Here's The Latest And Greatest News About The New Scout Range Extender! | Ep. 337

In this context, “electric” refers to a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that propels itself using electric motors powered by a high-voltage battery. The episode uses it to describe the new EX60 and to compare it against other EVs.

The EX60 is referenced as a new electric vehicle the host drove in Barcelona. The episode compares it to the Tesla Model Y, framing it as a similar-sized EV competitor.

The Nissan Z is a sports-car nameplate known for a driver-focused layout and a strong enthusiast following. In this episode, it’s specifically mentioned as “the Nismo Z,” indicating a performance-oriented NISMO variant being driven alongside other cars.

Mudfest is described as an off-road driving event where manufacturers bring SUVs for journalists to evaluate on- and off-road. It’s the setting for the Scout announcements and comparisons in this episode.

The podcast mentions “Traveler” as a brand with two products to check out: a new Traveler SUV and a Traveler truck. This kind of mention typically signals an introduction or early impressions of a company’s lineup and what it’s aiming to offer. It’s discussed because new entrants and new models can shift expectations in the vehicle market.

The Scout Traveler is one of Scout’s two upcoming SUV models. In this episode, it’s discussed as having multiple powertrain options, including a full-electric setup and a range-extended variant.

A range-extended option is a powertrain strategy that’s meant to increase driving distance beyond what a pure battery-electric setup can do. Typically, it uses an additional energy source (often a generator) to help keep the vehicle moving longer between charging.

A range extender is a system where a secondary power source (often a small engine) generates electricity to recharge the battery. In this setup, the engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels; it runs mainly to keep the battery charged so the vehicle can continue operating in an electric mode.

A four-cylinder gasoline engine uses four cylinders to burn gasoline and produce mechanical power. In a range-extender layout, that engine’s job is typically to run a generator to recharge the battery rather than to propel the car directly.

Extended range is the additional distance you can cover after the battery’s all-electric portion is used up, enabled by the range extender charging the battery. It’s essentially the “gas-assisted” part of the total range figure.

This describes an electric-drive architecture where the wheels are powered only by electric motors. The gasoline engine is decoupled from wheel drive and instead charges the battery, which is why the vehicle can keep “cruising” electrically even though it has a combustion engine onboard.

Captain’s chairs are individual, separate front seats (and sometimes second-row seats) with their own armrests. Compared with a bench, they typically offer more comfort and a clearer aisle, but usually reduce the number of seats across.

In vehicle development, “test units” are early cars built to validate design and manufacturing before full customer production. They’re often used to check fitment, durability, and systems integration, not to represent the final spec exactly.

“Skateboard architecture” is an EV-focused vehicle design where the battery pack and key components sit in a flat “skateboard” under the cabin. That shared platform makes it easier to build multiple body styles by reusing the same underlying structure.

In development, teams often use “test prototypes” that combine an advanced underlying platform with temporary or different bodywork. This lets engineers validate structure, packaging, and systems before committing to the final exterior design.

Winter testing is validation work done in cold conditions to check how systems behave when temperatures drop. For EVs and range-extender setups, it’s especially important for battery performance, heating strategy, and real-world efficiency.

The Rivian R2 is a newer electric vehicle from Rivian that the podcast discusses in the context of what’s happening in the EV market overall. The mention suggests the conversation is about how Rivian’s direction and product planning fit into broader trends. It’s relevant because it’s part of the next step in Rivian’s lineup beyond the original R1T.

The Rivian R1T is an electric pickup truck that helped bring EVs into the mainstream truck conversation when it first launched. The podcast references its early arrival and the ongoing attention it has received since then. It’s discussed because it’s a notable benchmark for how electric trucks have evolved and stayed in the spotlight.

A vehicle reservation is a customer’s paid or refundable place in line for a future vehicle. Reservation-holder behavior is often used by automakers to gauge which body styles (like pickup vs SUV) customers actually want.

A V8 is an internal-combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The “V8” mention here is shorthand for traditional gasoline performance and engine sound, contrasted with the move toward EVs.

