Enduring Dream Machines show supports adult health center

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Viewing muscle cars, trailer queens, new cars, old cars, micro cars, dragsters and auctions of rarities and junkers is a pastime for some, a passion for others. Automotive enthusiasts can attend a car show of their favorites nearly every weekend in nearly every state. Nearly three decades ago, Bob Senz had a better idea. He decided to showcase nearly everything with an engine in one show. The result is the 27th annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, scheduled April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Half Moon Bay Airport. It’s located about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

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Chicago’s new dubious honor, longest average car commute

How much would workforce efficiency improve if commuters didn’t have to commute or at least not spend as much time commuting? How long does it take you to get to work in the morning? No doubt you’ve been asked this question. Swapping stories about traffic, rush hour and secret shortcuts is as common as commenting on the weather at many workplaces. The commuting dilemma also often provides lunchtime competition. Who has the most grueling drive? While many co-workers are likely traveling through many of the same congested streets and highways, have you ever wondered how your commute compares to problem

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2017 Volkswagen Passat: Versatile like a blue blazer

Among the manufacturer’s most enduring models, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat extends the eighth generation of the midsize sedan to its sixth year. The Passat, German for “trade wind,” is an elder automotive statesman well into its fourth decade. There’s little flash or overt technology, but the mainstream VW has plenty of appeal via its reserved, classy presentation. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Available in S, R-Line, SE and Premium trims, the 2017 Volkswagen Passat is front-wheel drive and offered with two engines. My test vehicle was the SE trim with a 1.8-liter turbo-charged, four-cylinder configuration with 170 horsepower and a

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Tesla has reliability issues, owners passionate, forgiving

Tesla vehicles represent an automotive dichotomy. It’s the safest car ever tested, but more than one Tesla model has had reliability issues. Multiple issues have been reported by automotive publications and from owners of the Model S, which debuted in 2012. The Model X (2015) has also had reliability problems with its complex design. Tesla owners, however, have been more than forgiving, according to a new J.D. Power report titled: “Tesla: Beyond The Hype.” “Owners see themselves as pioneers who enjoy being early adopters of new technology,” said Kathleen Rizk, J.D. Power director, global automotive consulting, in announcing the study.

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Robert DeNiro, Hugh Jackman in new Ferrari films

After several restarts and pre-race pitstops, the long-anticipated film on the life Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari, is back on track. And it will feature veteran Australia actor Hugh Jackman in the starring role. According a report on deadline.com, Jackman will share the screen with Swedish actress Noomi Rapace. She’ll play the carmaker’s estrange wife, Laura. The pending film has been considered for more than a decade. Michael Mann, the director and producer, and Academy Award winner Sydney Pollack collaborated until the latter’s death in 2008. Christian Bale in 2015 was associated with the film in the title role.

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2017 Hyundai Veloster: sporty look, lackluster ride

The Hyundai Veloster was introduced seven years ago as the South Korean manufacturer’s first coupe. A year later, a turbo-changed edition debuted. The 2017 edition is the continuation of the first generation of the odd-looking compact with sporty ambitions. A modernized version of the Hyundai Tiburon (discontinued in 2008), the Veloster has an asymmetrical door configuration. There’s a large door on the driver’s side and two smaller doors on the passenger’s side. The rear passenger door opens with a high-positioned, flush handle that’s easy to miss but convenient to use. The Weekly Driver Test Drive Hyundai‘s reputation in recent years

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Lily Tomlin takes on General Motors nearly 40 years ago

Nearly 40 years ago, Lily Tomlin replaced Judy Carney on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, the NBC Comedy Series. Tomlin portrayed many iconic characters during her four-year tenure on the program, including switchboard telephone operator Ernestine Tomlin. In one of her most well-remembered skits, Ernestine, in her nosy demeanor, nasal voice and condescending tone, calls General Motors. As she did in all of her Ernestine skits, she snorts, laughs at her own jokes and when the person on the other end of the line answers, she says: “Is this the party to whom I am speaking?” In her less than four-minute

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2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid: Stylishly efficient

When your older sibling is the most popular hybrid vehicle in history, the pressure is on. Could the Toyota Avalon Hybrid hold its own while its ever-expanding Prius family members thrive? The answer is a resounding yes. Introduced in late 2012, the 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid further separates current hybrids from their debut more than 15 years ago. Once awkward-looking and awkward-functioning sedans comparable to futuristic vehicles featured in movies and television programs, hybrids are now mainstream. Their superior gas mileage is equaled by overall attractive styling, performance and functionality. The 2017 Toyota Avalon Hybrid is an exemplary example. It’s

