Unnamed Automotive Podcast
Unnamed Automotive Podcast
Updated 7 days agoEvery week automotive journalists Benjamin and Sami review cars and get weird, and funny, and honest, about the automotive industry.
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Episodes (470)
Episode 112: 2019 BMW X2 M35i, Geneva Supercar Lightning Round
When is a crossover not a crossover? When it's the 2019 BMW X2 M35i, a hot hatch contender disguised as an SUV. Benjamin and Sami each spent a week with BMW's quickest compact and have dissenting opinions on how it compares to its less-mighty xDrive28i predecessor. Things get weirder with a lightning round focused on the Geneva auto show's supercar crop, of which Benjamin becomes obssessed with how many clutches it takes to achieve global mega-car dominance, and then ponders the question of whether all exotics should be named after somebody's parent.
Bonus Episode - Star Car Faceoff - X-Files Ford Taurus vs. Stranger Things Chevrolet K5 Blazer.
Which would you rather have when fighting the supernatural: the total anonymity of a rental-counter Taurus, or the off-road cool of a convertible Blazer? We get to the bottom of the mystery on this Star Car Faceoff bonus episode.
Episode 111: 2019 BMW X5, 2019 Jaguar I-Pace, Nissan Altima-TE On Trax
Is the 2019 BMW X5 capable of elevating itself to the top tier of luxury SUVs? After a week behind the wheel of the twin-turbo V8 model, both Benjamin and Sami have a definite opinion on the X5's place in the performance truck pantheon. Switching gears, the two also delve into Benjamin's sub-zero session in the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace EV, a ferociously quick battery-powered crossover forced to face winter's range-sapping fury, before wrapping things up with a much stranger snow ride: the Nissan Altima-TE on trax.
Episode 110: 2020 McLaren 720S, 2019 Acura RDX, Lexus Sport Cup Ice Racing
Sami's supercar streak continues with a drive of the 2020 McLaren 720S Spider, which now holds the podcast record for 'fastest thing Sami has ever been inside of.' Benjamin races too, this time on ice in a rear-wheel drive Lexus IS 300 at the Lexus Sport Cup studded tire challenge - but he had to drive the 2019 Acura RDX SUV to get there. Which was worse: being sideways all day or getting used to the RDX's infotainment system?
Episode 109: 2019 McLaren 600LT Spider, 2020 Kia Soul, 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Sami, our resident supercar expert, takes the time to explain the ins-and-outs of McLaren's nomeclature to Benjamin after driving the 2019 McLaren 600LT on a race track. Benjamin returns the favor by waxing poetic about the enduring appeal of Kia's most popular box, the 2020 Soul. Also: every version of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, all at once!
Episode 108: 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, 2019 Infiniti QX50, 2019 BMW Z4, 2019 Subaru Forester Sport
Benjamin and Sami have their most heated debate to date when discussing Sami's time behind the wheel of the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan - an SUV Benjamin views as an abomination for the distinguished automaker, despite Sami's passionate defense for its place in the world. Even more brand weirdness ensues with Sami comparing his drive in the 2019 BMW Z4 with the Toyota Supra, its platform twin. Stick around for second thoughts on the 2019 Infiniti QX50 and 2019 Subaru Forester SUVs.
Episode 107: 2019 Dodge Charger SXT AWD V6, 2019 Honda Pilot
How much can one sub-zero blizzard change things? In the case of the 2019 Honda Pilot SUV, it completely flipped Benjamin's perception of the people mover from 'blah' to 'awe.' Sami, however, has a harder time deciding whether the 2019 Dodge Charger SXT AWD V6 has a place in the full-size sedan world, regardless of what the weather's like outside. Also, sloths.
Episode 106: 2019 Mazda 3, 2019 Kia Stinger GT Turbo Four
The 2019 Mazda 3 is here - but parts of it are missing in action. Benjamin drives Mazda's redesigned compact car and muses on what the absence of Skyactiv X (and the cost of going AWD) mean for the brand. Sami contributes with his time behind the wheel of the 2019 Kia Stinger GT, this time with a turbo 4 in place of the big-dog twin-turbo six. The pair also get off on a weird tanget about how to pronounce 'Mazda.'
Bonus Episode - Star Car Faceoff - Scooby Doo Mystery Machine vs. TMNT Party Wagon vs. A-Team Van
What was the coolest Star Car van of all time? Sami makes a passionate case for the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, while Benjamin holds out that the TMNT Party Wagon covers all the bases. But there's a potential dark horse lurking in the background: can the A-Team van slide in an steal victory?
