Ford's "i-Pod" Steering Wheel, VW Golf R, Stellantis Manufacturing Shakeup
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into the latest automotive news, including Jill's experiences at the Rebel Rally and a discussion about Ford's innovative steering wheel design. They also explore Stellantis' significant $13 billion investment in North American manufacturing, the future of the Toyota Sentry luxury brand, and a review of the Volkswagen Golf R. The episode features insights from Stephanie Brinley of S&P Global, shedding light on production shifts and market trends affecting the automotive industry.
Jill returns this week after a two-show absence to participate in the 2025 edition of the Rebelle Rally. After Jill wraps up her thoughts on the event, Tom shares news regarding Toyota launching a new premium brand to be positioned above Lexus in the maker’s corporate portfolio.
Tom goes onto complain about/fawn over the new steering wheel controls in the 2025 Ford Expedition. Tom describes the new interface as “i-Pod-like,” and appreciates the aesthetic appeal of the simple design. Listen in for details.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the sporty Volkswagen Golf R. The car is pricey for a Golf, but is it worth the money?
In the second segment, the hosts welcome Stephanie Brinley of S&P Global Mobility to the show. Stephanie breaks down recent news from Stellantis regarding significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. The news is both extensive and nuanced. Listen in for details.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Buick?” quiz. Stay tuned for a bonus question about the McDonald’s menu in Bahrain. The hosts wrap up the show by talking about the new Jeep Cherokee—to be built in Belvidere, Illinois—and its potential in the market place.
sway bar
"But we had a small sway bar issue and I think they took it out and then oddly she had just bought new shocks for the vehicle..."
A sway bar is a part of a car's suspension system that helps keep the vehicle stable when turning. It connects the left and right sides of the car to prevent it from leaning too much in corners.
A sway bar, also known as an anti-roll bar, helps reduce body roll during cornering by linking the left and right wheels. It enhances stability and handling, especially in vehicles that experience significant lateral forces.
shocks
"...and one of the shocks came apart while we were going over some of the rough terrain."
Shocks are parts of a car that help smooth out the ride by absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road. They keep the tires in contact with the ground for better control.
Shocks, or shock absorbers, are components of a vehicle's suspension system that dampen the impact of bumps and vibrations from the road. They help maintain tire contact with the road for better handling and comfort.
Rebel Rally
"...I have to give a huge shout out to the mechanics who are on the rebel rally..."
The Rebel Rally is a challenging off-road race for women where they use maps instead of GPS to find their way. It's a test of driving and navigation skills across rough terrain.
The Rebel Rally is an all-female off-road navigation rally that takes place in the deserts of California and Nevada. Participants navigate using maps and compasses rather than GPS, emphasizing skill and teamwork.
Toyota Sentry
"Toyota has been building a car in Japan called the Sentry. This is a large luxury sedan only sold in Japan usually for the emperor to ride around in but it's a big sedan sometimes powered by a V8, sometimes by a V12..."
The Toyota Sentry is a big luxury car that's usually only available in Japan. It's known for being used by important people, like the emperor, and has powerful engines.
The Toyota Sentry is a large luxury sedan primarily sold in Japan, often associated with high-ranking officials, including the emperor. It features powerful engine options, including V8 and V12 configurations, making it a coveted vehicle among enthusiasts outside Japan.
Lexus
"...brand positioned above Lexus. Now we don't know a lot about this but Lexus quite successful,..."
Lexus is a brand of luxury cars made by Toyota. They are known for being comfortable and reliable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota, known for its high-quality vehicles and customer service.
Bentley
"...would Lexus, would Toyota want to position this between Lexus and Bentley for example? Bentley being kind of high-endy but not as high-end as Rolls Royce..."
Bentley is a brand that makes very expensive and luxurious cars. They are known for their high quality and performance.
Bentley is a British luxury automaker known for its high-performance vehicles and opulent designs, often associated with wealth and prestige.
Rolls Royce
"...as high-end as Rolls Royce or do they want to go full on Bentley? The thing about Bentley is Bentley is kind of sporty..."
Rolls Royce is a very high-end car brand known for making some of the most luxurious cars in the world.
Rolls Royce is a prestigious British luxury automobile maker, renowned for its bespoke vehicles and exceptional craftsmanship.
