Rivian R2 Review + Torturing The Chief Designer & Engineer Live — Carmudgeon Ep. 242 w Jason Cammisa
About this episode
Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott broadcast live from a Rivian space in San Francisco to review the highly anticipated Rivian R2. Joined by Rivian's Chief Design Officer Jeff Hammoud and Chief Engineer Max Koff, the hosts deliver an honest, unfiltered critique of the electric SUV. While praising its boxy, anti-blob styling, impressive driving dynamics, and clever packaging, Jason reveals why the lack of Apple CarPlay is an absolute dealbreaker for him. The group also compares the R2 to the Tesla Model Y, debating physical controls, aerodynamics, and software integration.
Hagerty
"Welcome to another episode of the Car Mudge and Show. That is driven by Hagerty. We're not driving. We're sitting by Hagerty."
A company famous for insuring classic cars and creating videos and articles for people who love cars.
An automotive lifestyle brand and the world's largest specialty insurer for classic and enthusiast vehicles. Hagerty also produces automotive media, hosts events, and tracks classic car valuation data.
Derek Tam-Scott
"I am not Derek Tampscott. I'm not Jason Camisa."
A car expert who co-hosts this podcast and specializes in collectible and classic cars.
An automotive specialist, writer, and co-host of The Carmudgeon Show. He has a background in classic car transactions and enthusiast vehicle history.
Jason Cammisa
"I'm not Jason Camisa. Jeff Hamoud. Are you or you're not?"
A well-known car journalist who hosts car shows and is famous for explaining how cars work in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
An automotive journalist, television presenter, and test driver known for his deeply researched, high-production video reviews and technical explanations. He co-hosts The Carmudgeon Show and produces content for Hagerty.
Jeff Hammoud
"I'm not Jason Camisa. Jeff Hamoud. Are you or you're not?"
The head designer at Rivian, the company that makes electric trucks and SUVs. He is the person who decides what the cars look like inside and out.
The Chief Design Officer at Rivian, responsible for shaping the visual identity of the brand's electric vehicles, including the R1T, R1S, R2, and R3. Prior to Rivian, he spent over a decade designing vehicles for Jeep and Chrysler.
Max Koff
"You're not Max Koff. No, not Max Koff. He's, I'm not Jeff Hamoud."
The lead engineer for the Rivian R2, meaning he is in charge of making sure the car actually works, drives well, and is safe.
The Chief Engineer for the Rivian R2 platform. He leads the engineering teams responsible for vehicle dynamics, structural development, and mechanical integration of Rivian's mid-size electric vehicles.
San Francisco
"We are here. Oh, yes. We are here in a Rivian space in San Francisco."
A famous hilly city in California where the hosts are recording this episode.
A major city in Northern California known for its steep hills, tight streets, and tech-forward population, making it a challenging environment for testing vehicle ride quality and maneuverability.
Rivian R2
"We have just driven Rivian R2. And these two fine gentlemen here are your hosts."
A smaller, cheaper electric SUV from Rivian that looks like a boxy truck but is designed for everyday driving and outdoor adventures.
The Rivian R2 is an all-electric mid-size SUV designed as a more compact, affordable sibling to the larger R1S. It features a distinct boxy silhouette, seating for five, and is built on Rivian's new mid-size platform.
direct-to-consumer
"They have spaces. Direct to consumer. Direct to consumer. And this is not just a space."
A way of buying a car directly from the company that made it, rather than going to a traditional third-party car dealership.
A sales model where automakers sell vehicles directly to buyers without independent franchised dealerships. Pioneered in the EV space by Tesla, this model allows manufacturers to control the retail experience, pricing, and customer relationship directly.
Volkswagen Gti
"It's the GTI, it's from 2008. And so my standards are incredibly low."