Episode 105: 2019 BMW M2 Competition, 2019 BMW X4 M40i, Detroit Auto Show Lightning Round
BMW seriously ups the ante with the M2 Competition, a more powerful version of last year's already excellent performance coupe. Sami opines that it's the best M car he's driven, while Benjamin counters with his experience behind the wheel of the 2019 BMW X4 M40i, which isn't an M car at all. Finally, the two hit the Detroit Auto Show in lightning round form, which means Supra, GT500, and more get the hot take treatment.
Bonus Episode - Star Car Faceoff: Batmobiles vs. James Bond Cars
Does putting nipples on a Batmobile disqualify it from being taken seriously? Is the Lotus Esprit submarine really that cool? Does Sami have unusually strong positive memories associated with Batman Forever? The answer to these questions, and more, in this introductory episode to our new bonus series that pits one (or more) star cars against the other in a battle to the death.
Episode 104: 2019 Hyunda Santa Fe Showdown, 2019 Ford Edge ST, 2019 Kia Forte
Is the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe a pretty face or a middling contender in the SUV sweepstakes? Benjamin and Sami can't agree - but they have fun trying to convince each other to see the light. One thing's for certain: Sami can't wrap his mind around the under-baked 2019 Ford Edge ST 'performance' SUV that he also drove last week. Benjamin cleanses the palate with a short, but sweet time behind the wheel of the 2019 Kia Forte sedan, the best-selling Kia in America.
Episode 103: 2019 Subaru Ascent, Cupholders, 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, SRT Interview
It's Freaky Friday on this week's podcast as the pair swap SUVS they each drove last month. Sami interviews the SRT braintrust about the Ram SRT10 pickup and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and Benjamin goes on a journey of self-discovery in the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which has no fewer than 19 cupholders. Or is that 18? The only way to know for sure is to listen to our final episode of the year.
Episode 102: 2019 Ford Ranger, 2019 Nissan Maxima, 2019 Nissan Murano
It's been close to a decade since you could buy a Ranger in a Ford showroom, but for 2019 the once-compact, now-mid-size pickup is back. Benjamin drives the 2019 Ford Ranger on-road and off-road to figure out where it fits in a suddenly-crowded small truck market. Sami, on the other hand, plunges deep into the Nissan brand and brings back tales of the mid-size Murano SUV and the near-luxury Maxima sedan. The pair then argue about whether there should be a NISMO version of either, and it all ends in tears.
Episode 101: 2020 BMW 3 Series, 2019 Audi e-tron EV, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed
The 2020 BMW 3 Series is a complete redesign of a car that had fallen behind its sport sedan rivals in terms of fun. Sami heads to Portugal's Algarve circuit - one of his favorite tracks in the world - to see whether the 3 Series got its groove back. Meanwhile, Benjamin braves the desert sun and sand of the UAE to test out the 2019 Audi e-tron, the first all-electric SUV from the German brand. Is this a signal to Tesla that time's up? Come for the cars, stay for the bonus Sheikh Zayed talk!
Bonus Episode - Holiday Gift Guide - Forza Horizon, Hot Wheels, Anti-Consumerism
Hey, it's the holidays. Usually that means buying stuff for people you care about, or maybe don't, but we wanted to let you know that it's ok to turn away from consumerism and resist the pressure to use material goods to show someone you love them. That being said, we've also got a pair of in-depth reviews on gearhead gifts in our holiday guide, including a look at Forza Horizon 4 and an in-depth history of Hot Wheels.
Episode 100: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, 2018 Kia Stinger, Cargo Vans
Do you want an SUV that pop, drops, and locks its way out of sticky, muddy, or snowy situations? Mercedes-Benz thinks you do - and they also think you want mad corner leaaaaan, just like a race bike - with the 2020 GLE-Class. Sami has the full scoop on what it's like to drive this upcoming crossover. Benjamin, on the other hand, tries to stifle his disbelief at the GLE-Class and its air suspension antics by talking about his week with the surprising 2018 Kia Stinger four-cylinder turbo. Finally, it's time to discuss cargo vans and answer reader questions.
