Buick Leaves China, Kia K4 Hatchback, A Conversation with Steve Saleen
About this episode
The latest episode dives into significant automotive news, including Buick's decision to shift production of the Envision from China to the U.S. and a review of the Kia K4 hatchback, which impresses with its sporty performance and tech features. The hosts also engage in a fascinating conversation with automotive legend Steve Saleen, discussing his long history with Mustangs, the S7 supercar, and the current lineup of Celine vehicles. The episode wraps up with a quiz on 2025 vehicle sales and insights into the impact of weather on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Jill and Tom open the show acknowledging a few foreign cities in which there are Car Stuff Podcast listeners. Listen in for the list.
Stories this week include news that Mercedes-Benz is dropping its Drive Pilot semi-autonomous driving system in the U.S., and Buick is moving production of the U.S.-market Envision small crossover out of China. Tom also shares the results of his very unscientific “Most American” car poll. Did the Corvette, Mustang, or Wrangler win? Listen in for details.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback. Does the hatch make for a better compact Kia? Signs point to “yes.”
In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by automotive legend Steve Saleen. Steve talks about the development of the S7 super car, modifying Mustangs and F-150s, and his super-car show at the LeMay Museum in Tacoma, Washington. It’s a great conversation.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “2025 Car Sales” quiz. The hosts close the show discussing the impact of cold weather on the Lucid Air, and the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.
Cadillac Seville Opera Coupe
"I just did a piece about something called the Cadillac Seville Opera Coupe, which is a hideous conversion that took place in the late 70s."
The Cadillac Seville Opera Coupe is a modified version of the Cadillac Seville from the late 1970s. It's known for its unusual design, which many people find unattractive.
The Cadillac Seville Opera Coupe is a unique and controversial vehicle that was modified in the late 1970s, often criticized for its aesthetics. It represents a period of automotive history where luxury and customization were prominent.
Cadillac Lyric
"I had driven the Cadillac Lyric recently, and for most of the week, everything was great."
The Cadillac Lyric is a new electric SUV from Cadillac. It's designed to be stylish and high-tech, making it a competitor to other luxury electric cars.
The Cadillac Lyric is an all-electric SUV that represents Cadillac's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features a modern design and advanced technology, aiming to compete with other luxury electric SUVs.
level three hands-free driving system
"...Mercedes-Benz has been selling a level three, a true level three hands-free driving system in the U.S...."
A level three hands-free driving system means the car can drive itself in some situations, but you still need to be ready to take over if something goes wrong. It's a step towards fully self-driving cars.
A level three hands-free driving system allows the vehicle to handle all driving tasks in certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take control if needed. This level of automation is part of the SAE levels of driving automation.
DrivePilot
"And it was called DrivePilot. It's been around since 2001 in Germany, 2023 or 20, you think I would have written this down, 2023 in the U.S., okay, but it was a hands-off, eyes-off system, and it seemed to work pretty well, but it had so many limitations, and it was so expensive that it was pointless."
DrivePilot is a system that lets you drive without using your hands or looking at the road, but it has some restrictions and can be very expensive.
DrivePilot is an advanced driver assistance system developed by Mercedes-Benz that allows for hands-free driving under certain conditions. It was designed to enhance safety and convenience but has faced criticism for its limitations and high cost.
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"Okay. So it was on the new S-Class and the EQS, which is ostensibly the electric S-Class, that's their big sedan."
Mercedes-Benz EQS
"Okay. So it was on the new S-Class and the EQS, which is ostensibly the electric S-Class, that'..."
The EQS is a fancy electric car from Mercedes-Benz, designed to be super comfortable and packed with cool technology. It's like the electric version of their most luxurious car, the S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the luxury automaker's flagship electric sedan, representing the pinnacle of their electric vehicle lineup. It combines advanced technology, a spacious interior, and high-end materials, making it a significant player in the luxury EV market.
Autobahn
"...we used to talk about the Autobahn, and in the 80s it was just like this dream thing where Americans would want to go there and rent a Mercedes and go 130 miles an hour or something."
The Autobahn is a famous highway system in Germany where you can drive really fast, sometimes with no speed limits. It's well-known for being different from most highways in other countries.
The Autobahn is a network of high-speed highways in Germany known for having sections without speed limits. It is famous for allowing drivers to travel at very high speeds under certain conditions.
