https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_94.mp3

Episode 94

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is talking Fort’s Trail Team

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Our favorite Kubota-slinging salesman is back and we talk Southern Cruiser Crawl, KOAR and More!

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard worldwide!

Sponsors

• Fort’s Toyota of Pekin
• German Bliss Equipment

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters. 

Itunes Premium –  people love it!  Full integration into your Apple podcast app. 

NEWS:

Polestar Says Biden Proposal Would ‘Effectively Prohibit’ Sale of Its Cars in US

Polestar said on Monday that a proposed Biden administration rule to bar the use of Chinese vehicle hardware and software would “effectively prohibit” the automaker from selling vehicles in the United States, including cars made in the U.S. The Swedish automaker, a brand of Volvo Cars that is majority-owned by China’s Geely said in comments filed with the Commerce Department that a proposed rule prohibiting Chinese-connected vehicles on American roads due to national security concerns would bar the sale of vehicles that Polestar is building in South Carolina as well as those produced in China.

Source: Reuters 

‘Past Its Peak’: Slowing Jeep Gladiator Sales Raise Concerns at Toledo Factory

In late 2018, then-Jeep boss Tim Kuniskis pledged the brand’s new burly off-roading pickup, the Gladiator, would do battle with other popular midsize truck entries like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma while also setting a “new benchmark” for the segment. For a couple of years, it did. Gladiator sales surged to nearly 90,000 in the United States by 2021, matching the popular Jeep Cherokee SUV that year. But since then, sales have fallen sharply — from 78,855 in 2022, to 55,188 last year, to just 32,670 sold through this year’s third quarter. The slow sales have spurred big discounts on Gladiators.

TRAIL TEAM Talk

Cars of the Weak  

Eric:

2006 STERLING, LT9500, Heavy Duty Trucks – Car Hauler Trucks, MERCEDES-BENZ MBE4000, power windows, differential lock, dump valve, cruise, suspension gauge, air seat, 2006 COTTRELL CAR TRAILER VIN: 6G088410 TRUCK HAS SET A WHILE AND WILL NEED GOOD GOING OVER, SELLING AS IS IN NON-RUNNING CONDITION, 450 Horse Power, Air Ride Suspension, Aluminum Wheels, Wheel Base, 19.5, Axle, 3.58 Ratio, VIN 6AW46627

Daryl:

1987 Renault/AMC Alliance GTA

66,000 Original Miles

2.0 L fuel-injected 4-cylinder

5-Speed Manual

New Timing Belt

New KYB StrutsR11 Turbo Springs from Europe

Needs a New Fuel Level Sending Unit – correct fuel level not displayed, otherwise no driving issues.

Original Low mileage example in incredible shape for its age.q

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/zqWHwJNXW5ujXmep/

The post Episode 94 – Fort’s Trail Team review of 2024 (with Jake Irish) appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_93.mp3

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is ready for some trunk-or-treat!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

• Newsom is vetoing speed limits!
• Robots versus Longshoremen: It’s not an action movie, it’s real-life.
• Rambler versus Panda: Who will win the Cars of the Weak for this week?

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon Family

 

Projects

Eric

• KOAR, or the Keweenau Overland Aventure Retreat, was kool. 
• Rentals for the camper
• Time to pull the celica in and do the work needed. The roof now pops and the glass is clanking.

Daryl

• Did a ton of work on the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood over the past two weeks. It’s soooo close to firing!
• Moved the ’69 Volvo into storage to the chagrin of some folks.
• I’m tired of playing musical cars, so I need to figure out something soon. Probably the last winter of this sorta thing.

News

Stellantis U.S. Auto Sales Extend Freefall in Third Quarter

Source: CNBC

Stellantis’ U.S. new vehicle sales during the third quarter continued a yearslong freefall despite CEO Carlos Tavares’ actions to fix what he has called “arrogant” mistakes by the company. The Transatlantic carmaker reported U.S. sales Tuesday of 305,294 from July through September, a 19.8% decline from the third quarter of 2023 and an 11.5% decrease from the prior three months of this year. Stellantis was expected to be the worst sales performer of major automakers during the third quarter, and auto industry forecaster Cox Automotive had projected a sales decline of roughly 21%.

European Automakers Most at Risk From US Dockworkers Strike, Analysts Say

Source: Reuters

European automakers are the most likely to be affected by the dockworkers strike at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports because they rely heavily on those locations, but a longer walkout could prove “debilitating” to the entire sector, industry officials and analysts said. The dockworkers began their first large-scale stoppage in nearly 50 years early on Tuesday, halting the flow of about half the nation’s ocean shipping.

California governor vetoes bill requiring speeding alerts in new cars

Source: AP News

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill Saturday that would have required new cars to beep at drivers if they exceed the speed limit.

California would have become the first to require such systems for all new cars, trucks and buses sold in the state starting in 2030. The bill, aimed at reducing traffic deaths, would have mandated that vehicles beep at drivers when they exceed the speed limit by at least 10 mph (16kph).

The European Union has passed similar legislation to encourage drivers to slow down. California’s proposal would have provided exceptions for emergency vehicles, motorcycles and motorized scooters.

In explaining his veto, Newsom said federal law already dictates vehicle safety standards and adding California-specific requirements would create a patchwork of regulations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety “is also actively evaluating intelligent speed assistance systems, and imposing state-level mandates at this time risks disrupting these ongoing federal assessments,” the Democratic governor said.

General Motors’ Mark Reuss: Hyundai JV Prospects Are Excellent, Culture at GM Ready To Rock

Source: Wards Auto

General Motors recently entered into a Memo of Understanding with Hyundai Group for co-development of a wide array of possible projects, technology sharing and purchasing for shared projects. GM President Mark Reuss says he has high expectations for the agreement despite the automaker’s spotty history with joint ventures. “This is really a shared vision around what both of our goals are and objectives, and open communication and I think staying agile and flexible because this industry and market isn’t stagnant,” says Reuss.

Point, Counter Point

A West Coast port worker union is fighting robots. The stakes for the supply chain are high

Source: CNBC

• In 1993, the Dutch port complex in Rotterdam became the first to introduce machine automation and has since become the model for a fully automated terminal, most of which have emerged since the 2010s in Asia and Europe.

• There are near 1,000 container ports in the world, yet last year, according to a report by the International Transport Forum, only around 53 were automated, representing 4% of the total global container terminal capacity.

• The argument about the economic efficiency of automating port work is a key one in the current labor union contract dispute between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA).

Super Car News Search

Mercedes-AMG readies game-changing supercar to replace SLS EV

Source: Autocar

Mercedes-AMG is hatching plans for a spectacular electric supercar that will launch the performance brand into the EV age.

The new performance halo model was previewed by last year’s retro-inspired Vision One-Eleven concept, and it is described as a “brand-defining successor to the SLS Electric Drive”, the 730bhp quad-motor EV that was launched in 2013 and which cost £333,000. But while that car was limited to just nine examples, the new AMG supercar is planned for significantly higher production numbers when it arrives later this decade.

Making its flagship less of an exclusive offering is central to AMG’s evolving electrification strategy. It has already launched powered-up versions of the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV, with specific motors and battery technology separate from those of their standard siblings.

The new electric supercar is considered a key part of Mercedes-AMG’s future, despite CEO Michael Schiebe moving to extend the life of some of AMG’s more profitable combustion-engined models amid slower than expected sales of its EVs.

However, Schiebe leaves little doubt about the company’s ultimate trajectory, telling Autocar: “It’s clear that we are going all-electric.”

The new supercar will be charged with cementing AMG’s performance credentials as it switches from high-output combustion engines to electric power. Autocar understands it is likely to outpace the 1049bhp Mercedes-AMG One, whose Formula 1-derived, V6/electric hybrid set-up is good for 0-62mph in 2.9sec and 0-186mph in 15.6sec.

Cars of the Weak  

Eric: 1996 Fiat panda 4×4 – $15,000

Source: Facebook Markplace

From the Listing: 1996 Fiat Panda 4×4 imported from Japan over a year ago.  Has all original import documents as well as clean Michigan title.  Engine is recently rebuilt and has a ton of life left.  4×4 works great without issue, is FWD with 4×4 disengaged.  Has 1.1 liter Fiat FIRE engine that gets great mileage and has no problem hitting highway speeds.  Has new engine and tranny oil, antifreeze, tires, water pump, timing belt, 4×4 bushing, and thermostat.  Has small rust spots on rockers and seats have slight blemishes.  Also has cold working AC and a 5 speed manual transmission.

Daryl: 1963 Rambler American Station Wagon – $10,000

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Listing: Who needs a sweet solid 1963 AMC rambler custom wagon project as a Ford straight six. It will need a motor I’m told. Automatic transmission, Ohio Title. If you know somebody looking for a project wagon, please feel free to share my ad.

The post Episode 93 – Panda Versus Rambler appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thebeerreport/TW_92.mp3

 

Welcome to the automotive podcast that is keeping it cool in the hot midwest!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Trikes!  Eric seems to love them… So we Race Daily Kill them!
• Are you down with B-Y-D? Yeah, you know me!
• Where in the world is Carlos Goshn?  

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] at any time.

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Patreon Members

 

Projects

Eric: I added another car to the fleet.

• Welcome to our new 2024 Prius!
• Aiden took old Prius
• The Celica has a check engine light on the dash. Why do we charge diagnostic fees at the dealer? I’ll tell you why.

Daryl: Got my driveshaft done on Börk, the ‘69 Volvo.

• The little meatball runs great!
• Fuel leaks in Minerva the ‘55 Plymouth. I’ll sort it out.
• Drove Oscar the ‘47 Chevy last weekend for the second time this year and I’m still in love with how simple that car is and how good it runs.

Race. Daily. Kill.

The contenders this time are all three-wheeled wonders.
They are:

2016 Polaris Slingshot 2008 Can-Am Spyder w/ Vikings Paint Job 2016 Honda Goldwing w/ Sidecar 2.4 liter Ecotec 4 Cyl Rotax V-twin 1832cc 6 cyl 173 horsepower 106 horsepower 116 horsepower

News

How China Is Becoming a Money Pit for Foreign Automakers

Source: NADA

For the largest global automakers, profits in China have been hit by falling sales as consumers embrace electric vehicles from homegrown brands such as BYD, which last year supplanted Volkswagen as China’s bestselling carmaker. In July, EVs and plug-in hybrids accounted for over half of all cars sold in the country for the first time, while the share shipped to dealers by non-Chinese brands slipped to 33%, down from 50% two years earlier.

