- Reading Comprehension
This week Robbie has been driving the Kia Telluride hybrid and the GMC Sierra EV while Sam had the very impression new Kia Seltos.
In the news, VW showed a new EV concept and a lot of people misread the press release. Ford is again refreshing the F-150 and adding hands-free towing capability to BlueCruise. Volvo has upgraded the XC90 and XC60 PHEVs with double the electric range. GM dropped details on the new V8s in the 2027 trucks and the updated user interface. Robotaxis without controls make problems for first responders and Sam and Robbie visit a magnet factory.
Links
Mission Efficiency - Volkswagen presents the world’s most efficient near-production electric car
TTD September 15, 2026 - Ford Adds Hands-Free Towing to 2027 F-150You Asked, We Listened: BlueCruise Hands-Free Towing Is Coming
Volvo Cars unveils America's longest electric range plug-in hybrids: the new XC60 and XC90
GM Thinks Truck Buyers Want A Bunch Of Screens For Some Reason - The Autopian
Tesla Cybercab's Touchscreen Is Already Proving To Be A Problem For First Responders - Jalopnik
GM’s legendary Small Block V8 enters its next generation with more power and capability
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE471 - 2h 16m - Sep 20, 2026 - Will Chinese Cars Be Made In America
Sam shares his thoughts on the Dodge Charger Six Pack Scat Pack and Robbie teases the Kia Telluride hybrid and talks about e-bikes.
Honda adds more ground clearance to the Passport Trailsport, Audi fully reveals the new A2 e-tron, Volvo refreshes the XC40 and Range Rover launches an EV. Arbe gets a first production contract for its imaging radar. Donald Trump wants Chinese automakers to build cars in America, but the Senate has opposite ideas. Stellantis wants to sell its Brampton assembly plant and Xiaomi has a new EREV SUV with a popup roof. VW is looking at body-on-frame trucks and utilities for the US and Horse Powertrain opens a Detroit office. Finally, Sam sees the Kindred Bronco EV and we answer listener questions.
Links
Audi A2 e-tron: Rethinking efficiency
Significant safety, tech, and design updates to Volvo Cars’ new XC40 subcompact SUV
RANGE ROVER ELECTRIC: A NEW ERA FOR THE ORIGINAL LUXURY SUV
Trump says he would allow Chinese automakers to build cars in US
S.4429 - Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026 119th Congress (2025-2026)
Stellantis has potential deal to sell Brampton plant, frustrating Unifor
Volkswagen Eyes F-150 and Wrangler Territory to Revive U.S. Sales - Autoblog
Maker of a 1,527-HP EV Introduces an SUV With a Pop-Up Roof Cabin - Autoblog
Horse Powertrain expands global capability with new North America office
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE470 - 1h 47m - Sep 13, 2026 - Can They Sell 100K
This week Robbie finally gets his hands on the new Honda Prelude and Sam drives the Land Rover Discovery.
Links
The Isuzu V8-Powered Chevy Feretta Was GM's Forbidden Camaro-Killer
New Ford Mustang Fox Body: ‘80s Icon Reborn! | 4K - YouTube
The World’s EV Capital Doesn’t Need Fast Chargers Everywhere
Hyundai Dealer Set EV Charging Rates That Led to a $418 Bill - Autoblog
Scout Motors Reveals Two Distinct Expressions of the Scout® Traveler™ SUV
Mitsubishi Motors Unveils the All-New Pajero Cross-Country SUV
Ford Wants To Sell 100,000 Fathom Electric Pickups In Year One. That’s A Huge Goal
Hyundai's Latest Cost-Cutting Trick Is To Remove The Instrument Cluster - Autoblog
Claims of Savings From Gutting Fuel Economy Rules Are a Lie
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE469 - 1h 27m - Sep 8, 2026 - It's A Lot
This week Robbie has the GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sam has the Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige.
In the news, Hyundai announces at its investor day that the Santa Fe will be its first EREV and Lincoln is bringing the Corsair back as a hybrid from China. Rivian R1s are getting a software update Honda is waiting to see what happens with US trade decisions before it finallizes plans for another factory. The Ford Maverick is getting both cheaper and more expensive and Nevada is getting up to 8,000 robotaxis.
McDonalds won't serve a Benz patent motorwagen in the drive through and Aptera gets independent testing of its solar charging capability. Waking up from the Dreame Dream.
