Autoline After Hours

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chrysler is going out on a limb. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has ordered the company to recall 2.7 million Jeeps, but they aren’t budging. The problem is that even if Chrysler wins in court, it may tarnish its safety record in the public eye. We’ll be debating that hot topic along with a raft of other items. May car sales look to be back on trend, the Chevrolet Malibu gets a quickie redo, plus the sporty SS gets priced out just below $45K. Joining John McElroy in studio to talk it all out is co-host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production and Todd Lassa of Automobile.

According to data by Nielsen a full 55.5% of Americans are clicking away on the mini-keyboards of smart phones. Of course, that may just be the reason youngsters aren't as enamored with cars as previous generations. How nice then, that Delphi is doing its part to bring cars and handheld technology together in harmony. This week's guest is Delphi Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President Jeff Owens. We'll be asking him about how the company is putting vehicle diagnostic technology in the hands of consumers as well as the company's efforts to make direct injection a quiet process. Per usual we'll also tap into the news of the week: Ford says it knows why utility vehicles are such a hot seller, Better Place goes bankrupt and one company predicts a fuel cell bonanza by 2030. Joining John McElroy in studio is co-host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production.

Why take the risk? What makes you think it would work this time? We're asking, of course, about GM's relationship with the long-embattled diesel engine. Decades after the General killed diesels in passenger cars, Chevrolet is counting on a reversal in fortunes as it offers the Cruze with a modern diesel powerplant. This week as Mike Siegrist, Assistant Chief Engineer of the Chevy Cruze Diesel, joins us in studio with an engine in tow, we'll ask him why the company is putting its faith in diesel once again. As usual, we'll get into the latest news including Viper returning to Le Mans and Renault entering Formula E. Joining John McElroy in studio is co-host Peter De Lorenzo, the Autoextremist, and Gary Vasilash from Automotive Design and Production.