Mike Brewer’s big interview part 2 – the Wheeler Dealer’s Life In Cars. Known for being the frontman of TV show Wheeler Dealers since it began almost 20 years ago, Mike had already been the presenter of Driven, Deals on Wheels and numerous other shows. Following on from the Car Cave private garage tour of Mike’s workshop and Part 1.
This is the Idol Chat interview, where Jonny Smith brings his terrible brown chairs to ask personal questions to a prominent face in the automotive community.
If you do not have the patience to watch the entire video (which I urge you to do), here are the sections you can skip to to hear about the specific topics covered:
Nothing says “performance vehicle” quite like a red disc brake caliper peeking through the spokes of an alloy wheel. But what was once the realm of exotics and track-day cars, is now a little slice of go-fast heaven you can have for your own, no matter what kind of car you drive. As long as it’s running disc brakes that you can see behind its wheels, of course.
The POR-15 Brake Caliper Painting Kit was designed to do two things: protect your calipers from the elements and make you look like you drive a high-performance car every day. Based on the Rust Preventive system POR-15 is known for, the final paint is available in five colors and the kit comes with everything you need to single-handedly turn your daily-driver from zero to hero.
More than just a layer of shiny paint behind your wheels, the Brake Caliper Painting kit gives you a solid base of protection under that new color. After all, your brake calipers are located in one of the most punishing environments your car can serve up: a constant cycle of heating and cooling, road dirt and debris, varying degrees of moisture and the accumulating dust from brake pads that are constantly wearing away. So, when you can protect that hardware from all that punishment and make them look good at the same time, that’s a win all the way around.
The kit comes complete with:
Cleaner/Degreaser: a good paint job starts with a clean surface and the POR-15 Cleaner/Degreaser is formulated to remove oils, dirt, greases and other contaminants, ensuring a great foundation for the paint.
Metal Prep: this stuff prepares the surface of your caliper for the best adhesion and consistent coverage of the patented Rust Preventive.
Rust Preventive: what POR-15 is best known for, the Rust Preventive is not only designed to cover and seal the porous surfaces of your brake calipers, but add a layer of protection from the elements and sets up your final coats of paint for a long life.
Caliper Paint: here’s where the magic happens! Choose your favorite color, as long as it’s black, red, yellow, grey or blue and become a driveway hero with this self-leveling paint that not only looks great, but is tough as nails.
Along with gloves, applicators and detailed instructions, the POR-15 Brake Caliper Painting kit is the easiest way to spruce-up the look of your daily-driver with a complete solution. Find more here and you’re five easy steps away from a new look for ride!
Do you remember the Rolls-Royce (and Bentley) of old versus the Rolls-by-way-of-BMW of today? It used to be you could see a Silver Shadow/Corniche or Silver Spirit all around Los Angeles or even parked by some of the more prestigious hotels around Manhattan, so it seemed that, despite its hand-built status, Rolls-Royce was a popular, consistent seller among the wealthy.
Compare it to the modern Rolls-Royce, which began with the 2003 Phantom and now features a lineup of several different models including an SUV. Even in the environs of Beverly Hills, the Rolls-Royce of today command a different level of respect and appear somewhat rare … or so you would think, as the company has reported a record 6,021 in sales — the marque’s best showing ever.
“2022 has been a momentous year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Not only did we reveal Rolls‑Royce Spectre, our marque’s first ever fully-electric series model to the world, it was also the first year we ever delivered more than 6,000 cars in a single 12-month period, with strong demand across our entire product portfolio,” says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “But as a true House of Luxury, sales are not our sole measure of success: we are not and never will be a volume manufacturer. Bespoke IS Rolls-Royce, and commissions were also at record levels last year, with our clients’ requests becoming ever more imaginative and technically demanding – a challenge we enthusiastically embrace.”
Production is up 8% from 2021, and a far cry from the 1,212 produced in calendar year 2008. Even five years ago, the total was a prodigious 4,107.
According to Rolls-Royce, the Middle East leads as the region with the most Bespoke commissions. In fact, Rolls-Royce opened a Dubai-based invitation-only Private Office in 2022 — the first outside Goodwood, West Sussex. Nonetheless, the Americas continues to remain the single largest region for Rolls-Royce, with China ranking second.
Rolls-Royce is currently poised to celebrate 20 years of production at Goodwood. Back then, one Phantom was built a day, the impetus for a transformation centered on a long-term strategy “based on sustainable growth, careful management and planning, and the successful reinvention of the brand.”
