This week both Robbie and Nicole are on vacation so Craig Cole is back along with Chad Kirchner. Sam had the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring. Ahead of the LA Auto Show, Lucid also announced the more affordable Touring trim that starts just under $80,000. Jeep has revealed all the details of its first electric off-roader and lets just say we're not sure who is going to buy it. Hyundai showed the production version of the Ioniq 6 N and the new Crater off-road concept that could challenge the Wrangler and Bronco. We have pricing on the new Honda Prelude and details of the new Porsche Cayenne Electric. Genesis has revealed the GV60 Magma performance EV, the G90 Wingback wagon and Magma GT concept. Bollinger has stopped paying its bills. 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 2026 Jeep Recon Review: Electric and Ready for the Wild | GreenCars Lucid Launches Lower Priced Gravity Touring For $79,900 First Look: 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N Brings Track-Ready Performance | GreenCars Hyundai CRATER Concept Makes Global Debut at AutoMobility LA 2025 2026 Honda Prelude Deliveries Start—$43,195 And 44 MPG Bollinger Motors Has Stopped Paying Its Bills The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric Is a $111,000 EV That Can Charge Wirelessly genesis unveils magma gt concept, signaling the future of its performance heritage Genesis G90 Wingback previews wild M5 Touring rival | Autocar Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is in Mexico this week for the Baja 1000 so Craig Cole from AutoEsoterica stepped in. Robbie went to Poland this week to drive a simulator and Sam had the refreshed 2025 Kia EV6 GT-Line. We discuss the new 2027 Kia Telluride that will be revealed in full at the LA Auto Show this week and speculate about whether it will have the same powertrains as the Hyundai Palisade including the next-generation HMG hybrid system that was in the Palisade that both Nicole and Sam drove. Nicole also drove the new Dodge Charger Six-Pack on the tail of the dragon. Toyota has initiated its first North American battery plant in North Carolina. Nissan is launching a plug-in hybrid version of the Rogue that is just a rebadged Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Tesla is reportedly testing CarPlay to add to its infotainment system and Jeep launches the first of 12 monthly special edition Wranglers. Finally, we've discussed EVs being too quick for most drivers and now the Chinese government is doing something about it. Links The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: Bigger, Tougher, Family-Ready 2027 Kia Telluride First Look | GreenCars Toyota Opens Its First North American Lithium Ion Battery Plant The 2026 Dodge Charger Lets You Have Your Cake And Eat It Too 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV Is Tesla about to finally surrender to Apple CarPlay? | The Verge Jeep® Brand Airdrops First of 12 Monthly Wrangler Special Editions in Yearlong Celebration to Mark 85 Years of Off-road Domination China proposes 5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration limit on vehicles to enhance road safety AutoEsoterica Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole's been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally but this isn't one for serious off-roading. Sam takes his own stint in the 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn Hemi. Nicole and Sam both recently got some seat time in the new 2026 Honda Prelude one in Michigan, one in Japan and like it's ancestors, it's not at the tip of the spear performance-wise but it is a lot of fun. Sam and Nicole also finally get to discuss their impressions of the Polestar 4. Ford is considering ditching the F-150 Lightning. While he was in Japan, Sam also to drive the Honda Super-One which sadly probably won't get to America until 2050 and he saw the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ which looked better than it did in photos. At SEMA 2025, Toyota showed a fuel-cell powered Tacoma overlander that won't be very useful. Nicole also had a conversation with Michelin's Omer Waysman. It's November and with the government shut down and the administration refusing to pay out SNAP benefits, there are millions across America, many elderly or children that don't have enough to eat. You can help 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 Sam's Honda Prelude first drive Nicole's Honda Prelude first drive Honda Next-generation hybrid Sam on the Polestar 4 Nicole on the Polestar 4 toyota builds overlanding Tacoma that can't go anywhere Toyota Fuel Cell Tacoma H2-Overlander Ford considering cancelling F-150 Lightning Operation Frodo Feeding America Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam is in a Tokyo hotel room after attending the Japan Mobility Show. Before leaving he drove the 2026 Kia Sportage X-Pro. Robbie spent some time in the dunes of California with the next Mercedes-Benz GLC and Nicole drove the revived Hemi Ram 1500 and the latest Subaru Forester. Others are finally taking notice of inflated delivery charges, NHTSA is investigating Tesla's Mad Max Mode and we have lots of interesting stuff from the Japan Mobility Show. That includes the Honda 0 Alpha, new Subaru STi concepts, a rotary plug-in hybrid from Mazda and lots from Toyota including a Corolla concept, ideas for a next-generation Lexus LS and a stand-alone Century brand. Sam also visits the home of Ryan O'Gorman to check out the