A sporty version of the popular Volkswagen Golf hatchback that is famous for being fun to drive while still being practical enough for grocery shopping.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the definitive hot hatchback, blending everyday practicality with sporty front-wheel-drive dynamics. The 2008 model belongs to the highly praised Mk5 generation, which revitalized the GTI nameplate with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.
Rivian R1
"and one of the cars in the background is an R1 and you all in the audience are tasked"
The first line of large electric trucks and SUVs made by Rivian, known for being very fast and incredibly good at driving over rough terrain.
The Rivian R1 platform includes the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, which launched the Rivian brand. These vehicles are known for their quad-motor setups, sophisticated hydraulic roll control systems, and exceptional off-road capabilities.
Tesla Model Y
"So this car's direct competitor would be the Tesla Model Y. And the Model Y is a very nice car."
A very popular electric family SUV made by Tesla that is known for its high-tech features and great battery range.
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric compact crossover utility vehicle that has become one of the best-selling vehicles globally. It is highly regarded for its class-leading efficiency, packaging, and charging network, though it is sometimes criticized for its stiff ride quality and minimalist interior.
Tesla Model 3
"but I don't think Model Y is a home run in the way that Model 3 is, right?"
Tesla's smaller, more affordable electric sedan that drives like a sports car.
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric four-door compact sedan that popularized mass-market EVs. It features a low center of gravity, sporty handling, and a highly minimalist cabin dominated by a single central touchscreen.
Tesla Model S
"...t's not desirable in the aesthetic sense. The way Model S was initially, some people find Cybertruck to be,..."
This is a large, luxury electric car made by Tesla that runs entirely on battery power. It has four doors, looks like a sleek sedan, and was one of the first electric cars to become highly popular and widely recognized.
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric luxury sedan that revolutionized the EV market when it debuted in 2012, combining long range, high performance, and a minimalist high-tech interior. It is discussed here in the context of its initial design reception and how its aesthetic appeal has evolved over time. Modern versions continue to serve as the brand's flagship traditional passenger car.
Tesla Cybertruck
"The way Model S was initially, some people find Cybertruck to be, I don't. But this car has a visual appeal ..."
This is an electric pickup truck made by Tesla that has a very unusual, sharp, triangular shape made of shiny stainless steel. It is designed to look futuristic and is highly recognizable on the road.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck featuring a highly unconventional, angular stainless-steel exoskeleton design. It is discussed due to its polarizing visual appeal and how its radical styling compares to more traditional automotive designs. It represents a major departure from conventional truck manufacturing methods.
coefficient of drag
"I would like to know what the C sub D, the coefficient of drag is. It'd be interesting because you can genuinely"
A measurement of how easily a car cuts through the air. A lower number means the car is more slippery, which helps electric cars go farther on a single charge.
A dimensionless quantity (often denoted as Cd) used to quantify the aerodynamic drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment, such as a car moving through air. A lower number indicates a more aerodynamic shape, which is critical for maximizing electric vehicle range.
Lamborghini Kuntash
"Like a Kuntash has a terrible C sub D, even though it looks like it should be very aerodynamic."
A legendary, wedge-shaped Italian supercar from the 1970s and 80s with doors that open upwards. It looks incredibly fast and aerodynamic, but actually pushes a lot of air out of the way like a brick.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic mid-engined V12 sports car produced from 1974 to 1990, famous for pioneering the wedge-shaped design of modern supercars. Despite its aggressive, futuristic looks, its angular body and large wings resulted in a surprisingly high and inefficient coefficient of drag.
Rivian R1S
"You can't have specifically about R1-S, this SUV. Both, but S was worse."
A large, luxury electric SUV made by Rivian that has three rows of seats and is excellent at driving off-road.
The Rivian R1S is an all-electric three-row luxury SUV. It shares its platform and front-end design with the R1T pickup truck but features a shorter wheelbase and a fully enclosed rear cargo area capable of seating up to seven passengers.
air suspension
"Their air suspension R2 doesn't. They would lower themselves on the highway"
A system that uses air-filled rubber bags instead of metal springs to cushion the car's ride, allowing the driver to raise or lower the vehicle.
