The Tesla Model S Is More Important Than You Think — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep 235
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Hagerty
Hagerty is a company that focuses on car insurance for enthusiasts and classic cars. They also make car-related content for people who really follow cars.
controversy
The hosts frame the episode around a debate or disagreement related to the Tesla Model S. In podcast terms, this signals that they’ll likely weigh pros/cons, challenge assumptions, or discuss why the car matters beyond just specs.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric car made by Tesla. It’s important because it helped show that electric cars could be exciting and useful, not just “green” transportation.
philosophical shift in the way that cars are developed
They mean the Model S represents a different way of thinking about making cars. Instead of designing around a traditional engine, EVs push companies to focus on things like batteries, software, and how the car learns and improves.
motor-train car of the year
They’re referencing an award that’s about the car’s drivetrain—basically how the car makes and sends power to the wheels. For an electric car, that’s the electric motors and how they’re set up to move the car efficiently and smoothly.
hyperbolic
“Hyperbolic” just means exaggerated. In car talk, it means someone might be praising or criticizing a car in a way that’s more extreme than the facts support.
accusations of filleting Tesla
“Accusations of filleting Tesla” appears to be a metaphorical or humorous phrasing for criticism that someone is “cutting up” or unfairly presenting Tesla content. It’s not a standard automotive term, but it signals controversy around how Tesla is being discussed or defended.
Cybertruck
The Cybertruck is Tesla’s electric pickup. The host mentions it because it’s been a controversial or frustrating topic for them personally. It helps explain the emotional backdrop to the Model S discussion.
signature edition
A “signature edition” is a special, limited version of a car. It usually has unique styling or color and is made in small numbers, so it can be more interesting to collectors. Here, Tesla is using it to mark the end of that Model S run.
end of the run
“End of the run” means Tesla is finishing production of that version for good. When that happens, companies sometimes release a small special edition to mark the final cars. The limited number (250) is part of why it’s treated like a collectible.
one year only color
A “one year only color” means the paint color was only offered for a single year. Because it’s rare, people may care more about it when buying or collecting.
Lexus LS 400
The Lexus LS 400 is a luxury car from Lexus that became famous for being well-built and comfortable. Here it’s just mentioned because it was sitting in the studio behind them.
appearance package
An appearance package is mostly about changing how the car looks. It might add different trim or wheels, but it usually doesn’t make the engine or drivetrain meaningfully stronger.
plaid logo
“Plaid” is Tesla’s name for its top, performance-focused Model S version. Here they’re pointing out the logo and interior details that make that version stand out.
white leather
The hosts describe the interior materials—specifically white leather—along with contrasting black and gold details. Interior material choices matter for perceived quality, comfort, and long-term upkeep (cleaning, staining, and wear patterns).
new 2026 front end
A “new front end” means Tesla redesigned the car’s front styling. It can change the headlights and the shape of the nose, and it often makes the whole car look newer and more distinctive.
final updates
“Final updates” usually means the last big improvements before the next major change. That can be good because the car may feel more polished, but it also might be near the point where a newer version is coming.
Mercedes dealership
The host mentions Mercedes to make a comparison: even non-Tesla brands end up offering similar tech ideas. It’s an example of how Tesla’s influence spread.
Porsche dealership
Porsche is mentioned to show that even premium brands are affected. The host is arguing that Tesla changed what people expect to see in cars.
Toyota dealership
Toyota is mentioned as a mainstream example. The host’s point is that Tesla’s ideas ended up influencing what almost any brand sells.
software updates
Software updates mean the car can get new features or fixes after you buy it. Instead of only changing parts, the car’s computer can be updated wirelessly.
touch screens
Touch screens are the big displays you tap to control things like navigation, media, and settings. The idea is that the Model S helped make this style of interior normal.
full self-driving
“Full self-driving” is Tesla’s name for advanced driving help that can take over more tasks than normal cruise control. It’s not the same as a car that’s guaranteed to drive itself everywhere, but it pushed the idea of automation forward.
Jalopnik
Jalopnik is an automotive media outlet, and the hosts cite an editor-in-chief there as an example of early skepticism about Tesla’s ability to build the sedan. This provides context for how widespread the doubts were across car journalism.
vaporware
“Vaporware” means a product that sounds real in announcements, but people think it won’t ever actually show up. Here, it’s what critics thought about Tesla’s sedan plans.
first loan from Tesla
A “loan” in automotive journalism usually means the manufacturer provides a vehicle to a journalist for evaluation, often before or around launch. The hosts mention it as an early access moment that helped them test the Model S firsthand.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf is an electric car. The host is describing a time when it didn’t have enough range to get where they needed to go, which is why EVs felt risky back then.
extension cords
Extension cords are temporary power cables. The host is saying they had to improvise because they couldn’t get to a normal charging option.
infancy of EVs
This phrase means “early days of electric cars.” Back then, charging stations weren’t common, so EV trips were harder and more stressful.
rated range
Rated range is the number of miles the car is advertised to get on a full charge. Real driving can use more energy than the test, so the actual miles you get may be less.
range anxiety
Range anxiety is when you worry your electric car won’t have enough battery to finish the trip. It gets worse if you’re using lots of power (like heat or lights) or if the car’s real range is less than you expected.
door handles
Door handles on the Model S are part of the car’s access system, which can be controlled by software and sensors. If they fail to deploy or respond, the car may not unlock properly, turning a convenience feature into a real usability issue.
sports sedan
A “sports sedan” is a performance-focused car category known for sharper handling and more engaging driving dynamics than a typical commuter sedan. The host is using it as a comparison to describe how the Model S drives, not just how fast it is.
