About this episode
The episode features a lively discussion with guest Craig Cole, who shares insights on classic car restorations and his experiences with a 1936 Ford V8 and a 1951 Ford Crestliner project. The hosts dive into the latest automotive news, including the Kia EV6 updates, the new Jeep Wrangler special editions, and the implications of China's new regulations on EV acceleration. They also touch on the Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid's similarities to the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota's new battery plant in North America. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, making for an engaging listen.
Nicole is in Mexico this week for the Baja 1000 so Craig Cole from AutoEsoterica stepped in. Robbie went to Poland this week to drive a simulator and Sam had the refreshed 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line.
We discuss the new 2027 Kia Telluride that will be revealed in full at the LA Auto Show this week and speculate about whether it will have the same powertrains as the Hyundai Palisade including the next-generation HMG hybrid system that was in the Palisade that both Nicole and Sam drove. Nicole also drove the new Dodge Charger Six-Pack on the tail of the dragon. Toyota has initiated its first North American battery plant in North Carolina. Nissan is launching a plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue that is just a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Tesla is reportedly testing CarPlay to add to its infotainment system and Jeep launches the first of 12 monthly special edition Wranglers. Finally, we've discussed EVs being too quick for most drivers and now the Chinese government is doing something about it.
Links
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: Bigger, Tougher, Family-Ready
2027 Kia Telluride First Look | GreenCars
Toyota Opens Its First North American Lithium Ion Battery Plant
The 2026 Dodge Charger Lets You Have Your Cake And Eat It Too
Is Tesla about to finally surrender to Apple CarPlay? | The Verge
China proposes 5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration limit on vehicles to enhance road safety
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Ford V8
"...Well, I've got one and a half interesting old cars, as I say right now. So I've got my full old car. It's a 1936 Ford V8, completely restored."
The 1936 Ford V8 is an old car that features a V8 engine, which means it has eight cylinders arranged in a V shape. This type of engine was popular because it provided more power and speed compared to older engines with fewer cylinders.
The 1936 Ford V8 is a classic car known for its innovative V8 engine, which was one of the first mass-produced V8 engines in the automotive industry. This model is celebrated for its design and performance during its era, making it a sought-after collector's item today.
powertrain
"Like the powertrain is super smooth."
The powertrain is the part of a car that makes it move. It includes the engine and the parts that send power from the engine to the wheels. When someone says it's smooth, it means the car feels nice and easy to drive.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. A smooth powertrain indicates that these components work well together for a seamless driving experience.
clutch pedal
"The clutch pedal feels great."
The clutch pedal is a pedal in cars with manual transmissions that you press to change gears. If it feels great, it means it's easy to use and works well.
The clutch pedal is a component in manual transmission vehicles that allows the driver to engage and disengage the engine from the wheels. A good-feeling clutch pedal indicates a responsive and well-maintained system.
body roll
"I've never driven a car with more body roll ever."
Body roll happens when a car leans to one side while turning. If a car has a lot of body roll, it can feel like it's tipping over, which can make it harder to drive safely around corners.
Body roll refers to the tilting of a vehicle's body during cornering due to the weight transfer to the outer wheels. Excessive body roll can affect handling and stability, making the car feel less controlled during turns.
Chevrolet Silverado
"...the oldest thing that I've driven was like a first generation Chevy Silverado."
The Chevy Silverado is a big truck made by Chevrolet. The first version was made from 1999 to 2006 and is known for being strong and useful for carrying things or towing.
The Chevy Silverado is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability and versatility. The first generation, produced from 1999 to 2006, was popular for both work and personal use, offering various configurations and engine options.
Chevrolet Suburban
"or not Silverado, Suburban. Some years back GM was doing a thing to celebrate, I think the 75th anniversary of the Suburban. And they brought out a bunch of the different generations, and they did this out of Bell Isle, and got to get a little time behind the wheel of that first generation one, which was what was, let's see, that would have been around the same time."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a large SUV that's been around for a long time, since 1935. It's popular for families because it has a lot of space and can carry many passengers or cargo.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that has been in continuous production since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history. It is known for its spacious interior and versatility, often used for family transport and commercial purposes.
Ford Crest Liner
"...I'm about halfway done restoring a 51 Ford Crestliner. So I'm trying to wrap up the paint work now before it's too cold..."
