S3, E98 - Have You Heard? Truck News!

The Chevrolet Silverado is GM’s full-size pickup, and this segment is specifically reacting to a newer Silverado’s exterior redesign. The host points out a more modern, squared-off front-end treatment and a more upscale interior with lots of screens.

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an electric version of the Silverado pickup, aiming to combine EV power with the practicality of a truck. The podcast describes it as a mix between today’s Silverado and the EV Silverado, suggesting a more upscale direction or positioning. That makes it a topic of interest because EV trucks are still new, and buyers want to know how they’ll feel and function compared with gas trucks.

A digital cluster replaces traditional analog gauges with a screen-based display for speed, engine info, and driver alerts. In this segment, the host mentions a 12.2-inch digital cluster as part of the Silverado’s modern cockpit.

The Dodge Ram (Ram pickup) is a full-size truck line known for offering a wide range of cab and bed configurations. The podcast mentions that some models include a large passenger screen, highlighting how the interior tech is evolving. That’s a common reason people discuss Ram trucks—comfort and infotainment can be a major deciding factor.

“10 speed auto” refers to an automatic transmission with 10 forward gears. More gears let the engine stay closer to its most efficient or powerful operating range during different speeds and loads—useful for towing and mixed driving.

The “Duramax straight six” is General Motors’ diesel inline-six engine family used in trucks. In this segment, the host says the 3.0-liter Duramax is back and can be ordered even on base work-truck trims, which is a big deal for buyers who want diesel torque without stepping up to higher trims.

A “two inch lift” means the truck’s suspension is raised by about two inches compared to stock height. That typically increases ground clearance and can help fit larger off-road tires.

“34s” is shorthand for 34-inch off-road tires. Bigger tires improve ground clearance and can help the truck roll over obstacles more easily, especially when paired with a lift and off-road suspension.

“Lockers” here refers to axle differential lockers that can lock the left and right wheels together. Having lockers on both the front and rear axles improves traction when one wheel loses grip—common in mud, sand, or rocks.

“Jounce control” is a suspension feature that manages how the shocks behave when the truck’s suspension compresses (jounces) over bumps. It’s meant to keep ride control and traction more consistent in off-road conditions.

“Right to repair” is the policy idea that vehicle owners should be able to access repair information, tools, and parts so they can fix their cars themselves or use independent shops. The host ties it to towing/service economics and to manufacturers’ control over the repair ecosystem.

This phrase describes independent repair shops that are not authorized by the vehicle’s brand. In the context of right to repair, it highlights the fight over whether owners can choose independent service without being blocked by locked-down diagnostic tools or proprietary procedures.

A “rear wheel drive single motor EV” is an electric vehicle that powers only the rear wheels and uses one electric motor to do the work. Compared with dual-motor setups (front + rear), single-motor designs are often simpler and can help reduce cost, which matters for the segment’s “cheapest new electric truck” framing.

The podcast refers to a “Slate truck” that’s described as intentionally minimalistic, including a base truck that only offers a limited setup. It’s also mentioned as an EV pickup targeting around a $30,000 price point. That combination—low price plus a stripped-down approach—is notable because it suggests a different strategy than fully loaded EV trucks.

The Ford Ranchero is a pickup-based vehicle concept that blends truck utility with a more car-like body style. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a possible name for a new model, with pricing expectations discussed. That kind of naming and positioning matters because it signals what the vehicle is trying to be—more like a lifestyle vehicle or a traditional truck.

Telematics are the connected systems in a vehicle that use cellular/GPS data to send information back to the manufacturer or service providers. In this segment, Slate is positioned as not relying heavily on telematics and data collection, which they frame as a selling point for a simpler ownership experience.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is Ford’s electric version of the F-150 pickup, and it’s used here as a reference point for what the new EV truck is (and isn’t) competing with. The segment says the new EV truck won’t directly compete with the Lightning, but instead targets a smaller size.

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that’s popular for commuting, family use, and practical cargo space. In the podcast, it’s referenced as a size benchmark when discussing how another vehicle’s footprint compares. That kind of comparison helps listeners understand whether a new SUV will feel roomier or more compact in real life.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck, positioned smaller than full-size trucks but still built for towing and utility. The podcast notes that people expected it to be “Ranger size” after Ford described it as mid-size, but the actual dimensions may differ. That matters because size affects parking, fuel economy, and how it fits into daily use.

The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV known for being practical, efficient, and widely used for daily driving. In the podcast, it’s used as a reference point for size when discussing how another SUV’s footprint compares. That matters because footprint and interior space affect comfort, parking, and cargo capacity.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that’s often used as a benchmark for “small truck” sizing. Here, the host says the new EV truck’s footprint looks to be about the size of a Maverick, which helps listeners understand it’s not going to be a full-size truck.

An EV architecture is the underlying design of the electric vehicle—how the battery, motors, electronics, and structure are packaged and engineered. In this segment, Ford’s “brand new EV architecture” is described as something that can spawn multiple vehicle types, with this truck being the first application.

The Chevrolet Spin is referenced in the context of a shared vehicle platform or architecture that’s expected to “spin off” multiple different models. The podcast suggests it could lead to a range of body styles, such as a sedan, depending on how the platform is used. That’s important because platform reuse can influence cost, packaging, and how quickly new models can be developed.

A universal EV platform is a shared vehicle “foundation” that automakers can use across multiple models and body styles. The host says this truck will be the first vehicle built on Ford’s new universal EV platform, implying Ford intends to reuse the same core engineering across future EVs.

“Camo prototypes” are test vehicles covered in camouflage to hide styling details while automakers evaluate fit, finish, and performance. The point is to keep the design and components from being fully identified before the official reveal.

