Pacific Coast Dream Machines: All things for all engines

The recent 27th annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show occurred exactly as billed. Trailer queens to muscle cars, dragsters to junkers, rarities to one-of-kind machines that looked like they were made for Mad Max movies, were all displayed at the Half Moon Bay Airport, 20 miles south of San Francisco. The all-inclusive event, a charity for an area adult daycare center, works well under the premise of 84-year-old founder Bob Senz, who says: “If it’s a mean matchine, you bring it.” Senz’s description works, albeit with a loose description of the word “mean.” Perhaps better described, about 2,000 vehicles on

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Car-Buying Trends for 2017 and Beyond

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SPONSORED CONTENT Millions of new cars are sold every year, and the car-buying experience can be a hassle for many consumers. The traditional process of purchasing a new car involves a lot of time visiting dealers and price negotiation. Today, consumers are looking for a less time-consuming experience as well as a more convenient option better suited for their needs. The buying process and the must-have features are poised to evolve. Here are some of the top car-buying trends for 2017 and beyond. Online Shopping The biggest advance in the car-buying process in recent years is the use of the

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4 Essential Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car

Purchasing a car is exciting. The thrill of driving away with a new set of wheels should be a great experience. But sometimes, the excitement becomes too much and can lead to not noticing simple faults with the car before you purchase it. Used cars are more prone to having minor faults such as scratches and dents, yet they still should function properly. It’s not fair to purchase a car only to find out when you drive away, there are several faults that can increase the cost of the vehicle. Fortunately, most of these can be spotted before you purchase

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The Weekly Driver Newsletter, Volume 1, #2: Technology overload

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The term technology overload is new to the automotive world. In recent years, manufacturers have gone to great lengths to provide more gadgets in their vehicles to beat the other guy. The competition is fierce, but what does it all mean? Do drivers need all this stuff? Many of the safety improvements, side detection mirrors, traffic monitoring, backup cameras, are beneficial. But over-sensitive bells and buzzers that engage seemingly at random? David Lyon, a former General Motors designer, speaking at the 2015 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress in Detroit, stressed the need for an industry “features intervention.” Likewise

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2017 Kia Niro: New compact SUV redefines hybrid

The 2017 Kia Niro is new in the South Korean manufacturer’s lineup. It’s a sub-compact hybrid utility vehicle that looks more like a handsome, streamlined wagon. And it performs well enough to earn the loose translation of its name — strength. Unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, the Kia Niro uses a 1.6-liter hybrid-electric powertrain with 139 horsepower. It’s built with lightweight metals which help most trims achieve the SUV‘s superior gas mileage estimates: 46 miles per gallon in city driving, 40 miles per gallon on the freeway. Accessories lights are all operated via the hybrid engine. There’s no

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The Weekly Driver Newsletter, Volume 1, #1

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PUBLISHER’S STARTING LINE Since TheWeeklyDriver.com debuted in 2004, the repeated delays and controversy surrounding the three-wheel Elio vehicle has attracted more interest than any other topic. The innovative Tesla has changed the auto industry. Test drives and reviews of a Bentley sedan and SUV were special experiences. Driving a Rolls-Royce for a day in the Arizona desert was a rare treat. And through 13 years of publishing, many others vehicles, entry level to luxury, have been intriguing. But the reaction to the Elio, a vehicle that doesn’t exist, tops all. Here’s the deal: Paul Elio announced his intentions in 2014

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The Quail: A Carmel car show with prestige, civility

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Monterey Auto Week has something for every enthusiast. High-end auctions throughout the Monterey Peninsula attract wealthy silent bidders from far-flung countries. The Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach serves appropriately as a grand finale with its rarities and fanfare. The Concours on the Avenue in Carmel and the Little Car Show in Pacific Grove are free. They define the charms of small-city gatherings and the passion owners have for their vehicles regardless of value. Likely the most successful event in recent years during the August automotive pilgrimage is The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. Billed as a “Luxurious Lifestyle Event,” the invitation-only

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2017 Toyota Prius Prime named Green Car of the Year

For the second straight year, Toyota has been awarded World Green Car honors at the New York International Auto Show. The Toyota Prius Prime was named this year’s winner after its sibling, the Toyota Mirai, earned the award last year. The Prius Prime was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 new vehicles from around the world. Tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, and use of a major advanced power plant technology (beyond engine componentry), aimed specifically at increasing the vehicle’s environmental responsibility, were all taken into consideration. Toyota is no stranger to the World Car Awards program, now in its

