{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Sony-Honda JV Dead, Mercedes Crossover Impresses, New Mazda CX-5 Tech","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/sony-honda-jv-dead-mercedes-crossover-impresses-new-mazda-cx-5-tech","audioUrl":"https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/mgln.ai/e/1385/injector.simplecastaudio.com/acaf4dd6-46d2-4c27-bf92-b499221aec9a/episodes/14bb5717-f488-4be6-adc3-7e2f3b820240/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=acaf4dd6-46d2-4c27-bf92-b499221aec9a&awEpisodeId=14bb5717-f488-4be6-adc3-7e2f3b820240&feed=YUUOu_sR","description":"The hosts open the show noting that the power-seat recall affecting the Hyundai Palisade has expanded to the mechanically similar Kia Telluride. Listen in for details.\nAs predicted in a previous episode, Tom shares news of the dissolution of the Afeela electric-vehicle brand. Afeela was a Honda/Sony joint venture nearing production of a premium midsize sedan built in the U.S.\nTom also discussed the potential impact of E15 fuel, which has been federally approved for national distribution. E15 gasoline has 5 percent more ethanol content than E10, which is common in most states. The blended fuel may help lower gasoline pump prices, but has its downsides.\nStill in the first segment, Jill reviews the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 midsize crossover. Listen in for her review.\nIn the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Matthew Valbuena to the show. Mathew is Mazda Project Manager of In-Vehicle Technology, and shares with the hosts a number of connectivity features found in the all-new 2026 CX-5 small crossover.\nIn the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's \"CVT or Automatic\" quiz, featuring a bonus question about radishes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising."},"annotations":[{"startTime":111.2,"endTime":116.8,"type":"concept","title":"recall","url":"/glossary/recall","quote":"Last week we talked a little bit about the Hyundai Palisade and that recall. And I suggested that perhaps the Telluride, the Kia Telluride would get caught up in that swirling mass and it has.","canonicalId":"concept:recall","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A recall is when a manufacturer (or regulator) requires a fix for a safety-related defect or noncompliance. It often includes software updates, parts replacement, or inspection steps, and can lead to dealers being told not to sell affected vehicles until repaired.","simplifiedExplanation":"A recall means the car maker admits there’s a safety problem and asks owners to get it fixed. Until it’s fixed, dealers may be told not to sell the affected cars."}},{"startTime":111.22,"endTime":115.98,"type":"car","title":"Hyundai Palisade","url":"/cars/hyundai/palisade","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4f/Hyundai_Palisade_IMG_7301.jpg","quote":"Last week we talked a little bit about the Hyundai Palisade and that recall. And I suggested that perhaps the Telluride, the Kia Telluride would get caught up in that swirling mass and it has.","canonicalId":"car:hyundai:palisade","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Hyundai Palisade is a three-row midsize SUV. In this segment, it’s mentioned in connection with a recall and a serious incident involving the power-folding/adjusting seating area.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Hyundai Palisade is a family SUV with three rows of seats. They’re talking about a safety issue that led to a recall because a person was hurt related to how the seats/sensors worked.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":194.28,"endTime":195.44,"type":"car","title":"Toyota Land Cruiser","url":"/cars/toyota/land-cruiser","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/40/Cemoro-Lawang_Indonesia_Toyota-Land-Cruiser-01.jpg","quote":"That's the bad news.  I just drove the Land Cruiser.  It has been a minute since I've driven that.","canonicalId":"car:toyota:land-cruiser","priority":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size, body-on-frame SUV known for durability and off-road capability. It often comes up in conversations about long-term ownership because it’s built to handle tough conditions and high mileage. The podcast mention fits because the host is reacting to driving one again after a long time.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Land Cruiser is a large SUV made for tough driving, including rough roads and off-road trails. People talk about it a lot because it’s designed to last a long time. In the episode, they’re simply saying they recently drove one again.","imageAttribution":"CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0)"}},{"startTime":252.4,"endTime":256.7,"type":"term","title":"exhaust burble","url":"/glossary/exhaust-burble","quote":"This engine just squirts from the line. It makes a wonderful exhaust burble...","canonicalId":"term:exhaust-burble","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An exhaust burble is the popping or “burbling” sound that can occur when you lift off the throttle or during certain throttle transitions. Some modern vehicles use engine management and sometimes hybrid/valve strategies to make the sound more noticeable.