Wheel Bearings
https://wheelbearings.media
Updated 3 days agoWheel Bearings is a podcast about cars and transportation hosted by Sam Abuelsamid, Nicole Wakelin and Roberto Baldwin
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Episodes (469)
Yes, Car Buying Still Sucks
Robbie is under the weather this week so Nicole shares her thoughts on the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and then Sam discusses the Acura ZDX Type-S.While we get to drive new cars every week sometimes we also buy some for ourselves. This week, Nicole finally took delivery of her new Jeep Wagoneer S and tells us about the buying experience. Honda has some performance and range upgrades to the 2025 Prologue but holds the line on pricing. Buyers of the EREV version of the new Scout trucks and SUVs might be a bit disappointed at the towing capability. In the name of safety, EVGo has banned extension cords and breakaway adapters at its DC chargers. Honda may not want to publicly admit it, but its hybrids do have CVTs. VW showed off the concept version of its upcoming $21,000 ID.1 and it has buttons and Rivian software. Maserati has decided not to build electric supercars and North Carolina state police are patrolling in V8 Mustangs again. One-quarter of UK vehicle sales are electric this year and Volvo is going to upgrade the computers in new EX90s.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinks2025 Honda Prologue Gets more rangeEREV Scouts will have less towing capacityEVGo bans breakaway adapters and extension cablesVW shows $21K ID Every1 conceptVW ID Every1 Gets Rivian architectureOne Rivian Lesson VW is Ignoring, Buttons are BackMaserati cancels MC20 FolgoreMustang Cop Cars are back in NCEVs are ¼ of UK salesUK Volvo EX90 buyers to get compute upgradeAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Why Is High Temperature Cold?
This week Nicole has been driving the new GMC Acadia AT4 while Sam had the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid featuring a Toyota hybrid powertrain.This week Ram held a technical deep dive on the new EREV Ramcharger pickup and we've got details. Mercedes-Benz is testing an EQS with semi-solid state batteries from Factorial Energy and Sam has a conversation with Factorial CEO Siyu Huang. Polestar is trying to attract Tesla owners with up to $20,000 in savings on a Polestar 3. Ford has a new plan to cover deductibles on stolen F-Series trucks and Volvo is teasing more details on the new ES90. Kia showed all the details on the new EV4 and showed a concept for its upcoming EV2. Jeep is delaying the US launch of the new Compass and our pal Tommy Mica from TFL compares the new Mini Countryman SE to his classic 1993 Mini Cooper.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinks2025 GMC AcadiaRam 1500 RamchargerMercedes-Benz and Factorial Begin Testing Solid State batteriesPolestar goes after Tesla owners$8/month Ford Plan will cover deductible if your vehicle is stolenMore Volvo ES90 detailsKia EV2 Concept and EV4Jeep Delays Launch of New CompassMaxi MiniInterview with Factorial Energy's Dr. Raimund KoerverAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
All The Weathers
This week, Sam has driven the Genesis GV80 Coupe while Nicole had the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse. Nicole, Robbie and Sam all had a chance to drive the updated the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 including the off-roady XRT model.In the news this week, the General Services Administration has decided that federal government facilities don't need EV charging facilities and it will decomission 8,000 chargers over the next several weeks. There's a new Chevrolet Spark EV, but it's not coming to America. Kia has shown off production images of the EV4 and PV5. BMW has an impressive new prototype called Heart of Joy based on the upcoming Neue Klasse. Stellantis has completed development of its level 3 AutoDrive, but has no schedule for putting it on production vehicles. Polestar is going to provide electronics upgrades to early buyers of the PS3 and Volvo has teased the ES90 sedan.LinksNicole on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5Sam on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRTRobbie looks at J3400 charging on the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5New Chevy Spark EVKia EV4BMW "Heart of Joy" prototypeSTLA AutoDrivePolestar to upgrade ADAS computersVolvo teases ES90 sedanGSA to shut down chargers and sell off EVsKia shows production PV5 vanAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
No Pop Ups!
