Tiger Woods back, still can’t drive or play straight

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Now that the fandom and television network adulation have subsided, a calmer, bigger-picture perspective on Tiger Woods’ return to golf is warranted. He is not a hero. And nor does he represent the beauty of the mentorship that occurs between fathers and sons. Instead, Woods, 10 months removed from his third automobile accident in 14 years — all the golfer’s fault — is still a father in denial. While he previously appeared on national television to apologize for his poor personal life choices, Woods has yet to appropriate any public forum to address his wont for reckless driving. Tiger Woods:

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Hydrogen Highway goes awry in Hyundai Nexo

About 55 years ago, the Chevrolet Electrovan debuted as the first modern hydrogen-powered vehicle. It weighed 7,100 pounds. It had a top speed of 70 miles per hour, a milestone achieved in an eternity of 30 seconds. The vehicle was scrapped not too long after its short life only in General Motors’ testing facilities. The Electrovan had a 150-mile range but its alternative fuel was expensive. And its large carrying containers, positioned behind the middle bench seat, didn’t define automotive safety. Not much in the technology’s sustainable future occurred for nearly a half-century. Hydrogen cars most prevalent in California Now,

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#210, Ira Spector, proud 2012 Fisker Karma owner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:30 — 27.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreIra Spector owns a rare car he sometimes compares to a cute dog. It’s a term of endearment. When he’s driving his 2012 Fisker Karma Revero everyone wants to know all about it. “It’s like a puppy; people stop you and they engage you,” said Spector, who likely owns the only Revero in Los Gatos. “They ask questions; it’s kind of fun. Most of them have never seen it before. Others who have seen one may think the company is bankrupt and that they’re

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Holiday gifts for drivers, car-camping mattresses to kayaks

Stranded travelers forced to sleep in their cars many experience wondrous spirit-of-the-adventure memories. They might also endure near catastrophes best forgotten. Luno believes its car air mattresses add joy to the appeal of “roughing it.”   Air mattress options suitable for 42 car brands and in more than 2,000 configurations are the company’s forte. Luno started about five years ago when company founders decide to save money while skiing on Mammoth Mountain. They slept in their Subaru in makeshift accommodations. Holiday Gifts For Drivers: Car-Camping An idea was born: To make the next car-camping trip more comfortable with high-end comfort.

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2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S: Beautiful, Expensive Beast

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Not too many years ago, the term “four-door sports car” rattled automotive purists. It’s now part of the accepted lexicon only to be replaced with the latest oddity, “supercar luxury family sports sedan.” A few abound including the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S. The addition to the German stalwart manufacturer began as a 2016 model as a two-seat coupe. But a convertible and four-door sedan are now offered. The niche of niche segments also includes the Audi S7 and RS 7, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and M8 Gran Coupe and the Porsche Panamera.   For 2021 (2022 models are

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2013 Lexus ES 350: New bold image for upscale sedan

Now in its sixth generation, the redesigned 2013 Lexus ES breaks away from its 20-plus-year tradition of being a nice upscale Toyota Camry. The new front-wheel-drive ES has a nearly two-inch longer 111-inch wheelbase shared with the all-new top-line Toyota Avalon and is an inch longer overall. It has the signature Lexus spindle grille and looks more like the higher-line Lexus GS than the Camry. Its bolder appearance features such items as larger headlights and LED daytime running lights. Taillights look as if from the GS and sit above nifty dual chrome-finished exhaust tips. The low front end can result

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#208, 2021 LA Auto Show debrief, hydrogen woes, new RV

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:32 — 46.1MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAfter a 10-day public run and a two-day media preview, the LA Auto Show ended Nov. 28. It was the industry’s first major show since the beginning of the Covid-1 pandemic. The Weekly Driver Podcast was on site to take in the sights and sounds. Co-host Bruce Aldrich and I drove from Sacramento to Los Angeles round-trip in a 2020 Hyundai Nexo. Despite being two years old, the hydrogen-propelled SUV had been driven only about 1,500 miles. We added another 900 miles, give or

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Concept cars: back to the future again — maybe

Concept cars, also called prototypes, are showcased at auto shows to test media and public interest. The idea began in 1938 with the Buick Y-Job, a specialty vehicle presented as a vision of how future cars might look in 20 years. The idea of forecasting the automotive future stuck. Nearly 85 years later the practice remains, including during the LA Auto Show. Its 10-day run, the show’s first edition since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ends today at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Themes presented in concepts change. Sometimes a one-off creation is so bizarre its only job is

