Big Jim's Garage podcast with Jim O'Brien

It's been awhile since we just talked cars and reviews. So lets discuss the underappreciated mini-van...and the amazing Toyota Sienna Hyrbrid. Then we turn our attention to the CUV's (Compact Utility Vehicle) and two VERY different platforms...the RAV4 Highland Edition from Toyota and the Mazda CX-30 Carbon. Do you need a CUV? Is it a better option?

Back in 2016 I reached out to Bob's management and asked if he'd like to an interview just about cars. They said YES and this is the half hour conversation about his first car, love of classics and inspirations. If you're a Seger fan it's a different side of him

Always a pleasure to have F1 expert Chris Medland on to talk about the sport as we hit the summer break. Insight into Red Bull's dominance (will F1 consider changing things to make it more competitive?) - what's going to happen with other teams during the "silly season", does IndyCar Alex Palou have a chance in F1 and much more...

Are Americans really ready for EV's? I've been driving a couple of them and have thoughts about the "push/pull" economy and mindset of our country.

What's it like being a rookie trying to race your way into the Indy 500? We talk with Sting Ray Robb about it - and he explains what it's like going 230mph with a great Mario comparison. He'll also be here in Detroit for the Detroit Grand Prix (click here for tickets)

He's a friend of the show and one of the best sports announcers in the world - NBC's Leigh Diffey joins us to preview the Indy 500 (and talk about the Detroit GP of course)

We spent some time driving EV's like the F150 Lightning, Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6 GT. All three are amazing platforms - but there's a bigger issue with EV's...and it involves McDonalds.

Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandf1) joins us to talk about Andretti/Cadillac trying to join #f1 - will it happen? Who else is trying to get it? What can we expect for the upcoming season. Great insight from Chris into the world of F1 (and the politics).

We asked Al Unser Jr about pit stops at Indy before speed limits - how fast do you think he was going? It'll startle you

Al Unser Jr is a two time Indy 500 Champion and part of the royal family of Indy Car. We talk about entering pit lane at 200mph (really) and of course all the amazing cars coming to the American Speed Festival at M1 Concourse CLICK HERE for tickets

He designed the Corvette Sting Ray when he was 19...then went to work for Caroll Shelby and built the Shelby Cobra Daytona - one of the most iconic cars in history. He's here this weekend (9/30 - 10/2) at the American Speed Festival (tickets click here)

The fastest growing sport in the United States in F1 - over a million people routinely watch via ESPN...and Chris Medland does an amazing job covering the sport. We talk F1, Max's dominance, the future of American drivers in the sport, Lewis Hamilton's struggles this year and much more.

Jeff Gale is the Chief Interior Designer for Dodge - and his influence on the Dodge Charger SRT is amazing. A revolutionary car with the interior to match. We talk design, motivation and the future with one of the most creative people in the auto world.

Dave Sherman from M1 Concourse checked in about one of the coolest events going on in Detroit - it's the Woodward Dream Show at M1 Concourse in Pontiac.

Gearing up (get it?) for the Indy 500 with a preview of the race from Leigh Diffey (who's calling the race for NBC) and IndyCar driver Graham Rahal. Of course we talk about the upcoming Detroit Grand Prix (tickets at detroitgp.com)

He's the greatest living driving in the world - F1, IndyCar and NASCAR champion Mario Andretti. Great insight into the world of racing from the one of the best EVER.

Larry McReynolds is one of the sharpest minds in NASCAR - we break down the beginning of the season (including the new car, bumpdrafting and Kyle Larson). Plus I spent some seat time in the RAM TRX (702hp monster)...good lord.

Couple of vehicle reviews...the new 4Runner TRD Pro from Toyota, Mazda CX-9 Carbon and the Little Lexus that I love (even if the title is too long)

A company here in Novi, Michigan (suburb of Detroit) has created a new battery system that gives you OVER 700 miles on a single charge - how do we know this? They just did a proof of concept test by driving a modified Tesla over 750 miles here in Michigan. We caught up with the CEO of ONE (Our Next Energy) to discuss this amazing breakthrough.

What the heck happened at the end of the F1 finale? We talk rulings, race directors and what's next with David Hobbs. PLUS couple of Toyota reviews (the Sequoia Nightshade and Corolla XSE) .

Catching up with our friends at GMC about a couple of new truck editions - including a stunning Denali upgrade and the AT4-X...then we talk Hyundai N mode in the new Veloster - and I confess my love for the Toyota Sienna mini-van

Imagine driving 13,000 miles on ELECTRIC Harley-Davidsons? Charley Boorman and Ewan McGregor have done it - check out the AppleTV series "The Long Way Up". We talk about the trip, connecting with people worldwide and much more.

When it comes to F1 - Karun Chandhok on Sky Sports is one of the best. His perspective on F1 as a former driver is second to none. We talk Lewis vs Max, what makes George Russell tick and much more.  Then it's review time: Two of the most amazing rides. The 2022 Genesis GV70 SUV is amazing...and the 2021 Lexus ES 250 AWD F Sport is their best product (in my opinion).

Spent a day with the Ford Bronco (2 door and 4 door) - on the road, off road and talking with the folks behind the design. What's the verdict? Is it worth the wait?

Is there anything more Detroit than the relationship between a father, son and their car? We talked with a man who made a promise to his father to keep the tradition going. Plus I'll review the Hyundai Venue Denim, Toyota GR Supra and the Mazda CX-30 Turbo.

Marcus Ericsson and Pato O'ward check in after their wins at the Detroit Grand Prix "Dual In Detroit". Amazing weekend of racing.