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Exhaust burble” is the little pop/burp sound you hear from the exhaust. Some cars make it more obvious to sound sportier."}},{"startTime":408.8,"endTime":410.5,"type":"term","title":"Apple CarPlay","url":"/glossary/apple-carplay","quote":"And that was, that was GM Bones.\nYep.\nAnd it had Apple CarPlay.","canonicalId":"term:apple-carplay","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Apple CarPlay is a smartphone-integration system that lets you use compatible iPhone apps through your car’s infotainment screen. It typically supports navigation, music, calls, and messaging via the car’s controls.","simplifiedExplanation":"Apple CarPlay lets you connect your iPhone to the car. Then you can use apps like maps and music on the car’s screen."}},{"startTime":442.0,"endTime":445.7,"type":"concept","title":"sales dog","url":"/glossary/sales-dog","quote":"Because they're replacing the Highlander.\n\nThe Ascent has been a sales dog.\n\nYeah.\n\nIt's not doing a lot for Subaru there.","canonicalId":"concept:sales-dog","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Sales dog” is a slang term meaning a model that isn’t selling well compared to expectations or competitors. In this context, the hosts say the Subaru Ascent hasn’t been performing strongly.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Sales dog” just means a car model that isn’t selling very well. They’re saying the Ascent hasn’t been a big success."}},{"startTime":468.4,"endTime":475.1,"type":"concept","title":"New York Auto Show","url":"/glossary/new-york-auto-show","quote":"So I'm going to the New York Auto Show. Oh, okay. Tomorrow. You're going to be there. And they are hosting a dinner.","canonicalId":"concept:new-york-auto-show","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The New York Auto Show is a major North American event where automakers showcase new vehicles, technologies, and sometimes concept cars. It’s also a common place for press briefings and interviews, which is why the host says they’ll ask questions and try to get a guest.","simplifiedExplanation":"The New York Auto Show is a big car event where companies show off new cars and updates. People often use it to talk to the press and answer questions."}},{"startTime":490.8,"endTime":503.0,"type":"term","title":"E15","quote":"Okay. But because of gas prices, the government, our federal government is considering actually has approved the use of E15. Now, most gas that we buy now...","canonicalId":"term:e15","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"E15 is gasoline blended with 15% ethanol. It’s intended to reduce reliance on petroleum and can be used in vehicles that are certified for higher-ethanol blends.","simplifiedExplanation":"E15 is regular gasoline mixed with more alcohol (ethanol). Not every car can use it—only vehicles that are specifically approved for E15."}},{"startTime":493.4,"endTime":499.4,"type":"term","title":"E10","url":"/glossary/e-10","quote":"Now, most gas that we buy now, I think all gas we buy in Illinois is E10, which means it's 10% ethanol.","canonicalId":"term:e-10","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"E10 is gasoline blended with 10% ethanol, which is the most common ethanol-gas blend in the U.S. Many vehicles are designed to run on E10 without major changes.","simplifiedExplanation":"E10 means your gas has about 10% alcohol mixed in. Most cars on the road are made to handle this blend."}},{"startTime":666.8,"endTime":682.2,"type":"brand","title":"GM","url":"/glossary/gm","quote":"Well, you remember many moons ago when they did the E85, you know, GM had that partnership with it.","canonicalId":"brand:gm","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"GM refers to General Motors, which has historically explored ethanol and flex-fuel strategies through partnerships and vehicle programs. Their involvement is relevant because it ties to how automakers test alternative fuels in real vehicles.","simplifiedExplanation":"GM is General Motors, one of the big car companies. They’ve experimented with alternative fuels like ethanol blends in the past."