Autoweek Podcast

This week on the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren about the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace, discussing the Tucson’s wild styling and what that could mean for the rest of the Hyundai lineup. Wren lays out the big changes to the F-Pace. After the jump, Steven Cole Smith and Mike Pryson preview one of the best endurance races in the world: this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, obviously taking place much later in the year than it would normally. While Smith and Pryson agree Toyota should take the overall win, the other classes are much more competitive. Also, the guys talk about the Autoweek Podcast taking a break for the time being. Stay tuned for updates on the show’s revival at a later date, and stay in tune with the podcast team over at Quick Spin.

This week the Autoweek Podcast does a Pikes Peak Spectacular. Kicking off the show Mark Vaughn talks with this year’s quickest man up the hill, Clint Vahsholtz, about the car that carried Vasholtz up the hill quicker than anyone else. Later in the show Robin Warner talks with two-time Autoweek Podcast guest Robb Holland about his adventure competing in the hill climb.

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren about the finally revealed Jeep Grand Wagoneer concept and the path to production. We also discuss Jeep’s Wrangler 4xe and other new products joining the Jeep lineup globally. After the Jeep discussion, Robin Warner chops it up with Fernando Alonso, and closing the show Susan Wade talks with Mike Pryson about the upcoming NHRA U.S. Nationals and the revised NHRA schedule.

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren and Jake Lingeman about the Mini Convertible’s rumored demise and the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The gang dives into the upcoming SUV's importance, rumors about its long development process and what it could mean for Jeep going forward. After the news section, Mike Pryson joins Matt Weaver to talk about the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Weaver was present at the race and talks about how it stacked up to the other experiences at the race. Closing the motorsport section, the guys talk about the upcoming NASCAR playoffs and this week’s Formula 1 race at Spa. Music: Well, At Least I’m Not Vaping by Summerbruise

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren and Robin Warner about Porsche toppling the fastest lap around the Nürburgring in an executive car with an upcoming Panamera model. We also talk about Ram’s latest entry into the growing off-road battle: the Ford Raptor-fighting Ram 1500 TRX. Later in the show Warner talks with racing legend Helio Castroneves ahead of the Indianapolis 500, discussing the fan-less 500, his IMSA performance and what he’s looking forward to next year. Music: Well, At Least I’m Not Vaping by Summerbruise

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, No. 122, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren about Hyundai’s latest addition to its portfolio: the Ioniq sub-brand, dedicated exclusively to electrification. The pair also discusses Cadillac's latest EV, the Lyriq. After a rousing discussion about future products, Matt Weaver and Mike Pryson join the show to talk about the upcoming Indianapolis 500. While the month of May has shrunk to a few days in August, The Greatest Spectacle in Racing is still underway, though without fans. The guys also talk about Max Verstappen winning the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone. Music: Well, At Least I'm not Vaping by Summerbruise

Another Bonus episode of Quick Spin! Don't forget to head over to Quick Spin wherever you get your podcasts and hit the subscribe button. Also, don't forget to leave a review: We would truly appreciate it! The 2020 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe takes the bones of a perfectly acceptable C-Class coupe and covers them with brute muscle. Powered by Mercedes-AMG's beloved 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 that makes 503 horsepower, the C63 S is a finely tuned beast. (It also possesses one of the best-sounding exhaust notes of any regular-production V8 available today.) On this episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren talks with Managing Editor Robin Warner about his time with the C63 S Coupe. As Warner takes you along for his test drive, he shines a light on what makes this high-end hot rod something special in the luxury car world. He also asks a fundamental question about its nature: Is the C63 S a true-blue sports car? Listen and find out.

