Fish out of water: V8 gearhead drives Cybertruck and self-driving mode, annoying fellow motorists. Why Charger and Jeep EVs don't connect with buyers, despite 75% energy cost savings.
About this episode
A V8 enthusiast steps out of his comfort zone to drive the Cybertruck at the Seattle Auto Show, sharing his thoughts on its unique design and self-driving capabilities. The conversation dives into the challenges electric vehicles face in connecting with traditional car buyers, particularly with models like the Charger and Jeep. The hosts also discuss the evolution of muscle cars, the impact of EVs on the automotive market, and the importance of listening to partners when making car decisions. The episode blends humor with insightful commentary on the future of driving.
Avowed Muscle Car addict Joe drives Cybertruck through Seattle. He drives Tesla in self-driving mode confidently through busy gas station {backwards}. Why can't product planners see the disconnect between buyer mindset and the products they develop?
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Tesla Cybertruck
"...next thing you know, we're signed up and I'm driving the Cybertruck Seattle Auto Show. Oh, really? Okay, driving downtown Seattle..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck from Tesla that looks very different from regular trucks. It's made to be tough and can carry heavy loads while being environmentally friendly.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed by Tesla, known for its futuristic design and durable exoskeleton. It aims to combine utility with performance, featuring impressive towing capacity and off-road capabilities.
horsepower
"...you could actually get some horsepower out of some of them. Some of them you could order because if you think 1974..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower a car has, the faster it can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
Holden Monaro
"selling in Australia. Yes. Right. The Holden Monero. Yeah. Well, Holden is the division of General Motors in Australia or it was until they killed it."
The Holden Monaro is a sporty car made by Holden, which was part of General Motors in Australia. It's a two-door coupe that is popular for its performance.
The Holden Monaro is a two-door coupe that was produced by Holden, a division of General Motors in Australia. It is known for its performance and was based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Camaro.
General Motors
"the division of General Motors in Australia or it was until they killed it. Yeah. And so basically, so basically what happened was when they ended the platform for the F body."
General Motors, often called GM, is a big American company that makes cars and car parts. They used to own Holden, which made cars in Australia.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. It was the parent company of Holden until Holden ceased operations.
Chevrolet Camaro
"so basically what happened was when they ended the platform for the F body. Yeah. For the Camaro's and the Firebirds. Yeah. And that would have been 2000 and hold on in my head. 2002. Yeah. 2002 was the last year of them. You talked about it. Yes. So 2002"
Pontiac Firebird
"...m for the F body. Yeah. For the Camaro's and the Firebirds. Yeah. And that would have been 2000 and hold on..."
The Pontiac Firebird is a sporty car that was made in the U.S. for many years. It's famous for being fast and having a cool look, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Pontiac Firebird was a classic American muscle car produced from 1967 to 2002, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It shared a platform with the Chevrolet Camaro and became a symbol of the muscle car era, often celebrated for its powerful engines and sporty design.
LS3 engine
"What are we going to do with these motors? Because they were already looking at different things. Oh, you're right. I forgot about that part. Yeah. So they had all these LS motors, LS threes."
The LS3 engine is a powerful V8 engine made by General Motors. It's known for being reliable and is used in many GM cars like the Corvette.
The LS3 is a 6.2-liter V8 engine produced by General Motors. It is part of the LS family of engines and is known for its performance and reliability, commonly found in various GM vehicles, including the Corvette and Camaro.
Chevrolet Corvette
"... CTV, or CTSV. Yeah. They had it in that and the Corvette. So actually in that year, when they brought bac..."
Cadillac Ctsv
"in the Cadillac, CTV, or CTS-V. Yeah. They had it in that and the Corvette."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous American sports car known for being fast and stylish. It's a popular choice for car lovers and has a long history.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and powerful engines. It has a long history and is often considered an American icon in the sports car segment.
Holden Statesman
"I had to look it up myself. I thought I knew everything and obviously not. Is that a wagon? It was a sedan, a really cool looking sedan."