This week all three of our crew were in Palm Springs at various times to drive a new car that we'll discuss next week. We did however discuss the Temu mid-century modern hotel with Ritz-Carlton prices that we stayed at. At home Sam drove the Toyota Crown Signia and Nicole had the Subaru Solterra.Volvo announced a Cross Country edition of the EX30 this week. Sam took his wife to Palm Springs and rented a Polestar2 from Hertz and charged it at the Rivian outpost near Joshua Tree. Honda and Nissan called off their engagement and Honda announced pricing for the new Passport. Some Jeep owners reported pop up ads for extended warranties. Continental is adding aero-dimples to some tires. The Toyota Tacoma is getting recalled for trapping off-road mud and damaging the brakes. Sam and Jonathan supercharged a 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and we have an update on last week's discussion of turning on headlights to warm a cold car battery and responding to listener mails.LinksVolvo EX30 Cross CountryRenting a Polestar 2 from HertzCharging a Polestar 2 at a Rivian Charging OutpostNissan Honda merger officially deadHonda prices new PassportJeep Pop up adsContinental AerodimplesToyota Tacoma muddy brakesSupercharging the Ioniq 5Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Good And Bad Cold Weather Advice
Nicole is back after driving both the Hyundai Palisade and Kia K4 GT-Line turbo. Sam did some truck stuff with Hyundai's trucklet, the 2025 Santa Cruz and Robbie has some tire feedback.Ford has confirmed its plans to offer extened range EV powertrains in large trucks and SUVs. Someone has developed a wide-body kit for the already wide new Dodge Charger Daytona, and VW has teased a new $21,000 EV that will be revealed next month. Nissan apparently doesn't want to just be a subsidiary of Honda and is looking for other partners. Subaru has unveiled the new Forester hybrid coming this spring with 35 mpg. There's a Faraday Future FF91 on bring a trailer. Tesla sales are crashing all over the place and apparently, most of them still don't have the hardware needed for unsupervised self-driving. Finally we answer a listener question about starting a car when it's really cold and discover some very dubious advice.LinksFord Confirms EREV plansModel 3 sales crash in CaliforniaApparently the Dodge Charger Daytona wasn't widen enoughHonda-Nissan Merger might be offVW teases new entry-level EV2025 Subaru Forester hybridFaraday FF91 for $40K?Tesla Vehicles Still Don't Have L5 HardwareOct 2016 Autopilot Conference callBridgestone Blizzak tiresTerrible cold weather advice from JD PowerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Buy While You Can
This weekend Nicole is visiting her daughters and Robbie is taking care of a family medical emergency, so Sam is joined by Perry Stern and Stephanie Brinley. Stephanie has been driving a Toyota GR Corolla on winter tires and Perry has the new GMC Terrain. Sam drove a Honda Ridgeline Trailsport to Ohio to visit Honda's new EV hub.In the news, is there a chance that GM could sell a rebadged version of Hyundai's Korean Staria minivan? Kia is sending its more affordable EV5 electric crossover to Canada, but has no US plans for it. VW has also cancelled plans to bring the ID7 sedan to America. Polestar has put together winter rally special versions of all three of its current models. In the auctions, someone actually paid over $71,000 for a Honda CR-X. Sam and Steph drove the new Toyota 4Runner, on road and off. The Trump administration has imposed 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico and vehicles are going to get way more expensive in the coming weeks. Between tariffs and moves to eliminate EV incentives, GM has already cut a shift at production at its Ramos Arizpe factory that builds the gas and electric Blazer, Equinox EV, Cadillac Optiq and Honda Prologue.We answer some listener questions and Sam has a conversation with General Motors SVP of Software engineering Dave Richardson.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksCould GM sell the Hyundai Staria?Polestar Arctic Circle CollectionToyota 4Runner Drive$71K for a CR-X!?Cars, trucks and everything about to get more expensiveCanada to get Kia EV5, not USGM cuts shift at Ramos Arizpe plant in MexicoNo VW ID7 for AmericaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Swagoneer