Hennessey went to the mattresses with its Venom F5 roadster (aka the “world’s fastest convertible”) and now has dug even deeper for its new track-only Venom F5 Revolution coupe. The recently unveiled Venom F5 Revolution is based on Hennessey’s road-going Venom F5 coupe, but the track-only sibling has reworked aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling and digital telemetry. To enhance on-track performance, Hennessey’s engineers focused on weight reduction to keep the Venom F5 Revolution below 3,000 pounds. Like previous incarnations of the Venom F5, the Revolution is powered by an 1,817 horsepower twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter “Fury” V8 engine. The engine is paired with an automated single-clutch gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.
The prominent full-width rear-mounted carbon fiber wing is adjustable and features end plates designed to stop high-pressure air on top of the wing from spilling underneath, which increases downforce without extending the width of the wing. At 186 mph, the rear wing provides more than 800 pounds of downforce, and over 1,400 pounds of downforce is available at 249 mph.
Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution coupe
“From the outset, we designed the Venom F5 hypercar to be ultra-light and monstrously powerful, with dynamics to match,” says John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, chief engineer. “So, taking these ingredients and adding track-focused aerodynamics, suspension, and gearing, enabled us to create a machine that is the ultimate visceral and emotional driving experience.”
The Venom F5 Revolution has a double-wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers. It rides on forged alloy wheels with a larger contact patch for improved cornering grip, and braking is provided by carbon-ceramic brakes with muti-piston calipers. To keep track of lap times, a digital on-board track telemetry system capable of measuring lap times, splits and cornering G-forces is available.
Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution coupe
Do you want your very own Venom F5 Revolution? The first step is to apply and, if you are selected to buy one of the 24 examples, it’ll set you back $2.7 million.
Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution coupe
“The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe combines our outstanding 1,817 bhp V8 ‘Fury’ combustion engine with our lightest and most capable chassis,” says John Hennessey, company founder and CEO. “The hypercar, which is astoundingly fast, is at home on a racing circuit where utmost handling is paramount – it offers the nimbleness of a fighter jet, yet with a powerplant like a Saturn V rocket!”
Google’s Android Auto interface has become the go-to choice for many drivers. Like the rival Apple CarPlay interface, Android Auto projects familiar smartphone apps onto a car’s infotainment system for a more straightforward experience. Now it’s getting an update.
Unveiled at CES, the update brings a fresh design and a handful of new features to Android Auto, which launched in 2014 and received its last major facelift in 2019.
Rolling out to users now, the new design moves Google Maps closer to the driver so it’s easier to see at a glance. Other changes include a new media card aimed at better displaying album art, and a quick-launcher feature for frequently used apps.
Android Auto 2023 update
In addition to a revised look, Android Auto gains some new features. Google Assistant now provides suggestions like missed call reminders, as well as arrival time sharing and the ability to pull up music and podcasts. A progress bar has been added as well, so users can skip ahead to another song or episode.
On-screen shortcuts for replying to messages and calling favorite contacts have also been added. Google Pixel and Samsung smartphone users can now make calls using WhatsApp through Android Auto.
Beyond the Android Auto updates, Google is also expanding availability of digital key functionality, which lets drivers use a smartphone in place of a key fob. Car owners can now share a digital key with Pixel and iPhone users to let other people borrow their cars, with Samsung and Xiaomi compatibility coming soon. While multiple automakers offer variations of this feature, Google’s version only works with BMW, although the company said it plans to add more car brands.
Android Auto 2023 update
More automakers are also adopting Google Built-In features for their infotainment systems, letting drivers use Google apps without having to connect a smartphone. The 2023 Honda Accord is the latest model to add Google Built-In, joining certain models from Volvo and Polestar.
New features planned for Google Built-In include HD maps, which will launch on the 2024 Volvo EX90 and 2024 Polestar 3 electric SUVs. Drivers will also soon be able to watch YouTube videos on their car screens when parked. Google also plans to expand the roster of car brands with Google Built-In, with plans to add Ford and Lincoln later in 2023.
Bought as a “movie” car, one owner is loving his 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier droptop.
Kevin Fouhy is loving life in his Cavalier droptop. Back in the ’80s rolling with the top down was where it was at. Fouhy gets it!
This is what he had to add about his ’80s Chevy droptop…
“I bought my first Cavalier in 2019 for use in movie films that were filming here in my Hudson Valley area in New York. Since then I have fallen in love with this little convertible as it is so much fun to drive. I have put some money into to repairs as needed, even fixing the air conditioning! I am still using it as a movie picture car currently. When the opportunity comes my way, it provides a nice side income to me in addition to all the fun of driving it.”
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If you’re not into Formula 1, you may not be aware that teams can’t just join the circuit on a whim. In fact, the last time a team has joined was in 2014 — the only American team on the circuit. However, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA, Formula 1’s governing body) recently announced it was opening enrollment for teams to join the circuit.
