S3, E96 - Have You Heard? Truck News!

The Ford Bronco is a rugged off-road SUV, and the “Bronco Philson” is a special collaboration package built around that platform. In this segment, it’s described as combining Bronco/SAS Squatch-style off-road hardware with Philson-themed gear and unique appearance parts.

The SAS Squatch package is an off-road trim/package concept for the Ford Bronco that bundles upgrades aimed at trail use. In this segment, it’s used as the baseline for the Bronco Philson build, paired with larger tires and additional drivetrain/off-road components.

Fox shocks are off-road suspension dampers known for tuning that prioritizes control over rough terrain. They’re commonly paired with lifted or trail-focused builds to improve ride quality and wheel control.

A locking differential forces both wheels on an axle to rotate together instead of allowing slip. Having locking diffs on both the front and rear axles improves traction when one wheel loses grip on mud, snow, or rocks.

“Twin turbo” means the engine uses two turbochargers to force more air into the cylinders for more power. A “3L” indicates the engine is about 3.0 liters in displacement, and turbocharging helps it make strong torque for towing and off-road crawling.

The Ford Bronco Raptor is a high-performance off-road Bronco variant built around a powerful engine and strong low-speed torque for rough terrain. In this segment, it’s described as making 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque and using a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck and one of the most common reference points when discussing modern truck powertrains. In the podcast context, it’s being mentioned in relation to engine output and transmission pairing—details that matter because they affect acceleration, towing feel, and overall drivability. It’s also a frequent benchmark in emissions, performance, and technology conversations.

A 10-speed automatic is a transmission with ten forward gear ratios controlled by the car’s computer. More gears can help keep the engine in a better efficiency or power band depending on driving conditions.

Selectable performance exhaust lets you change how the exhaust system behaves—typically switching between quieter and louder/more free-flowing modes. The segment notes the luxury-focused model doesn’t get this feature, which can affect both sound and (sometimes) power delivery.

Acoustic glass is laminated windshield/side glass designed to reduce outside noise. It helps lower perceived wind and road noise by dampening sound vibrations before they reach the cabin.

A digital rear view mirror uses a camera feed instead of a traditional reflective mirror, improving visibility in certain lighting or body-position scenarios. Adding a washer helps keep the camera lens clear for consistent image quality.

Power retractable steps are motorized side steps that deploy to help occupants enter and exit, then retract when not needed. They’re especially useful on taller vehicles like many off-road SUVs.

The Ford Bronco Philson is a luxury-focused Bronco variant emphasizing quietness and premium interior materials rather than the most aggressive performance hardware. This segment highlights features like acoustic improvements, heated/ventilated seats, and power retractable steps.

Heated seats warm the occupant using electric heating elements, while ventilated seats use fans to move air through the seat to reduce heat buildup. Together, they improve comfort across a wider range of temperatures.

B&O (Bang & Olufsen) is a premium audio brand known for high-end speakers and sound processing. When a car is equipped with a B&O audio system, it typically indicates upgraded speakers and tuning versus the base setup.

The Ford Bronco Philson First Edition is a special launch trim of the Bronco Philson line, positioned as a more exclusive package. This segment ties it to unique exterior color options and distinctive badging/console storage details.

Serialized badging means the vehicle is marked with a unique identifier number, often used to emphasize limited production or collectibility. In this context, it’s part of the Bronco Philson First Edition’s exclusivity cues.

In car talk, “collectible” usually means a model/trim is expected to hold interest over time due to limited availability, distinctive styling, or a special edition badge. The host suggests Philson editions are already hard to find and therefore likely to attract buyers later.

The GMC Hummer concept is a design study from GM meant to preview a future Hummer lineup. In this segment, the hosts focus on its off-road-ready stance (large tires) and futuristic exoskeleton-like styling, plus specific off-road geometry numbers like approach and departure angles.

The Ford Flex is a distinctive, boxy crossover-style vehicle that was built to offer a roomy interior and a wagon-like feel. It came up in the podcast alongside manufacturing talk—specifically a “flex” manufacturing technique—because the Flex is associated with Ford’s production approach at the time. That makes it relevant when the discussion shifts from vehicles themselves to how they were built.

The GMC Canyon is a midsize pickup that shares the same general class as the Chevrolet Colorado. In this segment, it’s mentioned alongside the Colorado as the current reference point for wheelbase length.