The Ford Crestliner is a classic car made by Ford in the 1950s. It was popular for its unique design and was often used by families.
The Ford Crestliner is a full-size car produced by Ford in the early 1950s, known for its distinctive styling and features that appealed to families and individuals alike.
engine block
"...just yesterday, got the engine back from the machine shop. A two and a half year wait took them two and a half years, but the machine work is done..."
The engine block is the big piece of metal that holds the engine's parts together. It's important for making the engine work properly, and sometimes it needs to be fixed or cleaned.
The engine block is the main component of an engine, housing the cylinders and other essential parts. It is crucial for the engine's operation and is often machined for precision during rebuilds.
cylinder heads
"...just yesterday, got the engine back from the machine shop. A two and a half year wait took them two and a half years, but the machine work is done..."
Cylinder heads are parts that go on top of the engine block. They help the engine burn fuel and air to make power, so they need to be in good shape.
Cylinder heads are components that sit on top of the engine block and contain the combustion chambers, valves, and spark plugs. They play a critical role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
machine shop
"...just yesterday, got the engine back from the machine shop. A two and a half year wait took them two and a half years, but the machine work is done..."
A machine shop is a place where they fix and make metal parts for cars. They can help rebuild engines and make sure everything works well again.
A machine shop is a facility that specializes in machining and fabricating metal parts. They often perform services like engine rebuilding, where they can clean, repair, and modify engine components such as blocks and heads.
big block
"...a batch of big block mopars. They want to do a batch of LS all at once..."
Big block engines are larger engines that can produce more power than smaller engines. They are commonly found in high-performance cars.
A big block refers to a type of engine that has a larger engine block than a small block engine, typically resulting in greater displacement and power. These engines are often used in performance and muscle cars.
LS
"...a batch of LS all at once. So they kind of wait to get enough of those..."
LS engines are a series of powerful engines made by General Motors, often used in sports cars and for engine swaps in other vehicles.
The LS is a family of engines produced by General Motors, known for their lightweight design and high performance. They are commonly used in various Chevrolet models and are popular in the aftermarket for engine swaps.
autonomous vehicles
"...who want to deploy autonomous vehicles in their country to help them train those systems."
Autonomous vehicles are cars that can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use technology to see their surroundings and make decisions while driving.
Autonomous vehicles are cars or trucks that are capable of driving themselves without human intervention. They use a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate and make decisions on the road.
Tesla Roadster
"...h, I mean- And you're going to come out with that Roadster like seven years ago. Yeah, I mean, Tesla is a, y..."
Ford Escort
"...No one's driving their Ford Escort and then taking off at the local airport..."
The Ford Escort is a small car that many people used to drive. It was known for being affordable and practical for everyday use.
The Ford Escort is a compact car that was produced by Ford from 1968 to 2003. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
Hummer EV
"...if you think a Hummer EV is large, you know, or a heavy-duty pickup truck..."
The Hummer EV is a big electric truck made by GMC. It's designed for off-road driving and is part of the trend towards electric vehicles that are also powerful.
The Hummer EV is an all-electric pickup truck produced by GMC, known for its large size and off-road capabilities. It represents a shift from the traditional gas-guzzling Hummer brand to a more environmentally friendly electric vehicle.
level three vehicle
"...we have one level three vehicle on the road. And it's, you know, it's, it's, it's geofence..."
A level three vehicle is a type of self-driving car that can drive itself in some situations but still needs a human driver to take over when necessary.
A level three vehicle refers to an autonomous vehicle that can handle all driving tasks in certain conditions but requires human intervention when requested. This level of automation allows for hands-free driving in specific scenarios.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
"...the S class, the Mercedes S class. And then we have GM coming in like two or three years..."
The S-Class is a high-end luxury car from Mercedes-Benz, famous for its comfort and advanced technology. It's often used as a benchmark for other luxury vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a flagship luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It often features cutting-edge innovations, including autonomous driving capabilities.
Michigan left turns
"here in Michigan, we've got Michigan left turns, you know, which are a weird kind of anomaly."
Michigan left turns are a special way of turning left at intersections in Michigan. Instead of turning directly left, you go straight, make a U-turn, and then turn right to go where you want.
