Peak INFINITI - Lucid, A Delicate Balancing Act, Unique Is The Starting Point | Episode 1,036
About this episode
The discussion centers on Lotus's shift from traditional lightweight sports cars to hybrid and electric SUVs, highlighting skepticism about the brand's direction and the new 'Lotus for me' concept. The hosts debate the authenticity of Lotus's handling heritage in these heavier models and the impact of Chinese ownership. They also touch on Hyundai's decision to discontinue the standard Ioniq 6 in the US while keeping the performance N version. Additionally, the episode explores Infiniti's peak with the Q50 Red Sport 400, reflecting on its performance legacy and brand identity struggles. The conversation blends brand history, product strategy, and personal opinions on automotive evolution.
hybrid
"What Lotus is doing is making hybrid. They went all electric and claimed that the Amira is the last gas powered sports car we're ever going to build. How long before they renege on that? ... This is some sort of hybridized SUV and they're, and they're selling that again as look at how powerful this is more powerful than the Electra will be and therefore is cooler."
A hybrid car uses both gas and electricity to make the car go, so it can be powerful and save fuel.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal combustion engine and electric motors to power the car, combining benefits of both power sources for efficiency and performance.
Lotus Amira
"...brid. They went all electric and claimed that the Amira is the last gas powered sports car we're ever go..."
two liter turbo gas engine
"It has a two liter turbo gas engine with two electric motors and a 70 kilowatt battery on a 900 volt platform, adding up to about 939 horsepower."
This is a gas engine that is two liters big and has a turbo, which helps it make more power by pushing more air into the engine.
A two liter turbo gas engine is a gasoline engine with a displacement of two liters that uses a turbocharger to increase power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
electric motors
"It has a two liter turbo gas engine with two electric motors and a 70 kilowatt battery on a 900 volt platform, adding up to about 939 horsepower."
Electric motors use electricity from the battery to help turn the wheels and make the car go.
Electric motors convert electrical energy from the battery into mechanical energy to drive the vehicle's wheels, providing instant torque and improving efficiency.
900 volt platform
"It has a two liter turbo gas engine with two electric motors and a 70 kilowatt battery on a 900 volt platform, adding up to about 939 horsepower."
This means the car's battery system uses very high voltage electricity, which helps it charge faster and work better.
A 900 volt platform refers to the high-voltage electrical architecture of the vehicle's battery and powertrain system, allowing for faster charging and improved performance.
Chevrolet Volt
"...ectric motors and a 70 kilowatt battery on a 900 volt platform, adding up to about 939 horsepower. LTS..."
horsepower
"Adding up to about 939 horsepower."
Horsepower tells you how strong or powerful a car's engine is.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time.
LTS (Lotus Tuned Specification)
"LTS means what you might ask that is Lotus tuned specification and engineering standard that Lotus has enacted ensuring consistent driver centric dynamics."
LTS means Lotus makes sure their cars handle and drive in a way that feels good and fun for the driver.
LTS stands for Lotus Tuned Specification, which is an engineering standard Lotus uses to ensure their vehicles deliver consistent, driver-focused handling and dynamics.
rebadging
"This is a rebadging exercise and I understand. I understand. I get it. I get it. Their parent company is the Chinese company, Geely."
Rebadging means selling the same car but with a different brand name or logo. It's like giving the car a new name to sell it to different people.
Rebadging is the practice of selling a vehicle under a different brand or nameplate, often with minimal changes to the original model. It is commonly used to expand product lines or enter new markets.
Geely
"Their parent company is the Chinese company, Geely. They make all the electrics. I see the connected tissue."
Geely is a big car company from China that owns other car brands like Lotus. They make electric cars and are becoming more popular worldwide.
Geely is a Chinese automotive company that owns several brands, including Lotus. They are involved in producing electric vehicles and have a growing presence in the global automotive market.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"...t of news here that is Hyundai has announced the Ioniq 6, which I just find questionable to look at. I nee..."
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
"...ally intrigued to drive it because we do like the Ioniq 5N. So here is the more sedan version. I generally ..."
Infinity Q50 Red Sport 400
"But to me the peak of Infinity we've got this cool engine. What other car can we stuff that engine into? So here we are at the 2016 to 2024 Infinity Q50 Red Sport 400. Originally it's my understanding this was the Au Rouge concept which is the part of Spa Francochamps the track where the algae that runs in the river underneath the track turns red and therefore Au Rouge meaning that part of the track up the hill into radial is a very technical high speed interesting and very fun part of the track."
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a fancy car that looks like a regular sedan but has a very strong engine that makes it go fast. It was made between 2016 and 2024 and is known for being sporty and fun to drive.
