Episode 455: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2026 Dodge Charger Six Pack Scat Pack, Hankook Ventus S1 Tire Test Update, Slate Pickup, Polestar Leave U.S.

The Dodge Hornet is a Dodge model name that the podcast treats as confusing or not present in the discussion’s context. The host says, “Because the Hornet doesn't exist. Or Challenger,” which suggests they’re mixing up names or referencing a situation where the Hornet isn’t the correct match. That makes it part of a naming/lineup clarification rather than a deep technical discussion.

Scat Pack is a Dodge performance trim name used to indicate a higher-output version of a model, typically with more aggressive engine tuning and performance-focused hardware. In this segment, the speaker says the Scat Pack trim is the only one they can buy right now and that it’s tied to the turbocharged inline-six.

Twin-turbocharging uses two turbochargers to force more air into the engine, allowing it to make more power than a similar naturally aspirated engine. With a twin-turbo setup, the engine can produce strong torque across a wider range, which is why it’s common on modern performance trims.

An inline-six engine is a six-cylinder layout where all cylinders are arranged in a single line. This configuration is often praised for smoothness and balance, and in this segment it’s described as the basis for the Charger’s turbocharged power output.

Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly influences how quickly a car accelerates, especially at lower speeds. The host quotes torque in pound-feet, which is a common way to express how much pulling force the engine makes.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a large, luxury-oriented SUV built for comfort and premium features. The podcast notes that an engine available in the Grand Wagoneer is also used in another vehicle, highlighting how powertrains can be shared across models. That makes it a relevant point when discussing what’s under the hood and how it’s offered.

Ram is the pickup-truck brand within Stellantis, and the host notes the same engine is available in a Ram model. This is relevant because it shows the engine is intended for heavy-duty, real-world use—not just a performance sedan.

A straight six is an engine layout where all six cylinders are arranged in a single line. Because of its smooth firing order and balance, it often has a distinctive sound and feel compared with other common layouts like V8s.

Turbocharged means the engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That lets a smaller or differently configured engine produce more power, and it can also change the exhaust note and how the engine responds under load.

All wheel drive (AWD) means power is sent to all four wheels instead of just the front or just the rear. In this segment, the host uses AWD as part of the “only coming” configuration discussion, which matters because AWD can change traction and how weight distribution translates into grip.

Weight distribution describes how a car’s mass is split front-to-rear (and sometimes left-to-right). Here, the claim that 55% of the weight is over the front wheels is important because it influences steering response, front tire loading, and how the car behaves under braking and cornering.

The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the CTS, and it’s referenced here as another weight comparison. The host says the Charger is about a thousand pounds more than their CTS-V, emphasizing how unusually heavy this Charger variant is.

“60 in four seconds” refers to a 0–60 mph acceleration time, a common metric for how quickly a car reaches 60 mph from a stop. The speaker emphasizes it as unusually fast “for a car this size,” highlighting the performance impact of traction and power delivery.

The quarter mile is a drag-racing distance (1,320 feet / 402 meters) commonly used to compare straight-line acceleration performance. The speaker cites a quarter-mile time (“12, three”), using it as a benchmark for how fast the car is.

“305/35 series tires” describes tire sizing: 305 mm width and a 35-series aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width). Wider, lower-profile tires like this typically increase grip, which supports the segment’s discussion about launch traction and “grip.”

The Dodge Charger is a long-running American muscle-car nameplate, and this episode focuses on a modern twist: it’s being offered both as an EV and as a gas-powered version. The host discusses how the lineup evolved from an EV-first approach to adding a six-cylinder gas variant, then mapping trims like Scat Pack and Daytona to different powertrains.

EV stands for electric vehicle, meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor and a battery rather than a gasoline engine. In this segment, the host is contrasting the Charger’s EV availability with later gas-powered variants.

“Drive train” (usually spelled “drivetrain”) refers to the components that deliver power from the engine to the wheels, such as the transmission, driveshaft(s), differential, and axles. The hosts are saying you can get similar drivetrain and features even when choosing a different body style (two extra doors).

