Matthew Wilde

Articles by Matthew Wilde

Telsa announces rocket roadster with wicked specs

Elon Musk is a master promoter for his array of high-end electric vehicles. He’s just announced two new products, including what he’s marketing as the fastest street-legal roadster ever made. In addition to revealing plans for an electric semi-truck, Musk surprisingly announced the reboot of the roadster that launched his company. But it’s a far superior vehicle than debuted in 2008. According to Musk, the new generation of the roadster via prototype track testing will accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in 1.9 seconds. It’s predicted to have a top speed of more than 250 miles per hour. And it will have a range of 620 miles on  one full charge. The new Tesla Roadster won’t be available until 2020

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Expanding electrical vehicle charging networks coming soon

If car industry analysts are correct, sales of electric vehicles will soon increase dramatically. With manufacturers offering more models of plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles as well increasing gas-electric hybrids, some industry insiders believe “green cars” could account for as much as one-third of new car sales by 2025. The increase in battery-electric and plug-in hybrids could be even greater if states ban internal combustion engines. California is considering the ban, for example, and just think how the car industry would be affected if ban proposal occurred. Regardless of the severity of the increase, major questions loom: Where will the energy be produced to charge the influx of new vehicles? And how car owners will charge their vehicles? Will they

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Mecum Auctions rolls into Las Vegas for 1,000-car debut

Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector-car auction company, will produce its inaugural Las Vegas collector-car auction Nov. 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. An estimated 1,000 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods and Resto Mods will be on the auction block. Among the “Main Attractions” consigned to date for Mecum Las Vegas 2017 is a well-documented 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster (Lot S105.1). It retains its original aluminum body, red seat covers, 6-inch chrome wire wheels and remains one of the most original automatic-equipped Cobras in existence. Listen to The Weekly Driver Podcast about the Mecum Auctions debut in Las Vegas below: Another headliner is a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (Lot S108). It’s documented with a copy of

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Mecum Auctions Las Vegas debut live on Facebook

Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector-car auction company, will produce its inaugural Las Vegas collector-car auction, featuring an estimated 1,000 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, Hot Rods and Resto Mods, November 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Vehicles from approximately 20 states and and Canada, including a well-documented 1965 Shelby 289 Cobra Roadster (Lot 105.1) that retains its original aluminum body, red seat covers, 6-inch chrome wire wheels and is most original automatic-equipped Cobras in existence, will be among the main attractions. A 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster (Lot S108) documented with a copy of the original build sheet confirming its matching-numbers chassis, body, engine, four-speed transmission and differential, is also also among the expected most coveted vehicles. The consignments

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The Weekly Driver Podcast, #8: Transmission Shift

Driving purists still appreciate shifting gears in their vehicles. But driving a new car with a manual transmission is 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 transmission preferences. We discuss continuously variable transmissions and dual-clutch transmissions. The shift in shifting also has other ramifications, including resale values, gas mileage average and how manufacturers view the industry. Automatic transmissions were once viewed as a vehicle upgrade and with a corresponding price increase. Now in some instances, manual transmissions are options with an increased price. But there also automobiles available with automatic

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The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 7, 1959 Volkswagen Bug

Every family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest in 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. Officially, the Volkswagen Beetle and Bug are the Volkswagen Type I. It’s arguably the most recognizable vehicle on the road with its high, severely rounded roofline, protruding fenders, distinct lights and overall bulbousness. It’s now 72 years old. The VW’ has a weird legacy. It was commissioned by Adolph Hitler in the 1930s as “The

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Will Tesla be the first to offer affordable autonomous cars?

What company will be the first to make autonomous cars readily available in the United States? Will it be Tesla, Google or the Apple self-driving car? Or might it China and its manufacturers’ efforts? It’s hard to know what to expect or who will be at the front of the pack. Beyond pending infrastructure and legal issues, the successful company will likely be at the forefront with its design, functionality and affordability. Functionality involves ensuring the car can do what it is expected to do without failure. But how? Machine learning is a technology that allows machines to learn and adapt without specific programming based on data input from others. The more sources of input, the better and faster the

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Electric cars are the future, but will they ever rule the road?

Electric cars are the automotive future when it comes to personal transportation. How quickly, however, will your current vehicle be obsolete? Will an electric car be the first vehicle your children or grandchildren drive? Carscoops reported in 2015 four European countries and several states were planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The list included Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Vermont. International locations included Quebec, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Earlier this month, China also announced it would ban the production and sale of gas and diesel-fueled vehicles. France has also pledged to stop the sale of these vehicles by 2040. Meanwhile, Germany is pushing for a ban on

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The Weekly Driver Podcast, 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? Bruce Aldrich and James Raia, co-hosts of the Weekly Driver Podcast, recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In our new episode, we both pick four fantasy cars we’d like to own. Bruce chose a combination of vehicles he’s driven and others he longs to drive. James selected four upscale vehicles he’s driven during his 14 years as an automotive reviewer. The vehicles on our respective lists range from about $140,000 (2008 Audi A8) to about more that $400,000, the (2017 Bentley Mulsanne). The upscale car segment