Chrysler 300
"...pictures and I'm just it's a cross between to me like a Chrysler 300 and Rolls Royce. Yeah, it's a little old school"
The Chrysler 300 is a large car that looks stylish and is often considered a luxury vehicle. It has a lot of space inside and can have a powerful engine.
The Chrysler 300 is a full-size sedan known for its bold styling, spacious interior, and available V8 engine, often seen as a luxury vehicle.
Hyundai Genesis
"... we have Hyundai who launched their luxury brand Genesis and it's hard to believe that what that's been mo..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a fancy car that feels really nice inside and has lots of cool features. It's a great option for people who want a luxury car without spending too much money.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that marked Hyundai's entry into the premium automotive market. It is recognized for its high-quality interior, advanced technology, and competitive pricing compared to other luxury brands.
G80
"...they just had two cars when the world was moving the crossovers the G80 and the..."
The G80 is a luxury car made by Genesis. It is designed to be very comfortable and has many high-tech features, making it a good choice for people looking for a premium sedan.
The Genesis G80 is a luxury sedan that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. It competes with other luxury sedans in the market, providing a high level of refinement and features.
BMW G80
"...cars when the world was moving the crossovers the G80 and the G90 neither of which was interesting. Th..."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is designed for people who love to drive. It's known for being powerful and fun to handle, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It has a significant place in automotive history as a benchmark for sports sedans, often praised for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
Hyundai Equus
"G90 neither of which was interesting. The G90 was based on the Hyundai Equus..."
The Genesis G90 is a high-end luxury car made by Genesis, which is a part of Hyundai. It's known for its comfort and advanced features.
The Genesis G90 is a luxury sedan that serves as the flagship model of the Genesis brand, which is Hyundai's luxury division. It offers a range of high-end features and a spacious interior.
Genesis G90
"... world was moving the crossovers the G80 and the G90 neither of which was interesting. The G90 was bas..."
Genesis GV70
"I drove the GV70 3.5T and I forgot what they call the top trim level..."
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury SUV made by Genesis. It's designed to be stylish and comfortable, with lots of nice features.
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury compact SUV that combines sporty performance with upscale features and a comfortable interior. It is part of Genesis's growing SUV lineup.
Genesis GV90
"a big crossover called GV90. Yep. So we'll see when we get those"
The Genesis GV90 is a new luxury SUV that Genesis is planning to release. It's expected to be big and have lots of high-tech features.
The Genesis GV90 is an upcoming luxury SUV that is expected to offer a spacious interior and advanced technology features, further expanding Genesis's SUV lineup.
Volkswagen GTI
"I want you to have a review to talk about. We're going to talk about the Volkswagen GTI in a moment..."
The Volkswagen GTI is a fun and sporty car that is popular for its speed and versatility. It's a great option for those who want a practical car that can also be exciting to drive.
The Volkswagen GTI is a sporty hatchback known for its performance and practicality, often regarded as a benchmark in the hot hatch segment.
Ford Expedition
"I recently drove the Ford Expedition Tremor and Tremors the new off-road sub-brand..."
The Ford Expedition Tremor is a version of the Ford Expedition that is built for off-road driving. It has special features that help it handle rough terrain better.
The Ford Expedition Tremor is an off-road variant of the full-size SUV, designed to enhance off-road capabilities with features like improved suspension and all-terrain tires.
iPod style control
"It's just like a two-spoke steering wheel more or less. I think there's a bottom spoke but who cares. But on either side thumb access is what appears to be an iPod style control..."
An iPod style control is a round control that you can turn or swipe, similar to how you would use an old iPod to select music. It's a way to control features in the car without many buttons.
The iPod style control refers to a user interface design that resembles the original Apple iPod's click wheel, allowing users to navigate through options by rotating or stroking the control.
Lincoln Navigator
"Yeah. Yeah. So have you driven the new Lincoln Navigator yet? I have. Fabulous vehicle. These controls are very similar the ones you see on the Lincoln Navigator but the Lincoln Navigator has steering wheel side mirror and the pedal controls all through that thumb wheel whereas the Ford..."
