #105 – Sometimes Tilting At Windmills Pays Off
Episode #104 – Who Says Millennials Don’t Like Cars?
April 06, 2019 20:02 - 59.2 MBThis week Rebecca describes a road trip she took in the Buick Regal with her millennial nephew to watch some sportsball. She also samples the new generation Mazda3 sedan and we ponder the potential of Mazda to reposition itself as a more premium brand. Sam drives the BMW X4 and isn’t repulsed while Dan is… Read More »Episode #104 – Who Says Millennials Don’t Like Cars?
Episode #103 – Mandatory Smarts and Saving Smart
March 29, 2019 11:01 - 66.9 MBThis week, Rebecca finishes up with the Volvo V60 and tries out the new Ram 2500 in Manhattan. Sam has also been in a big truck with the 2019 Nissan Titan Pro4X while Dan goes small with the Hyundai Kona Ultimate. In the news, Lincoln releases the first teaser image for the Corsair compact crossover… Read More »Episode #103 – Mandatory Smarts and Saving Smart
Episode #102 – No Charging, No Parking!
March 23, 2019 20:21 - 81 MBThis week Sam has returned from California and after driving the 2019 Kia Niro EV, he has a rant about electric vehicle drivers that think they have a right to park right next to the building even when they aren’t charging. Rebecca has been driving the lovely new Volvo V60 and Dan has the “first… Read More »Episode #102 – No Charging, No Parking!
Episode #101 – We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Badges
March 16, 2019 02:12 - 67.6 MBThe whole crew is back in the same time zone this week as Rebecca shares her thoughts on the new Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, Sam drives the refreshed 2019 Nissan Maxima and Dan plays with the Ford F-150 Raptor. The mythical mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette has been Don Sherman’s personal unicorn for nearly 50 years and the… Read More »Episode #101 – We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Badges
Episode #100 – Lots of Electrons in Geneva
March 08, 2019 20:50 - 76.1 MBAs Wheel Bearings breaks into triple digits we have one more two part show with Rebecca still in the sub-continent. In the first half of the show, Sam and Rebecca talk more about transportation in India and the challenges of deploying electric vehicles there. Sam has been driving the Genesis G70. Then Rebecca and Sam… Read More »Episode #100 – Lots of Electrons in Geneva
Episode #099 – Live From The Sub-Continent
March 02, 2019 22:17 - 67.7 MBThis week, location and schedule constraints meant that the show was recorded in two parts. Sam talked with Rebecca while she was on vacation in India and then picked up later with Dan back in his native time zone. Sam drove the Hyundai Kona Electric and Rebecca describes transportation in India. Tesla made some news… Read More »Episode #099 – Live From The Sub-Continent
Episode #098 – Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Street
February 25, 2019 02:56 - 52.9 MBThis week we’re talking luxury as Rebecca drives the Maserati Levante, Dan has the Mercedes-Benz E450 and Sam relaxes in the Kia K900. At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Anton Piech, son of Ferdinand and great grandson of Ferdinand Porsche launches his own car company with an electric sports car. Ford has more trouble with… Read More »Episode #098 – Look Both Ways Before Crossing the Street