Links
Hyundai Motor Company Charts Profit-Driven Growth Roadmap at 2026 CEO Investor Day
More for Every Drive: Inside the 2027 Lincoln Corsair Hybrid
Rivian EVs Are Getting A Software Update That Makes It Easier To Dodge The Cops
Honda's Next U.S. Factory Could Hinge On USMCA - Jalopnik
Jeep Is Returning to China to Build Electric SUVs for the World - Autoblog
2027 Ford Maverick EcoBoost Prices Cut By Up To $4,270 - CarsDirect
Dreame’s dream of a rocket-powered car is dead | The Verge
Toyota Celica set to be revived as AWD hybrid | Autocar
New 2028 Lotus Esprit to offer V6 in addition to hybrid V8 | Autocar
Aptera's Solar-Powered EV Can Go 47 Miles On Sun Power Alone—In Theory
BMW Just Hit 2 Million EVs Sold, And The iX3 Is Carrying The Team
Does Ultra-Fast Charging Ruin An EV Battery? BYD Did It 350 Times In 9 Days To Find Out
No Food for You: McDonalds REJECTS the World's Oldest Car
Tesla, Uber, and Waymo all get the OK to operate thousands of robotaxis in Nevada
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE468 - 1h 53m - Aug 30, 2026 - The Outbackier Subaru
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Craig Cole who has his own thoughts on the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Robbie tells us about hauling band gear in the new Subaru Outback and Sam pontificates on the BMW XM.
In the news, why are some automakers using NACS only for DC charging with a J1772 port of AC? Chinese regulators are forcing a recall of millions of cars with manual door latch backups that are too hard to find. Cadillac's midsize crossover finally gets a PHEV, but only in China for now. A recent rash of thefts from cars has Sam thinking about Faraday bags for key fobs. The next Mini cooper might ditch front wheel drive for the first time ever. Genesis launches a new 3-row electric SUV, the GV90 and puts a hybrid into the GV80 while Hyundai shows a new Tucson. Jalopnik highlights some of the wild machines created by George Barris and now you can protect the tax dollars you paid by putting a Flock Sock on a camera to keep the UV rays away.
Links
GreenCars Review of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
\New Bad Trend: NACS Ports That Can Only DC Fast Charge - YouTube
Chinese Regulators Recall Millions Of EVs Because Their Mechanical Door Handles Are Too Hard To Find
Cadillac Launches XT5 PHEV in China
What Is a Faraday Bag and Do You Need One? | Carwow
Why the Next MINI Cooper Might Ditch Front-Wheel Drive
A NEW ICON’S ARRIVAL, GENESIS UNVEILS GV90 FLAGSHIP SUV
Genesis Reveals Details on the Upcoming GV80 Hybrid’s Powertrain
10 George Barris Custom-Built Cars Every Gearhead Should Know - Jalopnik
Hot Album Drops Tied to Fatal Crash Rate Increases: Study
2027 Hyundai Tucson First Look: Bigger, Boxier, Bolder
3D-Printed Flock Sock Covers Flock Cameras To, Uh, Protect Them From UV Rays - Jalopnik
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE467 - 1h 48m - Aug 25, 2026 - People With Too Much Money
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Perry Stern. Perry has two cars to compare that are basically the same, the Lamborghini Revuelto and Chevrolet Bolt. Sam had the new Subaru Outback and Robbie drove the Dodge Charger R/T SixPack.
Sam and Perry also drove the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, mild hybrid and Eclipse Sportback. Kia has dropped price and range details for the EV3, GM cancelled the battery venture with Samsung, and is expanding its charging network with EVGo. Who buys Mansory cars? There's some new stuff from Acura, Cadillac and McLaren from Monterey car week. Also rich guys spent insane amounts of money at the Monterey auctions. The Ford Fathom is going to longer than we thought and Sam talks with Travis Wattles and Kevin Sittner from Mitsubishi.