Mitsubishi joins Honda and Nissan in EV tie-up

Source: Electronics Weekly
Mitsubishi Motors has  joined Nissan and Honda in an EV tie-upwhere all three companies share key components and software.

Nissan and Honda announced an EV collaboration in March.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida, Nissan says: “We are very pleased to welcome a new member to the strategic partnership between Honda and Nissan. Mitsubishi Motors has unique technologies and expertise.”

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe, said the industry is going through a “once in a century” period of transformation towards electrification and collaboration would help resolve related issues more quickly.

Mitsubishi Motors CEO Takao Kato, said that collaboration is essential to future success in the automotive industry.

Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn was scathing about the  move: “I can’t imagine for one moment how it’s going to work between Honda and Nissan unless it’s a takeover, unless it’s a disguised takeover by Honda of Nissan and Mitsubishi with Honda in the driver’s seat. It’s going to be a takeover, a disguised takeover,” he told Automotive News.

One of the most controversial executives in the car industry is not afraid to call things as he sees them. After saying Nissan is “boring, mediocre” and in a “bad position” while describing the Renault-Nissan alliance as “small and fragile,” the 70-year-old fugitive now has something to say about the newly formed Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi partnership.

Carlos Ghosn: Honda Plans ‘Disguised Takeover’ of Nissan and Mitsubishi

Source: Motor1
In a new interview with Automotive News, Ghosn said Honda is plotting a “disguised takeover” of Nissan and Mitsubishi. He believes that Honda is by far the biggest of the three Japanese automakers, so it puts the company in the “driver’s seat” to take control. Complete details about the new agreement haven’t been fleshed out, but the former man in charge of Nissan argues that Honda will call the shots.

Mercedes-Benz becomes the first foreign automaker to gain approval to test Level 4 autonomous driving technology in prototype vehicles on selected roads in Beijing. The approval, granted by the Chinese government, is described by Mercedes-Benz as a “crucial step” in advancing its existing Drive Pilot system to a level where it possesses full control from start to finish of any given journey where the conditions and autonomous regulatory framework allow.

Source: WardsAuto

Stellantis idles Michigan engine plant for a week

Source: Automotive News

Stellantis is halting production for a week at the Trenton, Mich., plant that makes V-6 engines for the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 Classic to whittle down a large backlog. The downtime is because of a need “to balance engine inventories with production,” the automaker said. Stellantis has been adjusting its production output and laying off workers, in some cases, amid sliding sales and changes to its vehicle portfolio.

Swedish EV maker Polestar starts U.S. production, avoiding heavy tariffs

Source: Reuters
Swedish electric-vehicle (EV) maker Polestar moved one step further in avoiding major tariffs imposed on Chinese-made cars on Wednesday when the automaker said it began production of its Polestar 3 SUV in the United States. Steep tariffs recently imposed by U.S. and Europe on cars made in China have prompted many automakers to speed up plans to move parts of their production to other countries.

Dangerous Air Bags Still Haunt Older Cars Nearly a Decade Later

Source: Axios
Ford and Mazda are telling customers not to drive certain older vehicles equipped with faulty air bags that were recalled years ago but never replaced by their owners. The warnings are an urgent reminder of the danger from the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, affecting 67 million Takata air bags in tens of millions of vehicles. Even minor crashes can cause the affected cars’ air bag to explode, sending metal fragments that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

States Scramble to Replace Gas Tax Cash

Source: POLITICO

Most states now levy a dedicated fee on electric vehicle owners. Some also have rolled back other incentives, such as New Jersey’s decision this year to restart sales tax on EVs. Or they have reconfigured registration fees to land more heavily on EVs, as in Maryland. The justification from both Democratic and Republican policymakers for making EVs more expensive is that states are staring down a budgetary cliff. The gasoline tax — long the backbone of transportation funding — has lost potency as vehicles become more efficient.

“It’s more of an anti-electric vehicle policy than a road funding policy,” state Rep. Frank Hornstein, the Democratic chair of the Minnesota House Transportation Committee, said of states trying to make up gas tax revenue by charging EV owners.

States face a balancing act: The more quickly drivers go electric, the more quickly gas tax revenues decline; the more states lean on EVs to make up lost gas tax revenue, the more it weighs down EV demand.

“We’re not at a point where electric cars are in any way, shape or form quote-unquote ‘stealing’ from the gas tax,” Hornstein said. “We’re far from that. … It’s a drop in the bucket.”

Photo Credit: Ferarri

Super Car News Search

Ferrari Electric Supercar: Everything We Know

Ferrari’s first-ever electric car should debut in 2025 and go on sale in 2026. Here’s what we know about it.

Source: Motor1

Ferrari is set to reveal its first electric vehicle by the end of 2025 and it should be a big deal for the Italian automaker. Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna says that the automaker’s first electric car won’t lose the brand’s “unique” feel. Vigna also pointed out the obvious—Ferrari’s first EV “will have four wheels.”

Ferrari has been testing heavily camouflaged prototypes ahead of the EV’s debut, but we don’t really know if the test mules will resemble the finished product.

What Will It Look Like?

Ferrari has turned to former Apple Design Chief Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson to work on the car’s outside appearance.

Our friends over at Motor1 stated the following in regard to the vehicle’s design:

Our first look at Ferrari’s EV was hiding underneath a heavily modified Maserati Levante body with fake exhaust tips tacked on the back. But just because the prototype is an SUV doesn’t necessarily mean Ferrari’s EV will be one as well. It’s unclear what the final form looks like at this stage of its development, although we expect some light crossover-like features (like minor cladding and a slight lift).

What Will It Sound Like?

Like some other automakers, Ferrari wants to develop “sound signatures” for the vehicle. So, this means that it won’t be virtually silent.

Ferrari CEO Vigna previously stated, “Electric cars are not silent,” but he didn’t reveal what sort of non-silence we should expect from Ferrari’s first EV.

What Will Power It?

Ferrari has been working with SK On, a South Korean vehicle battery manufacturer, and the two companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to continue their ongoing collaboration. So, it seems likely, though not guaranteed, that the batteries for Ferrari’s first EV will come from SK On.

We expect the EV to have at least two electric motors, but of course, there’s room for more. Perhaps a top-level version will have three or even four motors.

How Much Will It Cost?

There have been some reports suggesting that Ferrari would price the EV at over $500,000 to start. However, Ferrari CEO Vigna said $500,000 was “a surprise” to him, so we expect a lower figure.

It won’t be cheap though. Our friends over at Motor1 suggest, “It’ll likely cost much more than the Portofino M, which starts at around $250,000, but it could cost less than the SF90 Stradale that’s on its way out.”  That model starts at over $520,000. There’s a lot of space between those two figures. We should find out its price when it debuts.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 1929 Ford Roadster Street Rod

Source: Bring a Trailer
From the Ad:
This Ford Model A-style street rod is a steel-bodied roadster that was built at least two decades ago, according to the selling dealer. It is powered by 327ci Chevrolet V8 with a dual-quad induction setup, a Weiand intake manifold, and double-hump cylinder heads. The engine is backed by a Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and details include a ’33-style grille, a Hilborn-style air scoop, a removable Carson-style top, and purple paint with pinstriping applied by Bob Behounek of Chicago, Illinois. The car rides on a tubular steel chassis with a four-bar front suspension setup, a dropped front axle, four-link rear suspension, Bilstein dampers and coilovers, Weld Racing 15” wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. Trimmed in black vinyl, the interior is equipped with a Hurst shifter, Sony AM/FM/CD head unit, banjo-style steering wheel, and VDO instrumentation. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2024, this custom street rod is now offered with a clean Florida title listing it as a 1929 Ford.

Daryl: 1976 Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon – $21,995

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad:
1976 Cutlass Salon! Very rare model with the manual transmission only 964 ever made!! Yes the mileage is correct only 16,000 original miles! For more information you can drop a comment down below send me a message on here or feel free to call or text me directly.

As always, thanks for listening! 

The post Episode 92 – Electric Ferraris and a Trike Showdown appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_91_FINAL_-_96kb.mp3

Welcome to the automotive podcast that does not require a special license to listen to… unless you live in Australia!

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Want some shaved ice?  A hot dog?  How about a hamburger?  We might have a business opportunity for you.
• AI is taking the wheel…  Literally
• Sideshows and joyrides? It must be summer.

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches!

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Our Patreon Supporters

 

Projects

Eric

• Oil leak on Treehugger.  Don’t use universal tools!
• Ready for a trip to Colorado.
• 2 sets of tires for 2 cars. I’m broke.
• Throttle body cleaning on the green ’96 Celica.

Daryl

• Working on the Volvo driveshafts. 
• Enjoying my junk for the time being. 
• Solara brakes are done. The top is fixed.

New Segment: Full-Time, Part-Time or Side Hustle.

We joke all the time about our retirement job.  More often than not, we find ourselves looking at being a Good Humor salesman. (Remember them?)

They all have wheels, and some even have motors, so it all counts for Throwin’ Wrenches.

Similar style to Race Daily Kill…  I want to know what your opinions are on these three different levels of food trucks… Would you quit your day job and make this the full-time gig…  Maybe it’s something you might do part-time?  What about a straight side hustle?

What are your choices for…  Full-time, Part-time or Side Hustle?

Shaved Ice Trailer Hot Dog Cart Food Truck

(A side hustle is a secondary job or small business that someone has in addition to their main career to earn extra money or fulfill a passion. Side hustles can offer more freedom and control than part-time jobs, allowing people to choose when and how many hours they work, and to pursue activities that align with their interests. Some people may eventually turn their side hustle into their primary career.)

News

All Cars in Europe To Be Fitted With Speed-Limiting AI Tech Due to New EU Rule

Source: The U.S. Sun

All cars will now have to be fitted with speed-limiting AI tech due to new EU rules. The new gadget can, in some cases, slow the vehicle down for you if it catches you breaking the speed limit.

