2018 Toyota C-HR looks cool, lacks performance

With the sport utility vehicle continuing to attract more buyers, manufacturers continue to find new ways to market the versatile vehicles. Welcome the latest newcomer to the SUV sub-species, the 2018 Toyota C-HR. Categorized as subcompact crossover, the hyphenated letters in the Toyota C-HR name stand for Compact High Rider, Cross Hatch Run-(about) or Coupé High Rider. The names make about as much sense as the term subcompact crossover. The category is also odd because competition for the C-HR includes vehicles equally hard to categorize: the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Mazda CX-3 and Mini Countryman. Except for the

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2018 Range Rover Velar: big, bold, deserves to be seen

Naming a vehicle after a Latin word meaning to veil something’s identity seems odd. So why would Land Rover call its handsome new Range Rover sport utility vehicle the Velar? It wasn’t the British manufacturer’s intent to keep it a secret. The name is an homage to the brand’s first prototypes in the late 1960s. And considering the sophistication and sleekness of the 2018 Range Rover Velar, forget the name’s origin. Instead, embrace the craftsmanship, and tell your friends and colleagues. The Velar, released about one year ago, defines the worthy combination of luxury and ruggedness. With its available exterior

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Jerry Seinfeld honors Jerry Lewis in Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

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Two famous comedians named Jerry driving in a vintage convertible with its top down to an omelet shop in Las Vegas? Is there a better way to begin the 10th season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee than with Jerry Lewis and Jerry Seinfeld? Jerry Seinfeld didn’t think so. His guest in the first episode of the new season and as the show transitions from Crackle to Netflix, is deceased comedian Jerry Lewis. The debut show was taped last year. It provides a poignant 20-minute homage to Lewis, who died on August 20, 2017, from heart failure at age 91.

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2018 Lexus GS 300: luxury sedan, sports car appeal

The 2018 Lexus GS 300 is among a half-dozen luxury sedans all vying for a market share in a segment packed with superior choices. Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz join Lexus in the mix of buyers whose decisions are often based on status, brand loyalty and overall quality. Which designation is the most important doesn’t matter. But choose the Lexus GS 300, and the top-three buying reasons all resonate. Reliable performance and a sporty design give the upscale Toyota marque more clout. The midsize sedan was renamed from its previous 200t designation for 2018, but it’s much the same

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Episode 44: Expert examines Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:55 — 60.3MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreDriving from Northern California to Southern California and back has been routine in recent years. The 800-mile round-trip trek along Interstate 5 is always interesting, particularly when driving a 2017 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell. Six weeks ago was the most unusual trek I’ve taken from Sacramento to the Los Angeles region (this time to Long Beach) because I drove the sedan that runs on hydrogen. From the expediency of refueling to the performance of the Clarity and from the use of the High Occupancy

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Episode 43, Don’t leave pets, children alone in vehicles

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:00 — 33.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreTragedy strikes every summer. Children and pets die from heatstroke after being left unattended in cars and trucks. It should never happen, but it does when unknowing vehicle owners think leaving a window slightly open or parking in the shade alleviates potential problems. But it’s not sufficient. Within minutes after children or animals are left in a vehicle, temperatures can drastically rise and wreak havoc. Young children and pets can’t help themselves. In Episode #43 of The Weekly Driver Podcast, co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and

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2018 Ford F-150, 2018 Toyota Corolla icons of success

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The Ford F-150 pickup, the overt sentinel of masculinity, and the Toyota Corolla, the tiny titan compact sedan, have little in common with two exceptions, reliability and enduring success. The Corolla, manufactured since 1966, is the best-selling car in history with more than 43 million sold. The Ford F-Series, introduced in 1948, has been the country’s best-selling vehicle for decades. It’s the second best-selling vehicle in history with more than 40 million sold. While the sedan might be able to fit in the bed of the pick-up and cost one-third as much, driving either vehicle is experiencing automotive royalty. There’s

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Rolls-Royce joins auto industry trend with first SUV

Get ready for something new from Rolls-Royce. The luxurious British carmaker will soon debut its first sport utility vehicle. It will be called the Cullinan and, as expected, it will be big and powerful as its namesake. The Cullinan, the largest diamond ever found, is part of the British Crown Jewels. Pricing and a release date haven’t been announced, but the Cullinan is expected to be available in late 2018 and with an estimated entry price of around $400,000. It will be the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever made. Constructed with all-aluminum architecture, the Cullinan will have impressive specs: a 6.75-liter,