This week, Nicole has been driving the refreshed 2025 Hyundai Tucson in the New Hampshire cold while Robbie enjoyed some unseasonably warm bay area weather with the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet. Sam was pleasantly surprised with the efficiency and value of the new VW Jetta.In the news, Nicole and Sam have a first drive report on the new Jeep Wagoneer S EV. Ram confirms a midsize pickup will be built in Belvidere, Ill. in 2027 and Cadillac launches its first electric V model, the Lyriq-V. The new national electrical code could be a problem for anyone that wants to install a level 2 EV charger with a plug. Clarios has an interesting new 12V battery with an integrated supercapacitor. Apple has wiped the claims that next-gen Carplay will launch in 2024 from its website and Ford has promised dealers more affordable models.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksSam's take on the Jeep Wagoneer SNicole's Wagoneer S 1st driveRam Midsize truck in BelvidereCadillac Lyriq-VCould GM sell the Hyundai Staria?Electric Code update could be problematic for EV chargingClarios launching hybrid supercapicitor batteriesNext-gen carplay not coming in 2024Ford to expand affordable models and trimsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Canoo Without A Paddle
This week as we prepare for our next round of driving new cars, Nicole tells us about driving the Hyundai Ioniq6, Robbie fills in the details on the BMW Z4 and Sam has the Chevrolet Blazer EV LT.Sam had an opportunity this week for a local drive of the new Nissan Murano and Armada. Acura releases an image and name for its new electric crossover coupe. There's disscussion of what engine Scout will use as a range extender. VW plans to bring its Cupra brand to America in partnership with Penske. The Auto Alliance sues to block the new automatic braking regulations. Subaru is adopting Toyota's infotainment system. Ram is dropping plans for the big battery Ram REV and Canoo finally unplugs.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksAcura RSXHow big a range extender does Scout need?VW to bring Cupra brand to US with PenskeAuto Alliance Sues NHTSA over AEB rule2026 Subaru Outback to get Toyota InfotainmentRam cancels long-range REVCanoo Files For Chapter 7 BankruptcyBob BroderdorfAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Do You Want a Luxury Minivan
We're all back from CES in one piece. Nicole finally got to swap out the Buick Enclave and got a Land Rover Defender 110 while Sam discusses the GMC Sierra EV and how good it is to be able to pre-condition the cabin of an EV on cold winter mornings. Robby has a manual transmission BMW Z4 that he's barely driven yet.At CES Sam and Nicole got a briefing from Faraday X and learned very little and have little more confidence than we had 8 years ago when we first saw the FF91. Honda showed us prototypes of its first two new EVs coming in 2026 in the 0 Series line and Sam got a close look at the half-Honda/half-Sony Afeela 1. Chevrolet has priced the new Corvette ZR1 and it is both really expensive and a bargain. The Detroit Auto Show continues its retreat into a regional dealer show which is not a bad thing, but we did get to find out the winners of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicles of the year. Sam also stumbled across a cool electric RV based on the Brightdrop delivery van. While at CES Sam also had a conversation with Anders Bell, head of global engineering for Volvo Cars.LinksFaraday XHonda 0 SeriesAfeela 1 PreviewCorvette ZR1 pricing2025 NACTOY WinnersGrounded electric camper vanThe "end" of the Detroit Auto ShowTommy and Roman Check out the Lexus LMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Live From Las Vegas
This week, all 3 members of our crew are in Las Vegas from CES recording from separate hotel rooms with terrible wifi. Nicole finished her stint with the Buick Envoy, Robbie had the Land Rover Defender 130 and Sam had the new Infiniti QX80.In the news Faraday Future is still not dead somehow and it's going to be unveiling new lower cost EVs at CES that we'll see and talk more about next week. Over at TFL, our pal Andre has been re-engining his Soviet era Buhanka van with an LS V8 and chronicling the multi-month effort on video. Nicole wrote about whether the construction of the Cybertruck might have helped mitigate the damage from the New Years Day explosion in Las Vegas. Q4 2024 sales numbers are coming out and contrary to all the naysayers, EVs aren't quite dead yet. At CES, Toyota is giving an update on its Woven City project in Japan.Toyota Completes First Phase Of Experimental Woven City In JapanLinksWhy is Faraday still alive?Andre's Buhanka LS-swapDid the Cybertruck structure prevent more damage in explosion?Toyota Woven City UpdateAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Happy New Year