Links
The 2027 Kia EV3 Is Almost Here—With 280 Miles Of Range For The AWD Models
2027 Kia EV3 Starts At Just $31,385, And The Model With 321 Miles Of Range Is $36,485 - Jalopnik
GM Walks Away From $3.5B Battery Factory, Leaving Samsung SDI In Full Control
Mansory Turned the Ford GT Into a $1.8 Million Supercar Nobody Asked For - Autoblog
Ford Fathom on Track: Universal EV Production System Comes to Life at LAP
Acura NEXERA Vision Debuts at Monterey Car Week, Redefining the Future of Acura Design
Introducing the McL 6GT - YouTube
McLaren McL 6GT: The new realisation of Bruce McLaren’s supercar dream
Race Bred, Street Cred: The Two Pedigrees of the Mustang Dark Horse SC
Cadillac unveils V-ONE concept
GM and EVGo open new Flagship Charging Station
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE466 - 2h 14m - Aug 17, 2026 - Can You Fathom It
This week Robbie and Sam are joined by Stephanie Brinley. Stephanie drove the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Lexus ES350e, Robbie had the Subaru Uncharted and Sam had the Jeep Cherokee
Sam also had a conversation with Dodge CEO Matt McAlear about the new new Super Bee and what's happening with the brand.
Links
A2 e-tron sets new efficiency benchmark at Audi
Electric Ford Fathom to Be Priced From $29,945 | GreenCars
The 'Freedom Car' Aims The Right Idea At The Wrong Villain
Mercedes Boss Says The Auto Industry Went 'Too Far' With Removing Buttons
EVgo SuperchargersDodge Charger Super Bee
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Has A Range Problem. Smaller Wheels Helped A Lot
GM, Chinese automaker extend joint venture for 20 years despite geopolitical tensions with U.S.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE465 - 2h 17m - Aug 9, 2026 - It's Fantaaastically Expensive
It's just Sam and Robbie this week and Robbie has the BMW M5 Touring while Sam drove the Rivian R1T Quad.
Audi took the wraps off its new Q9 three-row SUV this week while Mercedes-Benz went for the opposite end of the scale with the new GLA crossover. Zoox got a NHTSA waiver for its robotaxi and the feds are finally going to start working on AV regulations. Nissan and Honda are expected to partner on next-generation software platforms. If a bill in congress goes through, Mercedes-Benz could get booted from the US market and Jim Farley expects the Chinese to be here within a decade anyway. BYD is launching its new Racco Kei EV in Japan and NHTSA may also try to make door handles safer. Walmart is pushing ahead with deployment of its charging network while Florida wants to use EV charging funds to build infrastructure for eVTOL air taxis.
Links
The 2027 Audi Q9 Is the Largest Model In Automaker’s History and Its New Flagship
Shaq’s One-Off Electric Coupe Just Turned Up In A Salvage Yard - Autoblog
Zoox granted first-ever NHTSA commercial exemption for purpose-built robotaxi
Honda and Nissan to jointly develop next-generation car operating system - The Japan Times
Walmart Is The Future Of EV Charging In America - The Autopian
Ford’s Jim Farley Warns Staff Chinese Cars Could Hit America Within 5-10 Years | Carscoops
Under pressure over China backers, Mercedes CEO pledges to defend U.S. business
Aurora reports Q2 results, details per-mile pricing - FreightWaves
BYD launches the 'world's first' SDV kei EV, starting at just $13,000
It Was a Trap? Electronic Car Door Handles May Finally Get Safer
Florida Got $200 Million For EV Chargers. It Wants To Spend It On Air Taxis Instead
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE464 - 1h 41m - Aug 2, 2026 - Bye-Bye Nicole
This week Sam had nothing scheduled so he drove his 1990 Miata around. Robbie joined in a bit late to tell us about the Lucid Gravity and Kia Telluride X-Pro SX Prestige while Nicole shared some thoughts on driving her spouse's Wrangler PHEV.
Jalopnik provided a reader listicle on concepts that didn't translate well to production. Recurrent provided some data on rising prices of used EVs. Ford invited us out to Michigan Speedway to sample some products from its custom garage and see the new Bronco Desert Rising Edition. Ford also announced a partnership with GenerLink to make connecting an F-150 to the house for power backup easier. Ford is also going to be the first automaker to use Apple Maps in its upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle platform. Stellantis is adopting Mobileye's REM maps to enhance its ADAS systems and Mobileye CEO Amnon Shashua is retiring. Honda teased the next-gen Ridgeline that is still 2 years away and has stopped producing the Civic Si and Integra A-Spec with manual transmissions. We also have some listener emails.