Michigan left turns, also known as a median U-turn, are a unique traffic design used in Michigan to improve traffic flow. Instead of making a direct left turn, drivers must first go straight through an intersection, then make a U-turn at a designated area, and finally turn right at the intersection they initially approached.
homologation
"they get funding from the government and from, homologation, you know, certification. So, you know, at some point,"
Homologation means getting official approval for a car to be sold and used on the roads. It ensures the car meets safety and environmental rules.
Homologation is the process of certifying that a vehicle meets specific regulations and standards set by governing bodies. This is crucial for manufacturers to ensure their cars are legal for sale and use in various markets.
autonomous driving
"that's probably going to want to try to come in with camera only, autonomous driving."
Autonomous driving means cars can drive themselves without needing a person to control them. They use special technology to see and understand their surroundings.
Autonomous driving refers to the technology that allows a vehicle to navigate and drive itself without human intervention. This involves advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to interpret the environment.
Kia EV6
"All right. Well, I had a Kia EV6 again, I had the 2025 EV6 GT line. So, you know, this is you know, for 2025 Kia did a mid cycle update of the EV6 just as Hyundai did with the IONIQ 5..."
The Kia EV6 GT is a sporty electric SUV from Kia. The 2025 version has some updates to its look and features, making it more appealing and efficient.
The Kia EV6 GT is a performance-oriented version of the EV6, which is Kia's all-electric crossover SUV. The 2025 model features updates that enhance its design and performance.
Hyundai Ioniq
"...just as Hyundai did with the IONIQ 5, which means that it got some got you know, some mild visual refreshes to the exterior..."
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a new electric car that looks modern and has a lot of technology. It's similar to the Kia EV6 and is part of the growing electric vehicle market.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an all-electric compact crossover that features a modern design and advanced technology. It competes with other electric vehicles like the Kia EV6.
CCS-1 port
"...changed it from a CCS-1 port to an SAE J3400 port also known as a Nax or Tesla port. They also upgraded the battery..."
CCS-1 is a charging plug for electric cars that lets you charge them quickly. It's used in many electric vehicles in the U.S.
The CCS-1 port is a type of charging connector used for electric vehicles, allowing for both AC and DC charging. It is commonly found in North America and supports fast charging capabilities.
kilowatt hours
"...they bumped the battery up from 77 kilowatt hours to 84 kilowatt hours. But overall performance is about the same..."
Kilowatt hours are a way to measure how much energy a battery can hold. More kilowatt hours usually mean the car can drive farther on a single charge.
Kilowatt hours (kWh) measure the energy capacity of a battery, indicating how much energy it can store and deliver. A higher kWh rating generally means a longer driving range for electric vehicles.
dual motor all-wheel drive
"...we own a 2023 EV6 wind with their not the Nactoy edition. Not the Nactoy edition. No. So we have a wind with dual motor all wheel drive..."
Dual motor all-wheel drive means the car has two motors that help power all four wheels. This makes it better at handling and driving in tough weather.
Dual motor all-wheel drive refers to a system where two electric motors power all four wheels of a vehicle, enhancing traction, stability, and performance, especially in adverse conditions.
Ford Gt Model
"...mance you actually need. Yeah, you don't need the GT model. And you get more range too, right? Yeah, you get..."
charge port
"they did not move the charge port, because on the ionic five, where the charge port is located is actually in the sheet metal and the right rear corner."
The charge port is where you plug in the cable to charge an electric car's battery. Its placement can change how the car is designed.
The charge port is the connection point on an electric vehicle (EV) where the charging cable is plugged in to recharge the battery. Its location can affect the design and functionality of the vehicle.
charging adapters
"...the charging adapters that came with it. Kia does not actually bundle those with the car..."
Charging adapters help electric cars plug into different charging stations so they can recharge their batteries.
Charging adapters are devices that allow electric vehicles to connect to different types of charging stations or outlets.
AC adapter
"...the AC adapter, I think is about 100 bucks or so..."
An AC adapter is used to charge electric cars by changing the electricity from the wall into a type that the car can use.
An AC adapter is a device that converts alternating current (AC) from a power outlet into a form suitable for charging an electric vehicle's battery.
Lucid Gravity
"...ne of those, because tomorrow I'm getting a lucid gravity. And I'm not sure if that one's going to come wit..."
Hyundai Kona
"...you go and drive it. That's why I liked about our Kona. Our Kona electric is just the Kona but electric...."
horsepower
"...with the 320 horsepower, it'll do 0 to 60 in the low four second range..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine or motor is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines and motors. In electric vehicles, it indicates how much power the electric motor can produce.