The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup used here as a size reference for wheelbase. The hosts say the concept’s wheelbase is shorter than the current Colorado/Canyon, which helps explain its off-road geometry and proportions.

Approach and departure angles describe how steep a vehicle can climb up (approach) or descend off a bump/ledge (departure) without the front or rear hitting first. Larger angles generally mean better off-road capability over uneven terrain.

Break-over angle is the maximum crest angle the vehicle can go over without the underside contacting the ground. It’s a key off-road geometry metric because it affects how well the vehicle clears hills, ruts, and “dip” transitions.

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground. More clearance helps reduce the chance of scraping over rocks, logs, and uneven trail surfaces.

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is a trail-focused midsize pickup built for serious off-roading. The hosts reference it as a baseline for ground clearance and off-road geometry, implying the concept’s numbers are competitive.

The Toyota Tacoma TRD is a Tacoma trim line aimed at off-road use, typically associated with TRD off-road packages and tougher trail hardware. Here it’s referenced as another benchmark for ground clearance compared to the GMC Hummer concept.

The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup platform that Nissan uses as the base for its truck models. In this segment, the host says Mitsubishi’s new North American pickup will be developed on the Nissan Frontier platform, meaning Mitsubishi would share core underpinnings with the Frontier to reduce development costs.

“Diminishing returns” means that after a certain point, adding more battery capacity doesn’t improve real-world capability as much as you’d expect. For trucks, making batteries bigger to extend range also adds weight, which then hurts efficiency and range further.

In EVs, “range” is how far the vehicle can travel on a full charge. Towing increases energy demand, so the battery drains faster and the usable range drops compared with normal driving.

“Pure EV” refers to a battery-electric vehicle that relies on electricity stored in its battery pack rather than using a fuel-burning engine as a primary power source. The episode contrasts this with electrified approaches that may include additional energy sources.

“E-REV” (extended-range electric vehicle) is an electrified strategy where the truck is primarily electric, but it can use an additional onboard energy source to extend driving range. In practice, that usually means an engine/generator helps recharge the battery instead of directly driving the wheels.

The Honda Ridgeline is a midsize pickup known for its unibody construction and car-like ride/packaging compared with many body-on-frame trucks. In this segment, the host discusses production being paused, which matters because it affects availability and timing for buyers.

A “single overhead cam” (SOHC) engine uses one camshaft located in the cylinder head to operate the valves. The “3.5 liter V6” refers to an engine with six cylinders arranged in a V shape and a total displacement of 3.5 liters.

“IV tech” is Honda’s “Intelligent Variable” valve-timing/valvetrain technology (often discussed as part of their VTEC/variable valve control family). The key point here is that even with this tech, the current Ridgeline powertrain no longer meets required emission targets.

“Emission goals” refers to regulatory limits on pollutants a vehicle must meet to be sold legally. If an engine no longer meets those targets, manufacturers may pause production or update the powertrain to comply.

The Honda Odyssey is a minivan designed to move families efficiently, with sliding doors, flexible seating, and practical space. It’s frequently brought up in technical conversations because it uses the same engine family as other Honda models like the Pilot and Passport, which can matter when discussing emissions and drivability. In a podcast, it may come up as a reference point when comparing why one vehicle passes emissions while another doesn’t.

“Dual overhead cam” (DOHC) means the engine uses two camshafts located in the cylinder head to control the intake and exhaust valves. It’s a specific valvetrain layout that can help with precise valve timing and emissions tuning.

The “J35” naming is Honda’s internal engine family code for a V6 used across multiple models. Here, “J35 y6” is the specific variant the host says the Ridgeline uses, and it’s contrasted with newer “J35 y8” versions that meet emissions requirements.

“J35 y8” is another Honda internal V6 engine variant within the J35 family. In this segment, it’s the version the host says is used in models that can meet emissions, which is why the Odyssey/pilot/passport are “still good to go.”

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV built for everyday driving with room for passengers and cargo, plus light off-road capability. It’s often discussed alongside other Honda models because it shares major powertrain components with the Pilot and Odyssey, which can come up when people talk about engine/emissions or mechanical similarities. That’s why it may be mentioned in a podcast when comparing how different Honda vehicles perform or meet regulations.