}},{"startTime":772.5,"endTime":790.0,"type":"company","title":"General Motors","url":"/glossary/general-motors","quote":"Cruz was shut down by General Motors. ... General Motors may have shut down Cruz. ... they're still working on it maybe.","canonicalId":"company:general-motors","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"General Motors (GM) is the automaker behind major investments in autonomous driving. The segment suggests GM shut down Cruz Automation but still continues autonomy-related work.","simplifiedExplanation":"General Motors is a big car company that has been trying to develop self-driving technology. Even after shutting down one partner, they may still be working on the tech elsewhere."}},{"startTime":822.8,"endTime":827.3,"type":"concept","title":"Tesla","url":"/glossary/tesla","quote":"So Waymo, Zooks and Tesla still out there, very public people are watching them.","canonicalId":"concept:tesla","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Tesla is an automaker that has promoted driver-assistance and autonomy features through over-the-air updates. In this segment, Tesla is grouped with other highly visible players as a contrast to GM’s “operating in the dark” approach.","simplifiedExplanation":"Tesla is a major car company that’s been pushing self-driving-related technology. The hosts bring it up because Tesla’s progress is more visible to the public."}},{"startTime":837.8,"endTime":845.0,"type":"car","title":"Mercedes GLE 450","url":"/cars/mercedes-benz/gle","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/2023_Mercedes-AMG_GLE_63_S_4MATIC_IMG_9842.jpg","quote":"You know, so I had the Mercedes GLE 450 and that is a really, really comfortable road trip vehicle.","canonicalId":"car:mercedes-benz:gle","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is a midsize, two-row SUV in the GLE lineup. It’s positioned as a comfort-focused road trip vehicle, but with a firmer ride and more driver-oriented handling than some softer rivals.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 is a bigger SUV meant for comfortable highway driving. It’s built to carry people and luggage, but it can feel a bit firm over rough roads.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":911.3,"endTime":952.2,"type":"term","title":"gauge cluster","url":"/glossary/gauge-cluster","quote":"[911.3s]  But it's a mono screen that goes from the gauge cluster to the infotainment system.\n[917.1s]  What did we just see that didn't have that?\n[947.6s]  What's interesting about this is that it does bring the face of the gauges on the instrument panel,","canonicalId":"term:gauge-cluster","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The gauge cluster is the instrument panel behind the steering wheel that shows key driving information like speed, RPM, fuel level, and engine temperature. In newer cars, it may be integrated into a digital display that can be styled and brightness-adjusted.","simplifiedExplanation":"The gauge cluster is the part behind the steering wheel that shows things like your speed and fuel level. On newer cars, it can be a digital screen instead of traditional dials."}},{"startTime":1000.4,"endTime":1003.3,"type":"term","title":"analog gauges","url":"/glossary/analog-gauges","quote":"[1000.4s]  And it just essentially replicates analog gauges.\n[1003.3s]  And I'm like, why?\n[1004.0s]  Why are you doing this to me?","canonicalId":"term:analog-gauges","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Analog gauges” are traditional physical dials with needles and markings. The speaker is contrasting them with digital clusters that try to imitate the look of those dials rather than using the flexibility of a screen.","simplifiedExplanation":"Analog gauges are the classic dashboard dials with needles. The speaker is saying some digital screens just copy that old look."}},{"startTime":1036.6,"endTime":1046.9,"type":"concept","title":"US News and World Report","url":"/glossary/us-news-and-world-report","quote":"And I will say, I'm going to be writing this story for US News and World Report.\n[1041.3s]  And they require that you take like a hundred photos of the car.","canonicalId":"concept:us-news-and-world-report","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"US News & World Report is a major U.S. media outlet that publishes car reviews and rankings. The speaker mentions their review process requiring extensive photo documentation and specific presentation standards, which can affect how reviewers capture interior/exterior details.","simplifiedExplanation":"US News & World Report is a media company that does car reviews. They have a strict review workflow, including taking lots of photos and meeting presentation rules."}},{"startTime":1078.8,"endTime":1088.4,"type":"term","title":"shifter","url":"/glossary/shifter","quote":"...I'll take a picture of the shifter, the gear selector, usually on the center console.","canonicalId":"term:shifter","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The shifter (gear selector) is the control used to choose the transmission’s gear position, usually mounted on the center console. For photos, it’s a common spot to show how the interior layout and controls feel and look.","simplifiedExplanation":"The shifter is the lever or control you use to pick gears. It’s often on the center console and it’s a big part of how the interior looks in pictures."