Durango Hellcat Review; Waymo vs Taxi; Mercedes Update

“Market price” here means the going value of the car based on what buyers are currently paying, not the giveaway price or a dealer sticker price. In enthusiast circles, it often implies the car’s real-world resale value.

The R32 is the 1989–1994 generation of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, one of the most iconic “Godzilla” era GT-Rs. The hosts compare the car’s speed and feel against an R32 to set expectations for performance.

A “boost curve” describes how turbocharger boost pressure builds and changes over engine RPM. When someone says it’s “Skyline-y,” they mean the boost comes on in a similar way—often affecting how quickly the car feels fast.

In this context, “engine” is being used as shorthand for the car’s powerplant character—how it delivers torque and responds like the Skyline. It’s not a specific part name, but it’s central to the comparison being made.

“GT-R” is Nissan’s performance model name, known for all-wheel-drive traction and a reputation for strong acceleration and track capability. Here, the speaker contrasts the GT-R’s “focus” with the car they’re driving.

The host compares the seat shape to an Acura Legend, using it as a reference point for comfort and design. The Acura Legend is a mid-size luxury sedan, so the comparison suggests the Lotus Carlton’s seats feel upscale and supportive.

“Third gear” is a specific ratio in the transmission. When the host says it “goes” in third gear, they’re describing how strongly the car accelerates at that point in the rev/gear range.

The Lotus Carlton is a rare, high-performance sedan built by Lotus based on the Opel/Vauxhall Carlton platform. It’s known for being extremely quick for its era and for its limited production numbers, which is why the hosts are impressed by how “real” and fast it feels.

An intercooler is a heat exchanger used on turbocharged engines to cool the compressed air before it enters the engine. Cooler, denser air improves combustion and helps performance and knock resistance.

“Air-to-air” describes an intercooler design where hot charge air is cooled by passing air through a radiator-like core. It’s typically mounted where airflow is available (often in the front) and is common on performance turbo cars.

This is a performance claim referring to the car’s top speed or acceleration achievements at the time. In enthusiast discussions, it usually means the model set a notable benchmark among sedans in that era.

Limited production numbers like “only made 950” indicate the car is rare, which often increases collector interest and can affect pricing. It also helps explain why the hosts are treating it like a special find.

A supercharged V8 uses a belt-driven compressor (“supercharger”) to force more air into the engine. More air generally means more fuel can be burned, which boosts power compared with the same engine without forced induction.

The Dodge Durango Hellcat is a high-performance version of the Durango SUV, powered by the Hellcat engine family. It’s known for bringing “muscle car” power to an SUV body, which is why it’s a big deal in enthusiast circles.

“Destroyer” is a specific paint color name used by Dodge. They’re discussing how the color sounds and how it compares to another color name, emphasizing that the naming is part of the brand’s personality.

“Hellcat jailbreak” refers to a Hellcat-branded Dodge with the Jailbreak package/trim theme, which typically bundles styling and performance-oriented options. The key idea is that it’s not just a base Hellcat—it’s a specific option/trim configuration.

The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that stays relevant through ongoing updates and special editions. The podcast says it “remains current,” and references a “Durango Hellcat jailbreak,” which suggests they’re discussing performance models and how they keep their appeal. It’s mentioned because it’s part of the broader conversation about modern muscle-car value and continuity.

The “Charger” is Dodge’s performance sedan line, often associated with the brand’s muscle-car heritage. In this segment, they’re comparing paint color between a Charger and the Dodge Durango Hellcat.

“Battleship Grey” is a descriptive paint color shade they’re equating to the Dodge color name “Destroyer.” It’s a common automotive/industrial way to describe a muted, military-style gray.

The hosts reference the “Fast and Furious” franchise as the context for a brand partnership. This is more of a pop-culture/marketing reference than a technical automotive topic.

Ferrari is an Italian performance and racing brand. The hosts mention it as a “dream job” destination for engineers, connecting the idea of automotive engineering careers to top-tier motorsport companies.

Rivian is an electric-vehicle brand known for trucks and SUVs. In this segment it’s mentioned as an alternative dream employer for engineers, alongside traditional performance brands.