For the final show of 2024, Nicole shares more on her ongoing experience hauling her family around in the new Buick Enclave. Robbie and his wife drove their Hyundai Ioniq 5 to southern California and he tells us about their charging experience. Sam had the new Nissan Kicks and Kia K4 GT-Line.In the news, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi have signed an MOU that may end up with them merging by 2026. Our friends at TFL had some speculation on the upcoming Ram 1500 Ramcharger and Sam offers a rebuttal. Our entrepid crew shares what their favorite drives of 2024 were and what they are looking forward to in 2025. Toyota and Subaru have seen the light and slashed the prices on the bZ4X and Solterra for 2025 and Chinese battery maker has an interesting new EV skateboard chassis design that is claimed to be much safer than anything currently offered.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksNissan-Honda MergerRebutting TFL's Ramcharger commentsfavorites of 2024What we're looking forward to in 2025Toyota slashes bZ4X pricingCATL Bedrock ChassisCATL Bedrock Chassis crash testCATL Bedrock skateboardAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Wrangling Beagles
We're catching up on some reviews this week with Nicole starting a 3 week stint in the Buick Enclave and Sam driving the Chevy Equinox EV and Rivian R1S.Last week Sam participated in Operation Frodo, where 20 journalists transported rescue beagles from Nebraska to the Pacific Northwest. Along the way, he drove the Kia Carnival and Genesis GV70. The amazing Jean Jennings passed this week after battling Alzheimers for several years. Friend of the show Tommy Mica leased a Fiat 500e for no monthly payment. Stellantis is shifting plans with the Ram REV pushed to 2026 and the extended range Ramcharger coming in the first part of 2025. The Hemi is also living on for another year in the Durango.Hyundai Motor Group is going to adopt Android Automotive but before that, Kia will include Google Maps points of interest data. Honda has confirmed that the new hybrid Prelude is definitely coming in 2025. Nicole drove the new Nissan Armada and Murano.Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGSLinksBuick Enclave Sport Touringoperation frodo - Kia Carnival/Genesis GV70Jean JenningsFree Fiat 500eRam Rev Delayed, Ramcharger firstDurango Hemi lives on into 2025Edmunds Tests the Base Equinox EVHMG to go Android AutomotiveHonda Prelude in 2025Sam rants about vent controlsNissan Murano First DriveNissan Armada First DriveRobbie's Giant Nintendo controllerAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Charging The Charger
This weeks show is a bit different. Robbie is dealing with some family stuff, Nicole is at DisneyWorld wedding and Sam is headed to Omaha for Operation Frodo so no regular review section until next week.Instead, Sam and Robbie recorded a discussion on the death of Cruise and the future of automated driving. Sam also had a conversation with Chad Kirchner about our first drive experiences of the new Dodge Charger Daytona. Sam also interviewed Dodge CEO Matt McAlear and Charger chief engineer Audrey Moore.LinksSam's initial review of the Dodge Charger DaytonaThe Kirchner ReportRIP CruiseOperation FrodoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Tacos At Every Charger
This week, Robbie didn't drive anything, but Nicole got time with the Ram 1500 RHO and Honda Civic Hybrid hatchback while Sam had the Kia Niro PHEV.At Art Basel Miami, Jaguar showed off its new design direction with the Type 00 Concept and it's different. Toyota is taking advantage of its joint venture factory with Mazda to offer Soul Red Crystal as an optional color on the Corolla Cross. Carlos Tavares has been ousted as CEO of Stellantis. Hyundai has a new version of the Palisade coming and Genesis is building a race car to go to Le Mans in 2026. Nissan's Ariya can use Superchargers now but it needs an extra adapter for its adapter. Ion Dynamics has a cool little mobile EV charger and we recommend tires for winter driving in West Virginia.Get your Wheel Bearings merch at https://shop.wheelbearings.mediaLinksRam 1500 RHOJaguar Type 00 ConceptToyota Corolla Cross gets Soul Crystal RedCarlos Tavares is Out at StellantisGenesis Shows New Le Mans RacecarNissan's NACS adapter needs an extra adapter2026 Hyundai PalisadeIon Dynamics Mobile ChargerMichelin CrossClimate 2Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Let's Go Racing