Buick Envision
"...the Buick Envision is coming home. For people who don't know, a few vehicles sold in the U.S. were actually built in China."
The Buick Envision is a type of SUV made by Buick. It was first made for China but is now available in the United States too.
The Buick Envision is a compact SUV manufactured by Buick, a division of General Motors. It was originally designed for the Chinese market but has been introduced to the U.S. market as well.
Lincoln Nautilus
"One of them is the Lincoln Nautilus, and there have been some stray volvos over the years,"
The Lincoln Nautilus is a luxury SUV made by Lincoln, which is part of Ford. It's designed to be comfortable and has many high-end features that make it appealing to buyers.
The Lincoln Nautilus is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by Lincoln, the luxury division of Ford. It is known for its upscale features and comfortable ride, appealing to consumers looking for a premium vehicle.
Fairfax Assembly Plant
"Now what's interesting about this plant, this is the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas. This is where they're going to start building, or have started building the Chevrolet Bolt."
The Fairfax Assembly Plant is a factory in Kansas where cars like the Chevrolet Bolt are made. It's important because it helps build cars for people in the U.S.
The Fairfax Assembly Plant is a manufacturing facility located in Kansas, where various Chevrolet models, including the Chevrolet Bolt, are produced. This plant is significant for its role in the production of vehicles for the North American market.
Chevrolet Bolt
"This is where they're going to start building, or have started building the Chevrolet Bolt. Okay."
The Chevrolet Bolt is an electric car that you can charge at home or at charging stations. It's known for being budget-friendly and can drive a long distance on a single charge.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric hatchback known for its affordability and range, making it a popular choice in the electric vehicle market. It's designed to offer a practical solution for everyday driving while contributing to reduced emissions.
Super Cruise
"Well, and the fact that it was inexpensive, but had all the cool things, like it had supercruise on it. What it did not have was fast charging."
Super Cruise is a feature in some cars that lets you drive hands-free on certain highways. It uses cameras and sensors to help keep the car in its lane and at the right speed without you having to touch the steering wheel.
Super Cruise is an advanced driver assistance system developed by General Motors that allows for hands-free driving on certain highways. It uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and GPS to navigate and maintain speed without driver input.
fast charging
"What it did not have was fast charging. Right."
Fast charging means you can recharge an electric car's battery much faster than usual. This is helpful for people who need to charge their cars quickly, especially on long trips.
Fast charging refers to the ability to recharge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher rate than standard charging. This allows for quicker turnaround times when charging, making electric vehicles more convenient for long trips.
kilowatt
"It tapped out at 50 kilowatts, which is technically fast charging. But not ultra fast."
A kilowatt is a way to measure how much power something uses or produces. For electric cars, it tells you how quickly the car can charge its battery.
A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In the context of electric vehicles, it often refers to the power output of the charging system or the capacity of the battery.
Equinox EV
"...the cheapest version of the Equinox EV is not a bunch more money. So we'll see if there's market confusion there or not."
The Equinox EV is an electric SUV made by Chevrolet. It's designed to be a more eco-friendly option for people who need a vehicle with space and versatility.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an electric version of the popular Equinox SUV, designed to offer a combination of practicality and electric efficiency for consumers.
Chevrolet Corvette
"The Chevrolet Corvette? The Ford Mustang or the Jeep Wrangler?"
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that many people love for its design and performance. It's a symbol of American muscle cars and has been around for many years.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has a long history in American automotive culture and is often associated with speed and agility.
Ford Mustang
"The Chevrolet Corvette? The Ford Mustang or the Jeep Wrangler? Ooh."
Jeep Wrangler
"The Ford Mustang or the Jeep Wrangler?"
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle that can go off-road and handle rough terrains. It's popular with people who love outdoor adventures and exploring.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road vehicle known for its durability and capability in tough terrains. It has a strong following among outdoor enthusiasts and is designed for adventure.
Kia K4
"the Kia K4 hatchback. Correct. So the K4 is a replacement for the Kia Forte, a civic-sized compact sedan, a very likable car, but it was redubbed K4 as part of their international naming nomenclature..."
The Kia K4 is a new compact car that replaces the Kia Forte. It's designed to be practical and affordable, but the name change might confuse some people, especially in the U.S.
The Kia K4 is a compact hatchback that serves as a replacement for the Kia Forte, which is known for its practicality and affordability. The K4 is part of Kia's international naming strategy, which can sometimes confuse consumers in different markets.
