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Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – June 1, 2026

Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – June 1, 2026

CAR KEYS Jun 01, 2026 30 min
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About this episode

Turn signals take center stage, starting with the hosts’ frustration that “The signaling is the turn signal usage is diminishing” and that you “can't presume they're gonna go right or left.” They then get practical with roundabout/rotary scenarios—“I am putting on my left turn signal and That is to help the cars behind me figure out what I'm doing”—and debate when to signal while exiting. The conversation broadens into future model rumors, EV/hybrid shifts, and whether extreme performance and tech will actually translate to real-world value.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Term

rotary

"A turning circle around about rotary a rotary. Thank you. So let's take the rotary in Goshen for example and"

“Rotary” is another word for a roundabout. It’s the circular intersection where cars go around and then exit, and the whole question is about when to use your turn signal so other drivers can predict your move.

Term

turning circle

"I have a trick signal question for you. Okay. Okay, we have this is the scenario like there is one that they [150.1s] A turning circle around about rotary a rotary."

A “turning circle” is the curved part of the road where you steer to go a different direction. Here, they’re talking about how to signal when you’re entering and exiting a roundabout so other drivers know what you plan to do.

Place

Goshen

"So let's take the rotary in Goshen for example and [161.1s] And let's say you want to turn"

Goshen is just the example town they’re using to describe a roundabout situation. It’s not about a special car or part—just helping explain the signaling rules.

Term

left turn signal

"Well, I know what your answer is but I I do once I'm in this [196.3s] Just about to go into the circle. I am [199.0s] putting on my left turn signal and [203.3s] That is to help the cars behind me figure out what I'm doing"

A “left turn signal” is the vehicle’s indicator used to communicate an intended maneuver to other road users. In a rotary/roundabout context, the discussion emphasizes signaling your exit intention so drivers behind you and approaching from the front can anticipate your path.

Place

Intersection of belt of Wells Hill Road 40 and 41

"but I have a better scenario which is our our Intersection of belt of Wells Hill Road 40 and 41 the class what people are not doing"

This is a specific road intersection mentioned as an example. The speaker is saying that drivers there often don’t signal early enough before turning.

Term

right of way

"Which would have been cutting in front of me had I waited for them to signal and yet they had the right of way [381.1s] No, they did not have the right of way because they didn't turn the signal on I"

Right of way is the rule that says who is allowed to go first in traffic. This part is basically saying you shouldn’t assume what someone will do if they aren’t signaling.

Brand

Jeep

"Well Jeep has a nice solution for that because oh my god [429.3s] And they have a gong that goes off at about a mile from where you left you turned it on"

Jeep is a car brand. The host is saying some Jeeps have a warning sound if you leave your turn signal on for too long.

Term

cancel the signal

"My signal does not go off on a light right turn right or left [446.8s] If you haven't turned the steering wheel enough to cancel the signal out"

Some cars turn off the turn signal automatically after you steer through a turn. If you don’t steer far enough, the signal may keep blinking.

Term

interstate

"But most many cars don't have that signal so yes, you're right [466.3s] We can drive for miles with a turn signal on and I see that going on too on interstate"

An interstate is a major highway where cars usually drive fast and traffic is separated by lanes. The point here is that people sometimes leave their turn signals on too long even on highways.

Car

Ferrari Luce

"Have you read it all about the Ferrari luce? ... It's a sedan which is the first sedan Ferrari ever does ... The fact is that it's a 500,000 euro car ... And it is over a thousand horsepower and it's gonna be Insanely fast and it's coming out in 2027"

They’re talking about a rumored/future Ferrari sedan called the “luce.” They say it’s supposed to be Ferrari’s first sedan, and they’re also stressing that it’ll be extremely powerful and very expensive.

Term

prototype

"if you had shown that and said this is a Um prototype and or You know some designers fantasy people who said oh, yeah, sure, but that's never happening"

A prototype is an early “test” version of a car idea. It might never be built as a real production model.

Term

sedan

"It's a sedan which is the first sedan Ferrari ever does"

A sedan is a car with a separate trunk area in the back, not a hatchback. They’re saying this would be Ferrari’s first sedan.

Car

Jaguar XJ

"Maybe it should have followed the way that the conceptual design of the Jaguar XJ that came out about three years ago Never to be seen again by me in any periodical after showed up by one of the car magazines"

The Jaguar XJ is Jaguar’s big, upscale sedan. Here, the host is talking about a very bold XJ design idea that showed up briefly in magazines but didn’t stick around.

Term

conceptual design

"Maybe it should have followed the way that the conceptual design of the Jaguar XJ that came out about three years ago"

“Conceptual design” refers to a design direction shown as a concept—often in magazines, shows, or prototypes—before it’s confirmed for production. Concept designs are used to gauge reaction and explore bold styling ideas that may or may not make it into a final model.

Concept

continuity of the brand's design

"So when you go from one model To the next or generation of a particular model to the next you you want to try to Usually try to keep us several things in mind keeping in the continuity of the the brand's design"

This means car companies try to keep the same “look and feel” as a model changes over time. The goal is to evolve the design without shocking people or abandoning what made the earlier car work.

Car

Hyundai Santa Fe

"if you look at Hyundai for instance with their Santa Fe Yes previous generation Santa Fe kind of looks like a you know from some angle like a BMW SUV or right or an Audi SUV"

The Hyundai Santa Fe is a Hyundai family SUV. In this discussion, it’s mentioned as an example where the styling changed in a way that made it seem similar to other luxury brands from some viewpoints.

Term

total box

"Which is being out for a year or two now is a total box, right? It looks like an Amazon delivery package [749.3s] with wheels on it"

“Total box” is just a way of saying the car looks very square and boxy, like it has straight sides and a tall shape. The speaker is using it to describe the styling.

Term

Amazon delivery package

"It looks like an Amazon delivery package [749.3s] with wheels on it and [753.2s] It that is a bold move on on that manufacturer's part, right"

The speaker is comparing the car’s shape to a delivery box—basically saying it looks plain and rectangular, not sleek.

Car

Jeep Cherokee

"I will like to go, you know the listeners on this show that have been listening regularly know [791.4s] I've been discussing the new Jeep Cherokee. Yeah, they don't want it anymore. I I consider the design Functionally useful."

The Jeep Cherokee is a popular family SUV. Here, the speaker is talking about how the newer Cherokee looks different from the older one, and whether that design change is a good thing.

Term

outgoing Cherokees

"I think that the outgoing Cherokees were designed beautifully [836.6s] I actually had sent a letter of congratulations saying that the Cherokee was a perfect"

“Outgoing” means the older version that’s being replaced by a newer redesign. The speaker is saying the older Jeep Cherokee looked better than the new one.

Car

Alfa Romeo Stelvio

"They have the 2027 alpha Stelvio which was slated to be a Electric vehicle and now is going to be a hybrid So gas and electric"

This is about the Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV. The host says the 2027 version was first expected to be fully electric, but it’s now expected to be a hybrid (using both gas and electricity). They also say it’ll look similar to the current Stelvio.

Term

hybrid

"slated to be a Electric vehicle and now is going to be a hybrid So gas and electric"

A hybrid uses two kinds of power: a gas engine and an electric motor. It can use electricity for some driving and gas for the rest.

Car

Audi TT full electric

"Yeah, right Audi TT full electric to me is more of a concept car than anything else"

This is about the Audi TT, but in a fully electric version. The host’s point is that it feels more like a showpiece idea than a car you’d expect to be a big mainstream hit.

Concept

concept car

"Audi TT full electric to me is more of a concept car than anything else"

A concept car is basically a “show car” that’s meant to preview ideas. It may not be the kind of car you’d expect to buy in large numbers.

Car

BMW M3

"particularly the M3 in electric form and that car looks like a So the the stand BMW and all and many other European manufacturers have taken is to design their electric cars to look very similar to their"

The M3 is BMW’s performance model. Here, the host is talking about an electric M3 and how BMW (and other European brands) are trying to keep the electric version looking like the familiar BMW design.

Car

BMW 3 series

"The the BMW 3 series [1001.3s] As well as the Mercedes C class [1005.7s] are getting very very good reviews with"

The BMW 3 Series is a popular BMW model line. It’s known for feeling fun to drive, not just for being comfortable. Here, the hosts say early versions are getting good feedback.

Car

Mercedes C class

"As well as the Mercedes C class [1005.7s] are getting very very good reviews with [1010.2s] early prototypes and"

The Mercedes C-Class is a Mercedes luxury car line that sits in the smaller, more affordable part of the lineup. In this discussion, it’s mentioned as getting very good early reviews.

Car

new Chevy Silverado

"Vehicle where I shook my head [1020.1s] That is coming out in 2027 is the new Chevy Silverado [1024.7s] Pickup truck, which it looks like it's another pickup truck to me"

The Chevrolet Silverado is GM’s big pickup truck. The host is saying a new version is coming in 2027, and that it may also lead to new generations of GM SUVs like the Suburban and Tahoe.

Car

Chevrolet Suburban

"...ee a new generation of SUVs from GM, you know the suburban Tahoe's and escalates in the bunch"

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV designed to fit many passengers and haul gear. It’s mentioned because GM is expected to refresh this kind of big SUV lineup.

Car

Tahoe's

"you know the suburban [1042.5s] Tahoe's and escalates in the bunch [1045.4s] And"

The Tahoe is a big Chevrolet SUV. The host is saying GM may update SUVs like the Tahoe at the same time as the next Silverado.

Car

Ford Mustang

"But a Dodge Charger Hellcat with a V8 or Mustang dark horse. These are all [1058.3s] powerful sports cars [1060.8s] with V8 engines and"

The Mustang Dark Horse is a high-performance version of the Ford Mustang. Here it’s mentioned as another example of a powerful V8 car that appeals to a smaller group of buyers.

Car

Dodge Charger Hellcat

"But a Dodge Charger Hellcat with a V8 or Mustang dark horse. These are all [1058.3s] powerful sports cars [1060.8s] with V8 engines and"

The Dodge Charger Hellcat is a very powerful Charger variant. It’s known for having a big V8 engine, and the host brings it up as an example of cars that are fast but don’t sell in huge numbers.

Car

Challenger Hellcat

"... you can look forward to them But a Dodge Charger Hellcat with a V8 or Mustang dark horse. These are all po..."

The Challenger is a performance-focused muscle car model. The podcast brings it up as part of a group of cars people associate with big V8 power.

Term

V8 engines

"These are all [1058.3s] powerful sports cars [1060.8s] with V8 engines and [1063.1s] You know, they are kind of a very very very small market"

A V8 engine is a type of engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. The host is talking about V8-powered performance cars that are known for strong acceleration.

Topic

Is it really worthwhile for these manufacturers to draw to produce these ultra high-performance Versions of standard sort of vehicle lines

"wish for a comment for you on the following topic J [1074.8s] Is it really worthwhile for these manufacturers to draw to produce these ultra high-performance [1083.6s] Versions of standard sort of vehicle lines [1088.3s] Because of the high performance factor of it."

They’re talking about whether it’s worth it for car companies to make super-fast versions of regular models. They also question whether people actually buy for those headline numbers.

Term

zero to sixty

"Do we have to have do we have to tout and [1095.5s] With a lot of hoopla about cars can go from zero to sixty and under four seconds, for example [1101.5s] Or even under five seconds."

“Zero to sixty” is a simple test of how fast a car can speed up from standing still to 60 mph. The host is asking whether people really buy these cars just because they can do it in a few seconds.

Car

Dodge Challenger

"...you know, the high-performance Dodge chargers and Challengers came out with their whatever the hell cats and an..."

The Dodge Challenger is a two-door car built for performance, often with strong V8 engines. The podcast mentions it in the context of the most powerful versions that people associate with the Challenger name.

Term

ludicrous

"Same thing when the Tesla s plaid came out or the ludicrous [1158.2s] the first versions of the high performance Tesla Model S and"

“Ludicrous” is Tesla’s name for an extra-fast driving mode. It makes the car accelerate more aggressively, which can encourage unsafe speeding if you’re not careful.

Term

plaid

"Same thing when the Tesla s plaid came out or the ludicrous [1158.2s] the first versions of the high performance Tesla Model S and"

“Plaid” is Tesla’s label for its most extreme performance version. The host is saying that when a car is that fast, it’s easier for people to get into trouble on public roads.

Car

Tesla Model

"...icrous the first versions of the high performance Tesla Model S and I think the level of performance is such th..."

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV, meaning it runs on electricity instead of gasoline. It’s brought up because Tesla’s electric cars can be very quick, including performance-focused versions.

Car

Tesla Model S

"Same thing when the Tesla s plaid came out or the ludicrous [1158.2s] the first versions of the high performance Tesla Model S and"

The Tesla Model S is an electric car. In this discussion, the host is warning that early super-fast versions can tempt drivers into going far faster than is safe on public roads.

Term

speed control

"Well given given your but this is a more dilemma. I fight every day given your examples of what's going on worldwide with speed control [1221.8s] Devices to limit your ability to drive in a sporting manner, which means aka exceeding speed limits"

“Speed control” here refers to systems that limit or regulate how fast a vehicle can go, often using electronic controls. The host is describing devices that reduce a driver’s ability to exceed posted speed limits, as a safety response to how easy it is to drive aggressively in very high-performance cars.

Term

passing capability

"I reported on a recent show about this woman who loves her Rivian because of the passing capability [1253.3s] accelerative features of it when she's behind [1257.3s] huge [1258.6s] Dump trucks that are spraying salt-y stuff on her windshield as she's following"

“Passing capability” is basically how well a car can accelerate when you’re trying to pass someone. The host is saying some cars make passing easier because they can speed up quickly.

Car

Hyundai Sonata

"And absolutely absolutely that's the appropriate use of the capability that is built into some of our cars [1289.4s] But I can do that with my 103300 sonata hybrid and not quite the same [1294.8s] Yeah, not enough to do that kind of I did it this morning against somebody trying to keep up with me on a right lane"

The Hyundai Sonata hybrid is the car the host uses to compare acceleration. They’re saying it can accelerate pretty well when the battery has charge, but it won’t match a faster EV’s punch.

Rivian R2
Official manufacturer press image
Car

Rivian R2

"Oh, and I'm gonna enjoy driving them and you are gonna enjoy so here's my I Almost, you know, I'm toying with the idea of pulling the trigger on that and I know what you're gonna say here goes Jay again [1366.5s] With the Rivian R2. I think it's a fantastic car [1371.2s] I've read a little bit more about it the big difference between the R1 and the R2"

The Rivian R2 is an electric SUV/pickup from Rivian that’s meant to be a smaller, cheaper version of their bigger models. The hosts are saying the R2 is different from the R1 in more ways than just size and cost.

Term

unibody

"The R2 is a unibody like most cars and SUVs"

Unibody means the car’s body is also the main structural “skeleton,” not a separate frame underneath. Many modern cars use this because it can make the ride smoother and the car lighter.

Term

body-on-frame

"Whereas the R1 is a body-on-frame"

Body-on-frame means the car has a separate frame underneath, and the body sits on top of it. It’s common on trucks and can change how the ride and structure behave.

Car

Audi A8

"... we want to drive But I do like obviously my 2001 Audi a8. I think it's fabulous looking it's basically a"

The Audi A8 is a large luxury car meant to feel comfortable and high-end. The podcast mentions the 2001 model because the speaker thinks it looks great.

Car

Volkswagen Euro Van

"I like my Volkswagen Euro van the way you like your tour egg ... I like the high seating position ... the Euro van always gives you"

They’re talking about a Volkswagen van called the Eurovan. The main thing they like is that you sit higher, so you feel like you’re in control and can see the road better than in some minivans.

Term

command position

"American mini vans ... don't have they have you riding at sedan Levels in your seat as opposed to sitting high up in a command position that the Euro van always gives you"

A “command position” just means you sit higher so you can see the road and traffic better. It can make driving feel more in-control, like you’re “on top” of the situation.

Car

BMW New Bmws

"...t and left like you see of the jeeps and Even the new BMWs and that kind of thing. Oh Robin. I think you nee..."

BMW’s “New Class” is BMW’s name for a future direction or new generation of cars. The podcast mentions it because it’s supposed to represent what BMW is planning next.

Car

Type 01

"...t be looking forward to seeing one day the Jaguar type 01 which Why type 01 when they've done so many types..."

“Type 01” sounds like a Jaguar model name that people are expecting to see someday. The podcast is basically discussing why Jaguar would call it that and what it might mean for future cars.

Car

Jaguar Type

"...We might be looking forward to seeing one day the Jaguar type 01 which Why type 01 when they've done so many ty..."

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car from Jaguar. The podcast mentions it while talking about what Jaguar might do in the future.

Car

2027 Audi RS5

"I'm staring at a picture on my Desktop of driven is the 2027 Audi RS5 Yeah, most on Audi Audi yet, but I read the whole story on it and for the life of me I cannot get into the technology ever being functionally used by any buyer of this vehicle"

This is Audi’s “RS” performance model based on the RS5. The hosts are talking about a future 2027 version and whether the new tech will matter to normal buyers, or only show up during special test drives.

Car

Hyundai Genesis

"... is is, you know Still working on putting out new Genesis model. So Genesis is their luxury brand and Many ..."

Genesis is Hyundai’s luxury car brand. The podcast mentions it because the company is still working on bringing out new Genesis models.

Car

Genesis GV90

"But the new GV 90 is a full-size SUV that actually looks pretty darn good And I have it's a fully electric vehicle and I have to guess is based on the Kia EV 9 and whatever the"

The Genesis GV90 is a big, luxury SUV that Genesis is planning to release. The hosts say it will be fully electric and that it may share underpinnings with the Kia EV9.

Car

Kia EV 9

"And I have it's a fully electric vehicle and I have to guess is based on the Kia EV 9 and whatever the"

The Kia EV9 is an all-electric SUV. The hosts are using it as a reference point for what the Genesis GV90 might be based on.

Term

fully electric vehicle

"But the new GV 90 is a full-size SUV that actually looks pretty darn good And I have it's a fully electric vehicle and I have to guess is based on the Kia EV 9 and whatever the"

A fully electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity from a battery. There’s no gas engine—so you charge it instead of fueling it.

Car

Infiniti Q50

"We may be looking for forward to seeing the 2028 infinity Q 50 looks like a 15 year old sedan"

Infiniti is a luxury car brand, and the Q50 is one of their sedans. The hosts are talking about what a future 2028 version might look like and whether it seems modern or dated.

Concept

dead-on arrival

"Looks like a Nissan Altima in my opinion, and I think that's a dead-on arrival"

“Dead-on arrival” means “it won’t do well right away.” The host is basically saying they don’t think the car will be popular when it comes out.

Car

Nissan Altima

"Looks like a Nissan Altima in my opinion, and I think that's a dead-on arrival"

The Nissan Altima is a common, everyday sedan model from Nissan. The host is basically saying the car they’re talking about looks similar to an Altima.

Car

Mitsubishi Galant

"... frankly They were my rental car favorites both a galant as a sedan and the Monteros and SUV always my fir..."

The Mitsubishi Galant is a regular mid-size sedan, the kind of car you’d use for everyday driving. The podcast mentions it because the speaker liked it as a rental car.

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