From Brass Era To EVs: Five Must-See Museums And A Bold New Polestar
About this episode
Explore five incredible automotive museums across the U.S., from the expansive Gilmore Car Museum in Michigan to the iconic Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Each museum showcases unique collections and exhibits, highlighting the evolution of the automobile. The episode also features a detailed review of the 2026 Polestar 4, an all-electric SUV with innovative design elements, including a unique rear camera instead of a window and a large touchscreen interface. Insights into its performance and features make this episode a fascinating listen for car enthusiasts.
Craving a car fix without a road trip? We spin a different kind of tour: five destination-worthy automotive museums that chart the arc from brass era pioneers to Hollywood legends, then we put a cutting-edge EV under the microscope. Our journey starts with the sprawling Gilmore campus and rolls through Tacoma’s LeMay, LA’s Petersen, and the Henry Ford’s sweeping narrative of innovation before landing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where racing history crackles from every display.
With that heritage fresh in mind, we jump into the driver’s seat of the 2026 Polestar 4 dual motor. Think 544 horsepower, a sleek profile, and one audacious choice: no rear window. We talk through the consequences of camera-only rear visibility, a panoramic roof that relies on electrochromic dimming, and a minimalist cabin anchored by a 15.4-inch screen. It’s clean, modern, and quick, but we weigh the trade-offs—less tactile control and more eyes-off-road moments—alongside real-world charging needs, range, and pricing that parks it in Model Y and Ioniq territory.
To round it out, we tip our hats to the unsung infrastructure that makes every drive possible: America’s longest tunnels, from the Hudson crossings to Colorado’s high-altitude Eisenhower bore and Boston’s Ted Williams. It’s a look at how engineering ambition underpins car culture, whether you’re walking museum floors or merging into traffic. If you love the intersection of history, design, and modern EV realities, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share with a fellow car nut, and drop a review to tell us which museum or EV deserves our next deep dive.
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Gilmore Car Museum
"So, the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan. Now, this is one of the largest museums in North America."
The Gilmore Car Museum is a big place where you can see many old and unique cars. It's located in Michigan and is one of the largest car museums in North America.
The Gilmore Car Museum is one of the largest automotive museums in North America, located in Hickory Corners, Michigan. It features a vast collection of classic and vintage cars, showcasing the history and evolution of the automobile.
Brass-era cars
"It's got over 400 vehicles that run from the Brass-era cars up through the classic American iron and even into post-war icons."
Brass-era cars are some of the earliest cars made, often featuring shiny brass parts. They represent the beginning of the automotive industry before cars became more modern.
Brass-era cars refer to automobiles produced from the late 1890s to around 1915, characterized by their brass fittings and early engineering designs. This period marks the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motor vehicles.
post-war icons
"...classic American iron and even into post-war icons."
Post-war icons are cars made after World War II, which became very popular and are now considered classics. They often have unique styles and features that people love.
Post-war icons refer to vehicles produced after World War II, which often featured new designs, technologies, and a shift towards consumer-oriented production. This era saw the rise of classic American cars that are now highly collectible.
Cadillac
"...dedicated to the Cadillacs, Pierce Arrow, the Model A Ford, and even some others that you can kind of walk around between them..."
Cadillac is a well-known American car brand that makes luxury vehicles. They are recognized for their stylish designs and advanced features.
Cadillac is a luxury vehicle division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM), known for its high-quality vehicles and innovations in automotive technology. Founded in 1902, Cadillac has a long history of producing luxury cars.
Model A Ford
"...dedicated to the Cadillacs, Pierce Arrow, the Model A Ford, and even some others that you can kind of walk around between them..."
The Model A Ford is a classic car made by Ford in the late 1920s and early 1930s. It was one of the first cars to be mass-produced and is known for being easy to drive and maintain.
The Model A Ford was a popular car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931, known for its affordability and reliability. It was a significant upgrade from the earlier Model T, featuring modern styling and improved performance.
Pierce Arrow
"...dedicated to the Cadillacs, Pierce Arrow, the Model A Ford, and even some others that you can kind of walk around between them..."
Pierce Arrow was a brand of luxury cars made in the early 1900s. They were known for being very well-made and stylish, often seen as a status symbol.
