Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – July 13, 2026
About this episode
Hosts kick off with the coming-to-America Fiat Topolino micro-EV, including a rough “somewhere around $15,000” target and the idea that it’s meant for urban commuting. They then debate whether such a slow vehicle can ever be classified as a car in the U.S., contrasting European “mopeds and non cars” rules. The conversation broadens to Lime Rock/NASCAR weekend, race-car safety and headrests, and practical recall and post-storm driving advice.
Lime Rock
"It was a big weekend that the week this show is done at Lime Rock and we'll get a report from Jay shortly"
Lime Rock is a famous race track where car events happen. They’re saying a big weekend took place there.
Lime Rock refers to Lime Rock Park, a well-known road course in the northeastern U.S. The hosts mention it as the setting for a big weekend and a report later in the show.
the Topolino
"How many people hearing this show have ever heard of a [33.9s] car named the Topolino [37.8s] I've to tie in for tiny mouse"
The Topolino was a super small Fiat car name from long ago. In this episode, they’re talking about a new tiny electric version that’s meant to feel like that original idea.
The Topolino is a famous tiny Fiat microcar name. In this segment, the hosts connect it to a modern, very small electric vehicle concept that’s being discussed as coming to America.
all electric
"It's a tiny all-electric and I mean tiny vehicle that is going to be viable in this country [70.9s] For somewhere around [72.6s] $15,000 [74.8s] Before dealer markups and whatever else may happen"
“All-electric” means the car runs only on electricity from a battery. There’s no gas engine involved.
“All-electric” means the vehicle is powered only by an electric motor and battery, with no gasoline engine. That’s why the discussion focuses on it being a small commuter/urban car.
commuter car
"It's gonna be obviously just primarily [90.3s] Ideally used for a little commuter car maybe in in urban areas [96.5s] Jay any more knowledge about that"
A commuter car is a car you use for everyday trips, like getting to work. Here they’re saying this small electric car is meant for that kind of driving.
A commuter car is a vehicle chosen mainly for daily trips like driving to work or school. In this segment, it’s used to describe the intended use-case for a tiny electric microcar in urban areas.
golf cart
"The electric version is is it's actually not a car and herein lies the problem the golf cart It is yeah, I think the speed is somewhere like 15 miles an hour"
A golf cart is a small vehicle people usually drive around a golf course. It’s generally slow and meant for short trips, not regular roads—so the hosts are comparing the electric vehicle to that idea.
A golf cart is a small, low-speed electric or gas vehicle designed for short trips, typically on golf courses. In this segment, it’s used as a benchmark to argue that the discussed electric micro-vehicle is too slow to be treated like a normal car.
Fiat 500
"Yes, all of the above so if Fiat cannot sell a 500 if we can't sell Smarts for two in this country."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny city car. The hosts mention it to argue that the US market already struggles with small cars, so an even slower vehicle probably wouldn’t sell either.
The Fiat 500 is Fiat’s iconic small city car, built around being compact and easy to drive in tight urban spaces. In this segment, it’s referenced to make a market-point: if even the Fiat 500 can’t sell well in the US, the host doubts a much slower “not-a-car” electric vehicle could succeed.
smart
"Smarts for two in this country. How the heck are we gonna sell a car that's slower than a golf cart?"
Smart is a car brand known for very small cars made for city driving. In this segment, it’s used as an example of a tiny car that doesn’t necessarily sell well in the US.
Smart is a brand best known for very small, urban-focused cars (like the Smart Fortwo). The host uses Smart as another example of a microcar that may not sell well in the US, reinforcing the argument that a slower-than-a-golf-cart vehicle likely won’t gain traction.
Renault
"But I can tell you that in Europe that Renault has the same type of vehicle that is really cool looking and Basically, it's a class of vehicles that they sell"
Renault is a well-known car company from France. The host says Renault sells a small vehicle in Europe that’s treated more like a moped than a car, which is why it can be driven with fewer restrictions.
Renault is a major French automaker that, according to the host, sells a cool-looking micro-vehicle in Europe that’s classified like a moped rather than a car. That classification is central to the discussion because it changes licensing and speed limits, which affects whether similar vehicles could work in the US.
moped's
"Basically, it's a class of vehicles that they sell in in in several countries in Europe and they Classify as mopeds and non cars and you can drive them without a license"
A moped is a small motorized vehicle that usually goes slower than a motorcycle and has different rules. Because of those rules, it can sometimes be driven with less licensing than a regular car.
A moped is a small, low-powered motorized vehicle that’s regulated differently than cars, often with speed limits and simpler licensing requirements. The host says Renault sells a similar vehicle that’s classified as a moped (and thus “non cars”), which affects how it can be driven and where it can legally operate.
