{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Episode 444: 2026 Chevrolet Trax, Sung Kang Interview","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-444-2026-chevrolet-trax-sung-kang-interview","audioUrl":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/f816bf69-0905-4902-8dfe-74585144af6d/b30e62d0-219a-488f-8a80-8d6a698db9a2.mp3","description":"\n        The Unnamed Automotive Podcast is still looking at cars that are affordable and available with this weeks review of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax. One of the top choices for shoppers on a budget, Benjamin has found out that things aren't as cheap as they used to be—but that doesn't mean the Chevy is bad, does it? Maybe it just depends on where you're buying, as prices vary significantly when you cross the border. Also is a 1.2L turbo three-cylinder engine enough for keeping up with traffic? Benjamin has all the details.\n\nThen the show goes into some big-screen talk, as Benjamin recently interviewed Sung Kang, one of the stars of The Fast and The Furious franchise, as he prepares his new movie Drifter for release. Sung Kang talked about his first car, cars on set, and more to Benjamin who relays it all to you deal listener. Thanks for listening!\n      "},"annotations":[{"startTime":88.3,"endTime":106.4,"type":"car","title":"Volkswagen Atlas","url":"/cars/volkswagen/atlas","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/2021_Volkswagen_Atlas_1X7A0389.jpg","quote":"They just published a Volkswagen Atlas review.\n[92.0s]  That's what they did recently, of me with me in it, of me or with me in it.\n[96.5s]  I published, I hosted a video review of the Volkswagen Atlas on their YouTube channel.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:atlas","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Volkswagen Atlas is a mid-size three-row SUV from Volkswagen. It’s the kind of vehicle that gets attention for family-focused packaging and comfort, and it’s also the sort of model that can receive major redesigns that change the driving feel and tech.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Volkswagen Atlas is a bigger family SUV with three rows of seats. People review it because it’s meant to be comfortable and practical for trips and everyday driving.","imageAttribution":"Alexander Migl (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":102.9,"endTime":106.4,"type":"concept","title":"redesign","url":"/glossary/redesign","quote":"Didn't they just debut the 2027 redesign?\n[106.1s]  Yeah.\n[106.4s]  In fact, I talked mostly about the Atlas on this podcast before this video was revealed.","canonicalId":"concept:redesign","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A redesign is when a manufacturer refreshes or completely updates a vehicle’s styling, interior, and often its powertrain and technology. In the context of the Atlas, a redesign can mean changes that affect everything from infotainment features to ride and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"A redesign is when a car gets updated for a new model cycle. It can include changes to the look, the cabin, and sometimes the engine and tech."}},{"startTime":214.42,"endTime":217.46,"type":"car","title":"Chevrolet Trax","url":"/cars/chevrolet/trax","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/2021_Chevrolet_Trax_LT%2C_Windsor%2C_Ontario%2C_2025-07-01.jpg","quote":"It is, of course, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax. Trax is a long time all-star on Unnamed Automotive Podcast.","canonicalId":"car:chevrolet:trax","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Chevrolet Trax is a compact crossover SUV, and the 2026 model year is the current generation being discussed. In this segment, the hosts set up that the car’s appeal can vary depending on where you live, which usually comes down to pricing, trims, and local competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Chevrolet Trax is a small SUV made by Chevrolet. This episode is specifically about the 2026 version, and the hosts are saying how much people like it can change based on location and local deals.","imageAttribution":"Crisco 1492 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":297.0,"endTime":303.2,"type":"concept","title":"Midnight Package","url":"/glossary/midnight-package","quote":"It has something called the Midnight Package, which is. So it was more than just black. It was black with additional black.","canonicalId":"concept:midnight-package","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “Midnight Package” is an appearance package that typically adds darker trim and accents—often black wheels, black exterior mirrors, and other gloss/black details. It’s meant to give the vehicle a more stealthy, uniform look beyond just choosing a black paint color.","simplifiedExplanation":"A Midnight Package is a set of styling upgrades that usually makes more of the car’s exterior look black or darker. It’s more than just picking black paint—it changes things like wheels and mirrors too."