Cheaper Cybertruck, Lexus TX Review, Japanese Micro Cars for America
About this episode
The hosts dive into the evolving landscape of automotive engines, lamenting the shift from smooth V6s and V8s to smaller turbocharged fours that sacrifice driving ease for efficiency. They discuss the Chevrolet Traverse's new turbo engine and the Lexus TX's similar powertrain, noting mixed feelings about power delivery and fuel economy. The conversation also touches on the sensory experience of driving, emphasizing the importance of engine and exhaust sound. Additionally, they cover Tesla's introduction of a cheaper Cybertruck variant, exploring its trade-offs and potential market impact.
Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show talking about the changing character of car engines, and how small turbocharged examples lack the character—especially exhaust note—of older, larger engines.
Tom shares news regarding deep price cuts on the Tesla Cybertruck. Per Elon Musk, the new, cheaper Tesla pickup may not be available long, so interested shoppers may want to act quickly. Brendan and Tom discuss what the price adjustment might mean for the resale value of existing examples of the controversially designed pickup truck.
Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 3-row Lexus TX luxury crossover. Listen in for his take.
In the second segment Brendan and Tom welcome Zack Pradel of Shooting Cars to the show. Zack is just back from Japan where he drove a number of the country’s “kei” micro cars. As it has been suggested that kei cars could be the answer to rising new-car sticker prices in the U.S., Zack’s take on these tiny vehicles is especially interesting.
In the last segment Zack joins Brendan for this weeks quiz. The show warps up with a quick look at the current Polestar lineup.
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Catalytic Converter
"I just wrote a piece called What is a Catalytic Converter? Just in case you're wondering what your neighbors just had stolen from their vehicle."
A catalytic converter is a part in your car that cleans the bad gases from the exhaust so they don't pollute the air as much.
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful pollutants by converting them into less harmful gases before they leave the tailpipe.
Chevrolet Traverse
"I just got into the Chevrolet Traverse, which was redesigned last year, and one of the interesting things I've heard from people..."
The Chevrolet Traverse is a big SUV that got a new look and new features last year. It's good for families and has lots of space inside.
The Chevrolet Traverse is a mid-size SUV that was redesigned for the 2023 model year. It features updated styling, technology, and safety features compared to previous versions.
Ford Mustang
"...nk you, California. So basically, except for the Mustang and a few other vehicles, you really don't get a..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that looks sporty and is fun to drive. People like it because it has been around a long time and is easy to recognize.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its sporty design and performance since its introduction in the 1960s. It remains a popular choice for enthusiasts and is often discussed for its cultural impact and various model evolutions.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... evening. And one of the cars that came in, a C2 Corvette, had to be a 427. I didn't hear it come in, but ..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish car made in America. The C2 version is special because it has a big engine that makes it go really fast.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a legendary American sports car, with the C2 generation (1963-1967) being especially prized for its performance and styling. The 427 engine variant is notable for its power and is a favorite among collectors.
Formula E
"And I feel like if I ever went to a Formula E race where it was just silent, it would, I don't know what that would be."
Formula E is a type of car race where the cars run on electricity, so they don't make loud engine noises like regular race cars.
Formula E is a class of motorsport that uses only electric-powered cars, known for being much quieter than traditional internal combustion engine racing series.
electric cars
"I've never watched a Formula E race, but for people who don't know, those are electric cars. Right."
Electric cars run on batteries and motors instead of gas engines. They are quieter and don't produce exhaust smoke.
Electric cars are vehicles powered entirely by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than internal combustion engines using gasoline or diesel.
horsepower
"just something with like a very high horsepower, loud exhaust vehicle."
Horsepower is a way to measure how strong a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or pull heavier loads.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine or motor, reflecting how much work it can do over time.
Ford Ranger
"...rd with a five-speed manual before that. I had a Ranger with a five-speed that was totally useless and sn..."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that is easy to drive and useful for carrying things. Some older versions with manual gears can be hard to use.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck known for its practicality and maneuverability. Older models with manual transmissions can sometimes be challenging to drive, but the Ranger remains popular for light-duty work and daily use.
rust
"even if it had 50,000 miles, probably had so much rust in it that, you know, you just, it was, it was basically gone."
