James Raia

Articles by James Raia

#247, 2022 LA Auto Show: Vintage Ferrari, Bespoke ’67, Solo

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:49 — 43.7MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreCharge Cars was founded in 2016 and its first project is now available. Without the manufacturer mentioned, the London-based company has for order 499 of its bespoke “The ’67 By Charge Car.” Created individually and built like the original Ford Mustang but electric and built from the “ground up,” the ’67 is on display during the LA Auto Show. Bill Morse, a marketing spokesperson for the London-based company is the first of my three guests during the opening day of the 2022 LA Auto Show. While co-host Bruce Aldrich remained in Sacramento to produce the episode, I traveled to Southern California for the first

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#246, New Ferrari, LA Auto Show, Dumb Car Names

As we do periodically throughout the year, on this week’s episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast co-host Bruce Aldrich and I get caught up on the automotive industry news. There’s always a lot happening, and our topics cover a wide range. First, car names can mean a lot toward the success or failure of an automobile. We found a recent list on a prominent auto site that lists the top-25 worst car names in history. The list comes to mind with the not-too-long-ago naming of the pending new Ferrari sport utility vehicle. It will be called the Purosangue. Ferrari, of course, has long been associated with horses and its “Prancing Pony” logo. The new Ferrari is named after the word

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Ferrari Purosangue SUV: When nobody knows your name

The idea of a supercar presented as a sport utility vehicle was preposterous — until a few years ago. Sales were so high, not even niche high-end manufacturers could ignore the consumer shift away from sedans to more versatile people haulers. Welcome Ferrari to the once-off-limits core of prestigious carmakers clamoring for a market share. Joining the Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the 2023 Ferrari Purosangue is expected to debut in July. It’s a rare double for the Italian carmaker — a new model and its first SUV. Introduced last September, the most controversial vehicle in Ferrari history, delayed for more than two years became of Covid-19, will further add to the ever-expanding

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What can you expect when owning an electric vehicle?

Electric cars are increasingly common. Knowledge of the industry is imperative whether you’re about to purchase an electric vehicle soon or considering one in the future. It’s particularly important to understand how EVs work because of the many available electric cars and trucks Following are several general interest areas, detailing the advantages of owning an electric vehicle: Less Noise Pollution Electric vehicles dramatically reduce noise pollution. New EV drivers may experience a “learning curse.” Non-combustion engine cars and trucks are appreciably quiet on the road. Gas and diesel fuel cars have varying levels of driving noise, most prominently the “ping” of diesel engines. Cars and trucks with electric engines produce little engine noise, with the sometimes exception of a high-pitched

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#245, Young reporter Mason Bloom joins TheWeeklyDriver.com

Mason Bloom has experienced a lot as a young automotive enthusiast. His father owns a Porsche 911 and his father’s friend owns an Aston Martin Vantage. Bloom drove the latter at age 12. The Porsche and Aston Martin experiences solidified Bloom’s passion for high-performance vehicles. It also ignited his interest in writing about his experiences and the always-compelling automobile industry. Bloom, 16, a sophomore at Aptos High School (located on the central coast of California), is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I talk with the journalist about his automobile interests and those of his peers. We also talk with him about his writing talents. Bloom, recommended by Dave Kellogg (my long-time editor

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2022 Kia EV6 debuts as worthy three cars in one

Introduced 19 months ago as a 2022 model, the Kia EV6 is the South Korean manufacturer’s debut as it transitions from internal combustion engines to battery-electric vehicles. The launch has been an unqualified success. The spacious five-passenger utility vehicle also further blurs the definition of car segments. The EV6, part of Kia‘s EV1 through EV9 lineup plans, is simultaneously a station wagon, hatchback and crossover utility vehicle. Kia marketed the EV6 toward first-time electric vehicle buyers. Available in Light, Wind and GT-Line trims, the EV6 starts with a base price of $40,990 and continues to $51,200. It also further erases KIA’a formerly maligned quality. It’s now a fast climber in overall brand rankings, including from J.D. Power, the respected Michigan-based

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2022 Los Angeles Auto Show promises electricity, tradition

The Los Angeles Auto Show has lots of bright lights and bling, concept cars and customized cruisers from yesteryear. It’s the annual first major industry showcase uniquely held at the end of the calendar year. Global debuts of the newest Aston Martin, Hummer and Porsche are fine. Concept cars are great, although many may never be made for consumers. The latest electric vehicle innovation are the industry’s future. But much was made of the Bollinger, Byton, Canoo and Elio and none have been manufactured. The 115th The Los Angeles Auto Show will be held Nov. 18-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Charge Cars, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, ElectraMeccanica, Fiat, Genesis, GMC, Hummer, Hyundai, INDI EV, Jaguar,

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2022 AMG EQS: Tesla rival worth its hefty price

Consumers purchase vehicles for nearly as many reasons and varieties of cars and trucks. Budget, fuel economy, brand preference, dependability and an intangible like status are priorities. The 2022 AMG EQS has qualities from several categories, it’s also a vehicle purchased simply because a buyer who doesn’t need justification wants it. Introduced about a year ago, the full-size luxury sedan is the first electric offered by the AMG line, the separate but connected, performance-oriented lineup of vehicles affiliated with Mercedes. It’s not marketed so directly, but it’s the German manufacturer’s response to Tesla. It has many features also available in the Tesla lineup, but it’s offered by a nearly 100-year-old carmaker and without the controversy of the polarizing e-machines introduced

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#243, RVs, car-sharing, Rivian, expensive cars

Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I get caught up on the automotive industry on this week’s episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Bruce and his wife Alene took another trip in their new RV towed by their new pickup truck. I had my first experience renting a car for a day in the peer-to-peer, car-share industry. We also discuss the continuing troubles of Rivian, the upstart electric vehicle manufacturer, and we visit the list of the world’s top 50 most expensive cars. For their longest excursion and sixth trip in their fifth-wheel RV, a 29-foot Keystone Cougar towed by their 2022 Ford F-250 pickup truck, Bruce and Alene traveled from Sacramento along the North coast of California and into Bandon, Oregon.