The Chevrolet Suburban is a large, full-size SUV built for maximum passenger and cargo space, often used for family travel and long-distance hauling. The podcast discusses it in the context of charging and whether an EV version would fit better in places with more charging access. That’s relevant because the Suburban’s size and usage patterns make charging infrastructure a practical consideration.

“Range” is the estimated distance an EV can travel on a full charge. The host is comparing a projected ~300-mile range to the “sweet spot” they associate with ~400 miles for truck buyers, implying how far people expect to go between charging.

An “overlander” is a vehicle used for long-distance, self-sufficient travel—often with camping gear—across remote areas. The host is implying the EV truck concept is more about city/suburban life than extended remote trips.

An “off-roader” is a vehicle intended to handle unpaved, rough, or uneven terrain where traction and ground clearance matter more than on-road comfort. The host is contrasting the upcoming “urban truck” concept with vehicles aimed at trails and rugged use.

The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s pickup truck variant, built on a Wrangler-based platform with off-road hardware. Here it’s mentioned as another vehicle that can be ordered with the Sarge package, alongside the Wrangler.

The Wrangler is a Jeep off-road-focused SUV known for its capability and popular trim packages. The podcast compares it to a Gladiator or a Wrangler Rubicon and notes that one package is “more accessible,” meaning it may be easier to buy or less expensive while still offering desirable features. That kind of comparison is often discussed because buyers weigh off-road performance against cost and equipment.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the off-road-focused trim, and this segment gives concrete capability numbers. It highlights 11.4 inches of ground clearance, specific approach/departure angles, and the use of 30.5-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires.

Ground clearance is the distance between the lowest part of a vehicle and the road surface. Higher ground clearance helps a truck or SUV avoid scraping the underbody when driving over rocks, ruts, or uneven trails.

“Turbocharged 2 liter Hurricane 4” refers to a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that uses a turbocharger to increase power. The hosts also tie it to specific output figures (324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft torque), which is why it matters for both on-road and towing/off-road use.

Approach angle is the steepest angle a vehicle can climb toward an obstacle without the front bumper or underbody hitting it. It’s measured in degrees and is a key off-road metric for avoiding front-end “scraping” on inclines or obstacles.

Departure angle is the steepest angle a vehicle can descend away from an obstacle without the rear bumper or underbody contacting it. Like approach angle, it’s measured in degrees and helps predict how well the vehicle handles dips, ledges, and off-road drop-offs.

All-terrain tires are designed to work on both pavement and rough surfaces like dirt, gravel, and mild mud. They typically balance tread life and comfort with stronger sidewalls and more aggressive tread patterns than highway-only tires.

The Mitsubishi Montero is a body-on-frame SUV known for its off-road capability and traditional truck-like construction. In this segment, it’s mentioned as being “finally confirmed,” implying a news update about the model’s return or availability.

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a long-running, body-on-frame SUV benchmark for durability and off-road ability. The hosts describe a new Mitsubishi Montero competitor sized like a Land Cruiser, with three rows and significant ground clearance.

“Body on frame” describes a construction method where the vehicle’s body sits on a separate ladder-like frame. It’s common on trucks and off-road SUVs because it can handle heavy loads and rough terrain better than unibody designs.

The “Proud to Honor package” is a dealer/trim-style appearance bundle for the Ford Super Duty that adds themed door and bed graphics, Ford Garage logo graphics, and black forged aluminum wheels. It’s positioned as a limited pairing with a black truck and includes the same warranty terms as the rest of the vehicle.

The Ford Super Duty is Ford’s heavy-duty truck line built for towing, hauling, and work use. Here, the hosts focus on a new Proud to Honor package for the 2027 Super Duty, including specific graphics and black forged aluminum wheels.

“Night trim” refers to a styling package that typically uses darker exterior treatments—often black paint or black accents—to create a stealthier look. The hosts compare the new Proud to Honor package to a modernized version of that older black-and-color-fade graphic theme.

Forged aluminum wheels are wheels made by compressing heated aluminum into shape, which can improve strength and durability versus some cast methods. In this segment, the Proud to Honor package includes black forged aluminum wheels as part of the appearance bundle.

The Ford F-450 is a heavy-duty pickup built for serious towing and hauling work, typically used when a standard truck isn’t enough. The podcast mentions that if you get a “Dooley,” you also get large 19.5-inch forged aluminum wheels, which points to a specific configuration and upgrade level. That’s relevant because heavy-duty trucks are often bought for both capability and the right equipment package.

The Ram Rumblebee is a special-edition Ram pickup concept aimed at enthusiasts who want a more affordable entry point than the top-performance variants. The hosts mention a “5.7” base truck and emphasize the V8 experience without chasing outright speed.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The hosts use it to describe the Rumblebee’s appeal: you get the character of a V8 for most people, even if you don’t need maximum speed.

An electric hydraulic power steering pump is the component that uses electricity to drive a hydraulic system for power steering assist. In this recall, the pump wiring can overheat, which is why the issue is treated as a fire risk.

EHPSP is the acronym for the electric hydraulic power steering pump, and the “connection” refers to the electrical connector at that pump. The recall explanation says excessive electrical resistance at that connection can create elevated temperatures around the wiring/connector.

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is the U.S. government agency that oversees vehicle safety and coordinates recalls. In this segment, the host says the documents come from NHTSA and relates them to FCA’s estimates about how many vehicles have the defect.

The host is describing a safety instruction tied to a potential fire risk: until the remedy is available, owners should park outside rather than in a garage or near structures. This is a risk-mitigation step intended to reduce the chance that a vehicle fire spreads to nearby combustible materials.

A recall ID is the specific identifier used to track a particular safety recall so owners and dealers can confirm whether a vehicle is affected. The host says this recall’s ID is 21D, and that’s what you should provide to your dealer.