Autoline After Hours

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AAH #208 - GM has Big Plans for its Truck Business Aug 30, 2013

Show notes

GM's truck operation, if you were to separate it from the rest of the company, would be one of the most profitable automotive ventures in the world. So, perhaps you can understand why so much one-upmanship goes on between the truck brands. Working to keep Chevrolet and GMC on the cutting edge is Jeff Luke, the Executive Chief Engineer of GM Full-Size Trucks. He'll be our special guest this week and we'll be asking what technologies GM is looking at -- CNG? LPG? Turbocharging? Light-duty diesel? As usual, we'll also get into the biggest news of the week: Nissan sets an ambitious goal for achieving autonomy, Carlos Tavares gets the boot from Renault, and VW protests a lack of diesel incentives. Joining host John McElroy in studio is Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production.

AAH #207 - Cadillac by Design Aug 23, 2013

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Cadillac has certainly established its modern identity. With its well-known Art and Science design language, Caddy's cars have been all about sharp edges and bold choices. But no brand can resist evolution without becoming stale; so what's next? Bob Boniface is the Director of Cadillac Exterior Design and he'll be rolling into the studio with the company's latest offering, the 2014 Cadillac CTS. You can bet we'll be discussing the just-revealed Elmiraj concept along with a bevy of other design topics. Joining host Peter De Lorenzo in studio is Joe DeMatio from Automobile and Jim Hall, host of Autoline Design Handbook.

AAH #206 - Electric Slide Aug 09, 2013

Show notes

Ferrari. Corvette. Porsche. All iconic, but who produces the best-designed sports car today? Our crack team of automotive experts will assemble their ultimate wishlist this week on AAH. But of course that isn't all. We'll also get into the biggest news and most pressing topics of the week. Chevy drops the price of the Volt by $5,000, but will it be enough to give EV sales a shot in the arm? Is the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class the car of the future, today? Plus, the automotive industry's best and brightest gathered in Traverse City this week; did they make any news or was it just more of the same? Joining host Peter De Lorenzo in studio is Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production, Todd Lassa of Automobile and Jim Hall, host of Autoline Design Handbook.

AAH #205 - Bob Lutz's "Icons and Idiots" Aug 02, 2013

Show notes

If it exists in the automotive world, he’s got an opinion on it. And, he won’t be afraid to tell you what he really thinks. The man of the hour is the cigar-chomping, helicopter flying, car guy’s car guy Bob Lutz. He’s just recently been inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame and has authored a new book, “Icons and Idiots.” We’ll be picking his brain about the state of the automotive industry with no particular agenda in mind, but make no mistake, this will be a wide-ranging, engaging discussion with the man who couldn’t mince a word if he wanted to. Joining John McElroy in studio is co-host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Csaba Csere from the Valvefloat Group.

AAH #204 - Cadillac Goes to Twin Turbo Heaven Jul 26, 2013

Show notes

This week we take a deep dive into Cadillac's newest engine, the Twin Turbo V6. Host Peter De Lorenzo talks to Rich Bartlett, Assistant Chief Engineer of the aforementioned power plant. Todd Lassa from Automobile and Scott Burgess from Motor Trend also join the panel. So, tune in for the best insider discussion in the automotive industry!

2013 Autoline Automotive Draft Jul 19, 2013

Show notes

It’s time once again to prove that no one can run a car company like an auto journalist… or so we think. Our contenders are here and ready to go head-to-head as they assemble their automotive dream teams. In addition to stalwart John McElroy of Dymaxion Motors, three newcomers have joined the fray: Csaba Csere of Cheetah Motors, Chris Paukert of Mitty Motors, and Joe White of Rat Rod Global Motors. Charlie Vogelheim MCs the evening’s event, and we’re joined once again by those quick-witted color commentators: Scott Burgess and Mark Phelan.
This year’s draft is one of the most challenging yet! Each team owner has to pick, among other requirements, a company HQ, the perfect brand spokesperson and a talented corporate leader. Which company will draft the best picks? Click “play” to find out!

AAH #203 - Fiat's 500L: The Cavernous Compact Jul 12, 2013

Show notes

Remember when you were a kid and went in a tent for the first time and were amazed by how big it looked inside? That's what happens when you get in the Fiat 500L. You can't believe how big it is. And tonight's guest, Art Anderson, Chief Engineer of the car will be bringing one of those tent-sized 500Ls in-studio for us to check out. With 500 sales already catching up to the Mini brand, the L may just be the car that puts Fiat in the passing lane. And, as usual, the panel will be talking about the hottest topics going on in global automotive industry: Cadillac has killed its Ciel flagship, John McElroy has his impressions after a week with the Chevy Cruze diesel, and we'll look at lessons from Lutz's "Icons and Idiots." Joining John in studio is co-host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Doug Guthrie of The Detroit News.

AAH #202 - A Peek Inside Ford's PR Strategy Jun 28, 2013

Show notes

He's been in the auto industry for almost 25 years having worked at all of the Detroit Three. Most notably he was President of OnStar; but if that wasn't glamorous enough for you, he also logged time as the "handler" for "Maximum" Bob Lutz. Today he finds himself at Ford as the head of Communications for the Americas and global product. The man behind that rather weighty resume is Chris Preuss. This week he's our guest in studio for AAH joining McElroy, co-host Peter De Lorenzo and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production discussing all things Ford...and maybe we'll wrangle some opinions out of him on the competition as well.

AAH #201 - opoc Gets the Green Light from Red China Jun 21, 2013

Show notes

Try you might, the internal combustion engine just won't die. And, that's partly thanks to innovative designs that keep cropping up like the opoc (opposed piston opposed cylinder) engine from EcoMotors. For several years now, we've been following the progress of this startup on AAH. This week CEO Don Runkle joins us and we'll be asking him about the deal to fund a $200 million opoc engine factory. We'll also be getting into the big news stories of the week: Chrysler caves to NHTSA's recall demands after previously refusing, but why? EVs and plug-ins are depreciating much faster than other cars. And with Bosch's new eClutch anyone can drive a stick! Joining John McElroy to discuss all this and more is Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Chris Paukert from Autoblog.

AAH #200 - Inside Lincoln Design Jun 14, 2013

Show notes

For too long, Lincoln has been forgotten. Once a symbol of American luxury, the brand had devolved into a vector for rebadged Fords in recent decades. Now, with new product like the MKZ, there is hope on the horizon. On this week's show we'll talk to two of the people helping the Lincoln Motor Company navigate its way back to true luxury status. Janet Seymour is the Colors and Materials Design Manager for the brand and Susan Lampinen serves as Group Chief Designer of Color and Material Design for both Ford and Lincoln. We'll be asking them, among other things, what design trends will be most important to embrace as a luxury marque. And, while there's a lot to get into on that subject alone, we'll also be delving into some of the latest auto news. Joining Peter De Lorenzo in studio is Jim Hall, the Majordomo for Life of 2953 Analytics.

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