Slate Price Revealed, Koenigsegg Jesko Records, Honda Element Returns, and More! THIS CAR POD! EP117

Porsche 964 refers to the 911 generation built in the late 1980s and early 1990s, known for modernizing the classic 911 formula. It’s a popular enthusiast era because it sits between the older air-cooled feel and the later, more electronically complex 911s.

Marantz is an audio brand known for high-end home and hi-fi equipment. Mentioning a Marantz t-shirt is a quick signal that the person in the Porsche studio is into premium audio gear, not just cars.

“Destination” is the delivery fee added to a car’s base price to cover shipping it to the buyer’s region/dealer. It’s why the final “out-the-door” price can be higher than the headline number.

“EV-only” means the vehicle is powered solely by an electric motor and battery, not a gasoline engine. That matters for range expectations and for how the car is used day to day (charging vs. refueling).

A vehicle wrap is a printed vinyl film applied over the body panels to change color or add graphics. It’s often used to get a custom look without repainting, and here they mention it as an option with a starting cost plus installation.

The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck aimed at being affordable and practical. It’s significant because it brought a smaller-truck option to buyers who want truck utility without the size and cost of a full-size pickup. It comes up in the episode in the context of pricing and how that starting price has changed.

Airbags are supplemental restraint devices that inflate rapidly in a crash to help protect occupants. Saying the base “Slate” only has two airbags is a trim-level safety/feature difference that can matter to buyers.

A key fob is a small wireless remote that lets you lock/unlock the car and often start it without inserting a traditional key. Many cars use it with a proximity system so the car can detect the fob nearby.

An infotainment screen is the main display in a car used for media (music, radio), navigation, and vehicle settings. It often replaces or integrates controls that used to be separate buttons and knobs.

The host is describing a vehicle designed with minimal complexity—fewer electronics, fewer convenience features, and simpler mechanical construction. In practice, that can mean easier maintenance and fewer failure points, but it may also mean fewer comfort and tech features.

A “single cast” frame would be made from one large molded piece. Saying the frame is “a bunch of welds together” points to a welded steel structure, which is typically easier to manufacture and repair than a complex one-piece casting.

The Tata Nano is a famously low-cost city car from Tata Motors, launched with the goal of making car ownership affordable in India. It became well-known because it was priced around $7,000 at launch, but sales didn’t meet expectations.

The episode includes a general discussion about “truck” buying and consumer expectations, implying a broader topic rather than a single model. It’s tied to a segment about who a particular truck is for and how simplifying choices affects buyers. The mention suggests the hosts are talking about the truck market and preferences.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a crossover-style vehicle with pickup-like utility, often discussed as a “truck-ish” option. In the episode, it’s mentioned for its “interesting factor,” suggesting the speaker sees it as a standout choice. It’s brought up as part of a sequence of vehicles being evaluated for appeal.

The Fiat 500E is Fiat’s electric version of the 500, and it’s known for being a compact, city-friendly EV with a relatively limited driving range. In the segment, Doug highlights it as a “low-range electric,” meaning it’s better suited to short trips than long-distance use.

“Low-range electric” describes an EV with a shorter driving range per charge. That usually changes how people use the car day-to-day—more short trips, fewer long drives without planning charging stops.

“Duramax” refers to GM’s diesel engine family, commonly found in heavy-duty GM trucks. The phrase “Duramax heavy duty” is used here to contrast a more traditional, work-focused diesel truck with a different kind of pickup that targets a different buyer.

The Ford Ranger is a mid-size pickup truck positioned between small and full-size trucks. It’s discussed because it’s part of the broader “small truck” conversation in the U.S. market, alongside other compact/mid-size options. The episode references it in the context of where it fits in that lineup.

The Ford Transit Custom is a commercial van platform used for transporting people or cargo. The episode mentions it alongside other Ford van names, indicating a discussion about which van models to consider. It’s brought up as part of a broader “Transit” family conversation.

A convertible is a car with a roof that can be removed or folded away, typically to expose the cabin to open-air driving. In the segment, the hosts are debating whether a convertible version of an SUV/crossover would be desirable and why the market seems to be responding to that demand.