A type of vehicle suspension powered by an electric pump or compressor that pumps pressurized air into flexible bellows, replacing conventional steel springs. This allows for adjustable ride height, automatic load leveling, and variable ride stiffness.
trailing throttle oversteer
"and it does really tuck in under a trailing throttle. Well, and it has really heavy regen."
A situation where letting go of the gas pedal while turning causes the back of the car to swing out, helping the car turn more sharply.
Also known as lift-off oversteer, this handling phenomenon occurs when a driver abruptly releases the accelerator pedal while cornering. The sudden deceleration transfers weight to the front wheels, reducing traction at the rear and causing the back of the car to slide outward.
Toyota A90
"I don't think I ever, I never got to like a 90% or 90 degree opposite lock thing. I also didn't try."
This is a two-door sports car made by Toyota that is designed for fast driving and sharp handling. It is popular among car enthusiasts who enjoy performance driving.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car, with its fifth-generation (GR Supra) co-developed with BMW to offer a rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged performance experience. It is discussed in the context of handling dynamics, specifically drifting and steering angles. The model remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its tuning potential and sharp chassis.
Toyota RAV4
"... you compare it to other things, like even like a RAV4, which is similarly sized, I think you'd see this..."
This is a highly popular, mid-sized family SUV made by Toyota. It is known for being reliable, easy to drive, and practical for everyday tasks.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that consistently ranks as one of the best-selling passenger vehicles in the world due to its practicality and efficiency. It is used in the discussion as a benchmark for size and packaging when comparing other modern vehicles. It is available in gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations.
Rivian R3X
"Because it's not the R3X that I really want and that everyone who's an enthusiast really wants"
A sporty, rugged version of Rivian's upcoming small electric car that looks like a classic rally hatchback.
The Rivian R3X is a high-performance, tri-motor variant of the upcoming R3 compact electric crossover. It features a wider stance, increased ground clearance, and rugged, rally-inspired styling cues that pay homage to classic hot hatches.
Lancia Delta
"because you ripped off completely a Lancia Delta. There we go."
A famous Italian hatchback from the 1980s that won many rally racing championships and is loved by car enthusiasts for its cool, boxy look.
The Lancia Delta is a legendary Italian compact hatchback, most famous in its 'Integrale' four-wheel-drive forms which dominated the World Rally Championship in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its boxy, aggressive proportions are widely considered a high-water mark for hot hatch design.
Saturn
"This is the rebirth of the no-dicker sticker from Saturn. Do you remember that?"
A car brand owned by General Motors that went out of business in 2010. It was famous for selling cars at a single, non-negotiable price so buyers didn't have to argue with salespeople.
A former subsidiary of General Motors established in 1985 to compete with Japanese imports. Saturn was marketed as a 'different kind of car company' and was famous for its dent-resistant plastic body panels and a no-haggle, fixed-price dealership experience.
Chrysler 200
"He designed the Chrysler 200. So when you do-"
A mid-sized sedan made by Chrysler that was redesigned in 2015 to look very sleek and modern.
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan produced over two generations from 2011 to 2017. The second generation (2015-2017), designed under Jeff Hammoud's direction, featured a sleek, aerodynamic fastback profile that was highly praised for its styling despite the car's mediocre mechanical reputation.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
"I actually grand Cherokee first, but I'm glad you picked the 200. No, that's not funny."
A popular mid-sized SUV from Jeep that is comfortable on the highway but still very capable of driving off-road.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that blended off-road capability with luxury. The WK2 generation, introduced for the 2011 model year, was designed during the DaimlerChrysler era and utilized a platform shared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, resulting in vastly improved on-road refinement.
RJ Scaringe
"or was that just RJ from? Oh, it was RJ. It was one of the original things."
The founder and boss of Rivian, who started the company and has a doctorate in engineering.
