Celebrity cars, big money in Monterey Auto Week

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Michael Schumacher, the retired seven-time Formula One world titlist, hasn’t been in public for nearly a decade. He suffered major head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013 and was placed into a medically induced coma. But Schumacher’s unmatched career legacy remains, in keen focus via his son Mick, a current F1 competitor. Among the cars the elder Schumacher drove is a Ferrari F300, Chassis No. 187. It was driven by the German champion in his four victories during his 1998 World Championship season. Equipped with a 3.0-liter V-10 engine, a maximum engine speed of 17,500 rpm and producing 800

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2022 Ford Bronco Raptor: Beauty of an Off-Road Beast

It’s not for everyone, but there’s something appealing about conquering muddy, boulder-laden lake beds, climbing awkwardly formed rock clusters or boldly going where only a few have gone before. It’s why the 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor exists. It’s for those who viewed the 2021 return of the standard Bronco after a 24-year absence as a pedestrian effort. The debuting Raptor is the real deal. It’s huge, a monster off-roader equipped with a 418-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. It produces 440 pound-feet of torque. It’s propelled with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system that features selectable G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any

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Welcome back, Ford Bronco: better looking, off-road savvy

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It’s been 25 years, but the Ford Bronco is back. The sixth generation of the former compact off-road-geared utilitarian vehicle has re-emerged. It’s available for the first time as a mid-sized, two-door sport utility vehicle. Used Bronco prices have dramatically increased with buyers perhaps remembering the family workhorses from decades ago. The Bronco debuted in 1965 as a 1966 model and as the first SUV. Its fluctuating success was matched against the Jeep CJ-5 and International Harvester Scout. The Bronco’s demise was often attached to the notorious 1994 low-speed police chase of former NFL running back O.J. Simpson. He was

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NEW TRUCK PREVIEW: 2022 Ford Maverick or Courier?

Ford will return to the United States compact pickup truck market with the 2022 Ford Maverick. Or could it be called the 2022 Ford Courier? By any given name, the base model will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, according to several automotive website reports. The engine is also featured in the Transit Connect model and generates 162 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Slotted below the Ford Ranger, the Maverick or Courier (or another name) will have unibody construction, with a similar look to the Honda Ridgeline. It will be a four-door-only vehicle, according to several automotive sites. A 1.5-liter

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Ford recall numbers skyrocket, another 3 million affected

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For the fifth time in five years, Ford is recalling vehicles. The culprit this time is the possibility of nearly three million cars rolling away after being shifted into park mode because of degrading transmission components. The recall covers certain 2013 to 2019 Escape, 2013 to 2018 C-Max, 2013 to 2016 Fusion, 2013 to 2021 Transit Connect, and 2015 to 2018 Edge vehicles. Ford Recall: Latest Defect Cause Unknown According to a Ford recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a damaged bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission could degrade or detach in

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Matt Damon, Christian Bale set for FORD v. FERRARI film

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Among the epic rivalries in motorsports, Ford v. Ferrari and the 1966 contest between Carroll Shelby and Kevin Miles at Ford and Enzo Ferrari and his entourage at the 24 Hours of LeMans is unsurpassed. Actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale weren’t born yet when the respective drivers and carmakers from Ford and Ferrari matched their driving skills and risk-taking desires in the famous French race. But the accomplished actors will portray the icons in the film FORD v. FERRARI. 20th Century Fox recently released the official trailer and poster for the pending film. It’s based on the story of

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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

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Expanding electrical vehicle charging networks coming soon

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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

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VinFast VF8 SUV arrives in US from South Vietnam

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A dual-motor, all-electric, all-wheel-drive drivetrain powers the VinFast VF8, a new midsize sport utility vehicle that combines performance and efficiency. The design of the vehicle was created by Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design house. The VF8 has a long wheelbase and short overhangs, which give it a balanced and attractive appearance. VinFast is a new electric car brand from Vietnam, founded in 2017 by Vingroup, a leading conglomerate in the country. Vinfast aims to produce high-quality electric cars for the global market, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. VinFast has already established a presence in several countries, including the

