About this episode
A deep dive into the latest automotive trends, featuring discussions on the Honda Prologue's performance in winter conditions, the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss's capabilities, and insights from a recent Nissan event showcasing the new Pathfinder and Kashkai. The episode also covers the implications of subscription services for features in luxury vehicles, the future of K cars in the U.S., and an interview with Decibel Energy's CEO about their innovative home energy management system, Aura. The hosts share their experiences and thoughts on the evolving automotive landscape.
Friend of the show Perry Stern is back to talk about the Honda Prologue and some Nissans. Sam drove the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss.
We discuss driving the third generation of Nissan's e-Power series hybrid in the Qashqai as a preview of the next Rogue as well as the interim Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid. Nissan has also implemented the first Qi2 wireless charger in the 2026 Pathfinder and Murano. Toyota went high performance this week the debut of the GR GT sports car, the GR GT3 racer and Lexus LFA electric concept. Donald Trump wants to give Americans access to kei cars and 1970s station wagons, but it's doubtful most Americans actually want them. Jaguar Land Rover has ditched long-time design chief Gerry McGovern. Encor has created a magnificent Lotus Esprit S1 restomod and Jason Fenske is disappointed with his Lucid Air. Finally Sam has a conversation with Marc-Andre Forget, the CEO of DCBEL Energy.
You can help out the many people that are food insecure this holiday season by donating to Feeding America and Robbie will write and record a song for you or at your local food bank. There are also dogs in need of assistance and Sam will be joining a crew of volunteers helping to transport them to forever homes in December and you can help by donating to Operation Frodo. Links are below.

Links
Nissan Qashqai | e-POWER or Mild Hybrid SUV
The New 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV Is the Most CONTROVERSIAL Car of the Year!
2026 Nissan Pathfinder Press Kit
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Premieres GR GT & GR GT3 | Toyota | Global Newsroom
Trump invites ‘cute’ Japanese kei trucks to come to America | The Verge
Remember the Crazy Jaguar 00 Concept? The Man Behind It Just Got Fired.
Reimagining the Lotus Esprit S1
Jason Fenske Is Disapointed by his Lucid
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
dual-motor
"So it's the dual-motor elite top of the line. And it's actually it's quite nice to drive. I mean, I know it's basically a GM car."
Dual-motor means the car has two electric motors, usually one for the front wheels and one for the back. This helps the car drive better, especially in different weather conditions.
A dual-motor setup in electric vehicles means that there are two electric motors, typically one for each axle. This configuration can enhance performance, traction, and efficiency compared to single-motor setups.
platform sharing
"I mean, I know it's basically a GM car. It shares the whole platform with the General Motors EVs."
Platform sharing is when different car brands use the same basic structure for their cars. It helps them save money and time when making new vehicles, even if the outside looks different.
Platform sharing refers to the practice where different car manufacturers use the same underlying structure or chassis for multiple models. This can help reduce development costs and time while allowing for different designs and features on top of the shared platform.
all-wheel drive
"the all-wheel drive system. But I also did find that when you're in one pedal driving..."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine, which helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, improving traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
ABS
"the ABS does kick in when you let off the throttle. If you let off too fast..."
ABS is a system that helps prevent the wheels from stopping completely when you brake hard, which helps you steer better and avoid skidding.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
traction control
"between the traction and stability control, it actually handled it just fine."
Traction control helps your car keep its grip on the road by stopping the wheels from spinning too fast when you accelerate, especially on slippery roads.
Traction control is a system that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels, enhancing stability on slippery surfaces.
Apple CarPlay
"...it does have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which we know GM has been slowly getting rid of. But it also has the Google Maps..."
Apple CarPlay lets you use your iPhone's apps on your car's screen, making it easier to navigate and listen to music while driving.
Apple CarPlay is a system that allows iPhone users to connect their devices to their car's infotainment system, providing access to apps for navigation, music, and messaging directly on the car's display.
Android Auto
"...it does have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which we know GM has been slowly getting rid of. But it also has the Google Maps..."
