Leno Law, Toyota Takes EVs Off-Road, Understanding the Software Defined Vehicle
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into a range of automotive topics including Toyota's new off-road capable BZ Woodland EV, the quirky history of the Chrysler TC by Maserati, and the controversial Ford Mach-E frunk pricing. They also discuss Jay Leno's law aimed at protecting classic cars from emissions testing. The highlight is an insightful conversation with Ken Chester from the Tech Mobility Podcast about software-defined vehicles, explaining how software increasingly controls modern cars, the implications for repairs, and the industry's shift towards software-centric designs. The episode wraps with a fun quiz on 2020 car models and lively banter.
Jill is back in the co-host seat this week, having spent some time in Canada intentionally driving Volvo vehicles in snow and on ice.
Tom opens the show with a mea culpa. Listen in to see what he got wrong last week.
The hosts discuss a number of news items, including some reported delays in the delivery of Tesla's newly discounted Cybertruck, Lamborghini backing away from electric vehicles, and the proposed Jay Leno Law. Listen in for the whole story.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews Toyota's new bZ Woodland, an electric vehicle with an off-road vibe.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Ken Chester, host of the Tech Mobility Podcast. Ken share his take on the the next stages of automotive computerization, and what, exactly, is meant by "software-defined vehicle." It's a good conversation.
In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom's "Model Year 2020" quiz. Listen in and try to beat Jill's score.
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low friction surface
"different the dynamics of driving a vehicle on a low friction surface can be."
A low friction surface is a slippery road like ice or wet ground where your car's tires don't grip well. This makes it harder to drive safely because the car can slide more easily.
A low friction surface refers to a driving surface where tires have less grip, such as ice, snow, or wet pavement. This affects vehicle dynamics, making it harder to control acceleration, braking, and steering.
electric vehicles
"...I'm not sure that that's true. Electric vehicles. Had not considered the EVs..."
Electric vehicles are cars that run on electricity instead of gas, using big batteries to power the motor.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars powered entirely or primarily by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than internal combustion engines.
Volvo XC90
"...eel like, because we drove the Volvo EX30 and the XC90 PHEV and the EX30, I want to say is standard as ..."
winter tires
"But I've learned that from December 1st until like, I think like March 31st, they have to put, they, by law, they have to put winter tires on their vehicle."
Winter tires are special tires that help cars drive better and safer when it's cold, snowy, or icy outside. They have special designs that stop the car from slipping.
Winter tires are specialized tires designed to provide better traction, handling, and safety in cold weather conditions, especially on snow and ice. They use softer rubber compounds and unique tread patterns to improve grip.
Chrysler TC by Maserati
"Co-host, guest host, Brendan, Brendan Appella of the Sons of Speed, brought up the Chrysler TC by Maserati. A totally weird vehicle, not entirely collectible, just kind of a strange thing, a red herring in the automotive world."
The Chrysler TC by Maserati is a special car made by two companies working together. It's a fancy convertible that looks different from most cars and is a bit strange to collectors.
The Chrysler TC by Maserati was a collaborative luxury convertible produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It combined American and Italian design elements but is considered a niche and somewhat unusual vehicle in automotive history.
Genesis GV80
"I haven't even seen one of these in person. The Genesis GV80 Coupe. I just got that added to my list, too."
The Genesis GV80 Coupe is a fancy SUV that looks sportier because of its sloping roof. It's made by Genesis, a luxury car brand, and has lots of nice features inside.
The Genesis GV80 Coupe is a luxury midsize SUV with a coupe-like sloping roofline, produced by Genesis, Hyundai's luxury brand. It combines sporty styling with premium features and advanced technology.
Hyundai Genesis
"I haven't even seen one of these in person. The Genesis GV80 Coupe. I just got that added to my list, to..."
Tesla Cybertruck
"...week, and I'm sure you know about this, about the Cybertruck and the 59,990 Cybertruck."
four-wheel drive
"It is, in fact, four-wheel drive, unlike the cheap, the recent bargain truck, which was 69,90, and was just rear-drive."
Four-wheel drive means the truck can send power to all four wheels at the same time, which helps it drive better on slippery or rough roads.
Four-wheel drive (4WD) is a drivetrain system that powers all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and off-road capability.
rear-drive
"It is, in fact, four-wheel drive, unlike the cheap, the recent bargain truck, which was 69,90, and was just rear-drive."
Rear-drive means only the back wheels get power from the engine, which works well on normal roads but can be less helpful on slippery surfaces.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a drivetrain configuration where the engine powers only the rear wheels, common in many trucks and performance cars.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
"Did you see the news from Ford last week about their frunk on the Mach-E?"