Rust happens when water and air make metal parts on a car start to break down and get flaky. It can make the car weak and look bad, especially if the car is old.
Rust is the corrosion of metal parts on a car, usually caused by exposure to moisture and salt. It can severely damage the structural integrity and appearance of a vehicle, especially older cars.
all wheel drive
"Yeah, pissing people off, but there's a new base all wheel drive, dual motor for 59,990."
All wheel drive means the car sends power to all four wheels, helping it grip the road better when it's slippery or rough.
All wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously to improve traction and handling, especially in poor road conditions.
dual motor
"Yeah, pissing people off, but there's a new base all wheel drive, dual motor for 59,990."
Dual motor means the car has two electric motors, one for the front wheels and one for the back wheels, which helps it go faster and handle better.
Dual motor refers to an electric vehicle setup where two electric motors are used, typically one on each axle, providing all wheel drive capability and improved performance.
towing capacity
"You lose the air suspension, the ventilated seats, the leather, some towing capacity."
Towing capacity means how much weight a car can pull behind it, like a trailer or a boat.
Towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow behind it, important for hauling trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
ventilated seats
"You lose the air suspension, the ventilated seats, the leather, some towing capacity."
Ventilated seats have tiny fans that blow air through the seat to keep you cool when it's hot outside.
Ventilated seats have built-in fans that circulate air through the seat cushions to keep occupants cool and comfortable, especially in hot weather.
air suspension
"You lose the air suspension, the ventilated seats, the leather, some towing capacity."
Air suspension means the car uses air-filled bags instead of regular springs to make the ride smoother and let you raise or lower the car.
Air suspension is a type of vehicle suspension that uses air springs instead of traditional coil springs, allowing for adjustable ride height and improved ride comfort.
Tesla Cybertruck
"So the thing about the Cybertruck is everyone loves to hate the way it looks. And I'm sure I don't disagree."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new kind of electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It can go fast and carry heavy stuff, and many people find it fun to drive.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its distinctive angular design and stainless steel exoskeleton. It offers impressive performance and utility features, making it a unique entrant in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla Model S
"And this is coming from somebody who owned a Model S Plaid and a Cybertruck and said they'd rather drive the Cybertruck."
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a very fast electric car that looks like a regular sedan but can go really fast and has lots of cool features.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a high-performance version of Tesla's flagship luxury electric sedan, featuring extremely fast acceleration and advanced technology. It is one of the quickest production cars available.
Ford Maverick
"...s. You know what they really need is they need a Maverick size truck and it doesn't need to look like it c..."
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that's cheaper and easier to park than big trucks. It's good for people who want a truck but don't need a huge one.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck reintroduced recently, designed to offer a smaller, more affordable alternative to traditional trucks. Its size and efficiency make it appealing for urban and light-duty use.
Chevrolet Volt
"...the fly, too. If you remember when the Chevrolet Volt came out in 2000, I think they had it at the 201..."
The Chevrolet Volt is a car that can run on electricity but also has a gas engine for longer trips. It helped people get used to electric cars.
The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that was one of the first to combine electric driving with a gasoline engine for extended range. It played a key role in popularizing electrified vehicles.
electric vehicle
"Because Letterman was just ripping on it like it's an electric vehicle that goes 40 miles. What's the point?"
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. It uses batteries to power the motor, so it doesn't need fuel like regular cars.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries, rather than by a traditional internal combustion engine using gasoline or diesel.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"OK. What is it? Have you driven the Grand Highlander? No, actually, I have not."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a big SUV that can fit more people and stuff inside. It's good for families who need extra space.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger, three-row SUV variant of the popular Highlander, offering more space and comfort for families. It's designed to compete in the growing market for bigger SUVs.
Toyota Highlander
"But the funny thing here is the Highlander is going away. The Toyota Highlander and that's becoming electric only."