“Wrangler philosophy” is a reference to how Jeep Wrangler buyers can often choose options in a straightforward, modular way—prioritizing simplicity and configurability. The host is using it as an analogy for how this car is designed to be ordered or optioned without overly complicated bundles.

The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road SUV designed for trail driving and easy customization. It’s significant because it’s built around a simple, capable platform that supports off-road features and removable-style design elements. The podcast mentions it as a reference point for a “Wrangler philosophy” of getting a certain kind of capability.

“Hellcat” refers to Dodge’s high-output supercharged V8 performance engine family (commonly associated with the Charger/Challenger). When someone says “put a Hellcat in everything,” they mean using that specific, very powerful engine across multiple models.

The Challenger is the Dodge muscle-car name that’s closely associated with high-performance versions, including the idea of putting a “Hellcat” engine into the lineup. In the podcast, it’s referenced as part of a timeline-like comparison (“it’s 2016 again”), implying a discussion about how the model has been offered or marketed. It’s mentioned to clarify what “Challenger” means in that context.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically known for strong low-end torque and a distinctive sound. In this discussion, the speaker is arguing about whether a V8 will fit and whether moving to a V8 changes the character of the vehicle.

Here, “customer” is being used as a market concept: whether there’s a buyer segment that actually wants this specific kind of car. The speaker’s point is that if there’s no clear customer, even a good car can struggle commercially.

“Non luxury coupes” is a market category idea—what used to be mainstream, affordable two-door cars that weren’t branded as luxury. The speaker claims that segment has largely disappeared, which affects whether a “large” coupe concept can find buyers at a given price.

“Four door” vs “two door” describes body style/door-count packaging, which changes practicality and target buyers. In this context, the speaker is saying the car’s layout could be offered in either configuration, affecting who it appeals to.

Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles. A longer wheelbase usually means more interior space (especially for rear seating) and a different overall “stance” and ride feel compared with shorter cars.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American sports car known for its performance options and distinctive styling. It’s often used as a benchmark when discussing vehicle size and proportions because many other cars get compared to it. In the podcast, the Mustang is referenced while talking about wheelbase differences versus another car.

The Dodge Polara was a full-size car from Dodge’s lineup, best known for the era when American automakers offered large “personal luxury” and big-engine cars. In the transcript, it’s used as an example of Dodge building full-size vehicles with big-block V8s to compete with the muscle-car crowd.

The Mercury Marauder is an older Mercury model name that the podcast references as something similar to another car, but with a different name. It’s mentioned as part of a memory or comparison about how certain vehicles were labeled. Because it’s not described in detail, the key point is the name association rather than specifications.

“Muscle cars” are performance-focused American cars (often with large V8 engines) that became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The transcript contrasts them with full-size “personal luxury” cars, noting that muscle cars were typically smaller (intermediate/midsize) while the luxury competitors were much larger.

“Personal luxury” refers to a category of two-door cars marketed for comfort and style rather than pure performance. In this era (the 1970s through the 1990s), automakers used it to sell big, comfortable cars with powerful engines, before SUVs became the dominant choice for buyers who wanted to spend money on a car.

The BMW 8 Series is BMW’s higher-end grand-touring/personal-luxury model line, positioned above the 6 Series in the host’s comparison. The transcript frames it as taking the personal-luxury idea “to a much higher level” in the 1980s.

An eight-speed automatic is a gearbox with eight forward ratios that automatically selects the best gear for speed and load. More gears can help keep the engine in its efficient or power band, but the shift strategy (how it decides when to change gears) can still make the car feel jerky or unrefined, especially at low speeds.

ZF is a major automotive supplier known for transmissions and other driveline components. In this segment, the host suggests the Charger’s eight-speed automatic is likely a ZF unit, and they judge its calibration (tuning) based on how it shifts.

“Jerky at low speeds” describes a drivability issue where the car’s transmission or torque delivery causes noticeable shuddering or abrupt movement when creeping, pulling away, or inching through traffic. It’s often tied to shift timing and how the transmission control software manages clutch/gear engagement.