The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400 is a high-performance variant of the Q50 sedan produced from 2016 to 2024. It features a powerful engine derived from the Nissan GT-R's VR38DETT, tuned to deliver around 400 horsepower, offering sporty performance in a luxury sedan package.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...re doing so well. Here we are with two expensive Pathfinders but it's Nissan. Nissan's been through the ringer..."
Infiniti M45
"...car which I think is underappreciated the M. The M45 which had the same V8 as the FX but I think this ..."
Hyundai Genesis
"...es. Yes. It's here we're using X and to be fair, Genesis is doing the same thing. We've got G and GV so yo..."
Jaguar XKSS
"...eah. And that's fine. I want to bring up here the XKSS which was the road version of the Jaguar D type ..."
Jaguar Etypes
"Not including a continuation cars here which I still take continuation cars. Yes. Absolutely. I Yes. It's oozes style and class. Somehow it's the E-Type's crazier older brother. Everything is a little more voluptuous than the E-Type and also a little more aggressive."
Jaguar Dtype
"Everything is a little more voluptuous than the E-Type and also a little more aggressive. Racing in mine. Those define the brands. Yeah. And here is the D-Type that I came across from the 2018 Quayle show. A photo of mine and I just can't get over this car. It's just so sculptural and"
Buick Century
"...to the average person that grew up any time last century, I know I'm dating myself. But if you were born b..."
Cupra Born
"...entury, I know I'm dating myself. But if you were born before the year 2000, if you go to anybody of th..."
Jeep Wrangler
"... I suppose we could ask the question here, which Wrangler have all the Wranglers and all the CJ's, which on..."
Wrangler Rubicon
"...st current one. Okay. I think it's the four door Rubicon 392 because finally it got a V8 for years. Everyb..."
Jeep Cherokee
"Because I had a Cherokee growing up and I shared it with my sisters. 1977 Cherokee, Quadra Track. You could watch the gas even move."
The Jeep Cherokee is a type of SUV that people have been driving for many years. The 1977 version had a special system that helped all four wheels work together to drive better on rough roads.
The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that has been produced in various forms since the 1970s. The 1977 Cherokee mentioned here featured the Quadra-Trac four-wheel-drive system, which was advanced for its time.
Jeep Wagoneer
"the Compass, the Renegade, the Grand Cherokee, the Gladiator, the Wrangler and the Wagoneer."
The Jeep Wagoneer is a big and fancy SUV that is good for families and has lots of space and nice features.
The Jeep Wagoneer is a full-size luxury SUV reintroduced recently, offering premium features and spaciousness competing with vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
Jeep Renegade
"... because you have the Cherokee, the Compass, the Renegade, the Grand Cherokee, the Gladiator, the Wrangler ..."
Jeep Gladiator
"the Compass, the Renegade, the Grand Cherokee, the Gladiator, the Wrangler and the Wagoneer."
The Jeep Gladiator is like a Jeep Wrangler but with a truck bed in the back so you can carry stuff. It can drive off-road very well.
The Jeep Gladiator is a pickup truck variant of the Jeep Wrangler, combining off-road capability with a truck bed for utility.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"the Compass, the Renegade, the Grand Cherokee, the Gladiator, the Wrangler and the Wagoneer."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a bigger and fancier SUV than the regular Cherokee. It can still drive well off-road but is more comfortable for everyday use.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger, more upscale SUV compared to the Cherokee, offering more luxury and features while maintaining off-road capability.
Jeep Compass
"the Compass, the Renegade, the Grand Cherokee, the Gladiator, the Wrangler and the Wagoneer."
The Jeep Compass is a smaller SUV made for city driving and some easy off-road trips.
The Jeep Compass is a compact SUV positioned below the Cherokee, designed for urban and light off-road use.
Honda Element
"the Renegade gets closest to taking the mantle of the Honda Element as far as styling and just the feel of it."
The Honda Element is a small SUV that looks boxy and has a flexible inside space, good for carrying gear or pets.
The Honda Element is a compact crossover SUV produced from 2003 to 2011, known for its boxy styling and versatile interior designed for active lifestyles.
Ford Bronco
"...had the four-cylinder turbo Rubicon with the Ford Bronco when we first drove the two together. And the re..."
Kia Stinger
"When I think of Kia, I think peak Kia. It was the thinking. It was the Stinger. When the Stinger came along from 2017 to 2023, the styling was different. It finally made sense. Peter Schreyer from Audi had just joined Kia in the project. No dose of really great styling into a segment that had very few competitors. Yeah. Yeah. And it had a lot of power and it handled great and it was great to drive and reliable, spacious, hatch, gorgeous for a low price."
