James Raia

Articles by James Raia

Episode 8, Transmission Shifts

The Weekly Driver Podcast gets support from AmericanMuscle.com, your late model Mustang and F-150 Authority. Bringing you the hottest products and top-notch customer service for over a decade. No one makes it easier to modify your ride. Visit AmericanMuscle.com today for all things Mustang and F-150. Driving purists still appreciate shifting gears in their vehicles. But manual transmissions are rare these days. Automotive industry data companies estimate about only about three percent of new vehicles sold in the United States are equipped with manual transmissions. In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the shift in transmissions, and we list the cars still available with manual transmissions. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James

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2018 Audi A5: Refines entry level luxury coupe

The Audi A5 joined the German carmaker’s lineup in 1997, replacing the Audi 80. But for 2018, the Audi A5 is a new generation. And its design and features further designate the car’s position in the entry-level luxury coupe segment as an oxymoron. Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 252 horsepower and advance with a seven-speed transmission, the new Audi A5 advances smoothly and quickly. But there’s a brief turbo lag. The A5’s power is evidenced by its acceleration in the 0-60 miles per hour standard in 5.0 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system is impressive while cornering, particularly at higher speeds. The A5’s stability and braking are reassuring. Manual transmissions are nearing dinosaur status, but the Audi A5 is

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Episode 7, Bruce Aldrich and his 1959 VW Bug

Every family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug from his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest on this week’s episode, discussing the legacy of the historic Bug and how it influenced his upbringing and his close relationship with his father and family. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly

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2017 Fiat 500c Abarth: fun but flawed subcompact

Six years after Fiat returned to the United States, the Italian carmaker continues to struggle in the subcompact market. It’s a tough go with competition that includes perennial favorites like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Beetle. For 2017, Fiat has streamlined its efforts. Novelty trims have been ditched; the entry-level Pop, upscale Lounge and performance-oriented Abarth remain. The 500c variants include a coupe, sliding roof cabriolet and fully electric, 500e. The cabriolet Abarth has a four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower, an increase of 59 horsepower from its siblings. The Abarth name references the Italian carmaker’s founder Italian-Austrian Carlo Abarth. Its bold shield logo features a black scorpion on a red and yellow background. The base Fiat 500c has a dubious

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Episode 6, Fantasy Cars We Want

If you could buy any car, what would you choose? A Ferrari? Aston Martin? Bugatti? Rolls Royce? Lamborghini? Or how about something more elegant — and powerful — like a Bentley Mulsanne? The Weekly Driver Podcast recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In this issue, we both pick four new fantasy cars. And our respective No. 1 picks were the same — the 2017 Bentley Bentayga. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek,

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2017 Volkswagen Beetle: Spry, sporty, vital at age 72

Picking the most recognizable vehicle on the road is endlessly fun. The engine growl of a Maserati heard from another zip code? The near-silent elegance and design of a Tesla? The off-the-hook, testosterone-loaded design of a Hummer? They’re all unique, worthy selections. But like it or not, the Volkswagen Type I, predominately known as the Beetle or Bug, gets the honor. With its high, severely rounded roofline, protruding fenders, distinct lights and overall bulbousness, the 72-year-old Beetle is alone in the auto industry. The VW’s weird pedigree — commissioned by Adolph Hitler in the 1930s to adopted by the Hippie movement in the 1960s and 50 more years — further defines the car’s improbable legacy. It’s the second best-selling car

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Episode 5, Best Cars Under $25,000

Perhaps the most competitive price point in the car industry is the available of quality cars — sedans, sports cars, sport utility vehicles and crossovers — for less than $25,000. It’s particularly impressive since the average price of a new car in the United States in recent years has hovered around $32,000. Competition is increasingly intense. Whether you’re considering a luxury vehicle or a moderately priced car, there’s an abundance of choices as carmakers try to outdo each other. In Episode 5 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, co-hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich share our respective lists of vehicles we like, all for less than $25,000. Bruce is particularly fond of the 2017 Toyota Camry for its overall styling, driving

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2017 Nissan Titan improved, but still trails truck pack

The automotive landscape is dominated by large trucks. The Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and Ram pick-ups are perennially the country’s top-selling vehicles. So what are the other guys supposed to do to sell trucks? Nissan, which launched the Titan in late 2003, decided it needed to regroup. Except for a V8 diesel, the Titan wasn’t available as a 2016 model. It’s back in 2017 with a new look and an expanded warranty. Nissan’s goal is optimistic. It hopes the Titan can challenge the Big Three. Last year, Ford sold 820,799 F-Series trucks, led by the F-150. In 2005, Nissan sold 86,945 Titans, its best year. Sales haven’t reached 35,000 in any year in the last decade. With its 2017 model,

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The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 4, Ferrari owner Bill Finkbeiner

