{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Driving Coolest Car You’ve Never Heard Of: 2026 Lexus LC 500 Convertible","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/driving-coolest-car-you-ve-never-heard-of-2026-lexus-lc-500-convertible","audioUrl":"https://media.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/content.blubrry.com/america_on_the_road/AOTR_Episode_298_airs_12-20-2025.mp3","description":"This week on America on the Road, Jack Nerad and co-host Chris Teague test two cars that are about as different as two cars can be — the 2026 Lexus LC 500 and the 2026 Toyota Prius. In the news and comment section, Jack and Chris break down major shifts in the global auto industry as electric vehicle sales slow and automakers adjust their plans. The show also features a deep dive into new pickup and EV technology, and an in-depth interview with Mazda launch strategy expert Jon Leverett.\n🚗 Jack Nerad Test-Drives the 2026 Lexus LC 500 Convertible\nJack reviews the 2026 Lexus LC 500 Convertible, a rarer-than-diamond grand tourer powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8. Finished in gold and riding on forged 21-inch wheels, the LC blends dramatic styling with refined ride quality, a richly detailed interior, and an unmistakable engine note. Jack covers pricing, driving dynamics, convertible top operation, interior technology, and why this Lexus stands out in a way that a Ferrari or Porsche never will.\n🚙 Chris Teague Test-Drives the 2026 Toyota Prius\nChris drives the redesigned 2026 Toyota Prius, now offered in LE, XLE, Nightshade, and Limited grades. With the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System, the Prius delivers up to 57 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form and offers available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. Chris discusses performance, efficiency, standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, updated infotainment with available 12.3-inch touchscreen, and how the latest Prius balances practicality with sharper styling.\n🎙️ Special Guest Interview\nJack sits down with Jon Leverett, Launch Strategy expert with Mazda North American Operations. Leverett shares insight into Mazda’s recent vehicle launches, how the brand differentiates itself in a crowded market, and the thinking behind Mazda’s product planning and execution.\n📰 This Week’s Headlines\n• Global EV Sales Cool Off\nElectric vehicle sales continue to grow worldwide, but at a slower pace. China’s growth has leveled off, North America has seen a sharp decline following the expiration of U.S. tax credits, and Europe remains the strongest EV market thanks to continued incentives.\n• Ford and Volkswagen Make Course Corrections\nFord and Volkswagen are adjusting their EV strategies to better match customer demand. VW is exploring range-extender EVs for Western markets, while Ford is shifting focus toward hybrids, trucks, and more affordable electric vehicles under its updated Ford+ strategy.\n• Ford Reveals Next-Generation F-150 Lightning Concept\nFord previews a next-generation F-150 Lightning that will use extended-range EV technology. The electric truck pairs battery propulsion with a gasoline-fueled onboard generator, targeting a driving range of more than 700 miles while maintaining massive towing capability and delivering exportable power.\n• Rivian Expands Self-Driving Capabilities\nRivian introduces its in-house Autonomy Processor and a new Autonomy+ driver-assistance package. The system enables hands-free driving on millions of miles of roads, with expanded capabilities and future Level 4 autonomy planned.\n📩 Listener Question of the Week\nRobert from Waxahachie, Texas, asks: “Are new turbo four-cylinders actually better than older V6 engines?” Jack and Chris discuss performance, efficiency, durability, and real-world driving differences.\n📚 Books\nJack’s crime novel Only One Thing Stays the Same is out now in ebook and paperback. It’s an easy holiday gift at an easy price.\nMatt’s newest book, Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance, is now available at Amazon.\n🎧 Where to Listen\nCatch America on the Road on this station every week, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble. You’ll also find road test videos, interviews, and shorts on our YouTube channel.\nSpecial thanks to Mercury Insurance for sponsoring the show and to our Sports Byline Network affiliates nationwide.\n🎙️ Hosts\nJack Nerad — Award-winning auto journalist and author of Only One Thing Stays the Same\nChris Teague — Longtime auto critic and journalist\nMatt DeLorenzo — Author and frequent guest host\n📢 Presented by\n• DrivingToday.com\n• EMLandsea.com\n• Mercury Insurance – Switch today and save. Californians save an average of $670.\n📺 Watch & Subscribe\nFind America on the Road on YouTube and Rumble. Subscribe for road test videos, shorts, and extended reviews.\n📨 Email: editor@drivingtoday.com\nCheck Out Matt DeLorenzo’s Book:\nPick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book Mercedes-AMG: Race-Bred Performance\nSpecial Price for Jack’s Newest Crime Novel:\nJack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a 67%-off price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.