2027 Kia Telluride, All-New Polestar 4, Plotting the Future of Infiniti
About this episode
The latest episode dives into the exciting developments in the automotive world, featuring the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride and Polestar 4. Hosts Tom and Jill discuss their experiences with the Infiniti QX60 and Lucid Air, highlighting their comfort and performance. The episode includes an insightful interview with Tiago Castro, Vice President of Infiniti of the Americas, who shares the brand's vision for the future, including plans for new models and a focus on luxury. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of automotive technology and design.
Tom opens the show by recapping briefly his time in the Lucid Air Touring electric luxury sedan. Tom is impressed by the Lucid, but does have one (big) complaint. The hosts go on to discuss rumors that Tesla will be ADDING the Apple CarPlay feature to some or all of its models in the near future.
A huge new Honda recall will affect the owners of certain late-model Civics. Listen in for details.
Jill and Tom chat briefly about Ford making Blue Advantage certified preowned vehicles available on Amazon.
Still in the first segment, Jill shares her impressions of the 2027 Kia Telluride midsize crossover, a clay model of which she recently checked out.
In the second segment, the hosts welcome Tiago Castro, Vice President of Infiniti of the Americas, to the podcast. Tiago walks Tom and Jill through the luxury carmaker's plans for the near- and midterm, focusing on new-product opportunities.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Nissan?” quiz, and Jill reviews the all-new Polestar 4 crossover coupe.
Chrysler Fifth Avenue
"...ble and the official car sponsor was the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, not a sexy vehicle. Not in keeping, I think, wit..."
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is an older luxury car that was popular for its big size and comfortable ride. It's often seen as a classic American car.
The Chrysler Fifth Avenue is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, known for its classic styling and spacious interior. It is often referenced in discussions about vintage American luxury cars.
Infiniti QX60
"The Russian, the QX60, that's their midsize SUV crossover. The QX80 is all new."
The Infiniti QX60 is a larger SUV made by Infiniti, which is a luxury brand. It's designed to be comfortable for families and has a lot of space inside for passengers and cargo.
The Infiniti QX60 is a midsize luxury SUV that combines comfort with utility, designed for families and those needing extra space. It features a stylish design and a range of technology and safety features.
Infiniti QX80
"The QX80 is all new. So much better."
The Infiniti QX80 is a big luxury SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort. It's great for families or anyone who needs to carry a lot of people or things.
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and high-end features. It is designed for those who need a larger vehicle with premium amenities.
turbocharged engine
"It's now the VCT, the two-liter variable compression and turbocharged engine. Is that enough?"
A turbocharged engine has a special part called a turbo that helps it get more power by pushing more air into the engine, making it stronger and more efficient.
A turbocharged engine uses a turbine-driven forced induction system to increase the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This allows for greater efficiency and performance without increasing engine size.
Lucid Air
"I get out of the lucid air. That was the first extended period of time driving the Lucid."
The Lucid Air is an electric car made by Lucid Motors. It's known for being very luxurious and has a long driving range on a single charge. The Touring version is one of its models that comes with many high-end features.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan produced by Lucid Motors, known for its impressive range and performance. The Touring variant offers a blend of luxury features and advanced technology, making it a competitive option in the electric vehicle market.
Bmw 7
"For people who don't know what this is, this is very much competition for the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class."
The BMW 7 Series is a large luxury car that offers a lot of comfort and high-tech features. It's one of the top models from BMW and is known for being very nice to drive.
The BMW 7 Series is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It competes with other high-end sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"For people who don't know what this is, this is very much competition for the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It is a large luxury sedan, fantastically executed, great range."
Mazda Miata
"...the vehicles I don't fit in are few. Miata, obviously."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is very popular for its fun driving style. However, because it is small, taller people might find it hard to fit comfortably inside.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater roadster known for its sporty handling and fun driving experience. It's often praised for its compact size, which can make it less accommodating for taller drivers.
Jeep Wranglers
"This is related to them trying to keep chassis integrity. And the Jeep Wrangler's a bit of a squeeze for me. You just can't get far enough away from the steering wheel."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, small SUV that people love to take off-road. It's famous for being able to handle rough trails and has a cool, boxy look that many find appealing.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is often discussed for its unique blend of style and performance, especially in challenging terrains.
Lucid Gravity
"I'm very interested for people who don't know this is Lucid's only second product. It's a large-ish mid-size crossover."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV made by Lucid Motors. It's designed to be luxurious and has a lot of high-tech features, making it a competitor in the electric vehicle market.
The Lucid Gravity is a luxury electric crossover SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its high performance and advanced technology. It is designed to compete in the premium electric vehicle market, offering spacious interiors and cutting-edge features.
