Jeep Drops Wagoneer, Cadillac Optiq Review, ChargePoint Hones Charging Network
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into the latest automotive news, discussing the rumored discontinuation of the Jeep Wagoneer while the Grand Wagoneer remains. They also review the Cadillac Optiq, sharing insights on its driving experience and steering quirks. The episode features a guest interview with Rob Newton from ChargePoint, who discusses the expansion of their EV charging network and the challenges of ensuring reliability. The hosts also engage in a fun quiz about vehicles that had V8 options, highlighting the surprising history of various models.
Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show discussing rumors of the Jeep Wagoneer’s demise, which would leave just the Grand Wagoneer in Jeep’s lineup. The hosts share sales numbers for large SUVs--listen in to hear which large ute is the best-selling.
Brendan shares his thoughts on the post-federal-incentive EV sales environment. For those who don’t know, the incentives of up to $7500 for a new EV ended September 30.
Still in the first segment, Brendan reviews the 2025 Cadillac Optiq small electric crossover. Though generally impressed, Brendan noted several features of the compact Caddy EV he’d change.
In the second segment, Brendan and Tom welcome Rob Newton, Senior Director of Marketing at public-charging provider ChargePoint to the show. Rob shares news about a collaboration with Eaton designed to improve charging performance and reduce installation time. Rob also discussed how ChargePoint is improving charger reliability.
In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Did it have a V8?” quiz. Quiz includes special Chex Mix bonus question.
The Drive
"And there are some excellent outlets, The Drive, yes, for example, which is an excellent automotive outlet."
The Drive is a website where you can read about cars and the latest news in the automotive world. They write articles and reviews that car enthusiasts find interesting.
The Drive is an automotive media outlet that covers a wide range of topics related to cars, including news, reviews, and features. It is known for its engaging content and in-depth analysis of the automotive industry.
Jeep Wagoneer
"...But it looks like the Wagoneer, the Jeep Wagoneer is going to go away."
The Jeep Wagoneer is a large SUV made by Jeep, known for being comfortable and good for off-road driving. It has a long history and is often used for family trips.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that has been known for its luxury features and off-road capabilities. It has a rich history in the Jeep lineup, often associated with family and adventure.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
"Really? But the Grand Wagoneer is going to stick around. So those vehicles are relatively new for people who don't know about them."
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a big, fancy SUV that is great for off-roading and has lots of luxury features. It's designed to be both tough and comfortable for families.
The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV that combines rugged off-road capability with premium features and spacious interiors. It is part of Jeep's lineup aiming to compete in the luxury SUV segment.
full-size SUV
"They're large SUVs. They compete with the likes of the Tahoe, the Suburban, the Navigator..."
A full-size SUV is a big car that can hold a lot of people and stuff. They're great for families and can handle rough roads.
A full-size SUV is a large vehicle designed to offer ample passenger and cargo space, often with off-road capabilities and powerful engines. They are popular among families and for towing.
Lincoln Navigator
"They're large SUVs. They compete with the likes of the Tahoe, the Suburban, the Navigator and and the this would be the equivalent of the Tahoe going away..."
The Lincoln Navigator is a fancy, large SUV that is very comfortable and has lots of luxury features. It's perfect for people who want a stylish ride with plenty of space.
The Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV known for its spacious interior, high-end features, and powerful performance. It is designed for comfort and style, making it a popular choice among luxury SUV buyers.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"They're large SUVs. They compete with the likes of the Tahoe, the Suburban, the Navigator and and the this would be the equivalent of the Tahoe going away..."
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and cargo. It's good for families and has the ability to tow trailers or boats.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, strong towing capacity, and off-road capabilities. It is popular among families and those needing a versatile vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban
"They're large SUVs. They compete with the likes of the Tahoe, the Suburban, the Navigator and and the this would be the equivalent of the Tahoe going away..."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big SUV that can carry a lot of passengers and luggage. It's great for road trips and has a lot of room inside.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior and strong towing capabilities, making it ideal for families and those needing extra cargo space. It has a long history and is known for its durability.
