Two Dead Models, Chrysler's Uncertain Future, Cadillac's "Air Bridge"
About this episode
Jill and Tom dive into the uncertain future of Chrysler following the recent resignation of its CEO, discussing the brand's dwindling lineup and potential discontinuation amid Stellantis' restructuring. They explore Dodge's positioning as a performance brand with flexible powertrain options and debate the fate of Chrysler's minivan and electric vehicle plans. The hosts also touch on the evolving automotive landscape, including new model updates, branding strategies, and the impact of corporate decisions on legacy marques.
Jill and Tom open the show discussing the sudden resignation of Chrysler CEO Chris Feuell. Tom thinks Feuell's departure prefaces the end of the Chrysler brand. Jill is not so sure. Listen in for details.
The hosts go on to share news of two car models that will disappear after the 2026 model year. One is no surprise, the other a little bit sad.
Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom review the 2026 Mazda CX-70 midsize crossover. The hosts have driven a lot of similar-size crossovers recently, listen in to hear how this big Mazda compares.
In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome veteran auto writer Gary Witzenburg to the the podcast. Garry's new book Legends in Motion is a collection of the author's favorite reviews and stories written over the past four decades of his career. From the book, Gary shares details of the Cadillac Allanté Air Bridge, and the legendary Cannonball Rally.
In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom's "Just a Gosh Darn Minute" quiz.
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Chevrolet Volt
"...And I had noted that it's going to make use of 48 volt architecture. No one is going to care."
Daimler Chrysler
"Yeah, yeah, because it was Chrysler, and then it was Daimler Chrysler, and then it was Chrysler again."
Daimler Chrysler was when two car companies, one from Germany and one from America, joined together for a while but later split up.
Daimler Chrysler was a merger between the German automaker Daimler-Benz and the American Chrysler Corporation from 1998 to 2007. The partnership ended when Chrysler was sold to Cerberus Capital Management.
Cerberus Capital Management
"Well, then it was Cerberus, and then it was Fiat Chrysler,"
Cerberus is a company that bought Chrysler for a short time to help fix it during hard financial times.
Cerberus Capital Management is a private equity firm that owned Chrysler from 2007 to 2009 before the company was sold to Fiat. Their ownership was part of Chrysler's restructuring during the financial crisis.
Fiat Chrysler
"Well, then it was Cerberus, and then it was Fiat Chrysler,"
Fiat Chrysler is when an Italian car company called Fiat bought Chrysler, and they worked together to make cars.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) was the automotive group formed after the Italian automaker Fiat acquired Chrysler in 2009. FCA later merged with PSA Group to form Stellantis.
Stellantis
"The odds of Chrysler dropping Chrysler, I'm sorry, of Stalantis dropping Chrysler, I think are very high right now."
Stellantis is a big company that owns many car brands like Chrysler and Jeep. They make and sell cars all over the world.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It owns multiple brands including Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Peugeot.
Chrysler Pacifica
"But that was where they introduced a new badging that it appears is going to be on the updated Pacifica. Have you seen those spy shots? I have. That front end does not look good."
The Pacifica is a big family van made by Chrysler. It has lots of space and nice features for families, and they are updating its look.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan known for its family-friendly features and modern design. It is one of Chrysler's key models and is expected to receive updates including new badging.
spy shots
"Have you seen those spy shots? I have. That front end does not look good."
Spy shots are secret pictures taken of new cars before they are officially shown to the public. They show what the car might look like.
Spy shots are unofficial photographs taken of vehicles during testing or before official release, often revealing design changes or updates.
Kia Carnival
"because you had the Kia Carnival come out a couple of years ago, and that's the newest minivan on the market."
The Kia Carnival is a family van that looks more like a sporty SUV and costs less than some other minivans.
The Kia Carnival is a modern minivan introduced by Kia, known for its SUV-like styling and competitive pricing compared to traditional minivans.
Porsche
"There is none. Porsche. So here you have something that nobody else has,"
Porsche is a famous car company from Germany that makes fast and sporty cars. Many people know it for its cool designs and great driving experience.
Porsche is a German automotive manufacturer known for its high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. It is recognized globally for its engineering excellence and iconic models like the 911.
six-cylinder powertrain
"And if you create this charger that has an EV powertrain, a six-cylinder powertrain, and a Hemi powertrain,"
A six-cylinder engine has six parts inside that help the car make power. It’s a common engine size that works well for many cars.
A six-cylinder powertrain refers to an engine configuration with six cylinders, which can be arranged in various layouts such as inline or V-shaped. It balances power and efficiency for many vehicles.
EV powertrain
"And if you create this charger that has an EV powertrain, a six-cylinder powertrain, and a Hemi powertrain,"
An EV powertrain means the car is powered by electricity instead of gas. It uses batteries and electric motors to make the car move.
An EV powertrain is an electric vehicle drivetrain that uses electric motors powered by batteries instead of traditional internal combustion engines. It offers instant torque and zero tailpipe emissions.