}},{"startTime":1080.3,"endTime":1088.4,"type":"term","title":"center console","url":"/glossary/center-console","quote":"...I'll take a picture of the shifter, the gear selector, usually on the center console.","canonicalId":"term:center-console","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The center console is the area between the front seats that typically houses the shifter, cupholders, infotainment controls, and storage. It’s frequently finished in glossy trim, which can be visually distracting in photos due to reflections.","simplifiedExplanation":"The center console is the part in the middle of the car between the seats. It often holds the shifter and other controls, and it can be shiny so fingerprints show up."}},{"startTime":1112.2,"endTime":1114.7,"type":"term","title":"fit and finish","url":"/glossary/fit-and-finish","quote":"...I like the technology. The fit and finish is good. Seats are a little firm, but mostly comfortable.","canonicalId":"term:fit-and-finish","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Fit and finish describes how well the interior and exterior components line up and how cleanly they’re assembled—panel gaps, surface quality, and how parts feel together. It’s a common way reviewers describe overall build quality.","simplifiedExplanation":"Fit and finish is how well the car is put together—things like how tight the gaps are and how nice the surfaces feel. It’s basically a “build quality” score."}},{"startTime":1158.2,"endTime":1168.6,"type":"term","title":"headliner","url":"/glossary/headliner","quote":"You who are German could probably say that in the black fabric headliner. But the black fabric headliner was like $4,000.","canonicalId":"term:headliner","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The headliner is the interior lining on the roof of the car. In this segment, the speaker notes that a “black fabric headliner” was an expensive option, illustrating how interior trim choices can materially affect price."}},{"startTime":2165.0,"endTime":2189.9,"type":"brand","title":"Google Assistant","url":"/glossary/google-assistant","quote":"So it's kind of like Google Assistant, but maybe on steroids... And when that comes out, the user will be able to do more by voice than what they can currently do with Google Assistant.","canonicalId":"brand:google-assistant","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Google Assistant is Google’s earlier generation voice assistant used in many connected-vehicle systems. This segment frames Gemini as an upgrade—allowing more tasks by voice than what Google Assistant can currently do in the car.","simplifiedExplanation":"Google Assistant is Google’s voice helper. They’re saying Gemini is a newer, smarter version that should let you control more things."}},{"startTime":2192.1,"endTime":2235.1,"type":"concept","title":"Google Gemini","url":"/glossary/google-gemini","quote":"If users out there already have Gemini on their smartphone... But with Google Gemini, you're able to take things to a deeper level. And you can say, hey, can you find me a gluten-free Indian restaurant that's also child-friendly?","canonicalId":"concept:google-gemini","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Google Gemini is Google’s newer AI assistant that can understand more complex requests than basic voice commands. The speaker describes it as being able to interpret multi-part criteria (like dietary needs and family-friendliness) when searching for destinations.","simplifiedExplanation":"Google Gemini is an AI that can understand more detailed voice requests. Instead of just “find a restaurant,” you can ask for specific needs like “gluten-free” and “good for kids.”"}},{"startTime":2378.6,"endTime":2382.7,"type":"concept","title":"on sale","url":"/glossary/on-sale","quote":"It's at dealerships nationwide now, so it's on sale as we speak.","canonicalId":"concept:on-sale","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“On sale” means the vehicle is officially available for purchase through dealers. For buyers, it usually signals that ordering and deliveries are underway, not just that a model has been announced.","simplifiedExplanation":"“On sale” means you can actually buy the car now at dealerships. It’s not just a preview or announcement anymore."