Intelligent Speed Assitance (ISA) systems became a legal requirement for motors across the EU as a law passed two years ago came into effect on July 7.

ISAs make use of AI, GPS data and even onboard cameras to assess your speed in real time as you drive along.

The system will then intervene if you go above the limit it has worked out for the road you are on.

For example, the system can assess things like road markings to determine whether you are in a 20mph or 30mph zone.

From there, there are three types of ISA which firms could opt to install, with each offering different levels of intervention.

First of all, informative ISAs only result in a warning message and sound to alert the driver that they are breaking the limit.

One level up from that is the supportive ISA, which works by increasing the upward force on the accelerator pedal to try and make it harder for drivers to speed up.

Finally, intervening ISAs are the most active, with the system actually slowing the vehicle down, whether the driver wants it to or not, until it goes back under the limit.

 

As sideshows gain popularity, police try a range of tactics to stop them in their tracks

Source: Morning Edition, NPR

Depending on where you live, you may have already heard of street takeovers: impromptu events, usually at night, in which drivers of muscle cars take turns doing donuts in intersections for cheering crowds.

In Alabama, the police refer to it as “exhibition driving.” Birmingham officer Mark Jones says it’s hard to miss.

“You can see the smoke from them burning their tires from several blocks away,” he says.

Police say the phenomenon grew during the pandemic, but it isn’t new. Filmmaker Yakpasua Zazaboi encountered it 25 years ago as a young man in Oakland. Californians call the events “sideshows,” and he says it helps to understand the original slang.

“When you see young fellas pulling up in their cars and they’re trying to look cool,” he says, “the way that you kind of lean back and towards the side — it was generally called ‘sidin.’ ”

And he says the sideshow is just a show of show-offs. People showing off their souped up cars, along with elements of style and fashion. He says it was “love at first sight” for him.

“[It was] hundreds if not thousands of black faces, all getting along together, all having fun in the middle of the night,” he says.

But sideshows also disrupt traffic, disturb neighbors and endanger lives. Spectators make a game of crowding in as close as they can around the spinning cars, and the resulting collisions are prime viewing on social media.

For coastal automobile dealers, contingency planning for severe tropical weather is muscle memory. But higher insurance premiums are an added pain point this year, some said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an 85 percent chance of an above-average Atlantic hurricane season. It expects 17 to 25 named storms. Dealers told Automotive News they are confident in their hurricane readiness, though they plan to closely monitor the weather.

Stolen car joyrides lead to multiple underage arrests in Peoria

Source WMBD-TV, Peoria

Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning.

According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen.

One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license.

The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw the police, he abandoned the car and ran.

He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle.

When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools.

Super Car News Search

Australian Supercar Drivers Will Need Special License

South Australia state will require anybody with a car with more than 0.168 hp/pound to take an additional test.

Source: Road & Track

Younger drivers in the United States are already familiar with the restrictions brought by graduated licensing, with the grindingly slow graduation from provisional, probationary, or intermediate status to the glorious freedom that comes with a full license. From that point onwards, you are free to drive any car you can afford and insure.

Now one Australian state is set to impose new restrictions on all drivers wanting to drive the most powerful cars, regardless of their age or level of experience. From December this year, anybody in South Australia wanting to operate what is categorized as an Ultra High Powered Vehicle (UHPV) will have to take and pass an additional test to earn a new U-License. Failing to do so will result in a fine of up to $2500 Australian if caught in a qualifying car; that’s nearly $1700 at current exchange rates. Get caught a second time and you face up to a year in jail.

Earning the U-License will be done through an online training course followed by a test; there is no practical element to prove any level of driving skills. Much of the course is reportedly dedicated to explaining the function of active safety systems.

Cars of the Weak  

Eric

1929 Mercedes “Gazelle” Kit Car

Source: Facebook Marketplace

From the Ad: 1929 Mercedes Gazelle kit car. I belongs to a friend of mine. Want info? Call or text. 

What a comprehensive ad, wouldn’t you say?

There’s a TON of these air-cooled VW Beetle-based kit cars lurking around Marketplace these days. Just taking a quick look yielded quite a few:

Could these be the cheapest and most fun roadster “fun cars” out there today?

Speaking of roadsters…

Daryl
1991 Buick Reatta Convertible – $20,000

Source: Hemmings

From the ad: Gateway Classic Cars of Atlanta is proud to present this 1991 Buick Reatta convertible. Its red exterior turns heads while the tan leather interior offers a touch of elegance and sophistication. Under the hood a 3.8 liter V6 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. This Reatta is equipped with power features including power brakes power locks power seats power steering and power windows all designed to provide you with a convenient driving experience. 

For your comfort the Reatta comes with air conditioning and the AM/FM radio provides a variety of entertainment options for your journey. The manual convertible top is easy to operate allowing you to enjoy the open air at a moment’s notice. The car also features seatbelts. The leather interior adds a touch of luxury to this classic car. This 1991 Buick Reatta convertible is a blend of classic style and modern convenience offering a unique driving experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to own this classic Reatta.

As always, thanks for listening!

Hit us up anytime at [email protected].

The post Episode 91 – Food Truck Frenzy! appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_90_Final.mp3

 

Welcome to the automotive podcast that will not be talking about Justin Timberlake’s DUI. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• We sit down with Jack Allison at his Autobody & Collision Repair shop, CARSTAR of North Peoria and talk autobody & collision repair.
• Rivian is going MAX at Pikes Peak.
• Elon is comparing himself to John Lennon…  And not in a good way.

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

CARSTAR of North Peoria

Our Patreon Members

As always, thanks for sharing this show with a friend. 

Projects 

Eric

Currently working on Aidens RAV4…  Insane to think I picked up 2 factory-fit fog lights with wire… with bulbs for 40 bucks.  Tie Rod was bad…  Was making a hell of a racket!  It’s like new.

The 1996 Celica is leaking oil…  badly!  Time to pull it in the shop and do the maintenance that’s overdue!  

Daryl

The ’69 Volvo 144 is in the shop ready to get driveline work, but it’s TOO DAMN HOT.

I’m also working on getting the ‘55 Plymouth ready for a little road trip to Western Illinois Saturday. Oil, filter and lube. Something we never hear today. What happened to non-greaseable suspension parts? 

News

Car dealerships hit with second day of massive computer system outage

Source: CNN

 A second cyber incident at data provider CDK Global, whose software is used at 15,000 auto dealers, continued to slow operations to a near-standstill Thursday at US and Canada dealerships, the company said in a message sent to dealers.

On Wednesday, CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney said in a statement shared with CNN: “We are actively investigating a cyber incident. Out of an abundance of caution and concern for our customers, we have shut down most of our systems and are working diligently to get everything up and running as quickly as possible.”

Later that day the company announced that most of the critical computer systems were back online. But Thursday morning, the company sent dealerships another message indicating things had a taken a turn for the worse.

CDK operates numerous different products that car dealers use to handle things like keeping records of negotiated deals to scheduling and communicating about service. Not every dealer uses CDK’s products, and even those that do may not use them for everything, but the system shutdown has been a problem for many.

Eric’s note: This is a big deal, even locally.  Our competition is hamstrung by it  

Rivian will race the new 1,025hp Ascend Quad Max R1T at Pike’s Peak this week

Source: electrek

Rivian’s new high-powered Ascend Quad Max R1T variant will race up Pike’s Peak, one of the longest-running and most difficult races in the world, this weekend.

The Pike’s Peak International Hill Climb is one of the longest-running races in the world, being held 102 times since 1916.

It’s a famously difficult race, starting at an already-high 9,390ft (2,862m) in elevation and finishing at 14,110ft (4,300m), with an average 7.2% vertical grade. Until 2011, the track was largely unpaved on dirt or gravel roads, and it is not uncommon for cars to leave the track and crash into the woods or, worse, end up tumbling down the mountain. The race is also commonly stopped by rain, snow, fog, or other inclement weather of the type you commonly get at the top of mountains.

In particular, the high altitude nature of the race (which earned it the nickname “Race to the Clouds”) has always been difficult, because at high altitudes there is less oxygen, which means less complete combustion of fuel. This means that gas-powered race vehicles need to have incredibly oversized engines to do well.

That difficulty does not apply to electric vehicles since EVs don’t need oxygen for combustion, so for years EVs have overperformed in the race. Currently the all-time record for the 12.42-mile hillclimb is 7:57.148, set by the Volkswagen ID.R in 2018. And this year, an EV (Acura ZDX) will be the pace car for the first time, and Hyundai is bringing its fun Ioniq 5N, hoping for a record among EV crossovers.

Rivian’s entry is a little less wild than those, consisting of what seems to be a stock R1T – but with Rivian’s new upgraded “Ascend Quad Max” trim,. This ups the torque and horsepower to 1,198lb-ft and 1,025hp respectively, much higher than the previous 835hp top-spec.

Interview: CARSTAR With Jack Allison

CARSTAR North Peoria was previously known as Midwest Auto Salon.  They are located in North Peoria near “Auto Row”.  We sit down with Jack and ask questions about the day-to-day of owning a body shop and wander around all facets of the business.

Super Car News Search:

Lexus to launch Vantage-rivalling V8 supercar with up to 600bhp

Source: Autocar

Lexus is set to launch a new V8-engined supercar as a rival to the likes of the Aston Martin Vantage and Mercedes-AMG GT and a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA.

Parent company Toyota’s hardcore GT3 GR concept car, revealed in 2022, has now evolved into a prototype that has been spotted running at Spa-Francorchamps, and its Gazoo Racing motorsport division is expected to have it ready for top-flight competition – including the Le Mans 24 Hours – in 2026.

FIA homologation rules dictate that any GT3 racer shares its basic body design with a related road car, so a toned-down version of the GT3 GR is expected in showrooms within the next two years.

Moment of Musk

Elon Musk claims ‘two homicidal maniacs’ have tried to kill him, compares himself to John Lennon

Source: NY Post

“Two homicidal maniacs” have threatened to kill Elon Musk in the past seven months, the Tesla CEO claimed at a recent shareholder meeting, while comparing himself to the slain Beatles legend John Lennon.

