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Only Corvette ZL-1 convertible could fetch $3M

The 1969 Corvette ZL-1 Convertible is one of Chevrolet’s rarest vehicles and it’s heading to RM Sotheby’s auction in Phoenix, Arizona, auction in January. Only two Corvettes Stingrays were equipped with the 7.0L ZL-1 V8 from factory and only one is a convertible. The auction marks the first time a Corvette with a ZL-1 engine has been offered to the public in 30 years, and the only time a convertible with this engine has been available for purchase. This ultra-rare Corvette was never intended for public sale. It’s anticipated to fetch between $2.6- $3 million,  which would make it one of the most expensive Corvettes ever sold. The current record is an L88-powered 1967 example that sold for $3.85M in

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New Tesla rear camera, trunk woes prompt 475,000 recalls

Tesla is recalling more than 475,000 of its Model 3 and Model S electric cars from model years 2014 to 2021 because of rearview camera and trunk issues that increase the risk of crashing. The U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer is recalling 356,309 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles to address rearview camera issues and 119,009 Model S vehicles due to front hood problems, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced The federal regulator has been discussing another camera issue with the automaker while probing the electric vehicle manufacturer’s driver assistant system and other issues. According to the manufacturer’s sales figures, the total number of vehicles being recalled is about the same volume of vehicles Tesla delivered in 2020. Tesla: Recall Issues

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#210, Ira Spector, proud 2012 Fisker Karma owner

Ira 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 longer built.” Fisker Karma: Rare, Beautiful Spector is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Co-hosts Bruch Aldrich talk with the car’s owner, his enjoyment of sports cars and his automotive passion for

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#209, Author Russell Hayes showcases tiny cars in big book

Veteran automotive author Russell Hayes is at it again. His latest book, “The Big Book of Tiny Cars” was recently published. It’s a definitive look at the global industry of the most famous and infamous microcars and subcompacts from 1901 to current models. Hayes, who lives and works in London, England, is a repeat guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast. He first joined co-host Bruce Aldrich and me on Episode #153 last October 2020 to discuss all things Volkswagen. Tiny Cars: All Shapes, Sizes During Episode #209, Hayes discusses his latest offering and his enjoyment of researching American brands and styles like the Crosley Super Sport to the German BMW Isetta. According to the book’s marketing information, more than 100

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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, three vehicles — the Honda Clarity, Hyundai Nexo and Toyota Mirai — are part of the still-niche hydrogen marketplace. All

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#120, Author Patrick Foster celebrates 80 years of Jeep

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:38 — 43.5MB)Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | MoreAuthor Patrick Foster knows as much as anyone about automaker Jeep. With more than 30 years in the automotive industry, Foster is a prolific journalist, particularly when writing about the long history of the utilitarian, four-wheel-drive vehicles. Co-hosts Bruce Aldrich and James Raia interview Foster in episode #120 of The Weekly Driver Podcast. Foster’s latest book is JEEP: EIGHT DECADES FROM WILLYS TO WRANGLER (Motorbooks $32.99.) Accompanied by more than 200 photographs, the 192-page paperback is described as “the definitive book on the greatest four-wheel-drive vehicle ever.” During our 30-minute interview, Foster details his passion for Jeep and gives an insightful account of the

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#94, West Sacramento truck company helps Paradise Fire cleanup

Not too long ago, I overheard a conversation in a Starbucks in Sacramento. The barista asked the woman in front of me what she does for a living. The response: “My husband and I own a dump truck.” It turns out, the Maricela and Adam Fry, husband and wife, own Big Country Restoration and Transport in West Sacramento. They own three massive dump trucks and have one of many contracts to help the cleanup of The Camp Fire in Paradise, California. Adam Fry is our guest on this episode of The Weekly Drive Podcast. The fire started in Paradise on Nov. 9 2018 and was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. It was also the deadliest wildfire in the United

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Peugeot prepping for US return, details remain secret

What styles, when they will arrive and how they will be sold are all unknown. What’s certain is Peugeot will be re-introduced to the North American market within a few years. It’s been absent for nearly three decades. Groupe PSA, the multinational manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles sold under the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall brands, announced its intentions in late February. Larry Dominique, President and CEO, PSA North America, Inc., was a recent guest on The Weekly Driver Podcast. It’s the broadcast I co-host with Bruce Aldrich and available on all major podcast platforms. Dominique cited facts, figures and industry trends. He explained that after China, North America is the world’s second-largest car market. The industry is extraordinarily

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Toyota Mirai, 312-mile range hydrogen car, gets info site