The founder and CEO of Rivian. He holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from MIT and has guided Rivian from a stealth startup into a publicly traded electric vehicle manufacturer focused on outdoor adventure vehicles.
Volkswagen Corrado VR6
"VR6 carado, yeah. You know that, right? I do now."
A rare, sporty hatchback made by Volkswagen in the 1990s that had a unique, compact 6-cylinder engine and a rear wing that popped up when you drove fast.
The Volkswagen Corrado VR6 is a cult-classic sport compact coupe produced in the 1990s. It is legendary for its narrow-angle 'VR6' engine, which combined the compact size of an inline-four with the smooth power delivery of a V6, and its active rear spoiler that raised automatically at speed.
Land Rover Range Rover
"and also sand glow, you know, the Range Rover, Chemo-Tropi color. Oh yes, sure."
This is a large, high-end luxury SUV designed to be comfortable on normal roads while also being highly capable of driving over rough, off-road terrain. It is made by a British brand and is known for its boxy, prestigious look.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a flagship luxury SUV that blends high-end comfort with legendary off-road capability. The discussion references its historic connection to off-road events like the Camel Trophy, where vehicles were painted in a distinctive 'Sandglow' yellow. It remains a benchmark for luxury utility vehicles.
Porsche 356
"It was a Porsche color in this 356 era. Exactly. We're just so..."
The very first car model that Porsche ever made, famous for its cute, rounded shape and engine mounted in the back.
The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile, built from 1948 to 1965. It was a lightweight, rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its aerodynamic styling and exceptional build quality, laying the groundwork for the iconic 911.
semi-active dampers
"low hanging fruit for value for money are the semi-active dampers. And so throughout development,"
Shock absorbers that can automatically get softer or stiffer depending on whether you are driving on a bumpy dirt road or a smooth highway.
Suspension dampers (shock absorbers) that can dynamically adjust their stiffness in real-time based on road conditions and driving modes. They use electronically controlled valves to alter fluid flow inside the damper, providing a balance between comfort and handling without the cost of full active systems.
multi-link suspension
"So it's a McPherson front and a multi-link rear. So it's doing both at the same time,"
A sophisticated suspension design that uses several metal arms to hold the wheel, allowing the tire to stay flat on the road for better grip and a smoother ride.
An independent suspension design using three or more lateral arms and one or more longitudinal arms. This configuration allows engineers to precisely tune how the wheel moves under cornering and braking forces, delivering superior ride comfort and handling compared to simpler setups.
McPherson strut
"So it's a McPherson front and a multi-link rear. So it's doing both at the same time,"
A simple and compact front suspension design used in most modern cars to save space and weight.
A widely used type of independent front suspension that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring into a single structural unit. It is favored by automakers for its compact packaging, low cost, and light weight, though it offers less camber control than a double-wishbone setup.
Porsche 911
"it reminds me of a 911 in that sense, like an old 911 because the line i..."
This is a famous two-door sports car made by the German company Porsche, known for having its engine in the back rather than the front. It has a very recognizable curved shape that has changed only slightly over many decades.
The Porsche 911 is an iconic rear-engine sports car celebrated for its evolutionary design and exceptional driving dynamics. It is discussed here because of its classic, timeless silhouette and how its historic design lines compare to other vehicles. It has been in continuous production since 1963 across multiple generations.
Volkswagen Egolf
"And now you know why R3 will be my e-golf replacement finally. I mean, the biggest challenge that I've had,"
An electric version of the popular Volkswagen Golf hatchback that drives just like a normal, fun-to-drive Golf but runs entirely on battery power.
The Volkswagen e-Golf is an all-electric version of the Mk7 Golf hatchback. It was highly praised by enthusiasts for retaining the excellent chassis dynamics, high-quality interior, and understated styling of the standard gasoline Golf, despite having a relatively small battery pack and limited range.