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#239, SF man operates tiny firetruck as his daily driver

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 16:53 — 23.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreTodd Lappin is a self-described Japan geek. He visits the country often and says he speaks the language badly. He has also spent several years combining his interest in cars with his fondness for the Orient. A former magazine editor who lives in San Francisco, Lappin has imported two vehicles from Japan, including his latest find, a 1990 Daihatsu HiJet Firetruck. It’s named “Kiri.” Lappin, who showcased his truck at the recent The Little Car Show in Pacific Grove during Monterey Auto Week, is

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Volkswagen ID.4 first electric vehicle to claim world honors

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Volkswagen can rejoice. Its flagship electric vehicle, the ID.4, is the World Car of the Year 2021. The stylish sport utility claimed the honor, voted upon by 93 automotive experts from 28 countries. Volkswagen claimed its fifth overall title and won this year against thr BMW 4 Series, Honda e and Mercedes Benz GLA. Previous Volkswagen Car of the Year award winner included the Golf Mk. 6 (2009), Polo (2010), up! (2012) and Golf Mk. 7 (2013) marking a pattern of Volkswagen usually winning five times in 13 years. Ralf Brandstatter, Volkswagen CEO, Ralf Brandstatter, commented: “We are

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GM’s Vision for a Bidirectional Electric Future: Powering Homes, Vehicles, and Beyond

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In a groundbreaking announcement, General Motors (GM) has declared that by the model year 2026, all its electric vehicles (EVs) will be equipped with bidirectional vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capabilities. This transformative move is set to redefine the relationship between vehicles and homes, turning cars into potential power sources during grid outages and peak demand periods. The Dawn of Bidirectional Charging Bidirectional charging, as the name suggests, allows for a two-way flow of electricity. Traditional unidirectional EV chargers draw power from the grid to charge the vehicle. In contrast, bidirectional chargers enable not just the charging of the EV but also

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CSAA Insurance Group Reunites Boy Band Legends for ‘Boys No More’ Musical Campaign

In an era where brands are constantly seeking innovative ways to connect with their audience, CSAA Insurance Group has taken a melodious leap into the past. Their latest campaign, “Boys No More,” is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and contemporary marketing techniques, bringing together iconic figures from the golden age of boy bands. The ensemble includes Joey Fatone of *NSYNC, Joey McIntyre of New Kids On The Block, Nick Lachey of 98 Degrees, and Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men. Together, they have crafted “Make It Right,” a song that is poised to dominate summer playlists which not only taps

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Porsche 911 S/T commemorates 60 years of 911

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The Porsche 911 is among only a handful of vehicles on the product line for 60 years. Porsche commemorated the legendary sports car recently by unveiling the limited-edition 911 S/T. The S/T is best described as two cars in one. It combines fan-favorite elements from the 911 GT3 RS and 911 GT3 Touring models. For the first time, it marries a 992-generation 911 with a manual transmission to a GT3 RS engine as well. Only 1,963 of the S/T will be manufactured, paying respect to the first production year of the original 911 just as Porsche did with the 911

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#266, Cars.com releases 18th ANNUAL American-made index

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:20 — 60.4MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreBuying a vehicle made in the United States is essential to many consumers. According to Cars.com, about half of the car buyers in the United States say they will pay more for a vehicle that creates U.S. jobs. Additionally, 24 percent of Americans believe a manufacturer has to be headquartered in the U.S. to qualify as “substantially contributing to the U.S. economy.” Jenni Newman, the editor-in-chief of cars.com, is our guest this week on The Weekly Driver Podcast. We discuss consumers’ preferences for cars

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ProClip offers simple, safe iPhone car use

When I received my ProClip in the mail I was skeptical. Why would I want to car mount my iPhone where I could easily see it? I didn’t want an iPhone distracting me from my driving. I have always synced my phone to my car and thrown the phone in a inconvenient storage area — never to be seen again while driving. Not any more. iOmounts has paired its patented, infinitely rotatable, magnetic mount with the uber-slick, auto dashboard mounts from ProClip USA. With ProClip, my mobile phone usage habits have totally changed. The phone is held in my ProClip

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