During the question and answer portion of the electric vehicle company’s annual shareholders meeting last week, Musk said his high profile has put a target on his back — just like Lennon.

An anonymous shareholder asked Musk what he’s doing to make sure he stays healthy and safe, to which Musk acknowledged he should maybe start working out to avoid being “assassinated.”

Musk then revealed that Tesla “ actually did have two homicidal maniacs in the last roughly seven months come to aspirationally try to kill me, and a bunch of other people — so it’s not just me. 

“And then there wasn’t like an actual issue that they articulated, they were just in the homicidal maniac career, so I do need to be kind of careful,” Musk said

Musk said he’s been forced to “be a bit more standoffish” as a result and has stopped signing things for fans who come up to him in public.

Musk then compared himself to Lennon — who was notoriously shot and killed outside the Dakota Apartments in Manhattan in 1980 by Beatles superfan Mark David Chapman moments after Lennon signed an album for him.

“I will endeavor to stay alive,” Musk said.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 2020 Vanderhall Venice GT – $21,500

Seller’s Description
2020 Vanderhall Venice GT in perfect condition. Features heater, heated seats, Bluetooth capability. Windshield wings and rearview mirror have been added. 4-cylinder turbocharged, traction control, cruise control.

• Driven 2,700 miles
• Automatic transmission
• Exterior color: Red · Interior color:
• 1 owner

Ever since the Bradley Car show a few years ago I have been intrigued by the Vanderhall.  There was a tan one there with some antiqued accents and it gave that British roadster vibe.

I have been smitten ever since!

I totally want to drive one of these sometime.  WHY ARE THESE ALL AUTOMATICS?!?!?!?!?

Daryl: 1968 Ford Custom 500 2-Door Sedan – $4800

Source: Kraft Auctions

• V-8 Engine
• Runs and drives well
• Blue repaint
• Front bench seat has some use wear
• Clear title

Jack: Give me a classic, timeless Porsche 911… ’nuff said.

Thanks for listing! Hit us up anytime at [email protected]

 

 

The post Episode 90 – CARSTAR North Peoria with Jack Allison appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

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Welcome to the auto podcast that is looking for supercars….  In Portugal 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

•  We are singing the Mali-Blues

• Three Words… RACE DAILY KILL

• Portugal joins the world of sports car producing nations

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] and be sure to leave us a review on your podcast platform. 

Sponsors

• Fort’s Toyota of Pekin
• CIRSCCA – Mossville Autocross Doubleheader June 29th & 30th!
• PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters.   For a meer few bucks a month… You get cool swag and extra episodes.
  Check it out here

Thanks for listening.   

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for commenting.

THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!!   33 Five Star Reviews cant be wrong?

Projects

Eric: Celica near-breakdown in Ottawa – tensioner installed incorrectly!!!

Daryl: Bork is broke. Nearly put the driveshaft through the floor thanks to a center support bushing that disintegrated. Limped it home and need to drop it all and measure to get the correct parts. Hagerty said Volvo 140 series cars are up 15% in value these days, so I should probably repair it. 

RACE | DAILY | KILL

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Malibu

There are 9 generations of Malibu to pull from…  How do we choose the best for Race Daily Kill???

1964 Malibu SS

1978 Malibu Sedan

2024 Malibu RS (9th gen) Engine 283 cid V8 3.3 liter V6 1.5 liter Turbo-4 HP 220 hp 95 hp 163 hp Wheelbase 115″ 108″ 111.4″ Weight 2987 lbs 3000 lbs 3200 lbs Top Speed 109 mph 101 mph 130 mph

NEWS

The Chevy Malibu, the brand’s last sedan, will end production

By Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN

The Chevrolet Malibu, the last sedan still sold by General Motors’ biggest selling brand, will end production this year, the company announced.

Malibu production will end in November as the factory that builds it, the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas, is reconfigured to build a new generation of the Chevrolet Bolt EV.

With the Malibu’s demise, General Motors’ mainstream Chevrolet brand will sell only trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette, a two-seat sports car, in the United States.

Fake Airbags, Real Consequences: Used Car Dealership Faces $400,000+ Penalty

FenderBender Staff Reporters May 7, 2024

A customer discovered a device in their car that concealed that the airbag had been deployed.

A used car dealership in Wichita, Kansas, previously fined for failing to inform a customer that the vehicle they purchased had a deployed airbag, now faces a penalty of approximately $418,000. This comes after the discovery that an additional 13 customers were sold vehicles without airbags. The information was obtained by the Wichita Eagle from the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

The issue surfaced when a customer discovered an airbag simulator device in their car, which concealed the fact that the airbag had been deployed.

The dealership, now prohibited from operating, is owned by Kayode D. Ajibolade and Abidemi M. Aluko. Ajibolade stated that customers are informed about the vehicle’s accident history and that they do not guarantee anything regarding the airbags.

He also mentioned that the dealership was previously fined $20,000 in 2019 due to inadequate legal representation. The recent case was initiated after a man from Olathe discovered that the car he bought for his daughter had deployed airbags.

The court has revoked CarNation’s business license in Kansas and issued a permanent injunction preventing them from selling any motor vehicles in the state.

All New U.S. Vehicles to Have Automatic Emergency Braking After 2029

Fender Bender

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems by September 2029.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this week said that all new vehicles sold in the U.S. must be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems by September 2029, reports Reuters.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in pedestrian traffic deaths, with 2023 seeing a fatality rate higher than any pre-pandemic year since 2008. In 2022, the number of pedestrian deaths rose by 0.7%, marking a new record since 1981. With the passage of the 2021 infrastructure law, NHTSA was directed to implement standards for AEB.

After 2029, all cars and trucks must be able to stop and avoid collision with vehicles in front of them at a speed of up to 62 mph. In the event that collision with a vehicle is imminent, AEB must be applied at up to 90 mph. When a pedestrian is detected, AEB must be applied up to 45 mph.

NHTSA claimed that the new rule will save 360 lives each year and prevent 24,000 injuries. In 2016 a voluntary agreement was made by 20 automakers, stating that they would make AEB standard on nearly all U.S. vehicles. In 2023, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that all 20 automakers have followed through thus far, having equipped 95% of their products with AEB.

Protect your bond: Navigating the effects of rising temperatures on adhesives

Fender Bender

In the summer of 2023, the United States witnessed record-breaking heat waves that underscored a trend of increasingly hotter summers. This climatic shift not only challenges our daily comfort but also puts specialized products like adhesives under unprecedented strain. Adhesives play a critical role in various industries, particularly in automotive collision repair, where their application and strength are crucial. Understanding how extreme temperatures and humidity can impact adhesives is essential for maintaining their efficacy. Parker Lord explores the science behind adhesive performance in scorching conditions and provides a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your bonds against the summer heat.

Understanding the 2023 temperature surge

The summer of 2023 has been marked by extreme heat across the U.S., with temperatures frequently soaring above historical averages. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), numerous regions experienced temperatures that exceeded the 90 degrees F mark, significantly affecting the performance and application of adhesives. This trend toward hotter summers is not new but reflects an ongoing climatic shift that demands adaptation and informed product usage.

Summer’s toll on adhesives

Understanding how temperature and humidity affects adhesives is just as important as identifying the proper adhesives for your application.

“High temperatures can drastically reduce working times, while elevated humidity levels can affect cure rates, especially in one-component products,” says Parker Lord’s Leif Hansson, Fusor – OEM and Automotive Aftermarket Technical Account Manager for North America

Adapting practices and selecting products with these factors in mind is a necessity to ensure durable repairs and applications.

NEW SEGMENT!  Super Car News Search:

We have been maligned in the past for digging around the virtual junk heaps of the automotive digital arena for content for the show.  Yes… Mid-80s domestics do come up too often here!  

In this new segment..  We will type in the words “Super Car” in a Google news search and then serve you up the freshest news from the bleeding edge of the industry.  

This week’s candidate…  Portugal’s first dip in the Super Car arena… The Adamster (Not to be confused with Adam Ant or Ant Music) Furia.  FURIA!  Hyper masculine naming rules the segment and Furia screams of testosterone injection systems.  That said…  Can you be Vin Diesel and fit in one of these cars?  I always felt these were for the Richard Hammond-sized guys?  

Here is a link to the Robb Report…  I do not go to this sight… EVERY.  I thought Robb Report was for casual browning at Barnes and Noble.  I feel fancy reading a 20 dollar magazine while my wife browses for some soft core disguised as high art.  

What a weird bit of writing these guys have.  Reviewer, Bryan Hood, must have a second monitor with Thesaurus.com up when he writes reviews.

The review mentions Christiano Ronaldo.  A hot Portuguese actress?  Google says…  Soccer Player.  Seriously?  Who are we advertising for?  The hottest Portuguese woman I can find on a quick search is Nelly Furtado.  That would be a good reference…  For me anyway…  How about saying this car “is like a bird”?  Or how about…  “Whoa Nelly, this chassis can take flight”?  

Mills?  Is that some kind of reference to Engine?  When I say “Motor”… I get made fun of.  If I say “Mill” I feel like I am opening myself up for attack by the Quaker oat man.

Grunt?  Thats in reference to HP.  Maybe there is an old English Thesaurus?

  https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/adamastor-furia-is-portugals-first-supercar-1235632434/

Add this to the list of other great named makes from Portugal.  ALBA, 

Moment of Musk

Elon Musk lobbies on X for his $46.5 billion Tesla pay package

By Kate Conger and Jack Ewing NYTimes News Service 

Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, offered a personal tour of the electric carmaker’s factory in Austin, Texas, to select shareholders this week.

“Please let us know if you have any questions about voting your Tesla shares!” Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns.

88 Mil a week.  Can’t argue with that!

Cars of the Weak (All Italian edition?)  Molto Bene!  

Eric: Im going APE!

First… I was thinking  cool little convertible would be nice… How about a 3 wheeler with a sidecar?  That would be cool.  How about a TUK TUK?  Do they sell them in the US?

Google says … YES!  Ali baba says I can get them for 1800 bucks.  Ummmm  Not sure that is show up to human scale.  Google also says…  Texas Tuks Tuks has some!