Chevrolet Spark EV
"Get a front of ours as a Chevy Spark EV. And yes, it will do a thousand foot burnouts."
A tiny electric hatchback made by Chevrolet that was surprisingly fast because its electric motor produced an enormous amount of pulling power.
The Chevrolet Spark EV is a compliance electric city car produced from 2013 to 2016. It is famous among enthusiasts for its absurd torque output—early models produced 400 lb-ft of torque from their electric motor, allowing the tiny front-wheel-drive hatchback to easily spin its tires.
Lucid Gravity
"... a jelly bean, right? And so as much as the Lucid Gravity, for example, is a packaging miracle,"
This is a luxury electric SUV made by a company called Lucid. It is designed to have a very spacious interior for passengers while keeping a smooth, rounded outside shape to help it slide through the air efficiently.
The Lucid Gravity is an all-electric luxury SUV designed to maximize interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. It is discussed as a 'packaging miracle' due to its ability to offer a spacious three-row cabin within a relatively compact, aerodynamic exterior footprint. It represents Lucid's first entry into the highly competitive luxury SUV market.
G-Class Gwagon
"I don't think that shape makes people look at it and say, want, the way they do for a G-Wagon, or any of, insert any Land Rover product."
This is a very expensive, box-shaped luxury SUV made by Mercedes-Benz. Originally designed for military use, it is now a status symbol known for its classic styling and tough build.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, often called the G-Wagen, is an iconic, military-derived luxury SUV known for its boxy shape, body-on-frame construction, and extreme off-road capability. It is discussed as a prime example of a vehicle whose rugged, utilitarian shape has become highly desirable and prestigious. It has maintained its basic exterior design for over four decades.
Audi 200
"No. But it's also the same as like the Audi 200 or 100 when that first came out, which was like a..."
This is an older luxury sedan made by the German company Audi in the 1980s and early 1990s. It was famous at the time for having a very smooth, aerodynamic shape that helped it cut through the wind quietly.
The Audi 200 (and its sibling, the Audi 100) was an executive sedan from the 1980s that played a crucial role in establishing Audi's reputation for aerodynamic design and Quattro all-wheel drive. It is discussed in the context of revolutionary automotive styling, particularly its flush-fitting windows and smooth bodywork that set new aerodynamic standards. It helped transition Audi into a premium brand.
dog clutch
"It's a, yeah, it's a electro mechanical like dog clutch. Oh, wow. So it."
A simple, mechanical lock that connects or disconnects two spinning parts using interlocking teeth instead of friction pads.
A type of clutch that mates two rotating shafts by interference or interlocking teeth rather than friction. In electric vehicles, they are often used to physically disconnect an auxiliary motor (like the front axle) to eliminate drag and improve efficiency when all-wheel drive is not needed.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"over and over again, whereas you get to a C-Class, to an E-Class, three series, five series, et cetera, et cetera."
This is a medium-sized luxury sedan made by the German company Mercedes-Benz. It sits in the middle of their car lineup, offering a balance of comfort, space, and high-tech features.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a mid-size luxury car that serves as a core pillar of the brand's lineup, offering advanced technology and refined comfort. It is discussed in the context of traditional luxury car hierarchies and design continuity across a brand's sedan lineup. The current generation continues to blend executive styling with cutting-edge digital features.
Mercedes-Benz Cclass
"over and over again, whereas you get to a C-Class, to an E-Class, three series, five series, et cetera, et cetera."
This is a smaller luxury sedan made by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to offer the style and technology of the brand's larger, more expensive cars but in a more compact and affordable package.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact luxury sedan that offers an entry point to the brand's traditional rear-wheel-drive car lineup. It is discussed alongside other German luxury sedans to illustrate how brands maintain a consistent design language across different vehicle sizes. It balances premium features with a more accessible footprint.
Bruno Sacco
"what Bruno Sock had called it horizontal and vertical, right, lineage, where you look at the current lineup"
A famous designer for Mercedes-Benz who believed that all cars from the same brand should look like they belong to the same family, and that new models shouldn't make old models look ugly or outdated.