This week Sam has been driving the Ford Ranger with the 2.7-liter V6 and Kia Carnival Hybrid. Nicole had the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Robbie had the outgoing VW Tiguan.In the news, Acura has a new entry-level crossover, the ADX and Toyota is working on a new generation Celica. California's governor has a plan to preserve EV incentives in the states if the Trump administration pulls the plug, and it doesn't include Tesla. Cadillac is joining the F1 circus in 2026 and Dodge is slapping some big money on the hood of the new Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S. ConnectDER has a solution for installing EV charging on older homes and smaller apartments. Edmunds range tests the Chevrolet Equinox EV and decides to unload their Fisker Ocean while they still can and we answer listener questions.We've updated the Wheel Bearings merch store and there's now a lot of new stuff including hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, stickers and of course T-shirts. Until December 13, you get 25% of every order at http://shop.wheelbearings.media/LinksAcura ADXMercedes-Benz in-drive brakesToyota Working on New CelicaTesla left out of new California EV IncentivesGM/Cadillac To Go F1 in 2026ConnectDERMap of NEVI sitesDodge Charger Daytona LeasesEdmunds unloads its Fisker Ocean earlyEdmunds Gets 356 miles with Equinox EVAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Are Bad Font Choices A Bad Sign?
The whole team is back this week with lots of LA Auto Show news. Nicole drove the Audi SQ8 around Los Angeles for the week. Robbie had the new Toyota Land Cruiser.In the news, Jaguar has launched new branding ahead of the reveal of concept version of its next new EV. Stellantis talked about the STLA Frame platform for its new EV an EREV large trucks and SUVs, and we spoke with Stellantis executives including NA COO Antonio Filosa about where Jeep and the other brands are headed. Nicole got to try out the new GMC Sierra EV Denali. Lotus is also bringing out some EREVs. We also discussed some of the products announced at the LA Auto Show including a refreshed Genesis GV70, new VW Tiguan, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the NACTOY finalists. We also answered some listener questions.LinksNissan N7More on Mercedes-Benz CLANew JaGUar brandingStellantis talks about STLA FrameGMC Sierra EV2026 Genesis GV702025 VW TiguanHonda Solid State Battery plantAcura ADXJeep Giving Customers What they WantHyundai Ioniq 9Lotus Shifts to EREVsNACTOY FinalistsMercedes-Benz in-drive brakesOTA Cost Consideration GuideAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Be More Humane
Robbie at a gas station chicken sandwich and the results were predictable so it's just Sam and Nicole both driving Hondas this week with Sam in the Prologue and Nicole in the Odyssey.In the news, automakers need to stop with electronic door switches, and while Teslas are generally safe in a crash, bad driver behavior is still leading to more fatal crashes than any other brand. Honda has revealed a new 2026 Passport and Acura has their own version of the HR-V, the new ADX. Toyota is offering a dealer installed shield to guard against catalytic converter theft on Priuses. Dodge is about to launch the electric Charger Daytona, but pulling ahead production of the gas version to mid-2025. Jaguar has released the first images of camoflaged prototypes of its new EV and Lexus is adding a cheaper front-drive RZ. Jose Munoz is being promoted to global CEO at Hyundai and GM laid off 1,000 people by email.LinksPeople still being burned alive in Teslas2026 Honda Passport2025 Acura ADXTesla is deadliest car brand in AmericaCatalytic converter shield testedDodge pulling up production of gas ChargersFirst images of new electric JaguarGM cuts 1,000 jobsLexus adds cheaper FWD RZ300eJose Munoz becomes CEO of Hyundai MotorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Working for the WKNDR
Kia WKNDR conceptMercedes-Benz CLA previewVolvo EX30 arriving in America this yearMazda Iconic-SP to get produced2026 Cadillac Vistiq first lookCadillac XT4 to give way to new BoltBentley To Launch EV in 2026, delay full transition to 2035SEMA 2024 RoundupMercedes-AMG Electric SUVA2RLRoman's New G-WagenAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
