About this episode
Omar Weissman, VP of Marketing North America B2C from Michelin, discusses the brand's commitment to motorsport as a center for innovation, translating racing tire technology into consumer products. He highlights Michelin's sustainability efforts, including the upcoming Pilot Sport Cap 2 Endurance tire made from 50% renewable materials. Weissman emphasizes the importance of tire wear and performance, especially in winter conditions, and encourages consumers to educate themselves about tire choices for safety and driving pleasure. He also hints at exciting future developments in Michelin's product lineup.
Nicole's been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally but this isn't one for serious off-roading. Sam takes his own stint in the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Hemi.
Nicole and Sam both recently got some seat time in the new 2026 Honda Prelude one in Michigan, one in Japan and like it's ancestors, it's not at the tip of the spear performance-wise but it is a lot of fun. Sam and Nicole also finally get to discuss their impressions of the Polestar 4. Ford is considering ditching the F-150 Lightning. While he was in Japan, Sam also to drive the Honda Super-One which sadly probably won't get to America until 2050 and he saw the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ which looked better than it did in photos. At SEMA 2025, Toyota showed a fuel-cell powered Tacoma overlander that won't be very useful. Nicole also had a conversation with Michelin's Omer Waysman.
It's November and with the government shut down and the administration refusing to pay out SNAP benefits, there are millions across America, many elderly or children that don't have enough to eat. You can help by donating to Feeding America and Robbie will write and record a song for you or at your local food bank. There are also dogs in need of assistance and Sam will be joining a crew of volunteers helping to transport them to forever homes in December and you can help by donating to Operation Frodo. Links are below.
Links
Sam's Honda Prelude first drive
Nicole's Honda Prelude first drive
toyota builds overlanding Tacoma that can't go anywhere
Toyota Fuel Cell Tacoma H2-Overlander
Ford considering cancelling F-150 Lightning
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Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
"Well, what have you been driving, Nicole? I have been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E rally, which is really fun. So I haven't driven a Mach-E in a while."
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a sporty electric SUV that looks like a Mustang but runs on electricity instead of gas. It's designed for fun driving experiences.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a performance-oriented version of the Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric SUV that combines the iconic Mustang styling with modern electric vehicle technology.
velocity blue metallic
"...and it is velocity blue metallic. So it's really, really bright. And instead of the, I think it's standard with these"
Velocity Blue Metallic is a bright blue color that makes the car stand out. It's a popular choice for people who want their car to look exciting and unique.
Velocity Blue Metallic is a vibrant paint color option available for the Ford Mustang Mach-E, known for its eye-catching and bright appearance.
puddle lights
"...it has the puddle lights that look like the little Mustang, the little Mustang logo. And that's cool. The galloping pony..."
Puddle lights are lights that shine down from the car's mirrors or doors to help you see the ground when you open the door. They can show a logo or design on the ground, making it look cool.
Puddle lights are small lights mounted on the underside of a vehicle's side mirrors or doors that illuminate the ground when the doors are opened. They provide visibility and can also project a logo or design onto the ground.
Mustang
"...the little Mustang, the little Mustang logo. And that's cool. The galloping pony..."
The Mustang is a famous car made by Ford that is known for being fast and stylish. Many people love this car for its performance and design.
The Mustang is a classic American muscle car produced by Ford, known for its performance and iconic design. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often associated with speed and style.
EV
"this is the EV, if in case someone doesn't know the Mustang monkey is an EV, the rally is the fancy tricked out..."
An EV is a type of car that uses electricity to run instead of using gas like most cars.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.
rally car
"...that this thing has been styled to look kind of like a 1980s, early 90s rally car with those, those fancy white wheels..."
A rally car is a type of race car that competes on different kinds of roads, like dirt and gravel. They are built to be tough and handle rough conditions well.
A rally car is a specially modified vehicle designed for rally racing, which involves racing on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, gravel, and tarmac. These cars are built for performance, handling, and durability in challenging conditions.
horsepower
"It has lots of power. It has 480 horsepower, 700 pound feet of torque. You know, it goes it's not a very big vehicle."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much power an engine can produce, directly affecting performance and acceleration.
torque
"It has lots of power. It has 480 horsepower, 700 pound feet of torque. You know, it goes it's not a very big vehicle."
