CarCast+Edmunds - Hyundai IONIC 5 N, new Mazda CX-5 and Mercedes AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ Coupe

Edmunds is an automotive media and shopping site that publishes car reviews, pricing guidance, and buying advice. In a podcast context, it usually signals the hosts are using review/testing experience and market knowledge to discuss vehicles.

The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger three-row SUV variant in Toyota’s Highlander family. The key point here is its adult-friendly third row, which affects real-world usability for families and passengers.

The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for family-friendly practicality and available third-row seating. The podcast frames it as welcoming “everyone,” including people who care about fuel efficiency and those who want space for passengers. It’s discussed because it’s a mainstream choice for buyers who want a dependable, versatile SUV layout.

The Toyota Sienna is a minivan known for family-focused features. In this segment, the emphasis is on an available rear seat entertainment system, which is a common minivan differentiator for long trips.

The Toyota RAV4 is Toyota’s compact SUV. Here it’s mentioned with available all-wheel drive, which matters for traction in rain, snow, and uneven surfaces.

All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear wheels, improving traction when conditions are poor. It’s especially helpful for rain, snow, and low-grip surfaces, though it doesn’t replace good tires.

Drag racing is a motorsport format where cars accelerate over a short distance to determine the fastest time. “HRA” appears to be the event/series name, and the host is describing conditions (rain at the start) and how the cars ran later in the night.

NASCAR is a major American stock-car racing series known for oval tracks and close, wheel-to-wheel racing. The host mentions it as a personal “bucket list” event, contrasting it with the drag racing they attended.

The Long Beach Grand Prix is a well-known motorsport event held in Long Beach, California, typically featuring open-wheel racing. The host references it as an event they’ve attended before.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV built for family hauling and road trips. In this segment it’s mentioned as the vehicle the host borrowed for getting around while attending events.

The Grand Prix of Long Beach is a major motorsports event held on a street circuit in Long Beach, California. It’s commonly associated with IndyCar racing, and the hosts discuss attending and how the race went.

NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) is the organization behind drag racing events in the U.S. The hosts mention chatting with drivers and discuss categories like funny car and top fuel.

This is about the decision threshold for moving from gasoline to electric vehicles (EVs). It’s not just a price-per-gallon question—EV adoption also depends on charging access, vehicle cost, and how people value total cost of ownership.

The hosts are discussing how EVs can generate a lot of consumer interest during fuel-price spikes, but still represent a small share of total sales. This highlights the gap between “consideration” and actual purchase behavior.

Lease deals are financial offers that can reduce the upfront cost and lower the monthly payment, which can help stimulate demand even when consumer sentiment is mixed. The hosts suggest manufacturers are using lease incentives to push EVs despite weak market share.

The hosts argue that for many drivers, fueling costs are only a small slice of the total cost of owning a vehicle. They compare fuel to other recurring and fixed costs like insurance, maintenance, and the payment already locked in.

A variable cost changes with usage—like fuel, which you pay repeatedly as you drive. Because it’s tied directly to frequent real-world spending, it can feel more “urgent” than costs that don’t change day to day.

Gas prices don’t just affect budgets—they also change how people feel about driving and buying. When fuel costs are constantly visible and recurring, they can outweigh “basic economics” and shift consumer behavior quickly.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for comfort, off-road ability, and powerful engine options. In the podcast, it’s specifically mentioned with a supercharged V8, which highlights its performance side. It comes up because it’s a flagship model that blends everyday drivability with big-engine character.

A supercharged engine uses a belt-driven compressor to force more air into the cylinders, boosting power. In a V8 application, that typically increases performance but can also increase fuel consumption compared with non-boosted engines.

MPG is a measure of fuel economy—how many miles you can drive per gallon of gasoline. When MPG is very low, fuel becomes a larger share of total ownership cost, which is why the speaker discusses doing the math over a multi-year period.

“Humvee” is the common nickname for the military HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). It’s known for being rugged and capable off-road, but it typically isn’t fuel-efficient compared with modern civilian SUVs.

“Four by fours” is a British way of saying 4x4 vehicles—cars or trucks with power delivered to all four wheels. The term often comes up in debates about fuel use and emissions because many 4x4s are heavier and less efficient than smaller cars.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mainstream luxury sedan/estate line often used as a chauffeur car. In the segment, it’s used as a contrast to the fuel efficiency of the SUV being discussed.

The speaker explicitly acknowledges that climate change is real, framing the discussion as not purely partisan. This matters because it sets up a more nuanced debate about how people talk about SUVs/4x4s versus what they actually do.

Formula E is an all-electric racing series, so it’s often used to showcase EV technology and efficiency. The hosts point out a common criticism: even if the racing is “clean,” the electricity used to charge the cars may come from fossil fuels unless the grid is truly renewable.

The hosts describe an alternative fuel they call “bio fuel” that’s made from solar power and can only be produced in limited regions. This is essentially the idea behind synthetic or renewable fuels: using renewable energy to create fuel that can reduce emissions compared with conventional fuels—though production scale and energy requirements are major constraints.

The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a high-performance variant of Porsche’s Taycan electric sedan, positioned as a track-focused EV. The hosts mention attending the Taycan Turbo GT launch event, which underscores how Porsche markets performance and EV capability through major product launches.

A super charging bank is a large, dedicated set of high-power chargers used to deliver electricity quickly to vehicles. Here, it’s described as being run off a generator setup, effectively creating temporary charging infrastructure for the event.

An industrial diesel generator is a large power source that can produce electricity on demand, often used where grid power isn’t available. In this segment, it’s used to power the temporary fast-charging setup for the remote circuit.

Fast charging refers to high-power charging that can significantly reduce the time needed to recharge an electric vehicle. The hosts mention that the remote circuit lacked fast charging, which affects how feasible high-speed EV racing and testing are.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric crossover that’s known for its distinctive styling and modern EV packaging. The podcast specifically mentions the Ioniq 5N, which is the sportier, higher-performance variant. It’s discussed because it combines EV practicality with a more enthusiastic driving setup.

“Fake noises” refers to artificial sound generation used in some EVs to create an engaging audio experience. On performance EVs like the Ioniq 5 N, these sounds are typically tuned to match driving modes and make acceleration feel more dramatic.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that’s widely known for being practical, efficient, and easy to live with. The podcast references a “Mark 1” style, which points to the classic, smaller original generation and its simple, recognizable design. It’s discussed because it’s an iconic baseline for what many people think of as a “normal” small car.

A sports seat is designed to hold you more securely during spirited driving, often with more supportive bolsters and a lower, more “driver-focused” seating position. The hosts connect this to how the Ioniq 5 N feels lower and more performance-oriented.

The belt line is the line running along the side of the car where the windows meet the body. A higher belt line can visually and ergonomically make the cabin feel lower and more “planted,” which the hosts say contributes to the Ioniq 5 N’s sporty feel.

Fender vents are openings in the bodywork near the wheel area, often used for styling and sometimes to help with airflow to brakes or other components. The hosts mention them as part of what makes the Ioniq 5 N look wider and lower.

The Hyundai IONIC 5 N is a performance-oriented version of the IONIQ 5 electric crossover, tuned for more engaging driving. It’s notable for using software features (like sound and driving-mode effects) to make the EV feel more “sporty” and responsive, especially on track. The hosts also connect its engineering lineage to rally-style performance goals.

The Porsche Taycan Turbo is referenced as another benchmark for fun EV performance. The hosts group it with other fast EVs to highlight that the IONIQ 5 N is among the most entertaining EVs, not just the quickest. This comparison frames the IONIQ 5 N’s character against established performance EVs.

EV stealth mode is a driving setting that reduces or eliminates artificial sound and other “performance” audio cues so the car feels quieter and more natural. On EVs, manufacturers often add fake propulsion sounds for character, but stealth mode lets you turn that off. The hosts describe it as making the car feel like “just another electric car” for school runs.

“Flappy paddle mode” refers to using paddle shifters (or paddle-like controls) to command changes in driving behavior, often including regenerative braking levels and simulated gear-like responses. In this segment, it’s tied to fake sound and throttle-cut simulation. The hosts say each paddle shift creates a noticeable “nudge,” simulating how a performance car changes load.

Simulated shifting is an EV feature that mimics the feel of a multi-gear transmission by creating shift-like changes in engine sound and/or power delivery. It helps the driver feel more familiar “gear” behavior even though an EV typically doesn’t shift like a gas car.

Holding RPMs up refers to keeping the instrument/engine-sound behavior at a higher “rev” level during acceleration or driving modes. On an EV, this is usually about sound and throttle mapping rather than a true engine revving like a gasoline motor.

Rally engine sound is a deliberate sound-design approach that makes an EV’s audio character resemble what you’d hear from performance rally cars. The goal is to create believable, driver-involving feedback that matches the car’s intended personality.