Porsche Taycan
The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s electric car. The hosts are saying Tesla’s Model S helped pave the way for Porsche to build something similar in the EV world.
electric sports car
An electric sports car is an EV built for performance and fun driving, not just commuting. The hosts are saying Tesla helped prove EVs could be “sports-car” exciting.
0 to 60
“0 to 60” is a common performance metric measuring how quickly a car accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph. The hosts correct a script error about the Model S’s 0–60 time, highlighting how important accurate performance claims are in car journalism.
superchargers
Superchargers are Tesla’s fast charging stations. The point here is that, back in 2012, there weren’t many of them, so charging on the road wasn’t as easy.
charging stations
Charging stations are places where you plug in an electric car to add energy. The hosts are saying that in the early days there weren’t enough of them, so you couldn’t always count on being able to charge when you needed to.
being stranded
In an electric car, “stranded” means you can’t keep going because you can’t get enough charge in time. If there aren’t many charging options nearby, a problem can leave you stuck.
phased out
“Phased out” means the product is being stopped and eventually won’t be sold anymore. The hosts are implying the Model S is being discontinued without an obvious immediate replacement.
repurpose the factory for humanoid robots
The host is talking about Tesla possibly using a factory to build humanoid robots instead of cars. That would be a big change in what the company is focused on.
transitioning away from being a car company
They’re wondering if Tesla is moving away from making cars and toward something else. If that happens, it could change what future vehicles look like and how the company supports them.
engineering that goes in the car
They mean the real technical work behind the car—how all the parts are designed to work together. With electric cars, that engineering is a big deal because it changes how fast, efficient, and smooth the car is.
chief of basically engineering
The speaker is describing a senior engineering leadership role at Tesla, responsible for coordinating engineering priorities and execution across the vehicle program. Understanding who holds that kind of role helps explain how design and engineering tradeoffs get made.
designer
The speaker mentions getting time with “Franz,” described as the designer, highlighting the collaboration between design and engineering. In automotive development, design leadership shapes packaging, ergonomics, and visual identity, while engineering ensures those choices are feasible and durable.
day-to-day operations
This means the founder is involved in the company’s regular, everyday decisions. The host is saying that involvement can influence what gets built and how.
Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra Stratos is a special Hyundai race-style project, not a normal showroom car. It’s meant to demonstrate engineering and performance ideas that come from motorsports.
Lancia Stratos
The Lancia Stratos is a sports car that’s famous for rally racing. It was designed to compete in competitions rather than just be a normal road car. People talk about it because it became an icon in motorsport.
Elon
The hosts are talking about Elon Musk’s social media presence and how it affects how people think about Tesla. The point is that online drama can overshadow what the company actually builds.
re-engineer Model S to comply with safety and crash regulations
Re-engineering a vehicle for updated safety and crash regulations means modifying structures, restraint systems, crash structures, and sometimes software/calibration to meet legal requirements. If the changes are extensive, the cost can approach (or exceed) the cost of starting a new platform.
luxury car segment
“Luxury car segment” refers to the market category of higher-priced vehicles, where buyers often expect premium features, refinement, and brand positioning. The hosts suggest that this segment may be “dying,” implying slower growth and less incentive to keep investing heavily in that specific product niche.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s high-volume electric sedan and is positioned as more affordable than the Model S/X. Here, the hosts compare Model 3 sales volumes to Model S/X to argue Tesla is better off investing where demand is strongest.
Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is Tesla’s popular electric SUV. The hosts mention it to show that Tesla’s biggest-selling cars are the ones that make the most sense to keep developing.
Rivian R1S
R1S is Rivian’s electric SUV. They’re using it as an example of what other companies are selling in the large electric SUV market.
Rivian R2
R2 is Rivian’s smaller electric vehicle. The hosts are basically saying Rivian has multiple SUV/EV options that could compete if Tesla expanded into that segment.
EVs as the right solution for transportation, not for joy
They’re talking about two different ways people think about electric cars: as practical transportation, or as something that’s actually fun to drive. The Roadster is brought up as an example of the “fun” side.
