Jeep Fetish - 25 November 2025
About this episode
A solo Alan discusses the latest in automotive news, including the evolving definition of affordability in the market and the rise of EV horsepower. Key stories include the Dutch government's chip supply issues, the pricing of the new Nissan Leaf, and the resignation of Gordon Murray Group's CEO. The episode also covers the launch of the Jeep Recon, an electric off-roader, and the powerful new Porsche Cayenne electric. Unique segments highlight inspiring automotive stories and affordable classic cars, making for an engaging mix of industry insights.
One last solo show from Alan before Andrew returns and regular service resumes.
This week, we have a follow-up on the Dutch/Chinese Chip Wars and the prices of the new Nissan Leaf.
New news includes management changes at Gordon Murray Group, VW’s Chief Strategist making an exit, Hyundai opening a new testing centre in Germany, Bollinger Motors shutting up shop, and Wrightbus covering EV buses into, err, EV buses.
New Car News includes the MG S6 EV, the Jeep Recon, and the crazy-powerful Porsche Cayenne Electric.
In Points of Interest we look at the moments people become interested in “automotive stuff”, we have a list of 20 affordable coachbuilt cars, and we round off with a look at the Hot Wheels Legands finalists.
Nissan Leaf
"The second story tonight is, uh, from MotorTrader.com, and it's about the Nissan Leaf. So the"
The Nissan Leaf is a small electric car made by Nissan. It runs on batteries instead of gasoline, so it doesn’t need gas stations.
The Nissan Leaf is a fully electric vehicle produced by Nissan, known for its compact size and relatively affordable price among EVs.
75 kilowatt-hour battery pack
"the second generation Nissan Leaf with the 75 kilowatt-hour battery will be priced from 32,000 to 249 pounds... everything with the 75 kilowatt-hour battery pack will"
The battery is like the car’s fuel tank, but it stores electricity instead of gasoline. A 75 kWh battery can drive a lot farther before needing to recharge.
The battery pack is the main source of power for an electric vehicle, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A 75 kWh pack provides a larger range and more energy than smaller packs.
Gordon Murray Group
"start off talking about Gordon Murray Group. So Gordon Murray Group, which includes, uh, Gordon"
Gordon Murray Group is a company that designs and builds cars, especially race cars. It’s known for creating very fast and innovative vehicles.
Gordon Murray Group is a British automotive design and engineering company founded by legendary race car designer Gordon Murray. It encompasses several subsidiaries that work on concept cars, motorsport projects, and advanced vehicle technologies.
Gordon Murray Technology
"...Gordon Murray Group, which includes, uh, Gordon Murray Technology, um, and Gordon"
This part of the company works on new tech for cars, like making them lighter or improving engines.
Gordon Murray Technology is a subsidiary focused on developing advanced automotive technologies, such as lightweight materials and powertrain systems.
Gordon Murray Automotive
"...and Gordon Murray Automotive, which could build the T50, um, was headed up by"
This is the part of the company that actually builds cars for people to drive.
Gordon Murray Automotive is the vehicle manufacturing arm of the group, responsible for building production cars like the T50.
CYVN Holdings
"for seven of McLaren in 2023, um, that cost, uh, CYVN 60 million pounds"
It’s a company that buys other companies to help them grow, like buying the car design firm Gordon Murray Technology.
CYVN Holdings is an investment firm that acquired Gordon Murray Technology, expanding its portfolio in automotive technology.
McLaren
"for seven of McLaren in 2023, um, that cost, uh, CYVN 60 million pounds"
They make very fast cars that race in Formula 1 and sell to people who love speed.
McLaren is a British sports car manufacturer famous for its high-performance supercars and racing heritage.
Volkswagen
"To Wolfsburg next, where Volkswagen is apparently about to lose its chief strategist"
They make everyday cars like the Golf and also high-end models like the Audi A8.
Volkswagen is a German automotive giant producing a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to luxury models.