Kia Forte
"Correct. So the K4 is a replacement for the Kia Forte, a civic-sized compact sedan, a very likable car..."
The Forte is a small car from Kia that's affordable and good on gas. It's a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable everyday vehicle.
The Kia Forte is a compact sedan that offers a blend of style, efficiency, and technology. It is known for its value and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
GT line turbo trim
"And, we were in the top tier GT line turbo trim, so it's, what, the 1.6 liter engine?"
The GT line turbo trim is a sportier version of a car that has a turbo engine, which helps it go faster and perform better than regular versions.
The GT line turbo trim refers to a performance-oriented variant of a car model that includes a turbocharged engine and sportier features. This trim typically offers enhanced performance and styling compared to standard models.
Angeles Crest
"It is like a curvy path up a mountain outside of Los Angeles that a lot of people will take performance cars to test."
Angeles Crest is a famous road in the mountains near Los Angeles that many people drive on to enjoy the scenery and test how their cars handle curves.
Angeles Crest is a popular mountain road located near Los Angeles, known for its winding curves and scenic views. It is frequently used by car enthusiasts and automotive journalists for testing vehicle performance.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...he was driving and managed to keep up with Camaros. Well. I mean, it's all about the cornering and the curves."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a fast and powerful car that many people enjoy driving. It's known for its sporty look and strong performance on the road.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular American muscle car known for its performance and sporty design. It competes with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger.
blind view monitor
"And, it had the blind view monitor. It had the 30-inch screen that has the 12.3-inch gauge cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen."
A blind view monitor helps drivers see areas they can't normally see when changing lanes or turning, making it safer to drive.
A blind view monitor is a safety feature that uses cameras to provide a view of areas around the vehicle that are not visible to the driver, helping to prevent accidents during lane changes or turns.
infotainment screen
"It had the 30-inch screen that has the 12.3-inch gauge cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It had, you know, all of the special safety technology..."
An infotainment screen is a touchscreen in the car that lets you control music, navigation, and other features easily while driving.
An infotainment screen is a display in a vehicle that provides access to various multimedia functions, navigation, and vehicle settings, allowing drivers to control entertainment and information systems.
Apple CarPlay
"of the, you know, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it just, it has anything you could possibly want in a car, I think."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in the car, so you can see maps, listen to music, and use apps on the car's screen instead of your phone.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, providing access to apps, navigation, and music directly from the car's display.
Android Auto
"of the, you know, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it just, it has anything you could possibly want in a car, I think."
Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to your car, so you can use apps and get directions on the car's screen.
Android Auto is a similar system to Apple CarPlay, designed for Android users to connect their smartphones to their car's infotainment system, allowing for easy access to apps and features while driving.
Toyota Corolla
"...ars now are the entry-level cars. So, a Civic, a Corolla, a K4, a Mazda 3. These are all really nice cars..."
Mazda 3
"So, a Civic, a Corolla, a K4, a Mazda 3. These are all really nice cars with good powertrains..."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that is fun to drive and looks good. It's known for being stylish and having a nice interior, which makes it a favorite among many people.
The Mazda 3 is a compact car that combines sporty handling with a stylish design. It is known for its engaging driving experience and high-quality interior, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Mazda Cx30
"And my daughter bought, I've talked about this, a CX-30 with a bunch of stuff..."
The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that is stylish and practical. It has a nice interior and is good for families or anyone who needs a bit more space than a regular car.
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers a blend of sporty performance and practicality. It features a stylish design, a well-appointed interior, and advanced safety features, making it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile vehicle.
Chevrolet Aveo
"You don't have a Kia Rio anymore, or whatever, the Chevy Aveo, or those really small, ultra-affordable cars."
The Chevrolet Aveo is a small, low-cost car that was designed to be affordable for everyday use. It’s not known for being very fast or fancy, but it gets the job done.
The Chevrolet Aveo was a subcompact car that offered affordable transportation. It was known for being budget-friendly but did not have a strong reputation for performance or reliability.
Kia Rio
"...we're removing the bottom tier. You don't have a Kia Rio anymore, or whatever, the Chevy Aveo, or those re..."
The Rio is a small, affordable car from Kia that's easy to drive and great for city life. It's a good option if you're looking for something budget-friendly.