Finally we end the episode with some sad news, but don't worry, the show is going on.
Links
These Concept Cars Spawned The Most Disappointing Production Vehicles - Jalopnik
These Are The 5 Best Used EV Deals For Range: Study
Apple Maps to Power the Navigation Experience for the Ford Universal Electric Vehicle Platform
Ditch the Extension Cord Spaghetti: An Easier, More Affordable Way to Power Your Home
Mobileye to Supply Cloud-Enhanced ADAS for Select Future Stellantis Vehicles
Some People Love DIY Customization. Ford Built a Shortcut for Everyone Else
How Utah's Desert Landscape Inspired New, Bold Ford Bronco Design
Mobileye announces planned leadership transition
Honda Civic Si And Manual Acura Integra Are Going To Die, But Only For A Little While - Jalopnik
Hyundai’s 2027 Kona Shows Boxy Exterior Look, New Cockpit Design in Fresh Renderings - autoevolution
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE463 - 1h 43m - Jul 28, 2026 - What Is A Moonroof
This week Robbie has been driving the Ford Mustang Mach-e GT and Sam had the Ford F-150 Lariat PowerBoost Hybrid
There's lots of news including a Ford patent that could immobilize cars, a proposal for a VW Thing revival as an EREV and an Abarth version of the Fiat Topolino. A wagon version of the Polestar 4 has been spotted testing with a rear window and Volvo is planning to bring sedans and wagons back to the US. Horse has a range extender system with an axial flux motor and VW is considering building its China developed EVs in Germany.
Sam drove the Rivian R2 and got a demo of the new interface from Wassym Bensaid. The Nissan Altima is dead in America and the Gordie Howe bridge is finally opening but Dongfeng EVs may not be allowed to cross it. GM is offering a discount to its customers for using the Ionna charging network and we have a bunch of listener mail.
Links
Ford Can Now Stop Some Vehicles Starting, Even With The Key - Autoblog
How I'd Redeem Volkswagen With A Revived, Range-Extended Type 181 'Thing' - The Autopian
Abarth May Turn Fiat’s Tiny Topolino Into A 25-MPH Hot Rod - Autoblog
First look: Polestar 4 SUV breaks cover ahead of September debut | Autocar
New range-extender hybrid uses supercar tech for efficiency boost | Autocar
Volkswagen could build its Chinese saloons and SUVs in Europe | Autocar
Volvo Could Bring An Electric Sedan And Wagon To U.S. By 2028: Report
This Class-Action Lawsuit May Decide If an Automaker Owes You a Tariff Refund
The Nissan Altima, Once Inescapable, Is Finally Dead
Dongfeng Wants To Sell These Two EVs In Canada Next Year For Less Than $25,000 USD - Jalopnik
General Motors EV drivers can now charge at over 120 IONNA locations nationwide
Flock Says Its Cameras Worked 'Correctly' When Police Tracked and Ambushed Me for No Reason
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE462 - 2h 24m - Jul 19, 2026 - Tracked By Flock
This week Robbie was driving the Chevy Trax and Sam had the Ford Maverick XLT Hybrid AWD and Subaru Uncharted GT.
In the news we discuss our friend Joel getting tracked by flock for an allegedly stolen license plate on a press car. We also have longer loans, right to repair, testing driver response time with touch screens, AVs and first responders, the Fiat Topolino, new EU safety rules, an electric hot hatch from MG, and a proposal to require multiple sensor types for AVs in New Jersey.
Links
How Flock Cameras Wrongly Tracked Me For Days over ‘Stolen’ Plates and Sent Police After Me
Almost A Quarter Of New Car Buyers Got 7-Year Loans Last Quarter - Jalopnik
Touchscreens in cars are moving in the wrong direction | Vi Bilägare
Farmers Finally Get a John Deere Right to Repair Agreement That Doesn’t Screw Them Over
NHTSA calls out autonomous cars for interfering with first responders - Engadget
America’s cheapest new EV is smaller than a ping-pong table and tops out at 19mph | The Verge
Safer cars, safer roads: New rules take effect - European Commission
New Lexus LFA aims to win over EV sceptics with V10 feel | Autocar
The robotaxi law that could ban Tesla | The Verge
New Jersey could ban Tesla’s Robotaxi with one line about sensors
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE461 - 1h 39m - Jul 12, 2026 - Diesels Dying
Sam and Robbie both had the Ford Explorer Tremor this week and Nicole rounded out the Ford fest with the F-350 King Ranch PowerStroke duallie.