The Lincoln Navigator is a large luxury SUV that is very comfortable and has many high-tech features. It's made for people who want a lot of space and luxury in their vehicle.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior and advanced technology features. It is designed for comfort and offers a range of high-end amenities.
Ford Explorer
"...ls all through that thumb wheel whereas the Ford Explorer has the side mirror and steering wheel can or no ..."
The Ford Explorer is a big family car that can carry a lot of people and their stuff. It's designed to be comfortable and practical for everyday use, especially for families.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its introduction in 1990. It is known for its spacious interior, versatility, and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice among consumers.
towing capacity
"...the reason that they said was because Ford expedition owners are going to tow more than the Lincoln Navigator owners and they will need to adjust their side mirrors more frequently..."
Towing capacity is how much weight a vehicle can pull behind it, like a trailer or boat. It's important to know if you plan to use your vehicle for towing things.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It is an important specification for vehicles designed for hauling trailers or heavy loads, and it varies between different models and configurations.
Volkswagen Golf
"...he Volkswagen GTI. Was it the right car? Well the Golf R. The Golf R. I'm sorry yes. Oh oh oh actually ..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is easy to drive and great for city life. It’s known for being reliable and having a good amount of space inside for passengers and luggage.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its quality, practicality, and fun-to-drive nature. It has been a best-seller in many markets and is often discussed for its balance of performance and everyday usability.
horsepower
"it has 200 or 328 horsepower, 295 pound feet of torque which is an increase of 13 horsepower over the 2024 model."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower, the faster the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In the context of cars, it indicates how much power the engine can produce.
torque
"295 pound feet of torque which is an increase of 13 horsepower over the 2024 model."
Torque is a measure of how strong an engine is when it comes to moving the car. More torque means better acceleration and pulling power.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in vehicles translates to how much pulling power an engine has. It's crucial for acceleration and overall performance.
infotainment screen
"you've got a bigger infotainment screen this year. I think 10.25 inches."
An infotainment screen is a touchscreen in the car that lets you control music, navigation, and other features. A bigger screen usually means more options.
An infotainment screen is a multimedia interface in vehicles that provides entertainment, navigation, and connectivity features. The size and functionality can greatly enhance the driving experience.
automatic transmission
"I personally am not a fan of any kind of an automatic transmission even though this one is is really good."
An automatic transmission is a system in a car that changes gears for you, so you don't have to do it manually. It's easier to drive, especially in traffic.
An automatic transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that automatically changes gear ratios as the vehicle moves, allowing for easier driving without manual gear shifting.
auto stop-start
"I mean one thing I don't understand is you have a Golf R which is in essence a performance vehicle and it always irks me when you have a performance vehicle and they put auto stop start on it..."
Auto stop-start is a feature that turns off the car's engine when it's not moving, like when you're stopped at a red light. This helps save gas and is better for the environment.
Auto stop-start is a technology that automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is idling, such as at traffic lights, to save fuel and reduce emissions. The engine restarts when the driver releases the brake pedal or presses the accelerator.
stop-start system
"...the engine shuts off then you put your foot on the gas and then it starts back up again..."
A stop-start system helps save gas by turning off the engine when you're not moving, like at traffic lights. When you press the gas pedal, the engine starts again so you can drive.
A stop-start system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel and reduce emissions. When the driver presses the accelerator, the engine restarts, allowing for a smoother transition in stop-and-go traffic.
EPA
"...the numbers are there. I mean the EPA believes that they do and I remember..."
The EPA is a government group that makes sure cars are safe for the environment. They also check how much gas cars use, helping people understand fuel efficiency.
The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, is a U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and enforcing national standards for environmental protection, including vehicle fuel economy ratings.
Ram pickup trucks
"...impact on the Ram pickup trucks including the Ram Hemi and the savings at a justice stoplight were actually relatively significant according to him."
Ram pickup trucks are strong vehicles used for carrying heavy loads. They often have powerful engines, making them good for work or personal use.
Ram pickup trucks are known for their durability and performance, often featuring powerful engines like the Hemi V8. They are popular choices for both work and personal use due to their towing capacity and comfort.