Renewables are energy sources that naturally replenish on human timescales, such as wind and solar. The speaker connects renewables to EV adoption by implying cleaner electricity generation supports the long-term shift away from finite fuels.

A “towing number” is the manufacturer’s rated maximum trailer weight the vehicle can tow under specified conditions. It’s tied to the vehicle’s cooling capacity, power delivery, drivetrain durability, and how the vehicle manages battery/engine output.

EREV stands for Extended-Range Electric Vehicle. It’s an EV that primarily drives on electric power, but uses a gasoline engine (or similar) to run a generator and recharge the battery when needed, extending the driving range.

BEV means Battery Electric Vehicle. In a BEV, the vehicle is propelled only by electric motors powered by a battery pack, with no engine-driven generator for propulsion like an EREV.

Packaging an EREV “module behind the rear axle” means concentrating major components—like the engine, generator, fuel tank, cooling system, and exhaust—into a dedicated unit located near the rear. This can simplify installation and reduce the amount of redesign needed elsewhere in the vehicle.

In an EREV, the generator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy. That electricity is used to power the drivetrain and/or recharge the battery, allowing the car to extend range without relying solely on battery capacity.

A max axle weight load rating is the maximum weight each axle is allowed to carry safely. If the vehicle’s weight balance shifts rearward, the rear axle can approach its limit sooner, which can reduce the maximum allowable axle load even if the vehicle still feels stable.

The hosts are discussing a specific pricing target for the Scout SUV, and whether the final market price can match the promise. In EV and premium-leaning segments, hitting an aggressive entry price often depends on battery cost, manufacturing scale, and feature content.

The Ford Lightning is Ford’s electric pickup, and it’s being used here as an example of how promised pricing can be hard to achieve in practice. The Lightning’s real-world pricing and availability have often been influenced by demand, supply constraints, and optioning.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup referenced as a high-profile example of how early claims about pricing and availability can be difficult to hit. The hosts are using it to illustrate why buyers may be skeptical of Scout’s $60k entry-price goal.

Switch gear refers to the physical controls in a vehicle—things like buttons, knobs, and switches used for functions such as lighting, driving modes, and climate. When the hosts say they want the Scout to use “premium” switch gear, they’re talking about tactile quality and perceived fit-and-finish, not just software.

“Supplier level” refers to innovation happening in the companies that provide parts and systems to automakers (like electronics, motors, and other components). The segment argues that many technology advances originate with these suppliers, not only with the car brand.

Vertically integrated companies control more of the supply chain themselves—like designing key systems and manufacturing more in-house—rather than relying on outside suppliers. The hosts contrast this with the more common approach where innovation happens at the supplier level.

A wiper motor is the electric motor that powers the windshield wipers. Even though it’s a small component, it’s used here to illustrate how suppliers develop specific technologies that automakers can integrate into their vehicles.

Bosch is a major automotive supplier that designs and manufactures components for many different car brands. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how innovation often happens at the supplier level rather than inside a brand’s own factory.

Volkswagen is a large automaker that can coordinate with suppliers to develop components for specific brands and models. Here, it’s mentioned as the kind of company that could leverage existing relationships to get a supplier to design something for the Scout brand.

This is a discussion about the sales channel for the Scout range extender—specifically whether it will be sold through traditional Volkswagen dealers. It’s a structural segment about distribution strategy rather than a technical automotive concept.

Carvana is a used-car retailer known for an online purchase flow and delivery/pickup options. The host references Carvana to compare whether the Scout purchase would be picked up or delivered to your door.

The hosts compare the traditional dealer model with an online-first sales approach. They discuss how digital ordering can reduce the need to visit a store, while the dealer model can create challenges around data handling and customer information sharing.

Fiat is an automotive brand under the Stellantis umbrella. In the segment, the host uses the Fiat dealer experience as an example of how personal information is collected and where it may be stored or shared.

Stellantis is the automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. In the segment, the hosts mention that personal customer data provided at a Fiat dealer is associated with Stellantis, highlighting how the dealer network ties into the parent company’s data flows.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-oriented sedan that’s been a long-running nameplate in American muscle-car culture. It’s likely discussed because it represents a more traditional gasoline performance option compared with newer EV and crossover trends. In the podcast, it’s mentioned in a real-world “could we buy one” scenario for a small community.

Fast charging is charging at a higher power level than standard charging, allowing an EV to add meaningful range in less time. The segment contrasts fast charging with the broader challenge of getting chargers installed where people live, especially in apartments and condos.

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV that uses a large battery pack to power an electric motor. In this segment, it’s used as a real-world example of charging cost and how EV charging infrastructure is evolving.

“Supercharging” refers to Tesla’s high-power DC fast-charging network. It’s designed to recharge an EV much faster than typical home or workplace charging, which matters for people without easy access to overnight charging.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy used to measure how much electricity an EV consumes or how much charge it adds. Charging prices are often quoted as dollars per kWh, so it directly affects the cost to “fill up.”

An off-road course is a controlled driving route designed to test vehicles over obstacles like hills, loose surfaces, and water crossings. It’s used to compare how different drivetrains and traction systems cope with changing grip and traction.

The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV that’s become known for a high-end-feeling interior and strong value. Here, the host contrasts its engine setup—specifically a normally aspirated engine—with a four-cylinder turbo in a related vehicle, and says journalists often prefer the normally aspirated feel.

The Hyundai Palisade is a large, family-focused SUV known for its upscale cabin and smooth ride. In this segment, the host highlights that the “new Palisade” raises the level of luxury and refinement compared with the previous generation.

“Normally aspirated” describes an engine that draws air in without a turbocharger or supercharger. In practice, it often delivers more immediate throttle response and a more linear power feel compared with a turbo setup, which relies on boost building.

A “four cylinder turbo” is a smaller engine with four cylinders that uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That boost can improve power and efficiency, but the driving feel can differ from a normally aspirated engine because boost may ramp in after you request throttle.

The Kia Palisade is a midsize SUV known for comfort and a V6 option, but in this discussion the host focuses on how its power feels “anemic” compared with alternatives. The key point here is how engine torque delivery changes with altitude and how that affects real-world drivability.

A “V6” is an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape. In this segment, the host links the V6’s smoothness to drivability at sea level, while arguing that at higher altitude the torque you want may not be as strong.

“Turbocharged” refers to an engine that uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. That can improve torque and responsiveness, but at high altitude the thinner air reduces how much air (and therefore boost/torque) the turbo can effectively deliver.

“Naturally aspirated” means the engine relies on atmospheric pressure to draw air into the cylinders, rather than using a turbocharger or supercharger. Because altitude lowers air density, naturally aspirated engines typically lose power and torque more noticeably than forced-induction setups.

“Torque delivery” is how quickly and smoothly an engine produces twisting force to accelerate the vehicle. The host is arguing that at 6,000–7,000 feet, the available torque (especially from a V6) doesn’t arrive the way you want, affecting how the car feels in real driving.

The hosts describe driving multiple compact crossovers back-to-back and then testing them on a steep hill climb. This is a practical, repeatable way to compare how different engines and drivetrains feel under load.

An “E all-wheel-drive system” here refers to an AWD setup where drive to the wheels is provided by electric motors. The host emphasizes that the rear electric motors didn’t have enough torque to push the vehicle up the hill, leading to the car getting stuck.

Trail mode is a driver-selected setting that changes how the vehicle manages throttle response and traction control for off-road conditions. The host notes that even in trail mode, the vehicle “just would not go up the hill,” implying the system’s traction strategy wasn’t enough for that terrain.

Dunlop is the tire brand, and “Grand Track” refers to a specific tire model the host says is fitted to the Woodland trim. Tire tread design and compound strongly affect how much traction you can get when climbing in mud or loose dirt.

Decoupling means the drivetrain can disconnect the rear wheels from the front wheels so they don’t always receive torque together. On an off-road EV setup, that can improve efficiency on easy surfaces, but it may reduce traction when you need all-wheel drive working in sync.

A traditional transfer case is a gearbox used in many 4x4 vehicles to split engine power between the front and rear axles. When it’s set up to send power to both, it typically provides more consistent traction for off-road situations than systems that can disconnect axles.