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an electric car shaped like an SUV. Instead of a regular engine in front, it has extra storage space called a 'frunk' where you can put things.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is an all-electric SUV introduced by Ford, combining Mustang-inspired design with electric vehicle technology. It features a front trunk, or 'frunk', which is a storage space under the hood where an engine would traditionally be.
frunk
"Did you see the news from Ford last week about their frunk on the Mach-E?"
A 'frunk' is like a trunk, but it's in the front of the car instead of the back. Electric cars often have this extra space because they don't have a normal engine up front.
A 'frunk' is a storage compartment located at the front of a vehicle, typically in electric cars where the traditional engine is absent. It provides additional cargo space.
heat pump
"Ford last year went to a heat pump to move heat around the cabin. And it's a really good thing for energy efficiency in the winter when you're heating."
A heat pump helps keep the car warm or cool by moving heat inside the car instead of using a lot of battery power. This means the car can go farther without using too much energy.
A heat pump is a device used in electric vehicles to efficiently move heat around the cabin for heating or cooling. It uses less energy than traditional resistive heaters, improving range in cold weather.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"And Hyundai uses it like on the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. It's a very effective way to heat a vehicle without draining the battery."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an electric car that uses special technology to keep the inside warm without using too much battery power, so it can drive longer.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a modern electric crossover known for its advanced technology including efficient heat pump heating systems that help preserve battery range in cold weather.
Kia EV6
"And Hyundai uses it like on the Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. It's a very effective way to heat a vehicle without draining the battery."
The Kia EV6 is an electric car that uses a special system to keep the inside warm without using too much battery power, so it can go farther on a charge.
The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover that features a heat pump system to efficiently heat the cabin, reducing battery drain and improving driving range in cold conditions.
Ford F150 Lightning
"Yeah. The F-150 Lightning, which is gone, there's plenty on dealer lots. Just a one."
Lamborghini
"Lamborghini."
Lamborghini is a famous car company from Italy that makes very fast and fancy sports cars that many people admire.
Lamborghini is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer known for producing high-performance supercars with striking designs and powerful engines.
all-electric supercar
"It was going to be an all-electric supercar, was going to be their first electric vehicle."
An all-electric supercar is a very fast car that runs only on electricity instead of gas, so it doesn't pollute the air and can accelerate quickly.
An all-electric supercar is a high-performance sports car powered entirely by electric motors and batteries, offering instant torque and zero emissions compared to traditional combustion engines.
plug-in hybrid
"So they may make another vehicle still called Lanzador. That'll be a plug-in hybrid, but it doesn't come until 2028 or 2029."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can run on both gas and electricity. You can charge its battery by plugging it in, so it can drive some distance using just electricity before using gas.
A plug-in hybrid vehicle combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery that can be recharged by plugging into an external power source, allowing for some electric-only driving range.
Hyundai Palisade
"Well, of course you do. I just drove the Palisade. So did I."
Mazda Cx70
"...that today. I'm finishing my review of the Mazda CX70. That is Mazda's new two-row midsize crossover."
Mazda Cx90
"Okay. There's also the Mazda CX90. Mm-hmm."
Subaru Trailseeker
"...is built on the same line as the Subaru, I think, Trailseeker. I wrote this down because I forget this, the Tr..."
Subaru Solterra
"...d so very similarly, just like the Beezie and the Solterra relationship, it's the same similar."
Fast and Furious
"Apparently, Paul Walker has a ranch at the top of this mountain that we were going to try to get there and they had some off-road extra from Fast and Furious who is no longer And he's a car guy."
Fast and Furious is a series of movies about cars, racing, and exciting car chases. It's famous for showing cool cars and driving tricks.
Fast and Furious is a popular film franchise centered around street racing, heists, and car culture, known for featuring high-performance cars and automotive stunts.
Toyota Chr
"...s the second electric vehicle in the lineup. The CHR is going to be the third vehicle in the lineup an..."
software defined vehicle
"You and I have talked on, just touched on, the concept of a software defined vehicle, S.D.V. A lot going on there and manufacturers are moving in that direction."
A software defined vehicle is a car that can get better or change what it does just by updating its computer programs, without needing to change parts. This means your car can get new features or fixes like your phone does.
A software defined vehicle (SDV) is a car whose features and functions are primarily controlled and updated through software rather than hardware changes. This allows manufacturers to add new capabilities, improve performance, and fix issues remotely via software updates.
Ford F-150
"They estimated that by 2013, a Ford F-150 was already running a million lines of code."
The Ford F-150 is a big pickup truck that lots of people use for work and daily driving. It has lots of computer systems inside to help it work better.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck known for its durability, capability, and popularity in the U.S. market. By 2013, it incorporated advanced electronics including a million lines of code to manage various vehicle functions.
million lines of code
"They estimated that by 2013, a Ford F-150 was already running a million lines of code."
Cars today have lots of computer programs inside them that help run all the parts and keep you safe.
Modern vehicles use complex software made up of millions of lines of code to control everything from engine management to safety features and infotainment systems.
EVs
"then they conflate that with EVs."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas or diesel fuel.
EVs stands for Electric Vehicles, cars powered entirely or primarily by electric motors using energy stored in batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines.
infotainment systems
"What's happening is as we have seen the growth in infotainment systems in a variety of comfort and convenience systems in motor vehicles,"
Infotainment systems are the screens and controls in a car that let you listen to music, get directions, and connect your phone.
Infotainment systems combine information and entertainment features in a vehicle, including navigation, audio, and connectivity functions, controlled via screens and interfaces.
Dodge Grand
"I can take you back almost 25 years to a lesson I learned when we had a problem with my wife's 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan."
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a type of family van that was made in 2002. It has many features to help families travel comfortably.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a minivan known for its family-friendly features and practicality. The 2002 model is part of the fourth generation, featuring various mechanical and electronic systems typical of early 2000s vehicles.
steering by wire
"I mean you've got drive by wire, you've got steering by wire, you've got by wire throttle."
This means the steering wheel sends electronic signals to turn the wheels instead of using physical parts like rods.
Steering by wire replaces the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels with electronic controls.
by wire throttle
"I mean you've got drive by wire, you've got steering by wire, you've got by wire throttle."
Instead of a cable connecting the gas pedal to the engine, electronic signals control how much gas the engine gets.
By wire throttle means the throttle is controlled electronically rather than by a physical cable.
drive by wire
"I mean you've got drive by wire, you've got steering by wire, you've got by wire throttle."
Instead of using cables or rods to control things like the gas pedal, drive by wire uses electronic signals to do the same job.
Drive by wire refers to automotive systems where traditional mechanical controls like the throttle are replaced by electronic controls and sensors.
electronic thermostat
"My God, you've got electronic thermostat. A lot of things that were mechanical or even electrical mechanical have been electrical for some time..."
This part helps keep the engine at the right temperature using electronic parts instead of just mechanical ones.
An electronic thermostat controls the engine temperature using electronic sensors and actuators instead of purely mechanical means.
Apple CarPlay
"And I feel like they charged you for Apple CarPlay. It was there, but if you wanted to use it, you had to pay a fee."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone on your car's screen so you can get directions, make calls, or play music more easily while driving.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system, enabling you to use apps, navigation, and calls through the car's display.
Tesla Model Ss
"... to pay a fee. Well, there are a great number of Tesla Model Ss with full self-driving that never was fully real..."
Tesla Model
"... to pay a fee. Well, there are a great number of Tesla Model Ss with full self-driving that never was fully r..."
EV (Electric Vehicle)
"If you come to me and I'm driving an EV and you say you can double my range for $1,200."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas, so it needs to be charged like a phone instead of filled up with fuel.
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car powered entirely or primarily by electricity stored in batteries, rather than by an internal combustion engine using gasoline or diesel.
Chevrolet Spark
"Your favorite phrase. The Chevrolet Spark. Chevy sold two small cars at the same time."
Dodge Hornet
"that in cost. The Dodge Hornet. Yeah, I've driven a lot of $60,000 crossovers."
Toyota Venza
"...ood thing you're in pastry marketing. The Toyota Venza. I took that as a model name that's had an inter..."
Toyota RAV4
"... all hybrid vehicles. The Sienna, the Camry, the RAV4. I think this is the Sequoia all hybrid."
Toyota Camry
"...has lots of all hybrid vehicles. The Sienna, the Camry, the RAV4. I think this is the Sequoia all hybri..."
Toyota Tundra
"Oh, the Sequoia might be. I was thinking of the Tundra. Yeah."
Volkswagen Passat
"Um, we did Venza. Volkswagen Passat. Oh, of course you had to do that."
Subaru Crosstrek
"...ne hybrid now in versions of the forester and the Crosstrek. And that hybrid system comes by way of Toyota."
Subaru Outback
"...we've complained. I have complained that the new Outback doesn't look like a wagon anymore. Yeah."
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