We've Got The Buzz
This week Robbie and Sam both spent time driving the Volkswagen ID Buzz and came away surprisingly delighted. Sam also spent a week with the Toyota Land Cruiser while Nicole got to drive the 2025 Camry.In the news, VW is adding enhanced hazard alerts to its latest models and Polestar and Volvo finally have Supercharger access for their EVs. Ford is now shipping Lectron NACS to CCS adapters to customers instead of Tesla made adapters. Cadillac is bringing a Lyriq-V in 2025 and Lucid is about to open the order books for the Gravity SUV. Hyundai has a new fuel cell vehicle coming in 2025 with a new look for the brand and sister brand Kia is launching the Tasman pickup but it can't come to America because of the chicken tax. Rivian doesn't believe in buttons and they are wrong. FSD can't see deer at night and the Ferrari Enzo had different sized mirrors. We also have a bunch of listener questions.LinksVW integrates enhanced hazard alertsEnhanced Hazard AlertsPolestar & Volvo turn on Supercharger accessLectron NACS-CCS adapterCadillac Lyriq-V coming in 2025Lucid Gravity Pricing and Orders announcedLucid Gravity Design TourPeter Rawlinson on EfficiencyHyundai Initium conceptKia TasmanRivian Software Chief is Wrong about ButtonsFSD completely ignores a deerThe Ferrari Enzo's Asymetric MirrorsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Scouting Mission
Hey everyone, we're back with a standard episode this week. Unfortunately a family emergency came up at the last moment and Robbie couldn't join us. Fortunately, our friend Perry Stern was able to step in and join Nicole and Sam. Perry was driving around in the new Subaru Forester while Nicole had the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and Sam had the Kia Sorento Hybrid.It was good to have Perry on the show, because he was the only one among the group that was able to attend the reveal event of the new Scout Terra and Traveler which are due to arrive in 2027. Stellantis has started assembly of battery modules at its new factory in Windsor, Ontario, and plans to try out semi-solid state batteries in 2027. They have also updated their Auburn Hills wind tunnel and are planning to sell their Arizona proving ground. Ford has cut prices on its F-150 Lightning Pro and Mach-E for 2025. Costco has installed its first DC fast charging station and Nicole shares some highlights from this week's semi-finalist drive for North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year.LinksScout Terra and TravellerStellantis to try semi-solid state cells in 2027 ChargerNextStar Energy Starts Battery Module ProductionFord Pro Cuts EV pricesHigh speed trains are awesome2025 Mach-E gets price cut, GT lookStellantis updates wind tunnel/Proving ground saleCoscto gets in to fast chargingNACTOY DriveAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Where's The Plug?
Hey everyone, this week's show is a bit different. Sam is on his way to South Korea for the week, Nicole is visiting her daughter in Wisconsin and Robbie is Lake Tahoe for a gig with one of his bands. But rather than leave you with no content, we've got some material from the Nissan Fast Forward event that Sam attended in Nashville this week. Nissan unveiled the new 2025 Murano and Sam has some thoughts and then we have presentations from 4 Nissan executives including chief product officer for North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, VP of sales and marketing Vinay Shahani, VP of aftersales Kim Less and SVP manufacturing David Johnson. Lots of interesting stuff in here about where Nissan is going for the rest of the decade including plug-in hybrids, e-Power, and extended range EVs. We'll back with a regular episode next week.LinksThe 2025 Nissan MuranoAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
AI Stock Boondoggle
Nicole is back and she drove the Honda Prologue while Robbie spent more time with the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the VW GTi.Links2025 Jeep Compass2025 Bronco Free Wheeling2025 Chevy Silverado EV UpdatesVolkswagen TayronMCity 2.0CyberCab2-seat robotaxisCarlos Tavares to retire in early 2026Stellantis EV price parityMore cheap EU EVsFisker reaches bankruptcy dealhttps://carbuzz.com/fisker-faces-new-government-probe/Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
What Is All-New?