Torque availability is how much twisting force the powertrain can deliver to the wheels when you ask for it—especially under load like climbing. If the rear motor can’t provide enough torque, the vehicle may struggle to maintain traction even if the front wheels are spinning.

A rear motor indicates an electric drivetrain where propulsion is provided by an electric machine mounted at or driving the rear axle. In range-extender/EV-style off-road systems, motor size and torque output strongly affect how well the rear axle can contribute traction during climbs.

Cresting a hill is a traction-demanding moment because the vehicle is transitioning over the top while still under acceleration. If the drivetrain strategy isn’t providing enough torque to the wheels with grip, you can see wheelspin and a loss of forward progress.

“Going crazy” here describes wheelspin: the front wheels rotate faster than the vehicle can move forward because they’re losing traction. In an off-road drivetrain comparison, wheelspin is a key sign that the system isn’t delivering torque effectively to the wheels that have grip.

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid model known for its fuel efficiency, and the host is comparing its earlier-generation behavior to this off-roading scenario. Here, they mention that the previous generation Prius’s system only worked up to about 25 miles per hour, limiting its usefulness for slower technical driving.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a mainstream crossover SUV that’s being discussed here in the context of off-road-capable trims and drivetrain behavior. In this segment, the hosts focus on how the Outlander’s drivetrain can send power to the rear wheels and how its newer powertrain changes low-speed climbing performance.

All-terrain tires are designed with tread patterns that balance on-road comfort with improved grip on dirt, gravel, and light off-road surfaces. Cooper is the tire brand mentioned here, and the host says the Outlander trail addition came with a set of Cooper all-terrain tires for the event.

“Send power to the rear” describes how a drivetrain distributes torque to the rear wheels, typically via an all-wheel-drive or electronically controlled system. The host points out that both front and rear tires were spinning, showing how the system was managing traction during the obstacle.

“Drive system programming” refers to how the vehicle’s control software manages torque delivery, traction behavior, and drivetrain actions. The host credits the Mitsubishi’s OEL drive system programming for being effective, implying the calibration/software plays a big role in how the car performs off-road.

CVT stands for continuously variable transmission, a gearbox that can smoothly change gear ratio instead of using fixed steps. In this segment, the host argues the CVT limited the Outlander’s ability to deliver strong low-end torque when trying to crawl through an obstacle.

A “1.5-turbo mild hybrid” combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a mild-hybrid system that adds electric assistance, but not enough to drive the wheels purely on electricity. In this segment, the hosts say the Outlander’s new powertrain improves real-world hill/obstacle performance compared to the earlier setup.

The Jeep Wrangler 392 is a high-performance Wrangler variant built around a powerful V8 engine, which is why the hosts describe it as sounding especially good. In Wrangler 392 trim, the engine character is a big part of why it stands out versus more common Wrangler powertrains.

“Slip a tire” means a tire loses grip and spins or skates instead of moving the vehicle forward effectively. When the hosts say it “didn’t even slip a tire,” they’re emphasizing strong traction during the test.

The Kia Sportage is Kia’s compact SUV, and this segment focuses on how it behaves off-road on a steep climb. The host specifically mentions the naturally aspirated 2.5 X Pro version and demonstrates traction limits when the right-rear tire lifts and spins.

The Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo is a compact SUV that uses a turbocharged engine and is tuned for everyday drivability with stronger low-end pull. In this segment, the hosts focus on how its drivetrain provides enough torque to climb/advance through an obstacle while still being controllable at low speeds.

The Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover SUV that’s being used here as a comparison point for traction/low-speed ability. The hosts say it had the same issue as the Tiguan in their test, which helps frame that the problem isn’t unique to one model.

An eight-speed automatic is a transmission that uses eight gear ratios to keep the engine in a favorable operating range. Here, the hosts connect it to better low-speed control by emphasizing that the first gear is much lower than on many competitors, which helps the SUV crawl and get through the test.

A turbo engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the engine, which allows more power (and often better low-RPM response) than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. The “turbo” effect is especially noticeable when you need quick acceleration or climbing torque.