The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance hot hatch known for its aggressive turbocharged character and distinctive sound. Comparing the EV’s audio to the Civic Type R highlights how the IONIQ 5 N’s sound design is meant to feel like a high-revving, sporty gas car rather than a silent EV.

The Porsche 911 GT3 is a track-focused 911 variant widely used as a benchmark for performance. Saying the IONIQ 5 N is “911 GT3 fast” emphasizes how strong its acceleration is, even though it’s an EV with a very different powertrain.

“Drift modes” are driving settings that adjust traction control, stability control, and torque delivery to make it easier to initiate and sustain oversteer. On performance EVs, they’re often paired with special power management to help the rear wheels break traction predictably.

A low-grip handling circuit is a test environment designed to reduce tire traction (often via surface choice or setup) so stability/traction systems and chassis balance can be evaluated. It’s useful for assessing how a car behaves during throttle changes, braking, and—here—drifting.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan that the podcast discusses in terms of plans and changes to the lineup. The excerpt says Hyundai has cancelled the Ioniq 6, while still bringing versions of the Ioniq line forward. It’s mentioned because it affects what buyers can expect from Hyundai’s electric-car strategy.

The BMW M3 is a benchmark compact performance sedan/coupe known for strong acceleration and balanced chassis tuning. Calling the IONIQ 6 N a “BMW M3 rival” frames it as a performance-oriented electric alternative targeting similar buyers who want sporty handling plus speed.

A lower center of gravity generally improves handling by reducing body roll and making weight transfer more controlled during cornering. In performance tuning, it can help the car feel more stable and predictable when accelerating, braking, or changing direction.

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is the N-badged, performance-oriented variant of the Ioniq 6 EV. The hosts say they’re excited for it and that the N treatment may change the styling they didn’t like on the original Ioniq 6. They also describe specific visual tweaks, like the rear design elements meant to improve the car’s “face” from the side profile.

The Tesla Model Y is referenced as a benchmark for EV performance and handling. The hosts compare it to the Ioniq 5 N, saying the Model Y (and Model 3 Performance) is fast and handles well, but doesn’t deliver the same “amusement factor” or playful feel. This is about how different EVs can feel in terms of driver engagement, not just straight-line speed.

The Tesla Model 3 Performance is mentioned alongside the Model Y as an EV that’s strong on speed and handling. The hosts’ point is that even when an EV is objectively quick, it can still feel less “fun” than another car depending on how it delivers power and steering/overall dynamics. It’s a comparison of emotional driving feel between EVs.

Goodwood Festival of Speed is a major annual motorsport and automotive event in the UK where manufacturers often debut new cars. In this segment, the hosts mention seeing the Ioniq 6 N in person there and connecting it to the announcement timing. It’s a useful context marker for when and where the car was revealed.

A “mid-cycle” refresh (often called a mid-model update) is when an automaker updates a vehicle partway through its generation. These changes can include styling tweaks, interior updates, and sometimes revised tech or powertrain calibration. The hosts say the mid-cycle Ioniq 6 looks nicer than the original, which is a common goal of these refreshes.

A rear wing is an aerodynamic device designed to manage airflow and increase downforce at the rear of the car. The segment suggests the wing is part of the car’s “streamlined aesthetic,” but also that it’s functionally needed—linking styling to performance.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery you can charge from an outlet. The segment explains that the GT 63 PHEV (SE hybrid) can deliver stronger straight-line performance due to extra electric torque, but it’s also heavier, which can affect overall feel.

“SE hybrid” refers to the specific plug-in hybrid configuration of the AMG GT 63 mentioned in the segment. The hosts highlight its electric-assist torque and straight-line speed advantage, while also noting the tradeoff: added weight that can make it feel less appealing.

The Porsche 911 is the benchmark sports car in this discussion, with multiple variants including hybrid and non-hybrid versions. The hosts compare how Mercedes’ AMG GT line stacks up against the 911 in terms of audience enthusiasm and resale/hold-value behavior.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS is referenced as the model Mercedes moved away from before focusing on its GT cars. It’s brought up in the context of Mercedes’ strategy shift toward competing more directly with Porsche’s 911 variants.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is discussed as a competitor to the Porsche 911, particularly in how it performs in the used market. The hosts note that AMG GTs tend to hold value less than Porsches, but exclusivity (fewer cars sold) can still help.

Residual value is the estimated worth of a car at the end of a lease, which is used to set lease payments and the lease buyout price. If the residual value ends up higher than the car’s actual market value, it can create a favorable situation for the lessee.