0 to 60 time
"...it'll do 0 to 60 in the low four second range..."
0 to 60 time tells you how fast a car can go from a stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
0 to 60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
EGMP architecture
"Motor Group did a fantastic job with that EGMP architecture with they which they've just expanded everywhere, right? But"
EGMP is a special design used by Hyundai for their electric cars. It helps them make different types of vehicles that are efficient and perform well.
EGMP stands for Electric Global Modular Platform, a flexible architecture designed by Hyundai Motor Group for electric vehicles (EVs). It allows for various body styles and configurations while optimizing performance and efficiency.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"...d. Also, ride and handling is way better like the Silverado EV. Have you driven that thing with the 24s? I have...."
Hyundai Palisade
"...des as before on the same platform as the Hyundai Palisade. Kia did an event in Los Angeles what I think a w..."
Cadillac Ctsv
"... We hate this car. 70 million of that. Cadillacs, CTSV, wagon, you know. Yeah. With a man. Yeah. Yeah. A..."
Toyota Highlander
"..., that's comparable to what you get with a Toyota Highlander hybrid, which is a fair bit smaller vehicle. The ..."
Toyota Crown
"...like the hybrid max system that Toyota has on the crown and on the the Grand Highlander."
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...ystem that Toyota has on the crown and on the the Grand Highlander. But it's not quite as powerful as that,"
Dodge Charger
"...her I don't think either of you went to the Dodge Charger Drive program. Did you?"
Dodge Charger Daytona
"...bustion version of the new Charger. You know, the Charger Daytona launched, you know, beginning of this year with E..."
Jeep Wagoneer
"... Nicole recently, Craig, but she has she bought a Wagoneer S, which is on the same style of large platform."
Ford Mustang GT
"... which is a bit more palatable. But like even the Mustang GT is absurdly expensive. If you look at the base pr..."
Dodge Challenger I
"They did. You could get it on a challenger, I think, but only with the only with the penistar."
Ford Gt350
"...eah. That is my favorite Mustang of all time, the GT350. Yeah."
Nissan Rogue
"Yeah. Let's talk about the Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid. Do we have to?"
Mitsubishi Outlander
"...or something. Are they just taking the Mitsubishi Outlander Phev drivetrain and copying and pasting that to t..."
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
"It's a Nissan badge. Because the Outlander Phev is a nice vehicle, I would say. Nice SUV."
Nissan Leaf
"...en sold with Chatham-O in the U.S. are the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi iMeave. And I can't remember w..."
Nissan Xtrail
"in the current generation Rogue, because they actually, they do sell it overseas with E-Power. In the rest of the world, what we know is the Rogue is sold as the X-Trail. And so in Japan and Europe, they do sell the X-Trail with E-Power."
Toyota Camrys
"They actually started shipping battery modules to the Georgetown assembly plant back in June. And they've been putting them into Camry's and I think they're also shipping them to Alabama where they put them in the Corolla Cross hybrid and in the Mazda CX-50 hybrid."
Toyota Corolla Cross
"...ipping them to Alabama where they put them in the Corolla Cross hybrid and in the Mazda CX-50 hybrid. So that's r..."
Mazda Cx50
"And they've been putting them into Camry's and I think they're also shipping them to Alabama where they put them in the Corolla Cross hybrid and in the Mazda CX-50 hybrid. So that's right now they've got the plan is for 14 production lines."
Jeep Brand
"...t the big thing that they announced this week was Jeep brand air drops. They're going to do monthly special ed..."
Jeep Wrangler
"...l editions of various Jeep models, especially the Wrangler. And now to celebrate 85 years of quote unquote"
Jeep Compass
"... talked about was, we've slashed the price on the Compass down to only, you know, it's under $27,000 now."
Renault Latitude
"which was the one that started at $26,990. So the latitude was $28,765, and now it's $30,990. So it went up ..."
Tesla Model S
"...nd they were letting us use launch control on the Model S. Did it down stop at the end of the road."
Porsche 911
"yeah, get an Uber or whatever. Whatever the 911 equivalent in China is, I don't know, but call 91..."
Rolls-Royce Ghosts
"Something's going on. Ghosts, I think it's ghosts. Or wizards, are the ghosts ..."
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