}},{"startTime":324.7,"endTime":340.1,"type":"term","title":"body cladding","url":"/glossary/body-cladding","quote":"I think because the other thing about black that on a crossover is it contrasts against the plastic on the fenders. You know what I mean? Yeah. If it's not like color match to that, that body cladding, it looks no.","canonicalId":"term:body-cladding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Body cladding is the protective plastic trim used on many crossovers, especially around the fenders and lower doors. Because it’s plastic, it can fade, discolor, or chalk at a different rate than painted surfaces, which can create a noticeable mismatch over time.","simplifiedExplanation":"Body cladding is the plastic trim on the outside of many crossovers. Since it’s plastic, it can fade or change color faster than the paint, so the car can start looking “off” as it ages."}},{"startTime":396.8,"endTime":402.5,"type":"concept","title":"press drive","url":"/glossary/press-drive","quote":"So maybe it was 2013. It was one of my first press drives in Canada. And here's what I remember.","canonicalId":"concept:press-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A press drive is an event where journalists and media get early access to drive a new car before it’s widely available. It’s often used to generate reviews and first-impression coverage.","simplifiedExplanation":"A press drive is when car reporters get to drive a new car ahead of time. It helps them write reviews and share what it’s like to drive."}},{"startTime":552.5,"endTime":560.0,"type":"concept","title":"trespassing","url":"/glossary/trespassing","quote":"[547.3s]  It just seems like the first generation tracks was somewhat cursed, it seems.\n[552.5s]  I believe technically what we did was called trespassing.\n[555.8s]  I don't know about technically.","canonicalId":"concept:trespassing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Trespassing is entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission. In the context of driving, it can happen when you pull into private driveways or gated areas thinking they’re public or correct for your destination.","simplifiedExplanation":"Trespassing means you’re on someone’s property without permission. Even if you didn’t mean to, pulling into a private driveway or yard can count as trespassing."}},{"startTime":585.5,"endTime":594.3,"type":"term","title":"Crimson Metallic","url":"/glossary/crimson-metallic","quote":"[583.6s]  Get it in a color if you want to see more details.\n[585.5s]  There's two new colors this year.\n[586.5s]  You can get something called Crimson Metallic and something called Nitro Yellow Metallic.","canonicalId":"term:crimson-metallic","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Crimson Metallic is a named paint color option for the Chevrolet Trax. “Metallic” indicates the paint contains metallic flakes that help it look more vibrant and change appearance under different lighting.","simplifiedExplanation":"Crimson Metallic is a specific paint color option. “Metallic” usually means the paint has tiny reflective particles, so it can look brighter and more dynamic in the sun."}},{"startTime":614.1,"endTime":620.5,"type":"term","title":"Apex Red","url":"/glossary/apex-red","quote":"[614.1s]  So the Crimson Metallic Nitro Yellow are gone to replaced by White Sands and Apex Red.\n[620.5s]  There aren't really any other differences.","canonicalId":"term:apex-red","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Apex Red is a named paint color option replacing the previously discussed colors for the Chevrolet Trax. It’s mentioned alongside White Sands as part of the updated color lineup.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apex Red is another paint color option. They’re saying the Trax’s available colors changed, and Apex Red is one of the new ones."}},{"startTime":614.1,"endTime":620.5,"type":"term","title":"White Sands","url":"/glossary/white-sands","quote":"[614.1s]  So the Crimson Metallic Nitro Yellow are gone to replaced by White Sands and Apex Red.\n[620.5s]  There aren't really any other differences.","canonicalId":"term:white-sands","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"White Sands is a named paint color option replacing the previously discussed colors. Named colors like this are common in GM lineups and can be used to market specific shades and finishes.","simplifiedExplanation":"White Sands is the name of a paint color option. It’s basically GM’s way of naming a particular white shade you can order on the car."}},{"startTime":821.5,"endTime":839.1,"type":"concept","title":"infotainment screen","url":"/glossary/infotainment-screen","quote":"you get a eight inch infotainment screen, but there's not a lot going on there. ... The, there's an 11 inch infotainment screen on higher trim levels.","canonicalId":"concept:infotainment-screen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An infotainment screen is the main display for the car’s media, settings, and—depending on the system—navigation and apps. Screen size often correlates with trim level and whether the car relies on your phone for most functions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The infotainment screen is the big display in the dashboard. It’s where you control things like music and settings, and sometimes navigation—depending on the car and trim."