Nicole Wakelin

2 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

It’s easy to think big companies only care about the bottom line, but Hyundai Motor America and its luxury brand, Genesis, are out to prove that’s not the whole story. I had the chance to attend three incredible events in Southern California that showcased how their philanthropic efforts are improving individual lives and whole communities. It's the kind of corporate responsibility all companies should strive to attain.

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

The future of driving is getting a major upgrade, and it’s not just about what’s under the hood. Imagine a car that knows when you’re drowsy, adjusts the air quality to keep you alert, or ensures you never forget a child or pet in the backseat. This is the promise of advanced interior cabin sensing systems, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

3 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Nissan’s Chris Fischer, Senior Manager of Vehicle Performance Development, has a knack for turning everyday car features into something extraordinary. During a recent chat, we dove into the surprisingly fascinating world of a small but mighty car detail, the cupholder. Fischer shared how Nissan transformed this feature to meet American drivers’ love for oversized drinks, tackling complaints with engineering solutions that make your Starbucks run go a little smoother.

4 weeks ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Imagine pulling into a fuel station, filling up your car in minutes, and driving away with zero tailpipe emissions. That’s the promise of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and Toyota is betting big on its future. At a recent Toyota event in Plano, Texas, I sat down with Scott Friedman, Senior Program Manager for Advanced Product Planning at Toyota’s Zero Mission Mobility, and Craig Cauthen, Manager of Emerging Technologies at Toyota Racing.

1 month ago | topspeed.com | Nicole Wakelin

Let me start with a confession. I wanted to love the Toyota bZ4X, but its instrument cluster drove me nuts. I ranted about it in a piece for CarBuzz, calling out how the steering wheel blocked the gauges. No matter how I adjusted my seat or the wheel, that high-mounted, awkwardly recessed digital display was never fully visible. It wasn’t just me. Colleagues of all shapes and sizes griped about the same issue over coffee and test drives.