Tesla Roadster
The Tesla Roadster is Tesla’s more performance-and-fun-focused electric car. In this segment, they’re saying it’s interesting because it’s built to feel engaging to drive, not just to get you from A to B.
lightweight
Lightweight cars tend to feel quicker and easier to move around. The hosts are saying the Roadster felt joyful partly because it wasn’t as heavy as many EVs.
analog steering
Analog steering means the steering feels connected to the road, not muted or overly “computer-y.” The hosts are saying the original Roadster’s steering feel helped make it fun to drive.
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight sports car that’s built to feel fun and responsive to drive. Here, it’s mentioned to compare what people like about traditional sports cars versus what EVs might change.
manual transmission
A manual transmission is when you choose gears yourself, usually using a clutch pedal. They’re saying EVs could keep that more hands-on driving style, but they think future EVs may not.
manual steering
Manual steering is the more traditional steering feel where the connection between your hands and the wheels is more direct. They’re saying the future car may use electronic steering instead of the traditional setup.
by wire everything
“By wire” means the car uses electronics to control things that used to be connected by cables or mechanical parts. They’re implying the future EV will be controlled more by computers than by direct mechanical feel.
driverless autonomous taxis
Driverless autonomous taxis are self-driving cars that pick up passengers like Uber/Lyft, but without a human behind the wheel. The hosts think this is where the real money is because it can be used constantly as a service.
tail rear end treatments
“Tail rear end treatments” means different rear-end design packages—rear bumper/valance styling, diffuser-like shapes, and other aerodynamic or visual elements. The hosts mention multiple rear treatments, suggesting Tesla was tuning both appearance and airflow.
flared
“Flared” means the fenders/wheel areas stick out more than usual. In this case, they’re saying the outside body is flared to change the look and fitment, not the cabin.
ZR1
The ZR1 is a top Corvette version that’s famous for having wide, flared fenders. They’re comparing the Tesla’s body flaring to that Corvette look.
prototype
A prototype is an early test car made before the final version exists. “Drivable” means it could actually move under its own power so people could try it out.
Mercedes CLS
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a luxury sedan with a sporty-looking shape. They’re saying the prototype started with a CLS and then got cut up and rebuilt to test the Tesla concept.
cut in half
They’re describing a very hands-on test-mule build—taking an existing car and physically modifying its structure. The goal is to make sure the new design and drivetrain can fit and work before committing to a final build.
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 EV is a gas-free electric version of the RAV4 SUV. They’re mentioning it to show that some companies tried EVs in limited ways before fully committing.
electrification
Electrification means moving away from gas engines and toward electric driving. It’s basically how seriously a company commits to making EVs.
electric drive
An electric drive is the main “electric power” setup that makes the car move. It’s the motor and the electronics that control it.
bricked
“Bricked” means the car’s computer got stuck in a broken state. When that happens, the car may not unlock or start, even if the hardware is otherwise intact.
hatch
A hatch is the rear door that opens up. They were trying to open it so they could get to what they needed on the car.
battery
In an electric car, the battery is the big power pack that stores electricity. They were trying to reach it because the prototype wasn’t working well enough to use normally.
Tesla Semi
The Tesla Semi is an electric truck meant for hauling goods. It’s designed for long-distance driving. It’s talked about because it’s a big step toward electric power in commercial trucking.
trailer alone is 50 feet
They’re pointing out how long the truck parts are—so long that it can’t fit on their property. That’s why they end up parking it in the street.
under embargo
“Under embargo” means the car is supposed to stay secret for a while. The company sets a date/time when you’re allowed to talk about it publicly.
Mazda 6
The Mazda 6 is a regular, everyday type of car from Mazda. They’re using it as a style comparison—like saying the shape mixes Mazda 6 looks with Tesla Model S looks.
Jaguar Xf
The Jaguar XF is a luxury midsize sedan from Jaguar, known for its distinctive profile and “silhouette” styling. The hosts mention it because they see similar design cues in the car they’re discussing, emphasizing how body shape can look like multiple brands at once.
silhouette
A “silhouette” is just the car’s overall outline—its shape and proportions. Designers use it so the car looks recognizable even from far away.
pseudo grill
A “pseudo grill” is a grille-like design that looks real but isn’t doing the same job as a normal gas-car grille. They’re saying it was more about looks, and later they decided it wasn’t needed.
nose cone
A “nose cone” here refers to the front-end styling piece (and likely the associated aerodynamic/thermal design) that Tesla initially included. The hosts explain it was added because they thought it was needed for cooling, but later they found it wasn’t necessary—showing how packaging decisions can change after testing.
SpaceX
SpaceX is the space company Elon Musk runs. The hosts are saying Tesla wanted the car’s front to look like it belonged on a spaceship, not just like a normal car.
hill hold
Hill hold is a feature that keeps the car from rolling backward when you’re stopped on a hill. When you’re ready to go, it releases the brakes so you can pull away smoothly.
brake assist
Brake assist helps the car stop faster in a panic by adding extra braking power when it senses you’re braking hard. The point here is that the earlier car they drove didn’t have that extra help.
