TTAC At The 2026 Detroit Auto Show
About this episode
The 2026 Detroit Auto Show is the focus of this episode, featuring discussions on the lack of major product unveils and the significance of the new Bronco RTR. Hosts Tim Healy and Matthew Guy share insights on the event's atmosphere, the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards, and notable appearances, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The episode also delves into the evolving nature of auto shows, the impact of EVs, and the importance of cabin air filters in vehicle maintenance, making for a well-rounded automotive conversation.
Detroit Auto Show
"...we are live-ish at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show. We have a lot to cover this week..."
The Detroit Auto Show is a big event where car companies show off their newest cars and technologies. It's held every year in Detroit, and many people in the car industry attend to see what's new.
The Detroit Auto Show, officially known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), is an annual automotive exhibition held in Detroit, Michigan. It showcases the latest vehicles, technologies, and innovations from various manufacturers, making it a key event in the automotive industry.
eBay Motors
"...a word from our sponsor, Ebay Motors. Ebay has reinvented vehicle buying, from click to curb..."
eBay Motors is a part of eBay where you can buy and sell cars and car parts. They make it easy to find what you need and help with the buying process.
eBay Motors is a division of eBay that focuses on buying and selling vehicles and automotive parts. It provides a platform for users to find cars, parts, and accessories, offering features like secure purchases and vehicle protection plans.
Ford Bronco
"...there is the new Bronco RTR, which you and I both saw in person. And that..."
The Ford Bronco RTR is a special version of the Bronco that has been upgraded for better performance and style. It's made for people who love off-roading and want a more exciting driving experience.
The Ford Bronco RTR is a modified version of the classic Bronco, designed for enhanced performance and off-road capability. RTR stands for 'Ready to Rock', a brand known for its performance upgrades and styling enhancements.
Dodge Charger
"...and Truck of the Year awards this year. The Dodge Charger six pack, one car of the year over the other two ..."
Honda Prelude
"...the other finalists, the Prelude and the, what was the other one?..."
The Honda Prelude is a sporty two-door car that Honda made for many years. It was known for being fun to drive and had some cool features.
The Honda Prelude is a sports coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001, known for its performance and innovative features for its time.
Ford Maverick
"...all the winners were the Ford Maverick"
The Ford Maverick is a small truck that Ford started making again recently. It's popular because it's affordable and has a hybrid version that saves gas.
The Ford Maverick is a compact pickup truck that was reintroduced in 2021, known for its affordability and hybrid powertrain option.
Hyundai Palisade
"... the winners were the Ford Maverick Lobo, Hyundai Palisade and that's Charger. Yes. That's right. So I mean,..."
Ram TRX
"...Ram dropped that, the TRX with the 6.2 Supercharge, that means back again. And that's here on the show floor."
The Ram TRX is a special version of the Ram truck that is designed for high performance, especially for off-road driving.
The Ram TRX is a high-performance version of the Ram 1500 pickup truck, known for its powerful engine and off-road capabilities.
6.2 Supercharged
"...the TRX with the 6.2 Supercharge, that means back again. And that's here on the show floor."
The 6.2 Supercharged is a type of engine that is bigger and more powerful because it has a supercharger that helps it run faster and stronger.
The 6.2 Supercharged refers to a 6.2-liter V8 engine equipped with a supercharger, which increases the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
3.6 Pentastar
"...with the 3.6 Pentastar under the hood that is not directly driving the wheels. It's electric."
The 3.6 Pentastar is a type of engine that is designed to be powerful while also saving fuel, and it's used in many Chrysler vehicles.
The 3.6 Pentastar is a V6 engine produced by Chrysler, known for its balance of power and efficiency, often used in various models including the Ram 1500.
F1
"...whether it's F1, because Cadillac is over there with an F1 display, Ford's going to be talking to a lot of the F1 stuff..."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features very fast cars competing in races at different locations worldwide.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It features a series of races known as Grands Prix, held on various circuits around the world.
Dodge Ram
"...the F1 stuff. And Dodge is over there. I'm sorry, Ram is over there with their truck. That's going to b..."
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that people use for work and play. It's strong and can carry heavy loads, which makes it a favorite for those who need a reliable vehicle for tough jobs.