The Toyota Highlander is a popular family SUV that will soon be available only as an electric vehicle, meaning it will run entirely on battery power.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV known for its reliability and family-friendly features. It is transitioning to an electric-only version in the near future.
Lexus RX
"The RX very much like the Highlander mechanically and dimensionally."
The Lexus RX is a fancy SUV that shares many parts and size with the Toyota Highlander but has more luxury features.
The Lexus RX is a luxury midsize SUV mechanically and dimensionally similar to the Toyota Highlander but positioned as a more premium offering.
Genesis
"And Genesis owns the interior, right?"
Genesis is a fancy car brand from Korea that makes cars with nice interiors and lots of features.
Genesis is the luxury vehicle division of the South Korean automaker Hyundai, known for producing premium cars with high-end features and refined interiors.
Lexus
"Yes. The Lexus interior is arguably made me more refined and a little bit more restrained."
Lexus is a luxury car brand from Toyota that makes comfortable and reliable cars.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, known for its refined interiors, reliability, and smooth ride quality.
2.4 turbo
"That's a 2.4 turbo."
A 2.4 turbo means the car has an engine that is 2.4 liters big and uses a turbocharger to make the car go faster.
A 2.4 turbo refers to a 2.4-liter engine equipped with a turbocharger, which increases engine power and efficiency by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...f I take it in and I get a loan or they give me a grand Cherokee that has one level, which is the surface of the ..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a big car that can drive on rough roads and is also comfortable inside. Many people like it because it can do many things.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV known for its off-road capability combined with luxury features. It's often discussed for its versatility and range of trims catering to different needs.
supercar
"But that's going to be even more expensive. So this that's sort of near super car price, but not quite, you know,"
A supercar is a very fast and fancy car that is better than most regular cars. It is usually expensive and looks cool.
A supercar is a high-performance sports car that offers exceptional speed, handling, and design, often costing significantly more than regular sports cars.
Porsche 911
"So this that's sort of near super car price, but not quite, you know, it was sort of an affordable 9-11 convertible competitor. I mean, compared to that car, it was it was a bargain."
The Porsche 911 is a very fast and sporty car that many people dream of owning. It looks special and is fun to drive.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car renowned for its distinctive design and driving dynamics. It is often seen as a benchmark for affordable supercars and has a rich motorsport history.
Toyota Crown
"... 500 bucks a year where normal cars like a Toyota Crown in Japan would be like $3,000 a year to register..."
The Toyota Crown is a fancy car mostly sold in Japan. It costs more money every year to keep it because of special rules there.
The Toyota Crown is a luxury sedan primarily sold in Japan, known for its high level of comfort and advanced features. It is often more expensive to own due to higher registration and tax costs in Japan.
Mercedes-Benz
"brand new car. Well, now Smart tried this through Mercedes-Benz many years ago."
Mercedes-Benz is a famous car company from Germany that makes luxury cars. They worked with Smart to make small cars for cities, but those cars didn't sell very well everywhere.
Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive brand known for premium vehicles and engineering. They partnered with Smart to produce small city cars, but the Smart brand had limited success in some markets.
Chevrolet Spark
"...y these things. Also Chevy had the the Sonic and Spark. Yeah. The spark was so tiny."
The Chevrolet Spark is a tiny car that's easy to park and uses little gas. It's good for driving around the city but doesn't have much room inside.
The Chevrolet Spark is a very small city car designed for easy parking and fuel efficiency. Its compact size makes it ideal for urban environments but limits passenger and cargo space.
Chevrolet Sonic
"... didn't buy these things. Also Chevy had the the Sonic and Spark. Yeah. The spark was so tiny."
The Chevrolet Sonic is a small car that is a bit bigger than the Spark. It's good for people who want a small car but with more room inside.
The Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car designed to offer practicality and efficiency in a small package. It is slightly larger than the Spark and provides more interior space.
CVT
""It was a six hundred, six hundred and sixty CC turbo, three cylinder CVT.""
A CVT is a special kind of transmission that helps the car speed up smoothly without feeling like it changes gears.