Mercedes shifter
A shifter is what you use to choose the car’s gear or driving mode. Here, they’re saying the early car used a shifter that felt like it came from Mercedes, implying some shared or reused hardware.
off-the-shelf components
“Off-the-shelf” parts are components that already exist and are used in other products or cars. The host is saying early Tesla builds may have used ready-made parts to get the car working faster.
accelerator pedal assembly
The accelerator pedal assembly is the part that connects your foot to the car’s response when you press the pedal. It tells the car how much power you want.
early production
Early production is the first period when a new car is being built in volume. During that time, teams often discover small problems and tweak how parts are assembled so the cars come out consistent.
superglue
Superglue is a quick glue that bonds parts together fast. They’re describing how, during early manufacturing, they used it to keep a small part from moving.
micro switch
A micro switch is a small, sensitive electrical switch that changes state when actuated by a mechanism. In this case, it’s mounted inside the door handle and was held by a single screw, so it wasn’t secure enough—leading to the need for additional adhesive during assembly.
crimp
Crimping is a method of mechanically and electrically joining wires or terminals by deforming a connector around them. In this story, crimping is part of the repair/assembly process used to reattach the door-handle switch wiring after disassembly.
scrappy building a car from scratch
This means they weren’t just tweaking an existing car—they were trying to create a new vehicle and get it built with limited money. It’s describing the early, difficult startup phase.
build quality
Build quality is basically how “well made” the car feels. It’s about whether parts fit nicely and whether the interior and exterior look and feel finished.
number one selling car in the world
They’re saying the Tesla Model S became a top-selling car globally. The exact “#1” depends on how you measure sales and which year you’re talking about.
Citroen DS
The Citroën DS is a famous mid-century French car known for its advanced engineering and comfort-focused design. The hosts use it as a historical parallel to the Tesla Model S, pointing to its aerodynamic thinking and pioneering suspension/braking tech.
aerodynamic focus
Aerodynamic focus means shaping the car so air flows around it more easily. That can help the car use less energy and feel more stable.
automated transmission
An automated transmission is a gearbox where the driver doesn’t manually operate a clutch or shift lever; the car controls shifting automatically. In this segment, it’s tied to the Citroën DS’s hydraulic system, emphasizing how the DS combined unusual suspension and drivetrain automation.
hydraulic system
A hydraulic system uses pressurized fluid to transmit force and control mechanisms. Here, the hosts connect the Citroën DS’s hydraulic system to both its suspension and its automated transmission behavior, illustrating how tightly integrated the car’s tech was.
oleoneumatic suspension
Oleoneumatic suspension is a suspension system that uses fluid plus compressed gas to help the car ride smoothly. It’s a more complex setup than simple metal springs and shocks.
disc brakes
Disc brakes use a metal disc and pads to stop the car. They tend to work better and stay consistent when you brake hard or repeatedly.
Le Mans winning cars
Le Mans is a very tough long-distance race. The host is saying that race-winning cars often get new tech first, and then regular cars copy it later.
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a very luxurious car made by Rolls-Royce. It’s known for being a flagship-style vehicle with a focus on comfort. It’s mentioned because it’s an important model in Rolls-Royce history.
turning headlights
Turning headlights (often called adaptive headlights) swivel or adjust to better illuminate the direction of travel. The host frames them as another example of technology that appeared on earlier cars and then spread to other manufacturers.
unitary construction
Unibody construction means the car’s body and frame are basically one piece. That usually makes the car lighter and stiffer, which can help it drive better.
executive type car
“Executive car” is a way of saying a nicer, more comfortable car meant for business or everyday use by professionals. It’s typically bigger and more refined than cheaper, smaller cars.
Mercedes E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a common benchmark luxury sedan. If someone says another car is cheaper than an E-Class, they’re basically saying it’s less expensive than a typical mainstream Mercedes luxury model.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a long-running mainstream midsize sedan known for reliability and broad affordability. Mentioning it alongside the E-Class is a shorthand for “cheaper than luxury, but not the cheapest mainstream option.”
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is a popular small car that’s been around for a long time. The hosts are comparing it to the Mini to see if it does anything meaningfully different.
Mini
Mini is a brand of small cars known for their distinctive style and fun driving feel. The host is saying Mini helped create a particular small-car formula that others followed.
historical impact comparison (Model T / Beetle / Model S)
The hosts are using a “historical impact” framework—comparing modern cars to landmark vehicles from earlier eras—to argue which cars truly changed the industry or consumer behavior. This is less about specs and more about cultural and market influence.
Ford Model T
The Ford Model T was a very early Ford that helped make cars affordable for regular people. They’re using it as a yardstick for how big the Tesla’s influence might be.
powertrain layout
“Powertrain layout” is just how the car’s main mechanical parts are arranged. That arrangement can make it easier to build a front-wheel-drive car or a rear-wheel-drive car, and it affects how the car fits together.
packaging solution
“Packaging” means how the car’s parts are arranged to fit in the body. A “packaging solution” is a design trick that makes it possible to put the drivetrain in a way that saves space and money.
front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive (FWD) means the engine sends power to the front wheels. It’s common in “economic” cars because it can simplify packaging (often fewer parts like long driveshafts) and can free up space in the cabin.