The hosts mention tariffs and that Porsche “passed on the cost of the tariff,” which can affect pricing, demand, and ultimately used-car values. When new-car prices rise due to tariffs, it can make existing inventory and leased vehicles behave differently in the resale market.

A V8 is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. In performance and luxury cars, V8s are often chosen for strong low-end torque and smooth power delivery, though they’re typically heavier and less fuel-efficient than smaller engines.

“Cusp of the weather” refers to timing an activity right as conditions shift—often meaning colder temperatures, precipitation, or snow can arrive sooner than expected. For endurance activities, that affects clothing, traction, and overall risk management.

The Volvo EX60 is an upcoming all-electric, two-row SUV from Volvo. The discussion highlights how Volvo is targeting efficiency through aerodynamics, reduced road noise, and overall design refinement. They also mention multiple powertrain and trim configurations that affect range and performance.

Aerodynamics and noise reduction are key efficiency levers on EVs because wind resistance and cabin noise correlate with energy use and perceived quality. Smoother airflow reduces drag, which helps range, while better sealing and design choices can reduce road noise without adding weight or complexity.

“Single motor rear wheel drive” means the vehicle uses one electric motor to drive the rear wheels only. Compared with dual-motor setups, it can be simpler and sometimes more efficient, but it may offer different traction and acceleration characteristics.

In EVs, battery capacity influences both range and performance potential. A larger battery can store more energy for longer driving, and it may also support higher power output depending on the vehicle’s motor and power electronics.

“0 to 60” is shorthand for how quickly a car accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph. It’s a common performance metric because it roughly reflects launch grip, power delivery, and traction. For EVs, it’s often especially repeatable because torque is available immediately.

Charging from 10% to 80% is a standard way to describe EV fast-charging performance because it avoids the slower charging behavior near very low and very high battery states. Many EVs charge fastest in the mid-range, so this window is more representative of real-world “top-up” charging. The segment uses it to emphasize how quickly the car can add usable energy.

A “350 kilowatt” charger refers to the maximum power output of certain high-speed DC fast chargers. Higher charger power can reduce charging time, but the vehicle’s battery and charging curve still determine the actual time. The segment uses this to estimate how much range can be added in minutes.

Over-the-air (OTA) updates let a car receive software improvements without visiting a dealership. In EVs, OTA can optimize charging behavior, efficiency, and user interface performance after launch. The segment claims the team already improved software efficiency before the car even releases.

Wireless CarPlay is Apple’s feature that lets you connect an iPhone to the car without plugging in a cable, using Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth. The segment contrasts a previous experience (needing a cable) with a revised setup in the newer vehicle. It’s a usability feature that affects day-to-day convenience.

Volvo’s EX-90 is an upcoming all-electric SUV intended to be part of the company’s long-term EV push. The hosts mention it launched with early problems and that Volvo is working to address them, including re-engineering and updates.

A “facelift” is a mid-cycle refresh—typically changes to styling, tech, and sometimes powertrain calibration—done to keep a model competitive without fully redesigning it. The hosts suggest Volvo used repeated facelifts to keep older EV platforms relevant while the market shifted.

The hosts describe a “pullback” in EV demand, meaning consumer interest and/or market momentum slowed compared to earlier expectations. They connect this to Volvo having to adjust timelines and keep updating existing EV models rather than moving forward with a clean break to newer platforms.

“Mid-spec” means a mid-level trim/package—typically not the base model, but not the top-end version either. The hosts use it to estimate pricing for the EX-60, implying that even the mid trim could be expensive once options are added.

The Kia Telluride is referenced as a pricing benchmark for a similarly sized SUV. The hosts compare its typical price range to the expected cost of the Volvo EX-60, arguing the Volvo may feel more expensive than the competition.

Market share is the percentage of total sales in a category that a brand/model captures. The hosts use it to frame how competitive the EV market is and how hard it is for challengers to take share from a leader like the Model Y.

Wheelbase is the distance between a car’s front and rear axles, and it strongly affects interior packaging—especially rear-seat room. The hosts say Mazda extended the CX-5’s wheelbase to make the rear space more usable.

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV known for a more driver-focused feel than many competitors. In this segment, the host contrasts the “old” CX-5’s character and sportiness with a newer version that feels more generic.

“Customer clinics” are structured feedback sessions where automakers gather what customers say they want, then use that input to guide product decisions. The host argues that this process can lead to cars that satisfy checklists but lose the distinctive “surprise and delight” character of earlier models.