}},{"startTime":826.1,"endTime":830.0,"type":"term","title":"Apple CarPlay","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay","quote":"Pretty much everything you're going to do is going to come from your phone. So you're going to be using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.","canonicalId":"term:apple-carplay","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay is a phone-to-car system that displays compatible iPhone apps on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. Like Android Auto, it’s often used when the car’s own navigation and app features are limited.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apple CarPlay connects your iPhone to the car so you can use apps on the dashboard screen. It’s especially useful for navigation and music."}},{"startTime":826.1,"endTime":830.0,"type":"term","title":"Android Auto","url":"/glossary/android-auto","quote":"Pretty much everything you're going to do is going to come from your phone. So you're going to be using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.","canonicalId":"term:android-auto","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Android Auto is a phone-to-car system that mirrors compatible apps from an Android phone onto the vehicle’s infotainment display. It’s commonly used for navigation, music, calls, and messages through the car’s interface.","simplifiedExplanation":"Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to the car and use certain apps on the car’s screen. It’s a way to get navigation and music without using the car’s built-in system."}},{"startTime":842.5,"endTime":846.8,"type":"term","title":"analog gauges","url":"/glossary/analog-gauges","quote":"The analog gauges are a nice throwback. It's actually fine. I'm totally into it.","canonicalId":"term:analog-gauges","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Analog gauges are traditional physical dials (speedometer/tachometer) instead of fully digital screens. They’re often seen as a “throwback” because they provide a more classic, straightforward look and feel.","simplifiedExplanation":"Analog gauges are the classic round dials you can read at a glance. They’re different from digital screens and can feel more traditional."}},{"startTime":866.4,"endTime":870.7,"type":"concept","title":"trim levels","url":"/glossary/trim-levels","quote":"You can get a much larger eight inch infotainment cluster on higher trim levels if you want.","canonicalId":"concept:trim-levels","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Trim levels are different versions of the same model that come with varying equipment and features. The speaker uses trim levels to explain how screen size and interior content change depending on how much you pay."}},{"startTime":893.2,"endTime":897.6,"type":"concept","title":"cost cutting","url":"/glossary/cost-cutting","quote":"But again, you will see where the cost cutting went in. And that is the interior of the vehicle,","canonicalId":"concept:cost-cutting","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Cost cutting” refers to design choices that reduce manufacturing cost—often by using cheaper materials or simpler components. The speaker points to the interior materials and finishes as evidence of where the budget was saved.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cost cutting means the manufacturer saved money somewhere in the design. In this case, the speaker is saying you can tell from the interior materials and how they look/feel."}},{"startTime":968.7,"endTime":971.3,"type":"term","title":"heat vents","url":"/glossary/heat-vents","quote":"people riding in the back didn't have any complaints. There's no heat vents back there as far as I know. That's not great.","canonicalId":"term:heat-vents","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Heat vents are the air outlets that deliver warm air to passengers. The host notes there appear to be no rear heat vents, which can matter for comfort on longer trips or in colder weather.","simplifiedExplanation":"Heat vents are the openings that blow warm air into the cabin. They’re saying the rear passengers may not have their own vents, which can make it harder to stay comfortable."}},{"startTime":989.6,"endTime":993.2,"type":"term","title":"infotainment system","url":"/glossary/infotainment-system","quote":"...how the Equinox moved the lighting controls to the infotainment system? Yes. So that's not the case in the...","canonicalId":"term:infotainment-system","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The infotainment system is the car’s main screen and electronics interface for media, navigation, and many vehicle settings. When controls like lighting are moved into infotainment, you typically interact with menus rather than dedicated physical switches.","simplifiedExplanation":"The infotainment system is the car’s main screen for things like music and settings. If controls are moved there, you have to use the screen instead of simple buttons."