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Ferrari F430 once owned by President Trump set for auction

The Pope prefers a Fiat 500. President Donald Trump prefers a Ferrari — at least he did for a few years. But the 2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Coupe, purchased new by the former businessman, is now up for auction by its second owner. The auction, conducted by Auctions America, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., will be held April 1. Introduced in September 2004 at the Paris Motor Show, the F430 is designed by Pininfarina. Formula 1 traits, including new aerodynamics and an electronic differential, were included as well as a steering wheel mounted manettino switch. It allowed for quick adjustment of

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2017 Geneva International Motor Show: New cars galore

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As arguably the most important international auto show, the Geneva International Motor Show will this year offer its usual complement of debuts and concepts in the ever-changing automotive industry. The year’s show, scheduled March 9-19, will be held in its traditional neutral location, the Palexpo in Geneva next to the international airport. Here’s a list of some of the manufacturers’ offerings in alphabetical order: Audi — The 400-horsepower RS3 Sportback debuts. Dendrobium — It’s a new hypercar from Singapore. Ferrari — The Superfast, with its 800 horsepower V112, will debut with plenty of fanfare. Kia — Say hello to tiniest

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Mercedes-Benz breaks from tradition with first pickup

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For some purists, viewing a Mercedes-Benz station wagon is odd. Now the German luxury carmaker is further expanding tradition with its first pick-up truck. The latest version of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class concept will be presented at the Geneva International Motor Show. It will be available later this year in selected global markets. One caveat: The new luxury midsize truck won’t be available in the United States — at least for now. Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has announced the X-Class will debut in “key markets” — Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and some European countries. A Mercedes-Benz

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Charity offers free Aston Martin, chat with James Bond

Donate to charity and have a chance to win an Aston Martin and hang out with Daniel Craig, the actor who played James Bond, Agent 007. That’s the incentive provide of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to support its mission. The fundraising platform work with affected states to reduce the threat and impact of landmines and other explosive hazards. UNMAS coordinates UN interventions to focus on areas of greatest need and to provide education and assistance to people caught up in conflicts. Currently, UNMAS works in 18 countries and territories around the world to both save and rebuild lives.

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Mercedes-Benz recalls 1 million cars after 51 fuse fires

Another day, another recall. This time it’s Mercedes-Benz. Parent company Daimler AG announced it’s recalling one million newer-model Mercedes-Benz vehicles globally after 51 fires were reported because of a defective fuse. The vehicles affected: certain C-class, E-class and CLA cars and GLA and GLC SUVs, all from 2015 through 2017. The models have a defective “current limiter,” or fuse, according to the carmaker’s U.S. regulatory disclosure. Among the million vehicles scheduled for recall, 307,629 are in the United States. And 30 of the fires were in vehicles in the U.S. No death nor injuries have been reported to the Germany

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Cars3: The future is now, but has Paul Newman returned?

The release of Cars3 is less than four months away, but the marketing of the third film in the increasingly popular series has begun in earnest. The movie was announced months ago, but the trailer for the film debuted appropriately during the recent telecast of the Dayton 500. The theme is the future. It’s not about future cars, but the future of Lightning McQueen. The movies’ main character is trying to make a comeback after a crash and while up against a slew of new, young talent. Plenty of rumors think the main voice in the trailer is Paul Newman’s.

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Consumer Reports: Best New Cars of 2017

Consumer Reports picks lots of best lists. Arguably the most popular list is the publication’s annual best car list. For 2017, like in previous years, the Consumer Reports’ list of best new cars, was selected because the vehicles are outstanding all-around performers — reliable, safe and satisfying. According to Consumer Reports, “That means they have scored high in our stringent track tests and extensive owner surveys. They have won our admiration, and we recommend them with confidence.” Here’s the synopsis breakdown of the Consumer Reports’ criteria breakdown, followed by the list best new car list for 2017. Cars with hyperlinks

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Trophy Trucks: Modifying for movement, speed

Trophy trucks race in the highest class of off-road competition and have one goal — moving fast in the desert. But the high speed doesn’t mean barreling down a straight, well-paved asphalt road. Rather, trophy truck racing is contested on the craziest terrain found in the off-road realm — deserts to similarly rugged regions. Trophy Trucks are not street legal. Instead, they’re designed for intentionally enduring intense punishment in brutal conditions. The Trophy Truck racing class was introduced in 1994, and the name is appropriate. The machines are automotive works of art. And to compete at the premier level, small

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