Stellantis "Core" Brands, Forester Wilderness, Used EV Prices
About this episode
The conversation jumps from Stellantis narrowing its lineup to Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat, then into Subaru’s Forester Wilderness and its real-world towing and fuel economy. From there, the hosts bring in iSeeCars data on used EVs, where Tesla stands out from non-Tesla models, before debating Toyota’s cautious EV approach and Ford’s Lightning headaches. It wraps with a Ferrari Roma Spider drive, plus some pricing, performance, and fuel-thirst talk.
Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week, as she participates in the Trinitē Road Rally. Follow the link here for details.
The hosts open the show with a number of topics, including blue-dyed diesel fuel, and Tom's one-mile test drive of the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL.
Paul and Tom go on to discuss Stellantis's "Four Core Brand" strategy, which prioritizes a few of the carmaker's high-volume brands, in terms of product development and positioning. Tune in to hear what this means for lower-volume marques.
Still in the first segment, Tom reviews the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness.
In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by iSeeCars.com Executive Analyst Karl Brauer. Karl walks the hosts through some used-EV price data, noting especially interesting price swings for pre-owned Tesla models.
In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom's "Best Seller" quiz. Also, Paul shares his review of the Ferrari Roma.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Toyota Grand Highlander
"Dear Crew, it's Toyota. With an adult-sized third-row, everyone's welcome in the Grand Highlander."
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a bigger Toyota SUV with three rows of seats. They’re pointing out that the back row is roomy enough for adults, not just kids.
The Toyota Grand Highlander is a larger three-row SUV positioned above the standard Highlander. In this segment, it’s mentioned as having an “adult-sized” third row, which is a key selling point for families who need real rear-seat space.
Toyota Sienna
"From sports fans to eco-buffs and movie fans, sync back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system."
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan. They’re mentioning that it can come with screens/entertainment for people sitting in the back.
The Toyota Sienna is a minivan, and the segment specifically mentions an available rear seat entertainment system. That feature is aimed at keeping passengers occupied on longer trips.
Volkswagen VR6
"But it's an interesting story about the Volkswagen VR6. And we'll talk about that a little later in the show if we have a chance... It was the narrowest-angle V6 ever."
The Volkswagen VR6 is a special type of engine layout. It’s basically a V6 that’s squeezed into a smaller space, so smaller cars can still get V6 power.
The Volkswagen VR6 is a distinctive engine design where the cylinders are arranged in a very narrow “V” angle, allowing a V6 to fit in tighter engine bays. In the segment, it’s described as the narrowest-angle V6 and used to fit V6 power into smaller Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen Jetta
"It was the narrowest-angle V6 ever. And it allowed Volkswagen to stuff V6 engines into the Gulf, the Jetta, into little places."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small sedan. They’re saying the VR6 engine could be put into it because the engine design was compact.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan, and the segment mentions it as one of the smaller cars that could be fitted with VR6 power. That’s relevant because the VR6’s narrow design helped it fit where a typical V6 might not.
narrowest-angle V6
"It was the narrowest-angle V6 ever. And it allowed Volkswagen to stuff V6 engines into the Gulf, the Jetta, into little places."
A “narrow-angle V6” means the V-shaped part of the engine is squeezed closer together. That helps the engine fit in smaller cars.
A “narrow-angle V6” describes a V6 engine where the two cylinder banks are set at a very small angle. Narrowing the angle helps the engine package fit into tighter engine bays, which is part of why the VR6 concept worked in smaller Volkswagen models.
Eagle Talon
"Yeah. I had an Eagle Talon TSI all-wheel drive at the time."
The Eagle Talon TSI is a sporty version of the Talon. The speaker mentions theirs was all-wheel drive, which matters for how it accelerates and grips.
The Eagle Talon TSI is a performance-oriented variant of the Talon, and the speaker mentions it specifically as an all-wheel-drive car they owned. This provides context for why they were comparing driving feel and power against a VR6-equipped Volkswagen.
Volkswagen Jetta GLX
"My wife had a 1995 Jetta GLX, which I like to call my car. But it had the VR6 five-speed manual, Eagle GAs."
The Volkswagen Jetta GLX is a nicer version of the Jetta. In this story, the important part is that the 1995 had a VR6 engine and a manual gearbox.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLX is a higher-trim version of the Jetta, and the speaker says their wife owned a 1995 model. The key point here is that it had a VR6 paired with a manual transmission, which is a notable enthusiast setup.
five-speed manual
"My wife had a 1995 Jetta GLX... But it had the VR6 five-speed manual, Eagle GAs."
A five-speed manual is a car where you use a clutch and a shifter to pick gears. In this story, it’s notable because the VR6 engine was connected to a manual gearbox.
A five-speed manual transmission uses a clutch and gear lever, with five forward gears. The speaker’s point is that the VR6 was paired with a manual, which many enthusiasts prefer for driver involvement.
torque
"So quick. And the thing about the VR6, tiny little six-cylinder engine in the place of a four, it developed good torque. Like, it liked to rev, but it would rip away from a stoplight, too."
Torque is the engine’s “pulling power.” More torque usually means the car feels stronger when you start moving, like from a stoplight.
Torque is the twisting force an engine produces, and it strongly affects how quickly a car accelerates from low speeds. Even if two cars have similar horsepower, the one with more usable torque often feels quicker in everyday driving like pulling away from stoplights.
Volvo V40
"...ar-old consumer guide. I think it was called the V40, the S40. And it was not a Volvo heritage. It wa..."
The Volvo V40 is a smaller Volvo car model. It’s the kind of car you’d look at for normal daily driving rather than something huge. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a possible name that might have been confused with another Volvo model.
The Volvo V40 is a compact car model from Volvo, typically associated with a smaller “V” platform lineup. It may be mentioned in a podcast when talking about older consumer guides or model naming, especially if the host is clarifying what model was actually being referenced. That kind of discussion helps listeners understand which Volvo model is being talked about.
Volvo S40
"...nsumer guide. I think it was called the V40, the S40. And it was not a Volvo heritage. It was actuall..."
The Volvo S40 is a compact sedan, meaning it’s a smaller four-door car with a traditional trunk. It’s mentioned in the podcast because people sometimes mix up the S40 and V40 names. The point is usually to identify the exact model being discussed.
The Volvo S40 is a compact sedan model from Volvo, and it’s often mentioned alongside the V40 because the names are similar. It can come up in podcast discussions when someone is trying to recall the exact model referenced in an older consumer guide. That makes it relevant for clarifying which specific Volvo body style—sedan versus wagon/hatch—was intended.
Ned Car
"It wasn't interesting. It wasn't built by Volvo. It was built by something called Ned Car in the Netherlands. Oh, wow. They sold it here to hit a price point, but it did not do their legacy well."
Ned Car is the company the hosts say built the car in the Netherlands. They bring it up to explain why the car didn’t really feel like it was made with true Volvo parts.
Ned Car is mentioned as the company that built the car in the Netherlands. In this segment, it’s used to explain why the car didn’t have “real Volvo components,” tying manufacturing origin to perceived brand authenticity.
Auto World
"So interesting piece of news out of, I was going to say Detroit, but that's not correct, out of Auto World. And that said, Antonio Filosa, the new CEO of Stellantis, has picked his four core brands."
Auto World is where the hosts say they saw the news they’re talking about. It’s basically a news source, not a car part or technology.
Auto World is mentioned as the source of the “piece of news” the hosts are discussing. It’s a media outlet context marker rather than a technical automotive term.
Stellantis
"And that said, Antonio Filosa, the new CEO of Stellantis, has picked his four core brands. Yes, Tom. Tell me more about this. So Stellantis is a brand new company."
Stellantis is a big car company that was created by combining two older automakers. In this segment, they’re talking about the company’s new CEO and which main car brands it wants to focus on.
Stellantis is an automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. The hosts discuss Stellantis’ leadership and its strategy of picking “core brands,” which are the main marques it wants to prioritize.
merger of Fiat Chrysler
"Like it came together in 2022. Yeah. It’s pretty darn new, but it was the merger of Fiat Chrysler. Yeah. A company that already had too many brands."
A merger is when two companies join together to run as one. The hosts are saying Stellantis was formed by combining Fiat Chrysler with another automaker, which is why it ended up with many different brands.
A merger is when two companies combine into one. Here, the hosts refer to Stellantis being created via a merger involving Fiat Chrysler, which helps explain why Stellantis ended up with a large portfolio of brands.
PSA
"And with Pujo Citroen, PSA, a company with too many brands. The net effect was a really big company with too many brands."
PSA is a big car company from France. It owned several different car brands, and that’s part of the reason people talk about the group having lots of brands.
PSA (Peugeot Société Anonyme) is a major French automaker group that owned multiple brands. In the Stellantis era, PSA’s brand lineup and corporate structure are part of why the group is described as having “too many brands.”
Chrysler Pacifica
"Chrysler has one product right now. I know, the Pacifica. That's it. That's it."
The Chrysler Pacifica is the main Chrysler vehicle the hosts mention. They’re pointing out that Chrysler doesn’t have many different models available at the moment.