\n"},"annotations":[{"startTime":30.0,"endTime":35.0,"type":"term","title":"EV makers","url":"/glossary/ev-makers","quote":"Electric vehicle sales have cooled off globally as we come to the end of the year, but there's a bright spot for EV makers.","canonicalId":"term:ev-makers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"EV makers are automotive manufacturers that produce electric vehicles, such as Tesla, Rivian, and traditional automakers expanding into EVs.","simplifiedExplanation":"EV makers are companies that build cars powered by electricity instead of gasoline."}},{"startTime":60.0,"endTime":65.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford F-150 pickup","url":"/cars/ford/f-150","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"We also have some details on the new developments of the Ford F-150 pickup and Rivians pickup and SUV lineup.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F‑150 is a full‑size pickup truck produced by the American automaker Ford. It has been one of the best‑selling vehicles in the United States for decades and is known for its durability, towing capacity, and variety of powertrain options.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Ford F‑150 is a big truck that many people use for work or recreation. It can haul heavy loads and has different engine choices to fit your needs.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":60.0,"endTime":65.0,"type":"term","title":"self-driving features","url":"/glossary/self-driving-features","quote":"Rivian is adding some self-driving features to its electric vehicle, so that's a new wrinkle.","canonicalId":"term:self-driving-features","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Self‑driving features refer to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that can perform tasks such as lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automated parking. In electric vehicles, these systems are often integrated with the vehicle’s battery management and powertrain control.","simplifiedExplanation":"Self‑driving features are the parts of a car that help it drive itself a little bit, like staying in its lane or keeping a safe distance from the car ahead."}},{"startTime":142.0,"endTime":148.0,"type":"car","title":"2026 Toyota Prius","url":"/cars/toyota/prius","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/2014-2021_Toyota_Prius_%CE%B1_Touring_Selection.jpg","quote":"I spent the week driving the 2026 Toyota Prius, the regular hybrid version, and I can't wait to tell you all about it.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:prius","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Prius is a long‑standing hybrid vehicle that uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to achieve high fuel efficiency. The 2026 model continues this legacy with updated technology and a refreshed design.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Prius is a car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, making it very good at saving gas. The 2026 version has new features and a newer look.","imageAttribution":"TTTNIS (CC0)"}},{"startTime":148.0,"endTime":157.0,"type":"car","title":"2026 Lexus LC500","url":"/cars/lexus/lc","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/2017_Lexus_LC_500_in_Radiant_Red_Contrast_Layering%2C_front_right.jpg","quote":"My test vehicle this week is the 2026 Lexus LC500.","canonicalId":"car:lexus:lc","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Lexus LC500 is a luxury grand‑tourer that combines striking design with powerful performance, featuring a 5.0L V8 engine and advanced hybrid technology in some variants.","simplifiedExplanation":"The LC500 is a fancy, high‑performance car from Lexus that looks very sporty and has a strong engine. The 2026 model is the newest version.","imageAttribution":"Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":201.0,"endTime":284.0,"type":"term","title":"electric vehicle","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"I think new data shows that global EV registrations rose just 6% in November. That's the slowest growth rate since early in 2024.","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that uses one or more electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries instead of a conventional internal combustion engine.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity stored in batteries, so it doesn’t need gasoline or diesel to move."}},{"startTime":294.0,"endTime":296.0,"type":"term","title":"EVs","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"Because of that, we've seen a slowdown. I think to your point, EVs are political in Europe...","canonicalId":"term:ev","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"EVs stands for electric vehicles, cars powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of gasoline.","simplifiedExplanation":"EVs are cars that run on electric batteries. They don’t use gasoline and produce no tailpipe emissions."