Used classics are cool…  Then I found the new!

This one has tap handles??!?!?!?!  I could side-hustle a beer tap truck!Wait… They have a cafe Tuk Tuk!!!!  Hold the phones!  They have a whole damn cafe!!!

This is how bad ideas get started… I just stare stepped myself from a 10k used TUK to a 33K cafe model!!!!  WTF???

Anyone want a Cafe and a Bagette with Brie?  That’ll be $14.75.  Do that 2372.88 times… And I will have it paid off!

Maybe this is not a great idea???

Also… This APE thing… I didnt know APE was a name synonymous with Tuk’s

Daryl: 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal  – $87,500

Source: Hyman LTD

Alfa Romeo received a tremendous honor in late 1966 when it was selected to create a conceptual exhibit of man’s aspiration for the automobile at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition, held in Montreal. Alfa assigned coachwork duties to Bertone, and the project was spearheaded by Marcelo Gandini, the young designer who had leapt to the forefront of the automotive imagination with the Lamborghini Miura.

Two identical prototypes were prepared for the exhibition, and Gandini did not disappoint. Channeling many of the same cues that made the Miura so innovative, the new Alfa was wide and low with a shark-like nose extending through a curved fender and shoulder haunches into a truncated tail. The headlight “blinds” and stacked horizontal vents on the C-pillar were attractive, as well as futuristic in concept.

Strong customer interest prompted Alfa to develop a production version, which continued to be based on the respected 105 Series chassis, as with the Expo show cars. A new direction was taken for the model’s engine, however. Discarding the 105’s standard twin-cam inline-four, Alfa’s engineers installed a modified version of the competition-pedigreed V-8 from the Tipo 33 Stradale prototype race car. Featuring aluminum alloy construction, dual overhead-cam actuation, and a dry-sump lubrication system, the advanced racing engine provided the new production model with nearly unprecedented power for an Alfa road car.

Just 3,925 examples of the appropriately named Montreal were built between 1971 and 1975. It is estimated that as many as 100 examples had made their way to American shores as recently as a few years ago. The landmark design on the resume of the great Marcelo Gandini features one of Alfa Romeo’s most legendary motors, and the Montreal has arguably grown to be Milan’s most iconic road car of the 1970s.

According to its Certificato di Origine, this gorgeous 1971 Alfa Romeo Montreal was built on July 29, 1971, and destined for the Italian market. Imported to the US in 2018, the car is a recent Alfa Romeo Owners Club Concours award winner and is offered with its tool kit, certificate of origin, RIAR Homologation Certificate, papers, and literature. Finished in its original color combination of Rosso over Nero interior, it is very well-presented and restored to original specification. The paint and bodywork are quite attractive overall, with just a few minor blemishes picked up from use on the road. Panel fit is quite good, and the detailing is crisp and well defined. A set of proper Campagnolo alloy wheels provides the finishing touch.

The post Episode 89 – Furia Malibu Blues appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

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Welcome to the auto podcast that did not buy a Bentley Continental last week…

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

• Sony and Honda are making waves with legacy automakers
• Subaru leaves a lasting Legacy
• Spring is in the air… and so are auto theft joyrides

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected]

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Central Illinois Region SCCA

Special thanks to our Patreon supporters.

Projects

Eric explains how a trailer toilet works, rattles off some rally time with his son, Aiden, and recaps this year’s MOORE Overlanding & Off Road Expo. It sounds like a really cool event and may be worth checking out in 2025.

Meanwhile, Daryl is tracking down some tires for his 1947 Chevy Fleetline and preparing for some spring cleaning on all the daily drivers. He needs to get a good coat of wax on everything.

News

Tesla’s $939 Billion Valuation Lead Over Toyota Is Almost Gone

Source: Bloomberg

Tesla’s edge over Toyota narrowed to about $83 billion before the start of regular US trading Tuesday. After the close, the electric-vehicle maker is expected to report its first decline in quarterly revenue in four years and a 40% plunge in operating earnings. Toyota has drawn criticism for biding its time on cars entirely powered by batteries and wagering that consumers will be more open to its gas-electric hybrids. Its strategy has paid off in recent months as EV sales growth has slowed.

Dealers Raise Concerns About How Scout, Sony Honda Mobility Will Sell Vehicles

Source: Automotive News 

A group of state dealer associations is pressing Honda Motor Co. and Volkswagen Group not to sell planned electric vehicles from Scout and Sony Honda Mobility outside of the country’s franchised dealer system. The Automotive Trade Association Executives, in perhaps the most public display of frustration yet, addressed the issue in a full-page ad in the April 15 issue of Automotive News, calling out both automakers as well as Scout, a brand formed by Volkswagen Group, and Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture between Sony and Honda that is developing electric vehicles under the Afeela brand.

Here are the 5 least expensive EVs in the first quarter

Source: Automotive News

Big discounts to move electric vehicles off dealership lots means consumers have a selection of vehicles priced below $41,000. Automakers and retailers offered huge incentives — sometimes five-digit discounts — to sell EVs that lingered on dealership lots for more than 100 days in the first quarter of 2024. They are trying to overcome consumer worries about EV driving range limitations, a lack of public charging stations and high prices. The price-cutting strategy is not sustainable long term, said Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive.

2025 Subaru Legacy to mark end of brand’s midsize sedan

Source: Automotive News

Subaru said it will end production of its oldest U.S.-built model, the Legacy sedan, after the 2025 model year, citing a shift in consumer preferences away from cars to crossovers and SUVs. The Japanese automaker also said Tuesday that it plans to produce eight electric vehicles globally by 2028. Ending Legacy output at a plant in Lafayette, Ind., would presumably free up capacity for Subaru to produce at least one of those EVs in the U.S., helping it to potentially qualify for EV consumer tax credits.

Traffic deaths topped 40,000 last year as NHTSA looks to reduce distracted driving

Source: NBC News

More than 40,000 people were killed last year in traffic crashes, according to preliminary data released Monday, remaining above pre-pandemic levels but slightly down from their peak in 2021. Traffic deaths spiked in 2020 and again in 2021 and have since declined slightly. Still,they are up 25% since 2013, and the Governors Highway Safety Association found that pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in the United States in 2022.

The NHTSA said that “distracted driving,” an issue that has grown in urgency with the ubiquity of smartphones, resulted in 3,308 deaths and 289,310 injuries in 2022, and 3,522 deaths in 2021.

The agency released the data to coincide with the launch of an April campaign to spread awareness about distracted driving called “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” which hopes to scare people away from texting and driving, but which some advocates call an ineffective waste of resources.

Stolen car joyrides lead to multiple underage arrests in Peoria

Source: CI PROUD

Three 15-year-olds are now in the Peoria Juvenile Detention Center and one in the hospital after officers stopped two cars that were reported stolen early Tuesday morning.

According to a Peoria police news release, officers saw two cars traveling south on Western Avenue around 4:30 a.m. One was excessively speeding and the other car following had a missing passenger window. Both cars were reported stolen.

One car stopped near AutoZone on W. Proctor while the other continued south. Three 15-year-old boys were inside the stopped car. Officers detained and interviewed the three at Peoria Police Department before they were charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a cannabis. The driver of the stolen car was also cited for no driver’s license.

The second car attempted a left turn on SW Jefferson Street. When the driver saw police, he abandoned the car and ran.

He was taken into custody after a brief chase, being taken to a local hospital for a hurt ankle.

When released, he will be arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center for possession of stolen motor vehicle, fleeing and eluding, reckless driving, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools.

Moment of Musk

I want my XTV

Elon Musk’s X Launches TV App as It Pushes Video Ambitions

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Elon Musk‘s X platform is continuing its video push, launching a dedicated app for smart TV sets.

The X video app launched Tuesday, with the company touting a handful of key features, including a trending video algorithm, artificial intelligence-powered trending topics and cross-device compatibility, so users can start watching on their phone and continue watching on TV.

The X TV app will not have any ads at launch, according to a note sent to the company’s corporate partners Tuesday.

“We’re focusing on launching this new feature for consumers first, but we do plan to monetize it, and will discuss different forms of partnerships — and that may include ads,” the note said.

The company also posted a preview video of the video experience, providing a brief glimpse of the TV app. The videos included in the preview video included Tucker Carlson’s interview with Vladimir Putin and footage of a SpaceX rocket lifting off. SpaceX is also owned by Musk.

Video has emerged as a key priority for X, which is led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, a veteran NBCUniversal advertising executive.

In addition to letting users upload their own videos, à la YouTube, the company also cut deals with some third parties, like a multiyear deal with Range Media Partners. That deal included a show hosted by sports personality Jim Rome, with the tech company also unveiling shows hosted by Tulsi Gabbard and Don Lemon.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: – 1997 Toyota Corolla II (JDM) $5,145

Source: Car From Japan

Car from Japan for the win this week…  Searching for Toyota models from 1928 to 1999 with a max value of 5k.  96 cars showed up…  Lots of weird stuff… and one cool hatch. You might be more familiar with this model as a Tercel.  Sold in the US with a 2 or 4-door option without the hatch.

Daryl: 1958 Pontiac Bonneville – $15,900

Source: Facebook Marketplace

Original Colorado barn find. That’s all the ad says. Maybe it’s a scam. Maybe it’s a cool 50’s car that should come to the Scott Auto Museum.

That’s all for this week. Thanks again for your support and we’ll catch you on the next episode!  

The post Episode 88 – Leaving a Lasting Legacy appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

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Welcome to the auto podcast that is pondering the question… Do you still want an EV?

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• EV’s…  Are they still hot?   
• Eric buys a Bentley. 
• Rivian has some new ideas

All that and more on This episode of Throwin’ Wrenches. 

Thanks for listening.  To join in on the fun of the show, just email us at [email protected] or post a review on itunes to be heard around the world!

Sponsors

• Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

PATREON – Thanks to our Patreon supporters. 

Welcome new members! 

Itunes Premium –  people love it!  Full integration into the Apple Podcasts Ap.

Thanks for listening.   

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for commenting.

THANKS FOR REVIEWING!!!!   33 Five Star Reviews cant be wrong?