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Episode 42, Ford F-150 still rules, less safe cars, hydrogen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:37 — 37.9MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe Ford F-150 pick-up has no equals, except for its siblings. They comprise the stable of the country’s best-selling pick-up trucks. The truck’s legacy as the second best-selling vehicle in history as well as its pros and cons among three topics discussed in Episode 42 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia recently drove the 2018 Ford F-150 (Lariat) trim. Neither of us are pick-up enthusiasts, but the new F-150 won us over. It’s powerful, comfortable, spacious, rugged and luxurious

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Industry fuel cell expert clears the air on hydrogen

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Nineteen months ago, Chris White did something no one else in Northern California had done. She leased a new car that operates only on hydrogen. Honda, Toyota and Hyundai are manufacturers offering hydrogen-only vehicles. Mercedes-Benz and GM also have plans for hydrogen-only vehicles, the emissions of which are water. The 2017 and 2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell are available for lease only in only 12 dealerships in California. Five locales are in the San Francisco Bay Area, one is in Roseville. The long-time Communications Director of the California Fuel Cell Partnership in West Sacramento, White also lives in West Sacramento.

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Episode 41, Goodbye to the VW Beetle, Ford sedans

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:13 — 33.3MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe automotive industry is always changing. But two of the more significant announcements in recent years — the apparent demise of the VW Beetle and the jettison of the majority of Ford sedans — is the focus of Episode 41 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia discuss the recent announcements by the respective carmakers in the news-oriented edition of our ongoing week chat about all things cars and trucks. The pending loss of several Ford models and the icon

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Episode 40, Classic car owners, renters meet on DriveShare

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:33 — 40.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MorePeter Zawadzki is as passionate about classic cars as any enthusiast. About four years ago, he had a keen idea to allow others to share his appreciation. He decided to rent out his 1958 MGA. A couple made it part of their wedding celebration. Fast-forward and the success of the initial transaction is the Hagerty DriveShare Program. It’s the online marketplace for owners of classic vehicles to rent their wheels to other enthusiasts. It’s worked. Getaway weekends, weddings, anniversaries and pending buyers who seek

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2018 BMW 740e: Big green sedan, big green money

The luxury sedan market is flush with wondrous vehicles, including the 2018 BMW 740e. They’re machines whose craftsmanship and performance further define the pleasures of driving even to enthusiasts who don’t need persuading. With the addition of the new BMW, Germany manufacturers continue to expand their reign of the segment. Mercedes-Benz has the S-Class and there’s the Audi A8. The 740e xDrive iPerformance gives BMW its most extensive list of powertrains. The plug-in hybrid, rated at 27 miles per gallon in gas-only mode, and 64 miles per gallon with the combined electric and gas methods considered, has the same overall

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How to wisely purchase a new car with bad credit

SPONSORED CONTENT Making a major purchase with bad credit is difficult, but trying to buy a car with bad credit or post-bankruptcy is more difficult. However, it’s impossible and there are conditions. When you get a car loan with bad credit, the interest rate will likely be high. Make sure you have enough cash each month to make payments. If you fail to meet the terms of the loan, your credit score will take another significant dip, your new vehicle will be repossessed, and you’ll be out the thousands of dollars you already spent on the vehicle. But don’t be

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How to Get Rid of Your Junk Car in Los Angeles

Buying a new car feels great, but getting rid of your old junk car can be a pain—especially if you want to sell it. Because of their size, cars are a hassle to keep around or dispose. Luckily, you can do something about it with a junk car removal service. Here’s what you need to know. When to Use Junk Car Removal Junk car removal isn’t always the best option if you want to get top value out of your car. If you have a nice car with a clean title that still runs well, you can always sell your

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Episode 37, Garage Time: Airbnb for DIY mechanics

Andrew Koretz formerly lived in a building in Chicago that didn’t have a garage. He had to improvise. When he needed to change the oil in his car or motorcycle, he used the roof of a parking garage across the street from his residence. A self-described gearhead, Koretz, 31, enjoys do-it-yourself challenges. But while working on engines from his former vantage point, he noticed plenty of vacant homes. The result is Garage Time (www.bookgaragetime.com). The online marketplace is the equivalent of Airbnb or VRBO for vehicle owners who wish to work on their vehicles, but who don’t have available facilities.

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