Cadillac Escalade
"... the equivalent of the Tahoe going away, but the Escalade sticking around. Kind of. Kind of. That's kind o..."
The Cadillac Escalade is a big, fancy SUV that has a lot of luxury features and space for passengers. People talk about it because it's seen as a high-end vehicle that makes a statement.
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury SUV that is known for its opulent features and commanding presence on the road. It is significant as a symbol of luxury and status, often discussed for its advanced technology and spacious interior.
Dodge Ram
"...rs. And it's mostly filled up with Wranglers and Ram 1500s. The one by my house is next to a Costco, ..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that's great for carrying heavy loads and towing things like trailers. People like it because it has a comfortable inside and can handle tough jobs.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram 1500, is a full-size pickup truck that has gained a reputation for its robust performance and versatility. It's significant in the automotive market for its strong towing capabilities and comfortable interior, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and families alike.
Jeep Wranglers
"...r all their cars. And it's mostly filled up with Wranglers and Ram 1500s. The one by my house is next to a ..."
Ram 1500
"it's mostly filled up with Wranglers and Ram 1500s."
The Ram 1500 is a large pickup truck that is great for both work and everyday driving. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of features.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck known for its strong performance, comfortable ride, and advanced technology features. It is popular among both work and leisure users.
Ford Expedition
"Yeah, thirty five thousand Tahoe and suburban ninety one thousand expedition and navigator."
The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that has plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It's built for families and can tow heavy loads, making it very practical.
The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and strong towing capabilities. It's designed for families and those needing a larger vehicle for travel.
GMC Yukons
"...The interiors are different. They are definitely Yukons are definitely upscale. I like that."
The GMC Yukon is a big SUV that has a lot of room for people and their stuff. It's popular because it's comfortable and can tow heavy things like trailers.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that is known for its spacious interior and upscale features. It is significant for its towing capacity and family-friendly design, making it a popular choice for larger households.
Nissan Armada
"Yeah. Armada, Nissan Armada and Infinity QX80."
The Nissan Armada is a large SUV that can carry many passengers and has a strong engine for towing things like trailers.
The Nissan Armada is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and powerful V8 engine, making it suitable for families and towing.
Infiniti QX80
"...40 now? Yeah. Armada, Nissan Armada and Infinity QX80. Those are essentially the same thing that is co..."
Mercedes S-Class
"...there's a chain of black Mercedes S-classes. Yes, that used to be it. They used to be like the, you know, the ambassador's vehicle..."
The Mercedes S-Class is a high-end luxury car that many important people, like ambassadors, use. It's known for being very comfortable and having lots of cool features.
The Mercedes S-Class is a luxury sedan known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance. It has long been favored by dignitaries and celebrities as a status symbol and is often used as a VIP vehicle.
General Motors
"General Motors found the greatest work around and you're an attorney. You'll love this. I will."
General Motors is a big car company that makes many different types of vehicles, like trucks and cars.
General Motors, often referred to as GM, is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, known for producing vehicles under various brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, and Buick.
EV
"So they are. General Motors is getting the seventy five hundred bucks, which they intend to hand out to the customers."
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, making it more environmentally friendly.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity instead of traditional fuel like gasoline.
incentives
"General Motors is getting the seventy five hundred bucks, which they intend to hand out to the customers."
Incentives are discounts or money offered to help people buy cars, especially electric ones, to make them more affordable.
Incentives in the automotive context often refer to financial benefits or rebates offered by manufacturers or governments to encourage the purchase of certain vehicles, such as electric vehicles.
Ford Lightning
"...do you remember when the Ford Lightning finally qualified for the EV tax credit? Yeah. And what did Ford do immediately upon that news?"
The Ford Lightning is an electric truck that is part of the F-150 lineup. It became eligible for a government tax credit that helps people save money when buying electric vehicles.
The Ford Lightning is an all-electric version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, known for its performance and utility. It gained attention for qualifying for the EV tax credit, which incentivizes electric vehicle purchases.
EV tax credit
"...do you remember when the Ford Lightning finally qualified for the EV tax credit?"