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios, providing smooth acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.
airbags
""But it had four airbags. It had traction control.""
Airbags are cushions inside the car that pop out quickly if there's a crash to keep you safe.
Airbags are safety devices in cars that inflate rapidly during a collision to protect occupants from injury.
traction control
""But it had four airbags. It had traction control.""
Traction control helps stop your car's wheels from slipping when you press the gas, so you stay in control.
Traction control is a system that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels, improving vehicle stability.
Chevrolet Trax
"... now, if you can find one, is a base level Chevy Trax with no options. And I think you're twenty four."
The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV that's good for driving in the city. The cheapest versions don't have many extra things inside.
The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover SUV designed for urban use, offering higher seating position and versatility in a small package. Base models are affordable but may lack many features.
Toyota Corolla
"So I rented my entire trip. I had a Toyota Corolla Touring, which is the wagon version of the Coroll..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it doesn't break down often and uses little gas. The Touring is a version with more room for stuff.
The Toyota Corolla is one of the best-selling compact cars worldwide, known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. The Touring version is a wagon variant offering extra cargo space.
Honda S660
"...mfortable? Every single one except for the Honda S660. I adore the Honda S660 tremendously."
The Honda S660 is a very small and light sports car made mostly for Japan. It's fun to drive even though it's tiny.
The Honda S660 is a tiny two-seat sports car sold mainly in Japan, known for its lightweight design and fun driving experience. It is a modern take on the kei car sports coupe.
Acura NSX
"...t's basically I said in my video, it's a shrunken NSX, right? It's a rear mid-engine three cylinder tu..."
The Acura NSX is a fast car with its engine in the middle, making it very balanced. It can be used every day but also goes really fast.
The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car that combines exotic performance with everyday usability. The newer models feature advanced hybrid technology, while earlier versions are celebrated for their engineering.
Honda NSX
"It's basically I said in my video, it's a shrunken NSX, right? It's a rear mid-engine three cylinder turbo, but it's really cool."
The Honda NSX is a fast sports car with the engine placed behind the seats, making it very sporty and fun to drive. It is one of Honda's most famous cars.
The Honda NSX is a mid-engine sports car known for its advanced technology and performance. It has been a flagship model for Honda, combining high performance with everyday usability.
three cylinder turbo
"It's a rear mid-engine three cylinder turbo, but it's really cool."
This means the car's engine has three small cylinders and a turbocharger, which helps the engine make more power by pushing extra air in.
A three cylinder turbo refers to an engine with three cylinders that uses a turbocharger to increase power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
Suzuki Cappuccino
"... it. Every other K car that I've driven with the Suzuki Cappuccino is in the same ballpark as that in the old AutoZ..."
The Suzuki Cappuccino is a tiny sports car from Japan that is light and fun to drive. It's similar to other small sporty cars made in Japan.
The Suzuki Cappuccino is a small kei sports car from Japan, known for its lightweight and fun driving dynamics. It is comparable to other small Japanese sports cars in its class.
Mazda 3
"...back seat of that car way better than I do my own Mazda 3 here in the states. So one of the things I'm hea..."
The Mazda RX-3 is an old sporty car with a special engine that is different from most cars. People who like unique cars really like it.
The Mazda RX-3 is a classic rotary-engine sports car from the 1970s, known for its unique engine and sporty handling. It remains a cult favorite among enthusiasts of rotary-powered vehicles.
Suzuki Jimny
""The S660 was really quick. The Jimny was decent enough.""
The Suzuki Jimny is a small SUV that can drive off-road and is tough even though it’s not very big.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact off-road SUV known for its ruggedness and capability despite its small size, making it popular for both city and light off-road use.
Ford Granada
"...that car and called other things. Yeah, like the Granada. Was that ever on the Fox platform?"
The Ford Granada is an older car that was made to be comfortable and nice inside. It was not built on the same parts as some other Ford cars.
The Ford Granada was a mid-size car sold in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its comfort and luxury features. It was built on different platforms over its lifespan but was not related to the Fox platform.
