#69 - Ford's Future, A RAM SUV, The RAV4 GR, The BMW El Camino? & More!
About this episode
The hosts dive into the awkwardness of CEOs, especially in the automotive and food industries, struggling with authentic communication, highlighting the recent McDonald's CEO video as a prime example. They critique Ford CEO Jim Farley’s comments on Mustang and Corvette rivalry, revealing a disconnect between Ford’s internal views and enthusiast perceptions. The discussion touches on market trends, including the softening classic car market and the challenges automakers face in aligning brand messaging with consumer expectations. Humor and candid opinions underscore the conversation about authenticity, marketing, and the future direction of iconic car brands.
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RestoMod
""The RestoMods are going wild because it's sort of the last ditch effort of that age group to say, hey, I want to drive this around.""
A RestoMod is an old car that has been fixed up and updated with newer parts to make it work better and be more comfortable, but it still looks like the original car.
A RestoMod is a classic car that has been restored and modified with modern parts and technology to improve performance, comfort, and reliability while maintaining the original style.
Ford Mustang
"... but really, I think if you see how we built out Mustang, you know, we're going in kind of a new, refresh..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous fast car that many people love because it looks cool and drives well. They are making a new version to make it better and more up-to-date.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its sporty performance and cultural significance since the 1960s. The mention of a 'new, refresh' indicates Ford is updating the model to keep it competitive and modern in design and technology.
production built vehicle
"Don't think there's no Shelby's. They didn't renew the license. Will you be a production built vehicle to take on Corvette?"
A production built vehicle is a car made in large numbers that anyone can buy, not just a special or one-time car.
A production built vehicle is a car manufactured in significant numbers for sale to the public, as opposed to a prototype or limited edition. This term is used to distinguish mass-produced cars from one-off or concept vehicles.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Will you be a production built vehicle to take on Corvette? That's a good question. You don't think GTD is Corvette? The question was, are you going to make something that rivals Corvette?"
The Corvette is a famous fast sports car made by Chevrolet. People often compare other sports cars to it to see if they are as good or better.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and value. It is often used as a benchmark for other sports cars. The discussion centers on whether a new vehicle will compete with the Corvette.
Golf Gtd
"That's a good question. You don't think GTD is Corvette? The guy was like jaw-dropped."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is good for many uses. The GTD is a faster version that some people think is as exciting as very fast sports cars.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback known for its quality, performance, and versatility. The GTD is a diesel-powered sporty variant, often compared to performance cars like the Corvette in enthusiast circles.
Chevrolet Camaro
"... It does not matter that you see it as a rival to Camaro, or you see it as a rival to this or to that."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular fast car that people compare to the Mustang. It's known for being powerful and fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car and a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang. It's often discussed in terms of its rivalry and performance in the sports car market.
Ford F150S
"Ford brings three liter superchargers to the V8 Mustangs and F-150s to delivers up to 810 horsepower."
The Ford F-150 is a very popular big truck that many people use for work and fun. They made it even stronger and faster by adding a special part called a supercharger.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the U.S., known for its durability and versatility. The addition of a 3-liter supercharger to V8 engines boosts its power significantly, reaching up to 810 horsepower in some models.
Ford Lobo
"... gonna be $103,000? I mean, I think they use the Lobo as the example, which is already a pretty expens..."
The Ford Lobo is a big truck sold in Mexico that is the same as the Ford F-150 in the U.S. Some versions cost a lot of money.
The Ford Lobo is the name used for the Ford F-150 in the Mexican market, representing the same full-size pickup truck with various trims. High-end versions can be quite expensive.
F-150 Raptor R
"...ich is already a pretty expensive truck. And the Raptor R already comes with one. I'm gonna guess it's pro..."
The Ford F-150 is a big truck many people use for work and fun. The fastest versions can be very expensive.
The Ford F-150 is a highly popular full-size pickup truck known for its capability and range of trims, including the high-performance Raptor R. It is often considered expensive in its top configurations.