“HPD day” refers to a high-performance driving event where participants get track time to drive cars in a more controlled, performance-focused setting. The key idea is that it’s about limited on-track sessions and maximizing useful laps.

“Seat time” is the amount of time a driver actually spends behind the wheel during an event. In track contexts, more seat time usually means more learning, more confidence, and better lap consistency.

Road Atlanta is another major U.S. road course, known for technical corners and elevation changes. The speaker references it to describe prior track experience with a similar high-performance vehicle.

Uconnect is Chrysler/Stellantis’ in-car infotainment system, including the touchscreen interface, menus, and connectivity features. The hosts are comparing how the UI felt in the older car versus newer systems.

Adaptive radar cruise control uses a radar sensor to automatically adjust your speed to maintain a set distance from the car ahead. Unlike basic cruise control, it can slow down and speed back up as traffic changes.

A radar sensor is used to detect objects and measure distance and relative speed, which is critical for systems like adaptive cruise control. If the radar is blocked or contaminated, the system may disable itself or throw errors.

“CEL” typically refers to the Check Engine Light (or a related engine/emissions control warning). When a CEL-related sensor error appears, it can trigger safety/driver-assistance systems to disable—like adaptive cruise—until the fault clears.

When adaptive cruise control is “disabled,” the car’s system has determined it can’t safely operate the feature—often due to sensor faults, calibration issues, or warning lights. The feature may return after the underlying error clears.

This refers to the car’s non-adaptive cruise control mode, which maintains a set speed without automatically adjusting for traffic ahead. If adaptive cruise is disabled due to a sensor fault, the car may still allow (or block) the regular cruise depending on the error.

“Regular cruise” is the non-adaptive cruise control mode that keeps a chosen speed without radar-based following-distance control. In some fault conditions, the car may disable both adaptive and regular cruise until the warning clears.

A “front straight” is the main straight section of a circuit where cars build speed before braking for the next corner. It’s relevant because the speed at the end of the straight determines how hard and how late the brakes must be applied.

“Hit the brakes” refers to the moment the driver initiates heavy braking to slow the car for a corner or braking zone. In track talk, it’s used to compare braking confidence and stopping performance between vehicles.

Cornering speed is how fast a car can travel through a turn while maintaining grip and stability. The hosts use it to compare performance between cars, noting a large difference in how quickly they can carry speed through corners.

“Brembo four-wheel disc” describes a brake system using disc brakes on all four wheels, supplied by Brembo. The hosts are contrasting this spec with what they observed on track (brake fade from overheating) and with the Trackhawk’s more aggressive brake hardware.

Brake “pistons” are the hydraulic pistons inside the caliper that clamp the brake pads onto the rotor. More pistons generally allow more clamping force and can improve heat handling and braking consistency during repeated stops.

“Beast brakes” is a descriptive phrase for a very high-performance brake setup—typically larger rotors and more capable calipers/pads—meant to resist fade during repeated hard stops. The hosts use it to emphasize how serious the Trackhawk’s braking hardware is.

The Lamborghini Urus is a high-performance luxury SUV that blends SUV practicality with supercar-level performance. The podcast references “serious” brakes and compares them to “Urus level brakes,” implying the vehicle being discussed had very strong stopping power. It’s mentioned because the Urus is known for being a performance-focused SUV.

“Turn one” is the first corner on a race circuit, often the most heavily braked and most critical for getting the right line. The hosts mention braking for turn one to describe how the car performs under initial hard braking.

Aura Frames is a brand of digital photo frames that let you upload and display photos/videos remotely. The hosts describe features like unlimited storage, preloading content before shipping, and adding media from anywhere.

Wirecutter is a consumer product review site that publishes rankings and recommendations. In the segment, it’s used as a credibility claim for Aura Frames.

The Carver Mat frame is a specific product line within Aura Frames’ offerings. The segment mentions a promo discount code for this product.

Delete Me is a service brand referenced as a sponsor. The hosts say it makes removing personal information quick, easy, and safe.