Dodge Charger
"white space, so to speak. And if you create this charger that has an EV powertrain, a six-cylinder powertr..."
Hemi powertrain
"a six-cylinder powertrain, and a Hemi powertrain, you are now appealing to everybody."
A Hemi engine is a type of car engine that helps the car go faster by burning fuel more efficiently. It’s a special design used in some muscle cars.
The Hemi powertrain refers to an engine design with hemispherical combustion chambers, which improves airflow and combustion efficiency. It is commonly associated with powerful V8 engines used by Dodge and Chrysler.
Jeep Wrangler
"Well, they dropped the Hemi. Compared to Wranglers. And if they bring it back, is that going to boos..."
Chrysler 200
"...ce brand. They kept trying that over the Chrysler 200. They killed the Chrysler 300 and didn't replace ..."
Chrysler 300
"...t over the Chrysler 200. They killed the Chrysler 300 and didn't replace it. I mean, they're not really..."
Dodge Hornet
"cluttered with things like hornets or chargers. I don't know."
The Hornet is a smaller SUV made by Dodge for everyday use.
The Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV introduced recently by Dodge, marking a new direction for the brand.
brand write-down
"Remember, this is a company that just wrote down $26 billion. Yeah."
A write-down means a company says a brand is worth less money because it hasn't been doing well.
A brand write-down is an accounting action where a company reduces the value of a brand on its books due to poor performance or losses.
Dodge Charger Daytona
"And I firmly believe that the Wagoneer S and the Charger Daytona, the electric version, should have been under the Chrysler brand."
The Charger Daytona is a fast and sporty Dodge car, and there's a new electric version coming.
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a special performance variant of the Dodge Charger, with a heritage linked to NASCAR and muscle car culture; the electric version is an upcoming model.
Chrysler Daytona
"...irmly believe that the Wagoneer S and the Charger Daytona, the electric version, should have been under the..."
Jeep Wagoneer
"And I firmly believe that the Wagoneer S and the Charger Daytona, the electric version, should have been under the Chrysler brand."
The Wagoneer S is a fancy Jeep SUV that is fun to drive.
The Wagoneer S is a modern SUV from Jeep, positioned as a premium or sportier variant of the Wagoneer lineup.
Dodge Avenger
"...e of weeks ago. There's a product called the Jeep Avenger sold in Europe. That is a front-wheel drive EV, w..."
General Motors
"General Motors didn't get rid of Chevrolet. They got rid of Saturn."
General Motors is a big American car company that owns many car brands like Chevrolet. Sometimes it stops making some brands to focus on others.
General Motors (GM) is a major American automotive corporation that owns several brands including Chevrolet and Cadillac. GM has discontinued some brands like Saturn as part of corporate restructuring.
Saturn
"General Motors didn't get rid of Chevrolet. They got rid of Saturn."
Saturn was a car brand started by General Motors to try new ideas and make customers happy. It stopped making cars after some years because it didn't sell well.
Saturn was a brand created by General Motors in the 1980s as a different kind of car company focused on innovation and customer experience. It was discontinued in the late 2000s due to poor sales and corporate restructuring.
Honda Element
"...hich was way too eccentric looking, and the Honda Element. Right, right."
Mercedes-Benz Mercedesbenz Sold
"But BMW sold 11,007 series last year. Mercedes-Benz sold just 6,400 S-classes. Genesis sold 1,700 G90s."
Genesis G90
"...enz sold just 6,400 S-classes. Genesis sold 1,700 G90s. That is a car not getting the love it deserves."
BMW 4 Series
"Interestingly, BMW still sells an awful lot of three and four series cars. Like, they're the last maker that really has a handle on sedans."
The BMW 4 Series is a stylish and sporty car that is similar to the 3 Series but looks a bit different and is often a coupe or convertible.
The BMW 4 Series is a compact luxury car available as a coupe, convertible, and sedan, known for sporty styling and performance. It shares many components with the 3 Series but offers a more dynamic design.
BMW 3 Series
"Interestingly, BMW still sells an awful lot of three and four series cars. Like, they're the last maker that really has a handle on sedans."
The BMW 3 Series is a smaller, sporty car that is fun to drive and very popular among people who like cars.
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive sedan known for its sporty handling and driving dynamics. It is one of BMW's best-selling and most iconic models, often considered a benchmark for sporty sedans.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"I got another one here. The Hyundai Ioniq 6. Yes."
Hyundai Ioniq
"I got another one here. The Hyundai Ioniq 6. Yes."
Hyundai Sonata
"It is a mid-sized sedan about the size of a Hyundai Sonata, except that it is electric."
The Hyundai Sonata is a regular gas-powered car about the same size as the Ioniq 6. It's a popular family car.
The Hyundai Sonata is a mid-sized sedan known for its affordability, comfort, and efficiency. It serves as a size reference for the Ioniq 6.
electric
"It is a mid-sized sedan about the size of a Hyundai Sonata, except that it is electric."