Nascar truck weekend
"[369.3s] Lime rock. Yeah. Well, it was nascar weekend. So um [373.1s] Nascar truck weekend [375.3s] Speaking of motorsports and we don't talk a lot about motorsports and this show is not really about motorsports, but"
That phrase refers to NASCAR races where pickup trucks compete. It’s one of NASCAR’s main racing series and it’s a big deal for fans.
“NASCAR Truck” refers to NASCAR’s national series for pickup trucks, which race on oval tracks and road courses depending on the schedule. It’s a major part of NASCAR’s lineup and helps bring stock-truck branding into mainstream racing.
Trans Am
"[397.6s] You know [399.4s] different levels of success over the years [403.3s] Transam [404.4s] Imsa have been uh"
Trans-Am is a racing series in the U.S. that focuses on road-course style racing. It’s mentioned here as another type of racing that has visited Lime Rock.
“Trans-Am” (often shortened to “Transam”) is a U.S. road-racing series known for sports cars and touring-car-style competition. It’s one of the sanctioning bodies the speaker says has held major events at Lime Rock.
IMSA
"[403.3s] Transam [404.4s] Imsa have been uh [406.8s] The road uh racing sears that have been popular"
IMSA is a U.S. racing series that runs sports cars on road courses. It’s mentioned as one of the organizations that has hosted big events at Lime Rock.
IMSA is a major U.S. sports-car racing organization that runs road-racing events featuring prototypes and GT cars. The speaker groups it with other sanctioning bodies that have held events at Lime Rock.
NASCAR truck series on road courses
"[464.8s] with at the craftful truck series, which is uh [467.8s] nascar's uh [470.4s] I'm gonna say second highest uh [472.2s] ranking series [473.4s] Uh does come here to limerock park"
They talk about NASCAR’s truck series racing on a road course and what it’s like to watch. The hosts also discuss why some people think it’s boring and what makes the racing exciting anyway.
This segment discusses NASCAR’s truck series visiting a road course and how the racing compares to other NASCAR formats. It also touches on spectator perceptions of whether the racing is “boring” and what actually makes good racing to watch.
tube frame chassis
"[479.2s] and these are are [480.3s] You know, they're called trucks, but basically they're [483.6s] Tube framed chassis. They are basically the same as a a stock car"
A tube framed chassis is the car’s main skeleton made from metal tubes. It’s used in racing because it can be built strong and stiff so the car handles consistently and protects the driver better.
A tube framed chassis is a vehicle frame built from welded metal tubes, forming a rigid skeleton. In racing, this kind of structure is common because it’s strong, relatively lightweight, and can be engineered for predictable handling and safety.
stock car
"[483.6s] Tube framed chassis. They are basically the same as a a stock car [489.4s] They're just the bodies on them are made to look make them look like trucks"
A stock car is a race car that’s based on the general shape of a normal car, but it’s built and modified for racing. The term is used a lot in NASCAR to describe the kind of race cars they run.
A stock car is a purpose-built race car based on the general idea of a production car, but with significant modifications for racing. In NASCAR context, “stock car” is shorthand for the platform and rules that the series uses, even though the race cars aren’t truly showroom-stock.
driver's protection
"[542.4s] Is that technology that you see in race cars for driver's protection? [547.0s] The same as what we see in street cars"
Driver’s protection refers to safety systems and structural design features intended to reduce injury in crashes. The segment connects race-car safety tech to what eventually shows up in street cars, highlighting how motorsport accelerates safety development.
Mazda Rx7
"...if you I mean, I remember riding with you in your rx7 Which is a great little sports car"
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car made by Mazda. It’s known for having a special type of engine called a rotary engine, rather than the more common engine style. People often remember it for being fun to drive.
The Mazda RX-7 is a sports car best known for using a rotary engine, which is different from the typical piston engines found in most cars. It’s often brought up by enthusiasts because it delivers a lightweight, engaging driving feel and has a strong performance reputation. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned as a memorable sports car experience—“a great little sports car.”
head protection
"And to your story about you to your comment about the protection. I was astounded at what the head protection is I never had seen the inside of a NASCAR race vehicle much as a truck"
“Head protection” means the safety parts that are meant to keep the driver’s head from getting hurt in a crash. In racing cars, these are designed to reduce how violently the head moves during an impact.
“Head protection” in motorsport refers to the systems and structures designed to reduce head injury during impacts. In racing vehicles, this often includes specialized driver restraint and energy-absorbing structures around the head and neck.
NASCAR race vehicle
"I never had seen the inside of a NASCAR race vehicle much as a truck But it looked to me like the head was in a horseshoe like"
A NASCAR race vehicle is a race car built for NASCAR events. Here, the discussion is about how its driver area is designed to protect the driver’s head and neck in crashes.