And guess who’s intending to compete in Formula 1? Mario Andretti and Cadillac.
Indeed, Andretti Global has announced a partnership with General Motors to form a Formula 1 team and compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The new team will be called Andretti Cadillac and plans to submit an Expression of Interest to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
Image courtesy of andrettiautosport.com
“We are continuing to grow Andretti Global and its family of racing teams and always have our eyes on what’s next. I feel that we are well suited to be a new team for Formula One and can bring value to the series and our partners, and excitement for the fans. I’m proud to have GM and Cadillac alongside us as we pursue this goal … We now have the opportunity to combine our motorsport passions and dedication to innovation to build a true American F1 bid,” says Andretti.
According to Car and Driver, Andretti “previously sought to enter the championship on its own but struggled to gain traction.” The new partnership also should attract more Americans to the series.
Adds Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, “General Motors is honored to team with Andretti Global on this historic moment in racing. We have a long, rich history in motorsports and engineering innovation, and we are thrilled with the prospect of pairing with Andretti Global to form an American F1 team that will help spur even more global interest in the series and the sport.”
The team will be based in the U.S. and have a support facility in the U.K.
Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is a 1968 Ford Mustang GT fastback. This pony car is powered by a 302 four-barrel backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include a front bench seat, Sport Deck folding rear seat and gauges. Finished in Candyapple Red over a red vinyl interior, this Mustang GT comes from the selling dealer with factory invoice and a clear title.
The Candyapple Red (code T) fastback features GT fog lamps, turn indicators on the hood, wheel and rocker moldings, driver-side mirror, special rear valance with quad exhaust pipes, and correct GT gas cap. A full walk-around video can be seen on the auction page.
A set of Styled Steel Wheels with GT insignia and bright trim rings is wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires.
What makes this Mustang truly unusual is the bench seat, especially when paired with a stick shift. The red bench features a fold-down armrest, plus the rear seat folds down for extra utility. Other features include manual steering, Philco AM radio and a three-spoke steering wheel with a wood rim.
A 120-mph speedometer, 8K-rpm tachometer, clock, and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature are mounted ahead of the driver. The odometer reads 23,826 miles, but the true mileage is unknown.
Power is provided by a 230-horsepower 302 small-block and is backed and backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Underhood features include “Ford Blue” steel valve covers, closed-element air cleaner, chrome export brace and quick-release battery cable.
This Mustang was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and solid rear axle. Braking is provided by manual drums.
Minnesota residents will be responsible for tax, license and title procurement fees in addition to the price of the car; out-of-state buyers will have to pay a $125 title procurement fee. The selling dealer will include a Deluxe Marti Report as part of the sale.
A part of me will always envy John Shaft beyond being a bad mother and a cat that won’t cop out when danger is all about. This envy is based on the movie magic of having a theme song playing in the background when making an appearance. As I am a fairly boring dude with a lot of dull qualities, I don’t foresee an original tune meant to make me look cool. My dream of being cool like Shaft is a passion project that is fruitless, but I knew that from the beginning.
2006 Pontiac GTO
This notion of having a cool theme song extends to cars and, even though the final incarnation of the Pontiac GTO doesn’t have “three deuces and four-speed,” I often get “G.T.O.” by Ronny and the Daytonas stuck in my head when I see one. Regardless of the generation, the Pontiac GTO is worthy of a theme song because that car will always be cool, unlike this scribe.
A stock 2006 GTO’s LS2 6.0-liter V8 engine produced a factory-rated 400 horsepower when new, but this one has higher performance aspirations. The stock LS2 engine was upgraded with a MagnaCharger supercharger, Mahle flat top pistons, King XP bearings, and a BTR PDS Stage 2 camshaft kit. To handle the extra horsepower, this GTO’s TREMEC six-speed manual transmission was beefed up with a Monster twin-disc clutch and flywheel and a Tick performance throwout bearing. A 3.64 limited-slip differential gets the power to the rear wheels.
2006 Pontiac GTO
“A burst of Brazen Orange can be seen when this car blows by you,” the listing states. “The paint is very nice but does show with chips and scrapes on the rocker panels and front bumper of this title verified 44,027 clocked original mile car. This car is equipped with the Sport Appearance Package, meaning it has a more aggressive front fascia, recessed grille inserts, rocker extensions, a taller rear spoiler, and a rear fascia extension.”
The listing price is $32,500. To me, this is a competitive price for a low-mileage GTO with numerous performance upgrades and finished in a rare color as only 340 2006 GTOs were finished in Brazen Orange.