Android Auto lets you use your phone's apps on your car's screen, making it easier to navigate and listen to music while driving.
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that allows users to connect their Android devices to their car's infotainment system. It provides access to navigation, music, and messaging apps directly from the car's display.
ground clearance
"...it's got a decent amount of ground clearance. On the Elite, it looks like you got 8.1 inches of ground clearance..."
Ground clearance is how high the bottom of a car is from the ground. Higher ground clearance helps a car drive over bumps and rough surfaces more easily.
Ground clearance refers to the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle's body. It is an important measurement for off-road capability and can affect a vehicle's ability to navigate rough terrain.
GMC Prologue
"...it's a GMC. Yes. Yes. Front seats all very comfortable. And so the sticker on this one, well, this is a 25, but if you convert it to a 26, because it's unchanged for 26..."
There's no such thing as a "GMC Prologue." You might be thinking of the Honda Prologue, which uses GM technology. Honda and GM partnered to build electric vehicles together, which is why people sometimes mix up the brands.
GMC Prologue doesn't exist as a vehicle. This is likely a reference to the Honda Prologue, which is built on GM's Ultium platform—the same electric vehicle architecture used by Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq. The Honda-GM partnership often causes brand confusion.
sticker price
"...the sticker on this one, well, this is a 25, but if you convert it to a 26, because it's unchanged for 26, the sticker on it is just about $60,000..."
The sticker price is the price that the car manufacturer suggests you pay for the vehicle. It includes the basic cost and any extra features you might want.
The sticker price refers to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) displayed on a vehicle's window. It includes the base price and any additional options or features, such as special paint colors.
Honda Prologue
"...w, that's, this has been my main problem with the prologue. You know, the prologue drives really nice. I act..."
300 horsepower
"Yeah. But you do get a 300 horsepower all wheel drive vehicle and it's got, this is the top of the elite gets the lowest range."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. A car with 300 horsepower has a strong engine that can go fast and accelerate quickly.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine. A vehicle with 300 horsepower is considered to have a strong engine, capable of delivering good acceleration and performance.
EPA range
"So I think EPA range is about 283, which is what I'm showing, which is what I'm showing on the, when I've had a full charge."
EPA range is how far a car can go on a full charge or tank of gas, according to tests done by the government. It's a good way to know if a car can meet your driving needs without running out of power.
EPA range refers to the estimated distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge or tank of fuel, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This figure is important for consumers to understand the efficiency and practicality of electric or hybrid vehicles.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
"it's actually the same size as the Blazer EV, whereas the Equinox is a little bit smaller."
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is an electric version of the Blazer, which is a type of SUV. It aims to provide good performance while being better for the environment.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is an electric version of the popular Blazer SUV, designed to offer a blend of performance and utility while being environmentally friendly.
Chevrolet Equinox EV
"the Equinox is a little bit smaller. And so the Equinox EV gets a smaller battery because it's shorter wheelbase..."
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is an electric version of the Equinox, which is a smaller SUV. It's made to be more efficient and easier to drive.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV is the electric variant of the Equinox SUV, designed to provide a more compact and efficient option in the electric vehicle market.
kilowatt hour
"they can't fit the 100 kilowatt hour battery. So they go with a 10 module, I think it's, I think it works out to about 85 kilowatt hours."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity something uses. In electric cars, it tells you how much energy the battery can store.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. It's commonly used to describe the capacity of electric vehicle batteries.
EV
"Yeah. I mean, I think it's almost become expected that if you're buying an EV,"
An EV, or electric vehicle, is a car that runs on electricity instead of gasoline. They are known for being more environmentally friendly and can save money on fuel.
EV stands for electric vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely or partially by electricity. They are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered cars due to their environmental benefits and lower operating costs.
Hyundai Ionic 5
"...esn't have to be, you know, look at the leaf. The Ionic 5, you know, price is down to 35,000 starting price..."
active safety package
"...if you add the active safety package that includes supercruise, that's $3,300 bucks. Which can't get on ProLoc."
An active safety package is a set of features in a car that helps keep you safe while driving. It can include things like automatic braking and warnings if you drift out of your lane.
An active safety package typically includes advanced driver-assistance systems that help prevent accidents, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. These features enhance vehicle safety by actively monitoring the driving environment.
supercruise
"...active safety package that includes supercruise, that's $3,300 bucks. Which can't get on ProLoc."
Supercruise is a feature that lets you drive without using your hands on the steering wheel on certain highways. It helps keep the car in its lane and at a safe distance from other cars.
Supercruise is a hands-free driving technology developed by General Motors that allows for automated driving on certain highways. It uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and GPS to maintain speed and distance from other vehicles without driver input.
19 kilowatt charger
"...if you want the 19 kilowatt charger, that's another $1295. But, you know, you don't really need that at home."
A 19 kilowatt charger is a type of charging station for electric cars that can charge the battery faster than lower-rated chargers. The higher the number, the quicker your car can get power.
A 19 kilowatt charger refers to the power output of an electric vehicle charging station, which determines how quickly the vehicle's battery can be charged. Higher kilowatt ratings allow for faster charging times.
11 kilowatt charger
"...you want the fancy, you know, for this size of battery, you, you know, the 11 kilowatt charger that's standard is more than adequate."
An 11 kilowatt charger is a charging station for electric cars that works well for home use. It charges the battery at a good speed, usually enough for overnight charging.
An 11 kilowatt charger is a type of electric vehicle charging station that provides a moderate charging speed. It's often sufficient for home charging, allowing most electric vehicles to recharge overnight.
puddle lights
"you know, bow tie, pedal light, puddle lights, that's another $1550. And the trailer package is $1495."
Puddle lights are lights that help you see the ground when you open your car door at night. They make it easier to avoid stepping in puddles or tripping.
Puddle lights are small lights located under the side mirrors of a vehicle that illuminate the ground when the doors are opened, providing visibility and safety for passengers entering or exiting the car at night.
Acura Rsx
"...they've got the Acura RSX that's launching first in Q1. And then the Honda Zero SUV is coming probably late summer..."
The Acura RSX is a small car that is sporty and fun to drive. It's part of Acura's new electric vehicle lineup coming out soon.
The Acura RSX is a compact car that was known for its sporty performance and stylish design. It is set to launch as part of Acura's lineup of electric vehicles.
fast charging
"...may do some fast charging along the way. And there's, there's an electrify America station..."
Fast charging means you can recharge your electric car's battery much faster than normal. It's useful for long trips when you need to stop and charge quickly.
Fast charging refers to the ability to recharge an electric vehicle's battery at a significantly higher rate than standard charging, allowing for quicker turnaround times on long trips. This is typically done at dedicated charging stations that provide higher power output.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
"I have the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss. So it's practically the same car."
The Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss is an electric pickup truck that is built for tough jobs and off-road driving. It's part of the Silverado family, which is known for its strength and versatility.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss is an electric version of the popular Silverado pickup truck, designed for off-road capability and utility. It features advanced technology and a robust battery system for improved performance.
Mazda Miata
"... pounds. So it's almost 1,000 pounds more than my Miata, just for the battery pack. But for Model Year 26..."
MSRP
"...the starting MSRP for the trail boss is $88,695. The base work truck starts at $54,895."
MSRP is the price that the car company suggests you should pay for a new car, but the actual price can be different at the dealership.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle before any dealer markups or discounts.
Chevrolet Trail Boss
"Yeah. The trail boss, like I said, is the more off-road oriented one. It loses a bit of range relative to the ALT because it sits a little bit taller and it's all terrain tires."
The Chevrolet Trail Boss is a version of the Silverado truck that is built for off-road driving. It has special tires and a higher body to handle rough terrain better.
The Chevrolet Trail Boss is an off-road variant of the Silverado pickup truck, designed for enhanced off-road capabilities with features like all-terrain tires and a higher suspension.