The Toyota Mirai, the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle that uses no gasoline and emits only water vapor, will be available in its “request” phase beginning July 20. Potential buyers will then be able to request the only electric vehicle with an EPA estimated driving range of more than 300 miles. The EPA has given the Mirai a range rating of 312 miles and an EPA estimated 67 mpge in combined city and highway driving. The, $57,5000 sedan will be available only at eight California dealerships. Only California residents can buy the car. It will include an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on “key fuel cell vehicle components” and three years — or $15,000, whichever comes first — of fuel. Toyota reported the Mirai won’t debut

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2015 Honda CR-V unveiled, debuts October 1

A week away from its official unveiling, a glimpse of the 2015 Honda CR-V has been unveiled via one image and an uninformative brief press release from the Japanese automaker. In its press release, the redesigned Honda CR-V is described: “A new aggressive and bold appearance with unique Honda style portends the significant enhancements made to the 2015 CR-V. Going on sale October 1, complete information on the newest version of the best-selling SUV in America will be available September 30.” As the best-selling crossover in the United States, the Honda CR-V, had its best sales volume in 2013 with more than 303,00 units sold. The 2011 Honda CR-V was the last redesigned generation. The current CR-V features a 2.4-liter

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Elio Motors, Pep Boys establish service deal

If the Elio Motors concept vehicle is launched, its buyers will have a nationwide official service provider, Pep Boys. The automotive aftermarket retailer has more than 800 service centers in 35 states and in Puerto Rico, and it will cover 90 percent of the markets where the start-up Elio Motors vehicles will be sold. Elio Motors will service vehicles at its company owned stores in remaining markets. For more than one year, Elio has promoted its three-wheel vehicle. The company claims it will have a price tag of $6,800, fuel efficiency of 84 miles per gallon and a top speed of 100 mph. “Pep Boys’ rich history, dating nearly 100 years, makes the company a cultural icon, and a well-known

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Nissan testing new trend — self-cleaning cars (video)

Some folks like mowing their lawns and cleaning their cars. They won’t allow anyone else to touch their grass or their wheels. Other people don’t want to be bothered, and that’s what Nissan in counting on with its self-cleaning car experiment. The carmaker is testing a new paint technology that repels mud, rain and dirt. So far, the testing has only been done Europe, and only on theNissan Note. If the idea works, the environmental advantages and time-saving efficiency sound promising. The technology is called Ultra-Ever Dry. It’s never been used on automobile before. The concept works when a layer of air between the paint and the environment prohibits standing water and road spray from remaining on the exterior paint.

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Massive GM recall oddity: 1.4 million cars still unfixed

The 10-year delay in the massive General Motors ignition switch recall is being investigated by Congress and the Justice Department. But the story has a second oddity. None of the cars among the five brands recalled have been repaired. The cars involved include: Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, Saturn Sky and Ion and Pontiac G5 and Solstice. General Motors said it sent letters to the owners of cars from model years 2005 through 2007 involved in the problem. But owners haven’t been asked to schedule repairs because there aren’t enough parts available to fix all of the 1.4 million vehicles affected. General Motors has reported it will have the parts and will begin repairs in April. The repair will take an

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GM first: Mary Barra picked as new chief executive

Mary Barra became the first woman at the top level of the United States automotive industry Dec. 11 when she was named chief executive of General Motors. Barra, 51, the currrent executive vice president of global product development and global purchasing, will replace current chief executive Dan Akerson on Jan. 15. The selection of Barra to lead GM marked the latest among several appointments of woman chief executives to corporations long dominated by men. Last year, the technology firm Yahoo named a woman as president and CEO. Also, women have been named in recent years to run defense contractors General Dynamics Corp. and Lockheed Martin as well as computer giants IBM and Hewlett-Packard.   Barra’s promotion came one day after

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Subaru versatility results in best sales month in history

Subaru owners in mountain states have long known about the unheralded carmaker’s merits. The original all-wheel drive system was the precursor to many other manufacturers’ all-wheel drive systems. And Subaru has also been at the forefront of the auto industry for car owners who travel with pets. Subaru’s designs and accessories for animals are unmatched. Subaru’s enduring versatility has finally paid off. The automaker reported its July 2013 sales of 35,994 vehicles was the best month in the manufacturer’s history. The record month included best ever July sales for Forester, Outback and Impreza models. The record month of sales was a 43 percent increase over July 2012. The company’s 240,591 sales for 2013 is 27 percent higher than the same

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Honda drives save the drive-in theater campaign

Like soda fountains and mom and pop markets, drive-in theaters could be the next symbol of American culture to disappear. The reason, the nearly 375 remaining drive-in theaters in the United States will be required to convert to digital projection by the end of 2013. The cost is $80,000 per theater and that expense would prevent many drive-ins from staying open. But Honda isn’t too keen on letting another symbol of Americana disappear. And to hopefully prevent the loss of the theaters, the carmaker has undertaken The Save The Drive In campaign to preserve the concept that began 80 years ago. Drive-ins date to June 6, 1933 when inventor Richard M Hollingshead, Jr. opened the first location in Pennauken, New

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