The Holden Statesman is a large, comfortable car made in Australia. It's often used as a luxury car and can be seen as a fancy version of other sedans.
The Holden Statesman is a full-size luxury sedan produced by the Australian automaker Holden. It is known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, often used as a luxury vehicle or for government and fleet services.
Daewoo Statesman
"...t's make it a GTO. My brother saw a car called a statesman the other day. Have you heard of a Holden statesm..."
The Daewoo Statesman is a big, comfortable car that was made in South Korea and sold mainly in Australia. It's designed to be a luxury car, which means it has a lot of space and nice features.
The Daewoo Statesman is a full-size luxury sedan produced by the South Korean automaker Daewoo, primarily for the Australian market. It is known for its spacious interior and comfort, often discussed in the context of its unique position in the automotive landscape.
Chevrolet Impala
"Oh, it's something like the Impala. Yeah. Okay, yes, the Impala."
The Chevrolet Impala is a large car that many families use. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size car that has been a staple of American automotive culture since its introduction in the 1950s. Known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, it has been used as a family car and in various fleet applications.
left hand drive
"...of course being left hand drive compared to right hand drive and everything else you have to change over with that stuff. So safety wise,..."
Left hand drive means the steering wheel is on the left side of the car, which is how most cars are set up in countries where people drive on the right side of the road.
Left hand drive refers to vehicles designed for driving on the right side of the road, where the driver's seat is on the left side of the car. This configuration is common in many countries, including the United States.
safety standards
"...the only reason why in 2006 they did not continue the car is because the safety standards once again changed the United States with airbags...."
Safety standards are rules that cars must follow to make sure they are safe for people to drive and ride in. These rules help prevent injuries in accidents.
Safety standards are regulations set by governments to ensure that vehicles meet specific safety requirements to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These standards can include requirements for airbags, seat belts, and crash testing.
internal combustion cars
"...and you obviously know a lot about internal combustion cars, your V8s, especially if it's if it doesn't have V8 doesn't count, right?"
Internal combustion cars are cars that run on fuel like gasoline. They use an engine that burns this fuel to make the car move.
Internal combustion cars are vehicles that use an engine powered by the combustion of fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, to produce power. This is the traditional type of engine found in most cars before the rise of electric vehicles.
V8
"...internal combustion cars, your V8s, especially if it's if it doesn't have V8 doesn't count, right?"
A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders that are arranged in a V shape. It's popular in powerful cars because it can produce a lot of speed and strength.
A V8 is a type of engine configuration that has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This design is known for providing high power and performance, commonly found in sports cars and trucks.
V6
"I mean, there are some beautiful V6s, I'm not I'm just saying, but I mean, think of the twin turbos and the Fords..."
A V6 engine has six cylinders, which helps it provide a good mix of power and better fuel economy compared to larger engines.
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It offers a balance between power and fuel efficiency, making it a common choice for many mid-sized cars and SUVs.
Toyota
"...impressed with a lot of the things Toyota seemed to be doing the biggest man, I'll tell you, they had some..."
Toyota is a popular car company that makes many types of vehicles, including cars and trucks. They are known for making reliable and long-lasting cars.
Toyota is a well-known automotive manufacturer recognized for its reliable vehicles and innovative technologies, including hybrids like the Prius. The brand has a strong global presence and is known for producing a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Tesla
"...Lance wants to he's thinking about buying a Tesla. And so we end up talking to,..."
Tesla is a company that makes electric cars, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline. They are known for being high-tech and environmentally friendly.
Tesla is a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs), known for their innovative technology and performance. The Model S is one of their flagship models, offering luxury and long-range capabilities.
self drive mode
"You want to put it in self drive mode? I go, Oh, no, I'm driving this thing."
Self drive mode means the car can drive itself without you having to control it. It uses special technology to do this safely.