Temperature cycling is repeated heating and cooling of brake components during driving and braking. It can lead to brake fade, changes in pad/rotor behavior, and sometimes cracking or uneven wear if the materials can’t handle the thermal swings.

Metallurgy here refers to the material properties and heat-handling characteristics of the brake components (often rotors/pads/calipers). Better metallurgy can improve heat tolerance and reduce warping or performance drop during repeated braking.

A pace lap is a controlled lap driven at a set speed to warm up conditions and get the field ready for the start. The host is describing the driver’s reaction after completing those laps in the pace vehicle.

A “hot rod” is a car that’s been modified or tuned for strong acceleration and an exciting driving feel. In this context, it’s used to describe the Durango’s surprisingly aggressive character despite being a family SUV.

The speaker compares the Durango’s price to a Genesis crossover, implying a similar budget category. Genesis is a luxury brand, and “crossover” refers to a car type that blends SUV practicality with passenger-car comfort.

The Hyundai Genesis refers to the Genesis brand/line of vehicles, positioned as Hyundai’s upscale offering. The podcast mentions “700 horsepower,” which indicates a performance-focused Genesis variant being discussed. It’s brought up because it’s an example of a high-power luxury car concept within the Genesis lineup.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power—how strongly the engine can produce work. When the speaker says it’s “700 horsepower,” they’re emphasizing how much acceleration potential the vehicle has.

“Three rows” means the vehicle has seating for three rows of passengers, typically allowing up to seven or eight people depending on the configuration. The speaker is highlighting practicality alongside the high-performance theme.

To “tow” means pulling a trailer behind the vehicle. The speaker is pointing out that, despite being a high-power SUV, it can still handle towing tasks.

Gas mileage is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually expressed as miles per gallon (MPG). The speaker is contrasting best-case efficiency with worse real-world numbers in traffic.

The EPA cycle is the standardized test procedure used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to estimate a car’s fuel economy. Real-world driving often differs because factors like speed, traffic, and driving style aren’t identical to the test.

“Octane” is a measure of a fuel’s resistance to knocking (premature combustion) in an engine. Higher-octane fuel is often recommended for high-compression or high-boost engines to help them run safely under load.

“Cumulative” here refers to an overall fuel-economy figure for the whole trip, combining driving conditions rather than a single moment. The “12-4” style number is a shorthand for how many miles per gallon (or similar) the group averaged across the route.

USB-A is the older, rectangular USB connector shape commonly found on cars and electronics. If your devices use a different plug (like USB-C), you may need an adapter to charge or connect them.

Track mode is a driving setting that changes vehicle behavior for more aggressive use. It typically firms up suspension response and may adjust throttle, steering, and stability/traction settings to better suit circuit driving.

A curb is the raised edge at the side of a road or track. Drivers often talk about curbs because hitting them can unsettle the car, and some curbs are designed to be safer to ride over than others.

In racing, a “line” is the path the car takes through a corner. A “big line” typically means taking a wider arc—often to carry more speed or set up the next part of the track.

WRL is referenced as a racing-related group or series via “the commentator for WRL.” Listeners may want context on what WRL stands for and what kind of racing it covers.

“Cut a tire” means damaging a tire’s sidewall or tread by scraping it against something sharp, like curb edges or debris. It’s a common risk when tires contact curbing at speed.

Road America is a well-known road course in the United States, famous for its long corners and elevation changes. Track-specific curb designs can strongly influence racing lines and how much grip you get when you run wide.

Grip is how well a tire can hold the road surface without sliding. On race tracks, grip varies by surface and by whether you’re on asphalt, curb material, or grass, which is why drivers talk about percentages of grip.

“Exit of 14” refers to a specific numbered exit on a road course or highway segment. The speaker is describing where they take a particular line through a corner/transition area.

Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually measured as miles per gallon (MPG) or liters per 100 km. Lower fuel economy typically means higher operating costs and more frequent refueling.

The Dodge Durango RT is a trim of the Durango that, in this discussion, is being compared for towing capability. The key point is that the RT can be configured with a tow package and self-leveling suspension, which helps it handle heavier trailers.