Diesel cars are fading away in Europe and BMW has launched the next-generation X5 including an all electric iX5. California is bringing back some EV incentives for first-time buyers and the Kia Niro is going hybrid only for 2027. Thieves have been stealing truckloads of batteries from a Tesla factory and Ferrari is bringing back a simulated manual transmission.
Sam also has a conversation with Christopher Maiwald, CEO and Founder of charger manufacturer Lectron.
Links
Diesel's demise nears as Volkswagen axes diesel Golf after 50 years | Autocar
Why Ford's 3.0L Power Stroke Diesel Died An Ignoble Death - Jalopnik
New California Incentive Gives Some First-Time EV Buyers $3,500 Instant Discount - Jalopnik
Our Readers Came Up With These Honest Auto Company Slogans - Jalopnik
Someone Keeps Stealing Entire Truckloads Of Tesla Batteries
Polestar Is Offering Up to $25,000 Off Its 3 and 4 EVs
Toyota Announces $3.6B Expansion, 2,000 New Jobs at its San Antonio Plant
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE460 - 1h 30m - Jul 7, 2026 - Is Slate Cheap Enough
This week Nicole shares her adventure of trying to get a test drive in a BMW, and testing the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid and Ford Maverick hybrid. Robbie went on an adventure in the new Subaru Outback and Sam did truck stuff with the Ford Maverick Lobo.
In the news, Jeep teased the new Cherokee Trailhawk, a Toyota engineer said he's like a Rav4 Ute, and we discuss bad old car ads. IIHS crashed old and new Blazers, Polestar pulled out of the US market, Honda is bringing back the Element, our pal Andre tries a restomoded 23-window VW bus and we look at the new Hyundai Elantra. We also spend a lot of time discussing Slate.
Links
Thrill To Four Dull Commercials For Dazzlingly Boring '70s And '80s Cars! - The Autopianngly-boring-70s-and-80s-cars/
Toyota RAV4 ute market would be 'quite appealing', says top engineer
2026 vs. 1996 Chevrolet Blazer IIHS crash test
Polestar strengthens its focus on Europe following decision under the U.S. Connected Vehicle Rule
Honda Element Returning in 2029
U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) | JD Power
Is This EV-Converted Volkswagen Microbus Brilliant or Blasphemy?
Vintage Vehicles | Modern Classic Cars | Kindred Motorworks
Next-generation Hyundai Elantra brings striking new look | Autocar
GMC introduces the most advanced, luxurious, and powerful Sierra 1500 ever
Study: People Wanted Tech-Savvy Cars, And Now They Can't Afford Them
Everyone Loves The Slate Truck. I'm Not Ready To Celebrate Yet
We Ride Along in Slate's $25,000 Electric Pickup - Mobility Engineering Technology
We Ride Along in Slate's $25,000 Electric Pickup
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE459 - 1h 51m - Jun 29, 2026 - No Silverado Hybrids
This week Sam drove the Polestar 4 and Kia Sportage Hybrid. Robbie had the Sportage plug-in hybriid and Nicole had the Chevy Silverado EV Trail Boss.
The Porsche Taycan is looking its wagon variants in America and gaining fake shifting. Chevrolet is redesigning the Silverado for 2027 with bigger V8s. Electrify America has opened a new 20 bay charging station in Santa Barbara. The Jeep Recon's range is even worse than anticipated and the Chevy Bolt has no battery reserve. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has beat the Lexus LFA's Ring time. Carvana is now selling new vehicles and GM's battery boss isn't confident in solid state cells.
Links
Porsche is enhancing the driving experience of all Taycan models
Chevrolet Introduces the Next-Generation 2027 Silverado 1500, the Most Powerful and Advanced Silverado Everen/2026/jun/0516-chevrolet-next-generation-2027-silverado.html
Electrify America Opens New EV Fast Charging Station in Santa Barbara, California
The 2026 Jeep Recon’s EPA Rating Confirms It’s An Energy Guzzler
Hyundai’s Electric Sedan Just Beat The Lexus LFA Around The Nürburgring - Autoblog
Rivian faces a class action lawsuit over self-driving in its early vehicles - Engadget
The New Chevy Bolt Was Driven Until It Died. Here’s What Its Battery Buffer Looks Like
Carvana Quietly Bought Several Stellantis Dealerships And Now Sells New Cars Too - Jalopnik
Here's Where GM Will Install New Sodium-Ion Batteries | Podcast
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE458 - 1h 22m - Jun 21, 2026 - Following Fedex
This week Robbie has been driving the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid and Sam talks about the Cadillac Escalade IQ.
