Horse power - 2 June 2026

The Mini Cooper is the electric version of the classic Mini nameplate, and the segment is discussing where it’s produced. In this episode, they contrast production locations for the electric Mini Cooper versus the Eastman and the Countryman, which matters because “made in” rules can affect costs and eligibility for incentives.

The Mini Countryman is a small crossover/SUV variant of the Mini lineup, built to offer more space than a typical Mini hatch. The podcast notes where it’s produced—specifically mentioning Leipzig—because manufacturing location can matter for supply, production timing, and sourcing. It’s discussed in a news-style segment where production details are being clarified.

Leipzig is a major German manufacturing hub, and the hosts mention it as the production site for the Mini Countryman. Production location matters because EU trade rules and “rules of origin” can affect whether cars qualify for incentives or face higher costs.

The “Made in the EU Act” is discussed as a proposed EU policy intended to push more manufacturing to within the EU. In the episode, it’s framed as potentially increasing the financial pressure on automakers like BMW by tightening how production location affects costs and eligibility.

“Rules of origin” are trade requirements that determine where a product (like a car or its components) is considered to be made. The hosts suggest that the proposed “Made in the EU Act” could combine with these rules to make it financially harder for BMW to keep production in certain locations.

Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) is a senior executive title responsible for a company’s commercial strategy—typically sales, marketing, distribution, and building demand. In automaking, this role often influences how the brand prices, positions, and sells vehicles globally.

Aston Martin is a British luxury automaker best known for its performance grand tourers and sports cars. In this segment, the hosts discuss Aston Martin appointing a new Chief Commercial Officer, which signals a focus on sales strategy and global growth.

Lamborghini is an Italian supercar manufacturer, and in this segment it’s referenced as the previous employer of Andrea Baldi. The mention is about executive movement, implying changes in leadership and commercial direction.

Audi is a major German automaker referenced here in the context of “musical chairs” executive changes. The segment uses Audi as part of a broader story about leadership reshuffles across luxury brands.

Andrea Baldi is an automotive executive who previously led Lamborghini and is now appointed Chief Commercial Officer at Aston Martin. The Chief Commercial Officer role typically focuses on commercial strategy—how the company builds demand and sells vehicles globally.

Aston Martin Lagonda refers to Aston Martin’s Lagonda-branded models and the corporate leadership associated with that segment. The podcast cites a CEO statement from a MotorTrader.com article, indicating the discussion is about company direction or product/strategy news. It’s mentioned because corporate updates can signal upcoming changes to models, technology, or branding.

The “mileage scheme at work” is a UK tax arrangement that lets employees claim tax relief for using their own car for work. The amount is calculated per mile and can change with government policy.

Tax relief is a reduction in the amount of tax you owe (or an increase in the tax you can reclaim) based on qualifying expenses or rules. Here, it’s tied to claiming mileage for work use of a car.

This refers to the UK mileage allowance rate for people using their own vehicle for work. In this case, the podcast says the rate is 55 pence per mile (backdated to April 2026) for eligible work-related travel.

The podcast notes the higher mileage allowance applies only up to a capped annual mileage threshold (10,000 miles). After that cap, the allowance rate reverts to the previous terms.

Lexus is Toyota’s luxury brand, and a “saloon” here means a traditional four-door sedan. The segment says Toyota/Lexus is pausing plans for an electric-only Lexus saloon that was intended to replace the LS in the lineup.

“Electric only” means the vehicle would be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) with no gasoline engine. The podcast contrasts this with the Lexus LS’s current approach, which includes hybrid and V8 options.

A hybrid vehicle uses more than one power source—typically an internal-combustion engine plus an electric motor/battery. The podcast uses “hybrid” to describe how the current Lexus LS lineup has been offered with electrified power rather than being electric-only.

“V8” is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. The podcast mentions V8 as one of the powertrain types the Lexus LS has used historically, contrasting it with an electric-only plan.

A “giga casting” process is a manufacturing method where very large structural parts are cast in one piece (often using high-pressure die casting). In an EV, it can reduce the number of separate components and welds, which may lower weight and improve rigidity—if the casting quality and tolerances are controlled.

Solid state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion packs. The big promise is higher energy density and potentially better safety, but they’re difficult to manufacture at scale and have historically faced durability and production-yield challenges.