Ford Home Energy Management system. Links Everyone is noticing skyrocketing destination fees NHTSA Looks Into Tesla Mad Max Mode Honda 0 alpha Subaru Performance-E STi concept Mazda Tokyo Concepts Toyota Corolla Concept Lexus Tokyo Concepts Ford Home Energy Management Century Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam drove the 2026 BMW iX xDrive45. Sam and Robbie both went to New York for a tech focused GM event and Sam spoke with new chief product officer Sterling Anderson. There's a refreshed Jeep Grand Cherokee with a new more powerful engine for 2026 and we drive the new 2026 Toyota Rav4 in hybrid and PHEV form. Toyota is launching a new baby Land Cruiser FJ and Rivian has laid off 4% of its staff. Infiniti is launching one new model every year for the next four years and the Nissan Sakura gets an extendable solar panel. Links 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Scout may delay EV for EREV Prague lamp post charging 2026 Toyota Rav4 first drive GM Forward Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Rivian lays off 4%, RJ takes over marketing Infiniti to launch 4 vehicles in 4 years, sedan in 2028 Nissan Sakura solar extender EV Theft rates Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We've got another delayed episode because of embargo timing on some news so the new episode will be up on Tuesday morning Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole has been driving a bunch of stuff including the Ford F-150 Lightning and Expedition Tremor and went off-roading in the Honda Passport. Sam enjoyed some time with the BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe. Toyota is realigning its sporty branding for future models. Stellantis is investing $13 billion in shifting production to US factories and refreshing the Alfa Romeo Tonale for 2026. The Kia Tasman hasn't exactly been a hit in Australia. Lamborghini is cutting its EV plan and sticking with plug-in hybrids for now. Volvo may ditch key cards for fobs and Porsche is keeping buttons and fobs. A Faraday Future FF91 failed to hit reserve at auction and Cadillac is killing the current CT4 and CT5 after 2026 but promising a new CT5. Sam bought another Kia EV6 and we discuss how far people can actually drive without a pit stop. Links TRD for Trucks, GR for Cars/CUVs Stellantis to invest $13B in US production Kia Tasman Struggling in Australia Lamborghini to focus on PHEV not EV Volvo May Go Back to Key Fobs Porsche Keeping Keys and Buttons Faraday FF91 fails to sell at auction Features People don't want Cadillac CT4/CT5 dead after 2026 2026 Alfa Romeo Tonale Diesel license plate Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Summary In this episode, Robbie and Sam discuss various automotive topics, including a review of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE, the luxurious Genesis G80, and the unfortunate discontinuation of the Kia Soul. They also touch on Rivian's upcoming R2 SUV, Audi's future design concepts, and Stellantis's innovative approach to infotainment systems. There are significant updates to the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, including its rebranding and pricing strategy aimed at competing in the mainstream SUV market. They also delve into the Chevrolet Bolt's return, highlighting its improved features and competitive pricing. The conversation shifts to the growing EV market, with insights on sales trends and the importance of charging infrastructure. Additionally, the hosts address the decline of fuel cell technology in favor of electric vehicles, and they respond to listener questions regarding automotive safety and reliability. Links Kia Drops Soul Rivian R2 Launching in 1H 2026 2026 Audi A4 Gets new Look 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Stellantis CUV Without Infotainment 2027 Chevrolet Bolt Audi Considering Premium Off-roader Ford and GM drop EV Incentive plan GM Cancels Fuel Cell Program NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole has been driving the BMW M5 Touring and the Hyundai Kona Limited. Sam drove the Lexus LX700h and 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express Cummins while Robbie drove the Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan. Sam drove the Lexus to Indiana to check out the new Entegra Coach Embark EREV motorhome. With federal EV incentives done, Ford and GM found a way to keep the party going a while longer while Hyundai has slashed the price of the 2026 Ioniq 5 by an average $9,155. Meanwhile Dodge is apparently cancelling the Banshee 3-motor version of the Charger Daytona and Nissan has put its US built EVs on hold but will instead build a new Xterra in Mississippi in 2028. Rivian is redesigning the interior door latches for the R2. The Verge has a new podcast with the first episode looking at hover boards. The inventor of the hoverboard has a new idea for a 2-wheeled self-balancing car that steals ideas from the GM EN-V concepts. Sam has interviews with Micah Tindor from Cox Automotive about the KBB Instant Cash Offer program and used car valuations and Josh Sirefman and Carolina Pluszczynski from Michigan Central. Links Ford and GM keep EV incentives going Dodge Cancelling Charger Daytona Banshee Hyundai cuts Ioniq 5 pricing by more than $9K Tesla Claims It Doesn't Have To Warn of Defects Rivian to redesign interior backup door latches Verge Version History Podcast Shane 2-wheel car GM EN-V concepts at CES 2011 New Nissan Xterra in 2028, EVs delayed SAE Automotive