CarPlay
"And then some news about how Mercedes may drop car play. The world is weird."
CarPlay is a system that lets you connect your iPhone to your car so you can use apps and listen to music through the car's screen.
CarPlay is a feature developed by Apple that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.
General Motors
"We already know General Motors is dropping car play from its gas vehicles."
General Motors is a big car company that makes several brands of cars. They are also planning to stop using CarPlay in some of their gas-powered vehicles.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive corporation known for brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. The mention of GM dropping CarPlay from its gas vehicles highlights a trend in the industry regarding in-car technology.
Tesla Model S
"...he started with the Model S like many moons ago. I think before. When there was only the Model S."
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that started being sold in 2012. It's popular for its ability to drive long distances without needing to recharge and has many cool tech features.
The Tesla Model S is a fully electric luxury sedan that was first introduced in 2012. It is known for its long range, high performance, and advanced technology features.
Tesla Model 3
"...he had like one of the OG Tesla Model 3's and has, you know, maintained like every three years has gotten a new one."
The Tesla Model 3 is a smaller, more affordable electric car from Tesla that came out in 2017. It's popular for being a good mix of price and performance.
The Tesla Model 3 is a compact electric sedan that was introduced in 2017. It is designed to be a more affordable option compared to the Model S, while still offering impressive performance and range.
Tesla Model
"..., before I got married, he had like one of the OG Tesla Model 3's and has, you know, maintained like every thre..."
The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric SUV that can go a long distance on a single charge. It's known for its high-tech features and roomy interior, making it a great family car.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that shares many components with the Model 3 sedan. It has gained attention for its impressive range, advanced technology, and spacious interior, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
Honda Civics
"406,290 Honda Civics being recalled between 2016 and 2021 because the available 18-inch wheels may not have been fitted with proper steel inserts around the lug holes."
The Honda Civic is a popular small car that many people drive. It was recalled because some of its wheels might not have been properly made, which could be a safety concern.
The Honda Civic is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The recall mentioned involves a significant number of Civics produced between 2016 and 2021, highlighting potential safety issues with the wheels.
Ford Bronco
"...you'll be on Amazon shopping for holiday gifts and you'll see a Ford Bronco there and maybe you'll click"
The Ford Bronco is a type of SUV that Ford makes. It's designed for off-road driving and has a tough look. It's popular for people who like to explore outdoors.
The Ford Bronco is a classic SUV that has been reintroduced with modern features and off-road capabilities. It's known for its rugged design and versatility, appealing to both adventure seekers and everyday drivers.
Kia
"...the design studio for Kia, and they don't let people..."
Kia is another car company from South Korea, similar to Hyundai. They make a variety of vehicles that are often stylish and affordable.
Kia is a South Korean automobile manufacturer that is part of the Hyundai Motor Group. Known for its stylish designs and affordable vehicles, Kia has become increasingly popular in various markets.
X-Pro
"I got to see the X-Pro model and it was really, really attractive."
The Kia X-Pro is a type of vehicle made by Kia that is designed for people who enjoy outdoor activities. It looks tough and is built for adventures.
The Kia X-Pro is a model that emphasizes rugged design and capability, often aimed at outdoor enthusiasts. It is part of Kia's strategy to appeal to a broader audience with adventurous lifestyles.
Rebell rally
"...Kia is a frequent participator in the Rebell rally. And so I have to think that a lot of what is going into their X-Pro models was learned in real life experiences."
The Rebell rally is an off-road race where teams of women drive through challenging terrains. It's more about finding your way and having fun than just going fast.
The Rebell rally is an off-road rally event designed specifically for women, focusing on navigation and adventure rather than speed. It emphasizes teamwork and the spirit of exploration.
Hyundai Palisade
"... because I've been posting about both the Hyundai Palisade and the Telluride lately because I drove the new ..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and their stuff. It's comfortable to drive and has many safety features, making it a good choice for families.
The Hyundai Palisade is a midsize SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a comfortable ride. It has quickly become popular for families due to its practicality and value.
blind view monitor
"...it had the blind view monitor on both sides, whereas Kia put theirs in the center..."
A blind view monitor is a camera system that shows you what's next to your car when you're driving. It helps you see things that you might not be able to see in your mirrors, making it safer to change lanes or back up.
A blind view monitor is a safety feature that uses cameras to display images of the areas beside and behind the vehicle, helping drivers avoid obstacles when changing lanes or reversing. It enhances visibility and reduces blind spots.
Kia Stinger
"But I would say Hyundai is more premium, more luxury, whereas Hyundai has more of an athletic, sporty feel to it. So like, you know, they branched out and they did like the Stinger."