“Low-end grunt” is enthusiast slang for strong acceleration at low engine speeds (low RPM). It usually comes from good torque delivery early in the rev range, making the car feel eager when you’re starting from a stop or climbing slowly.

The Volkswagen Gol is a compact car model that the podcast mentions as a “win” for Volkswagen. It’s likely being brought up as an example of a successful, widely recognized model in the brand’s lineup. In this context, it’s discussed because it represents Volkswagen’s ability to deliver a popular, practical vehicle.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV known for being a safe, easy-to-live-with choice for most buyers. In this segment, the host frames it as the best overall option for typical on-road use, even while discussing other SUVs’ off-road-ish capability.

“German driving dynamic” is a shorthand enthusiasts use for the feel of steering, throttle response, and chassis tuning associated with many German brands. It usually implies sharper handling and more precise control than you’d expect from a typical mainstream SUV setup.

Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, typically expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) in the U.S. In this segment, it’s treated as a key deciding factor in the compact SUV “all-around vehicle” comparison.

Lucid Gravity is Lucid’s large electric vehicle, and the hosts are focusing on how it drives on-road. They specifically call out its steering feel, including four-wheel steering, which can make an EV feel more agile at low speeds and more stable at higher speeds.

Four-wheel steering (4WS) is a system where the rear wheels can steer along with the front wheels. At low speeds, it typically turns the car more sharply for easier maneuvering, while at higher speeds it can improve stability by reducing how much the car “wants” to rotate.

A “quick rack” refers to steering gearing/ratio that makes the steering wheel require less rotation to achieve the same wheel angle. That usually makes the car feel more responsive and can contribute to a sharper, more immediate steering feel.

A “three-row crossover” is a family-focused SUV-style vehicle with seating for up to seven or eight people. The challenge is balancing space and comfort with driving feel, since the extra weight and size can make handling and braking harder to get right.

“Underbraked” means the brakes are not sized or calibrated to match the vehicle’s performance. If a car is capable of higher speeds or stronger acceleration, but the brake system can’t generate enough stopping force, braking feels weak or fades sooner.

“Blended” braking is when an electric car combines traditional friction brakes with regenerative braking at the same time. The driver feels one brake pedal, but the car is splitting the work between slowing via brake pads and slowing via regen.

An “emergency stop” is a hard, rapid braking event used to evaluate real-world stopping performance. In testing, it’s often done from a specified speed to measure stopping distance and how the brake pedal feel changes under maximum demand.

All-wheel drive programming is the software logic that controls how power is sent to the front and rear axles (and sometimes individual wheels). Different programming strategies can change traction, throttle response, and how confidently the vehicle climbs or handles uneven terrain.

Torque sensors measure twisting force (torque) so the vehicle can adjust drivetrain and stability behavior in real time. In an all-wheel-drive system, torque sensor data helps the controller decide how to distribute power to maintain traction, especially on steep or slippery surfaces.

“Regen” is short for regenerative braking, where an EV uses its electric motor as a generator to slow the car. That process turns some of the vehicle’s motion back into electricity to recharge the battery, reducing how often you need the friction brakes.

“One pedal” driving refers to an EV driving style where lifting off the accelerator provides strong deceleration through regenerative braking. The driver can modulate speed mostly with the accelerator pedal, with friction brakes used only when more stopping force is needed.

Friction brakes are the traditional brake system that slows the car by pressing brake pads against a rotor (or drum). In EVs, they often kick in after the battery/motor reaches the limit of how much deceleration can be handled through regenerative braking.

A topographical map shows terrain using contour lines, which helps communicate elevation changes and grades. The host uses it to describe how some EV off-road marketing emphasizes planning and “clean” routes rather than hard, messy off-road conditions.

“35s” is shorthand for 35-inch tires, a size commonly associated with off-road builds. Bigger tires increase the vehicle’s stance and ground clearance and are often used to signal an off-road focus, even when the vehicle is primarily bought for appearance.

Off-roading refers to driving on surfaces that aren’t paved—like dirt tracks, sand, mud, and rocky trails. The hosts contrast a more “casual” off-road use-case with what they do in Colorado, implying different levels of terrain severity.