Automotive legend Enzo Ferrari began his legacy under the brand name Auto Avio Costruzioni in 1940. Seven years later, the Ferrari brand debuted with the 125S with a 1.5-liter V12 engine. The exotic Italian supercar with its famous black prancing horse, yellow background and Italian flag logo forever changed the automotive industry. Bill Finkbeiner, a landscape contractor and car collector in Auburn, California, has owned a Ferrari for nearly 40 years. He’s our guest on Episode 4 of The Weekly Driver podcast. Finkbeiner purchased a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2×2 on Feb. 18, 1979, Enzo Ferrari‘s 80th birthday. It was the first mass-produced four-seat Ferrari. The Weekly Driver Podcast co-hosts Bruce Aldrich (tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) and James Raia (theweeklydriver.com) talk with Bill

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The Weekly Driver Podcast – Episode 2 – Cars We’ve Owned

Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEvery family has cars, some long gone, some inherited by children or found in grandpa’s garage decades later. A vehicle’s pedigree is at least half the fun when discussing family cars. It could be something rare or a just a favorite old station wagon the family took on a trip when you were a child. The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 2 – Cars We’ve Owned In episode 2 of The Weekly Driver podcast, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss our first cars and other vehicles we’ve owned through the years. We also discuss our families’ cars, old Volkswagen models to Ford Falcons, tough old Buick sedans

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Episode 2, Cars We’ve Owned

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (19.8MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEvery family has had cars, some long gone, some inherited by children or found in grandpa’s garage decades later. A vehicle’s pedigree is at least half the fun of discussing family cars. It could be something rare or a just a favorite old station wagon the family took on trips when you were a child. The memories remain throughout our lives. We discuss our first cars and other vehicles we’ve owned through the years. We also discuss our families’ cars, old Volkswagen models to Ford Falcons, tough old Buick sedans to a few “lemons” we’ve owned and wouldn’t mind owning again. James RaiaA sports, travel and business

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Episode 1, Monterey Auto Week

Welcome to the debut of The Weekly Driver podcast. Co-hosted by James Raia and Bruce Aldrich, the weekly podcast is an extension of the website, theweeklydriver.com The latter has been published since 2004 and features new car reviews and articles on automotive trends. In Episode 1, we discuss visiting four events we attended during Monterey Auto Week. We were hosted by Lisa Guthrie at The Santa Lucia Preserve and attended a private event she began seven years ago called the Concours & Cocktails. James RaiaA sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday

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World’s most expensive car? Lamborghini Veneno Roadster

The Lamborghini Veneno debuted at the Geneva International Auto Show in 2013 with a price tag of $3.9 million. It was followed by the Veneno Roadster with a price tag of $4.5 million. Nine were made, according to the website autoguide.com, and are the most expensive new cars on the market. The website, curious about other expensive cars, recently compiled a list of the world’s 10 most expensive cars. The prices are estimates, the site reported, because manufacturers aren’t always forthcoming with prices of their exotic, limited production vehicles. Bruce Aldrich (tahoetruckeeoutdoor.com) and a contributing editor for TheWeeklyDriver.com, created the following image gallery at The Quail. Rarities in the automotive world are always prominent during Monterey Auto Week. But exotics

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2017 Kia Forte5: Unheralded hatchback shines tough segment

The 2017 Kia Forte5 is the hatchback trim of its more well-known sedan sibling. It’s reminiscent of the short-lived, defunct Volkswagen station wagon squareback that debuted in the late 1960s and ceased production six years later. The VW squareback was underpowered and quirky, but more than 350,000 were manufactured before its demise in 1974. Loyal followers liked the sizable cargo area, drivability, and versatility. The VW’s motto was, “Is it a small sedan that’s a station wagon or a station wagon that’s a sedan?” While similar is concept — a wagon-style cargo area in a sedan, the 2017 Kia Forte5 is far superior to its distant relative with a different name. But like the rest of its current family, it

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1955 Ford F100 best of show at Concours & Cocktails

Supercars, family heirlooms and affordable vintage vehicles are nothing new to the Monterey Peninsula, particularly during Classic Car Week. Gawk at a new multi-colored Rolls-Royce or a carbon-fiber Pagani. Admire a classic Aston Martin, Ferrari or Porsche. They’re all automotive works of art. Bob Kavner appreciates cars as much as any collector or enthusiast. But he has a different perspective. While plenty of sports cars and classic sedans were showcased at the recent Concours & Cocktails at The Santa Lucia Preserve, Kavner presented two trucks. The former Silicon Valley executive, now a resident of Carmel, lives just down the country road from The Hacienda, the 20,000-acre private community’s idyllic clubhouse. As he’s done before, it was only a few-minute task

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AmericanTrucks offers $2,500 truck parts giveaway

AmericanTrucks has one of the quickest and most popular ways for Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, and RAM truck owners to improve the looks and attitude of their vehicles — a wheel and tire upgrade. The aftermarket parts company is continuing to make it easy for its customers to do just that with a late summer parts giveaway. With a aluev of $2,500, the grand prize package will help truck enthusiasts of all levels to upgrade their rig, rims and rubber and get further attention on the road. The contest began in August and continues through the end of September. Weekly entries are allowed. Since its re launch in April 2017, AmericanTrucks has quickly made a stamp on the domestic pickup

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