“Pushed back” is a development-timeline concept meaning the planned launch date slips due to technical readiness, supply-chain readiness, or manufacturing process maturity. In this segment, it’s tied to whether new components and systems are sufficiently proven to avoid cascading delays.

“Mass production” here refers to building batteries and vehicles at high volume with consistent quality and acceptable cost. A technology can work in prototypes yet still struggle when scaled up, which is why the hosts emphasize that solid state batteries aren’t fully proven for vehicles in mass production.

This phrase describes the risk of launching a new vehicle with multiple novel subsystems at once. If several new components aren’t fully validated, failures can compound—making it harder to diagnose issues and increasing the chance of broader delays.

“Tool to launch a cluster” is a development strategy idea: using one product as a platform to introduce multiple technologies together. The hosts imply Lexus prefers not to treat the car like an experiment that bundles many unproven systems at once.

The Motor Vehicle Modernization Act of 2026 is a proposed U.S. law aimed at protecting the domestic auto industry and the people buying cars from it. In this segment, it’s discussed as legislation that could restrict certain foreign-linked companies from participating in the U.S. sales market.

Volvo is referenced as an automaker that already has an exception under the Connected Vehicle Security Act. In the segment, this exception is used to highlight how the bill’s wording might be interpreted differently depending on ownership structure and technology sourcing.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act is referenced as a separate U.S. rule that grants Volvo an exception. The segment frames it as legislation focused on preventing “foreign adversary” entities from introducing connected-vehicle technology into the U.S. market.

Geely is mentioned as the company tied to the same controlling figure as Mercedes’ Chinese ownership. The segment uses Geely’s ownership connection to argue why Mercedes could be caught by the bill’s “foreign adversary” restrictions.

Li Shufu is identified in the segment as the founder of Geely and one of Mercedes-Benz’s Chinese shareholder groups. The hosts use his ownership stake to explain why Mercedes might be treated as linked to a “foreign adversary government” under the proposed legislation.

The BMW M6 is a high-performance version of the BMW 6 Series, built by BMW’s M division. The podcast references a specific M6 being at a service location (“Moto Limb Services”) and being up around major UK cities, which suggests it’s part of a news or tracking story. That kind of mention is typical when a particular car is being discussed for its condition, history, or whereabouts.

400 kW refers to the maximum charging power the station can deliver for DC fast charging. Higher kilowatt ratings generally mean faster charging—though real-world speed still depends on the car’s battery and charging limits.

CCS (Combined Charging System) is the common standard for DC fast charging in many markets. It uses a specific plug and communication protocol so compatible cars can request high-power charging at motorway sites.

Motorway services are the roadside rest-and-refuel complexes on UK motorways. For EVs, the key issue is whether they have enough working fast chargers at the right times, especially during holiday peak travel.

A “classic partner” program is a manufacturer-backed initiative that routes classic-car owners to approved dealers for servicing and repairs. The goal is to ensure the work is done to a consistent standard, including body repairs, using appropriate expertise and parts.

“Factory parts” means components made by the vehicle’s original manufacturer (OEM) rather than aftermarket equivalents. Using them with a technician trained by the brand is often treated as a higher-quality, more “correct” repair or service approach.

The W124 is the Mercedes-Benz “E-Class” generation from the 1980s–1990s, known for being a long-lived, classic platform. In this segment, it’s used as an example of how sourcing correct parts (like keys) can be easier through the right channels.

“Main dealer” means the official brand dealership (the OEM’s authorized network) rather than an independent shop or parts reseller. The host argues that, for certain jobs like correct parts and service, the dealer route can be more straightforward and reliable.

“GR” refers to Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance branding, used for higher-performance trims and motorsport-inspired models. In this segment, it’s tied to a dealership specialist who deals with those GR-related parts and pricing.

Brake discs are the rotating metal rotors that the brake pads clamp onto to slow the car down. The host is using them as an example of how dealer parts pricing can be higher and more standardized.

Lotus Amira is a Lotus model that’s being shifted away from a pure-electric setup. In this segment, the hosts say Lotus will drop the EV version and instead fit a new petrol engine plus hybrid/range-extender tech from Horse Powertrain.

An EV version means the car is configured as a fully electric vehicle, powered primarily by an electric motor and battery. In this segment, the hosts contrast that with a new petrol engine and hybrid/range-extender approach for the Amira.

