The hosts dive into their experiences with the 2025 Ford F250, a massive truck designed for heavy-duty work. They discuss its impressive specs, including a 6.7-liter turbo diesel engine with 500 horsepower and a staggering 1200 pound-feet of torque, making it capable of towing up to 40,000 pounds. The conversation highlights the challenges of testing such a vehicle without the proper use cases, as well as the growing trend of people using these trucks as daily drivers despite their intended purpose. The episode blends humor with practical insights about truck ownership and usage.
This week Nicole white knuckled it through a tunnel at Boston Logan Airport with a Ford F-250 Platinum diesel and Robbie and Sam had almost identical Toyota Corolla Cross XSE hybrids.
Sam and Robbie go deep on the 3D printed pistons that F1 teams might be using to "cheat" on the new power unit rules. The Vinfast VF8 has so much creep torque, it could be a safety issue. Ferrari announced its new EV will be called the Luce and it has an interior designed by former Apple design chief Jonny Ive and his pal Marc Newson. Toyota revealed its next-generation Highlander and its all electric. VW is previewing the 2027 Atlas on the snow and ice in Quebec, and the Trump adminstration has effectively killed the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. China is continuing to introduce regulations to address some of the worst design decisions of recent years, including banning steering yokes and requiring physical controls for the most commonly used functions.
Sam had a conversation with Mazda North America CEO Tom Donnelly about where the brand is going and we have a couple of tangents about corgis and furniture dollies.
"I had the Ford F250, let me just read the whole thing. 2025, five, gosh, this is blurry."
The Ford F250 is a big truck designed for heavy work, like towing trailers or carrying heavy loads. It's not just for regular driving; it's built for tough jobs.
The Ford F250 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing capacity and ruggedness, making it suitable for work-related tasks and off-road use.
"It's weird when we get super duty trucks like this. We get heavy duty trucks because they're such you specific things."
Super Duty is a special line of trucks from Ford that are really strong and can carry heavy things. They're made for tough jobs, like construction or farming.
The Super Duty line from Ford refers to their heavy-duty trucks, which are built for maximum towing and hauling capabilities, often used in commercial applications.
"This has the 6.7 liter high output power stroke the 8 turbo diesel Which is 500 horsepower in 1200 pound-feet of torque. So it is made to do every work, 1200 pound-feet of torque."
The 6.7 liter Power Stroke is a powerful diesel engine found in trucks. It generates a lot of strength, which helps in towing heavy loads like trailers or boats.
The 6.7 liter Power Stroke turbo diesel is a high-output engine commonly used in heavy-duty trucks, known for its impressive torque and towing capacity. This engine produces 500 horsepower and 1200 pound-feet of torque, making it suitable for demanding tasks like towing and hauling.
"This is the kind of thing you want if you have heavy duty towing the you're doing. It can tow up to the max tow rating with a goose snack fifth wheel, high above the block is 40,000 pounds, 40,000 pounds."
Pound-feet of torque measures how strong an engine is at turning things. More torque means the engine can pull heavier items, which is important for trucks that tow.
Pound-feet of torque is a measurement of rotational force, indicating how much twisting power an engine can produce. Higher torque values are particularly important for towing and hauling heavy loads.
A work truck is a vehicle built to do tough jobs, like carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. They're often used by people who need to transport tools or materials for their work.
A work truck is designed for heavy-duty tasks, often equipped with features that enhance its utility for towing, hauling, and transporting equipment or materials. These trucks are commonly used in construction, landscaping, and other labor-intensive industries.
"The price of this vehicle all told. So this trim starts at 78,965."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's a starting point for how much you might expect to spend when buying a vehicle.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's often used as a baseline for negotiations at dealerships.
"Well, then my monronie must have been pinched relatively recently because that's what I had. Okay."
The Monroney sticker is a label on new cars that tells you how much the car costs and what features it has. It's like a price tag with extra details.
The Monroney sticker, also known as the window sticker, is a label that provides important information about a vehicle, including its MSRP, fuel economy, and standard features. It's required by law in the United States for new cars.
"Like it's yourself in F-150. You actually get a big truck."
The Ford F-150 is a large truck that many people use for carrying heavy loads or towing trailers. It's a common choice for those who need a reliable vehicle for work or outdoor activities.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability, often used for towing and hauling. It's popular among consumers for both work and recreational purposes.
"...borrowed a high roof transit van from Ford and trying to pull into the parking garage in our apartment building. It's like, got there..."
The Ford Transit is a large van that can carry a lot of stuff and has a tall roof, so you can stand up inside. It's often used by businesses to transport goods or by families for moving.
The Ford Transit is a versatile van known for its spacious interior and high roof option, making it ideal for transporting goods or people. It's commonly used for commercial purposes but can also serve as a family vehicle or for personal use.
"...of course that diesel engine because you can't get a diesel in the F150..."
A diesel engine is a type of engine that runs on diesel fuel. It's usually more efficient and powerful for heavy tasks like towing compared to regular gasoline engines.
A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses diesel fuel, known for its fuel efficiency and torque, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications like towing.
"...they just looked at the numbers the person didn't know what they were talking about and so they were they were they were we're young and trying to write something and And they just were just looking at the towing capacity..."
Towing capacity is how much weight a vehicle can pull behind it, like a trailer or boat. It's important to know so you don't overload your vehicle and cause problems.
Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. It's an important specification for trucks and SUVs, as it determines what kind of trailers or loads they can handle without risking damage or unsafe driving conditions.
"...three of the cars were SUVs. Yeah, like ours because they just looked at the numbers..."
An SUV is a type of vehicle that's bigger than a car and can carry more people and stuff. They can drive on rough roads and are great for families or trips.
An SUV, or Sport Utility Vehicle, is a versatile vehicle designed for both on-road and off-road driving. They typically offer higher ground clearance, spacious interiors, and can have four-wheel drive capabilities, making them popular for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
"...I had the 2026 Corolla Cross hybrid, which is a, it's just a Corolla that's been raised off the ground. It's less fun than a regular Corolla, but it is what the people want."
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a type of SUV that is based on the popular Corolla car but is designed to be taller and more spacious. It also uses a hybrid engine, which means it can save fuel by using both gas and electricity.
The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid is a compact crossover SUV that combines the practicality of a Corolla with a higher ride height and hybrid technology for improved fuel efficiency.
"...ike just cruising on a highway I'd drive down the Monterey for a thing with it No problems [SPEAKER_05]: The..."
The Mercury Monterey is a big minivan that was made to carry families and their things. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of space inside.
The Mercury Monterey is a full-size minivan that was produced from 2004 to 2007, known for its spacious interior and family-friendly features. Although discontinued, it is sometimes discussed for its unique design and comfort.
"...because it's a Toyota hybrid because it's a Toyota hybrid. It's like yeah It's like the saddest sound in the world..."
A hybrid car combines a regular engine with an electric motor, which helps it use less gas and be better for the environment. This means you can drive further on less fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology allows for better mileage compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars.
"...It's held on 42 combined miles per gallon if I was driving around the city..."
Combined miles per gallon is how far a car can go on a gallon of gas when you mix city and highway driving. It helps you understand how fuel-efficient the car is overall.
Combined miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of a vehicle's fuel efficiency that averages the miles per gallon for both city and highway driving. It gives a more comprehensive view of how efficient a car is in different driving conditions.
"...this is the sort of fancy one as a wireless car play."
Wireless CarPlay lets you connect your iPhone to your car's system without using a cable. This makes it easier to use apps and listen to music while driving.
Wireless CarPlay allows iPhone users to connect their devices to the car's infotainment system without needing a physical cable. This feature enhances convenience by enabling hands-free access to apps, navigation, and music.
Wireless Android Auto lets you connect your Android phone to your car without a cable. This makes it easier to use apps and listen to music while driving.
Wireless Android Auto allows Android smartphone users to connect their devices to the car's infotainment system without a cable. It provides access to apps, navigation, and music in a hands-free manner.
"...has a wireless charger, you know, it's got all the little little fancy bits and pieces..."
A wireless charger lets you charge your phone in the car without using a cable. You just place your phone on a special pad, and it charges automatically.
A wireless charger in a vehicle allows compatible smartphones to charge without plugging in a cable. This feature adds convenience for users who rely on their devices for navigation and communication while on the road.
"It does have mapping. The infotainment system is fine. It's like my biggest point like when you switch different whenever I would switch to different modes..."
An infotainment system is the technology in your car that lets you listen to music, get directions, and connect your phone. It's like a mini computer for your car.
An infotainment system is a multimedia system in a vehicle that provides entertainment, information, and connectivity features, such as navigation, music, and smartphone integration.
"It's not like the Hummer It's not like the ID4 where you push something you're like what is happening."
The ID.4 is a new electric SUV from Volkswagen. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has lots of tech features.
The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact SUV that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It offers modern technology and a spacious interior.
"...on the new generation system that's launching on the new RAV4, that one has, you can configure different stuff on the screen at the same time."
The RAV4 is a small SUV made by Toyota. It's great for families because it has a lot of space and is very reliable.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for its reliability, spacious interior, and versatility. It is popular among families and individuals looking for a practical vehicle.
"You know, all wheel drive hybrid. You know, which is handy in the wintertime."
All-wheel drive means that the car can send power to all four wheels, which helps it grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
"There's just an electric motor, a rear electric motor, and 196 horsepower."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car 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, affecting a vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
"There's just an electric motor, a rear electric motor, and 196 horsepower."
An electric motor is a part that helps the car move by using electricity instead of gas. In hybrid cars, it works alongside a gas engine to provide power.
An electric motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, providing propulsion for electric and hybrid vehicles. It is often used in conjunction with a traditional engine in hybrid systems.
"One difference from the Corolla, you know, it's the same basic hybrid system, but the Corolla Sedan has a 1.8 liter engine, and a little bit less power from the electric motor."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people drive because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. It's available in different styles, including a hybrid version that uses both gas and electricity.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice for many drivers around the world, often available in various trims and configurations, including hybrid options.
"... was never really a something like a like a Honda Civic or the Nissan Centra in the 80s and 90s where peo..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like to drive because it's dependable and doesn't use a lot of gas. It's been around for a long time and is often seen as a smart choice for getting from one place to another.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Civic has gained a reputation as a go-to choice for many drivers, especially in the 80s and 90s when it became synonymous with affordable transportation.
"This year, you know, a bunch of new rules for Formula 1. They changed up the engine rules..."
Formula 1 is a famous car racing series where the fastest cars compete on tracks around the world. The teams have to follow specific rules about how their cars are built and how they perform.
Formula 1 is a premier international auto racing sport known for its high-speed cars and advanced technology. The series features strict regulations that teams must follow, including rules about engine specifications and performance.
"...e all the bad things. [SPEAKER_05]: It's like the Wrangler. [SPEAKER_05]: You can tell me all the bad things..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough-looking car that's great for driving on rough roads and trails. People love it for its ability to go anywhere, and it's a favorite among those who enjoy outdoor activities.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. Since its debut in 1986, it has become a symbol of adventure and outdoor exploration, often discussed for its unique features and loyal fan base.
"...ey showed, they did the global reveal of the 2027 Highlander, the current channel, all been around for a while..."
The Toyota Highlander is a family-friendly SUV that has lots of room for people and their stuff. It's known for being safe and comfortable, making it a good option for road trips.
The Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV that offers a blend of comfort, space, and versatility, making it a popular choice for families. Since its introduction in 2000, it has been praised for its safety features and reliability.
"...you know, cheaper than the [SPEAKER_05]: It's the Prius design that we've all kind of like, oh, this is c..."
The Toyota Prius is a special car that uses both gas and electricity to help save on fuel costs. It's known for being very good for the environment and has a unique shape that many people recognize.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that revolutionized the automotive industry by popularizing fuel-efficient technology. Launched in 1997, it is often discussed for its eco-friendly credentials and distinctive design, making it a symbol of sustainable driving.
"...ighlander, but about four inches shorter than the Grand Highlander. [SPEAKER_04]: uh... so it's it's room here insid..."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger version of the regular Highlander, giving you more room for passengers and cargo. It's a good choice if you need extra space for your family or activities.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is an extended version of the Highlander, designed to offer even more space and comfort for larger families. It aims to provide additional features and a more spacious interior, making it a significant addition to Toyota's SUV lineup.
"...a's and their Toyota's. [SPEAKER_05]: I think the prologue, I got selling the blazer. [SPEAKER_05]: It's a g..."
The Honda Prologue is a new electric SUV that will run on batteries instead of gas. It's part of Honda's plan to make more cars that are good for the environment.