Mainstream car adoption across markets
They’re talking about why some cars catch on worldwide and others stay mostly in one place. It’s not only the car—other countries also have to be ready to buy and use cars.
rear engine
A rear-engine car puts the engine in the back instead of the front. The hosts are mentioning it because it’s a big part of the Beetle’s overall design.
air-cooled
An air-cooled engine uses air flowing around the engine to keep it from overheating. The hosts are bringing it up because it’s one of the Beetle’s defining engineering traits.
people's car / mass-market "equivalent"
The hosts are talking about how many countries ended up with their own affordable “everybody’s car.” It’s not just one model—it’s the idea that each place needed a simple, mass-produced option for regular drivers.
Minor Morris Minor
The Morris Minor is a small car from the U.K. It became popular after World War II. People bring it up when talking about early, affordable cars.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle was a super-popular car that sold in huge numbers around the world. The hosts are using it as an example of a car that really changed the industry.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a small, everyday car. It’s known for being reliable and easy to live with. People mention it a lot because it’s been around for a very long time.
desirability
“Desirability” means people actually want the car, not just that it works. The hosts are saying Tesla made EVs feel cool and worth buying.
glorified golf cart
“Glorified golf cart” is a way people used to talk down early electric cars. It suggests they felt small, slow, and limited—more like a neighborhood vehicle than a real car.
continual evolution
“Continual evolution” refers to the idea that a vehicle platform keeps improving over time rather than being a one-and-done product. In EVs especially, this can include software updates and iterative hardware refinement that keep the car feeling current.
serial number
A serial number is like the car’s unique ID. If the car was built with different updates over time, the serial number helps you figure out what exact parts it needs.
rolling production changes
Instead of changing the car once per year, manufacturers often update it gradually while it’s still being built. So two cars from different dates can need different parts, even if they’re both the same model.
Honda
Honda is a major automaker. In this segment, it’s mentioned to explain where Lars began his career and what kind of engineering work he did first.
chassis development group
A “chassis development group” focuses on the vehicle’s structure and dynamics hardware—things like mounting points, stiffness, suspension geometry, and overall platform behavior. The speaker contrasts this with powertrain work to highlight different engineering skill sets.
low rolling resistance wheel bearing
Wheel bearings help the wheels spin smoothly. A “low rolling resistance” bearing is designed to make the wheels spin with less drag, so the car uses less energy.
ROI
ROI means “is this upgrade worth the money?” If it costs a little but brings big benefits, the ROI is high. They’re saying Tesla’s small changes can pay off a lot.
MPGE
MPGe is how the EPA compares an electric car’s efficiency to a gas car. It’s basically “how far you can go for the energy equivalent of a gallon of gas.” They’re saying Tesla’s efficiency improved.
EPA independent rating
The EPA runs standardized tests and publishes results you can compare across cars. When they say “independent,” they mean it’s not just the manufacturer’s own marketing numbers.
heat pump
A heat pump is a way to move heat around instead of just making heat from scratch. In an electric car, it helps keep the battery and cabin warm more efficiently, which helps the car go farther in cold weather.
inductive heating
Inductive heating is a method of making heat using magnetism. In an EV, it can warm things like the battery, but it may not be as efficient as newer heating methods.
octave valve
An “octave valve” is a part that helps the car move heat to where it’s needed. In this case, it lets the car reuse heat it would otherwise waste, like heat from the air conditioning, to warm the battery for charging.
waste heat recovery
Waste heat recovery means the car tries to reuse heat it would normally throw away. Instead of wasting that energy, it redirects it—like using AC heat to help warm the battery.
capacitive touch screen
A capacitive touch screen detects your finger by measuring changes in electrical charge, which allows fast, precise response. The hosts are highlighting the engineering challenge of making a capacitive screen feel quick and accurate in a car environment.
Century Mode
“Century Mode” is a Tesla feature that can save short video clips automatically using the car’s cameras. The idea is to capture interesting moments around the car.
dash cams
Dash cams are cameras that record what’s happening around your car. In this context, the hosts are saying Tesla already had cameras for safety features, so using them for recording makes sense.
ADAS
ADAS means safety and convenience systems that help the driver, like things that can warn you or help keep you in your lane. These systems often use cameras and sensors.
frameless doors
Frameless doors mean the window doesn’t have a thick fixed frame around it. The hosts are saying that on early cars, this design made the door sound worse because parts could rattle.
glass within the frame
This is about how the window glass is held in place. If the glass or window area can move, you can get rattles—so adding support helps the door feel tighter and sound better.
computer put the window up slightly
The car automatically moves the window a little when you open the door, then it goes back to where you last had it. It’s basically an “automatic window memory” behavior.
clever redeployment of technology
This means the car uses parts it already has, but applies them in a smarter way. Instead of adding a whole new system, the software tells the existing hardware to do something useful.