The Kia Stinger is a fast and stylish car made between 2017 and 2023. It looks great, drives well, and is a good choice if you want a sporty car that doesn't cost too much.
The Kia Stinger is a sporty hatchback produced from 2017 to 2023, known for its powerful engine, sharp styling influenced by Peter Schreyer from Audi, and strong value proposition in its segment.
Genesis G70
"...lmost one of one on the market. There was Genesis G70, the Alpha, you know, but we've recommended this..."
Kia Telluride
"But here's what else exists at Kia in 2022. The Telluride has just been introduced and reshapes that market segment of the Unibody 7 Seater."
The Kia Telluride is a big SUV that can fit seven people comfortably. It started being sold around 2022 and is popular because it is roomy and not too expensive.
The Kia Telluride is a unibody 7-seater SUV introduced around 2022, known for reshaping its market segment with spaciousness, comfort, and strong value.
Toyota Camry
"...the first time that Kia had a really competitive Camry competition. A car in that segment that you proba..."
Lamborghini Urus
"...such days. Yes. But I'm going to start in on the Urus. Okay. The Urus, since being introduced in 2017 a..."
Porsche Cayenne
"... sales were the Urus. I'm not surprised. It's the Cayenne effect. It's the same idea. It's the Cayenne cha..."
Porsche Panamera
"...d this? And it was the Cayenne and eventually the Panamera that saved the company and allowed Porsche to co..."
Porsche 911
"...company and allowed Porsche to continue building 911s and Caymans and other cool cars. They sell Cayenn..."
Porsche Cayman
"...and allowed Porsche to continue building 911s and Caymans and other cool cars. They sell Cayennes and McCo..."
Bentley Bentayga
"Sounds amazing. Yeah. Absolutely. And we still haven't driven one, but drive a Bentayga or a Cayenne or a Q8."
The Bentayga is a very fancy and expensive SUV that is comfortable and fast.
The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV known for its opulent interior, strong performance, and high price tag. It competes with other luxury SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus and Audi Q8.
Audi Q8
"Sounds amazing. Yeah. Absolutely. And we still haven't driven one, but drive a Bentayga or a Cayenne or a Q8."
The Audi Q8 is a stylish and fast SUV that is comfortable and has lots of tech features.
The Audi Q8 is a luxury SUV that blends sporty styling with advanced technology and performance. It shares platforms and components with other luxury SUVs like the Bentley Bentayga.
V12 engine
"Now, this Revuelto is a 1000 plus horsepower hybrid triple electric motor V12."
A V12 engine is a very big and powerful engine with 12 parts that make power, arranged in a V shape.
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders arranged in a V configuration. It is known for smooth power delivery and high performance, often used in exotic and luxury cars like Lamborghinis.
triple electric motor
"Now, this Revuelto is a 1000 plus horsepower hybrid triple electric motor V12."
It means the car has three electric motors that help the engine make more power and drive better.
This refers to the use of three electric motors in a hybrid vehicle to provide additional power, torque vectoring, and efficiency improvements. It's a sophisticated setup often found in high-performance hybrid cars.
V10 engine
"And I think, you know what, with Lamborghini, committing to V10s, V12s, committing to the engines everybody thinks and associates with Lamborghini, especially V12s,"
A V10 engine is a powerful engine with 10 parts that make power, shaped like a V.
A V10 engine has ten cylinders arranged in a V shape and is known for delivering high power and a distinctive sound. Lamborghini uses V10 engines in some of its models like the Huracán.
EV (electric vehicle)
"and they're not going full EV yet, but they're starting to explore what's possible to incrementally give customers more power than they needed it."
An EV is a car that runs only on electricity, with no gas engine.
An EV is a vehicle powered entirely by electricity, without a traditional internal combustion engine. Automakers are increasingly developing EVs as part of the shift to cleaner transportation.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...t, just say, well, isn't that an Aventa Gallardo Huracan? What is that? Just one big mixture of Lamborghi..."
Lamborghini Gallardo
"...enthusiast, just say, well, isn't that an Aventa Gallardo Huracan? What is that? Just one big mixture of L..."
Lamborghini Kuntash
"... am going to jump straight to the icon. The 1987 Kuntash is the one, when you think Kuntash, you think thi..."
Lamborghini Lm002
"...se was in the showroom? With the Kuntash was the LM002, a B12 Lamborghini makes a Hummer before the Humm..."
