Lexus Drops Model, Driving the Redesigned Leaf, Polestar Deep Dive
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into the latest automotive news, including the discontinuation of the Lexus LS and an in-depth review of the redesigned Nissan Leaf. The Leaf is praised for its affordability and impressive range, making it a strong contender in the EV market. They also discuss the Polestar brand, featuring an interview with Dean Shaw, who shares insights on the company's electric vehicle strategy and upcoming models. The episode is packed with valuable information for those interested in electric vehicles and the evolving automotive landscape.
Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the redesigned Nissan Leaf later in the show.
Tom shares news regarding new tariffs, this time on heavy-duty trucks. Interestingly, big-truck maker Volvo (Volvo, Mack) produces almost all of its vehicles in the U.S. Listen in for where other heavy-duty truck makers build their products.
Other important car news covered: Lexus will be discontinuing the LS large sedan in the U.S. after 2026. For ’26, the luxury flagship will be offered only in Heritage Edition trim. Production will be limited.
Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Nissan Leaf, which is not only redesigned, but also now a crossover. Jill is impressed by the small electric Nissan's ride and handling, as well as its range and price. Listen in for her complete review.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Polestar North American Communications Chief Dean Shaw to the podcast. Dean discusses Polestar's relationship with Volvo, its current product lineup, and dealer network. Polestar has two new products arriving soon. Listen in for details.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Pontiac?” quiz. Jill also shares details of her upcoming Rebelle Rally excursion. Jill will be out for the next two weeks.
Hyundai Kona
"...r 2026. In that review, you mentioned the Hyundai Kona. That vehicle. Did they compare it to the Kona. T..."
Nissan Leaf
"... little bit, but you recently reviewed the Nissan leaf. Yes, which is all new for 2026. In that review, ..."
Ford F350
"Yes. And I don't know because when we talk about heavy duty trucks, we're talking about class four through class eight generally. Yeah. So that's things heavier than like a Ford F 350. So you're basically getting your medium duty delivery trucks, stuff like that. They don't always have dual rear axles, but sometimes they do. And they go all the way up to your over the road trucks."
Tesla Model S
"...Fisker Karma came out and when the, what does the Model S? Well, I think Model S came out in 2012."
Tesla Roadster
"...t in 2012. It was like a year after and the Tesla Roadster was out previously, but they were selling that in..."
Polestar 4
"of driver involvement and handling. But Polestar 4 is really the car that we're focused on. This is ..."
Toyota Corolla
"2003 to 2013. These are great little Corolla based compact cars. Mm-hmm."
Pontiac Torrent
"All right. Torrent. Was there a Pontiac torrent?"
Chevrolet Equinox
"...uished a compact crossover based on the Chevrolet Equinox. Okay."
Pontiac Chieftain
"You've almost won already. Chieftain. Mm."
Hyundai Ionic
"So I'm looking at, I'm driving the Ionic 9. The Hyundai Ionic 9. That's their big crossover."
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