Windscreen
A windscreen is the windshield. They’re saying that this particular part isn’t the same between the older and newer cars.
Side windows
Side windows are the glass in the doors. They’re checking whether those parts are the same on the newer car, and it sounds like they aren’t.
panel fitment
Panel fitment is how well the body panels line up and how even the gaps look. Restorers care a lot because the “right” look depends on getting those gaps and alignment correct.
door striker
The door striker is the part on the car body that the latch grabs to keep the door closed. If it didn’t change, it may be easier to reuse across versions than the latch itself.
door latch
The door latch is the part that keeps the door shut and lets it open when you pull the handle. If it changed on later versions, it can be tricky to replace with the wrong year’s parts.
restoration pain
They’re saying restoring one of these cars could be really hard because the car kept getting small updates. Even if the changes seem minor, the exact correct parts may be different, so matching the original look can be a headache.
five seconds to 60
This is a measure of acceleration: how long it takes to go from 0 to 60 mph. It’s a quick way to compare performance, but it doesn’t fully describe ride comfort or steering feel.
steering was incredibly slow
“Slow” steering typically means the steering ratio is higher—more steering wheel rotation is needed to achieve the same change in direction. That can make the car feel less responsive than modern steering setups, especially during quick lane changes.
wind noise
Wind noise is the unwanted sound generated by airflow around the car’s body, mirrors, seals, and glass. It’s a key contributor to perceived cabin quality, and improvements in aerodynamics and sealing can make a big difference between generations.
yoke
A “yoke” is a different steering shape than a normal round steering wheel. It can feel unusual at first because your hands rest differently, but some people like the simplicity.
vertical screen
This is a tall screen mounted in a vertical (up-and-down) orientation. It can change how easy it is to read at a glance and how the whole interior feels.
center console
The center console is the part between the seats with things like storage and cupholders. If it’s missing or redesigned, the cabin can feel more open but you may lose some convenience.
leather smell
People often talk about the “new car smell,” and “leather smell” is one version of that. It usually comes from the interior materials and chemicals used in making the seats and surfaces.
drive itself
When they say “drive itself,” they mean the car is using its sensors and computer to do a lot of the driving for you. You still have to pay attention, because it may not handle every situation safely.
supervised FSD
This is Tesla’s driver-assist software that can help with driving, but it still expects you to watch the road and be ready to take control. If the car thinks you’re not paying attention, it won’t let the system do as much.
Volkswagen Egolf
The Volkswagen e-Golf is a fully electric version of the Golf. The point here is that some features rely on the car being able to connect to the internet, and if that connection stops working, the car can’t get updates or communicate properly.
3G
3G was an older type of mobile internet used by cars to send data and receive updates. If the phone network shuts down 3G, the car may lose those connected features.
connected-car dependency on cellular networks (loss of updates)
The idea is that some modern car features depend on the car having a working internet connection. If the network support goes away, the car can’t get updates and may only be fixable by a dealer or forced recalls.
Sentry mode
Sentry Mode is like the car watching itself while it’s parked. If something seems off, it can record video so you have proof later.
blind spot monitoring
Blind spot monitoring helps you notice cars that are hidden next to your vehicle. It alerts you so you don’t change lanes into someone else’s space.
VW
VW (Volkswagen) is mentioned as a contrast to Tesla’s update philosophy. The host claims VW would stop supporting a feature (“sun setting”), highlighting how different automakers handle software feature lifecycles.
over-the-air updates
Over-the-air updates are software updates your car can download by itself, like a phone update. The point here is that Tesla keeps adding or maintaining features even after the car is sold.
software defined vehicle
A software-defined vehicle is a car where features are controlled by software. That means the car can get new functions later through updates, instead of being “stuck” with what it had on day one.
Silicon Valley
“Silicon Valley” is a way of talking about the tech world and how it builds products. The idea is that tech companies often move faster and design with software and user experience in mind.
legacy manufacturers
“Legacy manufacturers” means the older, long-established car companies. The hosts are saying these companies often work differently than newer EV makers, which can affect how their cars feel and how they’re built.
Lucid
Lucid is another electric-car company. The hosts mention it to show that multiple newer EV makers are approaching car design and ownership differently than traditional brands.
Chinese companies
They’re talking about car companies from China and how U.S. rules can limit which cars people can test or buy. That matters because it changes what consumers can realistically compare.
not allowed to sample
“Not allowed to sample” refers to restrictions that prevent consumers or reviewers from evaluating certain imported vehicles. In this episode, it’s presented as part of why the U.S. market can lag behind global EV developments and consumer expectations.
silos
“Silos” means departments working separately instead of as one team. The point is that car development gets harder when different groups don’t communicate, because modern cars rely on many systems working together.
CAFE
CAFE is a U.S. rule that pressures car companies to sell cars that, on average, get better gas mileage. It’s measured across the whole set of cars a company sells, not just one model.
EV development programs
An EV development program is the company’s plan to build electric cars—designing them, engineering them, and preparing to sell them. If a company cancels it, fewer new EVs are likely to show up later.
rolling back emissions
“Rolling back emissions” means the rules about pollution are being loosened or changed. If the rules change, car companies may adjust what they build and how fast they move toward cleaner technologies like electric cars.
we're going electric
“Going electric” means more cars will run on batteries instead of gas. It changes how car companies design cars and plan for the future.
car development schedules are far in excess of five years
Car companies don’t build new cars quickly—they plan them years ahead. So if rules or politics change, it’s hard for them to adjust fast.
Tesla saved the American car industry
The host is saying Tesla’s success may have helped the U.S. auto industry improve and move faster. Even people who dislike Tesla may still be affected because other companies have to compete.
a renaissance
A “renaissance” here means a renewed period of leadership and innovation in the automotive industry. It frames Tesla’s impact as helping the U.S. regain a more influential role in vehicle technology and design direction.
doesn't patent anything
When someone says Tesla “doesn’t patent anything,” they’re referring to Tesla’s approach to intellectual property—sharing certain technologies rather than aggressively locking them behind patents. This can encourage faster industry-wide adoption of EV-related engineering ideas. The segment uses it to argue that Tesla’s influence on the broader auto industry was bigger than just selling cars.
48-volt electrical architecture
Most cars use a 12-volt electrical system. A 48-volt system uses a higher voltage, which can power more demanding electronics more efficiently. The idea is to handle modern car electrical needs with less wasted energy.
co-developed with suppliers
This is when a car company works closely with parts companies to design parts together. The host is saying Tesla did that well, and other companies didn’t copy the strategy.
48-volt steering systems
Some cars use a 48-volt electrical system to help run certain power features. Here, the host is talking about steering assist using that 48-volt setup, which can improve efficiency and how quickly the steering responds.
car play
CarPlay is an Apple feature that lets you use your iPhone through the car’s screen. The host is saying Tesla didn’t include it, which shows Tesla takes a different approach to software and apps.
Ford F150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning is an all-electric pickup truck. The hosts are using it as an example of an EV program that’s selling in the real world even when people talk about cancellations or slowdowns.
mandates returning for the US market
“Mandates” here refers to government requirements that push automakers toward certain outcomes, like EV adoption or emissions reductions. If those policies are expected to come back, companies may hesitate to cancel programs because the market conditions could improve later.
development cycle of a car is... five... between half and a full decade
Making a new car takes a long time—years, not months. So if rules or demand change, it’s hard for companies to react quickly without losing money or delaying the launch.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sports car made by Ford. It’s built for driving fun, and many people customize or upgrade them. It’s well known for having a big fan community.
combustion
Combustion refers to internal combustion engines that burn fuel to make power. The hosts are framing it as something to enjoy while it still exists in a big way, even as electrification grows.
efficiency concessions
Sometimes engineers make design choices mainly to help the car use less energy. The host is saying Porsche tried that, but it didn’t fully work out at first.
two speed rear transmission
Some electric cars use a gearbox with two settings to keep the motor working in its best range. The host is saying Porsche added this to improve efficiency, but it didn’t make the car as efficient as Tesla.
Porsche Macan EV
The Porsche Macan EV is Porsche’s electric version of the Macan small SUV. They’re saying it feels really good to drive, and it represents Porsche improving its EV game.
recall
A recall is when the car maker says, “We found a problem and we need to fix it.” Owners usually get the fix done at no cost.
stop sale
A stop sale means the company tells dealers to stop selling certain cars for now. Usually it’s because there’s a problem that needs to be fixed first.
Porsche Macan
The Porsche Macan is a Porsche SUV. The host isn’t saying to get rid of it right away—just that Porsche should take ideas from newer cars that make ownership easier.
keyless entry (phone is my key)
Instead of using a traditional key fob, you can use your phone to unlock and start the car. It’s more convenient because you don’t have to carry a separate key.
carbureted
“Carbureted” describes older gas engines that used a carburetor to mix fuel and air. The point here is that newer technology is moving forward, and most drivers can’t stay stuck in the past.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a very common full-size pickup. The point is that trucks like this sell a lot, so they help companies pay the bills.
F-150
The Ford F-150 is a big, popular pickup truck. The hosts are saying companies often rely on trucks like this to make enough money to keep the business running.
Straight six
A “straight six” is an engine with six cylinders in a single line. The hosts are saying they prefer that engine design over a V8.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger EV is the electric version of the Charger name. The hosts are saying it doesn’t live up to expectations because it’s heavy, feels cramped, and doesn’t drive well.
Stalantis
They’re talking about Stellantis, the big company behind brands like Dodge and Ram. The point is that the hosts think Stellantis’s EV products aren’t competitive enough.
fuses
A fuse is like a safety plug in an electrical system. If too much current flows, the fuse breaks to prevent overheating and fires.
electrical fault protection strategy
Cars need a way to handle electrical problems safely. This is about what the car does when something shorts or draws too much current—how it stops the danger before it turns into a fire.
e-fuse
An e-fuse is an electronic safety device that shuts down or limits power when something goes wrong. Instead of a metal fuse that melts, it uses electronics to protect the wiring.