One of the most influential automotive designers of the 20th century, serving as the head of design for Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999. He pioneered the concepts of 'horizontal affinity' (family resemblance across models) and 'vertical affinity' (timeless design that doesn't make older models look obsolete).
Mercedes-Benz Sclass
"as a sibling of the other. So you see C-class, C-class, S-class, they all look family."
This is the largest and most expensive luxury sedan made by Mercedes-Benz. It is designed to carry passengers in extreme comfort and features the brand's newest and most advanced technology.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the brand's flagship full-size luxury sedan, historically serving as the pioneer for cutting-edge automotive technology and safety features. It is mentioned alongside its smaller siblings to highlight Mercedes' 'family' design language, where different models share a cohesive look. It is widely regarded as the benchmark for passenger luxury.
GMC Denali Yukon
"because they share basically from the dash forward for a long time with Nascale, Denali, Yukon. So they share them."
This is a very large SUV made by GMC that can carry up to nine people. It is built on a truck frame, making it strong enough to tow heavy trailers while offering a spacious interior.
The GMC Yukon is a full-size body-on-frame SUV that shares its platform and front-end structural components with other General Motors vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade. It is discussed in the context of platform sharing and component commonality among large American SUVs. It is positioned as a premium utility vehicle with significant towing capacity.
Dodge Ram
"So they share them. Or if you look at like the Ram for a long time, it didn't have a sister product."
This is a large pickup truck made in America, designed for hauling heavy loads, towing, and everyday utility. It is known for its large front grille and spacious interior.
The Ram (formerly sold under the Dodge brand) is a popular line of full-size pickup trucks known for their bold styling and comfortable, coil-sprung rear suspension. It is discussed in the context of platform sharing, noting that for a long time, it did not share its platform with a direct 'sister' SUV or truck brand under its parent company. It remains a major competitor in the American truck market.
Nissan Pathfinder
"...ig wheels and tires. You think about that, like a pathfinder, you know, no forerunner from around those 90s."
This is an SUV made by Nissan. The version mentioned from the 1990s was a tough, truck-like vehicle built for driving on rough trails and carrying gear.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a mid-size SUV that transitioned from a rugged, body-on-frame off-roader in the 1990s to a more family-oriented unibody crossover today. It is discussed here in reference to its classic 1990s era, when it featured a boxy design and robust off-road proportions. These older models are remembered for their durability and utilitarian charm.
4Runner Forerunner
"...think about that, like a pathfinder, you know, no forerunner from around those 90s. I mean, they were just so ..."
This is a tough, truck-based SUV made by Toyota that is built for off-road driving and outdoor adventures. The 1990s models are highly prized for being incredibly durable and long-lasting.
The Toyota 4Runner is a legendary mid-size SUV renowned for its rugged body-on-frame construction and exceptional off-road durability. The discussion highlights the 1990s generations, which established the vehicle's reputation for indestructible reliability and classic utility styling. It remains one of the few traditional SUVs still on the market.
Cherokee Xj Cherokee
"...u had some absurd comparison you drew between the XJ Cherokee and like some contemporary car. Modern golf."
This is a classic, boxy SUV made by Jeep from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. It is famous for being compact, lightweight, and highly capable of driving in snow and mud.
The Jeep Cherokee (specifically the classic XJ generation produced from 1984 to 2001) is a landmark SUV that popularized the compact unibody 4x4 design. It is discussed here due to its incredibly efficient packaging and simple, boxy shape, which is compared to a modern hatchback. It is widely considered a pioneer of the modern compact SUV segment.
Volkswagen Beetle
".... And for me, I was thinking of an old Volkswagen Beetle in that, our cheapest version will be rear wheel ..."
This is a historic, small, round car made by Volkswagen that is famous for its 'bug' shape. Unlike most modern small cars, its engine was located in the back, and it powered the back wheels.