Stellantis
"as we noted earlier uh Stalantis made a big announcement investing 13 billion in US infrastructure they're calling it the largest investment in Chrysler brand history..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Chrysler and Jeep. It was created when two companies, Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, combined.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands, including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
Dodge Charger
"... the old LX cars right the Chrysler 300 the Dodge Charger the Dodge Challenger and when those vehicles bec..."
Dodge Challenger
"...Brampton most recently was building the old LX cars right the Chrysler 300 the Dodge Charger the Dodge Challenger..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that is known for being fast and powerful. It has a strong design and is loved by many people who like sporty cars.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines performance with practicality. It is known for its powerful engine options and muscular styling, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
Jeep Cherokee
"...me from Mexico if I'm correct and and the all-new Cherokee which could be an exciting new vehicle is is how..."
Jeep Compass
"...or something like that but now it's building the compass which came from Mexico if I'm correct and and the..."
The Jeep Compass is a small SUV that looks cool and can handle some rough roads. It’s a good choice for people who want a mix of city driving and outdoor fun.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV that offers a blend of style, comfort, and off-road capability. It is designed for those who want a smaller vehicle that still provides the ruggedness associated with the Jeep brand.
Chrysler Pacifica
"... Windsor Windsor now builds the minivans the the pacifica and the um um Voyager and the electric versions o..."
Chrysler Voyager
"...ilds the minivans the the pacifica and the um um Voyager and the electric versions of the old um muscle c..."
The Chrysler Voyager is a family van that has lots of room for kids and their stuff. It’s designed to be comfortable for long trips and easy to get in and out of.
The Chrysler Voyager is a minivan that focuses on family-friendly features and practicality. It offers ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a suitable choice for families looking for a versatile vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler
"...t mean it's going to be you know on the next gen Wrangler um and there could be some more similarities ther..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough car that can go off-road and handle rough trails. It's popular among people who like adventure and outdoor activities because it can drive over rocks and through mud.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. It has a loyal following and is often discussed for its ability to tackle tough terrains and its classic, boxy styling.
Jeep Gladiator
"...t's probably going to be very similar to the Jeep Gladiator and that puts them at a serious price disadvanta..."
The Jeep Gladiator is a truck that can also go off-road, just like the Jeep Wrangler. It has a pickup bed in the back for carrying things, making it useful for both work and play.
The Jeep Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck that combines the off-road capabilities of the Wrangler with the utility of a truck bed. It has garnered attention for its unique design and versatility, appealing to both off-road enthusiasts and those needing a practical vehicle.
Dodge Ram
"...bit of a premium for being a Jeep right and that ram may not be able to live up to right so ram pricin..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and tow trailers. It’s built tough for work but also has a comfortable interior for everyday driving.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup known for its strong performance and towing capabilities. It has a reputation for being durable and is often discussed for its blend of workhorse utility and comfort.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"...the gap in my opinion between the Compass and the Grand Cherokee the Grand Cherokee has always had sort of a luxu..."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a fancy SUV that is great for both city driving and off-road adventures. It has a nice interior and lots of features, making it comfortable for families.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that blends luxury with off-road capability. It is often praised for its comfortable interior, advanced technology, and strong performance, making it a popular choice for those seeking both style and adventure.
Toyota RAV4
"...th the vehicle okay I mean I don't know like the RAV4 the most popular vehicle like you know in God's g..."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that is very popular because it’s reliable and good on gas. It has plenty of room for people and their things, making it a great family car.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has become one of the best-selling vehicles in its class. It is known for its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike.
Jeep Renegade
"...ow that the compass does and they got rid of the renegade a little renegade that I never thought looked tha..."
The Jeep Renegade is a small SUV that looks different and can go off-road. It’s perfect for people who want a fun car that can also handle some rough paths.
The Jeep Renegade is a subcompact SUV that offers a unique blend of style and off-road capability in a smaller package. It appeals to urban drivers who want a vehicle that can handle both city streets and light off-road adventures.
Dodge Nitro
"... guy but I am reminded of the fact that the Dodge Nitro which was a compact crossover it wasn't a crosso..."
The Dodge Nitro is a small SUV that looks tough and can handle some rough roads. It was made for a few years and is known for its unique style.
The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV that was produced from 2007 to 2012, known for its bold styling and off-road capabilities. It has been discussed for its unique design and the niche it filled in the SUV market during its production run.
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