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New car-buying tips to reduce buyers’ stress

COLLABORATIVE CONTENT Purchasing a new car can be an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. Unfortunately, it can also be stressful if you don’t have the best car-buying tips for the best way to approach the purchase and financing. As a new driver, buying a new car may not be the only worry on your mind. Finding affordable insurance for your vehicle is paramount. Research the best deals using online comparison sites. It can save a lot of money. When searching for your new car, you should also ensure it’s fit for your intended purpose. Whether you’re searching for a reliable

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#204, New Book: The Checkered Past of Al Unser Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:44 — 42.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAl Unser Jr., born into one of motorsports’ most prominent racing families, won the Indianapolis 500 twice and two IndyCar Championships. But he was also troubled. Unser abused alcohol and drugs and it destroyed a marriage. Friendships ended and he was arrested multiple times for drunken driving and domestic violence. Unser’s struggles and his winding road in recovery is the subject of the new book, “A Checkered Past.” Al Unser Jr.: A Story To Tell The race car driver, recently re-married, tells his story

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#207, Live at the LA Auto Show: Back to the Future, Maybe

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:39 — 35.2MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe LA Auto Show advanced to the second and final media day Thursday and The Weekly Driver Podcast was back in the vehicle showcase halls at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It was a day for a visit back to the future — maybe. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia visited with representatives from a variety of concept vehicles, some from established manufacturers, others from new carmakers. As in previous years, concept cars showcased at the LA Auto Show are tentative at best. None

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2019 Subaru Ascent arrives with SUV street cred

The sport utility vehicle market apparently hasn’t reached its saturation point — at least Subaru doesn’t think so. Welcome the Ascent, the largest car the Japanese manufacturer has ever made. Five years after Tribeca was discontinued, the 2019 Subaru Ascent is the manufacturer’s second and bigger three-row SUV. Subaru is hopeful its new people mover will fare better than its predecessor. When the Tribeca departed, it was among the country’s worst-selling vehicles. The Ascent, which features seating for as many as eight, arrives as the SUV segment remains increasingly strong. During the first three months of this year, 15 of

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Ford goes retro with zero-emissions F-100 pickup truck

What once was old is new is old again — the Ford F-100 Eluminator pickup truck. The automotive industry best-selling truck manufacturer recently announced the concept — a zero-tailpipe-emissions. demonstration truck. It’s powered by the new Ford Performance Parts Eluminator electric crate motor customers can now buy online. Based on a heritage 1978 F-100 pickup, the F-100 Eluminator concept features all-wheel-drive via two electric motors shared with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Two electric traction motors drive the front and rear wheels, packing 480 horsepower and 634 lb.-ft. of torque. Ford F-100: The Past Is The Present The

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Six dangerous race tracks around the globe

SPONSORED POST Driving at high speeds in difficult conditions is hard enough. However, some race tracks around the world take dangerous driving to the next level with their high-speed straights, sharp bends and unsteady terrain. Some tracks are so dangerous many drivers have died while racing. Below is a selection of some of the most dangerous race tracks around the globe: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps In Stavelot, Belgium, this circuit has claimed the lives of 23 drivers since its opening in 1927. The Eau Rouge and Burnenville corners are infamous and present particular hazards to drivers. The corners are fast and

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2022 Mini Cooper: Lots of driving fun, logic removed

Twenty-two years ago, several years after it acquired the naming rights, BMW reintroduced the Mini. It was different but with a heritage still affixed to the original two-door compact city unveiled by British Motor Corporation in 1969. The traditional Mini became an icon of British automotive culture. It’s the best-selling British sports car in history. It’s had starring automotive roles in movies and a successful racing career. Its sporting cuteness and unabashed driving fun defined its popularity. The 2022 Mini Cooper is mechanically nearly the same as recent years’ models. Its variety of styles is its appeal as a niche

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#205, 2021 LA Auto Show back with electric vibe

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:04 — 50.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAfter one delay and one cancellation, the LA Auto Show is back for the first time in two years. Like many businesses, the automotive industry has suffered. But its first major auto show since the Covid-19 pandemic began will be held Nov. 19-28 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. David Fortin, Head of Consumer Marketing for the event, is our guest on Episode #205 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss with Fortin the pending show and the expected

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