Clever for the Sake of Clever
About this episode
The episode features discussions on various automotive topics, including the BMW M5 Touring's performance and practicality, the Hyundai Kona's affordability and utility, and the Mercedes AMG E53 hybrid's luxury features. The hosts share personal anecdotes about their daily lives, gardening, and the challenges of car payments. They also touch on the state of the automotive market, EV trends, and the importance of responsible spending. The episode is filled with humor and camaraderie, making it an engaging listen for automotive enthusiasts.
This week Nicole has been driving the BMW M5 Touring and the Hyundai Kona Limited. Sam drove the Lexus LX700h and 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express Cummins while Robbie drove the Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan.
Sam drove the Lexus to Indiana to check out the new Entegra Coach Embark EREV motorhome. With federal EV incentives done, Ford and GM found a way to keep the party going a while longer while Hyundai has slashed the price of the 2026 Ioniq 5 by an average $9,155. Meanwhile Dodge is apparently cancelling the Banshee 3-motor version of the Charger Daytona and Nissan has put its US built EVs on hold but will instead build a new Xterra in Mississippi in 2028. Rivian is redesigning the interior door latches for the R2. The Verge has a new podcast with the first episode looking at hover boards. The inventor of the hoverboard has a new idea for a 2-wheeled self-balancing car that steals ideas from the GM EN-V concepts.
Sam has interviews with Micah Tindor from Cox Automotive about the KBB Instant Cash Offer program and used car valuations and Josh Sirefman and Carolina Pluszczynski from Michigan Central.
Links
Ford and GM keep EV incentives going
Dodge Cancelling Charger Daytona Banshee
Hyundai cuts Ioniq 5 pricing by more than $9K
Tesla Claims It Doesn't Have To Warn of Defects
Rivian to redesign interior backup door latches
New Nissan Xterra in 2028, EVs delayed
SAE Automotive Engineering Podcast
Telemetry Transportation Daily
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BMW M5
"Well, I'll start with the one I drove the week that we were off. I had the BMW M5 Touring, which is basically like a little BMW wagon."
The BMW M5 Touring is a sporty wagon that combines the practicality of a station wagon with the performance of a sports car. It's designed for those who want a fun driving experience while still having space for passengers and cargo.
The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance wagon variant of the M5, known for its blend of practicality and sports car performance. It features a powerful engine and advanced technology for an engaging driving experience.
plug-in hybrid
"So this is a plug-in hybrid. It has 24 miles of all electric range to it."
A plug-in hybrid is a type of car that can use electricity from a wall outlet to run. It can also use gasoline, giving you the option to drive on electricity for short trips and switch to gas for longer ones.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and can run on both electric power and gasoline. This allows for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional vehicles.
twin turbo V8
"it's powered by a twin turbo V8 with 717 horsepower, 738 pound-feet of torque."
A twin turbo V8 is a powerful engine that has eight cylinders and uses two turbochargers to boost its power. This makes the car faster and helps it use fuel more efficiently.
A twin turbo V8 engine is a type of engine that has eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration and is equipped with two turbochargers. This setup enhances performance by increasing power and efficiency.
GMC Hummer EV
"And it weighs almost as much as a Hummer EV. Yeah, and excuse me, it also costs $122,725."
The Hummer EV is a new electric truck from GMC that is designed for off-road driving and has a lot of power. It's part of the Hummer brand, which is known for big, tough vehicles.
The Hummer EV is an all-electric pickup truck produced by GMC, known for its off-road capabilities and high performance. It features advanced technology and a distinctive design, reviving the Hummer brand as a sustainable option.
MSRP
"Yeah, and excuse me, it also costs $122,725."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests the dealer should sell the car for. It's like a starting point for how much you might pay for a new car.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends retailers sell a vehicle for. It serves as a guideline for pricing but can vary based on dealer markups or discounts.
destination charge
"Do you guys want to take a guess at destination since we're at pricing? 1,300."