The “Alex platform” refers to a specific vehicle platform architecture used by Chrysler/Dodge products, and the host uses it as a comparison point for how “old” the car can feel. The idea is that the platform’s age shows up in the driving feel and the technology, which can be part of the appeal for some buyers.

The Chrysler 300 is a full-size, luxury-leaning sedan known for its bold styling and comfort-focused character. It’s often discussed as a more traditional “big sedan” alternative when people want a luxury feel without going to a smaller premium car. In the podcast, it’s referenced as an example of a car that could have been designed as a luxury model.

The Dodge Challenger is the Charger’s sibling in the modern Mopar muscle lineup, and it’s known for offering multiple engine options across a broad price range. Here, the host is using Challenger sales and pricing history to explain why a two-door variant might have been hard to sell.

V6 is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The host notes that a V6 was the most popular engine choice on both Charger and Challenger, which matters because it affects how automakers price and market trims.

“Power tree” is enthusiast slang for an automaker’s lineup of powertrains—basically the different engine/transmission options offered across trims. Here, the host uses it to say the V6 was the most popular choice for Charger and Challenger buyers.

Pentastar refers to Chrysler’s V6 engine family used in many Dodge and Jeep models. In this segment, the host is speculating that swapping in a Pentastar V6 wouldn’t lower the new car’s price enough to reach the older “entry level” positioning.

An EV platform is a vehicle architecture designed from the start for electric powertrains and battery placement. Because it’s engineered around batteries, it can optimize space, weight distribution, and structural packaging versus adapting an older gasoline-only design.

A battery pack is the large set of battery cells/modules that stores electricity for an EV. Where it’s placed—often between the axles—matters for space and for lowering the car’s center of gravity.

Center of gravity (CoG) is the point where a vehicle’s weight effectively balances. Lowering the CoG (for example by placing a heavy battery pack low) generally improves stability and reduces body roll in cornering.

An electrification platform is a vehicle architecture designed to support electric drivetrains (like battery-electric or plug-in hybrids) across multiple models. The key idea is that the platform dictates packaging, wiring, battery mounting, cooling, and how the powertrain integrates into the body and chassis.

Stalantis appears to refer to Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. In this segment, the speaker is arguing that Stellantis’ North American operations lack experience executing electrified vehicles successfully.

Carlos Tavares is a senior executive associated with Stellantis. In this context, the speaker mentions “platforms approved under a Tavares,” implying leadership-driven approval or direction for electrification efforts.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a crossover SUV offered in multiple powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid versions. The podcast specifically distinguishes the plug-in Outlander from other Outlander variants, which matters because it changes how you charge and drive it. That’s why it comes up in a “which one is it?” type of conversation.

The Nissan Rogue is a mainstream compact crossover SUV aimed at buyers who want a comfortable daily driver. In the podcast, it’s brought up in the context of which Rogue version is “the best” to buy, implying there are meaningful differences between trims. That makes it relevant to shoppers comparing options within the Rogue lineup.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a nameplate that has been used on different cars over the years, and the podcast describes the “new Eclipse” as badge-engineered. In other words, it’s presented as a version of another platform rather than a completely unique model. That’s why it comes up in a discussion about what the latest Eclipse actually is.

All-season tires are designed to work in a wide range of temperatures, typically balancing dry grip, wet traction, and moderate snow capability. They’re not as specialized as dedicated summer or winter tires, but they’re a practical choice for year-round driving.

The Subaru Outback is a crossover wagon built on Subaru’s legacy platform, known for all-weather capability and a long-travel suspension feel. Using a 2015 Outback as a test vehicle matters because it’s a common, real-world baseline for tire comfort and wet traction.

Wet weather performance refers to how well a tire and vehicle behave on rain-soaked roads—especially grip during braking, cornering, and acceleration. Tire tread design and rubber compound strongly influence this, and it’s often where all-season tires are most scrutinized.

Hydroplaning happens when a tire loses contact with the road because water builds up faster than the tire can push it out of the way. The tire effectively rides on a thin film of water, which reduces steering and braking grip. It’s especially noticeable in heavy rain and standing water.