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Chevrolet Colorado top prize in earthquake charity auction

How does a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado filled with earthquake supplies sound? That’s the grand prize among dozens available in the sixth annual California Earthquake Authority-sponsored auction. The California Earthquake Authority and iHeartMedia are collaborating in the auction to raise funds for American Red Cross disaster-preparedness and relief efforts in California. The 2017 Get Prepared, California! Auction continues through April 30 and offers concert and sports packages, celebrity meet-and-greets and other once-in-a-lifetime items up for bid. Last year’s auction raised more than $174,000. And this year’s proceeds could increase the total amount raised to more than $1 million. It would be

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Nissan goes to the dogs with luxury, safety plushness

Nissan has gone to the dogs, but it’s all good. With the belief that while traveling dogs should be as safe and comfortable as their owners, the new, elaborate “Rogue Dogue” project vehicle prototype debuted at the New York International Auto Show. “For all of the dog lovers at Nissan, the Rogue Dogue is so much fun – the equivalent, I guess you could say, of riding with your head out the window if you were a dog,” said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “Of course, we also take pets’ safety very seriously, which is

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2017 Honda CR-V: Top-selling SUV still reigns

For more than 20 years, the Honda CR-V has ideally defined the Japanese manufacturer’s reputation. It makes vehicles with a rare combination of style, efficiency, practicality and versatility. It was hard to complain about previous Honda CR-V editions. It’s been the country’s best-selling compact SUV for many years. But with the sport utility segment increasingly competitive, even industry leaders can’t become complacent. The 2017 Honda CR-V is the debut of the SUV’s fifth generation and it celebrates the vehicle’s 23rd birthday. Its exterior and interior designs are new. New safety features abound, and the CR-V is larger inside and outside.

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Potential engine failure prompts Hyundai, Kia recall

Hyundai and Kia, the related and increasingly popular South Korean carmakers, have stalled for the second time in two years with the recall of 1.4 million cars and SUVs in the United States and Canada because of potential engine failure. The issue, according to documents released by the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, is caused by debris left in the manufacturing process that can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings. The restriction can increase temperatures can result increased wear and fail and engine stalling. Owners of vehicles with the issue will hear a knocking sound from the

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60 Minutes calls Lamborghini: ‘Irrational Romance’

It isn’t often 60 Minutes reports on the auto industry, but the longstanding program’s segment on Lamborghini was varied and a comprehensive look at the high-end carmaker. The segment celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Italian automaker. Its cars the program reported cost as much as $4 million. The segment included the description of the design of the car as one continuous line. It was interesting to hear the history of the car, dating to its tractor days, and the original owner’s fondness for Ferrari. There was one exception: he didn’t like the clutch. Ferrari told Lamborghini to stick to

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BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz: good riddance O’Reilly

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Hyundai and Allstate Insurance Co., major long-time advertisers from the automotive industry, have removed their advertising campaigns from the controversial Fox political show “The O’Reilly Factor.” The abrupt reaction, which also includes several additional advertisers from various industries, has occurred over several days after the New York Times reported Fox and show host Bill O’Reilly paid five women to settle claims he sexually harassed them. According to a Reuters report, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi SA, direct marketer Constant Contact, men’s clothing company Untuckit, as well as T. Rowe Price are also no longer advertising on the show. “In

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Lotus takes the lead with new cat helmets (April Fools)

Every car manufacturer looks for an edge against the competition. Lotus thinks it has found one — cat helmets. The luxury sports car manufacturer has introduced for a brief time (April 1) lightweight, optimized, ergonomically designed and stylish helmets for our four-legged friends. They’re called Pet Lids. According to Lotus, “Pet Lids are the ultimate accessory for animal-friendly sports car owners.” The innovative product was unveiled after “extensive and hair-raising time trials.” The new lifestyle range of stylish helmets is described as practical and desirable. Tipping the scales at a trim 25 grams, the wonderfully detailed lids can be personalized

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For sale: 340 cars, 5 acres in British Columbia for $1 million

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After 40 years of collecting vintage cars, Mike Hall has had enough. The rock scaler from British Columbia is selling more than 340 cars is various conditions as well as the property where the relics rest. Hall is the owner of the unique real estate listing. The combination of the five-acre listing includes the cars, a salvage business, storage property and a 900-square-foot stocked restoration shop. The asking price is slightly more than $1 million (converted from Canadian dollars). Hall explains further details of his obsession with old cars on the website www.driving.ca. While traveling often in his job as

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