Michael Kahn

Articles by Michael Kahn

#286, James Raia Behind the Wheel: Seven Years of Stories, Cars, and Conversations

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:43 — 51.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreIn this special The Weekly Driver podcast episode, Michael Kahn takes the reins from longtime hosts James Raia and Bruce Aldrich in an interview with Raia, who reflects on the journey in automotive journalism and podcasting over the past seven years. Raia leans forward and with a bit of a journalistic tone, he casually shares, “After reviewing cars every week for 21 years, I still find myself asking, ‘What’s the story behind this car?’” With candid humor and heartfelt anecdotes, Raia shares the story of how he and Aldrich built the podcast from scratch, interviewing everyone from car enthusiasts next door to industry giants

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2024 Best of the Bay: Top Vehicles Showcase Tech and Comfort

2024 Best of the Bay is an annual awards event judged by members of the Western Automotive Journalists (WAJ), a non-profit association of automotive writers and content creators based in the Bay Area. I had the unique opportunity to personally test drive each of the vehicles featured in the 2024 Best of the Bay awards. Given 30 minutes with each vehicle, I navigated a series of carefully suggested routes that allowed me to experience their full range of capabilities. From winding coastal highways to steep hills and forested backroads around Santa Cruz, the diverse landscape provided the perfect canvas to put these cars through their paces. Each drive offered something new—whether it was the roar of a performance engine or

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The Untold Challenge of Electric Vehicles: What Happens to the Batteries?

The rapid electrification of the global automotive industry has made electric vehicles (EVs) a central piece of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the shift to EVs brings the promise of cleaner transportation, the supply chain and lifecycle of EV batteries introduce complex environmental challenges. The creation of a circular economy around EV batteries—a system that minimizes waste by reusing and recycling materials—is seen as a solution to these challenges. Building this system from scratch requires innovation, regulatory support, and technological advancements. Beyond merely reducing emissions, it aims to optimize resource use, limit reliance on virgin materials, and create a sustainable infrastructure for handling millions of EV batteries over the coming decades. EV Battery Boom: Critical Infrastructure The surge

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GM Energy PowerBank: Bringing Home Energy Storage and Backup Alongside Ultium

General Motors is not just making strides in electric vehicle (EV) technology; it’s now making a significant impact in home energy solutions. With the launch of GM Energy’s PowerBank, the company aims to provide homeowners with a robust, reliable backup energy storage system that integrates seamlessly with its Ultium platform. The PowerBank is designed to offer backup power for homes during outages and peak demand periods, while also enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. This marks a major step forward in GM’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy solutions. With the PowerBank, GM Energy is delivering more than just a simple energy storage solution—it’s offering homeowners the ability to control, manage, and optimize their energy usage

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Elon Musk Unveils Tesla Robovan, the 20-Seat Electric Van Set to Transform City Transit

Tesla has made waves yet again with the unveiling of its latest innovation: the Tesla Robovan. Introduced at the 2024 ‘We, Robot’ event, the Robovan is designed to be both a passenger and cargo vehicle, capable of fully autonomous operation. Much like the recently revealed Cybercab, the Robovan is set to revolutionize how we think about urban transportation, offering solutions for logistics, public transit, and mobility as a service. A Van Like No Other The Tesla Robovan isn’t just a larger version of Tesla’s other vehicles—it’s an entirely new concept. Elon Musk described it as “a Swiss army knife of transportation” during its reveal, highlighting its versatility for both passenger and cargo applications. Whether it’s transporting commuters or delivering packages,

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Elon Musk Introduces Tesla Cybercab at We, Robot with Full Self-Driving Autonomous Technology

In an era where autonomous vehicles are no longer a distant dream, Tesla has taken yet another leap forward with its highly anticipated Cybercab—an all-electric, fully autonomous robotaxi designed to transform urban mobility. Unveiled by Elon Musk at Tesla event ‘We, Robot’ on October 10, 2024, the Tesla Cybercab is more than just a vehicle; it’s a glimpse into a future where human drivers may become obsolete. But what does this mean for city transportation, and how does the Cybercab compare to Tesla’s other innovations? The Concept Behind the Cybercab Elon Musk’s vision for Tesla has always included a future where vehicles operate without human intervention. Tesla‘s Cybercab is the embodiment of that vision—a purpose-built, driverless taxi designed to ferry

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Automakers Reassess Electric Goals as Costs Outpace Expectations

Electric vehicles (EVs) were once heralded as the inevitable future of the automotive industry, with automakers rushing to announce bold plans to electrify their lineups. But as 2024 unfolds, it’s becoming clear that this future may not arrive as quickly as once expected. The last few months have seen a significant pullback from several major automakers, including Ford, General Motors (GM), Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, and Volvo. Economic headwinds, rising costs, and supply chain issues are forcing these companies to reassess their once-lofty EV ambitions. While consumer demand for electric vehicles remains strong, the reality of scaling EV production has proven far more complicated than anticipated. Ford’s Battery Plant Delay and Mixed Results Ford has been one of the most vocal advocates

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The Renault 17 Returns: A Look at Ora Ïto’s Restomod and Its 1970s Legacy

The Renault 17, a distinctive French coupe from the 1970s, may not be a household name, but it’s one that invokes nostalgia for a generation of auto enthusiasts. Born from a decade defined by daring designs, disco, and social change, the Renault 17 has been revived as a modern restomod by French designer Ora Ïto. This sleek reinterpretation blends retro charm with contemporary automotive advancements, giving new life to a car that helped define an era. The Renault 17: A Snapshot of 1970s Style and Culture Renault launched the 17 in 1971, aiming to carve a niche in the competitive European market for sporty coupes. The 1970s were a time when the auto industry was pivoting from pure muscle to

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Volkswagen and ORNL Break New Ground with 270 kW Wireless Charging for EVs

Volkswagen, in collaboration with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has taken a significant step forward in the evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology by achieving the first-ever 270 kW wireless power transfer. This landmark development represents a leap in wireless charging capabilities, setting the stage for faster and more efficient EV charging without the need for cumbersome plug-in systems. For drivers and the industry alike, this advancement could be a game-changer in how electric vehicles are charged, bringing us closer to a future where EVs can charge rapidly and seamlessly. The Breakthrough in Wireless Charging The 270 kW wireless charging system developed by Volkswagen and ORNL employs high-frequency magnetic fields to transfer energy between a transmitter and a receiver.