Self drive mode refers to a feature in modern vehicles that allows the car to drive itself without human intervention, utilizing advanced sensors and algorithms. This technology is part of the broader category of autonomous driving.
48 volt system
"it's got a 12 volt system. It's got a 48 volt. Right. It's the first car to have virtually the entire car is 48 volt."
A 48 volt system is a type of electrical setup in cars that helps them run better and use less energy. It supports things like electric steering and other high-tech features.
A 48 volt system is an electrical architecture used in some modern vehicles to improve efficiency and performance. It allows for the use of more powerful electrical components, such as electric steering and advanced safety features, while reducing the load on the traditional 12 volt system.
Mini Cooper
"...this thing turns like a little Cooper because they're the rear end steers. Yeah. I like, all right, let's just do it."
The Mini Cooper is a small and fun car that is easy to drive and turn. It's known for being very good at handling corners and tight spaces.
The Mini Cooper is a small car known for its agile handling and compact size, making it popular for city driving and tight maneuvers. Its design and performance have made it an iconic vehicle since its introduction.
rear-wheel steering
"...this thing turns like a little Cooper because they're the rear end steers. Yeah. I like, all right, let's just do it. So just turn the wheel a little bit and there it goes."
Rear-wheel steering means that the back wheels of a car can turn, which helps the car turn more easily and stay stable when driving fast. It's like giving the car extra help to steer better.
Rear-wheel steering is a technology that allows the rear wheels of a vehicle to turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels at low speeds, improving maneuverability. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing stability.
Ford Mustang
"...you get a guy that goes and gets, they still do it. They go get a Mustang. It's got a V6 in it..."
The Mustang is a popular sports car made by Ford. It's known for being powerful and stylish, and many people love to customize them.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has been produced in various generations since its introduction in 1964.
muscle car
"Yeah, 64 is the first year. So that's technically the first muscle cars, the GTO."
Muscle cars are fast cars that are usually made in America, known for their powerful engines and sporty looks. They became very popular in the 1960s and 1970s.
Muscle cars are high-performance vehicles, typically American-made, characterized by powerful engines and aggressive styling. They gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, appealing to drivers looking for speed and excitement.
Pontiac GTO
"...nds. But guess what, they went straight to the DT GTO for $279. Well, I had I had some thoughts about ..."
The Pontiac GTO is an old car that many people think of as one of the first muscle cars. It was built to be very fast and is now a classic that collectors love.
The Pontiac GTO is often credited with starting the muscle car trend in the 1960s, combining a powerful engine with a lightweight body for impressive performance. It remains a significant part of automotive history and is highly sought after by collectors.
Dodge Charger
"... Well, I had I had some thoughts about that, the charger we were talking about earlier that the reason wh..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that can hold a lot of people and has a strong engine, which makes it fast. It started as a two-door sports car but now comes as a four-door, so it's good for families too.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that has been in production since the 1960s, known for its powerful performance and aggressive styling. It has evolved from a classic muscle car to a modern four-door vehicle, appealing to a wide range of drivers who appreciate both speed and practicality.
Dodge Challenger
"...st decade or two. Yeah. Yeah. And then it was the challengers that the two doors, right? But guess what? The c..."
The Dodge Challenger is a powerful car that looks like the old muscle cars from the past. It's known for being fast and fun to drive, making it a favorite among people who love sporty cars.
The Dodge Challenger is a modern muscle car that pays homage to the classic models of the 1970s, featuring retro styling and powerful engine options. It has gained popularity for its performance capabilities and is often compared to other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro.
Hummer
"Well, they do have the Hummer. They have the Hummer and I'm surprised three or four surprisingly seeing more of those than I thought I would."
Hummer is a type of vehicle that is big and strong, often used for off-roading. The new version is electric, meaning it runs on batteries instead of gasoline.
The Hummer is a brand of trucks and SUVs known for their rugged design and off-road capabilities. The newer electric version aims to combine this ruggedness with modern electric vehicle technology.