The Honda Prologue is an upcoming electric SUV that marks Honda's entry into the electric vehicle market. It aims to provide a spacious and modern option for eco-conscious consumers.
"...il Toyota has something good and I think with the BZ4X when it first came out they just sort of sideline..."
The Toyota bZ4X is a new electric SUV that runs on batteries instead of gas. It's part of Toyota's effort to make cars that are better for the environment.
The Toyota bZ4X is an all-electric SUV that represents Toyota's commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. As part of the bZ (Beyond Zero) series, it aims to provide a practical and eco-friendly alternative to traditional gasoline vehicles.
"[SPEAKER_04]: All right, well, that's all we've got on the list for this week. [SPEAKER_04]: I did, I did not go to San Diego to drive the new Mazda CX-5, but I can't talk about it yet. [SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so that's still under embargo, but because I had no driving impressions of it, I did have a chance to talk with Tom Donnelly, who's the CEO of Mazda North American operations."
The Mazda CX-5 is a small SUV that drives like a car but has more space for passengers and luggage. It's popular because it looks good and is fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that combines sporty handling with practicality. Since its launch in 2012, it has been well-received for its stylish design and engaging driving experience.
"...k about, you know, a few years ago, we introduced CX50, which was an all new model for us. [SPEAKER_00]:..."
The Mazda CX-50 is a new type of small SUV that looks cool and can handle rough roads. It's made for people who like to explore and have fun while driving.
The Mazda CX-50 is a new compact SUV that emphasizes off-road capability and sporty design. It aims to attract adventure-seeking drivers while maintaining the brand's reputation for stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles.
"... with CX50. [SPEAKER_00]: The introduction of our CX90 and CX70 has been a significant addition to our b..."
The Mazda CX-90 is a bigger SUV that has nice features and is made for families who want more room. It's designed to be both comfortable and fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-90 is a larger SUV that offers a blend of luxury and performance, aimed at families who need more space and comfort. It represents Mazda's commitment to expanding its SUV lineup with stylish and capable vehicles.
"...0. [SPEAKER_00]: The introduction of our CX90 and CX70 has been a significant addition to our business a..."
The Mazda CX-70 is a new small SUV that looks good and is practical for everyday use. It's made for people who want something stylish but still useful.
The Mazda CX-70 is a new addition to Mazda's SUV lineup, designed to offer a balance of style and functionality. It aims to attract buyers looking for a compact SUV with a sporty edge.
"...PEAKER_00]: and $25,000 vehicles with Mazda 3 and CX30 and CX5 as well. [SPEAKER_00]: So again, we were ..."
The Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that feels like a car when you drive it. It's popular because it has a nice inside and is fun to drive.
The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact crossover that combines the practicality of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a car. Launched in 2019, it has been praised for its upscale interior and engaging performance.
"... engines. [SPEAKER_00]: and $25,000 vehicles with Mazda 3 and CX30 and CX5 as well. [SPEAKER_00]: So again,..."
The Mazda RX-3 is an older sports car that was famous for being light and quick. It used a special type of engine that made it different from most cars, and now it's a sought-after classic.
The Mazda RX-3 is a classic sports car known for its lightweight design and rotary engine, which offers a unique driving experience. Produced in the 1970s, it has become a collector's item and is often discussed for its innovative engineering.
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[SPEAKER_04]: This is episode 440 of Wheelbargings.
[SPEAKER_04]: I am Sam Obwell, Samit from Telemetry.
[SPEAKER_01]: I am Nicole Wakling from Test Miles and Top Speed.
[SPEAKER_05]: And I am Roberto Baldwin from SAE's Automotive Engineering podcast.
[SPEAKER_05]: Extraordinary!
[SPEAKER_05]: I haven't added that.
[SPEAKER_05]: Not just extraordinary, but extraordinary.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's very rare.
[SPEAKER_01]: Really, it's very high class.
[SPEAKER_05]: We're SAE International.
[SPEAKER_05]: So you got to like, you know, he got to class it up.
[SPEAKER_05]: Of course.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_05]: Can't just be like, no, it's a weird.
[SPEAKER_05]: No, it's extraordinary.
[SPEAKER_04]: So should we be driving this week, Nicole?
[SPEAKER_04]: At least, at least what you've been driving that you could talk about yet.
[SPEAKER_01]: I didn't even can talk about it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I can't talk about some of it yet, but I can talk about this.
[SPEAKER_01]: I had the Ford F250, let me just read the whole thing.
[SPEAKER_01]: 2025, five, gosh, this is blurry.
[SPEAKER_01]: 25 Ford F250, 4x4, crew crab, platinum.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it's like it's four lines of description to tell me what the vehicle that I'm driving this week is so basically it's a big ass truck I feel like that's that's what I've been driving this week [SPEAKER_01]: It's weird when we get super duty trucks like this.
[SPEAKER_01]: We get heavy duty trucks because they're such you specific things.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like you don't just buy this because you want to truck to haul your stuff from the Home Depot or you want to, you know, go camping.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, depends on stuff you're hauling from Home Depot.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, but if you like average Joe the average guy not so much, right?
[SPEAKER_01]: I feel like this is the kind of thing you're you're truly doing this if you are doing work Like you I don't know you own a ranch.
[SPEAKER_01]: You own a plumbing company.
[SPEAKER_01]: You're like Trishon.
[SPEAKER_01]: You know a lot of stuff.
[SPEAKER_01]: You might uncle has an F250 and he has a ranch Can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you can you [SPEAKER_01]: Right, like, I can drive around and I can see how it drives, but I don't get to use this, the way for, I'm not the person for builds this for and I don't have ready access to the things that would be for that person, like, you know, if you put me to sports car, I can drive in the highway and drive fast to have fun.
[SPEAKER_01]: What am I going to do?
[SPEAKER_01]: Like I'm sorry, sir.
[SPEAKER_01]: Can I borrow your horse trailer for a minute?
[SPEAKER_01]: Like it's really weird.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's hard to it's sort of hard to test these so it is it is a great big Huge gigantic truck and this has the way.
[SPEAKER_01]: Let me get the my notes back up here.
[SPEAKER_01]: This has the 6.7 liter high output power stroke the 8 turbo diesel Which is 500 horsepower in 1200
[SPEAKER_01]: pound-feet of torque.
[SPEAKER_01]: So it is made to do every work, 1200 pound-feet of torque.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is the kind of thing you want if you have heavy duty towing the you're doing.
[SPEAKER_01]: It can tow up to the max tow rating with a goose snack fifth wheel, high above the block is 40,000 pounds, 40,000 pounds.
[SPEAKER_01]: So this is a work truck.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is a work truck.
[SPEAKER_04]: I think even from the bumper hitch it'll tow [SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, exactly.
[SPEAKER_01]: So this is a really, this is a little truck for getting stuff done.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I don't get to toe and do that kind of stuff because I don't have a ranch or someone I can just say let's go tell your horses around or something.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I don't get to test that.
[SPEAKER_05]: And hindsight, they should have sent it to me now that I think about it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, so they should have, so for give this to Robbie, so he can go to his Uncle's place, hook up into horse trailer, and tow some horses around.
[SPEAKER_01]: Just right.
[SPEAKER_04]: You know what you could have done is take the snowblower and blow all the snow into the bed of the truck.
[SPEAKER_04]: Because that's probably gonna be at least, you know, 1,000, maybe 1,500 pounds of snow.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then for some bolts on top of that.
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh and pick us some rocks.
[SPEAKER_01]: No right now.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's certainly kill us the amount of snow we had.
[SPEAKER_01]: In fact, Russ was trying to clear this snow from the driveway.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I had pulled this in.
[SPEAKER_01]: He's like, I can't even go around this.
[SPEAKER_01]: Can you put it in the road for a minute?
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm like, yes, I can't.
[SPEAKER_03]: Rana.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is huge.
[SPEAKER_01]: But I mean, so that use case, if I can't speak too because it didn't get to do it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I've driven forward for a program where they let you do those things.
[SPEAKER_01]: And it does do really well.
[SPEAKER_01]: But not something I get to test.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I'm basically just driving it day to day.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is the platinum.
[SPEAKER_01]: So the inside is very fancy.
[SPEAKER_01]: It has all the things you could want.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is super cushy seeds.
[SPEAKER_01]: It makes you feel like you're cobbled, which I always do.
[SPEAKER_04]: You have the lay flat seeds in the front.
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't know if they lay flat, but they do were a client pretty good.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a super visor's car.
[SPEAKER_05]: This is the worst.
[SPEAKER_05]: This is the worst.
[SPEAKER_01]: The guy in the job site who's just the guy in the job site, he's not driving this.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's his boss or the person who owns the company.
[SPEAKER_05]: The boss is telling everyone to hook it up and he's not getting out of the car.
[SPEAKER_01]: He's not going to have a car, right?
[SPEAKER_05]: He's not going to have a car.
[SPEAKER_01]: To give it to that point, why it's not just the guy on the crew.
[SPEAKER_01]: The price of this vehicle all told.
[SPEAKER_01]: So this trim starts at 78,965.
[SPEAKER_01]: I had a chunk of options on this puppy, including the engine.
[SPEAKER_01]: So that 6.7 liter high output engine, that is,
[SPEAKER_01]: $13,495.
[SPEAKER_01]: That adds to the price.
[SPEAKER_01]: So right there, you've added a huge amount and then there's all the bits and pieces, the random stuff that they've added on total cost on this car $109,545.
[SPEAKER_01]: That is an expensive truck.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's an expensive truck.
[SPEAKER_05]: My dad's house said he owns right now when he bought it was less than that.
[SPEAKER_01]: Exactly.
[SPEAKER_01]: Right.
[SPEAKER_01]: So what you guys want to take a guess on destination?
[SPEAKER_04]: 18.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, depends on, you know, when when this Monroeney was printed.
[SPEAKER_01]: Exactly.
[SPEAKER_04]: If you went, if you went and bought one today, I know it would be $2,595.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_01]: Well, then my monronie must have been pinched relatively recently because that's what I had.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_05]: I was a close at all.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: So, so this is an expensive proposition and I don't talk about expensive look, but it is a chart design for people who truly like work, I don't have a range, like your own goal.
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, these surprised how many people drive those things around as a daily driver.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: I guess super-duty.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: I've seen people with super-duty's that are just like, [SPEAKER_05]: pristine and they clearly have never been are done anything that that superduty's built for and I'm like Okay, well, it's like it's like when people buy a Lamborghini in LA and They drive the Lamborghini.
[SPEAKER_05]: I guess the job is for a Lamborghini to just show up at the club [SPEAKER_05]: Right.
[SPEAKER_05]: So it's an Instagram car is what it is.
[SPEAKER_05]: And they don't ever have a chance or ever actually, you know, maybe in the middle of the night on the four or five, they go like 90.
[SPEAKER_05]: But they don't ever do the Lamborghini things.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's to show off.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's the same thing with people who have a Yeah, the F-250 the super duty that they drive as a day that it's a show off car.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's not a it doesn't do the thing that it's supposed to do.
[SPEAKER_01]: If I wanted to show off for a truck, I wouldn't buy the super duty just because of its size.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, it is just physically very, very big.
[SPEAKER_01]: I would buy, well, you know, flat with all the things on it that has all the, the belt that is, and you can make it look gorgeous, but you can park it.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, okay, so there's last snow on the ground right now in New Hampshire.
[SPEAKER_01]: Can I just tell you, trying to navigate, [SPEAKER_01]: Like where it was two lanes and now it's more like one and like three quarters one and a half.
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh my gosh, I feel like I am so close to everything.
[SPEAKER_01]: And like trying to get into parking spaces and things, it is you come around.
[SPEAKER_01]: I took me 10 tries to get into a parking space yesterday.
[SPEAKER_01]: It was pulling in and it was like because it was a tight spot.
[SPEAKER_05]: Like Austin Powers when he's going back and forth in the hallway.
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh my god.
[SPEAKER_01]: How many and less is laughing at me and I was kind of like stop.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is a big vehicle.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is a narrow spot and there's cars on both sides of it.
[SPEAKER_01]: So it is a bear to park that thing.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I know it would be waitings here if you drove this all the time because you start to get a sense of how big the vehicle is and the clearance and all that.
[SPEAKER_01]: So any car you drive a lot is easier to find.
[SPEAKER_01]: Suburbs and right, or if you have a lot of where and you're just pulling into a big lot where there's not every parking space except the one you want to take in and just take up five room.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I should just pull up on the snowback.
[SPEAKER_01]: And then I would have been fine.