Torque is how strong an engine is when it starts moving. More torque means the car can pull heavier things and accelerate faster from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which in cars translates to how much pulling power an engine has. It affects acceleration and the ability to move heavy loads.
extended range battery
"It has the extended range battery, which is the only way that you can get this one, which is 265 miles of range."
An extended range battery helps electric cars drive further without needing to recharge. It gives you more miles before the battery runs out.
An extended range battery is a larger battery pack in electric vehicles that allows for a longer driving range on a single charge. This is crucial for reducing range anxiety among electric vehicle owners.
Ioniq 5
"...maximum range is like 200 and like 35 maximum range one mile. Because I was driving it like a bat out of hell..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks cool and can drive a long distance on a single charge. It has features that help it charge quickly.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV known for its modern design and advanced technology features, including a long electric range and fast charging capabilities.
EVs
"...some EVs they're all fast they all accelerate really fast they're all they that impressive torque but they don't all handle in an engaging way like I sometimes I can find EVs sort of flat..."
EVs stands for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gas. They can be very fast but might not always feel sporty when you drive them.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars powered entirely by electricity rather than traditional gasoline or diesel engines. They are known for their quick acceleration and high torque, but their handling characteristics can vary significantly between models.
pricing
"...pricing is not cheap but it's not crazy I put it together online so it's 63,170..."
Pricing means how much a car costs. Different cars can have different prices depending on their features and popularity.
Pricing in the automotive context refers to the cost of a vehicle, which can vary based on factors like model, features, and market demand. Understanding pricing is crucial for buyers to make informed purchasing decisions.
ground clearance
"...it's got just about seven inches of ground clearance not not a lot more enough more it has it I think that the XRT is a more practical versatile choice..."
Ground clearance is how high a car sits off the ground. A higher number means the car can go over bumps and rough areas better without hitting the ground.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the lowest point of a vehicle's body and the ground. It is an important factor for off-road capability, as higher ground clearance allows a vehicle to navigate rough terrain without getting stuck or damaged.
kilowatt
"...there's that to do about 150 kilowatts with the Mach-E so yeah there's reasons why you would..."
A kilowatt is a way to measure how much power something uses or produces. For electric cars, it tells you how quickly the battery can charge or how powerful the motor is.
A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In the context of electric vehicles, it often refers to the rate at which the vehicle can charge its battery or the power output of the electric motor.
rally racing
"...a reminder that rally is not off-roading it's not the same...look up rally racing you'll see the craziest stuff you've ever seen..."
Rally racing is a type of car racing that happens on different kinds of roads, like dirt or gravel. It's not just about speed; drivers need to handle tough conditions and often race against the clock.
Rally racing is a form of motorsport that takes place on public or private roads, often in a timed format. It typically involves driving on a variety of surfaces, including dirt and gravel, and requires specialized vehicles designed for handling rough terrain.
Group B rally
"especially look up group b rally yeah is that the craziest look at you know watch some of those clips"
Group B rally was a type of car racing that happened in the 1980s. It featured very fast cars and had very few safety measures, which made it exciting but also very dangerous.
Group B rally was a class of rally racing that took place from 1982 to 1986, known for its high-performance cars and lack of safety barriers, leading to some of the most thrilling and dangerous racing in history.
four-wheel drive
"650 horsepower four-wheel drive group b rally machines yeah they're flying by 150 miles an hour"
Four-wheel drive means that all four wheels of a car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially on rough or slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to receive power from the engine simultaneously, providing better traction and control, especially in off-road or slippery conditions.
rally driving
"they also have people do that in rally driving where the crowd is very very close to these crazy corners"
Rally driving is a type of car racing where drivers go through different courses on roads that can be rough or smooth. They use special cars designed for these races.
Rally driving is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through a series of timed stages on various road surfaces, often in challenging conditions, using specialized rally cars.
Ram 1500
"last week nicole i have the ram 1500 hemi what do you think what do you think what do you think"
The Ram 1500 is a large truck that can carry heavy loads. The 'Hemi' is a type of engine that gives it more power and a distinctive sound when you start it.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its powerful engine options and comfortable ride. The 'Hemi' refers to the V8 engine variant that offers enhanced performance.