“Dirt-worthy” is an enthusiast shorthand for a vehicle that’s actually suited to driving on unpaved roads and rough terrain. It implies the vehicle has the right capability (tires, ground clearance, traction, and durability) rather than just looking rugged.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for combining high-end comfort with serious off-road capability. The podcast specifically calls out the idea that it may not look “dirt-worthy,” which is a common discussion point for this model’s image versus its actual capability. It’s brought up as an example of how the Range Rover name carries expectations.

The Porsche 911 is known for its rear-engine layout and long-running design, which makes it a benchmark for how a sports car should behave. In this segment, the hosts argue about whether a modified vehicle still has “911” capability or identity.

The Dakar Rally is a long-distance off-road race known for extreme navigation and harsh terrain. Mentioning that a Mini “went through Dakar” is shorthand for proving durability and engineering under brutal conditions.

Recovery hooks are strong mounting points used to attach a tow strap or winch line when a vehicle gets stuck. They’re part of real off-road capability because they enable controlled recovery rather than just cosmetic “off-road” styling.

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. More ground clearance helps prevent scraping the underbody and improves approach/departure angles when driving over rocks, ruts, and uneven terrain.

At very high altitude, air density drops, so there’s less oxygen available for combustion and for people. That’s why climbing to around 20,000+ feet is a serious stress test for both engines (especially naturally aspirated ones) and drivers.

An “off-roader” is a vehicle designed to handle rough, uneven terrain using features like higher ground clearance, durable suspension, and traction-focused drivetrain setups. The speaker is contrasting that with “stunts” or marketing that doesn’t translate into a truly capable, buyable vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class (often called the G-Wagon) is a boxy, rugged luxury SUV with a long reputation for off-road capability. The podcast references it alongside other off-road-focused brands and discusses who the customer is, implying a conversation about the kind of buyer the G-Class attracts. It’s mentioned because it’s a recognizable “icon” in the luxury off-road segment.

Portal axles (often just called “portals”) use gearboxes at the wheel hubs to raise the axle centerline. That increases ground clearance and helps the vehicle keep more of its underbody off the rocks during steep off-road driving.

The hosts use “like climbing Everest” as a metaphor for extreme difficulty and risk in off-road driving. It frames the mountain climb as a serious engineering and traction challenge rather than a casual test.

Low range is an off-road gearing mode (usually in a transfer case) that multiplies torque at the wheels for slow, controlled crawling. It’s used for steep climbs, deep sand, mud, and rock crawling where you need maximum traction and minimal wheel speed.

The hosts are contrasting marketing claims with validation through real-world experience and engineering details. In off-road EVs and serious off-roaders, “engineering” typically means how the drivetrain, traction control, suspension, and thermal management are designed to work under load and rough-terrain conditions.

“Rubicon” is a reference to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, a trim known for factory off-road hardware and reputation in trail use. The host uses it as a benchmark for what “serious off-roaders” should be—vehicles whose capability is proven by design and intended use, not just claims.

The Rubicon Trail is a famous off-road route in California known for very challenging terrain, so it’s often treated as a benchmark for off-road capability. In the segment, the hosts argue that using it as a press drive would be a strong marketing test because it’s widely recognized in the off-road world.

GM (General Motors) is the parent company behind brands like Chevrolet, GMC, and others. The hosts mention GM in the context of trail/brand ownership, contrasting it with Jeep’s association with the Rubicon.

Ineos is an automaker brand known for building off-road-oriented vehicles, and in this segment the hosts say they were talking to Ineos about using the Rubicon Trail as a press drive. The idea is that a tough, recognizable route would help validate the vehicle’s off-road credibility.

A press drive is an organized event where journalists and media get to drive a new vehicle before it’s widely available. The hosts are suggesting using the Rubicon Trail specifically because it’s a high-visibility, credibility-building test route for off-road performance.

A benchmark trail is a well-known off-road route used as a reference point to compare vehicles’ real-world capability. The hosts call the Rubicon the benchmark trail, meaning it’s the “standard” many people associate with serious off-roading.