[SPEAKER_04]: But, you know, here in Michigan, for example, a lot of people, you know, have campers or they, you know, have a boat, you know, or they're towing their snowmobiles up north, you know, and people are going up north on the weekends, so they're, they, you know, they are towing stuff here.
[SPEAKER_04]: And, you know, if you're going up to the northern part of the upper wheel, you know, you talking, you know, 250 miles.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, I mean, a lot of people, you know, there's two people, at least two people in my neighborhood that have fifth wheel campers, camper trailers that they tell.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so they do get proper, you know, proper type of use.
[SPEAKER_04]: But I think in Texas, for example, in Texas, I think it's just the law that you must have at least one full-size pickup truck in your garage.
[SPEAKER_02]: You know, a lot of out of your driveway.
[SPEAKER_04]: yeah well actually I think it has to be in your garage because I think everybody in Texas lives in a subdivision with an HOA which you know they all prohibit you parking a truck in your driveway so you have to have a massive garage so you can fit your full-size truck.
[SPEAKER_05]: HOA's HOA's urgent evil.
[SPEAKER_05]: Don't get me started on it, you guys.
[SPEAKER_01]: We're saying same about where you live.
[SPEAKER_01]: We have, there are people in our neighborhood that have F-250s and have, you know, super-duty trucks and it is people who are towing because we have the white mountains in New Hampshire.
[SPEAKER_01]: Everyone camps up there during the summer months.
[SPEAKER_01]: See how people bring their trailers up there, bringing...
[SPEAKER_01]: You know, all the going camping doing other stuff.
[SPEAKER_01]: So there's people who really truly do use it.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like you see it.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I, I get it for the people who use it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't get this one for people who don't actually need all that talent capacity.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like it's yourself in F-150.
[SPEAKER_01]: You actually get a big truck.
[SPEAKER_05]: Nick Paul, come on, room room, big truck.
[SPEAKER_01]: I know.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I don't just like it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, it's great.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, I'm flooring it on the highway.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like I'm king, move it on the way.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like it goes.
[SPEAKER_04]: And it surprised how fast those things are when they're unloaded.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is really fast.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is incredibly fast, you know, even.
[SPEAKER_01]: So the thing is with things when they're unloaded, when you have been trucks like this, they can also be really downstate.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like it can be miserable sometimes to drive something like this with no anything just humans and onboard.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is pretty good because we have pretty crummy roads around here right now.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like everything is the, you know, it's February and New England.
[SPEAKER_01]: There's pot holes and [SPEAKER_01]: just it's a mess and it handles things pretty well.
[SPEAKER_01]: It wasn't super bouncy even when I was driving back and forth to Logan It was you know, you hit stuff and it did okay.
[SPEAKER_04]: It was it wasn't really able to get into the parking garage at Logan [SPEAKER_01]: I did not get into the, I picked up rocks.
[SPEAKER_01]: Let's be clear.
[SPEAKER_01]: If I had, I don't think you could get a super dirty, there's a part where you part, you can pull in immediately.
[SPEAKER_01]: And before you get to the part where like you're going to take the move off your vehicle, you take a really sharp right.
[SPEAKER_01]: And there's parking for larger size vehicles.
[SPEAKER_01]: And that's where I see all the, you know, the, [SPEAKER_01]: heavy duty trucks in there, but there's no, I'm not even doing that.
[SPEAKER_01]: If you think I'm going to drive it into a parking garage, you're insane.
[SPEAKER_01]: There's no way I'll do it.
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't care if there's parking.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm not doing that.
[SPEAKER_01]: No, I dropped off for us.
[SPEAKER_01]: I dropped him off, which means I just pull up to the curb and I pull right back out.
[SPEAKER_05]: get out.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: There's a tunnel you go in through the, the, the, scallion tunnel and out through the Sumner tunnel and there's tunnels.
[SPEAKER_01]: And suddenly that tunnel that feels really, really great on a normal day.
[SPEAKER_01]: I was like, oh, my Lord.
[SPEAKER_05]: Were you ducking down?
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh, it's like, you're hunching because you're like, I'm I'm going to hit them all.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm going to hit them all and I'm looking at cars and really there's a tractor trail like great big tractor trail in front of me.
[SPEAKER_01]: And I can see that he has space like, I'm bigger than that in my hand.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm bigger than that.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm going to hit the wall.
[SPEAKER_01]: It just feels so good.
[SPEAKER_01]: But.
[SPEAKER_05]: You type, so the parking garage I use for the airport when I fly at the SFO, like there's room for trucks and SUVs, but anytime I have a large truck or SUV, I'm driving through it, I'm like ducking down on my eyes, slow down for the beams, and I'm just like, I know I'm okay, and then I look up and then I'm like enough and I'm like, what's up, I'm like, what's up, I'm like, you don't see it on my head of beam and like not like hit it hit it, but like been like, I think I'll make it and you feel it tap the beam and have to back up.
[SPEAKER_04]: No, oh gosh, that would be terrifying.
[SPEAKER_04]: Usually, usually the parking garage is, you know, at the end of the day, we'll have the thing hanging.
[SPEAKER_01]: Bullards or whatever.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, I have, I have pulled in and touched one of those and realized, ah, shit, get back up.
[SPEAKER_04]: But that was, that was with with a van, like with a transit van.
[SPEAKER_01]: was in a full size SUV that was like just gigantic and I went to pull into parking garage.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's not especially large and friend was waiting for me to go to pull in and I hear, you know, because I'm thinking God, this could be close and I hear just tap on my crap.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I back up.
[SPEAKER_01]: And she's like, what's wrong with you?
[SPEAKER_01]: We're into pulling to the garage, because the car won't fit.
[SPEAKER_01]: We need another five.
[SPEAKER_01]: Too big.
[SPEAKER_01]: Too big.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, I was helping my daughter move.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so I borrowed a high roof transit van from Ford and trying to pull into the parking garage in our apartment building.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's like, got there.
[SPEAKER_04]: could feel it tap and set it up.
[SPEAKER_04]: Nope.
[SPEAKER_04]: Back up.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's going to have to.
[SPEAKER_04]: I like that.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's all this done through the garage and unload it through the garage instead of pulling up right by her.
[SPEAKER_05]: You're going to get those.
[SPEAKER_05]: If you go to Harbor Freight, they have those furniture doleys.
[SPEAKER_05]: They're like 15 bucks.
[SPEAKER_05]: Just for the future.
[SPEAKER_05]: So you just put them out the fear and slide it through.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, we did have a furniture dolly, but still, you know, just a couple of floors up the ramps.
[SPEAKER_05]: Here we need a furniture dolly.
[SPEAKER_05]: They're they're super cheap and harbor freight.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_01]: I haven't a furniture dolly that's probably older than I am.
[SPEAKER_01]: Somebody delivered a refrigerator to my parents' house.
[SPEAKER_01]: I did 78.
[SPEAKER_01]: I left this really heavy duty dolly.
[SPEAKER_01]: They never came and picked it up.
[SPEAKER_01]: My parents could say like As you left this, so then it went from my mom to me.
[SPEAKER_01]: So we had like this.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like a generational.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like it's now a generation.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like it's what we're handing down and because it was built in this May you give it to your daughters?
[SPEAKER_05]: Is that the wedding?
[SPEAKER_05]: Is it the wedding present?
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, exactly.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm going to put a thing go on it and give it to Rose.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like you're honey, the dolly is now yours.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: When you guys buy your house, you know, you're all set.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, the first one to buy a house gets the furniture dolly.
[SPEAKER_01]: It is, and it weighs about three or four families.
[SPEAKER_05]: Sorry, Nicole.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it's super heavy, but man, it will carry anything.
[SPEAKER_04]: So yeah, my, my guess is that the Harbor Freight furniture dolly will probably last like one moving job.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's pretty sturdy.
[SPEAKER_05]: I mean, it's just four by fours and like casters.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's it.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's like the easy casters.
[SPEAKER_04]: Those are the ones.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's what usually gives out though.
[SPEAKER_05]: They seem fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: And you can I like I had a I had a a transforming dolly like a hand truck that transformed into a floor dolly and like casters died and I just replaced those with some casters and boom, ready to go.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, I mean, I'm all the time for ridiculous things because they're like stupid cheap and I just they're easy to store you just throw them in a corner.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, awesome.
[SPEAKER_04]: Anything else on the F1 or the F250?
[SPEAKER_01]: No, that's all I have to say about the F250.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, I mean, you know, the one, the one other reason why you might want to select the F250 over an F150.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, of course that diesel engine because you can't get a diesel in the F150.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's true, but you don't really need the diesel unless you're going to tow 40.
[SPEAKER_04]: A house, but you know, you don't really need a full size pickup truck unless you're going to do that, too.
[SPEAKER_04]: So people buy them anyway.
[SPEAKER_04]: So if you're going to, if you're going to buy such a vehicle, you might as well do it right and get the diesel.
[SPEAKER_01]: Okay, fine.
[SPEAKER_01]: Everybody just go buy yourself $100,000 after $250 because it's cool.
[SPEAKER_05]: They're a max.
[SPEAKER_05]: always get the big giant biggest motor.
[SPEAKER_05]: So you can you can haul something you'll never haul.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yes, exactly.
[SPEAKER_05]: Let me tell you one quick story.
[SPEAKER_05]: I worked out a place once where someone wrote like 10 cars for what's the loading.
[SPEAKER_05]: Fifth wheels and three of the cars were SUVs.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, like ours because they just looked at the numbers the person didn't know what they were talking about and so they were they were they were we're young and trying to write something and And they just they were just looking at the towing capacity they didn't realize that what if what if first we'll Oops oops it easy [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, good times.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: Robbie, you finally had something in your driveway this week that doesn't even matter to be honest.
[SPEAKER_04]: Oh, come on.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's the very important vehicle in this brand's lineup.
[SPEAKER_05]: It is.
[SPEAKER_05]: So I had the 2026 Corolla Cross hybrid, which is a, it's just a Corolla that's been raised off the ground.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's less fun than a regular Corolla, but it is what the people want.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's that's it.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's what for some inexplicable reason people want crossovers and so it is like sure and you know what?
[SPEAKER_05]: No issues gets good gas my I what's it 42 MPG I got like 36 38 I was like whoa and it's like just cruising on a highway I'd drive down the Monterey for a thing with it No problems [SPEAKER_05]: The steering's really light, so it feels like it's sort of sporty.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's not, but it kind of feels like for a little bit.
[SPEAKER_05]: I think for a, I need a second car, or this is the car I give my kid, or this is like the college car, or, you know, you're getting, you're getting old and you realize you don't have the hall kids around anymore, and you just need a nice inexpensive efficient little crossover that's easy to get in and out.
[SPEAKER_05]: Curl across that that is really the selling point.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's good enough.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a Toyota.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's gonna last a hundred miles When you ever you stick your foot down an accelerator It reminds you that it has a motor Oh, yes, because it's a Toyota hybrid because it's a Toyota hybrid.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like yeah It's like the saddest sound in the world, but you know what who cares?
[SPEAKER_05]: It's held on 42 combined miles per gallon if I was driving around the city, which I didn't I did a lot of freeway driving with this I could have got up to 46 according to the EPA so if we're just you need a you need a commuter car and you whatever Ola cross am I am I under selling the croller cost no this exactly what is Let's see what's what's there's a compact crossover [SPEAKER_05]: It is a basic compact crossover.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_05]: I lost the starting price for the XSC.
[SPEAKER_04]: It starts at $33,430.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, so that's the fancy one that I not only did I get it.
[SPEAKER_04]: So it's, yeah, I had the exact same one.
[SPEAKER_04]: Same color and cavalry blue.
[SPEAKER_01]: What do we both have?
[SPEAKER_01]: The Pablo said the same week.
[SPEAKER_01]: You may say, right?
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, they give us the exact same car, but like let's say, okay, this is the sort of fancy one as a wireless car play.
[SPEAKER_05]: I'm sure it has wireless Android Auto, has a wireless charger, you know, it's got all the little little fancy bits and pieces, you don't need those to be honest.
[SPEAKER_05]: Maybe wireless, I know most people like wireless charging, um, [SPEAKER_05]: It's, it's again, it's for the Corolla Cross.
[SPEAKER_05]: What are you doing?
[SPEAKER_05]: You just want a nice cheap car.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like starts in the mid 20s.
[SPEAKER_05]: 26, I think.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's that's the information for the base gas version.
[SPEAKER_04]: It starts at 25,000 for the L. The hybrid S starts at 29, 395 and the XSEs 33, 430.
[SPEAKER_05]: There you go.