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, No. 121, Wes Raynal and Wesley Wren introduce Quick Spin: the second podcast to join The Autoweek Podcast Network. After a quick explanation of the new show, Raynal spearheads a discussion about the latest from supercar-maker Gordon Murray. Dubbed the T.50, this new supercar has some elements of the McLaren F1 but updated for a new generation. Raynal also talks about how important the McLaren F1 was in its time. After the jump, Mike Pryson and Robin Warner join Wren to discuss the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The guys talk about Nico Hulkenberg’s bad luck and Lewis Hamilton’s incredible win. For those who didn’t watch, Hamilton finished the race after a tire failure on his final lap. Music: Well, At Least I'm Not Vaping by Summerbruise

Here's something special: Autoweek's second podcast! Quick Spin takes you into the car and into the studio with Autoweek's finest to give you honest, insightful reviews with a twist. Make sure to head over to your Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you get your podcast and subscribe. Don't forget to leave us a note and let us know what cars you want us to review, and what you want to know about those cars. On the first episode of Quick Spin, Wesley Wren talks with West Coast Editor Mark Vaughn about the first effort from Polestar. Aptly named Polestar 1, it oozes with style and shows that Polestar — the offshoot of Volvo — isn’t pulling any punches. Vaughn puts the Polestar 1 through its paces in the canyons of California.

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren about recent speculation about Mercedes-Benz. The rumor has it that Mercedes will be thining its car lineup and axing the coupe and convertible variants of its main lineup. The pair also talk about the latest Lamborghini. The guys talk about the restrictions surrounding the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 and how you can nab one. After the break, Mike Pryson speaks with Steven Cole Smith about the current IMSA Series, news that Acura is leaving Team Penske after the season ends and the status of the GTLM class without Porsche in its ranks. The guys talk about the future of the sport with Porsche possibly moving up to the top ranks of IMSA with the new car and the opportunity for new manufacturers to enter the GTLM class. Music: Well, At Least I’m Not Vaping by Summerbruise

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal joins Wesley Wren and Jake Lingeman to talk about the Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 prototype. This high-horsepower Mustang Mach-E recently debuted as Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s latest tire slaying drift machine. The guys break down the car and its fun features. Inspired by the Mach-E, and Lingeman’s reporting on recent GM news, the guys dive into a discussion about electric pickup trucks. Later in the show, Mike Pryson talks with Autoweek’s NHRA reporter Susan Wade about the problems the series is currently facing. With scheduling issues, and stars absent from events, the NHRA is facing its fair share of hurdles. Closing the show, Wren and Pryson tackle the Hungarian Grand Prix and Lewis Hamilton’s early-season dominance. Music: Well, at least I’m Not Vaping by Summerbruise.

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wes Raynal joins Jake Lingeman and Wesley Wren to discuss the Ford Bronco. After its long-awaited official debut, the gang jumps into the various features that Ford stuffed into the upcoming Bronco. The team also tackles the available accessories, options and more. Before jumping over to the motorsport side, the guys also break down how Jeep tried to steal Ford’s thunder with a 6.4-liter Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler concept. Closing the show, Matt Weaver joins Mike Pryson to analyze the NASCAR All-Star Race and the problems with the track. Weaver and Pryson also discuss rookie Cole Custer’s win at the Kentucky Speedway. The pair touches on Tony Stewart’s upcoming race series dubbed SRX. Finally, Pryson closes the show by dissecting the Styrian Grand Prix. Music: "Well, at least I'm not vaping," by summerbruise

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Wesley Wren joins Mike Pryson and Robin Warner in a discussion with Autoweek’s Joe Saward about the first race of the 2020 Formula 1 season: the Austrian Grand Prix. The guys analyze the race, how it could affect the upcoming Styrian Grand Prix and the troubles the teams faced during the race. The group also discusses what it’s like to attend a Formula 1 race during a global pandemic. Later in the show, Warner interviews Porsche sports car driver Nick Tandy ahead of his third-place finish at the IMSA WeatherTech 240 at Daytona. Music: “Well, at least I’m not vaping” by Summerbruise

On this episode of the Autoweek Podcast, Mike Pryson and Robin Warner join Wesley Wren to talk about the latest high-horsepower news from Dodge. Robin lays out the upcoming additions to Dodge’s performance SRT lineup, namely a Dodge Durango Hellcat, a Dodge Challenger Super Stock and a Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye. Afterward, the team discusses the big weekend in racing, with F1 making its way back to the track. Closing the show, Wren talks with Vernon Estes of Vernon Estes Classics and John Kraman of Mecum about a Ford Mustang that might reset the record books. Vernon guides us through the details of this special Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R that is headed towards the auction block at the Mecum Spring Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana. Because of the historical significance, this Mustang could become the most expensive ever sold at auction. The group also talks about other significant Shelby cars from the current owner’s collection that are also running across the block. Music: Well, At Least I’m Not Vaping by