Hankook’s Ventus S1 is a tire line that’s positioned for stronger grip than typical all-season tires. In this segment, the hosts are tracking how it performs in wet conditions and how it feels on longer drives. The “S1” naming refers to Hankook’s specific performance-oriented model within the Ventus family.

An all-season tire is designed to balance dry grip, wet traction, and moderate winter capability, typically using a tread compound and tread design meant to work across a wider temperature range. In the segment, the host contrasts all-season tires with the Ventus S1’s behavior, implying the Ventus S1 is more performance-focused than a typical all-season. That’s why they expect more grip.

Summer tires are built to deliver stronger dry and wet grip in warm weather, usually using a tread compound that performs best above typical cold-season temperatures. They often trade off winter traction and may wear faster or feel less effective in cold conditions. The host notes they’ll test the tires over summer to evaluate how they feel when conditions match the tire’s design.

Grip refers to how well a tire can generate traction between the rubber and the road surface. More grip typically means better acceleration, braking, and cornering feel because the tire can transmit forces without slipping. Here, the host says the tires seem to have more grip than a standard all-season tire.

“Over-tiring” means fitting tires that are so grippy that the rest of the car’s hardware (suspension, driveline, mounts) is forced to work beyond what it was designed for. When traction is too high, you can stress components and start seeing new noises or failures elsewhere.

The driveline is the set of parts that transmit power from the engine to the wheels (for example, the transmission output through the driveshaft to the differential). If traction is excessive, torque spikes and wheel slip changes can overload these parts and lead to breakage.

Bushings are rubber or elastomer mounts that allow controlled movement while isolating vibration between suspension components. When bushings wear out or get noisy, they can change how the suspension behaves and can be a sign the car is being stressed (including by higher-grip tires).

Hankook Ventus is Hankook’s performance tire line. In this segment, the hosts are discussing how “sticky” Ventus tires can reveal weaknesses in a car’s suspension and driveline when grip is higher than the rest of the setup can tolerate.

“195 50 R 16” is a tire size code: 195 mm is the tire width, 50 is the aspect ratio (sidewall height as a percentage of width), and R 16 means radial construction with a 16-inch wheel diameter. The speaker is saying this specific size is hard to replace.

Michelin is a tire manufacturer, and the host says he reached out to them directly for help sourcing tires. The discussion highlights how tire availability can shrink in niche wheel/tire sizes.

Costco is a major retail warehouse club that sells tires and other automotive-related products. In this segment, the host uses Costco as an example of limited tire availability in certain smaller tire sizes.

The Mazda MX-5 (Miata) is a lightweight, small roadster focused on fun handling rather than raw power. It’s significant in car discussions because it has a reputation for being easy to drive and popular with enthusiasts. The podcast specifically talks about Miata tires and how many people still drive them regularly.

Road hazard coverage is a tire warranty add-on that helps pay for replacement if a tire is damaged by things like potholes, debris, or punctures. The host contrasts different coverage durations from different retailers.

Tire Rack is a tire and wheel retailer known for selling performance tires and offering fitment guidance. Here it’s referenced specifically for its road hazard coverage terms (two years, per the host).

A tire date code is the stamped manufacturing date on the sidewall, usually indicating the week and year the tire was made. Checking it helps you avoid buying tires that have been sitting in inventory for a long time, which can mean the rubber has aged. The host recommends verifying the date code before installing tires from a dealer order.

Tires age even if they have tread left, because the rubber compounds degrade over time. The host specifically warns against installing a seven-year-old tire, implying that age-related wear can reduce grip and safety. This is especially relevant for performance tires, which can be more sensitive to aging.

Tire compounds are the specific rubber formulations used in different parts of a tire tread. They control key behaviors like grip, wear rate, and how the tire ages—so two tires with the same tread depth can behave very differently.

Delamination is when layers inside a tire separate, often due to aging, heat cycles, or damage. It’s dangerous because it can cause sudden loss of structure and traction, and it can lead to catastrophic failures at highway speeds.

In the podcast, “Truck” appears as a placeholder for a specific vehicle being discussed with “official pricing” and a model name that’s described as “blank slate.” Since the actual truck make/model isn’t provided, the discussion is focused on pricing and model naming rather than technical details. It’s included here because it’s the only label given for that segment.