The EV tax credit is a way for the government to help people buy electric cars by giving them money back on their taxes. This makes electric cars cheaper to buy.
The EV tax credit is a financial incentive provided by the government to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. It reduces the amount of tax owed, making EVs more affordable for consumers.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"...Hyundai did raise or sort of lower the price of the Ioniq 5 already. Yes, they did. So that's that's an example of what can happen."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks modern and has a lot of cool features. It's designed to be efficient and can charge quickly, making it a popular choice for people looking for an electric vehicle.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact SUV that features a modern design and advanced technology. It is part of Hyundai's push into the electric vehicle market, offering impressive range and fast charging capabilities.
Nissan Leaf
"... did come up with the Equinox EV. The new Nissan Leaf starts at 30 grand. There's a lot of good news h..."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, which means you can charge it at home. It's a popular choice because it's cheaper to drive and helps the environment.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has been one of the best-selling electric vehicles globally. It is significant for its affordability and practicality, making electric driving accessible to a wider audience.
Hyundai Genesis
"... more kind of felt more like a nice Hyundai or a Genesis vehicle in that it was using sustainable material..."
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury car that offers a lot of comfort and high-tech features without being too expensive. It's made to compete with more expensive luxury brands.
The Hyundai Genesis is a luxury sedan that was designed to compete with established luxury brands. It is significant for its blend of performance, comfort, and advanced technology at a more affordable price point.
Corinthian leather
"But there wasn't a lot of leather in there. The Corinthian leather wasn't in the vehicle."
Corinthian leather is a fancy type of leather that was used in luxury cars to make the seats and interiors feel more comfortable and high-end.
Corinthian leather is a term popularized by Chrysler in the 1970s, referring to a type of high-quality leather used in luxury vehicles. It is often associated with comfort and opulence in car interiors.
Mitsubishi GSX
"...drive a front wheel drive turbo talent or GSX or laser, boy, did those things have torque steer."
The Mitsubishi GSX is a performance version of a car called the Eclipse. It has a turbocharged engine and is designed to be fast and fun to drive.
The Mitsubishi GSX is a high-performance variant of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, known for its all-wheel drive and turbocharged engine. It was popular among enthusiasts for its tuning potential and sporty handling.
Eagle Talon
"...drive a front wheel drive turbo talent or GSX or laser, boy, did those things have torque steer."
The Eagle Talon is a sporty car from the 1990s that was designed for performance. It had a turbocharged version that made it faster and more exciting to drive.
The Eagle Talon is a compact sports car produced by Eagle, a marque of Chrysler, in the 1990s. It was known for its performance, especially in turbocharged variants, and shared many components with the Mitsubishi Eclipse.
steering feel
"...was steering field. Yes. And how steering field, no matter what, is largely artificial now"
Steering feel is how you sense the car's response when you turn the steering wheel. It helps you understand how the car is handling and if it feels sporty or loose.
Steering feel refers to the feedback and response a driver receives through the steering wheel when driving. It encompasses how connected the driver feels to the road and how much information the steering system transmits about the vehicle's handling characteristics.
electric steering
"because all steering is electric. Yeah. There's no hydraulic system anymore."
Electric steering is a system that helps you steer the car using electric motors instead of the older hydraulic systems. It makes steering easier and can save fuel.
Electric steering refers to a steering system that uses electric motors to assist the driver in steering the vehicle, replacing traditional hydraulic systems. This technology allows for more precise control and can improve fuel efficiency by eliminating the need for a hydraulic pump.
hydraulic system
"There's no hydraulic system anymore. And that's for a bunch of reasons, including eight S systems and autonomous driving and electric cars where you wouldn't have a hydraulic pump."
A hydraulic system helps you steer the car by using fluid pressure. It's heavier and more complicated than electric steering, which is why many cars are switching to electric systems.
A hydraulic steering system uses fluid pressure to assist in steering the vehicle, providing a smoother and easier steering experience. It relies on a hydraulic pump to generate pressure, which can add weight and complexity to the system.
autonomous driving
"...including eight S systems and autonomous driving and electric cars where you wouldn't have a hydraulic pump."