Audi
"who is now head of Audi. Um, Vickbach was head of corporate strategy"
They make fancy cars with lots of tech, like the A4 and Q7 SUVs.
Audi is a German luxury car brand under the Volkswagen Group, known for its premium vehicles and advanced technology.
Bollinger Motors
"[563.3s] isn't one of our normal sources, uh, that Bollinger Motors, uh, has told employees that November, [571.4s] the 25th was the last day in business for the company."
Bollinger Motors makes big, electric trucks that can go off the road. They’re a newer company trying to bring new kinds of vehicles to market.
Bollinger Motors is an American automotive company that designs and manufactures electric off‑road trucks, known for its rugged, high‑torque vehicles aimed at commercial and recreational use.
electric buses
"had introduced a, basically a new service and your product line called new power, um, to, to, uh, to convert diesel buses into electric buses. Well, the thing is that the, they've actually"
Electric buses run on electricity instead of diesel. They have batteries that power electric motors, making them cleaner and quieter for city transport.
Electric buses are commercial transit vehicles powered entirely by electricity stored in batteries, eliminating diesel fuel and reducing emissions. They use electric motors for propulsion and often feature regenerative braking to recharge the batteries while driving.
EV to EV repowering contract
"expanded, uh, what they offer because they've had a contract to upgrade an existing fleet of 28, uh, right bus metrodeca buses that were delivered as electric. So this is their first EV to EV repowering contract"
It means taking old electric buses and giving them newer parts so they work better and last longer. Think of it as a major upgrade for the whole fleet.
An EV to EV repowering contract involves upgrading an existing electric vehicle fleet with newer technology—such as larger batteries, improved power electronics, or better software—to extend their useful life and performance. This can include retrofitting batteries, updating control systems, and enhancing HVAC.
MGS6 EV
"…new car news next. And we're going to start off with the MGS6 EV. Um, it's very similar to the MGS5 EV."
MG’s MGS6 EV is a small electric car made by the UK company MG. It looks similar to its sibling, the MGS5 EV, but it’s a bit bigger and longer.
The MG MGS6 EV is an electric vehicle from the British automaker MG, part of their MGS (MG Sport) lineup. It shares many components with the earlier MGS5 EV but is slightly larger and longer.
Scoda Enyaq
"but otherwise that's pretty much it. Um, it's a SCODA ENYAC rival and it offers about 329 miles of range"
The Scoda Enyaq is a small electric car that looks like a SUV. It’s made by Škoda, a company from the Czech Republic that also makes cars like the Volkswagen Golf.
The Scoda Enyaq is a compact electric SUV produced by the Czech automaker Škoda Auto, part of the Volkswagen Group. It competes with other European electric SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Jeep Recon
"Something slightly different than another, another electric SUV and it's the Jeep Recon. Um, it's going to be launched in the UK..."
Jeep Recon is a new electric SUV that Jeep plans to sell in Europe and the UK. It’s meant to be like the Wrangler but powered by a battery instead of gasoline.
The Jeep Recon is an upcoming all‑electric SUV from Jeep, positioned as the electric counterpart to the classic Wrangler.
electric SUV
"Something slightly different than another, another electric SUV and it's the Jeep Recon."
An electric SUV is like a regular SUV but it runs on electricity from batteries, so it doesn’t use gasoline.
An electric SUV is a sport‑utility vehicle that uses an electric motor and battery pack instead of a combustion engine.
Jeep Wrangler
"[1184.1s] isn't necessarily the Wrangler, if you want a Wrangler, you buy Wrangler."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off‑road car that people can take apart and put back together. It’s famous for its removable doors and roof, so it looks like a box on the road.
The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged, off‑road SUV known for its removable doors and roof panels. It’s a popular choice for enthusiasts who want a vehicle that can be customized heavily.
body on frame
"Um, it's not a body on frame, it's, um,"
It means the car’s frame is a separate structure that supports the body, giving it extra strength for off‑road use.