Pierce Arrow was an American luxury automobile manufacturer that operated from 1901 to 1938, known for its high-quality craftsmanship and innovative designs. The brand was particularly famous for its elegant styling and powerful engines.
automotive museums
"It's the LeMay America's Car Museum. It's, again, these are one of the largest automotive museums."
Automotive museums are places where you can see many different cars and learn about their history. They often have old and new cars on display for visitors to enjoy.
Automotive museums are institutions dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of automobiles and automotive technology. They often feature a wide range of vehicles, from vintage cars to modern models, and provide educational resources about the automotive industry.
Ford Model T
"It's really America, but the automobile sections of it, it just goes from beginning to end. It just got everything from the Model T's, historic race cars, presidential vehicles."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually buy because it was made cheap and simple. It changed how people traveled and is really important in car history.
The Ford Model T is a historic automobile that revolutionized the automotive industry by making cars affordable for the average person. Produced from 1908 to 1927, it is often credited with helping to establish the modern automotive landscape and is a symbol of early American industrialization.
presidential vehicles
"...everything from the Model T's, historic race cars, presidential vehicles."
Presidential vehicles are cars that are made just for the President. They have special features to keep the President safe and comfortable while traveling.
Presidential vehicles are specially designed cars used by the President of the United States. These vehicles often include advanced security features and are custom-built to ensure the safety and comfort of the President.
historic race cars
"...everything from the Model T's, historic race cars, presidential vehicles."
Historic race cars are old racing cars that are important because they were part of famous races. They show how car design and technology have improved over time.
Historic race cars refer to vehicles that have participated in significant racing events and have historical importance. These cars often showcase advancements in automotive technology and design over the years.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
"Then the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, this is of course in Speedway, Indiana. It's inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it's all about motor sports, and it's got a collection over the Indy 500 winners..."
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is a place where you can learn about the famous Indy 500 race and see many historic race cars and trophies. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in car racing.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Indianapolis 500 and motorsports in general. It features a collection of race cars, trophies, and memorabilia related to the iconic race and automotive history.
Indy 500
"...it's got a collection over the Indy 500 winners, got some legendary race cars, some pace cars..."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that takes place every year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It's a very important event in the world of car racing, and many people come to watch it.
The Indy 500, or Indianapolis 500, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It features open-wheel cars racing 500 miles, and is known for its rich history and tradition in motorsports.
Polestar 4
"...time now for this hour's car review. I had a chance to drive the all new 2026 Polestar 4 dual motor."
The Polestar 4 is a new electric SUV made by Polestar, which used to be part of Volvo. It has two motors for better power and traction.
The Polestar 4 is an all-electric SUV from Polestar, a performance brand that originated from Volvo. It features a dual motor setup, providing all-wheel drive and enhanced performance.
Geely Motors
"It's a company called Geely Motors, G-E-E-L-Y, Geely Motors, China."
Geely Motors is a car company from China that makes various vehicles, including electric ones. They own Polestar, which makes high-performance electric cars.
Geely Motors is a Chinese automotive manufacturer known for producing a range of vehicles, including electric cars. They are the parent company of Polestar, which focuses on electric performance vehicles.
Polestar 2
"It comes in several versions, the Polestar 2, 3, and 4."
The Polestar 2 is an electric car made by Polestar. It's designed to be sporty and has a lot of modern technology.
The Polestar 2 is an all-electric fastback produced by Polestar, known for its performance and technology features. It is part of Polestar's lineup of electric vehicles.
Polestar 3
"It comes in several versions, the Polestar 2, 3, and 4."
The Polestar 3 is another electric car made by Polestar, but it's an SUV, which means it's bigger and has more space inside.
The Polestar 3 is an all-electric SUV from Polestar, designed for performance and luxury. It features advanced technology and a spacious interior.
dual motors
"I had the 4 that had dual motors. You can't get it with the single motor because it's all electric."
Dual motors mean the car has two electric motors instead of one. This helps the car drive better and faster, especially in different weather conditions.
Dual motors refer to an electric vehicle configuration where two electric motors are used, typically one for each axle. This setup improves traction, performance, and handling.
electric SUV
"Electric SUV is what the government calls it."
An electric SUV is a type of car that is bigger and designed for families, and it runs only on electricity instead of gasoline.