Destination charge is the cost to get the car from the factory to the dealership. It's usually added to the price you see when buying a car.
Destination charge refers to the fee that manufacturers charge to transport a vehicle from the factory to the dealership. This fee is typically added to the MSRP and can vary based on the distance and logistics involved in the delivery process.
canyon carving
"So think sporty like I want to go cruising on the highway and have some, when I'm driving around the highway, not so much canyon carving, because it doesn't quite have that kind of handling."
Canyon carving is when you drive on curvy roads, enjoying the way your car handles the turns. It's about having fun with your car's performance on these types of roads.
Canyon carving refers to driving on winding, twisty roads, often in a spirited manner to enjoy the handling and performance of a car. It's a popular term among enthusiasts who enjoy the dynamics of their vehicles in such environments.
Autobahn
"It's for cruising down the Autobahn at 155 miles per hour."
The Autobahn is a type of highway in Germany where there are no speed limits in some areas, allowing cars to go as fast as they can safely. It's well-known for high-speed driving.
The Autobahn is a network of high-speed highways in Germany known for sections that have no speed limits. It's famous for allowing drivers to experience high-speed driving safely.
handling
"It's just the handling front that it's not quite as sharp as you might think and expect from a BMW."
Handling is how a car feels when you turn the steering wheel. If it responds well and feels stable, it has good handling; if it feels wobbly or hard to control, it has poor handling.
Handling refers to how well a vehicle responds to steering inputs and how it behaves during turns and maneuvers. Good handling means the car feels stable and predictable, while poor handling can make it feel loose or unresponsive.
infotainment screen
"It has 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, 14.9 inch infotainment screen. So it has the tech inside."
An infotainment screen is a touchscreen in the car that lets you control things like music, navigation, and phone calls. It's like a mini computer for your car's entertainment and information.
An infotainment screen is a multimedia display in a vehicle that integrates various functions, including navigation, audio, and connectivity features. It allows drivers and passengers to interact with the car's technology easily.
digital instrument cluster
"It has 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, 14.9 inch infotainment screen. So it has the tech inside."
A digital instrument cluster is a screen that shows important information about the car, like speed and fuel level, instead of using traditional round gauges. It can be customized to show different things based on what you want to see.
A digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with a digital display, providing drivers with customizable information and a modern look. It can show various data like speed, fuel level, and navigation directions in a more visually appealing way.
Audi Rs6
"...That's a good RS6. So the Audi RS6."
The Audi RS6 is a fast and powerful car that looks like a station wagon. It can carry a lot of stuff while also being fun to drive quickly.
The Audi RS6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It's popular among enthusiasts for its combination of practicality as a wagon and impressive performance capabilities.
base price
"So the base price is 130,700R6. So you're still in the same zone."
The base price is the initial cost of a car before you add any extra features or options. It's the price you see before taxes and fees.
The base price is the starting price of a vehicle before any additional options, taxes, or fees are added. It serves as a reference point for the cost of the car without any upgrades.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"If you want, the performance looks like a car with a wagon. Does Mercedes still offer an e-Class AMG wagon in the... 53 hybrid wagon?"
six-figure range
"...it is pricey, but if you're in that six-figure range, and you want something that's a performance wagon..."
When someone says 'six-figure range', they mean the price is between $100,000 and $999,999. This usually indicates very expensive cars.
The term 'six-figure range' refers to prices that fall between $100,000 and $999,999. This is often used in the automotive industry to categorize luxury or high-performance vehicles that are significantly more expensive than average cars.
underwater
"if you have a car loan that is that much, you are probably going to be underwater for most of the life of that car loan. For like five minutes off the lot, boom, underwater."
If you're underwater on a car loan, it means you owe more money on the loan than what the car is currently worth. This can make it hard to sell or trade in the car without losing money.
Being underwater on a car loan means that the amount owed on the loan is greater than the current value of the vehicle. This can happen when a car depreciates quickly, leaving the owner owing more than the car is worth.