Ford Raptor R
"Well, funny, we talk about Raptor R to take a little side quest here."
The Ford Raptor R is a special version of a big truck made for going fast and handling rough roads. It's more powerful and better equipped than regular trucks.
The Ford Raptor R is a high-performance variant of the Ford F-150 Raptor, known for its powerful engine and off-road capabilities. It is a premium truck with advanced suspension and powertrain features designed for speed and rugged terrain.
Texas Shockworks
"I visited Texas Shockworks. Some of y'all that follow the account on Instagram saw that I was there doing a little bit of content with Alex the owner."
Texas Shockworks is a company that makes parts to help trucks and other vehicles drive better, especially on rough roads.
Texas Shockworks is a specialty company that focuses on suspension tuning and upgrades, particularly for trucks and off-road vehicles. They provide aftermarket solutions to improve ride quality, handling, and performance.
suspension setup
"I learned some stuff about the Raptor R in that suspension setup. So we'll probably end up saving that for the video."
The suspension setup is how a truck's parts that help it bounce and stay steady are arranged. It helps the truck drive smoothly and handle bumps.
A suspension setup refers to the configuration and components of a vehicle's suspension system, which affects ride comfort, handling, and off-road capability. It includes shocks, springs, and other parts that control how the vehicle responds to terrain.
horsepower
"like Raptor R is a lot of times they just strap more horsepower to it"
Horsepower tells you how strong a car's engine is and how much power it can make to help the car go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine, reflecting how much work it can do over time.
aftermarket
"Some things will just kind of get left for the aftermarket, which is good for the aftermarket."
Aftermarket means parts or upgrades for a car that come from other companies, not the one that made the car, so you can change or improve your car.
The aftermarket refers to parts and accessories made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer, often used to upgrade or customize vehicles.
Ford Excursion
"... sent me what they thought would be Nick's dream excursion. Now, if you saw it, don't mention it."
The Ford Excursion was a very big SUV that could carry lots of people and things. Some people think of it as a dream big car.
The Ford Excursion was a large SUV produced in the early 2000s, known for its size and towing capacity. It is often referenced nostalgically or as a 'dream' vehicle for those wanting maximum space and power.
Raptor paint job
"Raptor paint job, 40-inch tires."
A 'Raptor paint job' means the truck is painted in the special colors used on a fast and tough Ford truck called the Raptor.
A 'Raptor paint job' refers to the distinctive paint color and style used on the Ford F-150 Raptor, a high-performance off-road truck. The color is usually a bright, unique green or other bold colors associated with the Raptor model.
40-inch tires
"Raptor paint job, 40-inch tires. The tires kind of sit flush and not obnoxious."
These are very big tires, about 40 inches tall, that help the truck drive over rough ground and look tough.
40-inch tires are very large off-road tires that provide increased ground clearance and a more aggressive look. They are popular in off-road and lifted truck builds.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"...as scrapped, the nameplate might go to this Jeep Grand Wagoneer, based SUV."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that is very comfortable and has lots of features. It's a new version of an old popular Jeep.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a luxury full-size SUV that revives a classic nameplate with modern technology and premium features. It represents Jeep's move into the high-end SUV market.
Jeep Grand
"...it, was scrapped, the nameplate might go to this Jeep Grand Wagoneer, based SUV."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a medium-sized SUV that can drive on rough roads and is comfortable inside. They might change its name or use a different name for a new similar SUV.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular midsize SUV known for its off-road capability and luxury features. The reference to the Grand Wagoneer nameplate suggests potential changes or rebranding within Jeep's SUV lineup.
trim
"How many trims will there be of the 2028 Ram charger? 10."
A trim is a version of a car that has certain features or options. Some trims have more stuff or better equipment than others.
A trim level refers to a specific version of a car model that comes with a particular set of features, options, and sometimes different engines or styling. Automakers often offer multiple trims to appeal to different customer needs and budgets.