The Jeep Wrangler is a rugged off-road SUV line known for its removable doors and roof options, which makes it one of the most “open-air” mainstream SUVs. The hosts use Wrangler sales as a data point to argue that buyers do respond to convertible/open-top style vehicles, even if the broader market doesn’t offer many convertible SUVs.

The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV positioned as a smaller, more approachable alternative in the Bronco lineup. It’s discussed in the context of being “boxy” and competing in the same size category as other compact SUVs. The episode frames it as a direct competitor by size and styling.

CR-V (spoken here as “CRV”) is Honda’s compact crossover model line. In this segment, it’s part of the host’s comparison set for how the returning Element might be positioned as a practical, boxy competitor.

HR-V (spoken here as “HRV”) is Honda’s subcompact crossover nameplate. The host is using it as a comparison for the Element’s expected “cutesy, square” vibe and size category.

This is an enthusiast shorthand for a known risk scenario: using a hose on a vehicle can trap moisture and encourage mold growth, especially if water gets into seams, upholstery, or hard-to-dry areas. The hosts frame it as a recurring Element owner debate.

The Honda Element is a boxy, utilitarian compact SUV/crossover from Honda known for its flexible, easy-to-clean interior and practical layout. It became popular with people who wanted something that felt like a small, rugged “lifestyle” vehicle rather than a traditional family hauler.

The Honda Passport is a mid-size SUV in Honda’s lineup, typically aimed at buyers who want more space and capability than a compact SUV. In the transcript, it’s used as a benchmark to say the new/related Honda product won’t be “bad,” even if expectations are high.

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV focused on easy daily driving and practical packaging. In the episode, it’s referenced as being “squared off,” suggesting a discussion about design changes or expectations for the next version. The mention is tied to planning and what the vehicle might look like.

A sunroof is a glass (or sometimes metal) panel in the roof that can tilt and/or slide open for ventilation and sunlight. They mention it as part of what the “previous one” had, contrasting it with a full convertible.

The 4Runner is Toyota’s midsize SUV known for rugged capability and a traditional, durable approach. In the episode, the mention appears in a context that ties to an ad read and a “not a full convertible” clarification, contrasting it with a different vehicle concept. It’s used to anchor the conversation around the 4Runner name and what form it’s taking.

Lucid Gravity is Lucid’s electric SUV/minivan-style vehicle, positioned as a more practical alternative to traditional EV sedans. In this segment, the hosts focus on how its pricing and positioning affect demand—especially compared with the idea of a $125,000 minivan.

Porsche is mentioned in the context of EV strategy—specifically, launching sedans as early EV products. The host uses Porsche as an example of an automaker that made a “mistake” by starting with a sedan before expanding to other body styles.

Rivian is an EV brand known for electric SUVs and trucks, often competing in the same “family EV” conversations as other high-priced EVs. Here, it’s mentioned as an alternative that buyers might choose instead of a minivan-style EV.

Transaction price is the actual amount a buyer pays for a vehicle after considering discounts, incentives, and any negotiated deal structure. It can be very different from sticker price or marketing numbers, which is why the host emphasizes it when discussing demand.

Kia is referenced via its advertising slogan (“tell your ride”), implying a marketing/positioning point rather than a specific model. In this segment, it’s used as a punchline about what the upcoming vehicle should look like and how it should appeal to a target audience.

The G-Wagon refers to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a boxy, rugged SUV with a long-standing reputation and strong brand identity. The hosts use it as an example of a “boxy” design that automakers might copy because it sells. In this segment, they contrast that with other models that chose different styling and then faced weak sales.

The BMW XM is BMW’s high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV. The hosts mention it in the context of automakers choosing a different design direction than the classic boxy G-Class. It’s used as an example of a model that didn’t follow the “boxy” formula.

A second shift of production is an additional work schedule (beyond the first shift) used to increase factory output. Eliminating it is a way to slow production without shutting the plant down entirely. In this context, it’s presented as a response to uncertainty in how many vehicles Lucid will sell.

The Arizona facility is Lucid’s production site referenced in the segment. The hosts say Lucid eliminated a second production shift there, which typically reduces output and can be a response to demand or inventory levels. This is a manufacturing decision with direct implications for how quickly cars reach customers.

Guidance is a company’s forward-looking sales or production forecast it communicates to investors and the market. Suspending guidance signals uncertainty about demand and how quickly cars will move off lots. Here, Lucid pauses guidance because it’s not sure how many Gravity units it will sell given inventory.

Elevated inventory means there are more unsold vehicles on hand than the company wants. When inventory is high, automakers may pause or adjust sales forecasts because demand may not keep up with production. In the segment, Lucid suspends guidance partly because it isn’t sure how many cars it will sell given that inventory situation.

“Range” is how far an EV can drive on a full battery charge, usually measured under standardized test conditions. The host is emphasizing that this EV’s claimed range is unusually high compared with other EVs at the time of the discussion.

The Lucid Air is an electric sedan known for its performance and modern technology. The episode frames it as an impressive car that stands out to people considering an EV. It’s mentioned because someone asked whether they should buy one, and the host responded positively about it.

This is a discussion of how depreciation can make EVs cheaper after their initial launch period. The host is implying that buying a used Lucid Air may be a better value than buying new, even if there could be future ownership tradeoffs.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck built for the U.S. market, and it’s one of the examples mentioned in the episode of cars being produced in America and sold in Japan. That matters because the episode is discussing how U.S.-built vehicles can be held to different presentation/quality expectations than Japanese-market buyers are used to.

The Nissan Murano is a midsize SUV, and the episode focuses on how Japan-market paperwork can indicate it was built to overseas specifications. The host then lists cosmetic/fit-and-finish issues that may show up on these cars—like dust in the paint, sealant residue, or uneven panel gaps—while still claiming they don’t affect how the vehicle functions.

Tariffs are taxes or trade barriers that governments apply to imported goods. In the episode, tariffs are mentioned as part of an agreement that helped open the door for more U.S. exports to Japan, which then affects which cars get built in America and sold in Japan.

Paint finish refers to the final surface appearance of a car’s paint—how smooth it looks, how cleanly it lays down, and how free it is from visible defects. The episode argues that differences in paint finishes can come from the car’s design/manufacturing focus for different markets, not necessarily from poor workmanship.

Panel gaps are the visible spacing between adjacent body panels (like doors, fenders, and hatches). The episode uses “uneven paneling gaps” as an example of fit-and-finish differences that can appear on cars built for overseas markets, even when the vehicle’s functionality is unaffected.

Sealant residue is leftover material from the compounds used during body assembly to seal joints and prevent water/air intrusion. The episode mentions it as a possible cosmetic difference on some Murano sold in Japan, along with other fit-and-finish items like panel gaps.

A turbo V6 is a six-cylinder engine (V6 layout) that uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders. In this segment, the hosts connect the turbo V6 to a recall and catastrophic engine failures (“exploding engines”).

A vehicle recall is when the manufacturer asks owners to bring cars in for a fix because of a safety or major defect. Here, the hosts say the affected Tundra vehicles are being recalled and some are getting replacement engines.

“Accent cycle” is likely a mis-transcription of a specific engine cycle/operating strategy name, used to explain why the hybrid powertrain avoids the same failure mode. The key idea is that the hybrid’s powertrain uses a different operating approach even if it shares components, changing how the engine is stressed.

“Powertrain” is the set of components that create and deliver motion—typically the engine, transmission, and any hybrid/electric elements. The hosts emphasize “same powertrain” to argue that the non-hybrid and hybrid versions share major architecture, yet only one is affected, pointing to differences in how it’s operated.

A hybrid powertrain is the combined system in a hybrid car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor (plus their control electronics and battery). In this discussion, the point is that if the gasoline engine fails, the remaining hybrid components may still be able to move the car to safety.

The National Highway Safety Administration is the U.S. regulator that oversees vehicle safety rules and can require recalls when defects pose safety risks. In this segment, it’s referenced as the authority Toyota is convincing regarding whether a hybrid failure scenario warrants a recall.