BMW New Bmws
"...their 20s. And they would have like new Mercedes, new BMWs, but they were living with their mom. And they we..."
Hyundai Kona
"I had the Hyundai Kona limited all-wheel drive, which I'll tell you when you go from the BMW to the Kona, you're like, whoa, like the power difference is so traumatic."
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV that is popular for its good looks and usefulness. It comes with different features and can be bought with all-wheel drive for better handling in various conditions.
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV known for its stylish design and practicality. It offers various trims and options, including all-wheel drive, catering to different customer needs.
all-wheel drive
"I had the Hyundai Kona limited all-wheel drive, which I'll tell you when you go from the BMW to the Kona, you're like, whoa, like the power difference is so traumatic."
All-wheel drive means that power goes to all four wheels of the car, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
horsepower
"...It has a 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo 8-speed auto for 190 horsepower with 195 pounds feet of dark. That is not a spirited drive..."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster and accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, often used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, affecting a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
pounds-feet of torque
"...It has a 1.6 liter four-cylinder turbo 8-speed auto for 190 horsepower with 195 pounds feet of dark. That is not a spirited drive..."
Torque is a measure of how strong an engine is at moving things. More torque means the car can start moving faster and carry heavier loads more easily.
Pounds-feet of torque is a measurement of rotational force, indicating how much twisting power an engine produces. Higher torque values can improve a vehicle's ability to accelerate and tow heavy loads.
sound deadening
"I don't think there's a lot of sound deadening between the cabin and the engine compartment. One of the things that you, when you get a less expensive car, those little bits and pieces that make your interior sound really quiet, that's where they can save a little bit."
Sound deadening is stuff used in cars to make them quieter inside. It helps block out noise from the engine and the road, making your drive more comfortable.
Sound deadening refers to materials used in a vehicle's construction to reduce noise from the engine and outside environment, enhancing the comfort of the cabin. It helps create a quieter ride by absorbing sound and vibrations.
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
"...when we were selling back our Jetta TDI back to Volkswagen..."
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a version of the Jetta that runs on diesel fuel, which can be more efficient than regular gasoline. It has a turbocharged engine that helps it perform well.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a diesel variant of the Jetta, known for its fuel efficiency and performance. TDI stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, which enhances fuel economy and power.
Honda Civic
"Yeah. My 90 Honda Civic, when I bought that, I bought it used. 152 a mont..."
nine speed
"It's got the nine speed."
A nine-speed transmission means the car has nine different gears to choose from. This helps the car go faster and use less fuel.
A nine-speed transmission allows for nine different gear ratios, providing better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and smoother shifting compared to transmissions with fewer gears.
speed shift automatic
"There's speed shift automatic. It's got rear axle steering."
Speed shift automatic means the car can change gears really fast, making it feel sportier and more responsive when you drive. It's often found in cars that are built for performance.
Speed shift automatic refers to a type of automatic transmission that is designed to change gears more quickly than traditional automatic transmissions, often enhancing performance and responsiveness. This technology is commonly used in sports cars and performance vehicles to provide a more engaging driving experience.
rear axle steering
"It's got rear axle steering. So you're, yeah, you're not, you're, you're not just sort of like, oh, it's kind of cool."
Rear axle steering means the back wheels can turn a little bit to help the car turn better, especially in tight spaces. It makes the car easier to handle at low speeds and more stable at high speeds.
Rear axle steering is a technology that allows the rear wheels of a vehicle to turn slightly in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, improving maneuverability, and in the same direction at high speeds, enhancing stability. This feature is often found in performance and luxury vehicles to enhance handling characteristics.
multi-contour seating package
"The multi-contour seating package was $3,000. Wow. Was it worth it?"
This is a special seating option in some cars that allows you to adjust the shape of the seats for better comfort. It can even have massage features!
The multi-contour seating package is an optional feature in some luxury vehicles that provides adjustable seat contours and lumbar support, enhancing comfort for the driver and passengers. It often includes features like massage functions and memory settings.