Self-leveling suspension is a system that automatically adjusts the suspension height when the vehicle is loaded or towing. That helps keep the headlights, ride height, and trailer geometry more consistent, which can improve stability and allow higher towing ratings.

“Track mileage” is a colloquial way to describe how hard a car is being used—like driving aggressively or under sustained load—rather than literal miles. The point they’re making is that towing can feel like punishing use, which can be rough on the vehicle.

“TRX” refers to the Ram TRX, a high-powered pickup truck. The hosts mention it as a vehicle that people might tow with, implying they’re curious whether towing performance and ride behavior are as bad as they’ve experienced with other trucks.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility, towing capability, and wide range of configurations. The podcast mentions towing with a Raptor being “bad” because it was “so soft,” which points to ride/handling comfort under tow. It’s discussed because the F-150 family is often evaluated based on how it behaves when working, not just driving empty.

“Raptor” refers to the Ford F-150 Raptor, a performance-oriented off-road pickup. Here it’s used as an example of a truck that felt “soft” while towing, leading to uncomfortable ride behavior and noticeable suspension squat.

Squat is the rear suspension compressing and the vehicle lowering at the back under load, such as when towing a heavy trailer. Excess squat can make the ride feel unstable or uncomfortable and can affect vehicle geometry and handling.

The Dodge Durango RT is a performance-oriented trim of the Durango SUV, aimed at stronger acceleration and a sportier setup than the base models. In this segment, it’s discussed as a potential tow vehicle, especially when equipped with self-leveling suspension.

The Porsche Macan GTS is a performance trim of Porsche’s Macan compact SUV, positioned between the standard models and the top performance variants. Here it’s specifically discussed as being set up with a tow package and used to tow a race car without major issues.

Air suspension uses air springs (instead of steel coils) to adjust ride height and sometimes stiffness. When towing, it can help maintain a level stance and improve ride quality over uneven roads.

The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck, often chosen for towing thanks to its truck-based chassis and available towing hardware. In this segment, the speaker contrasts it with the earlier towing setup, saying the Colorado “sucks” for towing despite having strong advertised power figures.

The Ford Ranger Raptor is a performance-focused midsize pickup tuned for off-road use. Here, it’s being compared to the Durango Hellcat, with the host claiming the Ranger Raptor feels less responsive because the engine isn’t always working as hard.

Extraneous radar means radar signals that aren’t coming from the source you care about (like a nearby speed camera). They can cause false alerts because the radar detector interprets them as relevant.

Valentine is a brand of radar/laser detection devices commonly used to alert drivers to speed-enforcement signals. The host says their Valentine unit was constantly alerting, implying it was reacting to non-threatening radar.

KA refers to a radar frequency band (commonly “K-band” and “Ka-band” are used in speed enforcement). The host is speculating that highway sensors might be using Ka-band radar, and that it’s become cheap enough to deploy widely.

“KA” refers to a specific radar frequency band used by some police radar guns. Radar detectors are tuned to detect those frequencies, so “KA radar detectors” means detectors that listen for that band specifically.

PSI is tire pressure measured in pounds per square inch. Adjusting PSI can change tire wear and how the tires handle heat and load during track driving.

A “carousel” is a specific type of track corner sequence—often a set of sweeping turns—where tires can be loaded for long periods. The speaker says it’s especially hard on tires, implying sustained lateral grip and heat buildup.

Lap times are how long it takes a car to complete one circuit of a track. When tires degrade, lap times usually get slower because grip drops and the driver has to brake earlier or go slower through corners.

“Tires fell off” means the tires lost grip as they warmed up and then wore out, or after repeated hard use. That typically shows up as slower lap times, less confidence in braking/turn-in, and the car feeling unstable or “sloppy.”

Matt Quick is named as the person who provided an update about car deliveries. This is a human/vendor reference, not a technical automotive term.

Quick Classics is referenced as a business in Tennessee that has delivered the speaker’s cars. This is a logistics/vendor mention rather than an automotive concept.

Jim Farley is the CEO of Ford, and the hosts mention him in the context of a podcast. This is a company-leadership reference rather than a technical automotive detail.