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2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness does off-road right

Subaru first capitalized on the usefulness of its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system a few decades ago. In a television commercial, the men’s Olympic ski teams from Italy and France were featured pushing their team cars stuck in the snow. The U.S. team men’s drives through the drifts in a wagon with ease and without stopping. The Subaru then passes the Swedish women’s team, also stuck. In about a second, the Subaru driver stops, backs up the car and the women’s team gets in. A man in a passenger seat wearing a cowboy hat says, “Howdy, ma’am!” Subaru Outback: New Rugged Trim Level However outdated the commercial is today, it worked. And Subaru has kept at it. It caters its wagons and

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2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid: Upscale looks, value price

More than a dozen hybrid compact crossover sport utility vehicles vie for the expanding number of consumers seeking improved efficiency without transitioning into fully electric vehicles. Welcome the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid. Kia, the South Korean manufacturer partially owned by Hyundai, introduced the Sportage in 1993. It was originally classified as a compact SUV, but since 2004 the Sport has been labeled as a crossover. It’s built on a unibody chassis as opposed to the body-on-frame option used by most pickup trucks. The new Kia is part of the manufacturer’s trio of SUVs, and it’s positioned between the Seltos or Niro and the three-row Sorento. Kia and its vehicle relative Hyundai, have made quantum improvements in the past decade. Several

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4 essential car restoration tips you might not know

Classic car collectors know their passion for iconic vehicles can require substantial investments. Car restoration can also become more of a chore than anticipated. However, if you love owning and investing in classic cars, then exploring the restoration process may also be a welcomed challenge. Whether you’re interested in a particular make and model or are simply exploring options, some essential tips will help begin the restoration process. Here’s some crucial advice to consider: Research Your Restoration Options If you’re serious about restoring an old car, research is imperative. Some types of vehicles are better for restoration than others and the process can vary greatly with different types of vehicles. For example, if you’re seeking a classic sports car, more

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Driving in snow? Prepare, slow down or don’t leave home

Driving in snow and other bad weather isn’t easy. Particularly when it’s cold outside, precautions are necessary to ensure your safety. Snow and ice, heavy storms, strong winds and tornadoes can cause car accidents within minutes. In short, driving during the winter can be a dangerous with snow and sleet particularly troublesome and cause of many inclement weather accidents. But adhering to safe driving practice practices specific to inclement can help. Here are some tips and must-dos to help ensure safe driving in poor weather conditions. What Are Some Basic Warning Signs? It is important to be particularly aware of these warning signs while driving in poor weather conditions: Icy and slippery road fog and puddle-laden streets. Avoid Driving In

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2022 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53: Handsome, fast, pricey

Seven years ago, Mercedes-Benz changed the name of its mid-size sport utility vehicles from M-Class to GLE. It aligned the vehicles with the badges of the manufacturer’s most closely related sedans. The SUVs are offered in five trims, including the AMG GLE 53, and they remain among the carmaker’s most versatile luxury wheels. With the AMG GLE 63, the two siblings feature the subsidiary’s suite of high-performance engines and superior interior accouterments that can elevate the offerings to six-figure vehicles. All trim levels come standard with all-wheel drive, which Mercedes-Benz calls (4MATIC) except for the GLE 350. It’s also available in rear-wheel drive. The GLE lineup also has five-passenger seating standard, with three rows for seven passengers optional. The AMG

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Once the next great thing, farewell compact vans

Say goodbye to the compact van segment — at least in the United States. According to several online automotive publication reports, Ram will stop importing ProMaster City to the United States at the end of this season and Ford will drop the Transit Connect at the end of 2023. The two were the last of the remaining vehicles in the once popular niche segment. Ram and Ford have not commented on the reports of once niche but popular segment of the utilitarian vehicles. Compact Vans: So Long, Farewell Ford, which brought the new segment of compact vans into the United States in 2010, offered the Transit Connect as a passenger van and cargo van. It was available international since 2002.

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#241, Subaru, Maserati, cheapest, priciest insurance rates

Buying car insurance may be the least enjoyable component of automobile ownership. It’s a huge industry ripe with misinformation, high-profit margins and small print. CarInsurance.com, self-defined as “a one-stop online destination for car insurance information,” does its part to give consumers the basics and the details. Owned and operated by QuinStreet, Inc., a “pioneer in delivering online marketplace solutions to match searchers with brands in digital media” the website offers a good launching point for those seeking car insurance. It recently published a list of the cheapest and most expensive 2022 vehicles to insure. The site’s editors looked at the insurance rates for more than 3,000 vehicles to determine how much policyholders pay. Laura Longero, executive editor for CarInsurance.com, is

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