An electric car runs on batteries and motors instead of gas. It doesn't make exhaust smoke and is usually quieter.
Electric refers to vehicles powered entirely by electric motors using energy stored in batteries, rather than internal combustion engines. This allows for zero tailpipe emissions and quieter operation.
range
"It has fantastic range. 361 miles from the right trim level."
Range is how far an electric car can go before its battery runs out and it needs to be charged again.
Range refers to the maximum distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single battery charge before needing to recharge.
Mazda Cx30
"Yeah, mine's white. But we drove the 2026 Mazda CX-30 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. CX-70."
Mazda Cx70
"But we drove the 2026 Mazda CX-30 3.3 Turbo S Premium Plus. CX-70. CX-70."
Mazda Cx90
"They launched the 90 first. The CX-90 replaced the CX-9. Three-year-old crossover."
Mazda Cx50
"So they had the CX-5, CX-7, CX-9. And now they have the CX-5, CX-50. That to me is a little bit weird."
Hyundai Palisade
"... crossovers lately. TX, the Lexus TX, the Hyundai Palisade, the Chevy Traverse. And they all have, they're a..."
Toyota Grand Highlander
"...a big fan of the TX simply because he thought the Grand Highlander got the job done for much less money."
Formula One tracks
"I got my first new car, which is a Triumph TR-4A drove it around Europe on some Formula One tracks."
Formula One tracks are special race tracks where the fastest cars in the world race. They have tricky turns and are made for very fast driving.
Formula One tracks are racing circuits used for Formula One, the highest class of international single-seater auto racing. These tracks are known for their challenging layouts and high-speed corners.
Cadillac Allante
"...e was so much effort put into it was the Cadillac Allante. And for people who don't know about the air brid..."
halo car
"he decided we need a real halo car. We need something really cool, really special. Let's go up against the Mercedes sports car."
A halo car is a fancy or cool car a company makes to show off how good their cars can be, even if not many people buy it.
A halo car is a special, often high-performance or luxury model produced by a manufacturer to showcase their brand's capabilities and attract attention, even if it doesn't sell in large numbers.
Pininfarina
"And they ended up going to Pininfarina, the famous design house in Italy. And said, well, you guys, not only design the car for us, but also build the bodies,"
Pininfarina is a company in Italy that designs and makes the outside parts of fancy cars, making them look special and stylish.
Pininfarina is a renowned Italian design and coachbuilding company famous for designing and building car bodies for many luxury and sports car manufacturers, including Ferrari and Cadillac.
Cadillac Eldorado
"... who don't know that, how is basically a Cadillac Eldorado, front wheel drive Cadillac Eldorado under the sk..."
traction control
"In fact, I remember one of the features it had that was unique in the industry at the time was traction control. Front wheel drive cars did not have traction control in those days."
Traction control helps stop the wheels from spinning too much when you press the gas, so the car stays steady and safe.
Traction control is a safety feature that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. It improves vehicle stability, especially on slippery surfaces.
Brock Yates
"That happened, as you know, Jill, it was put on by Brock Yates."
Brock Yates was a car writer who came up with the idea for the Cannonball Run races, which became very famous. He helped make these races happen.
Brock Yates was an automotive journalist and writer who created and organized the original Cannonball Run races. He is known for his influence on car culture and motorsports events.
Audi Quattro
"...e were in, there were four factory outies, Turbo, Quattro, Audi, Sedans, and that was a really cool car at ..."
Jaguar Fpace
"F-Sport. F-Pace. Wait, F-Sport's not a model."
Ford Falcon
"Nope. Fairmont Fusion F-series Fiesta Falcon Flex 500. I didn't do the other 500, but there yo..."
Nissan Rogue
"All right. Oh, the Rogue Nissan Rogue. Okay."
Chevrolet Cruze
"I feel like- Do the Chevrolet Cruze have a three-cylinder? The Cruze?"
Chevrolet Cobalt
"...ke one of the Chevy's did. So like the Cruze, the Cobalt, the- No, no, no."
Ford Bronco Sport
"...ot two of them. Some examples are the Escape, the Bronco Sport, the Trax, the Trebelizer, the Invista, the Encor..."
Chevrolet Trax
"...me examples are the Escape, the Bronco Sport, the Trax, the Trebelizer, the Invista, the Encore GX, the ..."
Toyota Camry
"...in the U.S. go. Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla. And, I mean, I wouldn't, the Hyu..."
Honda Accord
"...rently on sale in the U.S. go. Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla. And, I mean, I wou..."
Honda Civic
"...ry sedans currently on sale in the U.S. go. Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla. And,..."
Toyota Corolla
".... Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla. And, I mean, I wouldn't, the Hyundai Sonata."
Ford Mustang
"That's 60 seconds. Well, Mustang. All right."
Chevrolet Camaro
"No, it doesn't have to be. I mean, did the Camaro ever have five? I'm going to need some certainty."
Chevrolet Silverado
"You need two more in 20 seconds. The Silverado. That's four."
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