A NASCAR race vehicle is a purpose-built stock car designed for high-speed oval racing, with safety structures that differ from typical passenger cars. The segment focuses on the driver compartment’s protective design for head and neck impacts.
neck protection
"I mean our I I forget what our heads way In proportion to the rest of our bodies, but heads are are very heavy And when a vehicle crashes and comes to an abrupt stop, uh, you know all that mass moves forward and then"
“Neck protection” means safety features meant to keep the driver’s head and neck from whipping around in a crash. It’s designed to reduce the forces that can injure the neck.
“Neck protection” refers to safety measures that reduce neck injury by controlling head-and-neck motion during impacts. In racing, this is closely tied to head restraint design and how the driver’s body is supported in a crash.
headrest
"And when a vehicle crashes and comes to an abrupt stop, uh, you know all that mass moves forward and then slams back in your headrest"
A headrest is the padded support behind your head in the seat. In a crash, your body and seat stop, but your head wants to keep moving, so the headrest helps slow and control that motion.
A headrest is the padded support behind the seat that helps limit how far the head can move during a crash. The segment describes the basic physics: when a vehicle stops suddenly, the head’s inertia can cause it to move forward and then snap back into the headrest.
hand's device
"There's not much you can do about that in in a street car in in racing. They have what they call hands devices, which is a basically"
In racing, drivers use special safety gear to keep their helmet from moving too much in a crash. This helps reduce head and neck injury by keeping your head more stable.
The speaker is describing a racing safety device that helps keep the helmet positioned during a crash. It’s worn on the body and works with the helmet so the driver’s head is less able to whip forward and then snap back.
helmet
"basically your your helmet is attached in the back of from the back of your head to a A device that you wear on your shoulders"
A helmet is protective gear that covers your head. In racing, it’s designed to help protect you if you crash, and it can be connected to other safety equipment so your head doesn’t move as much.
A helmet is protective headgear used in racing to reduce the risk of skull and brain injury. In this context, the helmet is also part of a restraint system that limits head movement relative to the driver’s body.
head holder
"Right, okay, and then the the the design of the head holder So-called head holder. Obviously if your head slaps back, it's going to hit the back of a holder"
A head holder is a support that helps stop your head from moving too far during a crash. The idea is to control the motion so the head doesn’t slam backward uncontrollably.
A head holder is a structural support meant to limit how far the driver’s head can move during an impact. The speaker compares it to a seat back: if the head snaps back, it should contact the holder rather than continue moving freely.
Subaru Forester
"Years ago got my my Subaru Forester that the headrest was propped forward in a way that uh, you know, you you couldn't even Hold your head straight and I still see subarus with the head rests head rests the front head rests Totally angled forward and people struggling in them"
The Subaru Forester is a popular family SUV. Here it’s mentioned because the headrest position can be angled forward in some models, which can make it harder to sit with your head supported comfortably.
The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV known for practical family comfort and everyday usability. In this segment, the host uses it as an example of how the Forester’s headrests can be positioned so they don’t support your head properly if they’re angled forward.
brand lineup
"What car brand makes just one great cars and then everything else in the lineup is just like you can forget about it [1178.7s] I think you should answer it."
A “brand lineup” just means all the different car models a company sells. They’re saying some brands are famous for one main model, and the other models don’t get as much attention.
“Brand lineup” refers to the full set of models a manufacturer sells under its name. The host’s point is that some brands are strongly associated with one standout model, while the rest of the lineup is viewed as less compelling.
Porsche 928
"Well first an suv [1225.1s] 928 [1227.3s] The 928 is a two-door sports car with okay. Well, then the nine there's a four door one that was out though"
The Porsche 928 is a different Porsche model from the 911—more of a long-distance grand tourer. In this conversation, it’s mentioned as one of the cars Porsche tried to build beyond the 911.
The Porsche 928 is a front-engine grand tourer that Porsche developed as an alternative to the 911. The host calls it a “two-door sports car,” and the key point is that it was part of Porsche’s attempt to broaden beyond the 911 during a difficult period.
Porsche Cayenne
"That's still out. I believe yeah, but before they did that they came out with the cayenne in the early 2000 [1237.7s] I think it's like 2004 [1240.0s] And and today if you look at orsha production numbers and sales numbers"
The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV. They’re using it to explain how Porsche moved from mostly sports cars toward SUVs in the 2000s.
The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV that helped expand the brand beyond sports cars. The host links it to the early-2000s shift where Porsche’s lineup increasingly became SUV-focused, which is why they later mention production and sales being mostly SUVs.