The Kia Stinger is a car that looks sporty and is designed to be fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is built to compete with more expensive luxury cars.
The Kia Stinger is a sporty sedan that combines performance with a sleek design, aimed at competing with luxury brands. It features a rear-wheel-drive platform and offers powerful engine options, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Lexus LS 400
"...l battle there was glorious, right? There was the LS 400 and the unbelievable grillless beauty that was th..."
The Lexus LS 400 is a fancy car that's very comfortable to drive. It's known for being well-made and lasting a long time without many problems.
The Lexus LS 400 is a luxury sedan that debuted in the late 1980s and is known for its smooth ride, high-quality interior, and reliability. It played a significant role in establishing Lexus as a premium brand.
Infiniti Q45
"...believable grillless beauty that was the Infinity Q45. And that was sort of the inertia that launched t..."
The Infiniti Q45 is a big luxury car that was popular in the 90s. It's known for being powerful and having lots of high-tech features.
The Infiniti Q45 is a luxury sedan that was known for its powerful V8 engine and advanced technology during its production in the 1990s. It is often mentioned for its role in establishing Infiniti as a competitor in the luxury market.
Infiniti FX45
"But what I've read about it is that it kind of goes back to the original FX45, which by the way was one of my favorite SUVs ever."
The Infiniti FX45 is an older luxury SUV that was popular for its sporty look and good performance. It was one of the first SUVs to focus on a more dynamic driving experience.
The Infiniti FX45 was a luxury SUV known for its performance and distinctive styling. It was part of the FX series, which combined sporty characteristics with SUV practicality.
premium SUV segment
"...it also positions Infinity in one of the largest segments in the industry, for premium industry, which is this larger SUV two-row kind of where the Lexus RX plays."
The premium SUV segment includes expensive and luxurious SUVs that have better features and materials. They are made for people who want a nicer driving experience.
The premium SUV segment refers to a category of vehicles that offer luxury features, higher quality materials, and advanced technology. These SUVs typically have a higher price point and cater to consumers seeking a more upscale driving experience.
Lexus Rx
"...in one of the largest segments in the industry, for premium industry, which is this larger SUV two-row kind of where the Lexus RX plays."
The Lexus RX is a luxury SUV that many people like for its comfort and style. It's a popular choice among buyers looking for a high-end vehicle.
The Lexus RX is a well-known luxury SUV that has been a popular choice in the premium SUV segment. It is recognized for its comfort, reliability, and upscale features.
Infiniti FX
"We are using the formula, if you will, of the FX looking back from a design standpoint."
The Infiniti FX is an older luxury SUV that was known for being sporty and stylish. It helped Infiniti become known in the luxury SUV market.
The Infiniti FX was a luxury crossover SUV known for its sporty design and performance characteristics. It played a significant role in establishing Infiniti's identity in the luxury SUV market.
Nissan QX60
"The QX60 is also produced here. And we have a good track record of amazing quality out of this plant."
The Nissan QX60 is a family-friendly SUV that has plenty of space inside and comes with modern technology and safety features. It's built for comfort and convenience.
The Nissan QX60 is a mid-size luxury SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and practicality. It is designed for families and features a spacious interior and advanced safety features.
BMW X6
"It's been troubling now for a decade and dang BMW. Yes. Actually more than a decade, right? The X6 has been around for a while."
The BMW X6 is a type of car that combines features of an SUV and a coupe, making it look sporty while still being practical for everyday use.
The BMW X6 is a luxury crossover SUV that blends the characteristics of an SUV with the styling of a coupe. It was one of the first vehicles to popularize the coupe-SUV segment.
e-power hybrid technology
"what we call e-power hybrid technology. And then that vehicle becomes fast, fun to drive, very silent."
E-power hybrid technology is a system in cars that uses electricity to drive most of the time, while a gas engine helps recharge the battery. This makes the car more efficient and fun to drive.
E-power hybrid technology refers to a type of hybrid vehicle system that primarily uses electric power for propulsion, with a gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery. This technology aims to enhance efficiency and provide a more engaging driving experience by utilizing electric power more effectively.
Infiniti QX50
"about your product lineup at the moment. So you guys have eliminated the QX-50 and QX-55 from the lineup moving forward."
The Infiniti QX50 is a small luxury SUV that looks stylish and is comfortable to drive. It has nice features and is good for everyday use.
The Infiniti QX50 is a compact luxury SUV that focuses on performance and comfort, featuring a distinctive design and advanced technology. It is often mentioned in discussions about luxury vehicles due to its blend of style and practicality.