A donor car is a vehicle kept (or purchased) mainly to provide usable parts for another build or repair. It’s often chosen when the donor’s body is damaged but key components (like the drivetrain, wiring, or suspension) are still in good shape.

The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG is a performance-oriented version of the E-Class, built by AMG with a focus on strong power and a more aggressive driving character. The podcast references an “E55 donor car” and shows a photo, implying it’s being used as a parts source or project base. It’s discussed because older AMG models often become platforms for builds and repairs.

The Tesla Semi is an all-electric heavy-duty truck designed for long-distance freight. The podcast mentions it in a context involving suspension behavior (“suspension on the left side”), which suggests a discussion about how the truck handles under load or in motion. It’s discussed because it’s a major step toward electrifying commercial trucking.

The powertrain is the vehicle’s main set of components that make and deliver power—typically the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differential, and related parts. Saying the powertrain is untouched suggests the car’s ability to move under its own power is likely still intact even if other areas are damaged.

In this context, “body” refers to the car’s outer structure and panels (like doors and fenders) rather than the mechanical parts. “Gouged” bodywork usually indicates impact damage that may also affect door alignment and sealing.

Fenders are the body panels that cover the wheel area and help protect the car from road debris. Differences between fenders and the outer edge of the wheel can indicate misalignment, missing/incorrect body parts, or prior collision repair.

“Bolt it on” refers to installing body panels using bolts rather than welding or more involved structural repair. In collision-damage contexts, this can be a clue that the damage was limited to replaceable panels rather than major structural components.

Wheel spacers are hardware placed between the wheel and the hub to push the wheel outward. They can change the car’s stance and wheel fitment, but they can also affect handling and stress components if not set up correctly.

Drifting is a driving technique where the driver intentionally over-rotates the car so it slides sideways while maintaining control. It’s often associated with rear-wheel-drive cars and specific tire/traction setups.

The BMW E46 M3 is the fourth-generation M3 (produced in the late 1990s to early 2000s) known for its track-focused character. In this segment, it’s referenced as a baseline for fender width and race-car appearance.

“Metal fab” is short for metal fabrication—custom metalwork like brackets, mounts, or structural pieces made to fit a specific build. In race-car prep, it often shows up where parts have been modified or added.

Primer is a coating applied to bare metal or existing surfaces to help paint adhere and to protect against corrosion. On a race-prep car, visible primer can indicate recent fabrication or bodywork that hasn’t been fully finished.

“Unbolt them” refers to removing body panels or components using bolts rather than cutting or permanently modifying them. In this context, it suggests the bumpers are removed for drivetrain/powertrain installation and then reinstalled.

Lower rockers are the body panels along the lower sides of the car, often used for aerodynamics and protection. In race-prep or fitment work, they may be removed to access mounting points or to install/route components.

The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric performance sedan/station-style car from Porsche. Here it’s referenced as a car Hannah likes, and it’s also used as a comparison point for the daily cruiser’s mix of character and usability.

The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s SUV, typically offered with a range of engines and performance trims. In this segment, it’s mentioned as something they might get, and Hannah would likely switch to it instead of keeping the Taycan.

“Daily cruiser” is a car-enthusiast phrase for a vehicle you can use regularly for everyday errands and commutes, not just for weekend shows or short drives. In this segment, the host describes it as a blend of traits from the Taycan and the Manx—something with style and character, but also usable for around 50 miles.

A recall is a manufacturer-mandated repair campaign for a safety or compliance issue. Owners are typically asked to bring the car in so the fix can be performed at no cost.

In suspension terms, articulation is how much the suspension moves and changes wheel positions relative to the body—often when driving over uneven ground or during tight maneuvers. More articulation can reveal noises from worn bushings, joints, or dry/dirty components.

Copper grease is a high-temperature lubricant/paste used on certain fasteners and contact points to reduce friction and help prevent corrosion. In automotive work it’s often used where heat and metal-to-metal contact can cause sticking or seizing.

A vehicle’s cooling system manages engine and drivetrain temperatures using coolant, a pump, radiator, and hoses. If it’s not working correctly, heat can build up and cause performance issues or long-term damage.