Jeep’s Rubicon is a trim/4x4 package built for serious off-road use, with hardware aimed at tackling tough trails. In the segment, the hosts contrast a vehicle that can be bought at a dealership and used for difficult terrain versus a race-only Dakar-spec approach.

At around 20,000 feet, air density is much lower, which can reduce engine power and make breathing harder for people. The hosts mention it to emphasize that the mountain challenge is extreme and not something most drivers can physically or mechanically replicate.

The Ford Raptor is a high-performance pickup built for off-road driving, known for its suspension travel and durability on rough terrain. In this segment, the hosts discuss Ford’s “Dakar class” idea—taking a Raptor and running it in a more production-like category so it’s closer to what you can buy.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most common platforms for both work and performance-oriented variants. The podcast references Ford’s Dakar-related class and how they run a Raptor in a more “stockish” category, which points to motorsport influence on production trucks. It’s discussed because racing rules and vehicle preparation affect what people can buy and how the trucks are engineered.

A “stockish class” means a racing category where the vehicle is kept relatively close to production specs, rather than being a fully bespoke race machine. The hosts use it to argue that Ford’s approach makes the race truck’s capabilities more transferable to a dealership truck.

Suspension is the system that connects a vehicle to its wheels and controls how the tires move over bumps and terrain. The hosts suggest the “stock class” truck likely has more suspension than you’d expect, which would improve off-road control and ride compliance.

An embargo is a media restriction that prevents reviewers from publishing certain information until a specified date. “Under embargo for driving impressions” means the host can’t share their full test-drive feedback yet.

A manual transmission is a gearbox you control with a clutch pedal and gear lever, letting the driver choose when to shift. Enthusiasts often prefer it because it creates more direct interaction with the car’s power delivery, and it can change how the car feels on-road and on track.

An automatic transmission shifts gears without the driver operating a clutch pedal, using hydraulic/electronic control. The host claims it’s typically faster and better for track use because it can execute shifts quickly and consistently.

Shorter throw refers to a gear lever that moves a shorter distance between gears. That usually makes shifting feel quicker and more precise, because there’s less travel for your hand and the shift action can feel more “direct.”

A pressure plate is part of the clutch system. It clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel so the engine’s power can be transmitted to the transmission.

In clutch/transmission feel, “notchier” usually means the engagement or shift action has more distinct, stepped resistance rather than a smooth, linear feel. Enthusiasts often associate this with firmer clutch springs/diaphragm behavior or a more aggressive clutch setup.

The transmission housing is the structural casing that contains the transmission’s internal gears and shafts. A “stronger” housing typically helps resist flex or damage under higher loads, improving durability and shift consistency.

“Z” refers to the Nissan Z sports-car line, known for a long-running heritage and a driver-focused layout. When someone says they want to buy the “new Z,” they’re talking about the latest Nissan Z generation.

MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price—the sticker price a carmaker sets before dealer discounts or add-ons. It’s often used as a baseline when discussing whether a vehicle is “reasonably priced” versus overpriced.

This is the idea that even if a new model is mechanically updated, shoppers may judge it by its underlying platform or shared components. When enough parts feel familiar—like controls or interior layout—people can interpret the car as “not really new.”

A twin-turbo V6 uses two turbochargers to force more air into a 60-degree V6 engine, improving power and torque. Compared with a single turbo, twin turbos can help reduce turbo lag and broaden the usable power band.

“VQ” refers to Nissan’s VQ engine family, which is known for a V6 layout. “NA” means naturally aspirated, so it makes power without a turbocharger by relying on atmospheric pressure and engine tuning.

The Ford Mustang is a classic American sports car that’s been produced for decades, with each new generation updating performance and technology. The podcast references “the new Mustang” in a way that suggests discussion about how the latest version compares to the idea of an “old” Mustang. It’s a frequent topic because it sits at the intersection of tradition and modern performance trends.

The BMW M2 is a compact performance coupe from BMW’s M division, aimed at drivers who want a smaller, more agile sports car. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as an alternative to other performance options, emphasizing the idea of choosing a car based on driving character and power. That’s why it comes up: it’s a “go drive it” kind of performance choice.