The hosts are framing the Slate Auto trucklet as a product that makes compromises to hit an affordable price. In EV trucks, that often means giving up features, range, performance, or materials compared with higher-priced alternatives.

The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup, and the host uses the 2011 Ford Ranger as a reference point for how the Slate Auto might feel and be used. The comparison is about size and practicality—like a smaller truck you’d keep around for occasional errands.

“EPA rated range” is the driving distance an electric vehicle is expected to achieve under standardized testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a consistent way to compare range claims between EVs, but real-world results can vary with speed, temperature, and driving style.

Battery chemistry refers to the specific materials used in an EV’s lithium-ion cells, which strongly affects cost, energy density (how much range you get for a given battery size), and safety characteristics. Different chemistries can also change how the pack is sourced and whether it qualifies for incentives.

The “tax credit” referenced here is an EV incentive that can depend on battery sourcing and materials. When the credit rules change, manufacturers may switch battery chemistry (e.g., from NMC to LFP) because the incentive no longer forces a particular supply chain.

NMC stands for a lithium-ion battery chemistry using nickel, manganese, and cobalt. It’s commonly used in EVs because it can offer relatively high energy density (more range for a given battery size), but sourcing and incentive rules can affect whether a manufacturer chooses it.

LFP (lithium iron phosphate) is a lithium-ion battery chemistry known for strong safety characteristics and typically lower cost. It usually has lower energy density than NMC, meaning you may need a larger battery to get the same range—but manufacturers can sometimes offset that with pack sizing and incentives.

Energy density is how much electrical energy a battery stores for a given weight or volume. Higher energy density generally means more driving range without increasing battery size, while lower energy density often requires a bigger pack to achieve similar range.

A resistive heater is an EV cabin/thermal system that creates heat by running electricity through a resistive element. It’s simple but typically less efficient than a heat pump, so cold weather can cause a much larger range drop.

A heat pump is an EV thermal system that moves heat instead of generating it purely with electricity. Because it can extract heat from the outside air (or other sources) and transfer it efficiently, it generally preserves more range in cold weather than resistive heating.

The EPA cycle refers to the standardized test procedure the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses to estimate EV range. Because it follows specific driving patterns and speeds, real-world range can differ—especially with cold temperatures, high speeds, or heavy loads.

The phrase “aerodynamic box” is shorthand for a vehicle shape that isn’t optimized for low drag. Boxy, bluff shapes typically create more aerodynamic resistance, which can hurt efficiency and range at higher speeds.

Crank windows are manual side windows operated by a hand crank instead of an electric motor. The host is listing it as a negative because the car only comes with manual roll-up windows, not power windows.

Electric windows are power-operated windows that use a motor and switchgear to raise and lower the glass. The segment says the option to add electric windows as an add-on feature was planned but ultimately not offered.

A paint wrap (often vinyl) is a film applied over the car’s body panels to change color or protect the original paint. In this segment, they’re saying you can’t get the car painted from Slate, so you’d pay for a wrap instead—and you may be expected to install it yourself.

DIYing a wrap means installing the vinyl film yourself rather than paying a shop. The host emphasizes that it’s difficult for first-timers because you need the right technique to avoid wrinkles, bubbles, and misalignment.

A radio here refers to the in-car infotainment/audio unit. The host lists it as another negative that the vehicle doesn’t include a radio.

Hyundai Ioniq refers to Hyundai’s Ioniq-branded lineup, which includes electric and hybrid models depending on the specific vehicle. The podcast mentions it while discussing buying options like different battery sizes and drive setups. That makes it relevant as a nameplate people use when shopping across multiple Ioniq variants.

A “small battery” in an EV usually means a lower-capacity battery pack than the top trim. That typically reduces range but can lower the purchase price, which is central to the host’s comparison of the Ioniq 5 versus the Slate.

To amortize costs means spreading the upfront expense (like engineering, tooling, and marketing) across many units sold over time. In car pricing discussions, it’s often used to explain how a large automaker can lower per-vehicle cost by selling huge volumes.