Lucid Air
"It's the Lucid. Oh, yeah. Those are nice. And they compare the horsepower..."
The Lucid Air is a fancy electric car that can go a long way on a single charge. It's known for looking nice and having a lot of cool features.
The Lucid Air is a luxury electric sedan known for its impressive range and performance. It has been praised for its design and advanced technology, positioning it as a competitor in the EV market.
electric vehicles (EVs)
"...the insurance prices have gone up is because of the EVs. Yeah, because of"
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They are better for the environment and can save money on fuel.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional gasoline or diesel. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and often have lower operating costs.
Toyota 4Runner
"...because they don't realize you got to take that whole car apart to put a new battery in there... I was realizing that because we bought a Tesla earlier this month, and it depreciated more in nine hours than our 4Runner has done in nine years."
The Toyota 4Runner is a type of SUV that is built to be tough and can handle off-road driving. It usually keeps its value better than many other cars.
The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged SUV known for its durability and off-road capability. It tends to hold its value well over time compared to many other vehicles.
BMW i3
"Don't you have a BMW EV also? Yeah, the i3, that kind of question. Which one do you like better?"
The BMW i3 is a small electric car that uses lightweight materials to help save energy. It's designed for city driving and is known for its quirky look.
The BMW i3 is an electric vehicle known for its unique design and use of sustainable materials, including carbon fiber. It's compact and aimed at urban drivers looking for an eco-friendly option.
depreciation
"But of course, I bought that used because it was a depreciation."
Depreciation is how much a car loses value as it gets older. When you buy a used car, it has already lost some value, which can be a good thing for buyers.
Depreciation refers to the reduction in the value of a vehicle over time, often due to wear and tear, age, and market demand. It's a key consideration when buying used cars.
touchscreen
"...everything is controlled from the screen. Correct. It's it's a little hard to get used to..."
A touchscreen is a screen that you can touch to control things, like music or navigation, instead of using buttons. Many modern cars have these instead of traditional controls.
A touchscreen is a display that allows users to interact with a device by touching the screen directly. In cars, touchscreens are often used for navigation, media control, and vehicle settings.
wiper controls
"...the wiper controls, there's not a stock for the wipers. Right. So you hit a button on the steering wheel and then the the speeds of the wiper on the screen..."
Wiper controls are how you turn on and adjust the speed of your windshield wipers. Some cars have a lever you pull, while others might have buttons on the dashboard or steering wheel.
Wiper controls refer to the mechanisms used to operate the windshield wipers in a vehicle. In modern cars, these controls can vary significantly, with some using traditional stalks and others utilizing buttons or touchscreens.
steering wheel
"...hit a button on the steering wheel and then the the speeds of the wiper on the screen, which I don't know about you..."
The steering wheel is what you hold onto to turn the car left or right. It's an essential part of driving any vehicle.
The steering wheel is the primary control used by the driver to steer the vehicle. It is typically located in front of the driver's seat and allows for directional control of the car.
Mazda Miata
"...I've never driven one, but car called the Flying Miata. You know, there's a company that takes old Miata..."
Mazda is a car company from Japan that makes different types of cars. One of their most famous models is the Miata, which is a small and fun car that many people enjoy driving.
Mazda is a Japanese automaker known for producing a range of vehicles, including the iconic Mazda MX-5 Miata, which is celebrated for its lightweight design and engaging driving experience. The brand is often discussed for its innovative engineering and commitment to driving enjoyment.
Pontiac Solstice
"Oh, the Solstice, right? Yeah, Solstice. Yeah. The Pontiac Solsti..."
The Pontiac Solstice is a small, two-seat convertible car that looks really nice and is fun to drive. It was made for a few years and is loved by people who enjoy sporty cars.
The Pontiac Solstice is a small roadster that was produced from 2005 to 2009, known for its stylish design and enjoyable driving experience. It was part of Pontiac's efforts to revitalize its brand and has become a favorite among enthusiasts for its sporty characteristics.
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