}},{"startTime":333.0,"endTime":335.0,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model 3","url":"/cars/tesla/model-3","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/97/Tesla_Model_3%2C_EMS_2024%2C_Essen_%28P1032260%29.jpg","quote":"I mean, that's a huge shortfall and they have introduced some lower priced vehicles that are so-called standard editions of the Model 3 and Model Y.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-3","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model 3 is a compact all-electric sedan that has become one of the best-selling electric cars worldwide.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Model 3 is a small, all-electric car made by Tesla. It’s popular because it’s cheaper than many other electric cars and has good range.","imageAttribution":"Matti Blume (CC BY-SA)"}},{"startTime":333.0,"endTime":335.0,"type":"car","title":"Tesla Model Y","url":"/cars/tesla/model-y","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/Tesla_Model_Y_%282025%29_MYLE_Festival_2025_DSC_9565.jpg","quote":"I mean, that's a huge shortfall and they have introduced some lower priced vehicles that are so-called standard editions of the Model 3 and Model Y.","canonicalId":"car:tesla:model-y","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Tesla Model Y is a compact all-electric SUV based on the same platform as the Model 3, offering more space and versatility.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Model Y is a small electric SUV from Tesla. It’s like a bigger version of the Model 3, with more room for passengers and cargo.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":346.0,"endTime":348.0,"type":"brand","title":"Hyundai","url":"/glossary/hyundai","quote":"...even Hyundai, Kia, Ford, all the rest of them have been trying to discount EVs...","canonicalId":"brand:hyundai","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean automaker known for producing reliable, affordable vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hyundai is a car company from South Korea that makes many popular cars, including electric models."}},{"startTime":346.0,"endTime":348.0,"type":"brand","title":"Kia","url":"/glossary/kia","quote":"...even Hyundai, Kia, Ford, all the rest of them have been trying to discount EVs...","canonicalId":"brand:kia","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Kia Motors is a South Korean automaker that offers a range of vehicles, including electric models.","simplifiedExplanation":"Kia is another South Korean car brand that sells cars and electric vehicles."}},{"startTime":366.0,"endTime":368.0,"type":"concept","title":"long in the tooth","url":"/glossary/long-in-the-tooth","quote":"I mean, they haven't had a new product since Cybertruck and their mainstream products are really long in the tooth.","canonicalId":"concept:long-in-the-tooth","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The phrase \"long in the tooth\" means something is old or outdated.","simplifiedExplanation":"When people say a car is \"long in the tooth,\" they mean it’s very old and may need updates or repairs."}},{"startTime":375.0,"endTime":376.5,"type":"brand","title":"Volkswagen","url":"/glossary/volkswagen","quote":"So I think that's as much a problem as anything else. Ford and Volkswagen are making very big course corrections here based on what's going on largely in terms of regulations, I would say.","canonicalId":"brand:volkswagen","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Volkswagen AG is a German automaker known for models like the Golf, Passat, and ID series electric vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"Volkswagen is a big car company from Germany that makes many cars, including electric ones."}},{"startTime":398.0,"endTime":400.5,"type":"term","title":"combustion engines","url":"/glossary/combustion-engines","quote":"And now they're switching off that a little bit, I think, seeing the handwriting on the wall that they're going to need combustion engines to compete in the North American market among other places, probably in China too.","canonicalId":"term:combustion-engines","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Combustion engines burn fuel (gasoline or diesel) to produce mechanical power, the traditional power source for most cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"Combustion engines are the old‑style car engines that burn gasoline or diesel to make the car move."}},{"startTime":448.0,"endTime":450.5,"type":"term","title":"hybrids","url":"/glossary/hybrid","quote":"They have an updated Ford Plus strategies, what they're calling it, that doubles down on trucks, hybrids, and affordable electric vehicles was kind of surprised me...","canonicalId":"term:hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Hybrids use both an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency.","simplifiedExplanation":"Hybrid cars have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, so they can use either or both to move."}},{"startTime":478.0,"endTime":487.