Motor Trend Audio

The Irvine "Cars & Coffee" was a weekly gathering of automotive enthusiasts that featured the "cars you don't see the other six days a week." Despite a policy of discreet attention, it became a victim of its own success. After 410 Saturdays, growing crowds and encroaching development sent it into hiatus searching for a new home.

Echo Park is a technology-centric used car dealership that just opened in Denver, CO. They have revolutionized the way customers buy and sell used cars by identifying and mitigating the many "pain points" in the process. We visited the only Echo Park to experience the process firsthand and discuss the operation with Jeff Dyke, who developed the concept for the Sonic Automotive group.

This week, Charlie talks cars and cinema with Josh Hancock who is well-experienced in, both, the automobile and movie industries. He has had several key roles in selecting and placing autos in feature films and television shows. Shawn also joins Charlie to talk about how else automotive brands are expanding their reach.

Charlie spends the week in SoCal attending the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show press days and associated events. The week kicks off with the Connected Car Expo showcasing future technology in connected cars, followed by three days of new car and concept introductions. Lots of time is spent with key automotive executives and fellow journalists, including Perry Stern.

The Lightning Motorcycle LS-218 is billed as the world's fastest production motorcycle--winner at Pikes Peak, clocked at over 217mph at Bonneville and yet docile enough to drive every day. Charlie was there when the first customer took delivery. We talk to Richard Hatfield (Founder and CEO of Lightning Motorcycle), the entire assembly line and "Lightning" Jim, the man who set the record speed.

Charlie visits the 2014 Speciality Equipment Market Association Show, better know as SEMA, in Las Vegas. Join Charlie as he chats with the Green Berets, discusses the finer points of grammar with a British racer, and spends quality time in a Local Motors' 3D printed car--the first of its kind in the world.

Charlie and Shawn recount stories of their dads and how they influenced their interest in automobiles. Charlie also gets a chance to chat with Rene Villeneuve, race car driver and a Skip Barber race instructor, about what he has taught his own teenage daughter about driving. Finally, Bill Fay (General Manager, Toyota Division) shares a breakdown of the newly redesigned Toyota Camry.

Charlie and Shawn discuss driving in the Bay Area, and the differences in driving technique and attitudes across the country. Charlie then interviews professional driving instructors and gets their take on what type of person attends their classes, driving pet peeves and the skill set that should be required to get a driver's license. Later, Charlie speaks with Andrew Polsinelli, product planning manager for Land Rover North America, and gets the rundown on the entire Land Rover lineup. The show wraps up with Kris de la Cuesta from IntelliChoice.com, to discuss car purchase data and share tips on what to look for in researching your next set of wheels.

We discuss the Koenigsegg One:1—the seven-figure, 1341 hp, carbon-Kevlar bodied megacar—from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. We also meet up with Gill Campbell, CEO and General Manager of the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, who talks to us a bit about the world-class facility and its rich history. Speaking of history, Dodge celebrates its 100th anniversary and Tim Kuniskis, CEO of the Dodge brand, dishes on a couple of special edition Charger and Challenger models to commemorate the birthday as well as Scat Pack stage kits.

Charlie flies back from Italy and discusses his fun in a Fiat 500L with Shawn, and how big is too big for a MINI. He also catches up with Michael Coates, who shares his expertise and insight on the future of diesel technology in the U.S. Charlie also talks to "Bob" about locomotives, hybrid drivetrains and the frequency with which locomotives collide with objects.

Charlie starts this week's show by interviewing an owner of a rare Volkswagen—the super-efficient, diesel hybrid XL1—available in select European markets only. And what's in a World Car of the Year award? What's the difference between a CUV and SUV? What are the off-road capabilities of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk? Our man gets his hands dirty to bring you the news.

Charlie ventures to the 2014 North American International Auto Show, and discusses various aspects of the show with Paul Eisenstein, publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com.

This week Charlie & Shawn want to answer the following questions: What's my car worth? What should I name my car? What goes on behind-the-scenes at Motor Trend? Where can my car park itself? Where is my motorcade?

Marty Rood, internet car sales pioneer, explains to us how he sold the first ever car on the Internet. Motor Trend staff editors, Carlos Lago and Jonny Lieberman, stop by to provide a behind-the-scenes look at this month's cover story of a three-car comparison featuring the Camaro Z/28, the Porsche 911 Turbo S and the Nissan GT-R Track Edition. Also, what happens when OEM reps interview each other? We find out as BMW and Mazda nearly end Charlie's run as host of Motor Trend Audio, just three episodes in.

This week's show is chalk full of automotive goodness! We visit Retromobile in Paris France, discuss a rare 1950's Javelin with its owner, and chat with Ford CEO, Alan Mulally, about its global product line. We also hit floor of the 2014 North American International Auto Show with columnist, Dan Neil, to get his colorful take on the themes and trends in the industry.