Projects

Eric:

• Trailer antics for the eclipse
• Celica title in hand
• Celica for the weekend.

Daryl:

• In the home stretch for the basement remodel. Most of it anyway.
• Fixed brake lights on my ‘55 Plymouth, and got the Fury fired up again.
• Goal is to drive that more this summer and get the ‘55 Caddy going once I wrap this basement stuff. I’m on a roll, baby! 

NEWS

WORLD:

BMW Sees Top-End EVs Driving Profit Even as Demand Cools

BMW AG said its top-end electric vehicles like the 7-Series sedans, X7 and Rolls Royce Spectre will drive profit this year, even as faltering global demand weighs on broader EV sales. The German luxury-car maker expects its priciest models to be key contributors to a 8% to 10% margin for its automotive segment, in line with its long-term target. BMW sees overall sales increasing slightly.

Source: Bloomberg 

Nissan Returns to Sales Playbook to Move Old Rogue Supply

Nissan has a Rogue problem — and it’s turning to an old playbook to fix it. Even as 2024 Rogues are dropped off at Nissan stores this month, Edmunds data shows that the brand’s dealerships have as many as 24,000 previous model-year crossovers on their lots. Nissan has a “big time” issue with its bestseller, said a retailer, one of a half-dozen interviewed by Automotive News. According to a memo obtained by Automotive News last week, Nissan is offering dealers $1,000 on each 2023 Rogue sold if they hit their March sales targets for the compact crossover, which vary by store. Dealers may count 2024 Rogue sales toward the goal, but the bonus is paid out only on last year’s models. If dealers miss the target by even one vehicle, they don’t get the bonus for any of them.

Source: Automotive News 

China EV push leaves zom­bie factor­ies in its wake

Plants geared to pet­rol engines are moth­balled as for­eign car­makers lose mar­ket share
Source: Financial Times

In 2017, Hyundai inves­ted $1.15bn in a new fact­ory in Chongqing, south-west­ern China, with the goal of reach­ing an annual out­put of 300,000 internal com­bus­tion engine cars. But six years later, the rapid switch by Chinese con­sumers to elec­tric vehicles has stalled sales, for­cing the car­maker to sell the fact­ory in Decem­ber for less than a quarter of the invest­ment value.

“The Chongqing plant con­tin­ued to be in the red and China’s auto mar­ket is grap­pling with over­sup­ply,” said Lee Hang-koo at the Jeon­buk Insti­tute of Auto­mot­ive Con­ver­gence Tech­no­logy, a South Korean research group. “No one was will­ing to buy the plant at a high price.”

That plant is one of the hun­dreds of zom­bie factor­ies that ana­lysts are pre­dict­ing over the next dec­ade in the Chinese car mar­ket, the world’s biggest across sales, pro­duc­tion and, since last year, exports. In 2023, China pro­duced 17.7mn internal com­bus­tion engine cars, a 37 per cent fall from its peak in 2017, accord­ing to data from Auto­mobil­ity, a Shang­hai con­sultancy.

While some older factor­ies will be repur­posed for plug-in hybrids or pure bat­tery elec­tric vehicles, oth­ers will never pro­duce another car, pos­ing a prob­lem for both for­eign and Chinese com­pan­ies.

Many car­makers in China, Russo said, ulti­mately faced two choices: “Leave the fact­ory moth­balled or crank out some volume and send it to Rus­sia, send it to Mex­ico.”

That’s right, China is now doing the same stuff other countries used to do to China.

NATIONAL

GM, Ford Will Reroute Baltimore Shipments After Bridge Collapse

U.S. automakers General Motors and Ford will reroute affected shipments after a bridge collapse in the U.S. shuttered the Port of Baltimore, but the companies said on Tuesday the impact will be minimal. The Port of Baltimore is the busiest U.S. port for car shipments, handling at least 750,000 vehicles in 2023, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration. Motor vehicles and parts accounted for 42% of all Baltimore port imports.

Source: Reuters

CAR FROM JAPAN

The Biden administration moved Wednesday to throttle pollution from the nation’s cars and light trucks, imposing tailpipe emission limits so stringent they will compel automakers to rapidly boost sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. Though the near-term requirements were eased after pushback from automakers, the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandates would nevertheless require manufacturers to make a rapid shift toward zero-emission vehicles. The National Automobile Dealers Association said the regulation outpaces consumer demand, adding the group is “highly skeptical that consumers will adopt EVs anywhere near the levels required.”

Source: Bloomberg

Electric vehicle owners are noticing vehicle tires wearing faster than those on gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. Findings from the study highlight EV owners having less satisfaction with the durability of their tires, expecting them to wear similar to gasoline-powered vehicle tires. However, EV tires naturally wear quicker because of greater vehicle weight and higher torque.

Source: Automotive News

Dealers See the Good and Bad Out of Unchanged Interest Rates

The average interest rate on auto loans for new vehicles was 7.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023, up from 6.1 percent a year earlier, according to Experian. The average used-vehicle auto loan charged 11.9 percent, up from 10.4 percent a year earlier. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke told Automotive News anticipation of future rate cuts hurts today’s auto market.

Source: Automotive News 

Stellantis uses ‘mandatory remote work day’ to cut 400 white-collar jobs

Source: Yahoo! Finance

White-collar workers at Chrysler-parent Stellantis have reason to be nervous if they ever receive a company notice telling them it’s mandatory that they work remotely on a particular day.

That’s what happened to 400 or so of their colleagues on Thursday. They were informed via a notice that the next day the carmaker would be “holding important operational meetings that require specific attention and participation.”

“To ensure everyone can effectively participate,” the notice continued, “we have decided to implement a mandatory remote work day.” Employees, it indicated, were “expected to work from home unless otherwise instructed by your manager.” The Car Dealership Guy X account shared the notice on Thursday.

The workers in question were salaried, nonunion employees in technology and engineering in the U.S.

During the remote meeting on Friday, they were informed that they were being laid off.

The automaker—which counts Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, and Dodge among its brands—said in a statement: “As the auto industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainties and heightened competitive pressures around the world, Stellantis continues to make the appropriate structural decisions across the enterprise to improve efficiency and optimize our cost structure.”

At least they’re efficient. 

Moment of Musk

The price of dogecoin has doubled in the last month amid rumours that it could soon be integrated into Elon Musk’s X platform.

The tech billionaire, who is a vocal advocate of the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has previously spoken of his plan to build an “everything app” that incorporates messaging, marketplaces and online payments.

On Monday, he shared an animation from X user DogeDesigner showing his former payments platform X merg

ing with the social media app he took over in 2022.

“The circle will be complete,” he commented.

Cars of the Weak

 

Eric: 

This 2010 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 that drives all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transaxle, and it is finished in Cypress Gray Metallic over beige leather. Equipment includes a Torsen center differential, 20″ twin-spoke wheels, a glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, soft-close doors, parking sensors, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rearview camera, a 12-speaker sound system, cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, and infotainment with navigation. The seller purchased the car in December 2012 and has since added approximately 30k of the 39k indicated miles. This Flying Spur is now offered in California with the owner’s manual, a damage-free Carfax report, and a clean Hawaii title in the seller’s name.

I love this car for a couple of reasons…

Hawaii car.  When does that ever happen?

W12 engine.  6 liter.  Yes, please

 

39,000 miles

MSRP was 177,000 bucks.  

It qualifies for the additional 5% luxury tax  (20,000 extra in tax!)

Sold for 34,000!!!  

14 years old…  Thats 163K in depreciation…  Only $11,642 a year!

Or… Even better…  $4+ per mile.   (17 miles to COSTCO from my house…  Roundtrip…  136 bucks in depreciation… plus gas)

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2010-bentley-continental-flying-spur-7/

 

Daryl: 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven-Passenger Sedan – $42,500

Source: Facebook

 

 Marketplace

This is a pretty rare and very beautiful 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Seven Passenger.  You don’t see these to often because they only made 1,790 of them!  This Packard was restored several years ago, but it still looks incredible!  The black acrylic enamel paint still shines beautifully.  The interior was completely restored as well using period correct fabrics and materials.  The 356 cu in. straight eight cylinder engine runs like a Swiss watch.  It was professionally rebuilt with only 500 miles on it currently.  The complete brake system was also completely rebuilt 500 miles ago.  The transmission is a three speed manual with electromatic overdrive, which was a pretty rare option.  The chrome and glass are in excellent condition with the front and rear bumpers also having the custom center bars.  It has the rare, four heater option and the front and rear radios as well!  It was retrofitted with a modern alternator (original generator included) and an electric fuel pump. Asking $42,500.

The post Episode 87 – Bridges and Bentley’s appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

 Welcome to the auto podcast that is not trying to populate the world with narcissistic CEOs.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Historical Headlines!
• EVs are falling Hybrids are rising
• Find out what Ben Franklin and Elon have in common

All that and more on this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches.

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_86.mp3

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Our Patreon Supporters

Projects

Eric

• I am playing with fire on Bring a Trailer
• Celicas everywhere
• Camper wheel bearing redux

Daryl

• Swap meets coming up
• My sale streak ended but I’ll probably keep buying more parts
• Solara brakes. Please make me do my Solara brakes in 2024

Historical Headline

February 8, 1993 GM Sues NBC For Defamation over Exploing “Side Saddle Gas Tanks” 

Image Credit: YouTube

NBC Admits It Rigged Crash, Settles GM Suit

Source: LA Times

In an extraordinary public apology, NBC said Tuesday night that it erred in staging a fiery test crash of a General Motors pickup truck for its “Dateline NBC” news program and agreed to settle a defamation suit filed by the automaker.

“We deeply regret we included the inappropriate demonstration in our ‘Dateline’ report,” said a statement read by NBC News co-anchors Jane Pauley and Stone Phillips Tuesday night. “We apologize to our viewers and to General Motors. We have also concluded that unscientific demonstrations should have no place in hard news stories at NBC. That’s our new policy.”

The apology, still being negotiated within five minutes of air time, was part of a settlement of a lawsuit GM filed Monday over film used in a Nov. 17 segment of “Dateline.”