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford F-150 Lightning","url":"/cars/ford/f-150-lightning","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/2022_Ford_F-150_Lightning_Rear.jpg","quote":"I am surprised, but not surprised. I'm surprised because of the amount of fanfare the Ford gave to the F-150 Lightning when it came out as an electric vehicle.","canonicalId":"car:ford:f-150-lightning","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Ford F-150 Lightning is a fully electric version of Ford’s best-selling pickup truck, featuring a large battery pack and dual-motor all-wheel drive.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a truck that runs only on electricity instead of gasoline, so it doesn’t need gas stations.","imageAttribution":"UltraTech66 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":492.0,"endTime":500.0,"type":"car","title":"Ford Maverick","url":"/cars/ford/maverick","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/1972_Ford_Maverick_Sprint_%28616806978%29.jpg","quote":"Ford built the Ford Maverick. It's a small pickup truck. It's used to be very affordable. It's a hybrid.","canonicalId":"car:ford:maverick","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Ford Maverick is a compact, affordable pickup truck that was offered as a hybrid powertrain.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a small truck that can run on both gasoline and electric power to save fuel.","imageAttribution":"dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada (CC BY-SA 2.0)"}},{"startTime":693.0,"endTime":705.0,"type":"term","title":"autonomy plus","url":"/glossary/autonomy-plus","quote":"Now they want to introduce some self-driving stuff in something they call autonomy plus, I think largely to be more competitive with Tesla.","canonicalId":"term:autonomy-plus","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Autonomy Plus is Rivian’s name for its advanced driver assistance system, aiming to provide semi-autonomous driving features.","simplifiedExplanation":"Autonomy Plus is a system that helps the car drive itself in certain situations, like highway cruising."}},{"startTime":718.0,"endTime":728.0,"type":"term","title":"LiDAR","url":"/glossary/lidar","quote":"I'm kind of on the fence about how I feel about these systems and vehicles, but I will say that Rivian is going to lean into LiDAR in the future, which Tesla phased out in favor of cameras only.","canonicalId":"term:lidar","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a sensor technology that uses laser pulses to create precise 3D maps of the vehicle’s surroundings for autonomous driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"LiDAR is a laser-based sensor that helps cars see around them, like a 3D camera."}},{"startTime":838.0,"endTime":849.0,"type":"concept","title":"plug-in hybrid","url":"/glossary/plug-in-hybrid","quote":"This is not the plug‑in hybrid version that used to be called the Prius Prime...","canonicalId":"concept:plug-in-hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A plug‑in hybrid is a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a battery that can be charged from an external source, allowing for short all‑electric driving ranges.","simplifiedExplanation":"A plug‑in hybrid is a car that can be plugged into an outlet to charge its battery, letting it drive on electricity alone for a while before the gas engine kicks in."}},{"startTime":1036.0,"endTime":1043.0,"type":"part","title":"digital gauge cluster","url":"/glossary/digital-gauge-cluster","quote":"It's got a seven inch digital gauge cluster and my car came with a 12.3 inch touchscreen, though an eight inch touchscreen is standard.","canonicalId":"part:digital-gauge-cluster","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.97,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A digital gauge cluster is an electronic display that replaces traditional analog dials, showing speed, RPM, fuel level, and other vehicle data.","simplifiedExplanation":"Instead of round dials, a digital gauge cluster shows numbers and icons on a screen inside the car's dashboard."}},{"startTime":1108.0,"endTime":1113.0,"type":"brand","title":"JBL","url":"/glossary/jbl","quote":"My limited test car, excuse me, came standard with a JBL audio system, which is exclusive to the top trim.","canonicalId":"brand:jbl","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"JBL is a well-known audio brand that produces high-quality speakers and sound systems for cars and other devices.","simplifiedExplanation":"JBL makes loudspeakers that are used in cars to give better sound quality."}},{"startTime":1108.0,"endTime":1113.0,"type":"term","title":"Apple CarPlay and Android Auto","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay-and-android-auto","quote":"The Prius comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.","canonicalId":"term:apple-carplay-and-android-auto","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are smartphone integration platforms that allow drivers to access apps, navigation, music, and messages safely via the car's infotainment system.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are systems that let you use your phone's apps, like maps and music, on the car’s screen without touching the phone."