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The Smartest Highway in the United States Starts in Detroit, Michigan

Michigan, a state historically synonymous with automotive innovation, is pioneering yet another groundbreaking project: the world’s first dedicated autonomous vehicle (AV) corridor on Interstate 94. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Cavnue in partnership with the Michigan Department of Transportation, aims to create a 25-mile stretch of “smart” highway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. This corridor represents a significant leap forward in the integration of connected and automated vehicle technology, potentially revolutionizing transportation infrastructure in the region. The Vision for the AV Corridor The corridor, once completed, will facilitate the deployment and integration of AVs by incorporating advanced infrastructure designed to support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. This technology allows vehicles to interact with each other and the surrounding infrastructure, enhancing safety and

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Uber Will Pay You to Stop Driving For a Month

Uber has announced a bold new initiative aimed at reducing car ownership in cities worldwide. Dubbed the “One Less Car” challenge, this program encourages residents in select cities to ditch their personal vehicles for a month, opting instead for public transportation, ridesharing, biking, and walking. The challenge is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of living car-free and to promote sustainable urban mobility. The Challenge Details Uber’s “One Less Car” challenge targets participants in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and London. Over the course of 30 days, Uber will provide various incentives and resources to support participants in their transition away from personal vehicle use. Key components of the challenge include: The $1000 stipend breaks down into three parts. $500

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Electric DeLorean Conversion Brings Icon Back to the Future

The DeLorean DMC-12, immortalized by the “Back to the Future” trilogy, is making a dramatic return—not through time travel, but with a state-of-the-art electric conversion. UK-based Electrogenic, a company celebrated for its adept conversions of classic cars, has revitalized the DeLorean, seamlessly blending its iconic design with contemporary electric vehicle technology. From 1981 to Present Day The DeLorean DMC-12, brainchild of automotive executive John DeLorean, is a car steeped in history and intrigue. Introduced in 1981, the DMC-12 was the only model ever produced by the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). Its development was ambitious, marked by DeLorean’s vision to create a car that would break the mold of contemporary automotive design. The car’s stainless steel body panels, designed by Italian

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Rivian Unveils Second-Generation R1S and R1T: Elevating Electric Adventure

In a significant stride forward for the electric vehicle industry, Rivian has announced the release of its highly anticipated second-generation R1S SUV and R1T pickup truck. This bold move underscores Rivian‘s commitment to innovation and excellence in the EV market, as it continues to challenge traditional automakers with its unique blend of adventure-ready capability and sustainable technology. Enhanced Performance and Cutting-Edge Technology The new R1S and R1T models are set to deliver improved performance, greater efficiency, and enhanced technology. Rivian‘s second-generation vehicles boast upgraded powertrains and advanced battery systems, promising not only increased range but also superior power and torque. This leap in performance is expected to solidify Rivian’s position as a leader in the electric off-road vehicle segment. Both

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VinFast VF 8 Dominates ASEAN NCAP Safety Awards, Showcases Cutting-Edge Electric SUV Capabilities

In a significant win for VinFast, the Vietnamese automaker’s VF 8 SUV has captured five major safety accolades at the ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards in Bangkok, held on May 28, 2024. This recognition places the all-electric VF 8 at the forefront of vehicle safety in Southeast Asia. The VF 8 distinguished itself among contenders from over 15 global automakers, securing top honors in “Best Child Occupant Protection,” “Best Safety Assist,” “Best Overall,” “Best Motorcyclist Safety,” and “Best SUV.” These awards highlight VinFast‘s commitment to safety and its successful integration of advanced protective technologies in its vehicles. The SUV earned perfect scores in the rigorous frontal and side impact tests, leading to its win in the “Best Child Occupant Protection”

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Behind the Scenes of the 2024 Kia EV9 Super Bowl Commercial

This Super Bowl season, Kia is set to enchant viewers with a 60-second commercial for the all-new 2024 Kia EV9. The commercial is designed to showcase the EV9 as a beacon of hope and a source of power to illuminate the lives around us. To examine the making of the commercial, Michael Kahn, Publisher at The Weekly Driver conducted an exclusive telephone interview with Russell Wager, Vice President of Marketing at Kia America. Wager shared behind-the-scenes insights, revealing the creative process and strategic thinking that went into the making of the “Perfect 10” commercial. Featuring the collaborative track “Wish I Was Here” by Cat Power and Coldplay, the ad tells the heartwarming tale of a young figure skater, her father,

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All-Electric 2024 Porsche Macan SUV Takes On Bold New Direction

A decade after its initial launch, Porsche‘s Macan is taking a bold leap into the future with its 2024 all-electric model. This new chapter in the Macan’s story is marked by a blend of progressive design, Porsche‘s signature performance, and everyday practicality. The Macan 4 and Macan Turbo are set to meet and exceed the expectations of SUV enthusiasts, according to Jörg Kerner, Vice President of the Macan Product Line. The 2024 Macan models are powered by the latest generation of permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM) on both axles, a move that ensures high efficiency and consistent power delivery. The Macan 4, with its 300 kW (402 hp) output, and the Macan Turbo, boasting 470 kW (630 hp), set new

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