We discuss the effect of speed on efficiency. BMW revealed a concept version of the upcoming electric M3. Audi showed the new Q7, the Nuvolari supercar and matrix LED lights for the new Q9. Genesis has a Magma GT3 sportscar coming. Mitsubishi has a rebadged Leaf and Subaru has 3 new manual transmission models. GM hosted a battery event in San Francisco and Dodge has a new fragrance for dads.
Links
TTD June 12, 2026 - Operation Frodo EV 2026
Design meets Performance: The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse – World premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
GENESIS UNVEILS MAGMA GT3 CONCEPT AND OUTLINES NEXT-DECADE VISION AT 24 HOURS OF LE MANS DEBUT
Subaru Teases Three New Manual Models for 2027, Including New WRX STI
Dodge Charger Fragrance: One Spray Will Have Dad Firing on All Cylinders
GM Empower 2026: Scaling the future of electrification, batteries, and energy
How Redwood Materials Prioritizes Safety
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE457 - 1h 21m - Jun 14, 2026 - Live From Nebraska
This week Robbie and Sam are on the road as part of Operation Frodo Electric 2026, transporting rescue dogs from the midwest to the Pacific Northwest in a fleet of EVs and they recorded live from a Kia EV9 somewhere on I-80 in Nebraska.
This week Robbie drove the Kia K4 hatchback and Sam had the Honda Prelude.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE456 - 1h 19m - Jun 8, 2026 - How We Cruise
This week Nicole drove the new Subaru Outback Wilderness, Robbie had the Mercedes-Benz EQS 400 SUV and Sam had the Kia EV9.
In the news, GM opened a new Pasadena design studio and showed off a couple of GMC Hummer concepts. Waymo is having some challenges with its Robotaxis while Zoox is making improvements. Slate will announce final pricing in a few weeks and Mitsubishi is partnering with Nissan for a new truck for North America. Honda is pausing production of the Ridgeline and Ford is decontenting the Bronco Sport and planning to revive the Escape as an EV. Mercedes could get barred from the US market if a new bill becomes law and Volvo gets approvals to keep selling its vehicles. Nicole went to see a crash test at IIHS.
Links
GM officially opens new Advanced Design Pasadena Studio, reveals GMC HUMMER X truck and SUV concepts
Viewer video shows Waymo stuck in floodwaters as flash flood warning hits Atlanta - YouTube
Same Driver, new vehicle: Welcoming our first riders trips in the Ojai
Mitsubishi's Getting Serious About Trucks in North America Again: TDS
Production of Honda Ridgeline Pausing Through 2028
2026 Ford Bronco Sport First Look: A Lot Less Stuff, But at Least It’s Cheaper
Mercedes-Benz may be shut out of U.S. market under bill aimed at Chinese automaker ownership
Ford Escape Revival Set For 2029 On Universal EV Platform
Testing The Hansshow Tesla Supercharger Extension Cable Didn't Turn Out As Expected
Watching the Mazda CX-5 IIHS Crash Test Changed My View on Safety
1959 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu IIHS crash test
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE455 - 2h 13m - May 31, 2026 - Selling To Little Old Ladies
This week Nicole was driving the 2026 Subaru Solterra and Sam had the Kia Sportage plug-in hybrid.
In recent days, both AMG and Ferrari have revealed new four-door GT models with over 1,000-hp electric propulsion and the response has been very different between the two. Stellantis had their big investor day last week and announced a bunch of new products and Sam got to try out a couple of European models and see a bunch of secret stuff. Citroen is also bringing back the 2CV. Rich Rebuilds bought an $800 Audi A8 with slight corrosion issue.
Watch out for AI images for ride share damage and whatever you do don't buy a Lordstown Endurance.
Links
The 777 HP 2027 Ram Rumble Bee is The Most Powerful Muscle Truck Ever!