}},{"startTime":1133.0,"endTime":1147.0,"type":"part","title":"physical controls for climate and audio system functions","url":"/glossary/physical-controls-for-climate-and-audio-system-functions","quote":"Toyota also includes physical controls for climate and some audio system functions, which I really appreciate.","canonicalId":"part:physical-controls-for-climate-and-audio-system-functions","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"These are the buttons and knobs on the dashboard that let you adjust temperature, fan speed, and audio settings without using touchscreens.","simplifiedExplanation":"Physical controls are the buttons and switches you press or turn to change things like the car’s temperature or music, instead of using a touchscreen."}},{"startTime":1139.0,"endTime":1154.0,"type":"term","title":"forward collision alerts","url":"/glossary/forward-collision-alerts","quote":"And then you get Toyota Safety Sense, which comes with automatic braking, automatic emergency braking, forward collision alerts...","canonicalId":"term:forward-collision-alerts","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Forward collision alerts warn the driver of a potential front-end collision by sounding an alarm or flashing lights.","simplifiedExplanation":"Forward collision alerts are warnings that sound or flash to tell you if something ahead might hit your car."}},{"startTime":1139.0,"endTime":1154.0,"type":"term","title":"lane keep assist","url":"/glossary/lane-keep-assist","quote":"And then you get Toyota Safety Sense, which comes with automatic braking, automatic emergency braking... lane keep assist...","canonicalId":"term:lane-keep-assist","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Lane keep assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing steering inputs or warnings if it drifts out of lane markings.","simplifiedExplanation":"Lane keep assist is a feature that nudges the car back into its lane if it starts to drift off, so you don’t accidentally drive out of the lane."}},{"startTime":1154.0,"endTime":1168.0,"type":"concept","title":"fuel economy","url":"/glossary/fuel-economy","quote":"But you can go a lot cheaper in this car and still get the fuel economy, and most of the good stuff with it too. So all around, I'm a Prius fan.","canonicalId":"concept:fuel-economy","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 kilometers.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fuel economy is a way to measure how far a car can travel on one gallon of gas; higher numbers mean the car uses less fuel."}},{"startTime":1340.0,"endTime":1346.0,"type":"part","title":"21 inch forged alloy wheels","url":"/glossary/21-inch-forged-alloy-wheels","quote":"[1340.0s] 21 inch forged alloy wheels adds a lot of drama. Like you say, there's the big wheel arches.","canonicalId":"part:21-inch-forged-alloy-wheels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Forged alloy wheels are lightweight, high-strength rims made by shaping metal under heat and pressure. They offer better performance and durability compared to cast wheels, especially in high-performance cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"These are the round parts that fit on a car’s tires. They’re made by shaping metal, so they’re lighter and stronger than regular wheels, which helps the car handle better."}},{"startTime":1817.0,"endTime":1835.0,"type":"part","title":"leather key fob cover embossed with the 30th anniversary logo","url":"/glossary/leather-key-fob-cover-embossed-with-the-30th-anniversary-logo","quote":"Yeah, so that was a interior matching leather key fob cover embossed with the 30th anniversary logo that wrapped around the key fob.","canonicalId":"part:leather-key-fob-cover-embossed-with-the-30th-anniversary-logo","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A key fob cover is a protective and decorative sleeve that fits over the car’s remote key. Embossing the 30th anniversary logo adds a tactile, raised design that commemorates the milestone edition.","simplifiedExplanation":"The key fob cover is a small leather sleeve that goes over the remote key for your car. It has a raised logo on it to show it’s part of the special 30‑year edition."}},{"startTime":2105.0,"endTime":2111.0,"type":"term","title":"hybrid powertrain","url":"/glossary/hybrid-powertrain","quote":"But when we were working on the hybrid, years before on sale, you know, we knew that that Toyota powertrain was coming.","canonicalId":"term:hybrid-powertrain","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A hybrid powertrain combines an internal combustion engine with one or more electric motors to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"A hybrid car uses both a gasoline engine and electric motors to drive the wheels, making it more fuel‑efficient than a regular car."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Jack Nerad - Host","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/driving-coolest-car-you-ve-never-heard-of-2026-lexus-lc-500-convertible/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}