A construction style where the vehicle’s body is mounted on a separate chassis frame, common in trucks and SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz G580EQ
"Jeep claims that it's the only fully off-road capable EV, although some people are considering that the G580EQ from Mercedes-Benz."
It’s an all‑electric SUV from Mercedes that can handle rough terrain like a traditional off‑road truck.
The G580EQ is the electric version of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic G-Class SUV, designed for off‑road performance with a powerful dual‑motor setup.
dual-motor powertrain
"the recon has a 670 horsepower and a 620 pound‑foot dual‑motor power trade"
It means the car has two electric motors, one on each side, so it can drive all four wheels at once.
An electric drivetrain with two motors, usually one on each axle, providing all‑wheel drive and higher torque.
approach and departure angles
"It's got decent approach and departure angles."
They show how much of a hill the car can go up or down without hitting its front or back.
Angles that indicate how steep a vehicle can climb or descend without scraping its front or rear overhangs.
battery pack 100 kWh
"It's just a bit more protected. It's 100 kilowatt hours"
It’s the big battery inside the car that lets it drive; 100 kWh means it can go a long distance before recharging.
The energy storage system in an EV, measured in kilowatt‑hours; 100 kWh allows a long driving range.
electric locking differentials
"by the way, for reference. It's got electric locking differentials, selectoring traction systems,"
These are electronic devices that can lock the wheels together so they all turn at the same speed, which helps when driving on rough or slippery ground.
Electric locking differentials are electronic systems that can lock the wheels together to improve traction on uneven terrain, ensuring both wheels receive equal torque.
selective traction systems
"by the way, for reference. It's got electric locking differentials, selectoring traction systems,"
These are computer controls that decide which wheels should get power to keep the car from slipping.
Selective traction systems are electronic controls that choose which wheels receive power to maximize grip and stability.
rock modes
"selectoring traction systems, rock modes, all sorts of stuff like that."
These are special driving modes that make the car easier to drive over rocks by changing how it reacts.
Rock modes are off‑road driving settings that adjust throttle response, traction control, and suspension to handle rocky terrain.
shackles
"Asthetically, it has plenty of shackles on the outside for road work."
These are metal pieces that hold parts of the car together, like where the wheels connect to the body.
Shackles are metal brackets that secure components like suspension arms or steering linkages to the vehicle frame.
toe points
"it's got toe points, it's got shackles, it's got all these kind of things."
These are parts that let the wheels point slightly inward or outward, which changes how the car handles.
Toe points are adjustable links that set the toe angle of a wheel, affecting handling and tire wear.
vertical bars in the grille
"it's got seven vertical bars in the grille. It's, it's a Jeep"
These are straight lines on the front of the car that help air flow and make it look unique.
Vertical bars in a grille are design elements that can improve airflow and give the vehicle a distinctive look.
off-roader
"So, if you have a fetish for that kind of off‑roader, then the recon is probably the place for you to enjoy that."
An off‑roader is a car or truck that can drive on dirt, rocks, and other rough surfaces.
An off‑roader is a vehicle designed or equipped to handle unpaved, rough terrain.
EV only platform
"that whole platform for this new Cayenne is EV only."
The car’s whole body and parts are built just for electric motors, not for gasoline engines.
An EV‑only platform means the vehicle’s chassis and architecture are designed exclusively for electric powertrains, not for internal combustion engines.
ERA
"ERA, who do, um, who do, uh, timed rally trials"
ERA is a racing competition in Europe where drivers race on public roads that are closed off for the event. They try to finish as fast as possible.
ERA stands for the European Rally Championship, a series of timed rally events across Europe where drivers compete on closed roads.
Austin Seven
"stuff based on Austin sevens, right the way through to stuff from the later, the late 1970s"
The Austin Seven is an old, tiny British car from the 1920s and ’30s. It was cheap to buy and run, making it popular for early car enthusiasts.
The Austin Seven, also known as the 'Baby Austin', was a small British car produced from 1922 to 1939. It featured a lightweight chassis and a modest 746 cc engine.
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