Ford F150 Lightning
"Because I took this thing to Wayscales yesterday, 8,760 pounds empty. That's a lot of mass. Yeah, that's over 2,000 pounds more than an F-150 Lightning Platinum. Jeez. That's the, you know, mud loves mass too. So yeah,"
Honda Civic
"...andled since I was driving, I was driving a Honda Civic without any Supercruise or anything at that point..."
Subaru BRZ
"...ne, two by twos. And what I drew, I put it in the BRZ. And so you can, so if you put them from the driv..."
Nissan Pathfinder
"...yet. One that we can't talk about yet is the 2026 Pathfinder. We can't talk about driving impressions, but the..."
Nissan Murano
"... update for this year. And the Pathfinder and the Murano for 2026 are the first vehicles to get an updated..."
Nissan Rogue Sport
"...on Kashkai was sold here for several years as the Rogue Sport. And the current generation is not sold here. It'..."
Toyota Rav4
"...cles in this segment, like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, they all offer..."
Hyundai Tucson
"...nt, like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, they all offer at least hybrids an..."
Kia Sportage
"... Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, they all offer at least hybrids and in some case..."
Honda Crv
"is they don't offer any sort of hybrid option. And most of the top selling vehicles in this segment, like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, they all offer at least hybrids and in some cases plug-in hybrids as well. And so they next year Nissan is bringing"
Smart Electric Drive
"... mode. And, you know, because it's, you know, all electric drive, you know, the engine doesn't have to work as har..."
Tata Motors Aria
".... So there's a lot of parts from the Leaf and the Aria that are also in the E-power system, like the pow..."
Nissan Leaf
"...u basically have one pedal driving just like in a leaf or an aria, except it doesn't bring it all the wa..."
Mitsubishi Outlander
"... rogue lander because it's basically a Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid with Nissan badges on it. Yeah, I ..."
Toyota GR GT
"...FA. And what they ended up showing was actually a GR GT, the GR GT3, which is the race car, and an LFA co..."
Toyota Corolla
"...ten, you can get two. You can probably fit the GR Corolla on the hood. I just looked at the new one is abou..."
Jaguar Type
"...with long hoods for a moment. Do you remember the Jaguar Type 00 concept that was unveiled last year at Art Bas..."
Jaguar Fpace
"both from Jaguar and Land Rover, stuff like that. Definitely. The I-Pace, the F-Type, even the F-Pace, and then the current generations of Range Rovers, the Defender."
Jaguar Ipace
"both from Jaguar and Land Rover, stuff like that. Definitely. The I-Pace, the F-Type, even the F-Pace, and then the current generations of Range Rovers, the Defender."
Land Range Rovers
"...n the F-Pace, and then the current generations of Range Rovers, the Defender. Yeah, Defender is definitely reall..."
Land Rover Defender
"...then the current generations of Range Rovers, the Defender. Yeah, Defender is definitely really good designs..."
Cadillac Ctsv
"... then no one buys it. Yeah, I mean, we all wanted CTSV wagons with manual transmissions. And brown."
Honda Odyssey
"...hat, a V60, and then the other one bought a Honda Odyssey. And these are both people."
Lotus Esprit
"... else? Oh, have either of you ever driven a Lotus Esprit? I don't think so."
Lotus Evora
"Any Lotus ever. I drove the Evora a long time ago, but I have not driven an Esprit."
Buick Encore
"what the heck was I called again now? Encore? Yeah."
Dodge Challenger
"... lights. Tail lights keep reminding me of a Dodge Challenger. Yeah, kind of."
Tesla Model
"Yeah. I mean, isn't that the Tesla model? They just build the car with everything in it, a..."
Alfa Romeo Montreal
"...rje, who's the co-founder and CEO of a company in Montreal called Decibel Energy. A couple of weeks ago, Dec..."
Suzuki Sidekick
"...or example, that only accept the AC port, the ARA sidekick on the AC port can keep and manage two cars at on..."
Volvo EX90
"...ose. But think about it, Sam, now you got a Volvo EX90 with a 111 kilowatt hours battery in your drivewa..."
Dodge Charger
"...ehicle. There's no communication. With an EV, the charger and the vehicle are always talking to each other ..."
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