Episode 99: Nissan Trucks Desert Drive in Morocco, Guest Chad Kirchner, 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel
What's it like to be whisked off to exotic Morocco and given the keys to Nissan's entire global fleet of off-roaders? Guest Chad Kirchner shares his story of scorpions, Titans, Terras, and Patrols bashing through the dunes, and also discusses the differences between the Nissan Navarra and the Frontier pickup that is sold in North America. Benjamin, Sami, and Chad also discuss the 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel and compare it to the Ram EcoDiesel to try and figure out just how frugal the Blue Oval's efficiency-focused truck really is.
Episode 98: 2019 VW Beetle, Puebla Mexico Factory Visit, 2019 VW Tiguan, Jeep Gladiator, Toyota TRD, Weird Animal Car Names
What's it like to drive a dead car on Mexico's Day of the Dead, in Puebla City, Mexico? Benjamin tells the sad tale of the end-of-the-line for the Volkswagen Beetle, which marks 2019 as its final year of production. He also tours the plant where the Beetle is built and gets to go on a check-out ride right off of the line with VW test engineers. Sami laments the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV as being not quite enough of anything to feel competitive in its segment, just before the pair dive down a rabbit hole of TRD Camrys and Avalons, Jeep Gladiators, and a theoretical list of weird car names that may or may not include the word 'EarthSnake.'
Episode 97: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, SUV Lightning Round
Can you drive the 707 horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk at near-freezing temperatures on rain-slicked roads and not fall prey to its supercharged, world-killing drivetrain? Benjamin discovers that the answer is yes after a week behind the wheel in chilly Montreal. The pair also get deep with the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, a hot hatch that's poised to shake up the established order, before Sami does his best to survive the Lightning Round when talking about the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, and the Subaru Forester.
Episode 96: 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS, 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, Off-Roading With Jeep, SEMA Lowlights
Is there a world where the Porsche Sport Response button makes any sense? Sami certainly thinks so after driving the 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS at the Bahrain International Circuit, but Benjamin just can't wrap his mind around it. Fortunately, the 2019 Mazda Miata's new engine - which Benjamin had the chance to sample for a week - more than makes up for P-car confusion. Sami also relates his off-road adventure through the Valley of Fire in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, before the pair wrap up this stealth 100th episode with a brief summary of what was weird at SEMA.
Episode 95: 2019 Lincoln Navigator vs 2019 Ford Expedition Comparison
Is it worth stepping up to the 2019 Lincoln Navigator? Or is the 2019 Ford Expedition - mechanically, it's near-twin, and almost a match in terms of features - a better value? After spending a week in these full-size SUVs, Benjamin and Sami compare the two back-to-back and are impressed by how much more the Navigator has to offer, but aren't willing to write off the Expedition, either, in a market that's suddenly packed with strong choices after years of neglect.
Episode 94: 2019 Mazda CX-9, 2019 Subaru Outback, 2019 Nissan Kicks, Mustang Blues
Reaching above its station as an affordable three-row SUV, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers swanky digs and a smooth ride - at least, according to Sami, who can't get enough. Benjamin's crossover-of-the-week is a 2019 Subaru Outback, a great family hauler that has lost its quirkiness but still delivers the goods. The comparison between the two sport-utility vehicles triggers a deep conversation about what vehicles need to be interesting to drive and which ones don't, just before Sami drops the bomb that the 2019 Nissan Kicks he drove weighs only a couple hundred pounds more than a modern Miata. Finally, Benjamin laments the passing of Ford's passenger cars once more upon hearing news that there's a four-door Mustang in the works.
Episode 93: 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, 2018 Subaru BRZ tS, Datsun Track Woes
What's better than a three-comma-door supercar? A three-comma-door supercar without a roof - at least according to Sami, who spent a week with the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, perhaps the most unique hybrid electric in BMW's line-up. Benjamin also waxes philosophical on the value of factory 'tuner' cars like the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS, a fun-to-drive coupe that may or may not be worth paying the upgrade fee for the handful of STI parts that come with it. Also, Datsun carnage after Benjamin's most recent track day.
Episode 92: Formula Experiences Race School, 2019 BMW X5, 2018 BMW M2
Ever wanted to drive an open cockpit race car? Or an open wheel formula car? Benjamin got to do both courtesy of Formula Experiences at Virginia International Raceway, and he has nothing but raves for the Radical SR1 and SR3. Sami then talks about his time with the 2019 BMW X5, an SUV that's now better in every way, except for the one area he was really hoping they'd improve. Finally, Benjamin reveals that out of all the BMWs in the land, the 2018 BMW M2 he drove for a week is the only one he really, really wants - and Sami actually agrees.