}},{"startTime":2532.7,"endTime":2535.6,"type":"concept","title":"does not have stepped gears","url":"/glossary/does-not-have-stepped-gears","quote":"The CVT does not have stepped gears. There isn't just six speed, eight speed, seven speed, nine speed, three speed if you go back far enough, two speed if you go back really far.","canonicalId":"concept:does-not-have-stepped-gears","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Stepped gears” refers to fixed gear positions (like 6-speed or 8-speed) where the transmission shifts between discrete ratios. CVTs avoid this by continuously blending ratios, which can feel different from a conventional automatic.","simplifiedExplanation":"Most cars have set gears—like 1st, 2nd, 3rd—where the transmission shifts at specific points. A CVT doesn’t do that; it changes smoothly instead."}},{"startTime":2700.7,"endTime":2706.8,"type":"concept","title":"price point","url":"/glossary/price-point","quote":"But I mean, for what it was and the price point that it came in at, when it first came out, I thought it was amazing.","canonicalId":"concept:price-point","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Price point” is the specific price tier a vehicle is sold at, which strongly affects what materials and features you should expect. When the speaker says the interior felt plasticky but the price point was right, they’re judging value rather than absolute luxury.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Price point” just means the price level the car is sold for. A cheaper car often uses more plastic inside, and that’s part of what people mean by “value.”"}},{"startTime":2726.0,"endTime":2730.9,"type":"concept","title":"fastback","url":"/glossary/fastback","quote":"And part of the deal is they sell the Eclipse Cross, which is sort of a fastback.","canonicalId":"concept:fastback","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “fastback” is a body shape where the roofline slopes smoothly down toward the rear, instead of having a more upright hatchback profile. Automakers use this styling to differentiate crossovers that are otherwise similar in size and packaging.","simplifiedExplanation":"A fastback is a car shape where the roof slopes down toward the back. It’s mostly about styling, but it can help a crossover look different."}},{"startTime":2792.1,"endTime":2794.0,"type":"term","title":"plug-in hybrid","url":"/glossary/plug-in-hybrid","quote":"The Pee-hev, the plug-in hybrid is gone. Yes.","canonicalId":"term:plug-in-hybrid","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A plug-in hybrid combines a battery you can charge externally with a conventional hybrid powertrain. The key advantage is the ability to drive some trips purely on electric power, reducing fuel use."}},{"startTime":2903.2,"endTime":2906.3,"type":"term","title":"aftermarket supercharger","url":"/glossary/aftermarket-supercharger","quote":"There was an aftermarket supercharger available for that. And I'm sure that no one bought one ever.","canonicalId":"term:aftermarket-supercharger","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An aftermarket supercharger is a belt-driven forced-induction system added by a third party to increase engine airflow and power. On a low-volume car like the Honda CR-Z, it’s especially notable because factory performance options are limited, so the aftermarket becomes the main path to more boost.","simplifiedExplanation":"A supercharger is a device that forces extra air into the engine to make more power. “Aftermarket” means it’s added later by companies other than the car’s manufacturer."}},{"startTime":3178.7,"endTime":3180.1,"type":"concept","title":"subcompact crossover","url":"/glossary/subcompact-crossover","quote":"The CX-30 is next. That's the subcompact crossover.","canonicalId":"concept:subcompact-crossover","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A subcompact crossover is a small SUV-style vehicle that typically blends car-like driving with higher seating and more ground clearance. It’s usually smaller than compact crossovers like the CX-5, making it easier to maneuver and park.","simplifiedExplanation":"A subcompact crossover is a small SUV. It’s usually easier to drive and park than bigger SUVs, but still feels roomy."}},{"startTime":3237.4,"endTime":3246.2,"type":"concept","title":"electric vehicle","url":"/glossary/ev","quote":"That car, the Lexus RZ 550E, which is a bunch of name, is Lexus's electric vehicle.","canonicalId":"concept:ev","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"An electric vehicle (EV) runs on electricity stored in a battery pack rather than gasoline. For buyers, EVs change ownership considerations like charging access, charging speed, and battery warranty terms.","simplifiedExplanation":"An electric vehicle is a car that uses a battery instead of gas. You usually charge it at home or at public chargers, so charging matters a lot."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Consumer Guide Automotive","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"Tom Appel","role":"host"},{"id":"s3","name":"Jill Ciminillo","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/sony-honda-jv-dead-mercedes-crossover-impresses-new-mazda-cx-5-tech/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}