Infiniti QX55
"So you guys have eliminated the QX-50 and QX-55 from the lineup moving forward. And I don't know if this plays into that"
The Infiniti QX55 is a stylish SUV that looks sporty but is also practical for everyday use. It's designed for people who want a luxury feel in a compact size.
The Infiniti QX55 is a luxury crossover SUV that combines sporty styling with practicality. It is often discussed for its unique design and performance features that appeal to luxury buyers.
Nissan Pulsar
"You're on the board, you have one. The Nissan Pulsar. Hmm."
The Nissan Pulsar is a small car that was known for being affordable and practical. It was popular for people looking for a reliable vehicle.
The Nissan Pulsar is a compact car that was popular in various markets during the 1980s and 1990s, known for its practicality and affordability. It is often mentioned in discussions about classic compact cars.
Dacia SuperNova
"The Oasis, the Brothers, yeah. Champagne Supernova. Coming back together, Wonderwall."
The Dacia SuperNova is a small, inexpensive car that was made to be simple and easy to drive. It's a good choice for people who want something affordable.
The Dacia SuperNova is a budget-friendly compact car that was produced in the early 2000s, known for its simplicity and affordability. It is often discussed in the context of economical vehicles in Europe.
Honda Odyssey
"...them by Honda. It was actually based on the Honda Odyssey. Okay."
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan designed for families, with lots of space for kids and their gear. It's known for being safe and easy to drive.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan that is well-regarded for its family-friendly features, spacious interior, and advanced safety technology. It is often highlighted in discussions about practical vehicles for parents.
Honda Passport
"...ersion of the Rodeo to Honda, which was the first passport. It gets weirder because the Asuzu, is it called ..."
The Honda Passport is a roomy SUV that can handle rough roads and outdoor activities. It's designed to be comfortable for families while still being tough enough for adventures.
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that emphasizes off-road capability and spaciousness. It is often discussed for its balance of comfort and ruggedness, making it suitable for both city driving and outdoor adventures.
Acura Slx
"...is it called the Trooper or Trooper 2, became the Acura SLX. Crazy."
The Acura SLX is a luxury SUV that was made in the late 90s. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Acura SLX is a luxury SUV that was based on the Isuzu Trooper and produced in the late 1990s. It is often discussed for its unique position in the Acura lineup as one of the brand's early SUVs.
Polestar 4
"All right. You recently spent time driving the Polestar 4. I don't know why that was so hard for me to get ..."
The Polestar 4 is a new electric SUV that focuses on being stylish and eco-friendly. It's designed for people who want a cool car that helps the environment.
The Polestar 4 is an electric SUV that combines performance with modern design, aimed at providing a sustainable driving experience. It represents Polestar's continued commitment to electric mobility.
Polestar 3
"...g thing. The third, which they still sell, is the Polestar 3, which is a midsize crossover. That's fantastic."
The Polestar 3 is a new electric SUV that focuses on being eco-friendly while still being luxurious. It's designed for people who want a stylish car that doesn't harm the environment.
The Polestar 3 is an all-electric SUV from Volvo's performance brand, Polestar, designed to offer a combination of sustainability and luxury. It represents the brand's commitment to electric performance vehicles.
Toyota Crown
"...hing like that. It's a little bit like the Toyota Crown. Yeah."
The Toyota Crown is a large, luxury car that's been around for a long time. It's known for being very comfortable and having lots of nice features.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size sedan that has been a staple in the Japanese market for decades, known for its luxury features and smooth performance. It is often discussed for its historical significance and recent reintroduction to the global market.
Volvo V70
"...hicles. I think I had the Polestar version of the V70 recently. The wagon."
The Volvo V70 is a family-friendly wagon that has a lot of space and is known for being very safe. It's a good option for people who need room for kids and gear.
The Volvo V70 is a midsize wagon known for its safety features and practicality, making it a popular choice for families. It has a reputation for reliability and is often discussed in the context of family-friendly vehicles.
Polestar 2
"...Going back to, you were talking about Polestar 1, Polestar 2, Polestar 3. Their strategy, their naming strateg..."
The Polestar 2 is a stylish electric car that looks like a small sedan. It's designed to be fun to drive while being good for the environment.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric fastback that combines performance with sustainability, featuring a minimalist design and advanced technology. It is part of Polestar's lineup aimed at competing in the electric vehicle market.
Polestar 1
"...cle models. Going back to, you were talking about Polestar 1, Polestar 2, Polestar 3. Their strategy, their na..."
Holden Caprice
"Whatever. What does the name Caprice tell you about the vehicle? Nothing."
The Holden Caprice is a big, comfortable car that was made in Australia. It's known for having a lot of space and being nice to drive.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced in Australia, known for its spacious interior and comfort. It is often discussed in the context of Australian automotive history.
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