Autonomous driving means that a car can drive itself without anyone controlling it. It uses sensors and cameras to understand its surroundings and make decisions.
Autonomous driving refers to the capability of a vehicle to navigate and drive itself without human intervention, using a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence. This technology is rapidly advancing and is integral to the development of self-driving cars.
V version
"And it'll be interesting, you know, because there's a V version, a high performance version of this car."
A 'V version' of a car is a faster, more powerful version of the regular model. It usually has better performance and special features that make it more exciting to drive.
The 'V version' typically refers to a high-performance variant of a car model, often featuring enhanced power, handling, and performance characteristics compared to the standard model. This designation is commonly used by brands like Cadillac and others to signify their sportier models.
sport-tuned suspension
"It was kind of had that nice sport tune suspension you get typically in an Audi of BMW."
Sport-tuned suspension makes a car handle better, especially when turning. It might feel a bit rougher than regular suspension, but it helps the car stay stable and responsive.
A sport-tuned suspension is designed to enhance a vehicle's handling and responsiveness, often at the expense of ride comfort. It typically features stiffer springs and dampers, which help the car stay more stable during cornering.
Genesis GV60
"I would cross shop this thing with a Genesis GV 60, for example."
The Genesis GV60 is a luxury electric SUV. It offers a lot of features and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those looking for something upscale.
The Genesis GV60 is an electric compact SUV that combines luxury with performance. It's part of Genesis's lineup, known for its upscale features and advanced technology.
Polestar 3
"Yes. And I'm driving the Polestar three soon."
The Polestar 3 is a new electric SUV that focuses on being eco-friendly while still providing a luxurious driving experience. It's part of a brand that comes from Volvo, known for making high-quality cars.
The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV from Polestar, a performance brand under Volvo. It aims to combine luxury with sustainability, offering advanced technology and a high-performance electric powertrain.
Lucid Gravity
"...cles doing this. So we just actually had a lucid gravity come, come over to the, to the, to the headquarte..."
The Lucid Gravity is a new electric SUV that's designed to be very luxurious and high-tech. It's important because it's part of the trend of fancy electric cars that are becoming more popular.
The Lucid Gravity is an upcoming electric SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its luxury and advanced technology. It is significant as part of the growing trend of high-end electric vehicles aiming to compete with established luxury brands.
Holden Caprice
"...ittle younger. So when I was driving, it was the Caprice Classics and I could nail them from a long ways ..."
The Holden Caprice is a large, comfortable car from Australia that's known for having a lot of space inside. It's seen as a luxury vehicle and is popular for long drives.
The Holden Caprice is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced by Holden in Australia, known for its spacious interior and comfort. It is significant as a representation of Australian automotive design and luxury.
Toyota 4Runner
"All right. Number one, the Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner has had a smooth V6 for ever and ev..."
The Toyota 4Runner is a tough SUV that can go off-road, which means it can handle rough trails and dirt roads. It's popular because it's built to last and can carry a lot of gear.
The Toyota 4Runner is a mid-size SUV known for its rugged build and off-road capabilities. Its long-standing reputation for reliability and durability makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
Toyota Tundra
"Yeah. Because that 4.7 was available in the Tundra for a while too. Oh, man."
The Toyota Tundra is a large truck that's good for heavy work and has plenty of room inside for passengers. People like it because it's dependable and has a lot of safety features.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that is recognized for its strong performance and reliability. It is significant for its spacious interior and advanced safety features, appealing to both work and family needs.
Nissan Pathfinder
"Very similar vehicle. The Nissan Pathfinder was the Nissan Pathfinder ever equipped with a V8..."
The Nissan Pathfinder is a family SUV that has lots of room for passengers and cargo. It's popular because it's comfortable and can handle different types of driving.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that has evolved over the years from a rugged off-roader to a more family-oriented vehicle. It is significant for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a popular choice for families.
Ford Explorer
"...ou go back that far, Ford was cramming V8s in the Explorer. Jeep was putting them in the Grand Cherries."