Hyundai Palisade
"when we pulled into the lunch stop we were driving the uh the hunday palisade hybrid"
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a type of SUV that uses both gas and electricity to run. This helps it use less fuel and be better for the environment.
The Hyundai Palisade Hybrid is a midsize SUV that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. It is known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features.
5.7 liter V8 HEMI
"5.7 liter v8 hemi uh with e-torque um is $2,895 that's a lot um you know so that's the tim badge on"
The 5.7 liter V8 HEMI is a type of engine made by Chrysler. It's known for being powerful and efficient, making it popular in trucks like the RAM.
The 5.7 liter V8 HEMI is a powerful engine produced by Chrysler, known for its hemispherical combustion chamber design that enhances performance and efficiency. This engine is commonly found in various RAM trucks and offers a balance of power and torque.
multifunction tailgate
"this one also has the ram boxes uh and the multifunction tailgate that opens up in a couple of different ways"
A multifunction tailgate is a special tailgate on some trucks that can open in different ways. This makes it easier to load and unload things from the truck bed.
A multifunction tailgate is a feature in some pickup trucks that allows the tailgate to open in multiple ways, enhancing usability for loading and unloading cargo. This can include options like a traditional drop-down tailgate or side-opening configurations.
fuel economy
"...except for that whole fuel economy driving..."
Fuel economy is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. If a truck has good fuel economy, it means it doesn't use too much gas to drive a long distance.
Fuel economy refers to how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically measured in miles per gallon (MPG). Higher fuel economy means the vehicle can travel further on a gallon of fuel, which is an important consideration for many drivers.
Ram 2500
"...that I had the ram 2500 which averaged 17 and a half miles per gallon..."
The Ram 2500 is a bigger and stronger version of the Ram truck, made for heavy-duty work. It can carry more weight and tow heavier things than the smaller Ram 1500.
The Ram 2500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck that offers greater towing and payload capacity compared to the Ram 1500. It is designed for more demanding work and typically features a more robust suspension and engine options.
Stellantis
"...to the credit stilantis was the last of the uh the detroit automakers to raise the destination chargers on their full-size trucks..."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of vehicles, like Jeep and Dodge. They are known for producing trucks and SUVs.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns several well-known brands, including Jeep, Dodge, and Ram, and is involved in the production of a variety of vehicles, including full-size trucks.
GM
"...ford went first and then gm and then stilantis..."
GM is a large car company that makes many different brands, like Chevrolet and Cadillac. They produce a wide variety of cars and trucks.
General Motors (GM) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes vehicles and vehicle parts. GM is known for its brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac, and is a major player in the automotive industry.
Ram Boxes
"...ram is the only one that has the ram boxes which are a pretty cool feature if you need someplace to to store stuff..."
Ram Boxes are special storage areas on the sides of the truck bed where you can keep tools and other items. They help you organize your stuff while using the truck.
Ram Boxes are built-in storage compartments located on either side of the bed of certain Ram trucks. They provide additional space for tools and supplies, enhancing the truck's utility for work and recreation.
Ford F150 Lightning
"they don't have tesla numbers to be able to do that i don't know why they did that every time they would drop the price they would announce like oh it's record sales of the f-150 lightning and then they'd raise it like ten thousand dollars something goofy and then of course the sales"
Chevrolet Tahoe
"...things i had a cousin who bought a truck to go to Tahoe he's like oh now we can go to Tahoe i'm like i'm..."
Subaru WRX
"i have a cousin who bought a truck to go to Tahoe he's like oh now we can go to Tahoe i'm like i'm not going in your pickup to Tahoe i have a wrx"
The Subaru WRX is a sporty car that is good for driving fast and handling well, especially in tough weather conditions.
The Subaru WRX is a high-performance compact car known for its all-wheel drive and rally heritage, making it popular among driving enthusiasts.
Ford Maverick
"... could put 1500 pounds of mulch in the back of a maverick yep just don't the maverick is that's that's the ..."
annual sales
"...expected about 25 000 annual sales by the time that they officially launched it..."
Annual sales mean how many cars a company sells in one year. It's a way to see how popular a car is.