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car known for its affordability and efficiency. It offers a practical solution for urban driving and commuting, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Chevrolet Spark
"For a little while, Chevy was actually selling in volume the Spark and the Sonic."
The Chevrolet Spark is a tiny car that is easy to park and saves money on gas. It's a good choice for city driving and for people who want a cheap car.
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback known for its small size and affordability. It is designed for urban driving and offers good fuel economy.
Hyundai Accent
"...you mentioned the Kia Rio's gone, and the Hyundai Accent is gone. But a lot of this, when we talk about a..."
The Accent is a small car from Hyundai that's cheap to buy and good on gas. It's perfect for getting around town without spending a lot of money.
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact car that provides a balance of affordability, efficiency, and practicality. It's designed for those seeking a reliable vehicle for everyday use without breaking the bank.
Pontiac Trans
"...early 80s and we were, we were, I was racing the Pontiac Trans Am professionally for Pontiac and we were, Ford ..."
The Trans Sport was a minivan from Pontiac that had a different look and was good for families. It had a lot of space inside for kids and their things.
The Pontiac Trans Sport was a minivan produced in the 1990s known for its unique styling and versatility. It offered a spacious interior and was aimed at families looking for a practical vehicle.
Audi S7
"...ould endeavor to do that and that was the Celine S7 Supercar. Which is gorgeous. And we had one race ..."
The S7 is a fast and fancy car from Audi that looks sleek and drives really well. It's made for people who want a mix of luxury and performance.
The Audi S7 is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines sporty handling with elegant design. It features a powerful engine and advanced technology, making it a desirable choice for enthusiasts and luxury buyers alike.
Ford Bronco
"...ut you're also doing stuff with the F-150 and the Bronco. Tell us about that. Yeah. So as we've moved awa..."
The Bronco is a tough SUV made by Ford that's great for off-roading and outdoor adventures. It's popular because it looks cool and can handle rough terrains.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that has been revived for modern off-road enthusiasts. Known for its rugged design and capability, it has become a symbol of adventure and outdoor exploration.
Honda Element
"... So we certainly feel we know our way around that element. And what we're offering now is we have two vers..."
The Element is a unique SUV from Honda that has a boxy shape and lots of room inside. It's great for people who need a practical car for everyday use.
The Honda Element is a versatile compact SUV known for its boxy design and spacious interior. It was popular for its practicality and unique styling, appealing to those seeking a functional vehicle.
Lucid Gravity
"...ed a sport truck, where it has a lower center of gravity with our revised total different suspension. It h..."
The Gravity is a new electric SUV from Lucid that promises to be fancy and fast. It's made to be really comfortable and has lots of space for passengers.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming electric SUV from Lucid Motors, designed to offer luxury and performance in the electric vehicle segment. It aims to compete with high-end electric SUVs with its advanced technology and spacious interior.
Ford Lightning F150
"Yeah, we've had a lot of fun, and we've nicknamed it Thunder in the respect that, when Ford, they're discontinuing now the Lightning F-150, and that was all electric, so that made no sound. Ours actually makes sound, so that's why we nicknamed it with Thunder."
The F-150 Lightning is an electric pickup truck from Ford that can carry heavy loads and drive fast without using gas. It's a modern twist on their popular F-150 truck.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the electric version of Ford's best-selling F-150 pickup truck. It offers impressive performance, including quick acceleration and advanced technology, while maintaining the utility and versatility expected from a truck.
Ford GT40
"...year, we cover all of the Shelby Cobras into the GT40s, and then you get into the 70s with the Panterras..."
The GT40 is a famous race car from Ford that won a lot of races in the 1960s. It's known for being super fast and is a big part of car racing history.
The Ford GT40 is a legendary race car that gained fame in the 1960s for its dominance at the Le Mans 24-hour race. It represents Ford's engineering prowess and commitment to performance.
Dodge Viper
"...n you get into the 70s with the Panterras and the Vipers, and the Vector, and all unique American, and th..."
Shelby Cobra
"...arab later this year, we cover all of the Shelby Cobras into the GT40s, and then you get into the 70s wit..."
Ford Gt
"...ave all of the present day supercars. I have the Ford GT on display, the fact that a lot of people don't k..."
The Ford GT is a super-fast sports car that looks really cool and is built for racing. It's one of Ford's most exciting cars and is very special.
The Ford GT is a high-performance supercar that pays homage to Ford's racing heritage. With its striking design and powerful engine, it showcases cutting-edge technology and engineering.