[SPEAKER_04]: So that's the that's the most expensive variant.
[SPEAKER_05]: There you go.
[SPEAKER_05]: So like 30,000 you can get a hybrid.
[SPEAKER_05]: It'll get really good gas mileage.
[SPEAKER_05]: You probably don't need all you want to do is plug in your your phone so you can see where you're going.
[SPEAKER_05]: It does have mapping.
[SPEAKER_05]: The the infotainment system is fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like my biggest point like when you switch different whenever I would switch to different modes like from from from from media to navigation It was always like a little it took a little it was like hey, it's told on man you're driving a carole across chill So it took a moment, but not it wasn't like horrible.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like when the land rovers and the the jaguars when you push it it has a sort of fade in and fade out and you're never sure if that's a feature or a bug [SPEAKER_05]: Is it a latency thing or is it up?
[SPEAKER_04]: Is it just they're using I think it's a bit of both because I think in that case it was they were using the animations to try to hide the latency [SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, so to it is like now you've got to curl across man just it's going to take it's and it's not like oh my God, it's takes forever.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's not like the Hummer It's not like the ID4 where you push something you're like what is happening.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's just like a very subtle like just hold on.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a little bit of leg just just hold on man hold on.
[SPEAKER_05]: We're driving a curl across.
[SPEAKER_05]: What are you doing?
[SPEAKER_05]: Send down.
[SPEAKER_05]: Why is your phone plugged in?
[SPEAKER_05]: What's happening here?
[SPEAKER_04]: My other main issue with the with that infotainment system, because the interface on it is actually pretty good, except for the fact that the version that's in here, even on a 14-inch screen, [SPEAKER_04]: It only show or maybe the 12 inch screen here I can't remember, but you can only show one thing on the screen at a time.
[SPEAKER_04]: So you can't have a multi-pain view where you have your map and your media player controls side by side.
[SPEAKER_04]: You get one or the other.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so you have to toggle back and so on the new the new generation system that's launching on the the new RAF4, [SPEAKER_04]: that one has, you can configure different stuff on the screen at the same time.
[SPEAKER_04]: But the other, the other complaint I have about this system that I really noticed on the, [SPEAKER_04]: I'm a curl across that I don't call having noticed previously on some of the other Toyota's of driven recently, but on this one, the boot up time for the whole system.
[SPEAKER_04]: From when you hit the start button, until it's actually at a screen where you can do something, is like 20, 30 seconds.
[SPEAKER_05]: It takes a little like it's got to come up.
[SPEAKER_05]: Winning for the actual beam down to you had to hit accept.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, you had to do the lawyer thing.
[SPEAKER_05]: Well, you're said, we got to put this thing.
[SPEAKER_05]: All right, that happens.
[SPEAKER_05]: If you just plug in your phone or you just have your phone.
[SPEAKER_05]: It'll just start playing the music before things start happening for the screens up, bro.
[SPEAKER_05]: You know what?
[SPEAKER_05]: Good enough.
[SPEAKER_05]: Let's go.
[SPEAKER_04]: Except, you know, if you if you actually need directions to to get some more, you know, then you've got to wait for the map to come up.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, you give it a, give it a, give it a, give it a scooch.
[SPEAKER_05]: Wait a little bit, but you know, it has a little speaker in the trunk, you know, for the kids.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's got a little bit of a little JBL, like a little subwoofer.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know, music sounded fine, didn't sound any like it was, you know, any base here that I wouldn't anticipate.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, and, you know, this year for 26, you know, they did a mild mid cycle refresh, you know, so it's got a different grill different front face on it looks pretty good.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, that's decent looking little vehicle.
[SPEAKER_04]: You know, all wheel drive hybrid.
[SPEAKER_04]: You know, which is handy in the wintertime.
[SPEAKER_04]: There's no drive shaft going to the rear axle, there's just an electric motor, a rear electric motor, and 196 horsepower.
[SPEAKER_04]: One difference from the Corolla, you know, it's the same basic hybrid system, but the Corolla Sedan has a 1.8 liter engine,
[SPEAKER_04]: and a little bit less power from the electric motor.
[SPEAKER_04]: This one's got the two liter, a little bit more electric power, but you know, it still has the same basic sound character of Etolea, of all Toyota hybrids.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, that's right.
[SPEAKER_05]: When you're driving, so yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's you know what it's fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's it's quick enough to get around that light steering is going to make everyone feel like they're they're having fun I love that they wrote on here under mechanical and performance sport tuned suspension I don't know what sport maybe tennis.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know polo.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh, maybe Chess is a sport.
[SPEAKER_04]: No, actually, you know what given given the nature of this car who the target market is It's going to be pickleball [SPEAKER_04]: Pickleball.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's got the tickleball suspension.
[SPEAKER_05]: The kids in the old's love to pickleball.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, no.
[SPEAKER_05]: I drove it around.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's, yeah, this is fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's the, that's the, that's for the cross.
[SPEAKER_05]: Perfectly acceptable commuter cards going to run forever.
[SPEAKER_05]: it's comfortable.
[SPEAKER_05]: I drove like two and a half hours to to a Monterey each way didn't feel like oh gosh my back nothing nice and comfy I wouldn't try to sit in the back if I were me behind me but if you and your friends are shorter than me you can all after under six foot you're fine plenty of plenty of cargo room open up to oh that's pretty good pretty plenty of cargo room and uh what else?
[SPEAKER_04]: it was it was still very cold here when I had it and you know I did my fuel economy loop and only got about 34 miles for gallon with it but you know that's cold yeah it's cold you know snow snow on the ground you know all that nonsense.
[SPEAKER_05]: 18 inch wheels so you have nice nice side of all.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh, yeah, I'm going to survive some pot holes, you want something reasonable, you want something relatively inexpensive, you want something that's going to get pretty good gas mileage, you want something that's easier for you to get in an hour out of as you get older, or you're young and you think you need an SUV for some weird reason, Karola Cross.
[SPEAKER_05]: Bam, it's Karola, that's awesome.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's Karola, that's the whole thing, it's a Toyota.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's going to last so the end of the time.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's going to, if you're going to college, it's going to last you all through college.
[SPEAKER_05]: And it's going to be your second car when you get your fantasy job.
[SPEAKER_05]: If you're like one year older than me, it's going to last until every time.
[SPEAKER_04]: Since the first Corolla appeared in the late 60s, Toyota has sold more Corolla-branded vehicles than any other nameplate in history.
[SPEAKER_04]: And there's almost 60 million Corolla's have been sold.
[SPEAKER_05]: all of them still on the road.
[SPEAKER_04]: I would say a lot of what most of them are surprising about most of the ones prior to the 1980, can't agree they could have still been on the road, but they've long since turned into iron oxide.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so they're just, you know, they're just all rolling down the road.
[SPEAKER_04]: You know, you look at them funny and they rust, but, you know, anything since the mid-80s is a good chance it's still on the road.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, no, I still see a lot of the just corollas everywhere because they were never really like a It was just like a commuter car.
[SPEAKER_05]: It was always like oh, it's a good car.
[SPEAKER_05]: It was never really a something like a like a Honda Civic or the Nissan Centra in the 80s and 90s where people were fixing them up and doing things to them that would eventually lead to the, you know Some of them not quite making it because of some of the work people did or racing them No one's racing a Corolla.
[SPEAKER_05]: Let me now you get a G. Arcroll, which by the way is the fun is currently road
[SPEAKER_05]: So like driving around, I'm like, this is completely fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: If I needed a second car and I didn't, if I wasn't who I am and demanded fun for everything I drive, this would be fine.
[SPEAKER_04]: So mine had some options on it.
[SPEAKER_04]: It had the convenience package with the tilt and slide moon roof and power lift gate for $250 bucks.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's what I had.
[SPEAKER_04]: And of course, you had the JBL audio.
[SPEAKER_04]: So that was nine speakers, 800 bucks.
[SPEAKER_04]: the cross bars on the the roof or sell protectors connected service trial i don't think i cross bars there we go that's a difference between our cars so so mine mine came to a grand total of thirty seven thousand five hundred and twenty four dollars and a coal i want to guess at the destination charge fourteen ninety five [SPEAKER_05]: Oh, wow.
[SPEAKER_05]: 14.50.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, my was, my was 37, 339.
[SPEAKER_05]: I didn't have the, I had a two Tony exterior color and some carpet to floor minutes.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_05]: I didn't have a crossbar.
[SPEAKER_05]: So I got, I was done there.
[SPEAKER_04]: I had the, the crossbar.
[SPEAKER_04]: So there's 330 bucks.
[SPEAKER_04]: So if you're, if you're going to load anything on the roof, those are, those are handy to have, you know, if you're going to put a ski rack up there, something [SPEAKER_05]: It's winter time in the North NorCal.
[SPEAKER_05]: Everyone's skiing, or snow skiing.
[SPEAKER_01]: Everyone is skiing here because it's mass vacation week.
[SPEAKER_01]: The kids have no school.
[SPEAKER_01]: So I was like driving less.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm like, why is everybody going north?
[SPEAKER_01]: Why is traffic so congested with, oh, what was going on?
[SPEAKER_04]: Mid winter break week.
[SPEAKER_03]: Uh-huh, uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_03]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_03]: All right.
[SPEAKER_03]: Anything else on the crawl across?
[SPEAKER_05]: When I would lock it, I think it thought it was something in the backseat, so it would be like, B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B-B [SPEAKER_04]: You might want to maybe interested in talking about this one.
[SPEAKER_04]: So we left it.
[SPEAKER_04]: Those have got thoughts.
[SPEAKER_04]: 3D printed pistons.
[SPEAKER_04]: This year, you know, a bunch of new rules for Formula 1.
[SPEAKER_04]: They changed up the engine rules, they changed up the chassis rules, one of the things they changed with the engines, it's still a 1.6 liter turbocharged V6 hybrid, but it's got a lot more electrical power now, but they reduced the power, they tried to reduce the power of the engines by reducing the maximum compression ratio from 18 to 1 to 16 to 1.
[SPEAKER_04]: but it seems like at least a couple of teams may have found a way around that to basically get more than 16 to one compression ratio.
[SPEAKER_04]: Because the problem with compression ratio, so for those that don't know, you know, when a piston goes up and down in the cylinder, the compression ratio is the difference between the volume of the cylinder when the piston is at the bottom of the cylinder and when it's at the top.
[SPEAKER_04]: And the more you compress it, heats up the air more, you can generate more power, more torque.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, for obvious.
[SPEAKER_05]: What do the visual gags on the audio podcast?
[SPEAKER_04]: Anyway, the thing with compression ratios is it's really hard to measure when the car is actually on the track warmed up driving fast.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's typically measured when the car's static, you know, so you take a spark plug out, you stick a little thing in there, measures the volume, and as you turn the crankshaft, it measures how much it compresses.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, the thing about, you know, metal parts, or most parts, as they heat up, they have this tendency to expand.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so it turns out that the designers at Mercedes-Benz and at Ford Red Bull power trains got a little creative.
[SPEAKER_04]: They figured out a way to use modern technology to make these engines have maybe a little more compression ratio than they're technically supposed to have using 3D printed pistons.
[SPEAKER_04]: Um, so, you know, one of the things with 3D printing and Robbie thing, you know, this because you have a 3D printer and you print all kinds of stuff, I print like all the time.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a problem.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: One of the advantages that Ford was able to bring to Red Bull and their partnership for the new power units for Formula One for this year is their expertise with 3D printing metal parts.
[SPEAKER_04]: Most of what we think of 3D printing is plastic stuff, but they can 3D print [SPEAKER_04]: And you can create these really complex structures with 3D printing and depending on the nature of the structure, you can control how the the part will expand as it heats up and so they've they've created some structures that basically expand the piston the top of the piston upwards a little bit so you get a little more compression ratio when when when the engine warms up.
[SPEAKER_05]: So when you 3D print something, you have the exterior, the outside of it, but the inside is called infill, and so you can adjust like how thick the infill, like what the structure of the infill is, and if they adjust the structure of the infill, like towards the top of the piston, it allows it to, like you're saying, it allows it to expand a little bit and get higher.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's where I guess cheat team, but not cheating.
[SPEAKER_05]: I mean, I feel like every other team thinks they're cheating.
[SPEAKER_05]: How's that?
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, it's violating the spirit of the rules.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, the letter of the rules, the rules say this is how we're going to, you know, this is what it should be, this is how we're going to test it.
[SPEAKER_04]: And, you know, if you talk to any engineer working in motor sports, [SPEAKER_04]: You know, the thing that they will tell you is when, you know, when you start designing something you have to read the rulebook twice the first time you read it through to see okay what does it say what does it what does it say in here the second time you read it through and say what does it not say yeah and you have to find the things that they that they're not saying and say aha that's where I can get creative.
