The Diesel Dilemma

KTM is an Austrian motorcycle manufacturer known for off-road and performance bikes. When someone says a bike has “KTM gremlins,” they’re usually talking about recurring quirks or small issues that can show up on certain models or years.

The “gas light” is the low-fuel warning indicator on the dashboard. When it comes on, the vehicle has limited fuel remaining, and how far you can go depends on the tank size and the vehicle’s fuel-sending calibration.

Interstate 90 (“I-90”) is a major U.S. highway, and mentioning it signals a transition between local roads and high-speed travel. For listeners, it highlights how route planning changes when you have to connect to a freeway corridor.

The Honda Grom is a small-displacement motorcycle (often used for city riding and learning basic skills). In this segment, the hosts talk about why people get drawn into buying one and how that spreads through friends.

“Gromming” is a coined term for the social/psychological process of gradually convincing someone to buy a Honda Grom. The idea is that a trusted friend frames the bike as cheap, fun, and easy to learn on until the buyer feels it was their own decision.

A wheelie is a stunt where the rider lifts the front wheel off the ground while accelerating or using clutch/throttle control. The hosts mention it as part of the “sell” for why people want a Grom—because it’s small and forgiving for learning basic stunt skills.

A motorcycle chain drive needs periodic adjustment to maintain correct slack and alignment. If the chain is too loose or too tight, it can wear faster and affect acceleration and reliability.

The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar known for its raw, analog driving character and iconic design. It’s frequently discussed among enthusiasts because it represents a high-water mark of performance and engineering from its era. In the podcast, it’s referenced directly as a “perfect” F40, showing its importance to collectors and fans.

“Color shifting” refers to paint or coatings that change appearance depending on viewing angle and lighting. It’s often achieved with special pigments (like pearlescent or metallic flakes) that create a dramatic, showroom-only look.

Kirkland is Costco’s private-label brand, meaning the bottles are sold under the Kirkland name but produced by another company. Listeners should think of it as “Costco-branded oil,” not a unique oil formulation from Costco itself.

A private-label brand is a product sold under a retailer’s name but manufactured by another company. The speaker uses this concept to explain why Kirkland oil can be competitive: the formulation and blending may come from established lubricant producers.

The speaker contrasts Kirkland oil with Mobil 1, discussing how independent testing and additive packages can affect wear protection and oil-change intervals. “Mobil 1” is a major mainstream synthetic brand, so it’s a common benchmark in oil comparisons.

The key maintenance idea here is frequent oil changes. Engine oil breaks down over time and use, so changing it regularly helps protect engine wear and keeps the oil working as intended.

Mobil 1 is a major engine-oil brand known for synthetic formulations. Some performance or specialty vehicles may explicitly recommend it (or similar oils) to match their testing and warranty requirements.

Jaguar is a British luxury automaker known for performance coupes and stylish sedans. In recent years, it has been reshaping its lineup around electrification, which is why the episode focuses on what Jaguar is planning next.

“Exclusively electric” means a manufacturer plans to sell only battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), not hybrids or internal-combustion models. When Jaguar says it will be exclusively electric, it signals a major shift in product planning and engineering priorities.

Toyota is the automaker issuing the recall mentioned in the segment. The hosts discuss a specific safety-related issue affecting hybrid vehicles and how it impacts warning sounds for pedestrians.

Gas prices directly affect how expensive it is to drive a gasoline car. When prices rise, many buyers shift toward vehicles that use less fuel or cost less to operate.

Gas mileage is a measure of how efficiently a vehicle uses gasoline, usually expressed as miles per gallon (MPG). Higher MPG generally means lower fuel cost per mile.

Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for practical vehicles and, in recent years, hybrid options in some models. In this segment, it’s mentioned as a candidate for a fuel-saving “transport car.”

Diesel is a fuel type used in diesel engines, which typically rely on compression ignition rather than spark plugs. In the context of this episode, the speakers are discussing diesel fuel cost and how diesel engines behave in real-world driving.

The BMW i7 is BMW’s full-size electric luxury sedan. In the conversation, it’s used as an example of an impressive EV that still may not fit the needs of dense downtown use cases where smaller cars are more practical.

A V8 is an engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically associated with strong power and smooth torque delivery. The speaker’s desire to see Scout offered with a V8 suggests they’re thinking about performance/feel rather than only electrification.

A V6 is an engine configuration with six cylinders arranged in a “V” shape. The speaker says they’d accept a V6 if a V8 isn’t available, implying a preference for a traditional internal-combustion option over alternatives.

“Chevy” refers to Chevrolet, a brand within General Motors (GM). The speaker is hoping Chevrolet responds similarly by bringing stronger products to the same kind of market.

GM is General Motors, the parent company behind brands like Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac. The speaker is talking about GM “stepping up” by launching multiple models across its brands.

Buick is a GM brand known for more comfort- and luxury-leaning vehicles compared with Chevrolet’s sportier image. In the segment, Buick is mentioned as part of GM’s broader product push.

Cadillac is GM’s luxury brand, positioned above mainstream Chevrolet and Buick in terms of pricing and features. The speaker includes Cadillac alongside Buick and Camaro as part of the lineup news.

“Take delivery” means the moment a buyer officially receives the vehicle from the manufacturer or dealer. In this context, it’s used to highlight the excitement of Jay Leno receiving his new electric car and sharing the process.

“Slicks” are race tires with no tread pattern, designed to maximize grip on dry pavement. They provide high traction for track driving but generally aren’t suitable for wet roads or everyday use.

Right-hand drive means the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, which is common in Japan and other markets. For U.S. buyers, it affects ergonomics, mirror placement, and sometimes how easily a vehicle can be used for certain commercial routes.