Brake horsepower (bhp) is a measure of engine power, typically measured at the crankshaft using a dynamometer. It’s a common UK/European way to quote power, and here it’s used to describe the new petrol engine’s output.

Horse powertrain is described here as a powertrain supplier formed as a joint venture. The hosts say it involves Geely, Renault, and Saudi Aramco, and that its engines and hybrid/range-extender tech will be used in Lotus models.

A twin-turbo V6 is a V6 engine with two turbochargers, designed to improve airflow and boost power. Using two turbos can help reduce lag and broaden the engine’s usable power across different speeds.

A “3.5-liter V6” refers to an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape, with a total displacement of about 3.5 liters. The hosts say the previous Amira could be fitted with a Toyota-sourced 3.5L V6.

A “2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder” is a smaller engine with four cylinders and a turbocharger to increase power. In this segment, the hosts say the prior Amira option included a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0L turbo four.

A range extender is an onboard engine/generator used to produce electricity for the electric drivetrain or to recharge the battery. It’s meant to reduce “range anxiety” by extending how far the car can go between charging stops.

Electra is mentioned as a Lotus model that will use Horse powertrain’s hybrid and range-extender technology. The key point in this segment is that it’s no longer planned as a pure-electric vehicle.

Lotus Esprit is a classic Lotus sports car nameplate known for lightweight, mid-engine handling. In this segment, the hosts discuss it being “due back in 2028,” which frames it as a future return of the model line.

Ferrari Luce refers to Ferrari’s newer model concept/line discussed in the context of branding and how it fits (or doesn’t fit) Ferrari’s identity. The hosts criticize “bad Luce takes” and argue that the story and context around the car matter as much as the design itself.

The Genesis GV60 is a compact, sporty electric SUV from Genesis. It’s the kind of model that gets discussed when new trims or performance details are announced, like the “Magma” reference in the episode. Because it’s electric and positioned as a more driver-focused Genesis, it often draws attention in news segments.

In the podcast context, “Hyundai Genesis” is referring to Genesis as a brand within Hyundai’s group, rather than a single model. Genesis is known for premium vehicles, and the episode’s mention is tied to the Genesis GV60 discussion. It’s brought up because the news is about Genesis products and updates.

Genesis GV60 Magma is Genesis’ performance-focused electric SUV-coupe concept, built around a twin-motor setup. The host calls out its high output numbers (641 brake horsepower and 583 ft of torque) and quick 0–62 mph acceleration, positioning it as the “hot” Magma variant in the Genesis lineup.

The Jaguar F-Type is a sports car from Jaguar, known for its performance-focused design and driving feel. In the podcast, it appears in the same discussion as other vehicles, but the key point is that the F-Type is part of Jaguar’s sports-car lineup. It’s typically discussed in news shows when there are updates, comparisons, or broader talk about what Jaguar is offering.

An SUV coupé is a body style that blends the higher seating position and practicality of an SUV with the sloping roofline and sportier proportions of a coupé. It’s a design category that typically prioritizes styling and aerodynamics while keeping SUV-like packaging.

A drive selector is the control used to choose driving modes or gear states (like Park/Reverse/Drive) in many modern vehicles. In EVs, it’s often integrated into a minimalist console layout and can be styled as a distinctive feature.

Twin motors means the EV uses two electric drive units—typically one for the front axle and one for the rear. This layout can improve acceleration and traction because the car can distribute torque between axles more precisely.

Torque is the twisting force that helps the car accelerate, especially from a stop. When the host says “foot of torque,” they’re referring to torque measured in pound-feet (lb-ft), which is a common unit in US/UK-style specs.

0–62 mph is a common acceleration benchmark that measures how quickly a car reaches 62 miles per hour from a standstill. It’s often used to compare straight-line performance between cars, especially EVs where launch is a key strength.

The Hyundai IONIQ 5N is a performance EV from Hyundai’s N division, known for a sport-tuned chassis and fast, punchy electric acceleration. The host says the Genesis GV60 Magma shares the same “underpinnings” as the IONIQ 5N, implying a similar EV platform architecture.

The Kia EV6 GT is a high-performance version of Kia’s EV6, tuned for quicker response and stronger acceleration than standard trims. The host groups it with the IONIQ 5N as sharing the same core EV platform ideas as the Genesis GV60 Magma.