2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Recreates Signature V8 Thrills-signature-v8-thrills/
AMG Goes Electric with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe
Grande Panda | FIAT | Stellantis Media
Stellantis Announces FaSTLAne 2030
A State Trooper Sold Me This $87,000 Luxury Car for $800
Citroën Is Bringing Back The 2CV Because EVs Got Too Expensive
I Bought the Ultra-Rare Electric Truck You've Never Heard Of
2028 Ferrari Luce First Look: Ferrari’s First EV Revealed—So Long, Comfort Zone
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE454 - 2h 18m - May 27, 2026 - Lots of Honda Hybrids
Nicole is back from Disney World and she caught lots of fish. Robbie got to drive the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Sam had the latest Nissan Sentra.
Robbie and his wife also got a great deal buying a new Hyundai Ioniq 5 to replace the one that is ending its lease shortly which means he probably won't be getting the new 2027 VW ID Buzz Tourer. Honda had their annual business briefing where they made a big commitment to hybrids and showed prototypes of the new Accord and RDX. Tesla is testing supercharger waiting lists and Chrysler might be planning a sub-$30k car. Toyota is planning a new factory in Texas and also selling a driver ed special Corolla in Japan with no radio and a manual gearbox. Volvo wants to fill its South Carolina factory and will build cars for whoever needs capacity. BMW showed two wild concepts Concorso d"Eleganza.
Links
The VW ID Buzz Took a Year Off and Came Back With a Mattress
Honda Previews Hybrid Sedan Prototype During Global Honda Business Briefing
Acura Previews Hybrid SUV Prototype During Global Honda Business Briefing
Summary of 2026 Honda Business Briefing
Lotus unveils Focus 2030: Reinforcing brand DNA with all-new hybrid-V8 supercar
BMW of North America Introduces Preferred Pricing at IONNA Charging Network.
Tesla Is Now Testing A Virtual Waitlist For Superchargers
After 60 Years Of Corollas, Toyota Again Makes A Basic Manual Version With No Radio - The Autopian
Volvo Is Opening its US Factory to Other Brands
Alleged Toyota Service Bulletin Warns of Looming Motor Oil Shortage
BMW Motorrad presents the „BMW Motorrad Vision K18“ at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
VISION BMW ALPINA: SPEED, REFINED.
‘Project Orca’: Toyota looks to Texas for new $2 billion U.S. assembly plant, filing shows
Jeep 4xe Fire: Insurance Denied! Now What?
This Wood-Clad, Talking 1983 Chrysler LeBaron Was WAY Ahead of Its Time!
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE453 - 1h 33m - May 17, 2026 - Driving Old Cars
Nicole is spending mothers day at Disney World so our friend Stephanie Brinley has stepped in again. Steph drove the Volvo EX30 and Hyundai Tucson PHEV. Robbie drove the oldest car any of us has ever been in (or on) the Benz Patent Motorwagen and Sam had the new Nissan Leaf.
Sam and Stephanie both got to visit the Ford EV Development Center in Long Beach, home of the skunk works. VW has launched the ID Era 9X, a very impressive 3-row EREV built only for China. Lexus announced the new TZ 3-row electric crossover. BMW announced pricing and range for the US spec iX3 and the addition of a pre-chamber ignition system for its six-cylinder engines. The Japanese and Chinese are developing a new joint charging connector called ChaoJi.
Ford unveiled a new Carhatt edition Super Duty truck and Nicole went to see it and spoke with designers Steve Gilmore and Bhavna Mistry from Ford and Ben Ewey from Carhatt.
Links
Somebody Put 223,000 Miles on a 3-Year Toyota Camry Lease and Walked Away
Ford's Secret California Outpost Where It's Rethinking Its EV Strategy
Ford's Next Model T: Inside the UEV Program
Volkswagen ID. Era 9X Is On Another Planet From Any Other VW Sold! You Have To See This
ALL-ELECTRIC THREE-ROW LUXURY: THE ALL-NEW 2027 LEXUS TZ
2027 Ford Super Duty Carhartt Package: Built to Take the Same Abuse as Your Carhartt
BMW M Ignite technology: Innovative new technology for all six-cylinder in-line engines from BMW M.
BMW Officially Announces Pricing and Range for 2027 BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyE452 - 1h 54m - May 10, 2026