An electric SUV is a sport utility vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity, offering benefits such as zero emissions and often lower operating costs compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
pound-feet of torque
"...the electric motors that turn out 544 horsepower and 506 pound feet of torque transmission, none direct drive range..."
Pound-feet of torque tells you how much twisting force an engine can produce. More torque means better acceleration and the ability to carry heavy loads.
Pound-feet of torque is a measure of rotational force. In vehicles, torque is crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially at low speeds.
horsepower
"...the electric motors that turn out 544 horsepower and 506 pound feet of torque transmission, none direct drive range..."
Horsepower measures how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and accelerate better.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In automotive terms, higher horsepower typically indicates a vehicle's ability to accelerate faster and perform better.
direct drive
"...none direct drive range, 310 miles, tell you about more of that in just a second."
Direct drive means the engine connects straight to the wheels, which helps the car use power more efficiently and can make it faster.
Direct drive refers to a drivetrain configuration where the engine is directly connected to the wheels, allowing for more efficient power transfer and often better performance.
miles per gallon
"...range in the city 90 highway 80 for a combined of 85 miles per gallon."
Miles per gallon tells you how far a car can go on a gallon of gas. The higher the number, the less gas the car uses.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency, indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel economy.
DC charger
"I got, I don't know how many miles, but I didn't have to stop and put a DC charge on it. That cost me $35 and took it almost an hour out of my day."
A DC charger is a fast charger for electric cars that sends power directly to the battery, helping it charge much quicker than regular chargers.
A DC charger, or direct current charger, is a type of electric vehicle charger that provides high-speed charging by delivering direct current to the vehicle's battery. This allows for much faster charging times compared to standard AC chargers.
level two charger
"What could use improvement a level two charger in my garage would be nice. So next time you send me one of those down to drive, please install that charger in the garage."
A level two charger is a faster way to charge electric cars compared to the regular home chargers. It uses a stronger power source, so it charges the car's battery more quickly.
A level two charger is a type of electric vehicle charging station that operates on a 240-volt outlet, allowing for faster charging than a standard level one charger, which uses a regular 120-volt outlet. Level two chargers are commonly used in homes and public charging stations.
Dodge Charger
"...ersonally. What could use improvement a level two charger in my garage would be nice. So next time you send..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks sporty and can go really fast. People like it because it has a lot of space inside and can be fun to drive, especially if you like powerful cars.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan known for its powerful performance and muscular design. It has a strong following due to its blend of practicality and high-performance variants, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and families alike.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"...petitors Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV for 58, 953, Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, 37, 850. And the Tesla Model Y SUV starts ..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which is better for the environment. It's designed to be smooth and stylish, making it a good choice for people who want a modern car that helps reduce pollution.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an all-electric sedan that showcases Hyundai's commitment to sustainable mobility and innovative design. With its sleek aerodynamics and advanced technology, it aims to compete with other electric vehicles in the market, offering a practical yet stylish option for eco-conscious drivers.
Hyundai Ioniq
"... for a base model price of 56.4. Now, competitors Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV for 58, 953, Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, 37, 850..."
Hyundai Ioniq 9
"...ase model price of 56.4. Now, competitors Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUV for 58, 953, Hyundai Ioniq 6 sedan, 37, 850. ..."
Tesla Model
"And the Tesla Model Y SUV starts at $44.990, so it does have competition."
The Tesla Model Y is a type of electric SUV made by Tesla. It's known for being eco-friendly and has a lot of modern technology inside.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact SUV that offers a spacious interior and advanced technology features. It is known for its impressive range and performance, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle buyers.
BMW straight six
"This week, I'll review the Toyota Supra with 400 horsepower through that BMW straight six in it."
A BMW straight six is a type of engine that has six cylinders arranged in a straight line. It's known for running smoothly and providing good power.
The BMW straight six engine is a type of inline engine configuration known for its smoothness and balance. It provides strong performance and is often favored in sports cars for its power delivery.
Toyota Supra
"This week, I'll review the Toyota Supra with 400 horsepower through that BMW straight six in it."
The Toyota Supra is a fast sports car that looks great and drives really well. The newest version has a strong engine that makes it fun to drive.
The Toyota Supra is a sports car known for its powerful performance and sleek design. The latest generation features a BMW-sourced inline-six engine, delivering impressive horsepower and driving dynamics.
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