Polestar 4 Performance is a performance-oriented variant of Polestar’s 4, aimed at buyers who want a sportier EV feel. The host frames it as a likely competitor for the Genesis GV60 Magma, meaning it targets similar buyers who care about acceleration and driving dynamics.

Range is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a full battery charge under a standardized test cycle. The host quotes “up to 311 miles,” which is a marketing figure that can vary with speed, weather, and driving style.

kWh (kilowatt-hours) is a measure of battery capacity, indicating how much electrical energy the EV stores. An “84 kWh battery” suggests a relatively large pack for the claimed range, though usable capacity and efficiency also affect real-world distance.

A restomod is a modified classic car that blends vintage styling with modern engineering. Instead of restoring a car to factory-new condition, the goal is usually improved drivability, reliability, and/or performance using contemporary parts and techniques.

“Badges” are the branded emblems and model/trim lettering on a car’s body. Removing Ferrari badges (or being “not allowed” to use them) is about branding and legal/contract rules, and it also changes how the car is visually identified.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a performance grand tourer from Mercedes-AMG, known for its muscular styling and track-capable character. In this segment, it’s used as a comparison point for the type of design work the hosts dislike on the Ferrari being discussed.

The Ferrari F355 is a mid-1990s/early-2000s Ferrari known for its naturally aspirated V8 and iconic styling. In this segment, it’s being discussed in the context of a restomod-style modification, which changes how the car looks and feels compared with a stock F355.

The Ferrari 288 GTO is a rare, turbocharged Ferrari from the late 1980s/early 1990s, famous for its race-bred performance and limited production. The hosts use it as the benchmark for what people are trying to imitate when they “hint” at 288 GTO styling on a different Ferrari like the F355.

Bruno Sacco was a key Mercedes-Benz designer credited with shaping the brand’s “timeless styling” approach. The segment quotes the idea that a Mercedes “must look good even when it’s old,” and uses Sacco’s history to explain why certain Mercedes eras still look right decades later.

The Mercedes W124 is a mid-1980s to 1990s executive saloon platform known for its timeless design and long-lived reputation. In this segment, the hosts specifically point to the W124 as the “era” of Mercedes that still looks good today, tying it to Bruno Sacco’s design philosophy.

“Timeless styling” is a design philosophy where proportions, surfaces, and details are chosen to avoid looking dated quickly. In this segment, it’s tied to Bruno Sacco’s Mercedes approach—designing cars that still look good long after their original launch.

The Mercedes W201 is the chassis code for the 190E, a compact executive saloon from the early 1980s. The hosts mention having owned a W201/190E as a contrast to the W124, implying the W124 is the more desirable “look good when old” example.

Lancia is the Italian automaker whose 120th anniversary is being discussed in the segment. The hosts connect the brand to its founder Vincenzo Lancia and the company’s early 1906 creation story.

The Lancia Flaminia is a classic Italian grand tourer from the late 1950s, known here for its rear transaxle layout and V6 engine. In this segment, the host highlights how it evolved from a 2.5-liter V6 to a 2.8-liter version, emphasizing Lancia’s engineering progression.

The Chrysler New Yorker is a nameplate associated with Chrysler’s larger, more comfort-focused cars. In the podcast, it’s brought up in connection with speculation about a possible “new Chrysler Airflow,” suggesting discussion around future models or branding. That makes it relevant in a news show when people are trying to interpret what Chrysler might be planning.

The Lancia Delta is a compact hatchback best known for its rally heritage, especially the high-performance versions that became icons in motorsport. In this segment, the hosts also discuss a specific styling/fitment idea (“Steelies”) and a market-specific badge variant used in parts of Europe.

“Steelies” is enthusiast slang for steel wheels (as opposed to alloy wheels). They’re often chosen for durability, cost, or a period-correct/rugged look.

“Lancia Saab 600” refers to a badge-engineered version of the Lancia Delta sold in some Nordic markets under a combined Lancia/Saab naming scheme. Badge engineering like this is common when manufacturers align branding and distribution across regions.

Hot Wheels is a toy brand known for die-cast model cars. Here, the hosts discuss Hot Wheels moving into a brick-building product line to compete with Lego’s click-together car sets.

Lego is the best-known click-together brick toy system, with a large library of licensed themes and sets. The hosts mention Lego’s “IP” (intellectual property) around the brick mechanism and how expired patents open the door for competitors.