Ford Thunderbird
"The Marquis was Fox body. Yeah, and the awful Thunderbird. All right, you both have a point."
The Ford Thunderbird is a fancy car made for comfortable driving. Some versions were not liked as much because of how they looked or worked.
The Ford Thunderbird is a classic American personal luxury car that has gone through various design phases. Some later models, especially in the Fox body era, received mixed reviews for styling and performance.
Chevrolet Malibu
"Number two, this goes to you, Brendan. The Malibu. Was there a Chevrolet Malibu in the 90s?"
The Chevrolet Malibu is a medium-sized car that many people used to drive in the 1990s. It was known for being comfortable and not too expensive.
The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan that has been a staple in Chevrolet's lineup since the 1960s, with various redesigns over the decades. The 1990s models are often remembered for their balance of comfort and affordability.
Chevrolet Chevelle
"...icked up again. Yeah, it was a trim level on the Chevelle for a while. And was it on the Chevy 22?"
The Chevrolet Chevelle is an old car from the 60s and 70s that was popular for being fast and cool. Some versions had special names to show they were better.
The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-size car produced in the 1960s and 1970s, known for its muscle car variants and trim levels. It remains a classic collector's car with a strong enthusiast following.
three liter V six
"a Chrysler TC by Maserati with a Mitsubishi engine. The three liter V six was in there. So that was really international."
A three liter V6 engine is a type of car engine with six cylinders shaped like a V. It helps the car have good power and run smoothly.
A three liter V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V shape with a total displacement of three liters. This configuration balances power and smoothness and is commonly used in many cars.
Toyota RAV4
"...Overlooked by Americans. All right, Brendan, the RAV4. Was there a RAV4 in the 90s?"
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that can carry people and stuff easily. It has been around since the 1990s and is very reliable.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV introduced in the mid-1990s, known for its versatility and reliability. It has become one of the most popular SUVs worldwide.
Nissan Altima
""Then finally, this one goes back to you, Zach. The Nissan Altima. Was there a Nissan Altima in the 90s?""
The Nissan Altima is a type of car that many people drive. It is a mid-sized car that is comfortable and not too expensive.
The Nissan Altima is a mid-size sedan first introduced in 1992 and has been a popular model for Nissan, known for its balance of comfort, performance, and affordability.
Nissan Maxima
""Oh, gosh. The Maxima was like the 90s Nissan. Yeah. And a half.""
The Nissan Maxima is a bigger and more powerful car than some others. It was popular in the 1990s and had features that made it feel a bit fancier.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan that was especially popular in the 1990s, known for its sporty performance and luxury features compared to other sedans of its time.
red herring
""I think that's a red herring. Turns out that the Wild Alaska Salmon Red Herring, thank you.""
A 'red herring' is like a trick or distraction that makes you look the wrong way. It's something that seems important but actually isn't.
A 'red herring' is a misleading clue or distraction meant to divert attention from the real issue or truth. In conversations, it refers to something that seems important but is actually irrelevant.
cash rebates
"They were actually doing those discounts off the purchase price. So the cash rebates, but I don't know what's going on there."
Cash rebates mean the car company gives you money back when you buy a car, making it cheaper.
Cash rebates are discounts offered by manufacturers or dealers that reduce the purchase price of a vehicle, often used as incentives to boost sales.
Volvo EX90
"We love that thing because, you know, what it was, it was it was a Volvo X in EX 90, right? Shrunk down to a more manageable size for those who don't need all that room."
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric car that is safe and not too big. It's good for people who want an electric car that's easy to drive and park.
The Volvo EX90 is a modern electric SUV that emphasizes safety, technology, and a more manageable size compared to larger Volvo models. It's designed for buyers who want an electric vehicle without excessive size.
Dodge Avenger
"... shopping mall, by the way. They also had a Jeep Avenger there. Oh, that's a weird car."
The Dodge Avenger is a medium-sized car that was made to be cheap and simple. Some people think it looks a bit unusual.
The Dodge Avenger is a mid-size sedan that was produced in various forms from the late 1990s through the 2010s. It is known for its affordable price and straightforward design.
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