In its apology, NBC admitted that it had used incendiary devices to ensure that a fire would erupt if gasoline leaked from the truck being hit by a test car. The 15-minute segment was addressing critics’ charges that GM’s full-size pickup trucks built between 1973 and 1987 are unsafe because their gasoline tanks are on the sides of the trucks, outside the frame.

GM has staunchly denied that the trucks have safety problems.

News

Used vehicle prices will fall 5.7% in 2024, expert says

Source: Automotive News

Used-vehicle prices will continue falling this year, but affordability remains an issue for many buyers, said Jonathan Banks, vice president of product development and valuation services at J.D. Power. Speaking at the J.D. Power Auto Summit in Las Vegas, Banks said he expects used-vehicle prices will fall 5.7 percent this year, more than the 3.5 percent decline in 2023, as the market continues to recover from skyrocketing prices during the coronavirus pandemic.

Image Credit: Toyota Newsroom

Toyota to outshine rivals as more consumers opt for hybrids amid EV slowdown

Source: Reuters

U.S. hybrid sales have been rising as consumers balk at high EV prices and are anxious about the range of electric cars, especially in more rural areas, where there could be long distances between charging stations. Battery EVs are not as widely accepted in the Midwest as they are on the West Coast and other parts of the United States, Davis said.

Shelley Zalis: More Women in Auto Retail is ‘Good for Business’

Source: Automotive News

Car dealers looking to boost dealership profits might want to consider more inclusive hiring strategies. “If you want to add more revenue to your dealership, do the right thing. It’s good for business,” said Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient, which seeks to advance equality in the workplace and raise the visibility of women across industries, including automotive. Amy Cuddy, a social psychologist and bestselling author, also challenged the auto industry to reimagine their power and how it is conveyed in the workplace.

Side Note: Give the GET IN HER LANE PODCAST a try! 

Executives and employees from the Toyota Chicago Region have a show and it’s pretty great.  Taken from the view that women in the automotive industry have as they build careers in a traditionally male industry.  

Learn More at getinherlane.com

‘Seismic shift’: driving unaffordable for many in US amid push toward SUVs

Luxury vehicles, production cuts and soaring insurance prices have sent the cost of US car ownership out of control

Source: The Guardian

The average new car today sells for nearly $49,000, and the average used car lists at more than $26,000 – representing a 31% increase for new cars and nearly 40% increase for used cars since 2020, according to data from the industry group Cox Automotive.

These increases have brought the total cost of car ownership to all-time highs in a country where cars aren’t really optional. And that’s despite the easing of inflation and the supply chain issues that snarled the auto industry during the pandemic. So why are consumers still getting squeezed?

Here’s a hint: the automakers are doing great. By essentially coordinating an industry-wide production cut, the pandemic gave manufacturers power to demand mind-boggling prices for fewer cars, leading to record profits. As consumers adjusted their expectations, executives saw an opportunity to establish a lucrative new normal. Low inventory is an “opportunity to drive strong margins”, GM’s CEO, Mary Barra, told shareholders in 2022. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, went even further, declaring: “I want to make it extremely clear to everyone: we are going to run our business with a lower day supply than we have had in the recent past because that’s good for our company.”

Brian Moody, a senior editor at Kelley Blue Book, a car industry publication, says automakers used the pandemic to shift product lines toward higher-margin products. Instead of small cars and base models, they pivoted to luxury cars and SUVs with fully loaded trims, which turn far greater profits per sale. That means “the less expensive the car, the fewer choices you have”, says Moody. Some commentators have called the trend “trimflation”. 

Efforts underway to form union at Rivian EV plant in Normal

Source: 25 News

A union with almost 600,000 members is seeking to expand its ranks by organizing thousands of workers who build electric vehicles and Rivian Automotive in Normal.

The unionization effort has gained the attention of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D – IL), who brought up the topic Wednesday during a meeting in Washington with Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe.

The International Association of Machinists (IAM) created a Rivian Auto Union website stating that workers at the plant are “demanding fairness, respect and a voice on the job.”

Workers are being asked to sign authorization cards. If there’s enough interest, IAM will file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which will hold a hearing to determine who at the factory would be represented by the union. The NLRB would then hold an election requiring majority support to form a union.

Meantime, Sen. Durbin on Wednesday urged Scaringe to support the workers’ collective bargaining efforts.

“Rivian took a chance on Normal, Illinois, and it has paid off. Illinois is a leader in electric vehicle production, but only because of the unrelenting efforts of Rivian and its employees,” Durbin said in a statement.

“In meeting with Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe today, I reiterated my support for the company’s mission while reminding Mr. Scaringe that Rivian employees deserve the benefits and security offered by a union if they so choose,” Durbin also said.

Moment of Musk

Elon Musk Had Twins With His Top Neuralink Executive, But They Never Dated — She Explains ‘He Wants Smart People To Have Kids, So He Encouraged Me To’ And He’s The Person She ‘Admires Most In The World’

Source: Yahoo Finance

Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, is also known for his distinct approach to family, as detailed in his biography by Walter Isaacson. The book sheds light on Musk’s rationale for having multiple children with different women, emphasizing his belief in the need for intelligent people to procreate.

Shivon Zilis, a senior executive at Neuralink Corp. — a company Musk helped to establish — played a pivotal role in this narrative. Initially contemplating sperm donation for childbirth, Zilis was persuaded by Musk to consider him as the donor, a proposal that aligned with Musk’s advocacy for procreation among the intellectually inclined.

“He really wants smart people to have kids, so he encouraged me to,” Zilis said.

When faced with the choice between an anonymous donor and Musk, whom she greatly admires, Zilis described the decision as straightforward.

“If the choice is between an anonymous donor or doing it with the person you admire more in the world, for me it was a pretty f***king easy decision,” she said.

This arrangement, according to Zilis, was also perceived as something that would “make him very, very happy.”

Initially, she said that she didn’t expect him to be very involved — he is the father to multiple other children with two other women. In the biography, she explains she assumed he would take on a more “godfatherly” role to the twins. However, he has been actively involved in their lives.

Trending: Are you rich? Here’s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.

Their decision to have children together, despite not being in a romantic relationship, stems from Musk’s broader concerns about the global decline in population. He has frequently voiced the importance of reversing this trend, especially among those with high intelligence, viewing it as crucial for civilization’s survival.

In July 2022, Musk took to X to express his commitment to addressing the underpopulation crisis, posting, “Doing my best to help the underpopulation crisis. A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far.”

The post was just one day after Insider reported on court documents detailing how Musk and Zilis petitioned for their twins’ names to be changed to include Musk’s surname and incorporate Zilis’ last name into their middle name, according to Forbes.

On Jan. 29, Musk took a significant step with Neuralink, announcing the first successful implantation of a “brain-reading” device in a person, marking a milestone in merging human cognition with technology. This advancement, coupled with his unique approach to family, highlights his multifaceted strategy to foster a smarter, more capable future generation.

Musk’s life, straddling groundbreaking technological innovations and personal choices like fathering children with “smart people,” reflects his complex approach to solving global challenges, from combating population decline to pioneering brain-computer interfaces.

Cars of the Weak

 

Eric: 1994 Toyota Celica SS-I $3,100 

Source: Bring a Trailer

From the listing:

This 1994 Toyota Celica SS-I is a right-hand-drive example that is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transaxle and is finished in black over gray cloth upholstery. It is equipped with black-finished 18″ wheels, a sunroof, a rear wing, fog lights, power windows, air conditioning, and an Addzest stereo. The car was acquired by the selling dealer in November 2022 and imported from Japan to the US. This ST202 shows 83k kilometers (~52k miles) and is offered at no reserve with a Texas title.

Daryl: 1956 Continental Mark II (Coyote Swap) – Current Bid: $51,000 

Source: Bring a Trailer

From the listing:

This 1956 Continental Mark II is one of approximately 2,550 first-year examples produced and was modified under prior ownership in 2019–2020 with a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an 8.8” rear differential. 

Finished in black, the shaved exterior features narrowed chrome bumpers, flush door handles, and stainless-steel side moldings. A Heidts front subframe has been added along with a four-link rear setup, coilovers, 18” alloy wheels, and four-wheel disc brakes. 

The interior has been customized with brown leather upholstery, a full-length center console, Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital instrumentation, a Jensen touchscreen head unit, power windows, and power-adjustable front seats. 

Acquired by the current owner in May 2021, this modified Mark II is now offered on dealer consignment in Arizona with a Minnesota title.

 

Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you on the next episode! 

The post Episode 86 – Trimflation is on the Rise appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

 

Welcome to the auto podcast that is talking stainless… and we’re not talking cutlery.

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches:

• Brockett Built is in the house!
• Actually, we are in his house.
• We are talking fabrication for the next hour with Marcus Brockett. You’ll definitely want to stay tuned. 

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/tw_85_brocket.mp3

Sponsors

Thanks to Fort’s Toyota for their continued sponsorship. We could not do this show without their support, so please consider supporting them if you’re in the market for a new or used Toyota. Their service department is pretty amazing, too!

About Our Guest

Marcus Brockett

Owner/Fabricator at Brockett Built

• Website: https://brockettbuilt.com/
• Instagram: @brockett_built
• Facebook: Brockett Built
• YouTube: Brockett Built
• TikTok: @BrockettBuilt
• Email: [email protected]

Eric first met Marcus at an SCCA racing event in Pekin. He pulled up with a Lexus IS wagon that was a little chopped and appeared to be one of those dudes who would be an amazing addition to the “regulars”. Since then, they have been chatting at Fort’s Toyota over the years as he has been trying to get us to do a Supra exhaust.  All the while Brockett Built, formerly known as Shade 12 Fab, continues to show off his technical and artistic skills with custom exhaust work on anything with 4 wheels.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Brockett_Built (@brockett_built)

We spent a few hours in Marcus’ central Illinois shop to learn more about his history, his current work, and where he wants to take his automotive parts fabrication business in the coming years. From custom Y-pipes and exhaust pieces for the Lexus IS platform, to SEMA Bronco builds, and even custom hunting knives… Marcus is going places with his many talents. Get to know more about him in this episode.

Remembrance

We’d like to pay our respects to the late George Beres, a central Illinois automotive legend. We had the pleasure of interviewing him in 2019 and learned a great deal about the automotive sales business.