[SPEAKER_05]: I feel like Honda, especially Honda, but they're engineering.
[SPEAKER_05]: A Honda is a very, again, a very conservative company.
[SPEAKER_05]: So I could see them very much trying to like, they got in trouble, like at one point for something.
[SPEAKER_05]: So they're like, with racing, that just like whatever.
[SPEAKER_05]: But they, I feel like Honda could do this.
[SPEAKER_05]: Ferrari, maybe Audi S.
[SPEAKER_05]: So if I'm looking at this, if they wrote a letter to FIA, if it's a letter is just like, well, you know, that I can see Honda like, okay, you asked for it, buddy.
[SPEAKER_04]: Back in the early 90s, when they actually started in the late 80s, when they initially banned in-race refueling, you know, and they said, okay, here's the maximum amount of fuel you're allowed to have in your cars, and I think Honda was the first to do this, first they started refrigerating the fuel to chill it down before they put it in the car.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, because what they do is they actually measure, they were measuring the volume of the fuel tank.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, they figured, okay, well, if we chill the fuel, it's gonna get more dense.
[SPEAKER_04]: So there's actually more fuel in that same volume.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so they chill the fuel and then fill the fuel tank.
[SPEAKER_04]: And then as it warms up, you know, you just get more extra fuel, extra carbon.
[SPEAKER_04]: And then eventually at one point, they start getting more creative with the actual fuel.
[SPEAKER_04]: And this is something that everybody does now.
[SPEAKER_04]: Because now, one of the other things they changed this year is they're using 100% sustainable fuel.
[SPEAKER_04]: So it's not petroleum-based.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so they've got all kinds of crazy formulas and chemical formulas for these fuels.
[SPEAKER_04]: But what Honda did in the early 90s is they were actually running their engines on tall yuan.
[SPEAKER_04]: like pure tall yuan, which is a really nasty chemical.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so the crew filling the cars had to wear hazmat suits.
[SPEAKER_04]: Um, and, but, you know, they did that because it, it was combustible and it had more energy in it than traditional gasoline.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know a lot about racing, but I know that Honda was killing it, absolutely killing it for a few years.
[SPEAKER_05]: Like, they were just unstoppable and everyone was like, hey, hey, how did I quit the rules?
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, the last, you know, prior to last year, like from 2021 to 2024, [SPEAKER_04]: You know, the Red Bull, you know, master stop and one that F1 drivers championship four years in row, you know, using a Honda engine.
[SPEAKER_04]: So yeah, I mean, they know, they know what they're doing.
[SPEAKER_04]: So these guys, they'll always figure out some creative ways to get around the restrictions.
[SPEAKER_05]: But yeah, it's really interesting that they're using 3D printing because again, you were saying a lot of people think when you think 3D printing people still think, oh, it's just plastic, but you know, Porsche and some other automakers have been using metal for stuff and you know, there's not no one's really using it outside of like a few little weird little parts for production vehicles.
[SPEAKER_05]: But for like custom builds and for to help like build things, this is one of the, like, you know, the parts to put the parts in and prototyping.
[SPEAKER_05]: And so it's really, it's, it's really, we did a 3D printing, an additive printing podcast.
[SPEAKER_05]: You should listen to it, but [SPEAKER_05]: One of the guys is like, everyone thinks, you know, they talk to these automakers and they're like, well, how can I, what can I do and put this in my car?
[SPEAKER_05]: And they're like, hold on, how can this help you build the car?
[SPEAKER_05]: How can you very quickly say, hey, how do we do this?
[SPEAKER_05]: And you're like, oh, we can just really quickly 3D print something and then within 24 hours, 48 hours, we can have the problem solved of how we manufacture this part, how we fit this part and the car, how we do this thing.
[SPEAKER_05]: So it's, it's really, uh, [SPEAKER_05]: It's really interesting.
[SPEAKER_05]: And for racing, I mean, obviously, this is such a short run, so it's not like, you know, these are, you're not going to get 3D printed pistons in your car anytime soon.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, because the thing with 3D printing is you can build stuff that you can't build by any other process, but the cycle time, the time to build a part.
[SPEAKER_04]: very long.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's it's a lot longer than traditional manufacturing methods.
[SPEAKER_04]: You can't press it.
[SPEAKER_05]: You can't cast it.
[SPEAKER_05]: And with these things, you know, these are probably taken a couple of days to print each.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: You're not building hundreds of thousands of these things.
[SPEAKER_04]: They're millions of them.
[SPEAKER_04]: Like you would for production programs.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: Anyway, good drawing them.
[SPEAKER_05]: I guess we're doing 3D printing and showing people what is potentially what you can do with it when you're cheating in racing, which is pretty much all racing to be honest.
[SPEAKER_05]: All racing is figuring out how to cheat without actually cheating.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, um, do you guys know what creep torque is?
[SPEAKER_04]: Okay, so in an internal combustion car with an automatic transmission when you take your foot off the brake pedal, you know, the car will start to creep forward a little bit.
[SPEAKER_04]: There's some some creep torque, you know, that's just the way the nature of how a torque converter automatic transmission works.
[SPEAKER_04]: So you've experienced that, right?
[SPEAKER_01]: Right.
[SPEAKER_04]: So with an EV, [SPEAKER_04]: by default, an EV would not necessarily do that.
[SPEAKER_04]: But most manufacturers on their EVs, there's usually a lot of them have strong regenerative breaking, but they often give driver's the option.
[SPEAKER_04]: And you had this on your on the swag in here where you could [SPEAKER_04]: go to low regen and you could enable, you know, creep torque, so it behave like a traditional automatic transmission, at least if you're 12 volt battery wasn't dead.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, apparently fast, got a little aggressive with the creep torque on the VFA.
[SPEAKER_05]: This just takes off.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, count, count, honor.
[SPEAKER_04]: you know he uh... when they did that uh... like two forty nine a month lease deal on the vf a couple years ago he picked one up so they were they were they've been testing it again recently dot
[SPEAKER_04]: They found that the creep torque was a little bit too aggressive and there's a video here in the show notes.
[SPEAKER_05]: You can see the head This thing I want to stop you really quick.
[SPEAKER_05]: The video in the show notes is of corgis.
[SPEAKER_05]: The link you gave us is a Long video, which is the most which is the most on-brand thing.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh [SPEAKER_05]: Oh yeah, sorry, this is from for those looking for it.
[SPEAKER_05]: I'm like, where's this video and I kept like clicking on it and I'm like, oh, there's some video corgis.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh, we're going to talk about corgis later.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's the Pembroke Welsh corgis breed judging for 2026.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I'm watching it now.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, this is cool, but I don't know.
[SPEAKER_05]: To be honest, I let's watch this while we talk about Greek.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I'm going to watch the corgis while you explain.
[SPEAKER_04]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, anyway.
[SPEAKER_04]: what happened when they took the VFA and they put it on a grassy hill, smelly grassy hill, and they just took their foot off the brake pedal.
[SPEAKER_04]: Typically, with an automatic transmission, a situation like this, [SPEAKER_04]: It should probably just sit there if not even roll back a little bit.
[SPEAKER_04]: It shouldn't start climbing up.
[SPEAKER_04]: This thing started climbing up, got to like 11 miles an hour without touching the accelerator pedal.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's a it's got well, so here here's the fun the flip side that it was when I had that when we did when we did the remember we did the the dry program for that vehicle.
[SPEAKER_05]: Um, my didn't have creep torque at all.
[SPEAKER_05]: It had zero crit.
[SPEAKER_05]: It had no stop and it just would roll.
[SPEAKER_05]: But if I lifted like for I could put my foot on the break, it would just roll backwards.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm like, oh, I'm going to die.
[SPEAKER_05]: I just remember that, that's the only time I've driven that I well and truly made my self-car sick driving a car because it was still 80% done and then they told us at the event that the better ones were being delivered in San Francisco, which I'm like, so you may be fly from San Francisco to San Diego to drive a car to tell me that a better version of the car is being delivered like down the street from my house.
[SPEAKER_05]: Because like near my house is where they stir all the cars with all these Subaru's and whatnot like over by the bay And then the car is every car had something different that was wrong with it.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it was like every one broke But no two broke in the same way.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, yeah, yeah, all this it was like the coffee stop We'd only swap drivers or whatever, but it was like the coffee stop and like there were cars just then like where are the people like oh, they're car broke what happened Well, they're [SPEAKER_01]: There's won't go.
[SPEAKER_01]: There's has no, you know, dignity here or there.
[SPEAKER_01]: This one has this and I'm like, okay, I'm just gonna keep, I'm not gonna turn mine off.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm good on the coffee, I'm just gonna keep going, so I get back where I need to be.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, it was very, and yet all after all this, if the VF3 Cup G9 states, I'm gonna buy that stupid little electric chimney.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's such a just electric chimney.
[SPEAKER_05]: You can tell me all the bad things.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like the Wrangler.
[SPEAKER_05]: You can tell me all the bad things that a Wrangler is.
[SPEAKER_05]: And I'm still, I still want a Wrangler.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's like old dudes and Harley's.
[SPEAKER_05]: I put the right link in there.
[SPEAKER_05]: I put the right link in there now.
[SPEAKER_05]: So I don't care about the right link.
[SPEAKER_05]: I want to watch, I'm watching dogs.
[SPEAKER_05]: I was like scrolling through while you're like, I'm like, oh, look at all the puppies.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, we're just watching the, the group, breed judging for the Pembroke Welsh courties, because they're butts really.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's the courty butts.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm watching it in a while, perfectly lined up, and I have multiple courty butts in my view.
[SPEAKER_01]: Right now, the courty butts are just, they have a cute little butts.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, they got a little purple background.
[SPEAKER_05]: So you got to put this in the show notes at least because we're talking about this.
[SPEAKER_05]: So people too can just enjoy a moment of Yeah, just some nice then and Okay, now you got to walk And little dog's running like hey, I'm a little Oh, you saw a little treat on something on the ground.
[SPEAKER_05]: He's like, what's that?
[SPEAKER_01]: the other little happy face one of the ears down oh there's just a bunch of one he's examined I was wondering the exam in the dog's physicaly squeeze squeeze squeeze and I'm just gonna say they squeeze some personal parts so I'm like how can the dog just sit there and be happy when they're squeezing all the bits I would not don't fight with the dog again don't kink shame the dog Nicole why don't kink shame the dogs [SPEAKER_05]: Anyway, corgis, this is a little butt shaken.
[SPEAKER_05]: They're really cute.
[SPEAKER_01]: They're also kind of sexy.
[SPEAKER_01]: I also kind of did something, I guess.
[SPEAKER_01]: Flaking the steak I have ever made in the show in Nicole and Roberto will not stop talking about dogs.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's your fault.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: I'm watching this thing.
[SPEAKER_04]: I love corgis.
[SPEAKER_04]: I got two of them.
[SPEAKER_04]: They're great dogs except for when they're being jerks.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, that's all dogs.
[SPEAKER_01]: They're great except when they're not.
[SPEAKER_04]: And apparently they worked with Johnny Iv and his buddy Mark Newson to design this.
[SPEAKER_04]: What do you think?
[SPEAKER_05]: Do you have just look at this yet?
[SPEAKER_05]: I've already said it.
[SPEAKER_05]: This is just Johnny.
[SPEAKER_05]: I've chasing that iPhone 4 high that he had because it was like the best looking iPhone.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: All right.
[SPEAKER_05]: It just looks like an iPhone 4.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, I'm okay.
[SPEAKER_04]: Except that, you know, where the iPhone 4 and all other iPhones were.
[SPEAKER_04]: They were.
[SPEAKER_05]: I mean, I, I'm giving them hot props for that.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yes, I think props for physical controls, but I like a touch screen.
[SPEAKER_01]: As long as it's not the rotary dial controller in the Maz dial, give no props for that.
[SPEAKER_04]: So yeah, there's toggle switches and buttons and rotary dials and all kinds of stuff on here.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, it looks cool.
[SPEAKER_01]: It looks sweetly updated.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, there's all this stuff in there, but it doesn't, it's not like an overwhelming.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, they did a really nice sleek look to it despite the amount of stuff they have included in this.
[SPEAKER_04]: One thing that was interesting in the instrument cluster, got three dials on there, and they're OLED displays, but there's like a glass lens in front of them, which gives them more, they almost look mechanical.