A safety recall is a government- or manufacturer-initiated action to fix a defect that could create a safety risk. The segment argues that regulators may decide a hybrid’s behavior during a failure doesn’t qualify as a safety issue, so a recall might not be required.

A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. It’s often associated with stronger low-end power and smoothness, which is why some buyers prefer V8s over smaller engines like a six-cylinder.

“Six cylinder” refers to an inline-six or V6 engine configuration with six cylinders total. The speaker is arguing that a six-cylinder powertrain can be excellent—until a failure forces reliance on the hybrid system.

A “hybrid engine” in this context refers to the hybrid system’s combined operation—gas engine plus electric motor(s)—rather than just a single engine. The speaker’s point is that when the main engine is compromised, the hybrid system can still provide propulsion to get the vehicle to a safe place.

A powertrain is the set of components that create and deliver motion—typically the engine, transmission, and related driveline parts. In this segment, the hosts question whether recall-related powertrain changes improve reliability.

“2UZ” refers to Toyota’s 4.7-liter V8 engine family, and “VA” is used here as part of the engine’s naming. The host is proposing swapping that V8 into a Sequoia hybrid, implying they think a conventional V8 might be more reliable than the hybrid powertrain.

In automotive talk, “reliability” means how consistently a vehicle avoids breakdowns and major repairs over time. The hosts contrast reliability with speed, emphasizing that the recall discussion is really about preventing problems rather than making the car faster.

A quarter mile is a drag-racing distance: the car accelerates from a stop and runs 1/4 mile (about 402 meters). It’s commonly used to compare acceleration performance using elapsed time (like “8.3 seconds”).

This segment focuses on a drag-racing record tied to a specific production car’s quarter-mile performance. The hosts discuss the milestone speed and elapsed time, plus the existence of recorded footage.

“8.3 seconds” here is the elapsed time for the car to cover the quarter mile. In drag racing, lower elapsed time means stronger acceleration and overall performance over that distance.

189.76 mph is the recorded trap speed for the quarter-mile run. Trap speed is a key drag-racing metric because it reflects how much speed the car builds by the end of the distance.

Koenigsegg Jesko is a high-horsepower hypercar known for extreme acceleration and top-end performance. In this segment, the hosts discuss its published quarter-mile result and how impressive it is given it’s rear-wheel drive and not electric or hybrid.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) means the engine sends power to the rear wheels. On hard launches, RWD cars can be traction-limited compared with all-wheel drive, so very fast drag times are especially notable when a car is RWD.

Zero to 60 time measures how many seconds it takes a car to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph (about 97 km/h). It’s a common performance metric because it captures launch behavior, traction, and drivetrain response.

A launch problem refers to something that limits acceleration right at the start of a run—often traction loss, torque delivery issues, or how the car manages power during the initial shift/engagement. It can make a car slower in the first part of a drag run even if it catches up later.

Trap speed is the speed a car reaches at the end of a drag strip timing zone (often near the finish line). It’s a key indicator of how much speed the car gained over the run, and it helps explain why a car can be faster even if you’re comparing different acceleration profiles.

Z71 is Chevrolet’s off-road trim designation, most commonly seen on Silverado trucks. It generally signals hardware and tuning aimed at rough terrain—like off-road suspension components and more capable tires.

Goodwood refers to the Goodwood Estate in the UK, which hosts major motorsport and car events. The hosts mention driving a Lego car there, using it as a recognizable venue for automotive stunts and showcases.

Friction is the resistive force between surfaces in contact. In the context of a Lego-built car, the hosts are suggesting that the block-to-block contact creates drag/resistance that affects how the model moves.

“Ghost mode” is a named driving/operating mode used on some electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce noise and/or change how the car behaves. In this context, the speaker is saying the car has multiple electric modes, with “Ghost mode” being one of them.

The Morgan Midsummer Coupe is a Morgan-bodied coupe concept built in partnership with Pininfarina. It’s notable because it’s described as using BMW’s B58 3.0-liter inline-six and pairing that with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.

B58 refers to BMW’s modular inline-six engine family, known for strong power and smoothness for its size. In this context, it’s the engine source for the Morgan Midsummer Coupe, which is a notable swap away from older, simpler powertrains.

An 8-speed ZF transmission is a multi-gear automatic gearbox made by ZF, designed to keep the engine in its efficient power band. Using an 8-speed unit is a common way to improve drivability and responsiveness versus older fewer-gear automatics.

Pininfarina is an Italian design and coachbuilding company best known for shaping the look of many Ferraris and other high-end cars. The segment discusses how Pininfarina’s ownership and design direction changed after it was purchased by Mahindra, and how that affected Ferrari’s thinking about keeping design in-house.

Mahindra is an Indian automaker and industrial group that acquired Pininfarina. In this discussion, Mahindra’s ownership is used as the turning point for why Pininfarina’s design identity may have shifted away from what Ferrari wanted.

A coupe is a fixed-roof two-door car category, typically with a more rigid structure than a convertible. The discussion contrasts coupe production numbers versus convertible numbers, implying different manufacturing or structural constraints.

“Midwinter” is referenced as the name the coupe “should have been called,” mirroring the “Midsummer” naming for the convertible. This is a naming/branding detail tied to limited variants rather than a general automotive term.

Driver monitoring systems (DMS) are cameras and sensors that watch the driver’s face and eyes to confirm they’re paying attention. If the system thinks the driver is distracted or not present, it can warn the driver or limit/disable certain driver-assistance features.

In this context, a “bobblehead of a face” is a physical prop placed in front of the driver-monitoring camera. It’s used as a workaround to make the system believe the driver is present and looking forward, even when they aren’t.

Tesla is the automaker whose cars are specifically called out here for using driver monitoring systems that can be fooled. The point is that Tesla’s attention-detection camera can be tricked by placing something in front of it that looks like the driver is watching.

The Peugeot 208 is a subcompact hatchback, and this one is described as having a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. The host also points out the steering feel/size differences, which matters because small cars often feel quicker and more “direct” at low speeds than heavier cars.

“Turbocharged” means the engine uses a turbocharger to force more air into the cylinders, allowing a smaller engine to make useful power. A “one liter” turbo setup is common in modern small cars because it targets good fuel economy while still feeling responsive.

A “three-cylinder” engine has three combustion cylinders instead of the more common four or six. In small turbo cars, three-cylinders are often chosen for packaging and efficiency, but they can feel different in smoothness and sound compared with larger multi-cylinder engines.

Power steering is a system that reduces the physical effort needed to turn the steering wheel, typically using a hydraulic pump or an electric motor. If it feels unusually heavy, it can indicate the system isn’t assisting properly—or simply that the new car’s steering calibration is different.

The Chevrolet Captiva is a compact SUV that the host mentions as something they didn’t want to rent. The context is about choosing a “cool” rental vehicle, and the speaker says they were not given a Captiva. It’s referenced mainly as a point of contrast in a rental story.

Abruzzo is a mountainous region in central Italy, east of Rome, known for winding roads through the Apennines. The hosts use it as a real-world driving environment to judge how “big” or “small” a rental car feels on tight corners and narrow stretches.

The Mazda MX-5, commonly called the Miata, is a lightweight two-seat roadster known for its simple, fun driving feel. It’s often discussed because it’s one of the most accessible “driver’s cars” and is easy to enjoy on twisty roads. In the episode, it’s mentioned as a car the host thinks about owning or renting.

The Lexus LFA is Lexus’s halo supercar, best known for its high-revving V10 engine and exotic, track-focused character. It’s a modern enthusiast icon because it was built in relatively small numbers and is famous for its distinctive sound and performance feel.

The Porsche 911 Turbo in the 964 generation is known for bringing turbocharging to a more modern, refined 911-era platform (compared with earlier turbos). It’s a key enthusiast reference point because it blends classic 911 shape with an evolution of turbo performance and drivability.

The Lotus Emira is a sports car focused on driving feel and lightweight performance. In the episode, it’s mentioned in the context of “Toyota sports cars,” suggesting the speaker is comparing different sports-car options and their appeal. The reference is brief but places the Emira in the sports-car conversation.