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Two 2018 JL Jeep Wrangler models set for giveaway

Brian Deegan, a 16-time X Games Freestyle Motocross medalist, and Barricade Off Road, a leading manufacturer for off-road Wrangler parts, have joined for the biggest-ever Jeep Wrangler giveaway. Brian and his daughter Hailie have announced they’re giving away two 2018 JL Wranglers in conjunction with ExtremeTerrain, a leading authority in Jeep parts and accessories. This ultimate “His and Hers” Wrangler giveaway will feature two, one of a kind, unique JL Wranglers slathered in aftermarket parts from Deegan38, Barricade and more. With Brian Deegan’s approval, these 2018 Wranglers are ensured to be “absolutely sick.” Lift kits, wheels, tires, grilles, bumpers, fender flares, body armor, lights and other accessories are part of the recipe for these one-off Wrangler builds. A four-door JL

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The race to improve electric cars globally heats up quickly

SPONSORED CONTENT Last week, USA Today reported Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen would launch long-range electric cars. As such, what is the likelihood of electric cars being the first and only car your grandchildren will know? One consideration is defining the use of the term “long range.” Until recently, many electric cars had a range 40 to 100 miles per charge and they required hours to recharge. For commuters with short round-trip drives, limited-range electric cars are satisfactory. But for drivers whose daily driving habits including additional mile for errands and other activities, short-range electric vehicle are problematic. Electric-gas hybrid vehicles allow drivers to travel farther. But if you’re only driving 40 miles and then switching to fuel, does

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Zynga CSR Racing 2 honors Ferrari 70th anniversary

Owning a Ferrari is a lifelong dream for many performance car enthusiasts. But not many vehicle owners get to have their dream come true. But in conjunction the supercar’s 70th anniversary, Zynga a leading social game developer, has launched its homage to the iconic Italian vehicle in CSR Racing 2 (CSR2). Players can get behind the virtual wheel of a Ferrari 488 GTB, one of the six tailor-made Ferraris coming to CSR2 in honor of the manufacturer’s milestone celebration. “Over the course of 70 years, Ferrari has set the luxury standard of excellence in the automotive industry, producing some of the world’s most desirable vehicles,” said Bernard Kim, President of Publishing, Zynga. “As the exclusive mobile partner for Ferrari’s 70th

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Episode 3, Hybrid Hype

The 2000 Toyota Prius was the first nationally available hybrid vehicle in the United States. A few months earlier, Honda introduced the Insight, the so-called “Peanut Car.” But it’s never made much of an impact in its original edition or the current generation that debuted in recent years. Double click below to listen to the latest edition: But in the nearly 18 years since alternative fuel vehicles — gas/electric, electric only, natural gas, etc. — have been manufactured, has the technology made a difference? Environmental and green car advocates are likely to say “yes.” And every major manufacturer has at least one alternative fuel vehicle in its lineup. BMW to Mitsubishi and Ford to Lexus, manufacturers promote hybrid and other

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Three Big Impact Ford Vehicles for Small Businesses

SPONSORED CONTENT Ford vehicles are popular among most small and medium businesses. The consistent performance, unmatched design, passenger comfort, cargo ferrying and powerful features make the vehicles unsurpassed. Considering the manufacturer’s major impact, what are its current most popular vans? Here are three for consideration: Ford Transit — The most manufacturer’s most popular full-sized cargo van, the Transit is available in regular wheelbase and long wheelbase models. The latter model also has extended length options. The Transit van also offers an optional high roof version to accommodate increased cargo. Research the reviews from Dealer Reviews before finalizing a purchasing decision. The extended high roof edition offers 81.5 inches of interior height, the most spacious van for cargo ferrying. The Transit

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The joys of driving in comfort, improved health

Drivers who don’t like to drive rarely understand the mindset of drivers who like to drive. If you’re in the latter category, negotiating a winding country road, a haul through a mountainous state or barrelling across a desert are welcomed joys. But even for passionate drivers, the joys of driving can be further appreciated in comfort and perhaps even with improved health.     Professional drivers wear specially designed shoes for comfort and to improve response sensitivity while shifting, accelerating and braking. So why shouldn’t the rest of us? Several recreation and casual wear shoe manufacturers have increased their lineups of lightweight, comfortable shoes. Superfeet shoes weren’t designed specifically for driving. But they’re fancied by drivers who appreciate minimalist, versatile

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German motorhome cost $1 million, will carry your car

Recreational vehicle enthusiasts, like car and truck owners, have varied preferences in the modes of travel. Add to the list the Variomobil Signature 1200. The bus-sized motorhome features a 523 horsepower Mercedes-Benz engine, and it can carry another Mercedes-Benz or another car of your choice. It’s an expensive alternative to towing a vehicle. The base price is about $922,000. With options, the motorhome’s price can reach $1.3 million. The Variomobil is mmanufactured Germany, and the Signature 1200 has impressive specs: It’s 39 feet long, has three axles and a six-cylinder turbo diesel engine. It also features a steerable trailing axle for improved maneuverability, air suspension and driver-assistance technologies like lane departure alert, active braking assist and available 360-degree camera system.

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