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The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 7, 1959 Volkswagen Bug

Every family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest in this week’s episode, discussing the legacy of the historic Bug and how it influenced his upbringing and his close relationship with his father and family. Officially, the Volkswagen Beetle and Bug are the Volkswagen Type I. It’s arguably the most recognizable vehicle on the road with its high, severely rounded roofline, protruding fenders, distinct lights and overall bulbousness. It’s now

Episode 7, Bruce Aldrich and his 1959 VW Bug

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (35.3MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreEvery family has a car story. Bruce Aldrich, the co-host of The Weekly Driver Podcast, inherited a 1959 Volkswagen Bug from his father who bought it new. Bruce has more than a 50-year history with the car. He’s the guest on this week’s episode, discussing the legacy of the historic Bug and how it influenced his upbringing and his close relationship with his father and family.

2017 Fiat 500c Abarth: fun but flawed subcompact

Six years after Fiat returned to the United States, the Italian carmaker continues to struggle in the subcompact market. It’s a tough go with competition that includes perennial favorites like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Beetle. For 2017, Fiat has streamlined its efforts. Novelty trims have been ditched; the entry-level Pop, upscale Lounge and performance-oriented Abarth remain. The 500c variants include a coupe, sliding roof cabriolet and fully electric, 500e. The cabriolet Abarth has a four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower, an increase of 59 horsepower from its siblings. The Abarth name references the Italian carmaker’s founder Italian-Austrian Carlo Abarth. Its

Will Tesla be the first to offer affordable autonomous cars?

What company will be the first to make autonomous cars readily available in the United States? Will it be Tesla, Google or the Apple self-driving car? Or might it China and its manufacturers’ efforts? It’s hard to know what to expect or who will be at the front of the pack. Beyond pending infrastructure and legal issues, the successful company will likely be at the forefront with its design, functionality and affordability. Functionality involves ensuring the car can do what it is expected to do without failure. But how? Machine learning is a technology that allows machines to learn and

Electric cars are the future, but will they ever rule the road?

Automotive News

Electric cars are the automotive future when it comes to personal transportation. How quickly, however, will your current vehicle be obsolete? Will an electric car be the first vehicle your children or grandchildren drive? Carscoops reported in 2015 four European countries and several states were planning to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The list included Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon and Vermont. International locations included Quebec, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands. Earlier this month, China also announced it would ban the production and sale of gas and diesel-fueled vehicles. France

The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 6, Fantasy Cars We Want

Podcast

If you could buy any car, what would you choose? A Ferrari? Aston Martin? Bugatti? Rolls-Royce? Lamborghini? Or how about something more elegant — and powerful — like a Bentley Mulsanne? Bruce Aldrich and James Raia, co-hosts of the Weekly Driver Podcast, recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In our new episode, we both pick four fantasy cars we’d like to own. Bruce chose a combination of vehicles he’s driven and others he longs to drive. James selected four upscale vehicles he’s driven during his 14 years as an automotive reviewer. The vehicles on our respective lists

Episode 6, Fantasy Cars We Want

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (28.6MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreIf you could buy any car, what would you choose? A Ferrari? Aston Martin? Bugatti? Rolls Royce? Lamborghini? Or how about something more elegant — and powerful — like a Bentley Mulsanne? The Weekly Driver Podcast recently discussed best new cars for less than $25,000. In this issue, we both pick four new fantasy cars. And our respective No. 1 picks were the same — the 2017 Bentley Bentayga.

Two 2018 JL Jeep Wrangler models set for giveaway

Automotive News

Brian Deegan, a 16-time X Games Freestyle Motocross medalist, and Barricade Off Road, a leading manufacturer for off-road Wrangler parts, have joined for the biggest-ever Jeep Wrangler giveaway. Brian and his daughter Hailie have announced they’re giving away two 2018 JL Wranglers in conjunction with ExtremeTerrain, a leading authority in Jeep parts and accessories. This ultimate “His and Hers” Wrangler giveaway will feature two, one of a kind, unique JL Wranglers slathered in aftermarket parts from Deegan38, Barricade and more. With Brian Deegan’s approval, these 2018 Wranglers are ensured to be “absolutely sick.” Lift kits, wheels, tires, grilles, bumpers, fender