Engineering Podcast Telemetry Transportation Daily Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole and Robbie are both travelling so we've got four interviews that Sam did in the last couple of weeks starting Magna International's head of e-Drive systems Mike Dowsett. Then there is Caroline Fallara and Mike Messina from high performance brake manufacturer Brembo. Sam also talks about China with industry expert Michael Dunne and finally Benjamin Maillard discusses Free2Move's new Car on Demand micro-lease program. Links Brembo Dunne Insights Magna International Free2Move Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, hosts Sam Abuelsamid and Nicole Wakelin discuss their recent experiences with the 2025 Toyota Prius Nightshade Edition and the 2026 Genesis GV70. They delve into the performance, design, and driving experience of these vehicles, highlighting the Prius's hybrid technology and the Genesis's luxury features. The conversation also touches on insights from the Center for Automotive Research conference, Toyota's research on plug-in hybrid user behavior, and the automotive industry's shift back to physical controls in vehicles. Additionally, they review the latest IHS safety testing results for electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of safety ratings in the automotive market. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of vehicle safety standards, highlighting how modern cars outperform older models despite mixed crash test results. They delve into Nissan's struggles with the Aria and organizational changes, while Hyundai outlines its ambitious 2030 vision. The conversation shifts to Honda's innovative use of software in racing, reflecting on the impact of Dieselgate on the diesel market. Volkswagen's price increases and Ford's new headquarters are also covered, concluding with Stellantis' advancements in battery technology. Links Toyota Research Shows How Behavioral Nudges can reduce emissions Mercedes-Benz to bring back physical buttons IIHS tests seven EVs Nissan to close US, Brazil design studios Nissan Ariya leaves for 2026 Hyundai 2030 roadmap Honda Software Defined Race Cars 10 years after dieselgate New vehicle registrations in Europe VW to raise MY26 prices by 7% Ford to move World HQ $2000 Fiat 500e windshield Stellantis IBIS battery Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with the 2025 Volvo EX30, XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and the 2026 Nissan Leaf. They explore the unique features, driving experiences, and challenges associated with each vehicle, including charging issues and pricing concerns. The conversation also delves into the broader context of the electric vehicle market, including consumer preferences and the impact of tariffs on pricing. In this episode, the hosts discuss various automotive topics, including the features and technology of the Nissan Leaf, the implications of Hyundai's new concept car, and the future of electric trucks from Stellantis. They also explore Ford's shift away from traditional cars, the potential for small affordable cars in Europe, and BMW's innovative designs. Additionally, they address safety concerns regarding motorized door handles, GM's automated delivery solutions, and hidden price increases in the automotive industry. Sam also has a conversation with Trisha Jung about marketing the new Nissan Leaf. Links Sam's Review of the 2026 Nissan Leaf Nicole on the new Leaf Hyundai Concept 3 Ram 1500 REV Killed New European Ford Focus CUV in 2027 EU considering its own Kei-class BMW Z4 neue klasse China may ban motorized door handles Cruise, Brightdrop and Middle-mile Deliveries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole drove the Ford F-150 Tremor and Sam had the Lexus LC500 Convertible and the Cadillac Lyriq-V. In the news, Honda has revealed more details on the upcoming 2026 Prelude coupe and a Minnesota driver gets a ticket for an excessively loud exhaust -- on his EV. At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, VW Group and BMW have revealed a bunch of new vehicles. Audi has the Concept C, an electric sports car coming in 2027 while VW has the ID Polo and ID Cross while Cupra has the Raval hot hatch. BMW is officially unveiled the new iX3 which is coming to America next year with 400 miles of range and starting at $60,000. Porsche is adding a hybrid to the 911 Turbo S and will offer wireless charging on the new Cayenne EV. Links Honda Prelude Debuts Minnesota man gets ticket for loud exhaust on Charger EV Audi Concept C Audi Aiming for Chinese-style EV development time BMW aiming for hydrogen X5 in 2028 BMW iX3 BMW and Qualcomm to offer Snapdragon Ride Pilot to other OEMs Porsche 911 Turbo S goes hybrid Cayenne EV to offer wireless charging VW changes EV naming strategy VW ID.Cross Cupra Raval electric hot hatch wireless charging This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is slate-dualie-1024x609.jpeg This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ChatGPT-Image-Sep-7-2025-12_06_26-PM-1024x683.png This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Gemini_Generated_Image_bprf49bprf49bprf-1024x1024.png Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole has been driving the Acura ADX and Honda Passport while Sam had the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. The US federal EV tax credits end on September 30, but you may still be able to take advantage of the credits even if you can't take delivery by that date. Ineos is