The classic Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most influential and mass-produced cars in history, featuring a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. It is discussed here as a historical reference point for a simple, affordable vehicle that utilizes a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Its production spanned over six decades with minimal changes to its basic concept.
unibody
"So this structure of this car is unit, full conventional unit body, very different than R1."
A car design where the frame and the body are built as one single piece, making the vehicle lighter, safer, and better-handling.
A vehicle construction technique where the chassis and body are integrated into a single, continuous structure. This is the standard for modern passenger cars and crossovers, offering superior rigidity, crash safety, and weight savings compared to body-on-frame designs.
body-on-frame
"That helps from a lot of the big off-road loads, but from a like torsional stiffness perspective, R2 is actually about 40% stiffer, the top hat is."
An older way of building vehicles where a separate metal frame carries the engine and wheels, and the car's body is bolted on top. It is mostly used for tough trucks and large SUVs today.
A traditional vehicle construction method where a separate, rigid frame carries the engine and drivetrain, and the passenger cabin (body) is mounted on top. This design is highly durable and excellent for heavy-duty towing and off-roading, but is heavier and less rigid than unibody construction.
Toyota Fj
"then you need 180 degrees of swipe. Toyota FJ Cruiser with three. Yeah, E type also."
This is a rugged, blocky SUV made by Toyota that was designed for driving off-road. It has a distinctive retro look and is famous for having three windshield wipers instead of the usual two.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled, highly capable off-road SUV inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser. It is discussed due to its unique design quirks, specifically its use of three windshield wipers to clear its wide, flat windshield. It has achieved a cult following since its production ended.
cinching latches
"And then you gotta manually close it. And that was the trade off and it has cinching latches."
Motors that gently pull a car door or hood completely shut so you don't have to slam it.
Also known as soft-close latches, these are motorized mechanisms that pull a door, trunk, or hood fully closed once it has been gently pushed into the primary latch. This eliminates the need to slam the panel and allows for tighter, more consistent panel gaps.
overslam
"You need overslam. Yeah, overslam. Overslam is about six millimeters"
The extra distance a car door or hood travels when you slam it hard before it bounces back to its normal closed position.
An engineering term referring to the extra travel a closure (like a hood or trunk) undergoes past its fully latched resting position when slammed shut. Designers must account for this to prevent panels from striking and damaging adjacent parts like headlights.
Chevrolet C7
"to manually manipulate something. And C7 Corvette was the first one to use that. And when ..."
This is a high-performance sports car made by Chevrolet. The specific version mentioned (the C7) was built in the 2010s and is known for its sharp styling, loud V8 engine, and fast acceleration.
The Chevrolet Corvette is America's premier sports car, with the seventh-generation (C7) representing the final front-engine layout before transitioning to a mid-engine design. It is discussed in the context of a specific manual control or mechanical feature introduced during its production run. The C7 is highly regarded for its performance-to-price ratio.
BMW New Bmws
"No, I don't know what solution. So all the new BMWs, so the correct way as far as I'm concerned would..."
This is the name for a new family of electric cars that BMW is launching. It represents a fresh start for the brand's design and technology as they transition to making more electric vehicles.
The BMW 'Neue Klasse' (New Class) refers to BMW's next-generation electric vehicle platform and design language debuting in 2025/2026. It is discussed in the context of BMW's future design direction and how the brand is adapting its traditional styling cues for the electric era. The name pays homage to the 1960s models that originally saved and redefined the brand.
matrix headlights
"Although you do have matrix headlights, right? This does have-"
Smart headlights that can block out parts of their high beams so they don't blind oncoming drivers, while still lighting up the rest of the dark road.
An advanced automotive lighting technology that uses an array of individually controlled LEDs. By turning specific LEDs on or off, the headlights can dynamically shape the high beam to avoid blinding oncoming drivers while keeping the rest of the road brightly illuminated.
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