He's driving the #14 Lexus for Vasser-Sullivan Racing in IMSA...Jack Hawksworth checks in to preview the Detroit Grand Prix (they race Saturday at 5pm). Interesting discussion about braking zones - the tricky Belle Isle track and more.

He's the CEO of McLaren Racing - and of the biggest car enthusiasts I know. Zak Brown checks in to talk F1 (Monaco) plus IndyCar and much more...and of course we discuss Senna.

He's one of the hottest drivers in the IndyCar series - Pato O'Ward just got his first victory at the age of 22...and he gets an F1 test! We talk Detroit Grand Prix and much more. PLUS honest reviews of the Genesis GV80, Toyota Supra 3.0 and the Hyundai Venue Denim edition.

This week we feature a couple of VERY cool things going on in the Automotive World. First it's Mark Trostle, Head of RAM and Mopar Exterior talking about the "Drive For Design" contest at Stellantis. Then we get into "Ford Frenzy" with Ted Ryan, Historian for Ford Motor Company..plus my honest review of the new Cadillac Escalade and the RAM TRX.

So how you feeling about the NASCAR season so far? I'm LOVING it. Always great to catch up with Larry McReynolds from FOX...are the young guns taking over? What's up with Harvick? What is Denny Hamlin's legacy if he DOESN'T win a title? Plus my reviews of the Lexus 350 F Sport and the new trim (XSE) on the Toyota Camry

Back with a new season of Big Jim's Garage - joined by Brian Bell from Ford to talk about the new Raptor. Then my first two auto reviews of the season - the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat or the Toyota Highlander XSE AWD...both a big surprise for totally different reasons.

Matt Garchow is the New Vehicle Sales Manager at Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, Michigan - the NUMBER ONE F-150 dealer in the country. Interesting discussion about what's coming from Ford - including the new hybrid F150, Mustang Mach E and of course we talk Bronco. Great insight from one of the best in the business.

NBC Sports Leigh Diffey checks in to review the season that was in Indy Car - what to expect next year (Jimmie Johnson!) and he gives us two drivers to watch for....plus we talk boats! Then I'll give my review of the RAV-4 and Mazda CX-30 from the perspective of a big guy

The post Will The Wagoneer have wood? appeared first on 94.7 WCSX.

It's one of the most iconic vehicles of the last 40 years - and it's BACK! We talk with FCA's Global Head of Design Ralph Gilles about the Grand Wagoneer - the design process - wood paneling and the influence of the "weinermobile". One of my favorite people in the auto industry.

Doug Tabbutt and his friends absolutely shattered the Cannonball Run record - UNDER 26 hours from New York to L.A....

If you're a racing fan it doesn't get much better than this - the Indy500. Big changes in IndyCar with Roger Penske buying the series (and IMS). We start off with Bud Denker, the President of Penske Corporation - then we're joined by Leigh Diffey from NBC (he's doing the play by play for Sunday's 500). What to expect from Honda and Chevrolet - who'll be there at the end. We talk about it all.

Yes. THE Bob Seger takes a half-hour and talks about his love of cars, cruising and getting out on the racetrack (?). Wonderful stories from a class act...hopefully you can't tell I was nervous. - Jim O'Brien (@JimInTheD)

Mike Schickerowski from Alberta Canada grew up legally blind - but always loved cars...at one point he had given up on ever having normal vision...but a radical new surgery changed all that and what did he get himself? A beautiful C7 Corvette! Great story and even better person. Big Jim played back Mike's story on the air and then talked with Terry Rhadigan from Chevrolet to brainstorm a way to celebrate this victory with Mike...possibly at the Grand Prix....

Marcus Collins is an award-winning advertiser and lecturer at the Ross School of Business (U of M) - his perspective on the Bronco/Jeep battle might surprise you. We also dive into Ford not spending money on social media for the Bronco launch. Wonderful guest who'll really make you think.

There was a time at Indy where there were NO speed limits entering pit lane. Gordon Johncock made a famous pit stop at the end of the 1982 Indy 500 that was flat out when he entered pit lane...did Mario ever do this?

He's one of the greatest drivers of all time - and definitely at the top of our list of guests. Mario Andretti checks in to review the return of Formula One, IndyCar and NASCAR.

We talk with Alex Roy - star of Apex: The Secret Race Across America. Alex made it across the U.S. (New York to L.A.) in 31 hours 4 minutes. Really. Then Ford Historian Ted Ryan joins us to talk about the NEW 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The latest on the reveal date and what to expect from the ALL NEW Bronco with Michael Martinez from Automotive News...plus we take a dive into small cars and did the U.S. automakers bail too soon?

Gearing up for the return of IndyCar by talking with four of the best drivers to ever compete - Scott Dixon, Josef Newgarden, Graham Rahal and Helio Castroneves. Then we take a spin in the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE...oh shame on those folks who decided to buy the small car.

He's one of our favorite drivers in the IndyCar series - Conor Daly joins us on the weekend we SHOULD be racing at Indy...patience. Fun discussion about IndyCar, the Detroit Grand Prix and much more.

Fox Nascar announcer Matt Yocum joined Big Jim to talk about the future of Erik Jones

We got NASCAR back! How cool was that? Great race in Darlington and one of the best to cover it checks in - Matt Yocum of Fox Sports! Will Jimmie Johnson get a win this season? What's next for Kyle Larson? Erik Jones observations and insight that only Matt can provide.  Then we talk about the 2020 Honda CR-V...my favorite belly button (people say SUV's are like belly buttons).