cutting its prices by at least $7,900. Volvo has a new midsize crossover with over 100 miles of electric driving range according to the Chinese test cycle and GM is cutting production at its Detroit EV truck plant. Ram has begun shipping its new Ram 1500 Hemis and Chrysler has built a concept for an overlanding Pacifica. AMG sets a bunch of endurance records with its GT XX concept and Lucid is doing some updates to the Air and Gravity. Toyota is bringing its AI models to Hyundai's robots and Robbie visited Slate's future factory. We also have listener questions. Links EV Tax Credits after Sept 30 Ineos cuts prices Volvo XC70 GM Cuts production at Factory Zero Ram begins shipping Hemi Ram 1500 Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept Concept AMG GT XX set records Lucid 2026 updates Toyota partners with Hyundai on robots Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Robbie drives the new Kia Sportage Hybrid and Sam has the Acura ADX and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Nicole is traveling but she and Sam got together to discuss the 2026 Subaru Solterra and Sam has a conversation with Subaru carline planning manager Garrick Goh. We also have the low down on the 2026 Jeep Cherokee which is launching as a hybrid only and Ford Maverick prices continue to creep upward. The new Nissan Leaf will be the first EV in America with 300 miles of range for under $30,000 and Chargepoint now has Omniport retrofit kits available for its chargers. The US and EU will recognize each others automotive standards and Infiniti is bringing back the Q50 sedan with a manual gearbox and twin-turbo V6.Tensor Auto has come out of stealth with plans to sell a robocar to consumers but it's going to be real expensive and we answer a question about charging adapters for a reader. Links 2026 Subaru Solterra 2026 Jeep Cherokee Mavericks are getting expensive and cheaper Nissan Prices new Leaf from $30k! Chargepoint Omniport conversion kits available US and EU to recognize each others standards Infiniti to revive Q50 with Twin turbo V6 and and 6MT Tensor wants to sell AVs to consumers Tensor Auto NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole has 2 "SUVs", the Nissan Kicks and Ford Expedition King Ranch while Sam discusses the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter and Subaru Forester Hybrid. Ford announced plans to build low cost EVs in Louisville Kentucky, Cadillac announced a new custom build program and we have a first look at the Hyundai Ioniq 2. At Monterey Car Week, debuts included the Acura RSX, the Lexus Sport Concept, the Cadillac Elevated Velocity, Karma Gyesera and Infiniti QX65 and QX80 concepts. Links Ford to build $30K electric pickup in Louisville More thoughts on the Ford electric truck Curated by Cadillac Hyundai Ioniq 2 Lexus Sport Concept Acura RSX Prototype Cadillac Elevated Velocity Karma Gyesera Infiniti QX65 Monograph Infiniti QX80 concepts Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're back from a mid-summer break. Sam has driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and Lucid Air Grand Touring and Nicole had the 2026 Lincoln Navigator Since we've been gone, we all drove the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Cupra gave up on entering the US market. Nicole has a Wagoneer S update. Sam wrote about Tesla's misbehavior in a recent trial. Jeep also had some news this week about going back and refreshes.The Las Vegas loop is apparently getting dumber and Ford has further delayed its next-gen full-size electric truck. Chevrolet has teased the new Bolt coming this fall and it will apparently use Chinese batteries for a couple of years as will BMW. Links Cadillac EVs to get Carplay -- down under only Cupra US launch delayed Automakers behaving badly Nicole's latest Wagoneer S update Jeep updates 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT 2026 Hyundai Palisade LVCC Loop is getting dumber 2026 Chevy Bolt to use CATL batteries Edmunds on new Bolt Ford delays next large electric Truck/Van to 2028 BMW Might also have to use Chinese batteries Remanufactured Batteries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're taking a break this week, but we'll all be back next week Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie's dealing with a family emergency so Nicole tells us about her latest misadventure with her Jeep Wagoneer S as well as the Toyota Crown Signia. Sam had the Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade in invisible grey. In the news, Lucid Air, Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX get Supercharger support, but the Lucid is as slow as a Chevy Bolt. The Acura TLX is out of production but the new Honda Prelude gets a Civic Type-R suspension and someone paid $204K for an old Integra Type-R. After 250K miles a Mach-E still has 92% of its original battery capacity. Tesla owners should stay away from water if they want their warranties. Boston probably won't get robotaxis soon and our pals at TFL bought a first-generation Dodge Viper and it hasn't killed them -- yet. Links Lucid Air Gets Supercharger support -- sort of Honda Prelude gets Type-R suspension Acura TLX is Done Honda/Acura gets Supercharger Access Mach-E with 250K miles still has 92% battery capacity Tesla Warranties and Water $204K for an Integra? Toyota to build next Supra in-house No Waymos in Boston Speed Kills Range TFL Buys a 1st-gen Dodge Viper Ford Customer Service Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy