Car Keys with Robin Leech and Jay de Marcken – October 13, 2025
About this episode
Driving in stormy weather poses unique challenges, and Robin Leach and Jay de Marcken share their experiences and tips for navigating hazardous conditions. They discuss the dangers of falling tree branches, aquaplaning, and the importance of maintaining safe speeds. The conversation shifts to the evolving pickup truck market, highlighting new models like the Telo and the relevance of horsepower in smaller trucks. They also touch on the current state of electric vehicles and road rage incidents, emphasizing the need for courteous driving behavior.
aquaplaning
"...to aquaplaning very quickly which goes to a heart of many times that I've said in this show about check your tread depth but that won't even be enough to keep you from hydroplaning in extreme cloud bursts of rain..."
Aquaplaning is when your car's tires can't grip the road because there's too much water on it. This can make your car slide and be hard to control, especially during heavy rain.
Aquaplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, causing the driver to lose control. It can happen quickly during heavy rain when the water on the road exceeds the tire's ability to disperse it.
tread depth
"...about check your tread depth but that won't even be enough to keep you from hydroplaning in extreme cloud bursts of rain which can come at any time when you're in a rainy condition..."
Tread depth is how deep the grooves are in your tires. Deeper grooves help your tires grip the road better, especially when it's wet, so it's important to check them regularly.
Tread depth refers to the measurement of the depth of the grooves in a tire's tread. Adequate tread depth is crucial for maintaining traction, especially in wet conditions, as it helps channel water away from the tire's surface.
Toyota Tacoma
"Three and some of the imports producing things like the Toyota Tacoma the"
The Toyota Tacoma is a smaller truck that is great for carrying things and driving off-road. It's known for being tough and reliable.
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It's popular among those who need a reliable vehicle for both work and recreation.
Nissan Frontier
"Nissan I can't remember what it is Frontier I think it is and the like"
The Nissan Frontier is another small truck that can be used for work or fun. It's good for driving on different types of roads.
The Nissan Frontier is a compact pickup truck that offers a balance of performance and utility. It's designed for both everyday driving and off-road adventures.
horsepower
"...is there any need for a theoretical 500 horsepower power rating for such a truck my answer direct is no..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the vehicle can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. It helps determine how fast a vehicle can go and how much work it can do.
Cadillac Lyriq
"...some great electric vehicles we talked about that did indeed Cadillac was one right the lyric Cadillac..."
The Cadillac Lyriq is a new luxury electric SUV from Cadillac. It has a lot of modern technology and is designed to be comfortable and stylish.
The Cadillac Lyriq is an all-electric luxury SUV that represents Cadillac's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior.
Chevrolet Bolt
"...my favorite of them all that the Chevy Bolt right coming back it looks very much like the the the old version that came out in 2017..."
The Chevrolet Bolt is a type of electric car that you can charge instead of using gas. It's known for being budget-friendly and has a good driving range on a single charge.
The Chevrolet Bolt is an electric vehicle (EV) known for its affordability and practicality. It was first introduced in 2017 and has gained popularity for its range and features.
Nissan Leaf
"...it's going to undercut the Nissan Leaf a bit and the biggest critic was that it didn't seem to be very much different from the old one..."
The Nissan Leaf is a popular electric car that doesn't use gasoline. It's known for being affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric compact car that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles worldwide. It is known for its practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice for those looking to transition to electric driving.
Audi Q5
"...we talked about just to interrupt you briefly what I consider to be a serious error in the newest version of the Audi Q5 in terms of interior design..."
The Audi Q5 is a luxury SUV that offers a comfortable ride and many high-tech features. It's designed for people who want a stylish and practical vehicle.
The Audi Q5 is a luxury compact SUV known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. It features a high-quality interior and advanced safety features, making it a popular choice in its segment.
Chevy Equinox
"...but GM has other interesting electric vehicles you know they have the Chevy Equinox yes they do and they're very happy with that..."
The Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV made by Chevrolet. It's popular for its roomy interior and is a good choice for families or anyone needing extra space in a vehicle.
The Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV produced by Chevrolet, known for its spacious interior and versatility. It has been popular among families and individuals looking for a reliable and comfortable vehicle for daily use.
GM
"...but GM has other interesting electric vehicles..."
GM stands for General Motors, a big company that makes cars. They own several brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
GM, or General Motors, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. It produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
Ford Bronco Sport
"... be seen I mean there's the Mach E and there is a Bronco Sport in China and what else is there for electric oh a..."
The Ford Bronco Sport is a smaller SUV that looks tough and is great for outdoor adventures. It’s designed for people who like to go off the beaten path while still having enough space for friends and gear.
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that pays homage to the classic Bronco while offering modern features and off-road capabilities. Launched in 2020, it is designed for adventure seekers who want a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle that can handle rugged terrain.
Ford F150 Lightning
"...the lightning now f-150 lightning which I think is a pretty cool vehicle..."
The F-150 Lightning is an electric truck made by Ford, designed to be powerful and environmentally friendly.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric version of Ford's popular F-150 pickup truck, featuring advanced technology and a focus on sustainability.
Ford Explorer
"...retty cool vehicle well they did they not have an Explorer plug-in hybrid or something or hybrid Explorer in..."
The Ford Explorer is a large family-friendly vehicle that can carry many passengers and their stuff. It's known for being comfortable and practical, and there are even versions that use less fuel or run on electricity.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its introduction in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, the Explorer has evolved to include various trims, including hybrid options, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Volkswagen ID.4
"...they have they re-batched and that's the ID for I talked about it last week like an ID for..."
The ID.4 is an electric SUV made by Volkswagen, designed to be eco-friendly and spacious for families.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volkswagen's push into the electric vehicle market, offering a blend of practicality and modern technology.
Ford Crown Victoria
"...they're still mourning the Crown Vic that is true..."
The Ford Crown Victoria is a large car that many police departments used for years because it was tough and spacious. Many officers miss it because it was so reliable and comfortable for patrol duties.
The Ford Crown Victoria was a full-size sedan that became a staple for police fleets in the United States due to its durability and large size. Many officers have nostalgia for the Crown Vic as it was a reliable workhorse for many years.
hybrid
"...complex cars like hybrids I mean you're adding a degree of complexity to the vehicle..."
A hybrid car uses both a regular gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment, but it can make the car more complicated to fix.
A hybrid vehicle combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric powertrain. This dual system aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, but it also adds complexity to the vehicle's design and maintenance.
internal combustion engine (ICE)
"...you're having a you know ice power train I see a power train and and then you're adding an electric powertrain..."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars have; it burns fuel to create power. This is different from electric engines that use batteries.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, inside the engine itself. This is the traditional engine type found in most vehicles before the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Stellantis
"his take on Stellantis was that they have no idea what they're doing and they did and now that just shoehorned you know shoehorning V8 Hemi's in everything"
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Jeep and Dodge. It was created when two companies combined to make more vehicles together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It produces a wide range of vehicles under various brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
V8 Hemi
"shoehorning V8 Hemi's in everything back into their wheels and that's right that's a very short-term strategy if I can see it so I you know well I think it's short-term strategy and probably wrong at certain levels"
A V8 Hemi is a powerful engine made by Chrysler. It has a unique shape that helps it run better and is often found in fast cars, making it popular with car fans.
The V8 Hemi is a type of engine produced by Chrysler, known for its hemispherical combustion chambers that improve airflow and performance. It's commonly used in high-performance vehicles and is popular among enthusiasts for its power and distinctive sound.
ICE engines
"to have these loud raucous ICE engines driving vehicles as opposed to the silent and sometimes small you know electric noise built-in..."
ICE means Internal Combustion Engine, which is a type of engine that uses fuel to create power. Most cars on the road today use this kind of engine.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to engines that burn fuel to create power. These engines are commonly found in traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles.
electric vehicles
"silent and sometimes small you know electric noise built-in that are every bit as fast as or faster than the ICE engines..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Tesla
"we obviously know all about Tesla and Rivian..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars. They are known for being very advanced and have popular models like the Model S and Model 3.
Tesla is an American electric vehicle manufacturer known for its innovative technology and high-performance electric cars. They have popular models like the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.
Rivian
"we obviously know all about Tesla and Rivian..."
Rivian is a company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. They are known for their outdoor and adventure-friendly designs.
Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer that focuses on producing electric trucks and SUVs, such as the R1T and R1S. They aim to provide adventure-oriented electric vehicles.
Apple CarPlay
"...and not have an Apple CarPlay be the packaging of it all and I I initially had a bit of a problem with that..."
Apple CarPlay is a feature that lets you connect your iPhone to your car, so you can use apps and listen to music through the car's screen.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, enabling access to apps, navigation, and music through the car's display.
software in cars
"...that a lot of what goes into cars now is software and we can lament that till the end of time but that is the new reality..."
Software in cars refers to the computer programs that help run different features in the vehicle, like navigation and music systems.
The integration of software in vehicles is increasingly important, as it controls various systems such as navigation, entertainment, and even driving assistance features.
Porsche Cayenne
"...d I've just started reading about the new Porsche Cayenne it has a pretty much a you know the entire dash i..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that offers a sporty driving experience while still being able to carry passengers and cargo. It's like having a sports car that can also be used for everyday activities like grocery shopping.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines high-performance capabilities with the practicality of an SUV. Since its launch in 2002, it has become a significant model for Porsche, appealing to those who want sports car performance in a more spacious and versatile vehicle.
dashboard
"...the entire dash is all glass and the passenger the front passenger has it has their own screen..."
The dashboard is the part of the car in front of the driver that shows important information like speed and fuel level, and has buttons and screens to control the car's features.
The dashboard is the control panel located in front of the driver, housing instruments and controls for the vehicle's functions.
futuristic technology
"...manufacturers like Porsche incorporating you know futuristic and new technology..."
Futuristic technology means new and advanced features in cars that make them easier and more fun to use, like big screens and smart controls.
Futuristic technology in cars refers to advanced features that enhance driving experience, such as touchscreens, voice control, and connectivity options.
Bmw M
"...m to be stable but Chevy in the Corvette you know BMW M cars Toyota and Subaru's little sports cars even ..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...h Porsche they seem to be stable but Chevy in the Corvette you know BMW M cars Toyota and Subaru's little sp..."
MX-5
"...even MX 5 Mazda's overall over the last decade or so sales have gone down..."
The MX-5, also called the Miata, is a small, fun sports car made by Mazda. It's known for being light and easy to drive.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight two-seater sports car celebrated for its handling and driving enjoyment. It has a strong enthusiast following and is often praised for its affordability and fun factor.
Mazda 5 Mazdas
"Corvette you know BMW M cars Toyota and Subaru's little sports cars even MX 5 Mazda's overall over the last decade or so sales have gone down and last this year or last 24 relative to 23 you know overall across the board sales"
The Mazda 5 is a small van that has sliding doors and can fit several people comfortably. It's a good option for families who need space but don't want a big vehicle.
The Mazda 5, also known as the Mazda Premacy in some markets, is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that offers a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. Produced from 2005 until 2017, it features sliding rear doors and a versatile seating arrangement, making it a popular choice for families looking for a smaller alternative to larger minivans.
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