}},{"startTime":1016.2,"endTime":1024.1,"type":"term","title":"wireless charging pad","url":"/glossary/wireless-charging-pad","quote":"is a wireless charging pad, which my vehicle didn't.\nYou have to buy it, or maybe it did.","canonicalId":"term:wireless-charging-pad","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A wireless charging pad lets you charge a compatible phone without plugging in a cable. It’s usually built into the center console or dashboard area, and availability can vary by trim and model.","simplifiedExplanation":"A wireless charging pad charges your phone without plugging in a cable. Some cars include it, and some don’t, depending on the version."}},{"startTime":1143.7,"endTime":1164.4,"type":"term","title":"cup holders","url":"/glossary/cup-holder","quote":"you'll see other automakers, they'll start talking about specific sizes for cups... I think that there's some automakers that designed the cup holders","canonicalId":"term:cup-holder","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Cup holders are a small but important interior design feature that affects everyday usability. Automakers sometimes tailor cup-holder dimensions to common drink sizes, which can become a talking point in marketing and design.","simplifiedExplanation":"Cup holders are the built-in holders for drinks in the car. Some car makers design them to fit popular cup sizes so your drink sits securely."}},{"startTime":1187.0,"endTime":1191.3,"type":"term","title":"spill containment area","url":"/glossary/spill-containment-area","quote":"it is not a cup holder, it's basically a spill containment area.\nEverything I have is that big, Sammy.","canonicalId":"term:spill-containment-area","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This is a practical way of describing a cup holder that doesn’t actually secure a smaller container. If the holder is too large, the drink can move and the design’s benefit becomes minimizing mess rather than preventing movement."}},{"startTime":1239.1,"endTime":1242.6,"type":"term","title":"CVT","url":"/glossary/cvt","quote":"Sometimes you get in these little crossovers and they're super buzzy. It's like a CVT, it's buzzy, it's annoying, and you really feel like it's straining all the time looking at you Honda HRV.","canonicalId":"term:cvt","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. It uses a belt-and-pulley system to keep the engine in a favorable RPM range, but some CVTs can feel “buzzy” or strained because the engine may stay at a narrow band of revs under load.","simplifiedExplanation":"CVT means a transmission that can smoothly change ratios without fixed gears. Some CVTs can make the engine sound buzzy, especially when you accelerate."}},{"startTime":1259.7,"endTime":1262.2,"type":"term","title":"137 horsepower","url":"/glossary/137-horsepower","quote":"It's got 137. ... 137 horsepower. That sounds so European.","canonicalId":"term:137-horsepower","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Horsepower is a measure of engine output power. In this context, the hosts are interpreting what “137” means for a small crossover and whether it’s enough for the car’s size.","simplifiedExplanation":"Horsepower is a number that tells you how much power the engine makes. They’re discussing whether 137 is good for a small crossover like this."}},{"startTime":1298.0,"endTime":1301.4,"type":"term","title":"throttle hang","url":"/glossary/throttle-hang","quote":"[1295.7s]  It sounds like a vacuum when you're on the throttle heavy.\n[1298.0s]  There is some throttle hang when you get off.\n[1301.4s]  Other than that, I mean, yeah, you got to plan your passes.","canonicalId":"term:throttle-hang","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Throttle hang” is when the engine’s response lags after you lift off the accelerator—often due to how the transmission and engine control manage airflow and boost. It can make the car feel like it’s not immediately transitioning between acceleration and deceleration."}},{"startTime":1384.3,"endTime":1386.3,"type":"term","title":"front-wheel-drive","url":"/glossary/front-wheel-drive","quote":"And it's important to point out that this is a front-wheel-drive crossover, not a normal-wheel-drive one, too. Oh, man.","canonicalId":"term:front-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Front-wheel-drive (FWD) means the engine’s power is sent to the front wheels. In snow or rain, FWD often provides predictable traction because the driven wheels are also the ones that help pull the car forward.","simplifiedExplanation":"Front-wheel-drive means the front wheels do the work of moving the car. In bad weather, that can help the car feel more stable because the front tires are the ones getting traction."