Kia EV6
"...ai's very likable compact crossover EV or the Kia EV6. Same description. I'm going to say Ioniq 5. By ..."
The EV6 is a new electric car from Kia that looks modern and can drive a long way on a single charge. It's roomy inside and has lots of cool features.
The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover that combines stylish design with impressive performance and range. It represents Kia's commitment to electric mobility and offers a spacious, tech-savvy interior.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...n that. Okay, so what's your first question? The Hyundai Ioniq 5. Hyundai's very likable compact crossover EV or..."
Land Rover Defender
"...ou go. They're both good vehicles. The Land Rover Defender, available in 90, 110 or 130 variants, or the To..."
The Defender is a strong SUV from Land Rover that can go anywhere, even on tough trails. It's also comfortable inside, making it great for both adventures and everyday driving.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness and capability in challenging terrains. Available in various configurations, it combines luxury with serious off-road performance.
Toyota Land
"...er, available in 90, 110 or 130 variants, or the Toyota Land Cruiser. Kind of same mission vehicles. I'm goin..."
The Land Cruiser is a big, tough SUV from Toyota that's great for off-roading and long trips. It's known for lasting a long time and being very reliable.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary SUV known for its durability and off-road prowess. It has a strong reputation for reliability and is often used for both luxury travel and rugged adventures.
Chevrolet Equinox
"...y Southern to not pronounce the R. The Chevrolet Equinox or Subaru Forester. And you're talking about the ..."
The Equinox is a mid-sized SUV from Chevrolet that's good for families because it has plenty of room and is easy to drive. It's a practical choice for everyday errands.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that offers a balance of comfort, space, and fuel efficiency. It's popular among families and individuals looking for a versatile vehicle for everyday use.
Chrysler Pacifica
"...Subaru. You have two points. All right. Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey? Hmm. Pacifica no longer availa..."
Honda Odyssey
"...wo points. All right. Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey? Hmm. Pacifica no longer available in hybrid tri..."
The Odyssey is a family minivan from Honda that has lots of room for kids and their stuff. It's built to be safe and reliable for everyday driving.
The Honda Odyssey is a minivan designed for families, offering spacious seating and a range of family-friendly features. It's known for its reliability and practicality for everyday use.
Chrysler Voyager
"...ets like little tweaks. Something. I suppose the Voyager not available anymore. I don't know. I can't even..."
The Voyager is a minivan from Chrysler that's built for families, with lots of room for kids and their stuff. It's made to be comfortable for long trips.
The Chrysler Voyager is a family-friendly minivan that offers spacious seating and practical features. It is designed to cater to the needs of families, providing comfort and convenience for everyday travel.
Audi A8
"...it's priced right. The Genesis G90 1,503 and the Audi A8 just 1,628. Wow. Yeah. That's it. I mean, this w..."
The A8 is a fancy car from Audi that's very comfortable and has lots of high-tech features. It's designed for people who want a luxurious driving experience.
The Audi A8 is a luxury sedan that showcases Audi's advanced technology and high-quality craftsmanship. It offers a smooth ride, spacious interior, and a range of powerful engines, making it a top choice in the luxury segment.
Genesis G90
"... to these others, it's priced right. The Genesis G90 1,503 and the Audi A8 just 1,628. Wow. Yeah. That..."
Lucid Air
"...vehicle you're driving. You were driving the the Lucid air which you drove through some awful awful weather...."
The Air is a high-end electric car from Lucid that's built to go far on a single charge and drive really well. It's designed to feel luxurious and modern.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan that emphasizes performance, range, and advanced technology. It aims to compete with established luxury brands while offering a unique and innovative driving experience.
Hyundai Sonata
"...hat was slightly problematic. I drove the Hyundai Sonata hybrid limited hybrid during the extreme cold an..."
The Sonata is a comfortable car from Hyundai that's good for driving around town. It's stylish and has a lot of features for the price.
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan known for its stylish design, comfort, and value. It offers a range of features and efficient engines, making it a popular choice for daily commuting.
Dodge Charger
"...taying at a hotel in Fisher's Indiana that has a charger. Yay shout out to the Courtyard Marriott and Fish..."
The Charger is a big car from Dodge that looks sporty and drives fast. It's a four-door car, so it's good for families but still fun to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular styling. It combines the practicality of a four-door car with the excitement of a sports car.
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