2017 Volkswagen Beetle: Spry, sporty, vital at age 72

Automotive Reviews

Picking the most recognizable vehicle on the road is endlessly fun. The engine growl of a Maserati heard from another zip code? The near-silent elegance and design of a Tesla? The off-the-hook, testosterone-loaded design of a Hummer? They’re all unique, worthy selections. But like it or not, the Volkswagen Type I, predominately known as the Beetle or Bug, gets the honor. With its high, severely rounded roofline, protruding fenders, distinct lights and overall bulbousness, the 72-year-old Beetle is alone in the auto industry. The VW’s weird pedigree — commissioned by Adolph Hitler in the 1930s to adopted by the Hippie

Episode 5, Best Cars Under $25,000

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (36.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MorePerhaps the most competitive price point in the car industry is the available of quality cars — sedans, sports cars, sport utility vehicles and crossovers — for less than $25,000. It’s particularly impressive since the average price of a new car in the United States in recent years has hovered around $32,000. Competition is increasingly intense. Whether you’re considering a luxury vehicle or a moderately priced car, there’s an abundance of choices as carmakers try to outdo each other. In Episode 5 of The Weekly Driver

2017 Nissan Titan improved, but still trails truck pack

Pickup Trucks

The automotive landscape is dominated by large trucks. The Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and Ram pick-ups are perennially the country’s top-selling vehicles. So what are the other guys supposed to do to sell trucks? Nissan, which launched the Titan in late 2003, decided it needed to regroup. Except for a V8 diesel, the Titan wasn’t available as a 2016 model. It’s back in 2017 with a new look and an expanded warranty. Nissan’s goal is optimistic. It hopes the Titan can challenge the Big Three. Last year, Ford sold 820,799 F-Series trucks, led by the F-150. In 2005, Nissan sold

The Weekly Driver Podcast, Episode 4, Ferrari owner Bill Finkbeiner

Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 18:36 — 17.0MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAutomotive legend Enzo Ferrari began his legacy under the brand name Auto Avio Costruzioni in 1940. Seven years later, the Ferrari brand debuted with the 125S with a 1.5-liter V12 engine. The exotic Italian supercar with its famous black prancing horse, yellow background and Italian flag logo forever changed the automotive industry. Bill Finkbeiner, a landscape contractor and car collector in Auburn, California, has owned a Ferrari for nearly 40 years. He’s our guest on Episode 4 of The Weekly Driver podcast. Finkbeiner purchased

The race to improve electric cars globally heats up quickly

Economy cars

SPONSORED CONTENT Last week, USA Today reported Daimler, maker of Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen would launch long-range electric cars. As such, what is the likelihood of electric cars being the first and only car your grandchildren will know? One consideration is defining the use of the term “long range.” Until recently, many electric cars had a range 40 to 100 miles per charge and they required hours to recharge. For commuters with short round-trip drives, limited-range electric cars are satisfactory. But for drivers whose daily driving habits including additional mile for errands and other activities, short-range electric vehicle are problematic. Electric-gas

Zynga CSR Racing 2 honors Ferrari 70th anniversary

Automotive News, Luxury cars

Owning a Ferrari is a lifelong dream for many performance car enthusiasts. But not many vehicle owners get to have their dream come true. But in conjunction the supercar’s 70th anniversary, Zynga a leading social game developer, has launched its homage to the iconic Italian vehicle in CSR Racing 2 (CSR2). Players can get behind the virtual wheel of a Ferrari 488 GTB, one of the six tailor-made Ferraris coming to CSR2 in honor of the manufacturer’s milestone celebration. “Over the course of 70 years, Ferrari has set the luxury standard of excellence in the automotive industry, producing some of

Episode 3, Hybrid Hype

Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download ()Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreThe 2000 Toyota Prius was the first nationally available hybrid vehicle in the United States. A few months earlier, Honda introduced the Insight, the so-called “Peanut Car.” But it’s never made much of an impact in its original edition or the current generation that debuted in recent years. Double click below to listen to the latest edition: But in the nearly 18 years since alternative fuel vehicles — gas/electric, electric only, natural gas, etc. — have been manufactured, has the technology made a difference? Environmental and green

Three Big Impact Ford Vehicles for Small Businesses

SPONSORED CONTENT Ford vehicles are popular among most small and medium businesses. The consistent performance, unmatched design, passenger comfort, cargo ferrying and powerful features make the vehicles unsurpassed. Considering the manufacturer’s major impact, what are its current most popular vans? Here are three for consideration: Ford Transit — The most manufacturer’s most popular full-sized cargo van, the Transit is available in regular wheelbase and long wheelbase models. The latter model also has extended length options. The Transit van also offers an optional high roof version to accommodate increased cargo. Research the reviews from Dealer Reviews before finalizing a purchasing decision.