AMG edition
"But like, you know, the AMG edition one, so it was an edition one. So it had like the orange, like, yeah, and the orange, like seats, the orange, the lettering..."
AMG is a special performance division of Mercedes-Benz that makes faster and sportier versions of their cars. An AMG edition usually has better engines and unique designs.
The AMG edition refers to a high-performance variant of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, developed by AMG, the brand's performance division. These editions typically include enhanced engine performance, sportier styling, and upgraded features compared to standard models.
hyper screen
"...Well, yeah, the hyper screen, but it's more the software."
The hyper screen is a big, curved screen in some Mercedes cars that shows information and controls for things like music and navigation all in one place. It looks really cool and is easy to use.
The hyper screen is a large, curved display that spans the entire dashboard of certain Mercedes-Benz models, integrating multiple screens into one seamless interface. It provides a visually striking and user-friendly way to access the vehicle's infotainment features.
EV mode
"That's interesting is that you're driving in EV mode. You can feel there's like a little, like almost they sit it up so it feels like there's a notch as you're using the accelerator."
EV mode means the car is running on electricity only, not using any gasoline. It's designed to save fuel and reduce pollution.
EV mode refers to the electric vehicle mode in hybrid or electric cars where the vehicle operates solely on electric power, minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. This mode is typically activated under certain conditions to enhance efficiency.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
"And he has a bunch of vehicles. And he just got a Santa Cruz. So I was like, you're rid of my cars and Turo, h..."
Toyota Land
"...ertrail, which is, you know, a lot of fans of the Toyota Land Cruiser were not thrilled when Toyota introduced ..."
Toyota Tundra
"...t they've been offering this hybrid system in the Tundra, Sequoia, this thing, the Tacoma."
Land Rover Defender
"... mild hybrid. The 90, it gets 19 combined for the defender. Yeah."
Chevrolet Express
"...eration of Ram's heavy duty pickup. And the Black Express is a new trim for Model Year 2026. This is Midnig..."
Mazda Miata
"...h, exactly. Or I could have parked my car, put my Miata in the back. So, this one, you know, with the Cum..."
Nissan Leaf
"...of choices now. You know, don't forget the Nissan Leaf. Should be arriving in dealers any day now starti..."
Dodge Charger
"...f 2022, Tim Kineskis took the wraps off the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT concept. So this was the original con..."
Tesla Model X
"... car accident, like what the heck? When I got the Model X for the review, they accidentally gave me a pre-p..."
Ford Expedition
"...clearly at that moment, you know? I was in a Ford Expedition. I was in a review car,"
Nissan Xtera
"One last one. The Nissan Xtera. Apparently, it's coming back."
Nissan Rogue
"...lly looks like they told ChatGPT to take a Nissan Rogue and make it off-road-y. So I don't think this is ..."
Nissan Maxima
"...build a couple of new EVs, including a new Nissan Maxima. That and an Infinity EV have apparently been"
Nissan Pathfinder
"... liked that the Xtera took up the mantle that the Pathfinder has sort of like lost. Mm-hmm."
Jeep Wranglers
"... in 2000 or 2015. You know, you've got, you know, Wranglers and Broncos and four runners, and even the Nissan..."
Ford Broncos
"...15. You know, you've got, you know, Wranglers and Broncos and four runners, and even the Nissan Passport,"
Honda Passport
"...and Broncos and four runners, and even the Nissan Passport, or Honda Passport, you know,"
Ford F150
"As a reality for any dealer is, each dealer has a really a niche of what they sell. Certain dealers are phenomenal at selling F-150, certain dealer are phenomenal at selling kias. And we don't expect the dealer to always be able to take the vehicle into inventory profitably."
Ford Got Ford
"Since 1913, Brian. And we've got Ford with a couple of its really forward-facing busine..."
Fords Model
"They don't get you. I get Ford's Model E team is based in Notaly and Integrated Systems. Like they, they watch everyone else move up and they're like, yeah, I showed a week through a couple of hundred bucks on there and move it up."
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