Ram Laramie
""I remember when the Laramie was the top trim,""
The Ram Laramie is a fancy version of a Ram truck with nicer seats and more features than the basic truck.
The Ram Laramie is a higher-end trim level of Ram pickup trucks, known for adding luxury and comfort features compared to base models. It has been a popular trim for Ram trucks.
Good, better, best
""It should be three. Good, better best. Good, better best has worked throughout history for 100 years.""
Good, better, best means a company sells three versions of a car: a simple one, a nicer one, and the nicest one. It helps people pick what fits them.
Good, better, best is a traditional marketing strategy where a product is offered in three levels of quality or features, making it easier for customers to choose. This approach simplifies buying decisions.
Stellantis
""I just come back to Stellantis,""
Stellantis is a big company that owns many car brands like Ram and Jeep. They make lots of different cars and trucks.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns many brands including Ram, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Peugeot, and others.
Dodge Ram
"I just come back to Stellantis, especially in the Dodge, Ram, Jeep world, has really struggled at the price points"
Ram trucks are big trucks used for heavy work and driving. They have had some trouble keeping prices and features competitive with other trucks.
Dodge Ram, now branded simply as Ram, is a line of full-size pickup trucks known for power and capability. The brand has faced challenges maintaining competitive pricing and features against rivals.
Kia
"Hyundai, Kia, all these things have a certain price point"
Kia is a car company from South Korea that makes affordable and reliable cars with good warranties.
Kia is a South Korean car manufacturer known for affordable vehicles with strong warranties and modern designs.
Jeep Cherokee
"...ybody trusts you right now. And by the way, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Wagoneer, all of these things struggling"
The Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV that can go off-road but is also good for normal driving. Lately, it hasn't been as popular as before.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that blends off-road capability with everyday usability. Recent struggles in sales and perception have affected its market position.
Chrysler Pacifica
"Yes, that's, I've said this before. The Pacifica, Durango, Durango, they completely screwed up. S..."
The Chrysler Pacifica is a big family van that can carry lots of people and stuff, but some people think it has problems and isn't as good as others.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that offers family-friendly features and versatility. However, it has faced criticism for quality issues and competition struggles in its segment.
refresh
"And like you said, why didn't you just do a Durango and refresh it and go after that market and fix your problem?"
A refresh means making a car look newer or better by changing some parts or features, but not making a completely new car.
A 'refresh' in automotive terms refers to updating an existing car model with new styling, features, or improvements without a full redesign. It helps keep a model competitive in the market.
Ford Bronco Sport
"...uld have developed that into an escape killer or Bronco Sport Killer and kept that in the lineup as well, be d..."
The Ford Bronco Sport is a small SUV that can go off-road and is good for daily driving too.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV designed to offer off-road capability in a smaller package than the full-size Bronco. It targets buyers looking for adventure with everyday usability.
weight class
"they are 100% of the time in the wrong weight class."
Weight class means how heavy a car is compared to others, which can change how it drives.
Weight class refers to the category of a vehicle based on its weight, which affects performance, handling, and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"...it in this episode. Hyundai, they're killing the Ioniq 6 in the States, but not the N model Ioniq."
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new electric car that looks nice and uses little energy. The fast sport version is not as popular in the U.S.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan praised for its sleek design and efficiency. While the regular model sells well in the U.S., the high-performance N version has not been as successful.
Car of the Year
"I think it even got a car of the year last year, if I'm not mistaken, from car and driver."
Car of the Year is a prize that magazines give to the best new car each year. It means the car is really good in many ways.
Car of the Year is an award given by automotive publications like Car and Driver to recognize the best new or significantly updated car released in a given year. It highlights vehicles that excel in performance, design, value, and innovation.
Porsche Taycan
"and kind of looks like little Taycan-ish."
The Porsche Taycan is a fast electric car made by Porsche. It runs on batteries instead of gas and is designed to be sporty and quick.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports sedan known for its performance and advanced electric drivetrain technology. It represents Porsche's entry into the electric vehicle market.