This segment is about a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk variant rumored to return with a Hellcat-powered setup. The key point is that the Trackhawk is the high-performance Grand Cherokee, and “Hellcat powered” implies the supercharged V8 performance hardware that makes it a standout.

The Dodge Challenger is a performance-focused muscle car known for its powerful engines and classic two-door layout. In the podcast context, it’s mentioned in connection with rumors or expectations about a high-performance variant returning, specifically one associated with a Hellcat-powered setup. That kind of talk is common because the Challenger’s performance lineup tends to be a major part of its identity.

“Hellcat” is a performance engine branding associated with Dodge/Chrysler’s supercharged V8s. Saying a vehicle is “Hellcat powered” signals it would use that supercharged, high-output powertrain rather than a standard naturally aspirated or turbo setup.

The Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV, and this segment focuses on a 2027 update to its glass for safety and durability. The host says the windshield upgrade to laminated glass will be standard across all trims as a no-cost feature.

Laminated glass is windshield/side glass built from multiple layers bonded together, so when it breaks it tends to stay in place rather than fully shatter. That improves occupant safety and can also reduce noise and improve durability versus older single-pane designs.

“e-Torque” is a mild-hybrid assist system used on some Chrysler/Dodge “Hemi” V8s, typically adding an electric motor/generator to help with low-speed response and efficiency. “Non e-torque Hemi” means the engine is offered without that mild-hybrid electric assist.

The “5.7 liter V8 Hemi” refers to Ram/Chrysler’s 5.7L V8 engine in the Hemi family. The host says this engine will not return to the Grand Cherokee, implying a shift away from that specific displacement/powertrain combination.

“Hurricane Six” is a rumored/mentioned engine name for a six-cylinder replacement possibility. In this context, it’s being discussed as an alternative to the 5.7L V8 Hemi for the Grand Cherokee, suggesting a move toward a different engine architecture.

The ORC module (Occupant Restraint Controller) is the electronic control unit that coordinates airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment. A software issue in the ORC module can affect how/when occupant safety systems activate in a crash.

Side airbags are airbags designed to deploy during a side-impact crash to help protect occupants’ torsos and heads. They’re controlled by crash-detection sensors and the vehicle’s airbag control software.

FMVSS 214 is the U.S. safety standard that sets requirements for side-impact crash protection. If a vehicle can’t meet it—like when side airbags don’t deploy correctly—it can trigger a recall and compliance action.

The airbag warning light is the dashboard indicator that alerts the driver to a fault in the airbag system. In this case, the light stays on and a chime sounds after the fault is detected.

The instrument cluster is the driver-facing panel of gauges and warning indicators (like speed, engine info, and warning lights). It’s where the airbag warning light and related alerts show up.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the longer-wheelbase Grand Cherokee variant from Jeep. It’s included in the same side-airbag software recall window, where the airbag system may not deploy on time in a side impact.

An impact pressure sensor measures forces during a crash so the airbag system can decide when and how to deploy. In this recall, vehicles outside the production window use a sensor from a different supplier.

A recall number is the identifier used by the manufacturer and/or regulators to specify a particular recall campaign. Referencing it helps customer service and dealers confirm the correct remedy for your VIN.

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies a specific vehicle. Dealers use it to verify whether a particular recall applies to your exact build.

A tire speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is engineered to sustain safely under specified conditions. If the vehicle’s speed limiter allows higher speeds than the tires’ rating, it increases the risk of tire overheating or failure.

A speed limiter is an electronic control that caps the vehicle’s maximum speed. Here, the limiter was set too high, so the truck could exceed the tires’ speed rating.

“R rated” refers to a tire speed category (a letter code) that indicates the tire’s maximum speed capability. The episode ties it to a specific limit (106 mph) for the affected trucks.

The Alpine A106 is a small, lightweight sports car that was produced in limited numbers, and it’s often discussed in motorsport and collector circles. In the podcast excerpt, it’s tied to a specific production window and tire speed-rating context, including an R-rated tire limit that corresponds to a 106 mph speed limit. That makes it relevant to a conversation about how speed limits and tire ratings are handled for certain vehicles or events.

NHTSA recall numbers are identifiers assigned by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to track specific recalls. They help you look up whether your vehicle is included and what remedy is offered.