In this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal kicks off the show with Wesley Wren and Jake Lingeman to talk about the next-generation Ford F-150. The latest truck will offer a hybrid driveline and a more posh interior. The gang also talks about how you can win a Jeep Wrangler from Jeep. Later in the show, NHRA legend Tony Schumacher talks with Mike Pryson and Wren about returning to the seat of a Top Fuel Dragster. Schumacher discusses his career, his life and the upcoming race in Indianapolis. Music: “Well, At Least I’m Not Vaping” by Summerbruise

On this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren and Robin Warner at the top of the show about the upcoming 2021 Nissan Rogue. The gang discusses the Rogue’s new look and all of its new features. Following the Nissan analysis, the group talks about the Porsche Cayenne GTS and Subaru Crosstrek, both receiving new engines. Closing the show, Mike Pryson talks with Al Pearce about the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees. Pearce gives his thoughts about Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s inevitable induction and guides the listener through the entire voting process. He also talks about the two other inductees: Mike Stefanik and Red Farmer. Pearce explains why these two are significant to NASCAR. Music: “Well, at least I’m not vaping” by Summerbruise

On this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal talks with Jake Lingeman and Wesley Wren about Mazda’s rumored turbocharged Mazda 3. The group discusses where it sits in the market, as well as what it means for Mazda. Following that discussion, the gang dives into Batman’s new ride. The latest Batmobile looks grittier and steeped in a little more realism than previous Batmobiles. This leads to a debate about the best Batmobile. After the jump, Mike Pryson and Joey Barnes join Wren to talk about the first IndyCar race of the year, its winner and the new car. Barnes was at the race; he comments on the lack of fan presence affecting the atmosphere and talks about the precautions IndyCar is taking. This leads to a discussion about the future of IndyCar in 2020. Music: “Well, at least I’m not vaping” by Summerbruise.

On this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal talks with Wesley Wren about the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach 1 and the Land Rover Defender. The forthcoming Mustang will revive the Mach 1 name, sport a handful of performance enhancements and change up some visual cues, which will be nods to Mach 1 Mustangs of yore. The guys also talk about the Land Rover Defender hitting U.S. shores for the first time in over 20 years. After the news section, Mike Pryson and Matt Weaver hop on mics to talk about the big changes coming to the NASCAR schedule in 2021. Weaver argues against the addition of the Nashville Superspeedway and makes his case for having more short tracks on the schedule. The guys also talk about the rest of the 2020 NASCAR schedule, NHRA returning to the drag strip and IndyCar jumping back on racetracks. Music: “Well, at least I’m not vaping” by Summerbruise

On this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal joins Mike Pryson and Wesley Wren to dive into the biggest news from this week and tackle some of what has happened in the racing world. Raynal discusses the news from struggling rental car company Hertz, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. After the discussion of the troubled rental car giant, Pryson jumps in to talk about the results from the Coca-Cola 600, Jimmie Johnson’s disqualification and Daniel Abt’s suspicious esport performance. Later in the show, resident track rat Jake Lingeman gets us in gear to hit the track ourselves. After the recent chaos in Canada, Lingeman guides everyone through the different ways to be prepared for your next, or first, track day experience. Lingeman gives you tips on how to prepare your car, what he brings to feel secure throughout the day and offers advice about how you should start your track driving journey. Music: “Well, at least i’m not vaping,” summerbruise.

On this episode of the “Autoweek Podcast,” Wes Raynal joins Wesley Wren and Robin Warner to kick off the show’s news segment. Warner leads a discussion about the 992-generation Porsche 911 Targa. The group briefly talks about the history of the Targa-topped Porsche 911 and share their thoughts on this latest model. Raynal then pivots to discuss the upcoming supercar from Maserati. After the break, Matt Weaver joins Mike Pryson and Wesley Wren to talk about NASCAR’s recent return to live racing. Weaver shares his experience in going to a race in person. The group talks about how different the experience is compared to just a few short months ago. Music: Well, at least I'm not vaping by Summerbruise