Annual sales refer to the total number of units sold by a company over the course of a year, which is a key indicator of a product's market performance.
starting price
"...especially with that $40 000 starting price that they had for the for the lightning pro..."
The starting price is the cheapest amount you can pay to buy a car. It usually means you get the basic version without extra features.
The starting price is the lowest price at which a vehicle model is offered for sale, often indicating the base version without additional features or options.
production capacity
"...when you have underutilized capacity that is hugely hugely expensive so that was one problem..."
Production capacity is how much a factory can make in a certain time. If they don't make enough, it can cost them more money.
Production capacity refers to the maximum amount of products a manufacturer can produce in a given timeframe. Underutilized capacity can lead to higher costs and inefficiencies.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...mpany but I think they saw that and they saw the Cybertruck we can you know they're going to sell you know a ..."
Honda Prelude
"...ight let's move on um let's talk about the Honda Prelude Nicole you have a chance to try it out I did I h..."
Chevrolet Spin
"...hen we did our drive and we got to take it for a spin and I liked it a lot I liked it a lot it was fun ..."
Mazda Rx7S
"...90s and Japanese sporty cars you know you had the rx7s and the z's and the supros and then prelude was ..."
Toyota Celica
"...it was more of a competitor for the likes of the Celica and you know and the Mitsubishi Eclipse you know ..."
Mitsubishi Eclipse
"...es of the Celica and you know and the Mitsubishi Eclipse you know in the 90s that's that's where the prelu..."
Honda Civic
"... a really really good car you know it's based on civic bones you know you got the civic hybrid powertrai..."
Honda That Honda
"...id why the civic hybrid is so much fun is the way that honda does their hybrid system is a little bit differe..."
Toyota Prius
"...tem uh has a lot less electrical power like in a Prius it's only the the main uh motor that drives the v..."
Honda Civic Type-R
"...that it's got the suspension and brakes from the Civic Type R which means that it's got even better handling yo..."
Polestar 4
"...es it not very useful and so the snow mode on the Polestar 4 switches it from white text to yellow text which..."
Toyota Tacoma
"...had a bunch of stuff that they showed including a Tacoma the fuel cell Tacoma H2 overlander so thank you ..."
Toyota 4Runner
"...yota trucks I really enjoy the Tacoma I like the 4Runner once they get bigger than the 4Runner I'm just li..."
Toyota Cruiser Fj
"...week when i was in tokyo um i got to see the land cruiser fj in person and i must say um you know when i when..."
Ford Bronco
"... was going to be you know it's like it's kind of bronco sized yeah if you look at that like if you look i..."
Honda Accord
"...-sized hybrid uh and that's in the the civic the accord and the crv and then they also have one a small h..."
Honda Passport
"...into vehicles like the next generation pilot the passport the ridgeline and the odyssey and um so you know ..."
Honda Odyssey
"...eration pilot the passport the ridgeline and the odyssey and um so you know as i was saying earlier about ..."
Honda Ridgeline
"... like the next generation pilot the passport the ridgeline and the odyssey and um so you know as i was sayin..."
Honda Element
"...t generation stuff yeah this should put it in an element they should Honda makes like they'll put out like..."
Nissan Leafs
"...we're like oh when people were just like gutting leafs like you know broken leafs and broken Teslas out ..."
Chevrolet Volt
"...g that means that it's currently charging your 12 volt battery uh from through the dc to dc converter a..."
Tesla Model
"... than that you know the rest of the car is stock Tesla Model Y so it wouldn't be immediately obvious and if y..."
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"and the idea is you have these like blue lights now if you look on the the turquoise lights that yeah the turquoise you look at the Mercedes yeah Mercedes start using on the s-class that has the level three and then when we went to New York to look at the iq sk iq is supposed to have a level"
Volvo XC90
"...d a link to an Instagram ad for an armored Volvo XC90 while scrolling through Instagram and I was surp..."
Land Range Rovers
"...mmon oh Land Rover also does armored versions of Range Rovers so they are out there usually on high end do you..."
Toyota Camry
"... one's putting theirs those tires on their Toyota Camry oh you're right and you know for motors for for ..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"... of the table talking with passionate consumer of corvette about how the tire affect their driving and how ..."
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