Nicole's Saturday morning flight home from Venice was cancelled so she'll be back next week. In the meantime, Chad Kirchner joins us to talk about what's going on. Robbie has been driving the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam had the Mazda CX-70 and a weekend with the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato.In the news, Mazda has launched a new electric sedan in China that goes for just under $23,000 but we can't have it. Lots of charging news this week with Enel X Way shutting down it's US operations, but Ford is offering EV buyers free chargers and installation. Ionna has started construction on its first charging station with just 29,990 chargers to go. Ford had cut pricing on BlueCruise and launched a somewhat-new Expedition. Our pals at TFL finally got FSD Supervised on their Cybertruck and Toyota pushed back the launch of their 3-row electric SUV by 6 months. Rivian cut its 2024 production forecast but an R1T survived the Hurricane Helene flooding with flying colors.Speaking of the hurricane, if you have a few extra dollars, send some to Feeding America for TacoTober to help out those affected by the disaster. Also check out The Kirchner Report and buy a copy of Racecar by the Drastic CatsLinksMazda EZ-6Ford Home chargingEnel X Way shuts downIonna breaks ground on first rechargeryFord cuts BlueCruise pricingTFL tries FSD on their Cybertruck2025 Ford ExpeditionToyota delays 3-row EVRivian cuts production forecastRivian R1T survives HeleneThe Kirchner ReporttacotoberHummer HX ConceptNoodoeLamborghini Huracan SterratoChargelabDrastic Cats - RacecarAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Simulated Engagement
Nicole is still riding the rails in Europe so Stephanie Brinley joins Robbie and Sam again. Stephanie has been driving the 2025 Lincoln Aviator and the Toyota Crown Signia. Robbie got to try out the new electric motorcycles from Can Am and Sam got some quality time with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.Sam also got to sample the new 2025 Nissan Kicks which is bigger, more powerful and more expensive than the original. Ontario premier Doug Ford has a crazy scheme to build a 34 mile tunnel under Toronto to fix congestion on highway 401 and it probably won't work. Stellantis has begun the search for a successor to CEO Carlos Tavares while Jeep and VW are planning to add hybrids to their North American lineups. Honda is developing a new hybrid Prelude coupe and there are reports it could be offered with a manual transmission. Finally, ACMI has tested Tesla FSD and it was to say the least, problematic.LinksCan-Am Origin / Pulse2025 Nissan Kicks34 mile tunnel to fix Toronto traffic, or notStellantis searching for new CEOJeep looking at adding hybrids to lineupVW likely to add hybrids to US within 2 yearsAudi prices US Q6 e-tron, adds RWD modelThe New Hybrid Honda Prelude Could Have a ManualACMI Tests FSD, It's Not GoodAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
ADAS Distractions
As Nicole and her spouse are riding the rails in Europe, Tanya Gazdik is back with the Land Rover Defender 130 and the Mercedes-AMG SL63. Sam has thoughts about Ineos Grenadier and Robbie has something he can't discuss until next week.Tanya and Sam drove the Polestar 3 this week and share their first impressions. Elektrobit's Dr. Mortiz Neukirchner has developed a taxonomy for software defined vehicles. More vehicles are getting in-cabin radar sensors to make sure no one is left behind. The IIHS says ADAS is leading to driver complacency. Maserati needs marketing help and Waymo may be turning to Hyundai for its next robotaxi.LinksSoftware defined vehicle levelsIn-cabin radar for rear seat detectionIIHS study says drivers more distracted using ADASIIHS ADAS safety ratingsPolestar 3 first driveMaserati Marketing, does it exist?Waymo and Hyundai may collaborate on robotaxisAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy