James Raia

Articles by James Raia

2018 Range Rover Velar: big, bold, deserves to be seen

Naming a vehicle after a Latin word meaning to veil something’s identity seems odd. So why would Land Rover call its handsome new Range Rover sport utility vehicle the Velar? It wasn’t the British manufacturer’s intent to keep it a secret. The name is an homage to the brand’s first prototypes in the late 1960s. And considering the sophistication and sleekness of the 2018 Range Rover Velar, forget the name’s origin. Instead, embrace the craftsmanship, and tell your friends and colleagues. The Velar, released about one year ago, defines the worthy combination of luxury and ruggedness. With its available exterior and interior color choices, including my test vehicle’s Firenze Red exterior with black lettering and its Light Oyster interior, the

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Jerry Seinfeld honors Jerry Lewis in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Two famous comedians named Jerry driving in a vintage convertible with its top down to an omelet shop in Las Vegas? Is there a better way to begin the 10th season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee than with Jerry Lewis and Jerry Seinfeld? Jerry Seinfeld didn’t think so. His guest in the first episode of the new season and as the show transitions from Crackle to Netflix, is deceased comedian Jerry Lewis. The debut show was taped last year. It provides a poignant 20-minute homage to Lewis, who died on August 20, 2017, from heart failure at age 91. In the video preview to the opener, which will debut on Netflix on July 6, Seinfeld and Lewis visit the

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2018 Lexus GS 300: luxury sedan, sports car appeal

The 2018 Lexus GS 300 is among a half-dozen luxury sedans all vying for a market share in a segment packed with superior choices. Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz join Lexus in the mix of buyers whose decisions are often based on status, brand loyalty and overall quality. Which designation is the most important doesn’t matter. But choose the Lexus GS 300, and the top-three buying reasons all resonate. Reliable performance and a sporty design give the upscale Toyota marque more clout. Key Takeaways Renamed from GS 200t, mechanically identical: The 2018 GS 300 carries the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 8-speed automatic as the outgoing GS 200t. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard. 241 horsepower

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Episode 44: Expert examines Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Driving from Northern California to Southern California and back has been routine in recent years. The 800-mile round-trip trek along Interstate 5 is always interesting, particularly when driving a 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Six weeks ago was the most unusual trek I’ve taken from Sacramento to the Los Angeles region (this time to Long Beach) because I drove the sedan that runs on hydrogen. From the expediency of refueling to the performance of the Clarity and from the use of the High Occupancy Lane as a single occupant to running out of hydrogen were all part of the unique experience. The Clarity won me over quickly. I wrote my syndicated automotive for Bay Area News Group, Autopia, about my

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Episode 43, Don’t leave pets, children alone in vehicles

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:00 — 33.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreTragedy strikes every summer. Children and pets die from heatstroke after being left unattended in cars and trucks. It should never happen, but it does when unknowing vehicle owners think leaving a window slightly open or parking in the shade alleviates potential problems. But it’s not sufficient. Within minutes after children or animals are left in a vehicle, temperatures can drastically rise and wreak havoc. Young children and pets can’t help themselves. In Episode #43 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia speak with Dan Carron, a senior analyst for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The animal

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2018 Ford F-150, 2018 Toyota Corolla icons of success

The Ford F-150 pickup, the overt sentinel of masculinity, and the Toyota Corolla, the tiny titan compact sedan, have little in common with two exceptions, reliability and enduring success. The Corolla, manufactured since 1966, is the best-selling car in history with more than 43 million sold. The Ford F-Series, introduced in 1948, has been the country’s best-selling vehicle for decades. It’s the second best-selling vehicle in history with more than 40 million sold. While the sedan might be able to fit in the bed of the pick-up and cost one-third as much, driving either vehicle is experiencing automotive royalty. There’s little out of the ordinary about the Corolla. It’s understated and remains increasingly popular because of its consistency. The F-150

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Rolls-Royce joins auto industry trend with first SUV

Get ready for something new from Rolls-Royce. The luxurious British carmaker will soon debut its first sport utility vehicle. It will be called the Cullinan and, as expected, it will be big and powerful as its namesake. The Cullinan, the largest diamond ever found, is part of the British Crown Jewels. Pricing and a release date haven’t been announced, but the Cullinan is expected to be available in late 2018 and with an estimated entry price of around $400,000. It will be the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever made. Constructed with all-aluminum architecture, the Cullinan will have impressive specs: a 6.75-liter, twin-turbo V12 with 563 horsepower. It will come standard all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and rear-hinged coach doors. The estimated 0-60

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Episode 42, Ford F-150 still rules, less safe cars, hydrogen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:37 — 37.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe Ford F-150 pick-up has no equals, except for its siblings. They comprise the stable of the country’s best-selling pick-up trucks. The truck’s legacy as the second best-selling vehicle in history as well as its pros and cons among three topics discussed in Episode 42 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia recently drove the 2018 Ford F-150 (Lariat) trim. Neither of us are pick-up enthusiasts, but the new F-150 won us over. It’s powerful, comfortable, spacious, rugged and luxurious — at least as much as pick-up trucks can be luxurious. The new Ford F-150 is also expensive. We review

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Industry fuel cell expert clears the air on hydrogen

Nineteen months ago, Chris White did something no one else in Northern California had done. She leased a new car that operates only on hydrogen. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai are manufacturers offering hydrogen-only vehicles. Mercedes-Benz and GM also have plans for hydrogen-only vehicles, the emissions of which are water. The 2017 and 2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are available for lease only in only 12 dealerships in California. Five locales are in the San Francisco Bay Area, one is in Roseville. The long-time Communications Director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership in West Sacramento, White also lives in West Sacramento. But she often travels to San Ramon on business and Truckee to visit relatives. Hydrogen stations are located in both

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2018 BMW 740e: Big green sedan, big green money

The luxury sedan market is flush with wondrous vehicles, including the 2018 BMW 740e. They’re machines whose craftsmanship and performance further define the pleasures of driving even to enthusiasts who don’t need persuading. With the addition of the new BMW, Germany manufacturers continue to expand their reign of the segment. Mercedes-Benz has the S-Class and there’s the Audi A8. The 740e xDrive iPerformance gives BMW its most extensive list of powertrains. The plug-in hybrid, rated at 27 miles per gallon in gas-only mode, and 64 miles per gallon with the combined electric and gas methods considered, has the same overall qualities BMW enthusiasts appreciate. It’s comfortable and quiet, and it’s constructed with superior-class materials and a finish carpenter’s touch. Even

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2018 Hyundai G90 sedan offers luxury, value price

Particularly in upscale vehicles, loyalty is a thing. If you’re an Audi, BMW, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz owner, chances are you’re a repeat customer or you will be. The Hyundai G90 doesn’t have the pedigree of its competitors, but it’s making a strong effort to change buyers’ habits. Two years ago, Genesis joined (Lexus) Toyota, Infiniti (Nissan) and Acura (Honda) as a stand-alone brand emerging from its founding family. Genesis was formerly part of the Hyundai lineup and it was positioned on the price plateau one notch below the top-line Equus. The latter is gone; the former is finding its with an expanding presence and well-deserved praise. As the brand’s flagship, the Hyundai G90 is a five-passenger sedan available with a new

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Episode 36, New sales for old cars, vintage car passion

Lending Tree, a leading online exchange based in Charlotte, N.C., connects consumers with banks, credit institutions and other lenders to negotiate the best deals. It also releases studies to provide pertinent statistics to customers. A recent study, tabulated with thousands of transactions, details the top 50 metropolitan areas whose car buyers purchased the oldest used cars. The national average age for a used car purchase is six years old. Jen Jones, an autos writer for Lending Tree, is our first guest on episode No. 36 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Responding to co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia, Jones provides insight into the survey. She explains why it was done, what the results mean and the surprises Lending Tree discovered

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2018 Honda Fit: money car for budget-minded buyers

Two questions with similar themes percolate throughout the auto industry. Consumers want to know the best car for the money and the best car money can buy. The answers are subjective. But the first question is more relevant to more buyers, and so here’s one vote for the 2018 Honda Fit. Now in its third generation and 11th year since replacing the Honda Civic hatchback, the Fit is a five-door subcompact with more interior room than its appearance indicates. Versatile, well-constructed inside and outside and value-priced, the little engine that can is arguably the best new car available in the United States for less than $20,000. Key Takeaways Still one of the best new cars under $20,000: The third-generation Fit

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2018 Hyundai Sonata challenges Toyota, Honda sedans

Thirty years ago, a few years after the Hyundai Sonata debuted in South Korea, the midsize sedan arrived in the United States. Honda and Toyota were already well established; the newcomer had little chance of success. The 2018 Sonata, with interior and exterior makeovers, is still trailing Japanese manufacturers’ favorites, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. But the Sonata is far removed from its early tenure reputation as a cheap sedan alternative best avoided. Except for the SUV segment, the midsize, five-seater is deep into the mix of the industry’s fiercest competition. The Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Altima and Kia Optima also have much to offer, so how does a buyer make a choice? Honda and Toyota have stellar

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2018 Kia Niro joins Hyundai Ioniq to challenge Prius

Once upon a time, car categories were simple — sedans, convertibles, station wagons, vans and pick-up trucks. Vehicles had concise, practical names often referencing ferocious or fast animals. But ambiguity now reigns. Consider the 2018 Kia Niro and its close relative, the Hyundai Ioniq. The former, introduced two years ago, is designated as a subcompact crossover hybrid SUV, but it more resembles a hatchback. It doesn’t offer all-wheel drive or extra ground clearance, customary SUV characteristics. Key Takeaways Niro PHEV new for 2018 with 26-mile electric range: The plug-in hybrid variant adds to the existing hybrid lineup, recharging in under three hours with portable equipment stored in a backpack-style case. Federal and California tax credits trim sticker meaningfully: $4,543 federal

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New auto books showcase Porsche racing, rusty relics

There’s no shortage of books written about automotive topics. Cars, drivers, craftsmanship, manufacturers and racetracks have all been exhaustingly detailed. But two new offerings cover unrelated compelling niche topics. Porsche Werks/Team, a coffee table-sized, image-dominated volume, intimately details a photojournalist’s three-year project for Porsche at three famous endurance races. Muscle Car Barn Finds is an equally enticing book from a far different segment of the automotive world. It’s the author’s quest to find abandoned and hoarded vintage vehicles as he travels throughout several states. Porsche is highlighted in a new endurance racing book. Porsche is highlight in a new enduracne racing book.With Porsche Works/Team (Delius Klasing & Co., $65), renowned photographer Frank Kayser and author Heike Hientzsch recall the performances

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