Volkswagen Beetle
"And like a long Beetle. A long Beetle."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small, round-shaped car that has been popular for many years. It looks different from most cars because of its unique shape.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car with a distinctive rounded shape, originally designed in the 1930s and produced in various forms until 2019. It is one of the most recognizable cars worldwide.
Toyota RAV4
"...nd getting the plot of them and all, 2026 Toyota RAV4 GR. I think my sister-in-law might love to trade..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it is reliable and useful. A new faster and sportier version is coming soon.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that combines practicality, reliability, and efficiency. The upcoming 2026 RAV4 GR is expected to be a sportier, performance-oriented version.
all-wheel drive
"Yeah, CVT, all-wheel drive, you know. CVT's one of those things that works awesome in theory, but always breaks."
All-wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels to help it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in poor weather or off-road conditions.
Honda Crv
"What was it? I guess CRV is the other one that I can think of. I mean, th..."
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that many people buy because it is dependable and useful for everyday driving.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV known for its reliability, practicality, and strong sales worldwide. It is often mentioned as a benchmark in the compact SUV segment.
EV
"My understanding is most people think the Highlander could go all EV. And there's gonna be nothing else built."
An EV is a car that runs on batteries and electricity instead of gas. It doesn't make smoke or pollution when you drive it.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which means a car powered entirely by electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and are becoming more common as technology improves.
flat screen TVs
"We got about too many flat screen TVs."
Some modern cars have many big screens inside that show things like maps, music, or car information, kind of like TVs.
In this context, 'flat screen TVs' refers to the multiple large digital displays inside a car's interior, often used for infotainment, instrument clusters, and passenger entertainment.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Or you can't see half your windshield. Looks like an S-Class. It's gonna be a new AMGT four-door."
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very fancy and comfortable car that many rich people like. They are making a new fast and sporty version with four doors.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan renowned for its advanced technology, comfort, and prestige. The mention of a new AMG GT four-door highlights Mercedes' focus on high-performance luxury models.
Bentley
"Yeah, makes you feel like you're in a Bentley when you aren't."
Bentley is a car company from Britain that makes very fancy and expensive cars with lots of comfort.
Bentley is a British luxury car manufacturer known for its handcrafted, high-end vehicles that combine performance with opulent interiors.
Ford Taurus
""Like, we talked about this before, like Ford Taurus. It just feels like it should exist.""
The Taurus is a big car made by Ford that many families used to buy. It was comfortable and roomy but isn't made anymore because people started buying other types of cars.
The Ford Taurus is a full-size sedan that was once a popular family car in the United States. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride but has been discontinued as consumer preferences shifted.
Toyota Camry
"... sedan that can transport people around. I mean, Camry is still so popular. Yeah."
The Toyota Camry is a very popular car that many people use because it is reliable and good for everyday driving.
The Toyota Camry is a best-selling midsize sedan known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Its continued popularity makes it a staple in the sedan market.
Toyota Corolla
"... history with the car because, I mean, Camry and Corolla still sell like hotcakes. Yep."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it is cheap to own and works well for a long time.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars globally, celebrated for its affordability, reliability, and efficiency. It remains a top choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Honda Accord
"...se companies like Toyota just, I mean, the Honda Accord, you know, how do you let these guys just exist"
The Honda Accord is a medium-sized car that many people like because it drives well and lasts a long time.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan known for its balance of performance, comfort, and reliability. It is often compared with the Toyota Camry as a leader in the segment.
Ford Ranchero
"...historically of things like the El Camino or the Ranchero and that? Love the El Camino."
The Ford Ranchero was a car that also worked like a small truck, so you could carry things in the back but still drive like a car. It is an old model people remember fondly.
The Ford Ranchero was a unique car-truck hybrid produced mid-20th century, combining passenger car comfort with a pickup bed. It is often nostalgically compared to the Chevrolet El Camino.
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