The Chrysler Pacifica is Chrysler’s current model mentioned in the segment. The hosts use it as an example of how Chrysler’s lineup is relatively narrow right now.
Dodge Durango
"And Dodge has two products right now. The Durango, which is a nice truck. Yeah."
The Dodge Durango is a current Dodge SUV they mention. The hosts are saying it’s one of the better-selling or more solid options in Dodge’s lineup right now.
The Dodge Durango is one of the two Dodge products the hosts name. They describe it as “a nice truck,” framing it as a current strength in Dodge’s lineup.
Dodge Charger
"And the Charger. And the Charger, which is not selling very well for them right now. They went from all-electric with that vehicle to gasoline-powered."
The Dodge Charger is another current Dodge model they bring up. They’re saying it’s not doing as well in sales as Dodge would like.
The Dodge Charger is the second Dodge product mentioned, and the hosts note it isn’t selling very well “for them right now.” They also discuss a powertrain shift tied to the Charger’s recent evolution.
gasoline-powered
"They went from all-electric with that vehicle to gasoline-powered. Have you driven the gas version?"
Gasoline-powered means the car mainly runs on a gasoline engine. The hosts are talking about a change in how that vehicle is powered.
“Gasoline-powered” indicates the vehicle uses a gasoline engine as its primary source of propulsion. In this segment, it’s used to describe the Charger’s shift away from an all-electric setup.
all-electric
"They went from all-electric with that vehicle to gasoline-powered. Have you driven the gas version?"
All-electric means the car uses electricity from a battery to move, not gasoline. The hosts are saying that this model changed from that to using gasoline instead.
“All-electric” means the vehicle runs only on an electric motor powered by a battery, with no gasoline engine. The hosts contrast this with a later move back to gasoline power for the Charger.
inline six
"It's got the inline... Is it inline six? Yeah, the Hurricane. Yeah, inline six."
An inline six is an engine with six cylinders lined up in a row. It’s a common engine layout, and the hosts are saying the Hurricane uses it.
An inline six is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a single straight line. The hosts mention it in connection with the “Hurricane,” implying the new powertrain uses this layout.
V8
"Yeah, inline six. And then we're all waiting for the V8. Which no one has confirmed."
A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders, shaped like a V. The hosts are saying they hope a V8 version is coming, but it hasn’t been confirmed.
A V8 is an engine with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The hosts say they’re waiting for a V8, but note that no one has confirmed it yet.
Ram 1500
"And here's part of the reason it has to be coming. Ram sales, the big Ram 1500 pickup truck sales, tanked when they went six-cylinder only."
The Ram 1500 is a pickup truck. The hosts are saying that when Ram changed what engine it offered, sales dropped because many buyers didn’t like the change.
The Ram 1500 is Ram’s full-size pickup truck. In this discussion, Ram 1500 sales are used as an example of how changing engine choices can affect buyer demand.
six-cylinder
"Ram sales, the big Ram 1500 pickup truck sales, tanked when they went six-cylinder only. Yes."
A “six-cylinder” engine has six combustion chambers. The idea here is that some truck buyers wanted the traditional V8 sound and feel, so they didn’t like the switch to only six cylinders.
“Six-cylinder” means the engine has six cylinders, which changes how power is made and how the engine feels compared with V8s. The hosts are arguing that limiting the Ram 1500 to a six-cylinder setup hurt sales because many buyers expected a V8.
Hurricane engine
"And it's the same engine, the Hurricane engine, which by the way, lighter, more efficient. Great engine."
The “Hurricane engine” is a newer engine option being discussed for Ram trucks. They say it’s designed to be more efficient and lighter, but people still preferred the older V8 setup.
The “Hurricane engine” refers to a specific Ram/ Stellantis-family engine program. The hosts claim it’s lighter and more efficient than the V8 they’re comparing it to, but that buyers didn’t want to give up the V8 identity.
Hemi engine
"Than the Hemi engine, but people didn't want any part of it. You know what's the only thing wrong with it?"
A “Hemi engine” is a type of V8 engine. The hosts are saying Ram built a lot of its reputation around this engine, so when it wasn’t offered, some buyers lost interest.
A “Hemi engine” is a V8 design known for hemispherical combustion chambers (the “Hemi” name). In this segment it’s treated as part of Ram’s brand identity, and the hosts argue that removing it hurt sales.
V8 Hemi
"You know what's the only thing wrong with it? It's not a V8 Hemi. It's not a V8 Hemi."
“V8 Hemi” means a V8 engine with a specific combustion-chamber design. In this conversation it’s basically the engine people wanted, and when it was changed, sales dropped.
“V8 Hemi” combines two ideas: a V8 cylinder layout and the Hemi combustion-chamber design. Here it’s used as a shorthand for the exact engine buyers expected, and the hosts say sales suffered when that wasn’t available.
Challenger Hellcats
"...ound Hemi. They built their brand around V8s and Hellcats and Red Isle. And overnight they just pulled the..."
The Dodge Challenger is a performance car, often with a big V8 engine. It’s the kind of car people associate with strong acceleration and a classic muscle-car style. The podcast brings it up when talking about the brand’s focus on those high-performance models.
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car known for its performance-focused lineup, including V8-powered versions. It’s discussed in the podcast in the context of brand identity around big engines and models like Hellcats. That kind of mention usually signals a shift or surprise in what the brand is doing, especially when the conversation turns to “overnight” changes.
Red Isle
"They built their brand around Hemi. They built their brand around V8s and Hellcats and Red Isle."
“Red Isle” sounds like a mishearing of a performance badge name. The point is that the company marketed specific high-performance versions, and that shaped what buyers expected.
“Red Isle” appears to be a reference to the “Redeye” performance branding used by Dodge/Chrysler-era models. In this context it’s part of the hosts’ point about how the company marketed V8 performance identities.
DS
"I never heard of DS. DS is a luxury brand mostly available in France."
DS is a luxury car brand owned by Stellantis. It’s mainly sold in certain markets—here, the host says it’s mostly available in France.
DS is a luxury car brand within the Stellantis group. The hosts note it’s “mostly available in France,” which reflects how DS has historically been marketed and distributed compared with mainstream brands.
Jeep
"The four core brands now moving forward are Jeep, Ram, Pujo, and Fiat. Okay. And that's a lot of coverage, right? You've got the first two brands get to the U.S."
Jeep is a well-known car brand, especially for SUVs. Here, they’re saying Stellantis plans to focus on Jeep as one of its main brands, especially in the U.S.
Jeep is one of Stellantis’ “core brands” going forward, positioned as a key part of their lineup. The discussion frames Jeep as a brand that gets strong U.S. coverage.
core brands
"The four core brands now moving forward are Jeep, Ram, Pujo, and Fiat. Okay. And that's a lot of coverage, right? You've got the first two brands get to the U.S."
“Core brands” means the brands the company plans to focus on most. They’re talking about which brands Stellantis will emphasize in different parts of the world.
“Core brands” here means the subset of brands Stellantis intends to prioritize and keep pushing as the main pillars of its lineup. The hosts connect this to regional coverage (U.S. vs Europe vs emerging markets) and to which brands may be reduced.
Pujo
"The four core brands now moving forward are Jeep, Ram, Pujo, and Fiat. Okay. And that's a lot of coverage, right? You've got the first two brands get to the U.S. So no Chrysler? ... Pujo gets you Europe and Fiat gets you a lot of emerging markets."
“Pujo” is Peugeot, a car brand. They’re saying Peugeot is aimed more at Europe, as part of Stellantis’ plan to organize brands by region.
“Pujo” is the hosts’ pronunciation of Peugeot, another Stellantis brand. They say Peugeot covers Europe, suggesting Stellantis will align brand focus with regional markets.
Imperials
"And they sold these big, beautiful big cars and Imperials, and it's weird to see that go. The 300 was around forever, too."
The Chrysler Imperial was Chrysler’s big, upscale car line. It’s brought up here as an example of the brand’s older luxury lineup.
The Chrysler Imperial was a flagship, full-size luxury car line. The hosts mention it as part of Chrysler’s history of selling big, “beautiful” cars.
300
"The 300 was around forever, too. I didn't realize, and I don't know that this sold well, there was a 300 variant in the early 70s."
The Chrysler 300 is a long-running large sedan model from Chrysler. The hosts are saying it’s been around for a long time and has had different versions over the years.
The Chrysler 300 is a long-running full-size sedan nameplate known for its “big car” styling and V8-era heritage. In this segment, the hosts discuss how the 300 lasted a long time and even had a variant in the early 1970s.
livery business
"If they keep Chrysler, they should probably do a sedan version of the Charger for Chrysler. And you know what they might get is some livery business, too."
A “livery” is the special paint/graphics on a vehicle. The hosts mean Chrysler could sell cars with those custom looks for fleets or special purposes.
“Livery” refers to a vehicle’s branded graphics, paint scheme, or special markings (often for fleets, taxis, police, or promotional use). “Livery business” here means selling vehicles or packages that are customized for those uses.
off-road diesel
"[558.3s] Are you familiar with off-road diesel? [561.7s] Yes. [563.7s] At least I'm thinking it's at the farmer version."
Off-road diesel is regular diesel, but it’s meant for vehicles that don’t drive on public highways. Because it avoids highway taxes, it’s usually dyed so authorities can tell if someone is using it illegally in a street car.
Off-road diesel is diesel fuel intended for non-highway uses (like farming equipment or construction). It’s typically exempt from certain federal highway taxes, which is why it’s often sold with dye and labeling to discourage highway use.
federal highway taxes
"[568.0s] It's agricultural diesel that is not subject to federal highway taxes. [572.3s] So if you like, I think it's red or something? [574.5s] Yep."
There are taxes on fuel when it’s used for driving on public roads. Off-road diesel is treated differently so it doesn’t pay those highway-related taxes.
Federal highway taxes are taxes tied to fuel used on public roads. The point of the exemption for off-road diesel is that it’s not taxed the same way as fuel intended for highway driving.
dyed red
"[574.5s] Yep. [574.7s] Okay, it's dyed red. [575.6s] Oh, currently it's dyed blue."
Some diesel is dyed a specific color so it can be identified later. If someone uses that dyed fuel in a regular street car, it can be detected.
Dyed diesel is diesel fuel that’s been colored (often red or blue) so regulators can identify it. The dye helps distinguish off-road fuel from taxed highway diesel if it’s used in a street vehicle.
dyed blue
"[575.6s] Oh, currently it's dyed blue. [577.5s] Oh, blue, okay. [578.1s] But it's funny because I watched a video."
Sometimes off-road diesel is dyed blue instead of red. The dye is there so authorities can tell it apart from the diesel meant for regular driving.
Dyed blue refers to a specific dye color used to mark off-road diesel. The color can change over time or by jurisdiction, but the purpose is the same: make it easier to detect fuel that’s not meant for highway use.
Mitsubishi Outlander
"They have two subcompacts. One compact. The compact is the Outlander."
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a Mitsubishi SUV. It’s the bigger, more family-oriented crossover compared with the smaller Mitsubishi models mentioned right after it.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact crossover SUV from Mitsubishi. In this segment, it’s mentioned as the “compact” model in Mitsubishi’s lineup.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
"Then there's the Outlander Sport and the Eclipse Cross. Okay. And a lot of Mitsubishi loyalists are really upset about the use of Eclipse."
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a smaller SUV than the Outlander. It’s one of Mitsubishi’s “smaller” crossover models.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a smaller crossover SUV positioned below the Outlander. The hosts mention it as one of Mitsubishi’s subcompact offerings.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
"Then there's the Outlander Sport and the Eclipse Cross. Okay. And a lot of Mitsubishi loyalists are really upset about the use of Eclipse."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a smaller SUV. The hosts are saying some long-time Mitsubishi fans don’t like that the “Eclipse” name is now used for this type of car.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a subcompact crossover SUV. In the segment, the hosts discuss how Mitsubishi loyalists feel about the “Eclipse” name being used on this crossover.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
"Because the Eagle talent that I had was the Eagle version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and [637.3s] also the Pumeth laser. [638.2s] Remind people about Diamond Star and those cars."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty compact car. Here, they’re talking about the turbo versions and how the drivetrain made it feel quick.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a compact sports coupe/convertible line known for performance trims. In this segment, the hosts connect it to the “Eagle” version and discuss turbo power and drivetrain options.
Diamond Star
"Remind people about Diamond Star and those cars. [642.2s] Yeah. [642.9s] So they were built in normal Illinois. [645.5s] It was a collaboration of Chrysler and Mitsubishi."
Diamond Star was a partnership between Chrysler and Mitsubishi to build certain cars together. The hosts are reminding listeners that these Eclipse-based models came out of that joint production.
“Diamond Star” refers to the Diamond-Star Motors joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, which produced cars for both brands. The key point here is that the Eclipse-based cars were built through that collaboration.
turbo
"[652.9s] Oh, yeah. [653.4s] It was great. [654.4s] It had a lot of power. [655.3s] The turbo versions were 200 horsepower, just under 200 horsepower."
A turbo is a device that helps the engine make more power. It does this by pushing extra air into the engine so it can burn more fuel efficiently.
A turbocharger (“turbo”) forces more air into the engine, allowing it to make more power than a naturally aspirated engine of the same size. In this segment, the hosts specifically discuss the turbo versions’ output and how they felt.
all-wheel drive
"[660.0s] And then when they came out with all-wheel drive, it was one of the first compact sports [664.8s] cars that had all-wheel drive. [667.4s] And they were crazy. [669.0s] It was a great all-wheel drive."
All-wheel drive means the car can send power to all four tires. That usually helps it grip the road better and feel more stable when accelerating.
All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability—especially in low-grip conditions. The hosts highlight that AWD was an early feature on these compact sports cars and that it made the car feel “crazy” and great.
manual only
"[669.0s] It was a great all-wheel drive. [669.9s] You could, I could, it was a manual only on the turbo. [673.0s] So you could rev that thing to 5,000 RPMs, dump the clutch, and you were off."
“Manual only” means you had to shift gears yourself with a clutch pedal and gear stick. The hosts are saying that the turbo version was set up to be driven in a very hands-on way.
“Manual only” means the car’s transmission was offered only as a manual gearbox (with a clutch and gear lever), not an automatic. In this segment, they connect that to how the turbo car could be launched aggressively.
dump the clutch
"[669.9s] You could, I could, it was a manual only on the turbo. [673.0s] So you could rev that thing to 5,000 RPMs, dump the clutch, and you were off. [677.7s] That was peak Mitsubishi."
“Dump the clutch” means you let the clutch out really fast to get moving quickly. It’s a more aggressive launch technique that can make the car jump forward.
“Dump the clutch” is a driving technique where you release the clutch quickly to launch the car hard from a stop. It’s often associated with manual transmissions and can cause rapid drivetrain load and wheelspin if traction is limited.
Mitsubishi Galant
"You could get a turbo all-wheel drive Galant with a manual. Yeah. For a while. And that's what, I think, how we remember Mitsubishi."
The Mitsubishi Galant was a Mitsubishi car line that came in different versions. Here they’re talking about a more performance-focused setup: turbo power, all-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.
The Mitsubishi Galant was a long-running midsize sedan/coupe line from Mitsubishi. In this segment, the hosts mention a turbocharged all-wheel-drive Galant with a manual, which highlights how the Galant lineup could be configured for performance and traction.
Mitsubishi Gt Mitsubishi
"Yeah, because then they made the Dodge Stealth for Dodge, which was the 3000 GT Mitsubishi. Forgot about that, because that's good stuff. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I knew someone who had the Stealth."
The Mitsubishi 3000 GT is a sporty Mitsubishi coupe from the 1990s. In this discussion, they’re saying the Dodge Stealth was basically the same idea—just sold under Dodge instead of Mitsubishi.
The Mitsubishi 3000 GT is a 1990s performance coupe known for advanced features like turbocharging and, in some versions, all-wheel drive. Here, the hosts connect it directly to the Dodge Stealth, noting that the Stealth was essentially the Dodge-branded version of the 3000 GT.
Dodge Stealth
"Yeah, because then they made the Dodge Stealth for Dodge, which was the 3000 GT Mitsubishi. Forgot about that, because that's good stuff. Yeah, yeah. Yeah. I knew someone who had the Stealth. Yeah. My father had one. In fact, he still has it. He didn't have the Stealth Turbo. I think the Stealth could be had, the Dodge could be had with a two-valve V6, 30, what is it? There was the 24-valve V6. The V6, 32-valve V6 twin-turbo. And then there was the standard V6 without the twin-turbo. Yeah, that's what my buddy had. And it was still a really great car."
The Dodge Stealth is a sporty Dodge coupe from the 1990s. It shared a lot of engineering with Mitsubishi’s 3000GT, and it could come with different V6 engines, including turbo versions.
The Dodge Stealth is a performance coupe from the 1990s that was closely related to Mitsubishi’s 3000GT. In the segment, they discuss its available V6 configurations, including twin-turbo setups, and how it was offered with different engine options.
valve per cylinder
"Yeah. Did I say 32-valve V6? 24-valve. 24-valve. Yeah. That's confusing. We would be so casual in discussing this, but it's really four-valve per cylinder."
An engine cylinder has openings controlled by valves. “Valve per cylinder” tells you how many of those openings each cylinder has, and it can change how efficiently the engine runs.
“Valve per cylinder” describes how many intake/exhaust valves each engine cylinder has. More valves can improve how well the engine breathes (air and exhaust flow), which can affect power and efficiency.
Rivian
"I was just going to mention something I forgot. Oh, the Mitsubishi factory in normal Illinois is now the Rivian factory. Yes, yes. So they're cranking those out."
Rivian is a company that makes electric vehicles. The hosts are saying a Mitsubishi factory location in Illinois is now used by Rivian to build EVs.
Rivian is an electric-vehicle brand/company that builds EVs and operates manufacturing facilities. In this segment, the hosts connect a former Mitsubishi factory in Normal, Illinois to Rivian’s production.
Rivian R2
"[798.3s] It looks so good. [799.8s] That's the R2. [801.7s] Yep. [802.0s] And there's the R3 coming."
The Rivian R2 is a smaller electric Rivian vehicle that’s meant to be easier to live with than their bigger models. The hosts think it looks great and hope it can handle rough roads too.
Rivian R2 is the smaller, more compact electric SUV/crossover Rivian is developing after its larger models. The hosts are reacting to its styling and expecting it to perform well, especially off-road.
Rivian R3
"[802.0s] And there's the R3 coming. [803.1s] That looks delightful. [804.1s] Yeah. [804.7s] One of those cute mobiles."
The Rivian R3 is a future smaller electric Rivian model. The conversation frames it as something that could still be fun and capable, even if it’s not as big as their other cars.
Rivian R3 is another upcoming, smaller Rivian electric vehicle positioned below the R2. In this segment, the hosts describe it as a cute, off-road-capable-looking option.
quarterly results
"[829.6s] This will get them through launching their smaller vehicle. [831.5s] And then the quarterly results come out and they lost two or three billion dollars."
“Quarterly results” are a company’s financial performance reports released every three months. The hosts point out that even with large investments, Rivian’s quarterly losses can still be significant.
forensic accounting
"Like, I don't know. Eat some forensic accounting. Yeah."
Forensic accounting is like detective work for money. It looks through financial records to figure out where funds went and whether anything shady happened.
Forensic accounting is an investigative approach to auditing financial records to find inconsistencies, fraud, or misuse of funds. Here, it’s used as a metaphor for digging into where money went.
Tesla earnings call
"But after the quiz, I did want to talk about listening to the Tesla earnings call, something I've never done before. And I cheated."
An earnings call is when a company talks to investors about how it did financially. It often includes a Q&A where people ask questions about the business.
An earnings call is a company’s scheduled presentation and Q&A session where it reports financial results and discusses future plans. The hosts mention listening to Tesla’s earnings call as part of their analysis.
Bodie Grimm's Kilowatt podcast
"I listened to someone else's podcast, Bodie Grimm's Kilowatt podcast, and he did an analysis of the call."
Kilowatt is a podcast by Bodie Grimm that focuses on electric vehicles and the EV industry. The hosts reference it as a source for an analysis of Tesla’s earnings call.
Outback Subaru Wilderness
"So, all righty. I just drove, I just drove the Subaru Wilderness. Yes."
The Subaru Outback is a car with extra ground clearance and a wagon-style body, made for everyday driving and tougher road conditions. Some versions are set up for more rugged use, like the “Wilderness” trim mentioned in the podcast. It’s brought up because it’s a capable, practical choice.
The Subaru Outback is a wagon-based crossover that’s built for versatile daily use, including rougher roads. It’s commonly discussed because it blends practical space with features that help it handle different conditions. In the podcast, it’s referenced through the idea of driving a “Subaru Wilderness,” which is an Outback-related trim focused on off-road capability.
Forester
"Now, for people who aren't keeping up with the Forester, the Forester was redesigned last year, but the Wilderness version wasn't redesigned until this year."
The Subaru Forester is a popular family SUV/crossover. In this segment, they’re pointing out that the regular Forester got updated first, and the Wilderness version came later.
The Subaru Forester is a compact crossover/SUV known for practical packaging and available all-wheel drive. Here, the hosts note that the standard Forester was redesigned before the Wilderness trim, which affects how the lineup evolves.
redesigned
"Now, for people who aren't keeping up with the Forester, the Forester was redesigned last year, but the Wilderness version wasn't redesigned until this year."
When a car is “redesigned,” it usually gets a bigger update than just small changes. Different trims can be updated at different times, so one version may feel newer than another.
“Redesigned” means the vehicle went through a major update—typically changing styling, interior, and/or the underlying platform and powertrain calibration. In car lineups, staggered redesigns across trims can make one version feel “new” while another still uses older hardware.
CVT
"Tell us what a CVT is real quick. It's a continuous variable transmission, so it's got one bungee cord gear. And it sounds like a big rubber band under your hood, and it's whiny, and it's absolutely horrible."
CVT means the car doesn’t use a set of gears like a normal automatic. It can “blend” between ratios smoothly, so the engine can sound like it’s revving up and down even when you’re just accelerating.
CVT stands for continuously variable transmission. Instead of fixed gear ratios, it uses a belt/chain and pulleys to smoothly change the ratio across a wide range, which can make engine speed rise and fall in a “rubber band” way.
stepped gear automatic
"The CVT is not as responsive to throttle inputs and not as fun to drive as a stepped gear automatic, or God forbid, a manual, a proper manual."
Some automatics shift between separate gears. With a stepped-gear automatic, the car picks a gear instead of smoothly changing ratios all the time, which can feel quicker to respond.
A stepped-gear automatic uses discrete gear ratios (like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) rather than continuously changing ratios. That typically makes throttle response feel more direct because the transmission “chooses” a specific gear ratio.
towing
"And also it's kind of surprised where the standard is only towing is 1,500, but the wilderness is 3,500. That's a huge difference."
Towing is the maximum weight the car is allowed to pull with a trailer. They’re saying the Wilderness version can tow much more than the standard version.
Towing refers to how much weight a vehicle is rated to pull behind it, usually expressed in pounds (or kilograms). The transcript compares a standard towing rating to the Wilderness trim’s higher rating, implying hardware or gearing changes that support towing loads.
final drive ratio
"I think part of that comes from revisions to, I don't know if it's the transmission or the gear, like the final drive ratio."
Final drive ratio is a gearing setting that helps determine how hard the car pulls versus how fast it can go. If it’s changed, the car can feel better at tasks like towing because the engine and wheels work together differently.
Final drive ratio is the gear ratio in the differential that multiplies torque from the transmission to the wheels. Changing it can affect how the car behaves under load—like towing—by altering engine speed and torque delivery at the wheels.
shift
"And if you feel the engine rev, you hear the engine rev, and you want a shift. Yes. And there ain't no shift coming."
Here, “shift” means the car changing gears. Some transmissions shift in a way you can feel clearly, while others (like CVTs) feel smoother and may not “thunk” into a new gear.
In this context, “shift” means the transmission changing to a new gear ratio in a way you can feel and hear. CVTs typically don’t produce the same distinct shift feel as traditional multi-gear automatics.
fake ratios
"And if you play with the paddle shifters in some of those cars, which is weird that CVTs have them, there are fake ratios. They're fake."
“Fake ratios” means the car is pretending to shift like a normal automatic. The CVT is still changing smoothly, but it’s giving you the feeling of steps.
“Fake ratios” refers to simulated stepped gear behavior. In a CVT, the transmission can pretend to shift between set ratios when you use paddle shifters, but the underlying continuously variable system is still operating.
fuel economy
"Just it's a little bit quicker. Fuel economy is not great. I've got about 23 miles per gallon, which is probably the bottom of the class."
Fuel economy is how far the car can go on a gallon of gas. If it’s low, you’ll stop for gas more frequently.
Fuel economy is how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel, usually expressed as miles per gallon (MPG) in the U.S. Lower fuel economy means you’ll need to refuel more often for the same distance.
miles per gallon
"Fuel economy is not great. I've got about 23 miles per gallon, which is probably the bottom of the class. Yeah."
MPG tells you how many miles you can drive on one gallon of gas. Higher MPG usually means you spend less on fuel.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel economy: how many miles the car can travel using one gallon of fuel. It’s commonly used to compare how thirsty different vehicles are.
180 horsepower
"That is actually for a 180 horsepower car. That's not good, actually."
Horsepower is a rough measure of how much power the engine makes. They’re basically saying the car doesn’t get good gas mileage even though it’s not a super powerful vehicle.
Horsepower is a measure of engine output, and “180 horsepower” indicates the vehicle’s approximate power level. In this context, the hosts are saying the fuel economy is poor for a car with that power.
penultimate trim level
"So the vehicle I drove was 42 grand, a little high for this vehicle. It's the penultimate trim level, but you can do one less."
Trim level is the version of the car with certain features. “Penultimate” means it’s the second-most expensive version, just below the top one.
A trim level is a specific configuration of a model (equipment and features). “Penultimate” means the second-highest trim in the lineup, so it’s near the top but not the very most expensive.
Subaru Crosstrek
"Okay. She's a 10 year old Subaru Crosstrek with 60,000 miles on it that has never given us a minute of trouble. Oh, no, those are great cars. Why would we buy another car?"
They’re talking about their current Subaru crossover. The point is that it’s been trouble-free for them, so they’re questioning why they’d replace it.
The speaker mentions a Subaru Crosstrek as their current car. It’s a compact crossover SUV known for good visibility and everyday drivability, which is why they’re comparing it to other options.
IC cars
"When we come back, we talked to Carl Brower, he's the executive analyst at IC cars about electric vehicle, used electric vehicle sales."
They’re referencing a company called IC cars. The guest works there and studies car-market trends, especially for used electric vehicles.
The hosts mention IC cars as the source of an analyst they spoke with. It’s presented as an industry/market research outlet focused on automotive topics like electric-vehicle sales.
electric vehicle
"When we come back, we talked to Carl Brower, he's the executive analyst at IC cars about electric vehicle, used electric vehicle sales."
An electric vehicle is a car that runs on electricity from a battery instead of gasoline. This segment is about how used electric cars are selling.
An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that’s powered primarily by one or more electric motors and uses electricity stored in a battery pack. In this episode, the discussion is specifically about the used EV market and sales trends.
available rear seat entertainment system
"Seen back in the Sienna with an available rear seat entertainment system."
This is a built-in option that lets people in the back watch videos or listen to audio. It’s usually done with screens and media controls.
A rear seat entertainment system is a factory option that provides video/audio playback for passengers in the back seats, typically via screens and media inputs. It’s meant to reduce boredom on longer trips and keep rear passengers occupied.
car prices
"On the phone with us, speaking of car prices. Yes. Carl Prower."
They’re talking about how much cars cost right now and why prices are moving. That matters because it affects what you can afford and what deals are available.
The episode segment focuses on how car prices are changing and what that means for shoppers. It’s framed alongside broader market factors like incentives and EV pricing.
fuel efficiency
"...filter on everything from price to range, distance from your house to fuel efficiency to brands, models..."
Fuel efficiency is how “thrifty” a car is—how far it can go on a certain amount of fuel. Higher efficiency usually means cheaper driving.
Fuel efficiency is how much energy (gasoline or electricity) a vehicle uses to travel a given distance. On a listing site, it’s used to compare operating costs between different cars.
odometer reading
"...brands, models, odometer reading, and filter on all these things to find cars..."
The odometer reading is how many miles the car has been driven. It helps you estimate how much wear the car may have.
An odometer reading is the recorded mileage on a vehicle, typically shown on the dashboard and in listings. It’s a key data point because mileage often correlates with wear and remaining useful life.
predicted lifespan
"...unique things that no other sites have like predicted lifespan for cars, which can be pretty helpful when you're looking at two or three of these cars..."
Predicted lifespan is a guess at how long a car will keep running reliably. The idea here is to help you compare cars by how long they might last.
Predicted lifespan is an estimate of how long a vehicle is expected to last based on data and assumptions. In this segment, it’s presented as a way to compare two or three cars by expected longevity, not just price.
depreciation
"Good example, colors, which color holds their value the best, which color has higher depreciation. [1439.2s] We have a study for that along with a lot of other."
Depreciation just means the car is worth less as time goes on. They’re saying some paint colors can make that drop in value faster or slower.
Depreciation is how much a car’s value drops over time. When the hosts talk about which colors have higher depreciation, they mean some paint colors tend to lose resale value faster than others.
Chevy Colorado
"Meanwhile, I just saw an orange Chevy Colorado. [1465.2s] That's cool. [1465.9s] More of those, please."
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck. They’re using it as an example of a cool, less-common color choice (orange).
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck. Mentioning an “orange Chevy Colorado” is a color example, but it also anchors the discussion to a specific model line that people might shop for.
EV prices
"...the fact that EV prices had been going down. Used EV prices had been going down, but used Tesla prices were on the climb. What was that about?"
They’re talking about how electric-car prices are changing. Even if EVs as a whole get cheaper, the used prices can move differently depending on incentives and what buyers want.
“EV prices” here refers to how much electric vehicles cost in the market, specifically noting a split between new incentives and used pricing trends. The discussion highlights that policy changes and supply/demand dynamics can move prices differently for EVs versus a particular brand like Tesla.
incentive to buy EVs
"...we've lost some incentive to buy EVs from the government and then we've theoretically gained some back to buy EVs from our local fuel station pricing board."
They mean government programs that make EVs cheaper to buy. If those discounts or credits change, more or fewer people buy EVs, and that can change prices.
This refers to government incentives that reduce the effective cost of buying an EV, which can directly affect demand. When incentives are reduced or removed, sales can slow; when they return, demand can rebound—often showing up first in pricing and market share.
market share on the used market
"...But they went up in terms of market share on the used market, how many cars were like"
They’re talking about how big a slice of the used-car market EVs are taking. If EVs gain market share, it means more people are buying EVs compared with other used cars.
“Market share” is the percentage of the used-car market that EVs (or a category) represent. The speaker is saying EVs gained share even while prices and growth were shifting, which suggests buyers were choosing EVs more often relative to other used cars.
Hybrid
"[1590.0s] Hybrid's been up by, hybrid's went up by 41.8% almost three times the rate that EVs went [1596.2s] up."
A hybrid is a car that uses two power sources—gasoline and electricity. It can switch between them to improve efficiency.
A hybrid vehicle uses both an internal-combustion engine (gasoline) and an electric motor/battery. In sales/price discussions, “hybrid” is often used to compare how quickly hybrid demand is rising versus EV demand.
plug-in
"[1603.5s] And that's that, that tether, you know, that you, you have to break from the fuel world [1609.5s] and add the other tether to the, to the plug, you know, literally a tether, a cord that [1615.2s] you have to be able to plug in."
“Plug-in” refers to vehicles that must be connected to an external power source to recharge their battery (typically plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles). The speaker is contrasting the “fuel world” (gas stations) with the “plug-in” world (charging at home or public chargers).
Q1, first quarter of 2026
"[1665.9s] And in the last three months, Q1, first quarter of 2026, they were holding their prices better."
Q1 means the first three months of the year. They’re saying Tesla’s prices held up better during that time.
Q1 (first quarter) is a specific three-month reporting period used in business and market analysis. The speaker is referencing Tesla’s pricing performance during the first quarter of 2026.
Q1.25 to Q1.26
"They were just not dropping from like a year earlier, you know, and their prices had gone down from Q1.25 to Q1.26, their year over year price change of a Tesla EV, 0.1%."
“Q1.25 to Q1.26” means the first three months of 2025 compared to the first three months of 2026. It helps show whether prices are rising or falling over that same part of the year.
Q1.25 to Q1.26 refers to the first quarter of 2025 versus the first quarter of 2026. It’s a way to compare pricing trends over a specific, consistent time window.
year over year price change
"...down from Q1.25 to Q1.26, their year over year price change of a Tesla EV, 0.1%. We're going to call that flat."
“Year over year” means “compared to the same time last year.” It’s a simple way to tell if prices are trending up or down over time.
Year over year (YoY) price change compares pricing from one quarter (or month) to the same period one year earlier. It’s commonly used to smooth out short-term noise and show the underlying trend.
flat
"...their year over year price change of a Tesla EV, 0.1%. We're going to call that flat. And the non-Tesla EVs down 10.3%, a 10% drop."
Here, “flat” means prices didn’t really move much compared to last year. It’s basically “about the same.”
In this context, “flat” means the Tesla EV price change is essentially unchanged year over year (about 0.1%). It’s a shorthand for “no meaningful movement” rather than a literal zero.
EV pricing
"You can't look at EV pricing and assume that that's every EV. Tesla's still the bulk of the market and that makes EVs look one way."
They’re talking about how EV prices change over time. Their main point is that Tesla’s pricing trend doesn’t automatically tell you what every other EV brand is doing.
“EV pricing” here refers to how the market prices battery-electric vehicles over time, including differences between Tesla and non-Tesla brands. The hosts caution that you can’t assume one brand’s pricing trend represents the whole EV segment.
filter Tesla and separate them out
"Tesla's still the bulk of the market and that makes EVs look one way. When you filter Tesla and separate them out from the rest, you get a better picture of what the non-EV Tesla market is and the Tesla market is."
They’re saying: don’t mix Tesla with every other EV when you analyze prices. Tesla can pull the overall numbers around, so separating it gives a clearer picture of what non-Tesla EVs are doing.
“Filtering Tesla” means excluding Tesla from the overall EV dataset so you can compare the rest of the EV market on its own. This matters because Tesla’s scale and pricing behavior can skew averages for all EVs together.
Hyundai
"...they're like, they don't even know that Hyundai makes EVs. And it's like, are you kidding me?"
Hyundai sells EVs too, not only gas cars. The point here is that some people don’t realize non-Tesla brands offer electric models.
Hyundai is a major automaker that sells both gasoline vehicles and battery-electric vehicles (EVs). The hosts use Hyundai as an example of how many shoppers incorrectly assume EVs are “just Tesla.”
gas prices are high
"If you're thinking right now that gas prices are high and you were you'd have to have already been ready to buy an EV, I think, you're not just going to jump into this because gas prices went up a buck..."
They’re saying higher gas prices can push people toward EVs, but it doesn’t always make people jump immediately. Buying an EV is still a major choice.
The hosts connect fuel prices to EV purchase timing: when gasoline prices rise, some shoppers become more motivated to consider EVs. But they argue it’s not an instant switch—buying an EV is still a big decision.
Tesla Model 3
"Also, I don't think people remember Model 3 or Model Y and they certainly don't remember like EV6, you know, or Iodic 5."
The Tesla Model 3 is an all-electric car made by Tesla. It’s one of the most popular EVs, and it’s a big part of why EVs became more common.
The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s high-volume electric sedan. It’s often discussed as one of the key mass-market EVs because it helped make EVs more mainstream and widely available.
Tesla Model Y
"Also, I don't think people remember Model 3 or Model Y and they certainly don't remember like EV6, you know, or Iodic 5."
The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric SUV from Tesla. It’s one of Tesla’s biggest sellers, so people often compare it to other EVs when talking about the market.
The Tesla Model Y is Tesla’s compact electric SUV. Like the Model 3, it’s a mainstream EV that’s frequently used as a benchmark for pricing, demand, and brand perception.
Kia EV6
"Also, I don't think people remember Model 3 or Model Y and they certainly don't remember like EV6, you know, or Iodic 5."
The Kia EV6 is an all-electric crossover SUV. It’s the kind of EV people compare to Tesla when they’re shopping for a practical daily driver.
The Kia EV6 is a battery-electric crossover that competes in the mainstream EV segment. It’s commonly mentioned alongside Tesla because it offers similar everyday usability and charging convenience.
stigma
"Carol, do you think the stigma is off of Tesla now or some of the stigma? You know, I mean, I think, I think funny, I think there's less stigma on EVs than ever."
“Stigma” here means a negative reputation that makes some people hesitant to buy. The discussion is about whether that bad reputation for EVs (and Tesla) is going away.
In automotive marketing, “stigma” refers to negative public perceptions that can discourage buyers even if the product is objectively good. Here, the hosts are discussing whether negative attitudes toward EVs—and specifically Tesla—are fading or still affecting demand.
margins
"But again, it's like, well, that makes for a great headline and a pithy quote, but it's not really true. I'd rather be honest with you guys. So then I have to tell them the truth. It's like, no, I'm sure he's lost some some customers by thinking about it, gained some customers. And I think we're talking edge cases here, margins."
“Margins” means how much money is left as profit after paying the costs. If sales get discounted or demand shifts, margins can shrink.
“Margins” are the profit a company makes per vehicle after subtracting costs. In car retail and manufacturing, margin pressure can come from discounting, incentives, and changing demand.
batteries
"You know, we know the batteries last. There might be little problems with them, but they're largely proven."
In an electric car, the battery is what stores the electricity that drives the car. The hosts are saying that, based on lots of cars already on the road, the battery problems people feared haven’t been widespread.
In EVs, the battery is the main energy storage system that powers the electric drivetrain. The hosts claim Tesla’s batteries are “largely proven,” meaning real-world durability and failure rates appear acceptable compared with early skepticism.
EV market
"It's a tough world to enter the EV market and expect to do well and pay your bills with it."
The EV market is the business of making and selling electric cars. The hosts are saying it’s tough for companies to do well and still make enough money to keep the business running.
The “EV market” refers to the competitive industry of battery-electric vehicles, including how automakers price them, manufacture them, and sell them profitably. The hosts argue it’s hard to enter and succeed financially, even if the technology is improving.
Honda
"[1928.3s] Honda goes all in on EVs and gets it wrong. [1931.2s] They're in big trouble."
They’re discussing Honda’s decision to focus heavily on electric cars. The point is that the EV plan didn’t work out the way Honda hoped.
The speaker is talking about Honda’s strategy shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). They argue Honda “went all in” on EVs and that the plan didn’t play out as expected, contributing to financial trouble.
write down
"[1935.0s] you know what, we're going to take this much of a write down, as they say, [1937.6s] which essentially is a loss if we bail on EVs right now."
A write down is when a company admits something it invested in isn’t worth as much as it thought. Here, it’s treated like a loss related to EV plans.
A “write down” is an accounting adjustment where a company reduces the value of assets or investments because they’re not expected to recover. In this context, it’s described as a loss tied to betting on EVs and then deciding to pull back.
GM
"[1955.1s] And then Cadillac and GM is kind of more like the Toyota situation. [1962.2s] That's one of the divisions that's kind of struggled a bit within GM,"
GM is the company being discussed. The point is that not all of GM’s brands/divisions are doing equally well, which affects how the company handles EV plans.
GM (General Motors) is discussed in terms of how its divisions are performing. The speaker says some parts of GM have struggled while others have done better, shaping the company’s overall EV and financial outlook.
Cadillac
"[1955.1s] And then Cadillac and GM is kind of more like the Toyota situation. [1958.4s] Again, Cadillac isn't a super high volume seller."
Cadillac is brought up as a GM brand that doesn’t sell huge numbers. The speaker is using it to explain why EV moves can hit some brands harder than others.
Cadillac is mentioned as an example of a brand within GM that isn’t a high-volume seller. The speaker uses it to contrast how different brands are affected by EV strategy and demand.
Mini
"[1970.5s] I've said, notice the brands that said they were going all in EV, [1973.6s] the traditional brands that started. [1975.7s] You know, I didn't hear that from Chevy or Ford or Toyota. [1978.8s] I heard it from Mini and Jaguar."
Mini is mentioned as an example of a brand that committed strongly to electric cars. The speaker is using it to make a broader point about which automakers were aggressive with EV plans.
Mini is cited as one of the brands that the speaker says “went all in” on EVs. It’s used to support the argument that some non-traditional or newer-to-EV brands made bolder commitments.
Jaguar
"[1978.8s] I heard it from Mini and Jaguar. [1982.6s] No, I'm not painting a picture or anything."
Jaguar is brought up as another example of a brand that pushed hard toward electric cars. The speaker uses it to compare different automakers’ EV strategies.
Jaguar is named alongside Mini as a brand the speaker claims was “going all in” on EVs. The mention supports the speaker’s thesis that some brands made aggressive EV commitments earlier than others.
EV
"But Toyota was a, they really didn't jump into the EV right away... Where's your EVs?"
EV means electric vehicle. It’s a car that runs on electricity from a battery instead of (mostly) gasoline.
EV stands for electric vehicle—cars powered primarily by electric motors and rechargeable batteries. In the segment, the hosts debate how quickly automakers like Toyota should commit to EV investment.
dragged their feet
"Right, they dragged their feet. You know, they dragged their feet."
“Dragged their feet” just means they were slow to move forward. In this case, it means Toyota didn’t jump into electric cars right away.
“Dragged their feet” is an idiom meaning Toyota was slow to act. Here it’s used to describe the company’s delayed commitment to EVs compared with competitors.
activist investors
"They were activist investors on their butts about not doing more about EVs."
Activist investors are investors who pressure a company to change its plans. Here, they’re portrayed as pushing Toyota to invest more in electric cars.
Activist investors are shareholders who push a company to change strategy, often by pressuring management publicly or through proposals. The segment suggests these investors criticized Toyota for not doing enough on EVs.
market appropriate
"And now they're coming out in a very measured way... It feels market appropriate."
They mean Toyota’s timing for electric cars felt like the right move for the market. The idea is they waited for the situation to be clearer before spending heavily.
“Market appropriate” here means the timing and pace of Toyota’s EV moves fit what the market is ready for. The hosts argue Toyota’s measured approach matched demand and industry conditions.
$4 billion
"...before they put $4 billion in investment into it. So I think that was a smart move."
They mention a big dollar amount to show how serious the EV investment would be. The point is Toyota didn’t want to spend that kind of money until it felt like the business made sense.
The hosts reference a specific investment figure to illustrate the scale of capital Toyota was considering for EV efforts. It supports their point that Toyota didn’t commit immediately.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"And until COVID, until COVID, when Ford launched the F-150 Lightning, that seemed like it. We had just lit the EV fuse and we were going to be all electric in six months."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is Ford’s electric pickup truck. The hosts are saying that when it launched, expectations were high, but the real world brought problems like shortages and higher prices.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is Ford’s electric version of the popular F-150 pickup. The discussion uses it as an example of how the EV launch momentum collided with real-world issues like supply shortages and pricing.
EV fuse
"And until COVID, until COVID, when Ford launched the F-150 Lightning, that seemed like it. We had just lit the EV fuse and we were going to be all electric in six months."
“EV fuse” is a figure of speech. It means the point where people thought electric cars were about to really take off.
“EV fuse” is a metaphor for the moment when EV adoption feels like it’s about to accelerate quickly. The speaker is implying that the F-150 Lightning launch was seen as the spark that would kick off widespread electric adoption.
supply chain shortages
"And it seemed like, and then COVID happened and supply chain shortages happened, and Ford kept raising the price of the F-150, like ridiculously."
Supply chain shortages mean it was hard to get the parts and materials needed to build cars. When that happens, production slows down and prices often go up.
Supply chain shortages are disruptions that limit the availability of parts and materials needed to build vehicles. In the EV context, this can affect production timing and increase costs, which then show up as higher vehicle prices.
charging station
"Also, I called about installing a charging station, and it was six grand, and I don't know. Yeah."
A charging station is what you use to charge an electric car. The point here is that setting one up at home can cost money and take effort.
A charging station is equipment used to recharge an electric vehicle. The speaker’s “installing a charging station” comment highlights the real-world cost and hassle of home charging infrastructure beyond just buying the EV.
Ford Ltd
"The Olds will be a Cutlass or the Ford LTD? ... LTD would in 1970, it was a very popular fleet car."
The Ford LTD was a Ford car that many organizations used for fleets, including police cars. Here, it’s being compared to the Oldsmobile Cutlass to see which one sold better in the mid-1970s.
The Ford LTD was a full-size Ford model that was widely used as a fleet car (like police and other government vehicles) in earlier years. The hosts mention its popularity as a fleet car around 1970, then compare it to the Oldsmobile Cutlass for 1976 sales.
fleet car
"Yeah. ... LTD would in 1970, it was a very popular fleet car."
A fleet car is a car bought in bulk by an organization, like a police department. These cars are chosen for practicality and reliability because they’re used a lot.
A fleet car is a vehicle purchased and operated in large numbers by organizations (like police departments, rental companies, or government agencies). Fleet use often emphasizes durability and low total cost rather than personal-car features.
Ford Escort
"Oldsmobile Cutlass or Ford Escort? Oh, that's a good, that's a tough one because at one point, I don't remember what year,"
The Ford Escort is a compact car model from Ford that was sold in huge numbers. They’re using it as a “which one sold more?” kind of trivia comparison.
The Ford Escort was a long-running compact car that became especially well known for high sales in many markets. The hosts reference its peak popularity as a way to compare it against the Oldsmobile Cutlass.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
"Oldsmobile Cutlass or Ford Escort? Oh, that's a good, that's a tough one because at one point, I don't remember what year, the Ford Escort was like the number one selling car on the planet."
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a popular American car model. The hosts mention it because it was also sold in very large numbers.
The Oldsmobile Cutlass was a mid-size car line that was extremely popular in the U.S. for decades. In this segment, it’s brought up to compare sales volume against the Ford Escort.
number one selling car on the planet
"Oh, that's a good, that's a tough one because at one point, I don't remember what year, the Ford Escort was like the number one selling car on the planet. Right."
They’re saying the Ford Escort was once the top-selling car worldwide. It’s a sales-history point they’re using to compare against another model.
This phrase is used to emphasize how dominant the Ford Escort was at its peak in global sales. It’s not a technical term, but it’s a specific claim about market position that the hosts use for comparison.
Chevrolet
"[2619.8s] By a lot. [2620.4s] Yeah. [2620.7s] Chevy was just coming online. [2622.2s] Oh, 806,000 Model T's and a couple of other things and 146,000 Chevy's."
Chevrolet (often called “Chevy”) is a car brand from the U.S. In the conversation, they’re talking about when Chevrolet started showing up in production/availability.
Chevrolet is a major American automotive brand under the General Motors umbrella (often shortened to “Chevy”). In this segment, it’s mentioned in a historical context as a brand that was “coming online,” implying early production/market presence.
Ford Model T
"[2620.7s] Chevy was just coming online. [2622.2s] Oh, 806,000 Model T's and a couple of other things and 146,000 Chevy's. [2630.5s] So Chevy just coming online."
The Ford Model T was one of the first cars made in huge numbers, helping make car ownership more common. They’re mentioning it because it had very large production numbers.
The Ford Model T is an early mass-produced car that became a benchmark for affordability and high-volume manufacturing. Here it’s referenced with a production count, contrasting it with other brands’ early output.
Oldsmobile Curved Dash
"Yeah. The curved dash holds raking them in. 3924."
The Oldsmobile Curved Dash is an early Oldsmobile car known for having a dashboard with a curved shape. It’s a historic model that people talk about because it stands out visually. The podcast mentions it as a specific Oldsmobile example tied to that distinctive design.
The Oldsmobile Curved Dash refers to an early Oldsmobile model known for its distinctive curved dashboard design. It’s historically significant because it’s associated with the brand’s early automotive era and is often discussed as a collectible or landmark vehicle. In a podcast, it’s mentioned as part of a story or trivia-style reference to early Oldsmobile design details.
General Motors
"[2677.9s] But Oldsmobile wasn't part of General Motors back then, was it? [2680.0s] No. [2680.4s] Yeah."
General Motors is a big company that makes cars and has owned several different car brands. Here, they’re talking about which brands belonged to GM at different times.
General Motors (GM) is a major automaker that historically owned multiple car brands, including Cadillac and Oldsmobile. In this segment, the hosts are debating whether Oldsmobile was part of GM at a particular point in time.
Oldsmobile was killed
"[2680.9s] So. [2681.3s] And it was at the time, I think that when Oldsmobile was killed, it was the second oldest car brand. [2689.8s] Yeah."
When someone says a brand was “killed,” they mean the company stopped making cars under that brand name. It’s usually because the brand wasn’t selling well or the company decided to focus on fewer brands.
When a brand is “killed” in automotive history, it means the automaker stops producing that brand’s vehicles and effectively shuts down the marque. This usually happens after declining sales, restructuring, or consolidation of brand portfolios.
Kia Rio
"...but I thought it was a truck. It might have been Rio, which was the way it was set up by Oldsmobile. ..."
The Kia Rio is a small car meant for getting around day to day, especially in the city. It’s usually chosen because it’s practical and typically costs less than bigger cars. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as a possible match for a name people might confuse with something else.
The Kia Rio is a small, budget-friendly car designed for everyday commuting and city driving. It may come up in a podcast because it’s often discussed alongside other “small car” names and layouts, including confusion with similarly described setups from older brands. That makes it a useful example when talking about how car names and body styles get mixed up.
Toyota RAV4
"[2709.3s] Best selling non pickup truck of 2025. [2714.0s] Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. [2715.7s] Oh, the RAV4. ... [2721.5s] 479,000 RAV4. ... [2740.2s] RAV4 now hybrid only for 2026."
The Toyota RAV4 is a very popular SUV. The hosts say it sold a huge number of units and that the 2026 version is switching to hybrid-only.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV known for strong sales and, increasingly, hybrid variants. Here, the hosts cite very high 2025 sales and note that for 2026 it becomes hybrid-only.
Honda Crv
"[2709.3s] Best selling non pickup truck of 2025. [2714.0s] Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4. [2715.7s] Oh, the RAV4. ... [2730.3s] And then the Honda CRV, 404,000."
The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV. In this segment, they’re talking about how many are sold and that a big portion of new ones are now hybrids.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that’s been a top seller in the U.S. The hosts mention its 2025 sales volume and how much of it is moving to hybrid powertrains.
2025 Roma Spider Ferrari
"I got some time into a 19, 2025 Roma Spider Ferrari. Ferrari. Yes. Roma Spider. Yes. The Roma, probably the prettiest of Ferraris to come along in a while."
Ferrari’s Roma Spider is a fancy, high-end sports car from Ferrari. “Spider” means it has an open-top design, so you get the wind-in-your-hair experience while still driving a supercar.
The Ferrari Roma Spider is a 2025 open-top version of Ferrari’s Roma grand tourer. It’s notable because it combines Ferrari’s modern styling with a convertible body style, and it’s positioned as a more “everyday usable” supercar compared with more track-focused models.
Peniferrini
"Yeah. Yeah. And it's not like after Ferrari stopped using Peniferrini, which was their kind of go-to design job."
Pininfarina is a famous Italian design company that has helped design cars for brands like Ferrari. The host is talking about whether Ferrari’s styling direction changed after that design partnership ended.
The speaker is referring to Pininfarina, the Italian design house that historically worked closely with Ferrari. When the transcript says “Peniferrini,” it’s likely a mishearing of Pininfarina, which is known for shaping the look of many Italian cars.
supercars
"Because I've complained about supercars in general."
A “supercar” is a very expensive, very fast sports car—usually built for performance more than everyday driving. The speaker is basically saying they’ve had complaints about that whole category.
“Supercars” refers to very high-performance, high-cost sports cars that are built to deliver extreme acceleration, handling, and top-end speed. In the segment, the speaker is using it as a broad category while discussing Ferrari’s design direction.
wind tunnel
"A lot of it is downforce designed by, you know, the wind tunnel. So there's a, but. It's functional."
A wind tunnel is like a giant indoor fan setup used to study how air flows around a car. Engineers use it to figure out how the car’s shape affects grip and efficiency.
A wind tunnel is a test facility that uses controlled airflow to measure how air moves around a vehicle. Automakers use it to develop aerodynamic features like downforce and drag reduction before building full prototypes.
downforce
"A lot of it is downforce designed by, you know, the wind tunnel. So there's a, but. It's functional."
Downforce is what makes the car feel more planted to the road. At speed, the car’s shape can push the tires harder onto the pavement so it grips better.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car’s tires toward the road, increasing grip—especially at higher speeds. When it’s “wind tunnel” designed, engineers shape body surfaces to generate that force efficiently without making the car too draggy.
Roma
"But I love about the Roma though. It takes some of that, but it also brings back some classic lines... And one of the things about it too, not a lot of ducting and stuff like that."
The Ferrari Roma is a Ferrari meant for comfortable, stylish driving rather than racing. The hosts are saying it still has some performance/aero ideas, but it looks more classic and isn’t covered in extreme track-style vents.
The Ferrari Roma is a grand touring (GT) coupe from Ferrari, designed to feel more usable and stylish than a hardcore track-focused sports car. In this segment, the hosts contrast its aero/ducting approach and “classic lines” with more aggressive track-oriented designs.
GT
"Yeah. Apart from the simplicity, it's, the car you drove was kind of a GT. Yes. It's not an over the top sports car."
GT means “grand touring,” basically a fast car that’s also meant to be comfortable for longer drives. The hosts are saying it’s quick, but it’s not trying to be a full-on race car.
GT (grand touring) describes a car focused on long-distance comfort and effortless cruising, usually with strong performance but less emphasis on raw track aggression. In the segment, the hosts say the driven car felt like a GT—fast, but not an “over the top” track beast.
track beast
"It's not an over the top sports car. It's not a track beast. It's, it's more a little bit more laid back, but it's still fast as hell."
“Track beast” just means a car built to be really intense on a race track. It’s usually set up for hard driving and fast laps, not just relaxed cruising.
“Track beast” is enthusiast slang for a car tuned primarily for lap times and hard driving on a race track. It usually implies aggressive aero, firm suspension, and performance systems optimized for repeated high-speed use rather than everyday comfort.
daily car
"my daily car is a BMW M2, which is no slouch. You know, it's, it's, it's got a lot of horsepower. It's quick. It's, it's, it's very handled. Yeah. Yeah. I have driven the M2."
A “daily car” is the car you drive most days for normal life—work, errands, and commuting. It’s the one you rely on, not a special weekend toy.
A “daily car” is the vehicle someone uses for everyday driving like commuting and errands. In enthusiast discussions, it often implies a balance of comfort, reliability, and usability—while still being fun enough to live with.
BMW M2
"my daily car is a BMW M2, which is no slouch. You know, it's, it's, it's got a lot of horsepower. It's quick. It's, it's, it's very handled."
The BMW M2 is BMW’s sporty “M” version of a small coupe. The hosts are saying it’s already a fast, fun daily driver, but other cars can make it feel less special after you experience them.
The BMW M2 is a performance coupe from BMW’s M division, known for sharp steering and strong acceleration. In this segment, it’s described as a “daily car” that’s quick and very well-handling, setting a baseline for how other cars feel after driving it.
stopping power
"Just the brakes on the Ferrari, like unbelievable, the stopping power, the feel, just unbelievable. And then when you get back in my other car, I'm like, God, these brakes aren't as good as I thought they were."
“Stopping power” means how well a car can slow down when you hit the brakes. If it has great stopping power, it feels like it stops quickly and confidently.
“Stopping power” is how effectively a car slows down—how quickly it can reduce speed when you press the brake. It’s influenced by brake hardware, tire grip, and how the brake system is tuned to provide strong deceleration.
feel
"Just the brakes on the Ferrari, like unbelievable, the stopping power, the feel, just unbelievable. And then when you get back in my other car, I'm like, God, these brakes aren't as good as I thought they were."
“Feel” is how the brakes communicate with you—like how the pedal responds and how confident it makes you feel when slowing down. It’s about feedback, not just raw stopping distance.
In braking talk, “feel” refers to the driver’s feedback through the pedal—how linear the response is, how much effort is needed, and whether the car communicates grip and deceleration clearly. Two cars can have similar stopping distances but very different pedal feel.
options
"Ferrari is like with options, it's like almost 400 grand. Wow. So. I mean, the spider starts at, I think like 270, but you know."
Here, “options” means extra features you can add to a car when you order it. Things like special trim or extra equipment can make the car cost a lot more.
In this context, “options” means factory-installed add-ons you choose when ordering a car. For brands like Ferrari, options can include exterior styling, interior features, and convenience/comfort equipment, and they often raise the final purchase price substantially.
Ferrari 400
".... Ferrari is like with options, it's like almost 400 grand. Wow."
The Ferrari 400 is an older Ferrari model. The podcast is mentioning it in terms of cost, suggesting that some versions can be extremely expensive. It’s brought up to illustrate how pricey certain Ferrari cars can get.
The Ferrari 400 is a classic Ferrari model that’s typically discussed in the context of value, pricing, and how expensive certain Ferrari options or configurations can be. In the podcast, it’s referenced with a “nearly 400 grand” type of comment, which points to how high the cost can be for specific cars or builds. That makes it relevant when talking about the financial side of owning or buying rare performance cars.
S
"Oh, a 911. It's not an S. It's not anything based transmission. 60 grand."
“S” here means a higher trim level. When they say it’s “not an S,” they’re saying it’s the standard version rather than the upgraded one.
“S” is a trim designation used by some performance car lines to indicate a higher-spec version than the base model. When the speaker says “It’s not an S,” they’re distinguishing the car from a more expensive/feature-rich variant.
Porsche 911
"Oh, a 911. It's not an S. It's not anything based transmission. 60 grand."
They mention a Porsche 911. They’re clarifying it’s not the “S” version, which is a more expensive/stronger trim level than the base 911.
The speaker references a Porsche 911 as a comparison point in a discussion about pricing and trims. They specifically say it’s “not an S,” meaning it’s not the higher-trim “S” version of the 911.
carbon fiber
"This car alone had over a hundred thousand hours in carbon fiber. So I mean, it's it's it can get absolutely insane."
Carbon fiber is a special material that’s very strong but much lighter than steel. Some cars use it for parts or trim to make the car feel more “high-tech” and sometimes to save weight.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight, high-strength material made from woven carbon strands. In cars, it’s often used for trim or structural parts because it can reduce weight while staying stiff.
Audi SQ8
"Like I just drove an Audi was an SQ8. I assume that's real carbon fiber. But maybe not."
The Audi SQ8 is a sportier, higher-performance version of Audi’s Q8 SUV. The conversation uses it as an example of a “real” looking, high-end German SUV before they start talking about drivetrain performance.
The Audi SQ8 is a performance-focused version of the Q8 SUV line. In this segment, the hosts are talking about its appearance and materials, then pivot into how fast it feels in motion.
ZF transmission
"So the DM2 has a ZF transmission, right? The best automatic transmission you can buy today."
ZF is a company that builds car transmissions (the gearbox that changes gears). The host is saying their automatic transmission is fast and smooth compared with others.
ZF is a major automotive supplier that makes transmissions, including advanced automatic gearboxes. In this context, the host is claiming the ZF automatic is among the best available, and that it’s used widely across different vehicles.
automatic transmission
"The best automatic transmission you can buy today. That's what they say. Okay. And it's in everything."
An automatic transmission is the gearbox that changes gears by itself. You just accelerate and brake, and the car handles the shifting.
An automatic transmission shifts gears on its own using hydraulic control and/or electronic logic, rather than requiring the driver to use a clutch and gear lever. The segment contrasts how quickly this automatic shifts versus the transmission in a Ferrari.
dual clutch
"No, it's a dual clutch. Oh, it's dual clutch? Yeah. So basically it's a manual transmission with an automated clutch pedal."
A dual-clutch transmission uses two clutches instead of one. It can line up the next gear ahead of time, so the car changes gears very fast.
A dual-clutch transmission (DCT) uses two separate clutches—one for odd gears and one for even gears. That lets the next gear pre-select, so shifts can happen extremely quickly with minimal interruption to power.
manual transmission with an automated clutch pedal
"Oh, it's dual clutch? Yeah. So basically it's a manual transmission with an automated clutch pedal. So it is lightning."
It’s like a manual gearbox, but you don’t push a clutch pedal yourself. Computers handle the clutch for you so shifting can be quicker and more consistent.
This describes the idea behind some dual-clutch setups: the gearbox is gear-based like a manual, but the clutch actuation is automated. Instead of a human pressing a clutch pedal, the transmission controls clutch engagement electronically for fast, repeatable shifts.
range of motion
"[3252.1s] and give myself more range of motion. [3254.4s] And the Ferrari, that's not a problem. [3255.9s] The armrest in the door and the armrest in the center console"
They mean how much you can comfortably move your arms while driving. If the armrests or door/center console are in the way, you can’t move as freely.
In this context, “range of motion” refers to how freely the driver can move their arms and body while operating the car. Interior layout elements—like armrest placement—can limit or improve how comfortably you can steer and reach controls.
premium gas
"[3282.2s] So I have to ask the question. [3283.4s] I think everyone is thinking. [3285.6s] Does it use a premium gas? [3287.4s] Yes, it does."
Premium gas is a higher-grade gasoline. Some cars need it to run smoothly and avoid engine knocking.
“Premium gas” means higher-octane gasoline, typically required by some performance engines to prevent knocking. Using the recommended fuel helps the engine run as designed and can maintain power and efficiency.
thirsty
"[3288.5s] And it uses a lot of it. [3290.3s] This thing is so thirsty. [3292.0s] I find myself like every couple of days"
“Thirsty” is slang for high fuel consumption—how quickly a car burns gas. When a driver says a car is thirsty, they’re describing frequent refueling or low fuel economy.
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