Land Rover Range Rover
"...his. This was the one that the rich guys with the Range Rover bought their daughter. This is that you're not w..."
Lexus Lc500
"how close these are. It is kind of amazing to keep that concept. And here it is still on sale, even today. Yeah, yeah. It's been a nine year run currently for the LC 500. They've had convertible. They've had hybrid. We've driven all of those versions unanimously. It's sort of the GT car"
Rx300
"surprising, but it was like Lexus is still doing that at such a high level. The LS existed and the RX 300 as much as I want to load this. This is the beginning of a revolution. Oh, I'll load that for you. Fine. Lexus starts selling this in 01. Yeah. And I don't think I'm"
Lincoln Navigator
"... up with one Lincoln. Okay. And that is the 2007 navigator. And the reason I went here is because as cool a..."
Ford Expedition
"...s why when I buy that, why just get a gussied up expedition. That's all it is. But then it appeared in pop c..."
Lincoln Corsair
"...e? I mean, I'll give you a hint. It's called the Corsair. And the Aviator. And yeah. Yeah. No, that is no...."
Cadillac Escalade
"...tor Navigator suddenly it's it's cooler than the Escalade. It did have that brief moment. You're right. Bri..."
Lotus Elise
"...we have to look further than the recent era, the Elise that you have starting in 2005, the Avora GT, and..."
Lotus Esprit
"...e US. But also in 2004 was the last year for the Esprit. Sweet looking car. And after the Esprit, as much..."
Lucid Gravity
"...ell two cars. They sell the air and they sell the gravity. Great. That's what they sell. They sell those t..."
Nissan Altima
"...ific and undesirable car. The 2007 to 2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE manual. The v6 engine is used in lots of ..."
Renault Alpine
"he had his heart set on a very specific and undesirable car. The 2007 to 2009 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE manual. The v6 engine is used in lots of Nissan, Nismo, Renault, Alpine performance cars and race cars. 35 DEV six. That is the one that winds up in lots of places and it wound up in"
Toyota Gt86
"bad condition. Otherwise, he's looked at the 2001 to 2005 Lexus IS 300 part of the Lexus there. It is hard to find those in manual. Chris, you're right. Yeah. GT 86 chassis, the Hawkeye WRX Hawkeye. Hawkeye era. Yes, not the bug eye. Yep. And even your beloved Sabur 92 X Todd,"
Dodge Challenger
"...ations. He says as long as it's not a Mustang or Challenger levels of bait for insurance to chomp down on, h..."
Ford Mustang
"...r recommendations. He says as long as it's not a Mustang or Challenger levels of bait for insurance to cho..."
Ford Fiesta
"...ently at the end of 2025, the Mini Cooper S, the Ford Fiesta ST. I mean, if you spend a lot, if you spend 12 g..."
Chevrolet Camaro
"...three of these, I will not recommend an RX 7 or a Camaro to you, even though those two cars were part of ..."
Saab 92X
"when it's the one you don't want, like they're beat on. Okay. And that's actually the beauty of the Saab 9-2X. If you can find them, because those aren't known about, and you got to look nationwide. That's the key thing. They were like modded into oblivion. People don't know about them. And so"
Mazda MX-5 / Miata
"...a fantastic choice. And it isn't a small mom as a Miata. And I say that because my wife was like Miata i..."
Honda Fits
"... want to take you want to haul random stuff. The Honda fits got you. So this is just a lovable properly well ..."
Toyota Corolla
"...nd one but I got to go there anyway. Current Gen Corolla XSE with a manual. That's great. We drove one of..."
Toyota GR Corolla
"...rst came out before there were even rumors of the GR Corolla and you said pretty definitively if they would j..."
Suzuki Samurai
"...th it. Loves it. Loves that thing. A 1987 Suzuki Samurai. When's the last time I said that? When did we p..."
Honda Prelude
"...iatribe. But last but not least is the 1987 Honda Prelude. This is the car from remember when so he has bo..."
Toyota Supra
"...n last on the list, well, not quite. 2019 Toyota Supra, GR Supra. It was almost last. He says he doesn't..."
Volkswagen Rabbit
"...ng, my through line. I started with a Volkswagen Rabbit pickup diesel. Oh my gosh. Because it was just we..."
Subaru Brat
".... I like it. That's good. Oh, how about a Subaru brat with the cool jump seats? And you've got a brat. ..."
Suzuki Cappuccino
"...t does. And then I thought something JDM, like a Suzuki Cappuccino. And then I realized you already have a Suzuki. ..."
3 Three Wheeler
"... an hour. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. It's a three wheeler with a three cylinder engine. It feels pre digit..."
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