Monroe and Associates
Monroe and Associates is a company that takes a car apart piece by piece to figure out how it’s built and what it costs to make. They use that information to help companies redesign parts and assembly steps so the car can be built more efficiently.
reverse engineer the entire thing
Reverse engineering is when someone takes something apart to learn how it was made. For cars, that helps them understand what parts are inside and how the factory puts it together.
cost engineer it
Cost engineering means figuring out how to build the same car for less money. It usually involves changing how parts are made or how they’re put together so it’s cheaper and less likely to cause problems later.
bill of materials
A bill of materials is basically a shopping list for the car. It breaks down all the parts that go into it so you can estimate cost and find expensive or inefficient items.
warranty claim
A warranty claim is when you bring a problem to the dealer and the manufacturer pays to fix it because it’s covered by warranty. The speaker is saying some changes might be “good enough” for cost, but not good enough to avoid future failures.
competitive vehicle analysis
Competitive vehicle analysis is like studying a competitor’s car to learn how they built it and what it probably costs. The goal is to figure out what they do better (or worse) so you can improve your own design.
Daihatsu
Daihatsu is a Japanese car brand. Here it’s being used as a comparison to mean “cheap/entry-level” build quality, not as a direct comparison to a specific model.
door panel fell out
A door panel coming loose is an example of a fit-and-finish or assembly issue that can hurt perceived quality. While it’s not a drivetrain problem, it’s the kind of early-ownership complaint that can shape how people judge a car’s overall build.
perceived and actual quality
Perceived quality is how good the car seems and feels to you. Actual quality is how well it’s really made and how long it lasts—this segment is saying the Model S’s “big stuff” was so good that people could overlook smaller issues.
BlackBerry
BlackBerry is referenced as part of a comparison to older smartphone-era tech. The point is to illustrate how far ahead the hosts felt the car’s “modern” experience was compared to what people expected at the time.
original iPhone
The original iPhone is an early-generation smartphone. They’re using it as a comparison to show how different and surprising the car felt compared to what people were used to.
sentiment analysis
Sentiment analysis is a method of using text or other signals to estimate whether the overall reaction is positive or negative. Here, it’s used metaphorically to describe how people might react to an intro scene—quickly judging tone rather than doing deeper reasoning.
bumper sticker
A bumper sticker is a small adhesive label placed on the exterior of a vehicle, often used to signal personal beliefs or affiliations. In car culture, bumper stickers can become a quick visual shorthand for how owners feel about a brand or public figure.
electric starter
An electric starter is what turns the engine over when you press the key or push the button. It’s the reason you don’t have to crank the engine by hand.
Cadillac
Cadillac is cited here for inventing the electric starter, used as a historical example of how major automotive innovations originate and then become standard. The mention supports the broader argument that today’s “new normal” has roots in earlier engineering breakthroughs.
heated seats
Heated seats are seats with built-in warming elements. You turn them on and they heat up to make cold mornings more comfortable.
modern car was invented by Tesla
They’re making a point that Tesla changed how cars are built and what people expect. It’s less about one single invention and more about Tesla shifting the whole industry toward EVs and modern tech.
steer by wire
Steer-by-wire means your steering wheel sends electronic signals to control the wheels, instead of using a direct mechanical linkage. Because there’s no “hard” connection, the car has to constantly check that everything is working correctly.
direct adaptive steer
“Direct adaptive steer” is Infiniti’s name for an electronic steering system. The key idea is that the car can disconnect the steering wheel from the steering column when needed, while still controlling the wheels electronically.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 is a luxury sedan, meaning it’s built to feel more comfortable and upscale than a basic car. It uses electronic systems to control some functions, rather than relying only on mechanical linkages. People may mention it when talking about how modern cars are controlled.
clutch
Here, a clutch is used as a disconnect mechanism. It can separate the steering wheel from the steering column so the car can control steering electronically and safely.
checksum
A checksum is like a quick math “fingerprint” the computer uses to make sure data wasn’t corrupted. For steering systems, it’s part of the car’s safety checks to confirm everything is working correctly.
drive by wire
Instead of a direct mechanical connection, the car uses computers and sensors to control things. Because it’s electronic, the car also has safety systems to handle failures.
failsafe
A failsafe is what the car does to stay safe if a system has a problem. For steering-by-wire, that usually means the car has backup logic and ways to keep you in control.
automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is the type of car gearbox where you don’t have to shift gears yourself. The car decides when to change gears for you.
coverage
“Coverage” here likely means protection that helps pay for certain car problems—like insurance or warranty help. The host is saying they got it included for free.
framing cars in terms of their significance
Instead of judging a car only by whether you personally like it, the hosts are talking about how important it is in the bigger picture. That could mean what it changed for other cars or for the industry.