[SPEAKER_04]: And when you watch the video and you see it panning across, you can see how it gets kind of distorted when you're looking out from the side, because there's an optical lens in front of the OLED display.
[SPEAKER_04]: And then on the center screen, on the center display area, in the upper right corner, there's a dial there, which normally is a clock.
[SPEAKER_04]: And it's got physical hands on it, but depending on what mode you're in, what drive mode you're in, it can switch from a physical clock to a stopwatched chronometer.
[SPEAKER_04]: And as you switch modes, depending on which mode it's in and what is displaying, the hands will actually spin around and get into the right position for whatever, you know, for stopwatch, you know, they'll start off with both facing the top.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's kind of an interesting design.
[SPEAKER_05]: Listen, Johnny Iv is my favorite Deeter Ram's tribute designer.
[SPEAKER_05]: uh... design nerd humor they did a rams you did that all the stuff are brawn all the cool brawn stuff that apple sort of has you know from the especially iphone four sort of uh... used as a to as a uh... what do you call
[SPEAKER_05]: it's for a word.
[SPEAKER_05]: Inspiration, thank you.
[SPEAKER_05]: Line as an inspiration.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, it's also right up in here.
[SPEAKER_05]: Which I like, again, totally fine with because Deeter Rams knew what he was doing when it came to design.
[SPEAKER_05]: I don't know anything else about Deeter Rams.
[SPEAKER_05]: If it turns out he's some horrible person, you don't have to tell me, I'll find out later in life and be disappointed.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: Toyota, I was out in Ohio California this week for a few days with Toyota, and we get to drive a couple of cars which talk about next time, but they showed, they did the global reveal of the 2027 Highlander, the current channel, all been around for a while.
[SPEAKER_05]: I feel like they just made this for Nicole, they're like we heard about the, we heard about the wagon here.
[SPEAKER_01]: We're not the back one or so we're giving you a high-lander EV instead.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's electric this time.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's exclusively electric.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, does it feel weird that you're going exclusively EV where everybody else is like, oh, dear God EVs?
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, not me.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean, like, like, everyone's pulling back.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, everybody's not everyone.
[SPEAKER_05]: I mean, Hyundai still like going forward and they're making money.
[SPEAKER_05]: one had some point you look at the market and you say who's doing it wrong and you see like oh yeah these people are doing it wrong these people are doing it right and everyone is saying how come you're not doing as well as these people so I think it's a lot of not you know [SPEAKER_05]: Well, we can do that.
[SPEAKER_05]: I think that's what it comes down to.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, you know, from the, you know, from what I experienced last summer when I first drove the the 2026 BZ, you know, without the 4x.
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, they, you know, they took, they, they listened when we wind and complained about the original BZ 4x, they fixed basically everything about that, you know, in the span of two years and made it a much, much better vehicle.
[SPEAKER_04]: And, you know, a lot of the hardware, most of the hardware from that vehicle from that update, has gone straight into this new Highlander.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so I think this could actually do reasonably well.
[SPEAKER_04]: A lot's going to depend on how they price it and what I mean, they haven't announced pricing, but from what I'm hearing, it could be fairly aggressive, like, you know, cheaper than the [SPEAKER_05]: It's the Prius design that we've all kind of like, oh, this is cool.
[SPEAKER_05]: That they've slapped on everything else.
[SPEAKER_05]: Um, yeah, I'm fine with it.
[SPEAKER_05]: It does kind of look like a mini van.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I think it actually, I mean, it's got like that EV...
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, it's, I don't think it's anything surprising.
[SPEAKER_01]: I don't think it's especially out there.
[SPEAKER_01]: I think it's sort of typical of what a three row EV sort of looks like.
[SPEAKER_01]: Most of them, you know, it follows those sort of traditional lines and stays in line with Toyota's whole previous thing.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like, it's the Toyota-5 version.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, you know, you get the hammer head headlights as they call it, but you know, it's a, it's a, it's a boxy or designed in the last gen Highlander and size wise it's like fourish inches longer than the old Highlander, but about four inches shorter than the Grand Highlander.
[SPEAKER_04]: uh... so it's it's room here inside uh... and it's actually really nice inside you know the like you know complained a lot of about you know some toy otters and years that you know a lot of hard plastics they feel kind of cheap this does not feel that way and you know it's filled with it looks and feel actually get to see the inside like an age and you have it picked up
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, no, you know, sat in it.
[SPEAKER_04]: I shot a video that should be coming up early in the week on GreenCars.com, a walk-round video with Tim Rippinger, who is the marketing manager for Highlander.
[SPEAKER_04]: And, you know, so we sat inside, it's, it's really nice inside.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's, it's a much more premium feeling vehicle.
[SPEAKER_01]: Beautiful.
[SPEAKER_01]: That one interior shot you have that just shows like the dashboard and has, does he, it looks really good.
[SPEAKER_01]: Like that, for me, but you don't know for images.
[SPEAKER_01]: So if you're seconding, that it actually is as good as that picture looks.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's fantastic.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, and you know, the door handles on the outside are flush, but they're not retracting door handles, so there's like a pocket in there and you just stick your hand in there's a switch just on the inside and so it pops open, you know, so it's a it's a nice balance there, not I think it's it's really well executed, you know, [SPEAKER_04]: with the, it'll be front wheel drive as the base.
[SPEAKER_04]: There's two trim levels, the standard front wheel drive and then all wheel drive with the same motors that are on the BZ.
[SPEAKER_04]: So about 221 horsepower, 338 horsepower.
[SPEAKER_04]: With the all wheel drive, they say it'll do zero to 60 to about six seconds, which is, you know, better than the current, the current, the outgoing [SPEAKER_04]: Um, so I think this could this could be a really interesting player in the segment and the thing is large, you know, vehicle doing over 3.3 to 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's pretty impressive.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: Um, you know, Toyota.
[SPEAKER_04]: with this hylinder, it's going to be electric only.
[SPEAKER_04]: But, you know, they also have the grand hylinder.
[SPEAKER_04]: And the thing that's happened since the grand hylinder launched a couple of years ago, is it actually took most of the sales of the current generation hylinder.
[SPEAKER_04]: This is recently like 2022, I think, the current gen hylinder sold almost 280,000 units.
[SPEAKER_04]: last year was down to 65,000, but that's because Grand Highlander sold almost 150,000.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: So total combined between them, you know, it hasn't really changed much, but everybody shifted to the bigger Grand Highlander.
[SPEAKER_04]: So this, you know, will give an electric option that's closer in size to that Grand Highlander size.
[SPEAKER_04]: And then there will probably be a Lexus version of this shown some time later this year.
[SPEAKER_04]: Goes on sale, production starts in the fall.
[SPEAKER_04]: First one should start hitting dealers before the end of the year, but early in the new year is when they really start to tend to start selling these aggressively.
[SPEAKER_05]: I think it could do okay.
[SPEAKER_05]: There's definitely a hunger from people from the Honda and Toyota Camp to what they need.
[SPEAKER_05]: They want an EV, but they do not want to give up their Honda's and their Toyota's.
[SPEAKER_05]: I think the prologue, I got selling the blazer.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a good example.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's the same car.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: Essentially, you know, underneath, I mean, I want to put all their bits on top of it, but people, you know, they're like, well, I don't trust Hyundai because they remember something that happened 30 years ago.
[SPEAKER_05]: And, you know, you don't know what Ford's doing.
[SPEAKER_05]: And, you know, you're, if you're a Honda Toyota person, you're definitely not going to buy GM vehicle, even though if you bought a prologue about a GM vehicle.
[SPEAKER_05]: So I think that they, they, [SPEAKER_05]: Toyota people are Toyota people who are Toyota people who are Toyota people and they are they are die-hards and I see them like well I'm not going to get something until Toyota has something good and I think with the BZ4X when it first came out they just sort of sideline that car it felt like they were like I don't want to do this [SPEAKER_05]: I mean, I'll do it, but I don't really, I'm not happy about it, and whenever you go to the auto show, it was always often a corner somewhere where it's like Subaru, Zack same car, had it front and center.
[SPEAKER_05]: And then, of course, they fixed all the issues with the BZ4X, and I think there was like, oh, you know, if we're going to do it, let's do it right, which again, for the entry level, it's like 3.7 miles per kilowatt hour for a three row SUV.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's front will drive, you know, you're not getting a double drive, but that's really good.
[SPEAKER_05]: And for the top end, it's 3.3 miles per kilowatt hour, which is still really good for a 3-0 SUV.
[SPEAKER_05]: You know, when you think about those numbers, think about like, think them as multiples of 10.
[SPEAKER_05]: So if it's 3.7, just think of as 37 miles per gallon for this vehicle.
[SPEAKER_05]: If you think about as 33 miles per gallon, like an equivalent of a gas car, [SPEAKER_05]: So, yeah, no, I'm happy that the Toyota is taking it seriously, and they're putting their Toyota magic on there, and I think Honda is doing the same thing with their zero series that's coming up.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, I mean, they, again, for years, I kept saying, Hyundai's doing what we thought to it at Honda we'd be doing by now, and that's how it at Honda are catching up.
[SPEAKER_04]: And as Highlander is going to be built in the U.S.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's built in Georgetown, Kentucky, where they built the current Highlander and the Grand Highlander.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, and the batteries are built here.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, it's a, it'll be interesting to watch.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, we should be getting, first drive of this in the fall, before it goes on sale.
[SPEAKER_04]: And I'm, I'm really interested in this one.
[SPEAKER_05]: It won't be, but a Kia won't be excited until he gets a solid state and a G.R.
[SPEAKER_05]: Corolla.
[SPEAKER_05]: That's the only time he's at.
[SPEAKER_05]: He'll be like, oh, yeah, it's something we got to do and then the next week it'd be like, I don't even know why we don't like Tristity.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: Let's stick with three row SUVs for more crossovers.
[SPEAKER_04]: A Volkswagen brought some folks to Montreal to sample the new 2027 Atlas and in the snow and ice near Montreal.
[SPEAKER_04]: case from TFL got to go there.
[SPEAKER_04]: What do you think of?
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, you know, the shape, you know, pretty much standard three row SUV and it doesn't.
[SPEAKER_04]: This thing's wrapped in this very colorful camouflage, but, you know, it looks, looks to me like it's still an atlas.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, it doesn't seem like it's it's weird far from the atlas.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's still very Atlas C. It's not one of those things you're going to look at into wow, that is dramatically different.
[SPEAKER_01]: It's like, okay, well, it's just here and there.
[SPEAKER_04]: No, no electric in this one.
[SPEAKER_04]: And not even a hybrid yet.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's still the same or it's an updated version of the two liter turbo that's in the current giant Atlas, which actually, you know, when I drove it during in December during Operation Frodo, that was very impressed with it.
[SPEAKER_04]: It was really good.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I think that was solid car.
[SPEAKER_01]: I just can't imagine this can change overly much.
[SPEAKER_01]: I actually weirdly loved the camouflage thing.
[SPEAKER_01]: This color.
[SPEAKER_05]: I should offer that as an option.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I was saying like that.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's a can't get the Harley Quinn package anymore, remember?
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, and then the camera flashes and people can see it's not only black and white pattern they used to cover up.
[SPEAKER_01]: And this is like a kaleidoscope of color.
[SPEAKER_01]: It looks like it should be in Miami or something.
[SPEAKER_01]: So all these bright colors, but it's in snow.
[SPEAKER_05]: It's ready to party.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, it's a good color, especially for social shoots.
[SPEAKER_05]: Sometimes they'll have us go out and like, hey, we're going to end this car into snow, and then it's gray and you're like, come on, guys.
[SPEAKER_05]: Or white, you know, or white, like, what were you thinking?
[SPEAKER_05]: We had to shoot video our photos with this.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right, during back in 2021, Congress passed a bill called the bipartisan Infrastructure Act that included several billion dollars to fund deployment of DC fast charging across the United States.
[SPEAKER_04]: And when the Department of Energy put together the rules for qualification for that money, there was a bi-America provision, which said that 55% of all the parts and material content in these chargers that got money through the Neve programs, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programmer, Neve had to be sourced in the United States.
[SPEAKER_04]: It took a while before, you know, everybody got their supply chains lined up to build all the stuff domestically, and so that's, you know, that was part of the reason why it took quite a, you know, took a couple of years before we actually started seeing any Navi funded chargers being deployed.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, last year, after the current administration took power in Washington, the guy in charge signed an executive order, just arbitrarily saying, yeah, we're freezing this funding.
[SPEAKER_04]: We're not going to give out any more of this $5 billion that Congress appropriated.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, the way the Constitution's written, you know, there's not a lot to do that.
[SPEAKER_05]: Can't really do that.
[SPEAKER_05]: If Congress already said that money is like here, the money's for this thing.
[SPEAKER_04]: You can't just have to get it.
[SPEAKER_04]: The executive branch is responsible for spending the money that Congress appropriates.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, judge, you know, several judges actually ruled that now you can't do that.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's, it's against the rules.
[SPEAKER_04]: So what they did was they changed the qualification rules to get never funding.
[SPEAKER_04]: And they announced this week that instead of 55% American content, it had to be 100% American content.
[SPEAKER_04]: Which effectively means that not, not another penny of this money is going to get spent.
[SPEAKER_05]: a hundred because I don't think there's anything you can buy in this country that's a hundred percent right I don't know is anything really a hundred percent you have some company close but yeah maybe some agricultural products yeah yeah maybe I don't even you know corn wheat [SPEAKER_04]: like actual food not the hardware yeah the food okay okay get that domestically all right you can use domestic rainwater and you know domestic soil and domestic sea all right that is that is about it really
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, I'm literally looking at my desk at this the the the mess that is my desk and I cannot think of anything that's on here that that would not have something for another country even like even a tiny little bit.
[SPEAKER_01]: I mean even the little adapters model that was made hand made in Vermont.
[SPEAKER_05]: Oh, was it locally?
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, but it was a bit hilarious and clay and the glaze and the glaze because I can't read the little imprint, but it was in a pottery shop so I think I'm pretty sure this is [SPEAKER_05]: Maybe.
[SPEAKER_01]: Eventually.
[SPEAKER_01]: This is all I got.
[SPEAKER_05]: I got a bug that might, yeah.
[SPEAKER_05]: I got, you know what?
[SPEAKER_05]: I found a fox tail on my desk.
[SPEAKER_05]: You know, because dogs.
[SPEAKER_05]: So this is the one thing on my desk is one of my favorite, forced in the United States in my back from my backyard from earlier this year.
[SPEAKER_05]: Anything else I think is a little suspect.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right, so the good part is that most of the deployment of DC fast chargers over the last couple of years has been done without never funding anyway and last year 25 was the biggest year yet for DC charging deployment.
[SPEAKER_04]: There was more than 3300 new DC fast charging stations deployed in the US last year with almost 17,000 chargers.
[SPEAKER_04]: you know that's that that process is continuing and you know I think I don't know that it's actually going to have that this rule change is going to have that huge of an impact.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, I test was not going to be happy about this.
[SPEAKER_05]: I can tell you that.
[SPEAKER_04]: Oh well, too bad.
[SPEAKER_05]: Mm-hmm, man.
[SPEAKER_05]: What do you got to do?
[SPEAKER_04]: And then we talked, we talked the last couple of weeks or talked recently about China having new rules that banned retracting door handles and electric electronic door handles on cars.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, they've got a couple more new rules coming out.
[SPEAKER_04]: They are banning steering wheel yokes.
[SPEAKER_04]: are steering yokes and they're also tracking down on what controls can be put into touchscreen interfaces.
[SPEAKER_04]: So on the steering yokes, they are not, they're not actually explicitly banning yokes, but the way the rules are written, part of it is that for testing, when they do the crash testing, they test at various locations around the steering wheel to see how much force it takes to break it, things like that.
[SPEAKER_04]: because if you can't do the test, you can't pass the test and because the steering wheel yoke, they're steering yoke, doesn't have the top part of the steering wheel.
[SPEAKER_04]: They can't test at those locations because there's nothing there.
[SPEAKER_04]: And so that will effectively ban those.
[SPEAKER_05]: All steering wheel yokes may be sourced 100% in China.
[SPEAKER_04]: So they're going to ban those, and then on the screens, essential controls, things like turn signals, your transmission, your gear selection, and a few other things, now must have physical controls.
[SPEAKER_04]: So things like what Tesla has done with putting the gear selection on the screen, can't do that anymore.
[SPEAKER_04]: You've got to have some sort of physical control, and wipers as well, wipers as another [SPEAKER_04]: So I'll hold all good things, I think.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I want to be able to do this.
[SPEAKER_01]: There's a place for giving things the tech got ahead of itself and this puts like no hold up.
[SPEAKER_05]: I got yelled at for like 45 minutes from my Tesla about my, I had him written the article yet, but talking about wipers because before like the wipers were automatic, like you had to go into the touchscreen to like, and they're like, well, you know, I'm like, then like, well, you don't, you know, [SPEAKER_05]: I drive car that's my job to know about cars and this is unsafe because like well when it rains I'm like it did rain while I had the car and it didn't turn the wipers on and in the amount of time that I wanted him to like I would I couldn't see in the wipers hadn't come on like we have but you know the cars for the future I'm like I can't I can't I know for I can't review a car to drive it now not in the future.
[SPEAKER_05]: I have to drive, I have to drive and review what I have now.
[SPEAKER_05]: Anyway, I've been yelled at a lot by Tesla.
[SPEAKER_05]: We all, but the PR people really liked me because I'd always say that it wasn't really a self-driving car and blah, blah, blah, essentially I would just say things that were true.
[SPEAKER_05]: And the PR people enjoyed that because it was less, you know, fed that they had to deal with, where people were like, [SPEAKER_04]: Please stop marketing it as such.
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, I know that the PR and the marketing team were not on the same.
[SPEAKER_05]: We're not the same team, which is, you know, sad.
[SPEAKER_04]: Um, what it.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, set.
[SPEAKER_04]: So it looks like China is going to be doing all the the automotive regulation going forward, uh, at least all the good automotive regulation.
[SPEAKER_05]: Well, and then when you think about it, like, it's because automakers like I'd the the S class unveil, uh, before the unveil months before I went to Germany and I was talking, we were talking to Ola.
[SPEAKER_05]: a CEO of Mercedes-Benz and I asked point blank what's the deal with the passenger side Display because I know one I've never been able to get anyone excited about that display I get people in the car my hey look at that and I'm like oh, that's kind of cool and then they pick up their phones after a few minutes [SPEAKER_05]: And he was he was very frank he's like phrase Asia loves these displays China especially really loves these displays So you know, we're they're building a global car so when you're an automaker you want to build a global car You don't want to make it, you know, you don't want it especially now is you know you're looking at like your biggest market
[SPEAKER_05]: Yeah, especially in the shared business market, so we're getting, you know, what China has dictated essentially, which, you know, the world has been getting what America has dictated for years.
[SPEAKER_05]: So, you know, it's fine.
[SPEAKER_05]: So so anyway, so we have a, you know, passenger display in the S class because in China, passenger display is our big deal.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right, well, that's all we've got on the list for this week.
[SPEAKER_04]: I did, I did not go to San Diego to drive the new Mazda CX-5, but I can't talk about it yet.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so that's still under embargo, but because I had no driving impressions of it, I did have a chance to talk with Tom Donnelly, who's the CEO of Mazda North American operations.
[SPEAKER_04]: And we talked about, you know, about the brand and kind of what's going on.
[SPEAKER_04]: on the, for patrons several days ago.
[SPEAKER_04]: Now the rest of you can listen to this.
[SPEAKER_04]: So have a listen to my conversation with Tom Donnelly about the future of Mazda.
[SPEAKER_04]: And we will see you next time when Nicole can tell us about the CX5.
[SPEAKER_03]: Yeah, what it was like to drive.
[SPEAKER_04]: And I'll be able to tell you about what the Toyota is.
[SPEAKER_04]: I drove this week we're like.
[SPEAKER_04]: And you can also tell us about what the, [SPEAKER_04]: I suspect that Subaru will have a much more interesting off-road course for you to evaluate the Chelsea.
[SPEAKER_01]: I think and it's the post-arraying so we got a bunch of rain.
[SPEAKER_04]: The night before we drove, it rained an inch and a half and about two hours in Ohio where I was.
[SPEAKER_04]: So we couldn't actually even do the off-road the next day.
[SPEAKER_04]: We had to wait a day before we could go off-road.
[SPEAKER_01]: I feel like super is going to find a way to get us off road, come hack or high waters.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, that they won't.
[SPEAKER_01]: We'll do it.
[SPEAKER_04]: I'm sure Jamie and John will have come up with a really interesting off road course.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, I'm going to run my boots so I can get muddy.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: But that's that's all for next week in the meantime, have a fun week, and I'm going to go get some sun.
[SPEAKER_04]: Okay.
[UNKNOWN]: Bye.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right, and I am talking today with Tom Donnelly, who is the president and CEO of most of North America operations.
[SPEAKER_04]: Is that correct?
[SPEAKER_00]: Correct.
[SPEAKER_00]: You said that with a question mark at the end.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, I always wanted to make sure, you know, never know sometimes people's titles change and things like that.
[SPEAKER_04]: So just wanted to be certain of what your current title is as of today when we're recording on February 10th.
[SPEAKER_04]: It is a dynamic industry.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, I understand.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_04]: So Tom, good to talk to you.
[SPEAKER_04]: And start off with a little bit about what's going on with Masa.
[SPEAKER_04]: It's been an interesting shift for the brand over the last decade.
[SPEAKER_04]: There's been kind of a repositioning of the brand [SPEAKER_04]: to make it a little more premium than it used to be considered.
[SPEAKER_04]: It seems like that strategy of positioning the brand has definitely, it seems to me anyway like it has worked.
[SPEAKER_04]: Your overall sales are up 38% over the last 10 years.
[SPEAKER_04]: The product mix has shifted significantly towards higher margin utility vehicles from some of the [SPEAKER_04]: the lower margin cars that you had before.
[SPEAKER_04]: And when you first started down this path, models like the CX5 were seem to get notably more expensive than some of their competitors.
[SPEAKER_04]: But what seems to happen over the last several years is that essentially everybody's caught up on pricing.
[SPEAKER_04]: And now when you compare pricing, [SPEAKER_04]: You're very competitive with the rest of whichever segment you're looking at.
[SPEAKER_04]: In some cases, actually quite more than competitive, but Mazda, when you look when you compare Mazda to a lot of the competitive vehicles, it feels a lot more premium.
[SPEAKER_04]: How do you see the Mazda brand continuing to evolve [SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, thanks for the question.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's a lot in there, but you hit a lot of high notes of, frankly, our strategy over the last 10 years.
[SPEAKER_00]: So if I go back to the point of reference that you originated your question, when Moros on a ride in 2016, the introduction of brand value management, it was really about acknowledging [SPEAKER_00]: Where the brand was perceived, or how the brand was perceived in the US market, and what we needed to do to strengthen the brand, strengthen our viewer partners' business, and really prepare ourselves for the introductions of some of the models that are now in the marketplace.
[SPEAKER_00]: So there was a very intentional, very deliberate 10-year plan that we've been executing, and you talked about the business results in terms of sales volume, you know, up nearly 40% in that time frame.
[SPEAKER_00]: If I, if I book ended and talk about, you know, a few years ago, we introduced CX50, which was an all new model for us.
[SPEAKER_00]: In a segment that we already have our top volume model with CX5, that's been transformative for us.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're approaching 100,000 new, [SPEAKER_00]: vehicle sales with CX50.
[SPEAKER_00]: The introduction of our CX90 and CX70 has been a significant addition to our business as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: CX90 outsell CX921 from its preceding model.
[SPEAKER_00]: But you talked about, [SPEAKER_00]: the price points and where we are.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's a couple points I'd want to make there.
[SPEAKER_00]: If we back up to our strategy within the segments we competed, it really comes down to two corner stone elements.
[SPEAKER_00]: One is, we [SPEAKER_00]: making sure that we're providing value for our owners for our customers.
[SPEAKER_00]: And we do that in a number of different ways.
[SPEAKER_00]: The characteristics of our brand.
[SPEAKER_00]: So the craftsmanship, the quality, the driving dynamics, the things that Mazda is known for, the design.
[SPEAKER_00]: In addition to the suite of safety features that we have in our products.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we feel like we were providing a level up of content in our vehicles and providing value.
[SPEAKER_00]: The other thing that we did, and this speaks to your point about how we were priced previously, we were introducing power trains that were new or unique to the segment, like turbo engines.
[SPEAKER_00]: and $25,000 vehicles with Mazda 3 and CX30 and CX5 as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So again, we were leveling up.
[SPEAKER_00]: the power trains and the content that we had.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you looked at a range within a segment, we were absolutely on par with the Honda's, the Toyota's, the Subaru's that we compete and our most cross shopped with.
[SPEAKER_00]: But we also had that next tier up based on the two things that I mentioned previously.
[SPEAKER_00]: And that has contributed to the business results that you reference.
[SPEAKER_00]: What we've been able to achieve and how we carry that forward is when I think about the portfolio that we have now.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, we basically start at 25 and we go all the way up to 60,000.
[SPEAKER_00]: Well, you know, Sam in the marketplace today where affordability is paramount and a significant challenge for U.S. consumers when the average transaction price is north of 50, you know, to have that range of 25 to 60 and we're seeing solid business growth in both of those segments.
[SPEAKER_00]: Um, you know, I've referenced earlier what we're seeing with our CX90, just recently some of the transitions we've made with Mazda 3 of really trying to lean into that a little bit more.
[SPEAKER_00]: And now, you know, the point of the event that we're having here in Southern California with the introduction of the old new CX5, to have [SPEAKER_00]: The strength that I referenced earlier with our top volume model being completely refreshed and what that will mean for our brand and allow our owners to move into this next generation of CX5, we're really excited about what that represents for our brand and our business.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, so looking at the CX5, you mentioned the CX50 that you launched a couple of years ago.
[SPEAKER_04]: And these are two fairly similarly sized vehicles that you've got competing in the marketplace.
[SPEAKER_04]: Do you anticipate those models starting to diverge a little bit more in terms of kind of the nature of those vehicles?
[SPEAKER_04]: For example, CX50, you know, [SPEAKER_04]: little more, you know, potentially making it a little more rugged, a little more off-road oriented than it is today, CX5, a little more road oriented, you know, how do you see those tube models, you know, as they coexist in the lineup evolving?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, first of all, that segment is a massive business opportunity for the entire industry, but for us as a brand as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I think we've demonstrated over the last few years that we can succeed with both.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, CX5 continues to be our best-selling model, 120 to 130,000 vehicles, and we have every bit the same expectations with the new CX5 as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: But, [SPEAKER_00]: since the introduction CX50 is grown double digits every year, year over year, and we're approaching 100,000 vehicle sales here in the US also.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we see two very different consumers for that.
[SPEAKER_00]: You know, you referenced the characteristics of the vehicles.
[SPEAKER_00]: CX50 does have a bit more of a rugged exterior and a different level of capability and utility.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's the proportions are different.
[SPEAKER_00]: The dimensions are a bit different.
[SPEAKER_00]: They compete in terms of this pricing in the same segment for sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: But what we've seen from a customer profile is [SPEAKER_00]: customers that are purchasing either CX50 or CX5.
[SPEAKER_00]: CX50 perhaps not surprisingly skews a bit more male.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's about 6040, whereas CX50 is more 5050.
[SPEAKER_00]: CX50 tends to be a little bit younger, a couple years or so.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we are seeing a different profile with each owner.
[SPEAKER_00]: And how we go to market is [SPEAKER_00]: trying to position it as you acknowledge, but also with different media channels and different approaches and different messages to how we succeed with both those models.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, [SPEAKER_04]: with the new CX5 that you're launching right now.
[SPEAKER_04]: What were some of the primary goals that you're trying to achieve in this vehicle?
[SPEAKER_04]: What did you want to improve on relative to the previous generation, which obviously still a pretty strong seller?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, a lot has changed since the introduction way back 10 years or so ago.
[SPEAKER_00]: Since that time, it has consistently been our best-selling model.
[SPEAKER_00]: But a lot has changed in the industry and a lot has changed in terms of consumer preference for the vehicles that they purchase and what they want in terms of the content of their vehicles as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So what we've done with this vehicle is it's carried over the strengths of CX5, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Again, I've referenced the driving dynamics, that Jimba Tye feel that Maz is known for, the bold design language that we have as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: The, frankly, the, the, the craftsmanship and content that CX5 has.
[SPEAKER_00]: In fact, some of your peers just this morning were referencing how well contented this vehicle is and that's been a key to the success that we've had previously as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: What's, [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe the new news part of it, and perhaps not maybe, but is the new news part of it, is, you know, I've referenced things are getting bigger in our life, in general, so we've expanded the wheelbase and we've expanded the utility in terms of rear seat legroom in terms of cargo capacity and the rear of the vehicle as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: The other big news is the in-car technology.
[SPEAKER_00]: So the introduction of a new M-H-M-I system that has been receiving very favorable feedback from our existing owners and, frankly, your peers here over the last couple of days as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we feel like it's building off of a very strong foundation with the model that for the last 10 years running has been our best-selling model.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we're very optimistic about the impact it's going to have and the market reception that our owners will have to this vehicle.
[SPEAKER_04]: OK, in addition to the the infotainment system you mentioned, which is now a Google built-in system, one of the other big changes this time is at least later this year is going to be addition of the Sky Active Z hybrid system.
[SPEAKER_04]: That's new.
[SPEAKER_04]: Is that system right now you have a [SPEAKER_04]: Toyota-based system in the CH50, but is the Sky Active Z hybrid?
[SPEAKER_04]: Is that a completely in-house Mazda-developed system and what can you tell us about that particular system?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes is the answer to your question.
[SPEAKER_00]: It is a proprietary.
[SPEAKER_00]: It is a Mazda-based hybrid system that will be coming shortly in this CX5 that we're introducing here today.
[SPEAKER_00]: The way that I would characterize it is what the market is moving towards hybrid, frankly it up, you know, a pretty decent clip overall.
[SPEAKER_00]: So the relationship and the partnership that we have with Toyota offers a great opportunity for us with CX50.
[SPEAKER_00]: It offers the efficiency, the range, and the MPG that consumers are looking for.
[SPEAKER_00]: What is unique about the system that we're developing?
[SPEAKER_00]: I would call it a driver's hybrid.
[SPEAKER_00]: That [SPEAKER_00]: All of the things that people desire and expect with a hybrid system in terms of, again, the efficiency of the MPG, all of that, is there plus the torque and the driving dynamics that customers want from Mazda.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it really offers the best of both worlds in that regard.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we think, [SPEAKER_00]: the combination of those two hybrid systems is really going to be powerful for us with our future product portfolio.
[SPEAKER_04]: Okay, I'm looking forward to an opportunity to try that one out when it's available.
[SPEAKER_04]: You mentioned earlier affordability, one of the bigger challenges across the industry right now.
[SPEAKER_04]: But looking at the sales numbers, you know, even though overall sales are up, the sales of the three and the CX30, which should be playing an important role right now and addressing that affordability challenge, they both had significant sales declines in 2025.
[SPEAKER_04]: What can you comment on what led to that?
[SPEAKER_04]: I mean, was it a supply issue in terms of what you're able to get?
[SPEAKER_04]: Was it perhaps constrained because of tariffs or was it just a declining demand or a combination of those factors?
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a bit of a combination of those factors, so again, back to just how dynamic the industry has been over the last few years, but especially in the last few months as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: Specifically on Mazda 3, what I would say, in the last three to four months, we've made [SPEAKER_00]: I wouldn't say a renewed effort, but we've been leaning into most of three for the very reason you mentioned the affordability opportunity there, and we've seen solid double digit month over month growth over the last few months with most of three.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we had to make some business decisions about our manufacturing footprint, Mazda 3 is now sourced for us out of Japan.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it represents a better opportunity for us.
[SPEAKER_00]: So as I just talked about the month over month gains that we've been able to realize in the last three months, [SPEAKER_00]: we expect to carry that over into 2026.
[SPEAKER_00]: And our overall expectations for Mazda 3 will be up significantly.
[SPEAKER_00]: CX30, our business is stabilized there.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's obviously produced in Mexico.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it comes with some implications in terms of the tariff opportunity there.
[SPEAKER_00]: But we feel like when we look at the outlook for 2026, the combination of our continued growth with CX-50 and CX-90, the introduction of this all new CX-5, and then the additional momentum that we're picking up with Mazda 3, we think we have a good blend of the portfolio that will fuel our growth, [SPEAKER_00]: opportunities, especially around affordability in the marketplace.
[SPEAKER_00]: The other thing I would say on the affordability side would be we had our best year ever in terms of our certified pre-owned volume.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that clearly is an opportunity to [SPEAKER_00]: put new owners into the Mazda brand, retain existing Mazda products in the network as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So there's significant business value, it also protects your residual values as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that kind of full circle benefit of things presents an opportunity around that affordability challenge that's also in the market.
[SPEAKER_00]: One final point on affordability and this gets to I think [SPEAKER_00]: What we think we do better than just about any other brand is how we content the vehicles.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you're getting value at a really competitive price point.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's all the things that are unique to Mazda with significant level up content and features as well as the safety story that we can tell that many other brands would be envious of.
[SPEAKER_04]: Yeah, definitely agree on the value side.
[SPEAKER_04]: CX30, for example, starting under $30,000 with standard all-wheel drive, it's a great option for a lot of people, my daughter owns one cheap, she bought one, loves, you know, set that up.
[SPEAKER_04]: Now, and love, loves it.
[SPEAKER_04]: So I guess one last thing, you know, [SPEAKER_04]: You know, Mazda despite the growth that you've had over the last decade, it's still you know, relatively smaller brand compared to a lot of your competitors.
[SPEAKER_04]: Does it make, is there an opportunity or does it make economic sense for brand like Mazda to produce more vehicles in the US to combat tariffs?
[SPEAKER_04]: Or would you have to do it through partnerships such as your partnership with Toyota on [SPEAKER_04]: what do you see as the opportunity there?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, great question.
[SPEAKER_00]: In the near term, we have, we have upside opportunity with the Alabama plant.
[SPEAKER_00]: So production capacity there is 150,000 vehicles.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right now we're approaching 130, I think we're about 132,000 in terms of, [SPEAKER_00]: the production footprint that will realize this year.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we still have nearly 20,000 units of upside in that regard.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're making decisions in terms of how and where and what we're building where.
[SPEAKER_00]: In terms of the growth expectations, our plan for this year is to set an all time sales record.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, the industry itself is [SPEAKER_00]: depending on who and when you look at the latest forecast, going to be down slightly, or if you look at one other, I think the range has been 15-6-16-3.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'd like to think that the approach we're taking this year is somewhat conservative.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're projecting about 425,000 vehicles sold this year, which would be our best year ever.
[SPEAKER_00]: We've only exceeded 400,000 twice in our history, and it's been the last two years.
[SPEAKER_00]: If I project out towards 2030, RS expectation, excuse me, would be that we're beginning to crest 500,000 vehicles.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, you know, steady growth is on the horizon for us.
[SPEAKER_00]: It'll be fueled by the portfolio that we have in place.
[SPEAKER_00]: Some of the actions that we're taking in the marketplace as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: But in the near term, to come back to your question about manufacturing footprint.
[SPEAKER_00]: I would say over the next 18 to 24 month horizon, MTM will serve us well, we'll get to that 150,000 units capacity.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then as we project out for continued growth, 500,000 beyond, we'll probably have to make some business decisions relative to manufacturing footprint.
[SPEAKER_00]: But nothing that we're ready to announce here today.
[SPEAKER_04]: Is there potentially opportunity to expand the capacity that you have in Alabama?
[SPEAKER_04]: Again, not in the business case makes sense.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like anything, if the business case makes sense, you look at alternatives, and if you're already invested and have a presence there, you could build off of that, but I would be speculating and projecting out there.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, we need to optimize what we have in place right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: And for the next couple of years, that represents a stable footprint and opportunity for us for us to try to leverage.
[SPEAKER_04]: All right.
[SPEAKER_04]: Any final thoughts you want to share with the listeners about Mazda and where it's going the next few years?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I just want to reiterate the excitement that we have about the new CX5.
[SPEAKER_00]: Again, it's been our bestseller.
[SPEAKER_00]: We think we've enhanced it significantly for what the market place is looking for today.
[SPEAKER_00]: I do want to make one point.
[SPEAKER_00]: We received some great news last week.
[SPEAKER_00]: We were recognized by consumer reports.
[SPEAKER_00]: a particular recognition where they awarded us the safety verdict where our brand and our models represent in terms of accident avoidance and occupant protection more than any other brand in the industry.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that applies to this new CX5 that we're introducing right now, but every model in the Mazda Portfolio as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So beyond the IIAHS recognition that we benefited from and our best in class in that regard as well, we were particularly pleased with the recognition and the accolade that Consumer Reports provided last week.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, I don't think my particular Mazda fits within that scope, but it's definitely a car that I'm going to be, [SPEAKER_04]: living out of my hands.
[SPEAKER_04]: I own a 1990 meata.
[SPEAKER_04]: So, congratulations and thank you for that.
[SPEAKER_04]: Thanks.
[SPEAKER_04]: Well, thank you so much for your time, Tom.
[SPEAKER_04]: I really appreciate it.
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