The Dodge Ram, now branded as Ram Trucks, is a line of full-size pickup trucks known for their capability and ruggedness. They are popular among both work and recreational users, offering a range of features for towing and hauling.
NASCAR
"...that's going to be at the track in February. Which we'll be talking about in our NASCAR segment in the future..."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that mainly takes place on oval tracks in the United States, featuring cars that look like regular cars but are specially built for racing.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport in the United States known for its stock car racing on oval tracks. It features a series of races culminating in a championship.
Ford F1
"...ming is a little bit off, but keep an eye out for Ford F1 news as well. Coming to you from the future in De..."
The Ford F-1 is an older type of truck that people used for heavy work. It's known for being tough and reliable, which is why many people still like them today.
The Ford F-1 is part of the Ford F-Series, which has been one of the best-selling truck lines in America. The F-1 specifically refers to earlier models, known for their durability and utility.
DeLorean
"...Just get me the DeLorean. Yeah. In fact, I'll let me see DeLorean here on the show floor. Maybe I'll drive off in one."
The DeLorean is a unique car that has a shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's famous because it was used in a popular movie about time travel.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, famously known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors, and its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
secure purchase
"It's all thanks to their new secure purchase. Ever try to buy a car and end up in a parking lot with a stranger and some blind trust?"
'Secure purchase' is a way to buy a car online safely. It makes sure that the seller is trustworthy and that your payment is secure, so you don't have to worry about getting scammed.
eBay's 'secure purchase' refers to a system designed to facilitate safe and reliable transactions when buying vehicles online. This process includes verifying sellers and ensuring that payments are secure, which helps to protect buyers from potential scams.
DMV
"Or maybe worst of all, wait for hours of the DMV just to transfer the title. That era is over."
The DMV is a government office where you go to handle things like getting a driver's license or registering a car. Sometimes, it takes a long time to get things done there.
The DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles, is a government agency responsible for vehicle registration, title transfers, and issuing driver's licenses. Waiting at the DMV can often be a lengthy process due to the volume of transactions they handle.
gear heads
"For years, eBay has been the go to for gear heads collectors and DIYers. Because whatever you're into from classics to SUVs and trucks to imports, eBay's got it."
'Gear heads' are people who really love cars and know a lot about them. They often work on their own cars and enjoy making them better.
'Gear heads' is a colloquial term used to describe automotive enthusiasts who are passionate about cars, often involving modifications, repairs, and a deep understanding of automotive mechanics.
Raptor
"It's not, like you said, it's not quite a Raptor, but it's not very far short."
The Raptor is a special version of the Ford F-150 truck that's built for off-road driving. It has a powerful engine and strong parts that help it handle rough terrains like dirt and rocks.
The Raptor is a high-performance off-road variant of the Ford F-150, known for its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and rugged design, making it suitable for extreme off-road conditions.
ICE vehicle
"...better off with an ice at least for now. That is true. But ask yourself this, do we have an ice vehicle that is the Swiss Army knife that can do everything?"
An ICE vehicle is a car that runs on gasoline or diesel fuel. It's the traditional type of car most people are familiar with before electric cars became popular.
ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine, which refers to vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel engines. These vehicles have been the standard for many years before the rise of electric vehicles (EVs).
MSRP
"...The other thing is cost, MSRP. And that is going down a little bit too as you get vehicles like the new Leaf and other more entry-level EVs."
MSRP is the price that car manufacturers suggest dealers sell their cars for. It's like a starting point for what you might pay for a new car, but the final price can be different.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a vehicle for, but actual sale prices can vary based on factors like demand and dealer pricing strategies.
Ram Ramcharger
"...I know a Ramcharger EV is out there. There's some other new stuff out there..."
The Ramcharger EV is a new electric SUV from Ram, a brand known for trucks. It's designed to be tough and capable, just like the older Ramcharger models, but with an electric engine.
The Ramcharger EV is an electric version of the classic Ramcharger SUV, which is known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities. The EV variant aims to combine that heritage with modern electric vehicle technology.
Jeep Recons
"...The Jeep Recon's here, I was able to see it in Los Angeles..."
The Jeep Recon is a new electric vehicle from Jeep, built for off-road adventures. It combines Jeep's tough design with electric technology, making it suitable for outdoor activities while being environmentally friendly.