A gear indicator light tells the driver which gear the transmission is in (or what gear the car thinks it’s in). If it doesn’t match the shifter position, it usually means the car’s calibration/software logic (or sensor inputs) isn’t aligned with how the transmission is being commanded.

A “91 tune” refers to an engine calibration (often via an aftermarket ECU tune) optimized for 91-octane fuel. Changing the tune can affect how the car’s sensors and transmission-related logic behave, which is why the gear indicator issue appears after the tune.

“Hard excel” appears to mean a hard acceleration event—quickly pressing the accelerator to demand more power. Sudden load changes can reveal drivability issues like hesitation or stumbles.

“Big lift” refers to lifting off the accelerator sharply, which abruptly reduces engine torque. That kind of throttle change can cause a brief stumble as the drivetrain transitions between power-on and power-off behavior.

“D-cell” sounds like a mishearing of a drivetrain mode or gear indicator (for example, “D” for Drive or a specific transmission state). In context, it’s the state the car settles into after the stumble during throttle changes.

A “tune” is an adjustment to the car’s engine control software (ECU) that changes how it runs—things like throttle response, fuel delivery, and ignition timing. A “new tune” after hardware changes is common to make sure the engine performs correctly and safely.

A “front mount” usually means a component (often a radiator/intercooler or similar cooling hardware) installed at the front of the car for better airflow. The host links it to cooling-system upgrades, suggesting it’s part of keeping temperatures under control.

“Nut and bolt the whole thing” describes a hands-on teardown/inspection routine where fasteners are re-checked and tightened after a period of driving. In motorsports, this helps catch loosening caused by vibration and heat cycles.

Fiberglass is a composite material (glass fibers in a resin matrix) used for lightweight body panels and components. It can flex differently than metal, which is one reason race teams may re-check mounting hardware more often.

A speed sensor measures vehicle speed or wheel speed and sends that data to the car’s computer. If a speed sensor is “wonky,” it can cause incorrect readings that may affect shifting/gear indication or other systems that rely on speed.

In this context, the shifter is the mechanism you move to select a gear. When the speaker says the shifter “hits” something, they’re describing how the transmission/gear selection system detects which gear you’re requesting.

A gearbox is the transmission assembly that manages gear ratios between the engine and the drive wheels. The “hard sensor” plugging into the gearbox suggests the issue may be tied to how the transmission reports or interprets gear position/data.

The Mitsubishi Delica is a versatile Japanese vehicle known for its practicality and ability to handle different uses, including off-road or family travel setups. The podcast says “the Delica pays for itself every day,” which frames it as a work-capable vehicle that can justify its cost through use. It’s discussed because it’s valued for real-world utility rather than just performance.

Waymo is a company that operates autonomous (self-driving) vehicles. In this segment, the speaker rides in a Waymo and comments on how it handled routing and gap selection at an intersection.

The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV. Here it’s used as the other vehicle that boxed the Waymo in during a right turn near the speaker’s neighborhood.

In driving, “draft” means following closely behind another vehicle to reduce aerodynamic drag and gain efficiency. The speaker uses it as a joke/analogy for how the Waymo might behave by positioning behind another car.

This refers to the vehicle’s speed being held at a specific limit. In the context of autonomous driving, maintaining a steady speed can be part of how the system decides when to merge or yield.

“Goose the throttle” means quickly pressing the accelerator more than normal to produce a sudden surge of acceleration. It’s a common driving phrase and often describes how a human driver creates a gap in traffic or accelerates to complete a maneuver.

The speed limit is the legally posted maximum speed for a road segment. The speaker is contrasting the Waymo’s behavior with what a human might do—specifically whether it stays within the limit and how it changes speed near an intersection.

“Duck behind” describes a driving tactic where you quickly move into a gap behind another vehicle to avoid conflict or to wait for a safer moment to merge. In this scenario, the speaker suggests the autonomous car should have used a more assertive gap-finding maneuver.

LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) is the location where the traffic and construction routing problem happens. The segment uses LAX as the context for the cab drivers’ navigation and the airport’s congestion-management changes.