The Ford Explorer is a family-friendly SUV that has a lot of space for passengers and cargo. It's popular because it's comfortable and can be used for both city driving and road trips.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since the early 1990s. It's significant for its spacious interior and versatility, making it a popular choice for families.
GMC Envoy
"... was crowning them in the Trailblazer GMC and the Envoy. And this is why Tom is the test guru because he..."
The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV that offers a comfortable ride and plenty of room for passengers. It's popular among families because it's practical and easy to drive.
The GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV that was produced in the early 2000s, known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. It is significant for its versatility and appeal to families.
Buick Lucerne
"All right. The Buick Lucerne. Gosh, I don't even remember what the Lucerne lo..."
The Buick Lucerne is a big car that was made to be comfortable and smooth to drive. It's known for having a lot of space inside and is considered a luxury vehicle.
The Buick Lucerne is a full-size sedan that was produced from 2006 to 2011, known for its smooth ride and spacious interior. It is significant for its blend of comfort and traditional luxury features.
Cadillac Dts
"...t vehicle was the same as the Bonneville and the Cadillac DTS. So as long as they were cramming V8s into the o..."
The Cadillac DTS is a large luxury car that is designed for comfort and style. It's known for having a roomy interior and lots of high-tech features.
The Cadillac DTS is a full-size luxury sedan that was produced from 2006 to 2011, known for its spacious interior and classic Cadillac styling. It is significant for its comfort and advanced technology features.
Dodge Viper
"I don't know. The Venom was like the baby viper. And it did put a 5.2 in there."
The Dodge Viper is a fast sports car that has a really powerful engine. It's famous for its unique look and is loved by car fans for its speed and performance.
The Dodge Viper is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive styling. It is significant in automotive history for its raw performance and is often discussed among car enthusiasts for its iconic status.
Toyota Prius
"...et the name of that color yet, but I'm in the new Prius. I've always been a fan of the Prius,"
The Toyota Prius is a car that uses both gas and electricity to save fuel and reduce pollution. It's well-known for being very efficient, which means you can drive further on less gas.
The Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle that is widely recognized for its fuel efficiency and eco-friendly design. It has played a significant role in popularizing hybrid technology and is often discussed for its innovative approach to reducing emissions.
Toyota Camry
"Right. And the Camry is all hybrid. The Corolla is available as a hyb..."
The Toyota Camry is a popular car that's known for being reliable and comfortable to drive. Many people choose it because it gets good gas mileage and is easy to maintain.
The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan that has long been one of the best-selling cars in the United States. It's known for its reliability, comfort, and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for daily commuting.
Toyota Corolla
"And the Camry is all hybrid. The Corolla is available as a hybrid, and those vehicles riv..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that's known for being dependable and not too expensive. It's a favorite among people who want a reliable vehicle for everyday use.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has earned a reputation for its reliability and affordability. It is significant for being one of the best-selling cars worldwide, appealing to budget-conscious drivers.
Lamborghini Countach
"...s about the same rake as you get in a Lamborghini Countach. It's one angle."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous supercar known for its unique shape and doors that open upwards. It's considered a classic and is loved by car enthusiasts for its speed and style.
The Lamborghini Countach is a legendary supercar that became an icon of automotive design in the 1970s and 1980s. Its distinctive wedge shape and scissor doors have made it a symbol of luxury and performance.
Dodge Road Runner
"...th, what was that based off the satellite or the road runner, and make it basically into that and change the ..."
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic car from the muscle car era, known for being fast and having a cool design. It's a favorite among car collectors and enthusiasts.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car that was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its performance and distinctive styling. It is significant in automotive history for its role in the muscle car era.
Ford Probe
"...car, and we're running out of time here, but the probe could be had an LX trim as a mid-trim level with ..."
The Ford Probe is a sporty car from the late 80s and 90s that was designed to be fun to drive. It's remembered by fans for its stylish look and performance.
The Ford Probe is a sports coupe that was produced in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its sporty design and performance. It is significant for its role in Ford's lineup during that era and is often remembered by enthusiasts.
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