}},{"startTime":1389.5,"endTime":1392.4,"type":"term","title":"liters per 100 kilometers","url":"/glossary/liters-per-100-kilometers","quote":"To translate that into Canadian, I saw 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers. Wow.","canonicalId":"term:liters-per-100-kilometers","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) is a fuel-consumption unit commonly used in Canada and Europe. Lower L/100 km means better fuel efficiency, and it’s directly comparable to how many miles per gallon you’d see in the U.S. (but the direction is opposite).","simplifiedExplanation":"In Canada, fuel use is often measured as liters used for every 100 kilometers. Less fuel per 100 km means the car is more efficient."}},{"startTime":1393.4,"endTime":1399.4,"type":"concept","title":"fuel economy ratings (city vs highway)","quote":"The official city rating is 8.5, and the highway rating is 7.6. Holy moly.","canonicalId":"concept:fuel-economy-ratings-city-vs-highway","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"City and highway fuel economy ratings are standardized test results that estimate how efficiently a vehicle runs in different driving conditions. Real-world mileage can differ, especially with weather, tire choice, and driving style.","simplifiedExplanation":"Car fuel economy is usually rated separately for city driving and highway driving. Those numbers come from tests, and your real mileage can be better or worse depending on how you drive and conditions."}},{"startTime":1421.4,"endTime":1424.9,"type":"term","title":"winter tires","url":"/glossary/winter-tires","quote":"You mentioned its front-wheel-drive. That wasn't an issue for me because it had winter tires on it. We had a bit of a blizzard on one day when I had the vehicle.","canonicalId":"term:winter-tires","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Winter tires are designed with softer rubber compounds and tread patterns that grip better in cold temperatures, snow, and slush. They can significantly improve traction for a front-wheel-drive vehicle during blizzards and muddy conditions."}},{"startTime":1436.9,"endTime":1449.1,"type":"concept","title":"all-wheel-drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"It's hard to think of a time when you absolutely have to have all-wheel-drive. I'm sure you might encounter that one or two times a year, and if you're in the tracks, you'll probably be frustrated by that.","canonicalId":"concept:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel-drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction in snow, rain, or loose surfaces. It can add weight and cost, so many buyers choose it only when they truly need it.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel-drive means the car can push with all four wheels instead of just the front or rear. It helps when roads are slippery, but it can make the car cost more and sometimes use more fuel."}},{"startTime":1934.4,"endTime":1943.8,"type":"concept","title":"Honest Angle","url":"/glossary/honest-angle","quote":"Scotto would talk about this thing called the Honest Angle which was an approach that he tried to take when he was putting together the Jim Khanna videos and that was to put the viewers in the driver's seat","canonicalId":"concept:honest-angle","priority":0.2,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Honest Angle” is described here as an approach to video storytelling—aiming to make the viewer feel like they’re in the driver’s seat. It’s essentially a perspective/production philosophy that shapes how driving scenes are filmed and narrated.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Honest Angle” sounds like a storytelling style. The goal is to make you feel like you’re actually driving, not just watching from the outside."}},{"startTime":2093.5,"endTime":2099.96,"type":"car","title":"1983 Dodge Monaco","url":"/cars/dodge/monaco","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/%2766_Dodge_Monaco_500_Convertible_%28Orange_Julep%29.JPG","quote":"We talked about a couple of things like his first car which was a 1983 Dodge Monaco that was in the family","canonicalId":"car:dodge:monaco","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.92,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The 1983 Dodge Monaco is a full-size American sedan from the early 1980s. Mentioning it as a “first car” gives context for the guest’s driving background before moving into classic Z-car ownership and track/canyon driving.","simplifiedExplanation":"The 1983 Dodge Monaco was a big American sedan from the early ’80s. It’s being mentioned as the guest’s first car, which helps explain how he got into cars before his later Z ownership.","imageAttribution":"Bull-Doser (Public domain)"}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Unnamed Automotive Podcast","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/episode-444-2026-chevrolet-trax-sung-kang-interview/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}