George was a pioneer, a masterful businessman, and a wealth of knowledge about how to sell a quality product to the everyday consumer. We wish his family peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Projects

Eric

• Thought about a BZ4X
• Was the only person in America (or at least Central Illinois) to see the film Ferrari.

Daryl

• Picked up a few NOS parts for the Cadillac this past weekend at a swap meet.
• Brake light switch modifications for the ‘55 Plymouth are first up to replace the hydraulic switch with a mechanical one for safety & reliability. After that it’s all in on the Caddy.

Marcus

• Hunter series knife
• GX470

News

VW Vehicles to Converse with Drivers via ChatGPT by Mid-Year

Source: Reuters

Volkswagen’s voice assistant integrating ChatGPT into its cars will be able to converse with users in a back-and-forth dialogue by the middle of the year, the carmaker said on Monday as it presented the technology in Las Vegas. Volkswagen presented its first vehicles featuring ChatGPT, to be available for customers in North America and Europe from early in the second quarter of this year, at the CES electronics trade fair.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom

Source: Bring a Trailer

This 1979 Plymouth Volare Custom sedan retains its new-car sale and rustproofing paperwork from Crowley Chrysler Jeep Plymouth of Forestville, Connecticut, and remained with its first owner until December 2023, after which the selling dealer acquired it. Medium Cashmere Metallic paint is accented by stainless trim and a color-coordinated full vinyl roof, while tan vinyl upholstery lines the front and rear bench seats. A 225ci Super Six sends power to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission, and the car is further equipped with 14″ steel wheels, new narrow-whitewall tires, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, air conditioning, and an AM radio. This Volare shows 2,400 miles and is offered by the selling dealer with the manufacturer’s literature, receipts, and a clean South Carolina title.

Daryl: 1994 Lexus LS400 Anniversary Edition

Source: Bring a Trailer

This 1994 Lexus LS400 is one of 1,800 Anniversary Editions produced and is finished in Midnight Indigo Pearl over gray leather upholstery. It is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and equipment includes 16″ Anniversary Edition wheels, Traction Control, fog lights, heated power-adjustable front seats, a power-operated sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, a Nakamichi Premium sound system, and a cassette stereo with a remote CD changer. The car was acquired by the seller in 2022 and it now has 87k miles. This LS400 is now offered at no reserve with a clean Carfax report and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Marcus 1985 toyota pickup sr5 4×4 5-speed

Source: Bring a Trailer

This 1985 Toyota Pickup XtraCab SR5 is a 4×4 example that has been registered in California since 1990 and was acquired by the current owner in 2020. The truck was repainted white with black graphics under previous ownership, and it is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four linked to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Additional equipment includes 15″ steel wheels, a suspension lift, front disc brakes, a spray-on bedliner, air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo. Braking and power steering components along with the water pump, timing chain, valve cover gasket, and front main seal were replaced in preparation for the sale. This Toyota pickup is offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner at no reserve with an accident-free Carfax report and a clean California title in the owner’s name.

 

Thank you for listening, and we’d like to wish Marcus Brockett the best in the coming years.

Mark our words: This guy is pure talent. You’ll definitely be hearing his name quite a bit. Special thanks for him for his hospitality.

The post Episode 85 – Brockett Built appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.

https://traffic.libsyn.com/thebeerreport/TW_Christmas_2023_full_Show_3.mp3

Welcome to the auto podcast that is wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…

• It’s tradition
• It’s Christmas
• We have some extra holiday cheer in the form of a list!

Sponsors

Fort’s Toyota of Pekin

Learn more about Toyota Care Plus and Toyota Service Care packages are on sale for the holiday season.

Patreon Family 

We couldn’t do this show without your support.

Projects

Eric recaps his recent trip to Rome, Italy. It’s way more exciting that Rome, Illinois. It’s also his ancestral home, and he talks about visiting relatives, eating mountains of carbonara, and taking pictures of every unique Toyota he could find that the U.S. never sees.

@planetstahl Rome…. To my favorote travel song. #roma #rome #famiglia ♬ Wonderful, Glorious – EELS

Meanwhile, Daryl is cleaning out the shelves of the Scott Auto Museum and selling stuff on eBay. Perhaps he’ll make enough money to finish getting the ’55 Cadillac running by summer.

News

Fear of Cheap Chinese EVs Spurs Automaker Dash for Affordable Cars

Source: Reuters

The rise of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles has upped the pressure on legacy automakers who have turned to suppliers, from battery materials makers to chipmakers, to squeeze out costs and develop affordable EVs quicker than previously planned. Fears of slowing demand because EVs are expensive has increased urgency to reduce costs.

Detroit touts first wireless-charging public road for electric vehicles in US

Source: Detroit Free Press

The Motor City can add a new claim to fame, as home to the country’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles.

On Wednesday, members of the news media got a chance to see it in action.

A blue electric Ford E-Transit commercial van was able to charge as it moved over a quarter-mile stretch of newly paved 14th Street, a short distance from the towering Michigan Central Station, thanks to rubber-coated copper coils buried underneath the road surface.

Why Electric Cars Could Soon Get Cheaper

Source: Sunday Times

Electric cars in the UK should finally become more affordable next year because new government rules will levy a fine of £15,000 per car if too few are sold.

Under the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which comes into force on January 1, manufacturers will have to ensure that 22 per cent of cars they sell every year are fully electric. The target will rise each year, hitting 80 per cent in 2030.

If too few electric cars are sold, the manufacturer will either have to pay a £15,000 fine for each petrol, diesel or hybrid model sold above that threshold, or buy “credits” from rivals such as Tesla, which has an all-electric range.

Car manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford will be under intense pressure to sell more electric cars, which account for only 16.3 per cent of the market according to the trade body, the SMMT.

They are therefore expected to cut prices, making electric cars a little more affordable. Many people are put off by the price of an electric car, with only nine new models available for under £30,000, compared with 90 petrol or diesel models on sale for less than that price.

NTSB Says Car Commercials Encourage Wreckless Driving.

Source: NBC News

Automakers often display a warning in commercials when showing a car executing incredible stunts: “Professional driver on a closed course. Please do not attempt.”

But with deaths from car crashes rising every year, experts are asking if that kind of boilerplate language, which more or less fades into the background as a vehicle burns rubber on the screen, goes far enough.

Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board called for a study of car advertisements, saying the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) should try to determine if there is a link between commercials that show unsafe driver behavior and real-world speeding or reckless driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is part of the Department of Transportation and is distinct from the independent NTSB, says that deaths in car crashes increased 27% from 2012 to 2021, the most recent year for which it has reported data.

“It’s becoming increasingly accepted that contributing factors to the increase in road deaths over the last decade or so is largely due to bad driver behavior, or risk-taking behavior,” said Zuby.

Illinois Right to Charge Law Requires New Homes and Apartments to Support EV Charging

Source: Cnet

Under Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Charging Act, new properties must be EV-capable starting in 2024. In addition, landlords and HOAs can’t unduly restrict residents from installing EV chargers.

Starting next year, new homes in Illinois will be required to support electric vehicle charging stations under a new state law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 9.
Passed by the legislature in May, the Electric Vehicle Charging Act requires any house or multiunit building completed after Jan. 1, 2024, to have “at least one EV-capable parking space for each residential unit that has dedicated parking.” (The law also applies to existing multifamily residential buildings that are being renovated.)

Originally, the measure required every spot to be fully EV-ready with a charger in place. That was eventually walked back to require them only to be EV-capable, with conduits that would allow a charger to be installed at a future date.

Moment of Musk: Multi-Media version

!

We share a very special encore of The Night Before Christmas with Elon by Jen Fulwiler

Worst Christmas Car Gifts

Here’s the holiday yule log everyone’s been waiting for: Our list of the 3 words Christmas ‘car” gifts we each received.

Eric

1. Radar Detector…  Classic situation of a friend who ran a radio shack and supported the decision.  300 bucks later plus the addition of a 12 v splitter that looked like a cow milker…  Angela murdered me in 1997.
2. Portable vacuum – they all suck and not in the ways you want.  Most of them get you a few uses before they won’t charge, you lose parts or they are lost in the truck.  Just throw out your garbage when getting gas and use the free vacuums on a cheap 6 buck wash every couple of months!!!
3. The JSCARLIFE Universal Fry Holder for Cupholder – You can enjoy food in the car anytime and anywhere. It is also an excellent organizer of juice boxes, children’s crayons, etc. It is convenient and fast, and you don’t have to worry about food spilling.

Daryl

1. The Stanley Digital Air Compressor- It sucked. Broke the first week. Fixed the solder joints at the motor and it lasted 6 months before the battery peetered out. I smashed it to pieces.
2. Those Seat Belt Cutter / Glass Hammer/ Escape Tools- I’ve gotten about 5 of them over the years. Never know where they end up, but they’re never in the car. Also, does anyone know someone who’s used one in a crash? EVER?
3. The Dash Duster Wand Thingy – Swiffer or a Microfiber does just fine.

Cars of the Weak

Eric: 1985 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet – $67,000

Source: Hemmings.com

From the listing:

• Clean title in hand.
• Clean Carfax report, no accidents or damages.
• 51,0620 original miles.
• Finished in classic Ferrari red with a beige interior and black convertible top.

The Ferrari Mondial was built in Maranello, Italy, and designed by Pininfarina. The QV Cabriolet model was produced between 1983 and 1985 with a small production run of 629 units worldwide. Powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine rated at 240HP with 4 valves per cylinder. The 4-seat mid-engine Ferrari is equipped with a gated 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, power brakes, power steering, power windows, solid wheels, and a soft top with a boot.

Daryl: 1925 Ford Model TT Truck – $7000

Source: Facebook Marketplace\

From the listing:

• Body is in great condition.
• Runs great but the transmission will need new bands
• Currently need to make space and I do not have time for it.
• Clear clean title in my name
• Located in Farmington, IL

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Thank you for spending some time with us in 2023, and we appreciate your friendship.

Take care and have a very happy & joyous holiday season!

The post Episode 84 – Christmas, Compressors & Cupholder French Fries appeared first on Throwin' Wrenches Automotive Podcast.