The Jeep Recon is a new electric off-road vehicle from Jeep, designed to deliver the brand's signature ruggedness and capability in an electric format. It aims to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts looking for eco-friendly options.
EVs
"see just how far they've embraced EVs. I need to check out their booth because in LA, they were sort of pushed onto a corner..."
EVs stand for electric vehicles, which are cars that run on electricity instead of gasoline, making them better for the environment.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely or partially by electricity, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
Cadillac Escalade
"Lyric, Optique, Escalade EV, the flagship that I'm blanking the name on..."
The Cadillac Escalade EV is an electric version of Cadillac's big luxury SUV, the Escalade, offering more space and a quieter ride.
The Cadillac Escalade EV is an electric version of the popular Escalade luxury SUV, combining spaciousness with electric performance.
Cadillac Lyric
"They have, what, five of them now? Lyric, Optique, Escalade EV..."
The Cadillac Lyric is a new electric SUV from Cadillac that focuses on luxury and technology.
The Cadillac Lyric is an all-electric luxury SUV that represents Cadillac's commitment to electric mobility and modern design.
Cadillac Celestiq
"the $300,000 car. Celestique? Celestique."
The Cadillac Celestique is a very expensive electric car from Cadillac that focuses on luxury and advanced technology.
The Cadillac Celestique is a high-end electric sedan that showcases Cadillac's luxury and innovation, priced at around $300,000.
Toyota
"I've not seen any Asian automakers except for Toyota. I've seen PR reps from some of them..."
Toyota is another big car company from Japan, famous for making reliable cars and hybrids like the Prius.
Toyota is a leading global automaker, recognized for its reliability and innovation, particularly in hybrid technology with models like the Prius.
Subaru
"Yeah, that's kind of crazy. 15 years ago, this was the show. This was the show... Subaru is here."
Subaru is a car company from Japan that makes cars known for their all-wheel drive and safety features.
Subaru is a Japanese automaker known for its all-wheel-drive vehicles and a strong reputation for safety and durability.
Nissan Sentra
"...the Nissan Centra. All good contenders..."
The Nissan Sentra is a small car that is easy to drive and good on gas. It's often chosen by people looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact car that has been popular for its affordability and practicality. It offers good fuel economy and a comfortable ride, making it a common choice for daily commuters.
Kia K4
"...it's up against vehicles like the Kia K4. Yeah. Some good competition."
The Kia K4 is a car made by Kia that is designed to be comfortable and practical for everyday use. It's a good option for families or anyone needing a reliable vehicle.
The Kia K4 is a mid-size sedan designed for comfort and practicality. It is part of Kia's lineup aimed at providing value and modern features to consumers.
Nissan Leaf
"...egory? Beat out the Leason Gravity and the Nissan Leaf. And what about the truck finalists? The truck, i..."
Lucid Gravity
"...e finalists in that category? Beat out the Leason Gravity and the Nissan Leaf. And what about the truck fin..."
The Lucid Gravity is a fancy electric SUV that doesn't use gas. It's designed to be really comfortable and can go a long way on a single charge, making it a cool option for people who want a high-end car that’s also good for the environment.
The Lucid Gravity is an all-electric SUV from Lucid Motors, known for its luxury features and impressive range. It represents a significant step in the electric vehicle market, competing with established brands while emphasizing sustainability and performance.
Ram 1500
"The truck, it was Ram 1500 Hemi and Ram 2500."
The Ram 1500 Hemi is a big pickup truck that has a powerful engine, making it great for towing and carrying heavy loads.
The Ram 1500 Hemi refers to the popular full-size pickup truck equipped with a Hemi V8 engine, known for its power and towing capacity.
Dodge Challenger
"...e of the vehicles that I was working on. It was a Challenger. And then I picked one up from a different source..."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like it came from the past but has modern features. It's known for being really fast and fun to drive, making it popular among people who love muscle cars.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful engines and retro styling. It has a strong following among car enthusiasts and is often discussed for its performance capabilities and iconic design.
Hyundai Elantra
"...en I picked one up from a different source for an Elantra that I was working on. And both were pretty easy ..."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that's easy to drive and good on gas. It's a practical choice for getting around town without spending too much money.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that offers a balance of affordability, efficiency, and modern technology. It's well-regarded for its reliability and value, making it a popular choice for daily commuters.
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