SUV
"If you don't make an suv it's hard to be a successful car manufacturer and you look at [1259.9s] Bentley made an suv rolls roys makes an suv"
An SUV is a type of car with a taller driving position and more interior space. It’s popular with families and many buyers, so automakers often sell them to compete.
SUV stands for “sport utility vehicle,” a body style designed for higher seating position, passenger space, and often available all-wheel-drive. The hosts note that many automakers feel they need SUVs in their lineup to stay competitive.
Porsche 911
"Um, but the Porsche 911 is still like the the center of the brand [1283.3s] um"
The Porsche 911 is Porsche’s most famous model. It’s known for its classic shape and a rear-mounted engine layout, and it’s often seen as the “main” Porsche.
The Porsche 911 is Porsche’s defining model: a rear-engine sports car that’s been continuously developed for decades. In this segment, it’s used as shorthand for the brand’s core identity even as other brands chase SUV sales.
recall
"I was looking at the recent recalls [1314.2s] time we haven't looked at recalls or discussed recalls that are [1318.4s] produced by"
A recall is when car makers admit there’s a problem with certain cars and ask owners to get it fixed. It’s usually done for safety reasons, and owners are notified by the manufacturer.
A vehicle recall is when a manufacturer (or regulator) identifies a safety or compliance issue and notifies owners to have a fix performed. Recalls can be triggered by software problems, sensor/infotainment issues, or manufacturing defects that show up after cars are already on the road.
backup camera
"Touchscreens that don't show backup cameras working when you're backing up and and or else [1346.5s] Mechanical in terms of something that didn't get"
A backup camera shows what’s behind the car when you’re reversing. If it doesn’t work properly, it can make backing up harder and less safe.
A backup camera (often part of the rear-view system) helps drivers see behind the vehicle when reversing. In recalls, backup-camera failures can be safety-critical because they reduce visibility during low-speed maneuvers.
touch screens
"such as [1336.5s] Touchscreens that don't show backup cameras working when you're backing up and and or else"
Many cars use a screen to control things like navigation and camera views. If that screen doesn’t display the right info—especially while reversing—it can be a safety issue.
In modern cars, touchscreens control infotainment and often display camera feeds and vehicle settings. If a touchscreen fails to show the correct information (like a rear camera view), it can trigger a recall because it affects driver awareness.
Hyundai Palisade
"... to me I guess Kia and maybe Hyundai too with the palisade, but the Kia Telluride for which is a great vehic..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large SUV with three rows of seats. It’s designed to carry more people comfortably, which makes it a common choice for families. It’s often compared to other family SUVs because it aims to be roomy and easy to live with.
The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV built for family use, with room for passengers and a focus on comfort. It’s frequently mentioned alongside other popular family SUVs because it offers a practical layout and a more upscale feel for its class. In a discussion that compares brands, the Palisade stands out as Hyundai’s mainstream option aimed at buyers who want space and everyday usability.
electric seat motors
"great SUV apparently has issues with [1401.0s] Electric seat motors that keep on running [1404.2s] And that can eventually catch fire"
Electric seat motors are the parts that move power seats at the push of a button. Here, the concern is that the motor can get stuck running, overheat, and create a fire hazard.
Electric seat motors are the powered actuators that move power-adjustable seats (for example, sliding, reclining, or adjusting height). In this segment, the issue is that the motors can keep running, which can lead to overheating and a potential fire risk.
catch fire
"And that can eventually catch fire [1408.7s] Okay, yeah, well, that's the kind of thing"
“Catch fire” means something in the car starts burning. In this case, the hosts are saying an overheating electrical problem could ignite the car’s interior.
“Catch fire” means the vehicle component or interior material ignites. The hosts are describing a worst-case outcome of an overheating electrical issue—specifically tied to the electric seat motors.
Ford Mustang
"All right on that note, let's go drive cars. Are you still driving your Mustang convertible? [1758.8s] I am all right"
A Mustang convertible is a Ford Mustang with the roof that can open. That makes it feel more like an open-air car, so people often use it in nicer weather or for evening drives.
The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports car, and a convertible version trades a fixed roof for open-air driving. In this segment, the host is talking about using the Mustang convertible as a weather-friendly “evening car,” which highlights how the open-top body style changes day-to-day usability.
convertible use
"And it is a great period of time in our weather for convertible use and I've seen loads of convertibles out and it's been a very nice [1769.4s] Vehicle to have"
“Convertible use” just means driving with the top down when the weather is good. Since there’s no roof, things like temperature and wind matter more than in a normal car.
“Convertible use” refers to driving an open-top car when weather conditions are favorable. Because there’s no fixed roof, factors like outside temperature and wind comfort strongly affect how enjoyable and practical the car is.
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