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This week Robbie got to spend some time with something really fast, the new McLaren 750s. Meanwhile, Nicole and Sam had some more pedestrian rides. Nicole got a few days with the Volkswagen ID.7 as well as the Jeep Hornet PHEV. Sam had the Toyota Crown Platinum. In the news, we've got first drive reports on the updated 2025 Ram 1500, now powered only by six-cylinder engines and the Honda Prologue, the brand's firsrt purpose-built EV for North America. Sam also talks with Prologue chief engineer John Hwang. Jeep's new CEO provide's an update on the SUV brand's plans and we get a first look at the upcoming Wagoneer S and Recon electric SUVs. Ineos is developing an electric off-roader as well called the Fusilier. The soon to arrive US-built Kia EV9 may not have full tax credit eligibility at launch. Waymo's expansion plans in California are paused and Cruise problems will put a damper on GM bonuses. We also have listener questions. Links Jeep Update Honda Prologue first drive 2025 Ram 1500 first drive Ineos Fusilier EV US Built Kia EV9 soon, without full tax credit Waymo expansion suspended 40% of GM bonuses based on EV, software, Cruise Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie is back from Colorado where he attended the Bridgestone winter driving school and spent time with the Toyota Rav4 and 4Runner in the snow. He also rented a Ford Transit van to move ping-pong tables and drove a Kia Carnival. Nicole has been spending time in the psuedo off-road Honda Passport Trailsport and Sam had the Audi Q8 e-Tron Sportback Launch edition. In the news, GM is expanding the driving domain of Super Cruise and has priced the Chevy Equinox EV which might eventually go on sale when the software issues are fixed. As more vehicles start to use Tesla Superchargers, Kyle Connor is finding there are interoperability issues. The multi-automaker DC fast charging network is now operational and called Ionna. Being made of stainless steel doesn't make Cybertrucks corrosion proof and Stellantis won't be buying any more EV credits from Tesla. Shell has shut down its California hydrogen stations and a crowd in San Francisco burned a Waymo robotaxi that drove by during lunar new year celebrations. Finally, we are joined by Tire Rack's tire testing manager TJ Campbell to talk about rubber. Links Super Cruise expanding to 750K miles Chevrolet Equinox EV $35-47K, 319 miles w/FWD Interoperability issues with Superchargers Cybertruck rust? Shell closes California H2 stations San Francisco crowd burns Waymo Stellantis done buying EV credits Tire Rack Ionna Charging Network Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie is off visiting some family this week, but even with just Nicole and Sam it's a long episode. Sam has been burning up the gas in a Ford F-250 XL 4x4 while Nicole has a much more reasonably sized Subaru Outback. Nicole and Sam were both in Chicago this week and talk about the future of auto shows. While in Chicago we saw a bunch of stuff including mid-cycle updates for the Kia K5 sedan and Carnival minivan (sorry, I meant MPV). Parking large or heavy vehicles in Paris will soon be much more expensive. A majority of workers at VW's Chatanooga factory have signed up to join the UAW and an official vote may be coming soon. Americans are loosing trust in automated vehicles and companies like Cruise and Tesla have only themselves to blame. We saw the Cybertruck and Sam has some serious safety concerns. Automakers collect data from connected vehicles on which features customers actually use. Ford is using this data as justification to drop automater parking assist because no one uses it. We talk with Julie and Chris Ramsey about their Pole to Pole road trip in a Nissan Ariya. We also spoke with Chris Feuell, CEO of the Chrysler brand about the new Halcyon concept and what we can expect from the brand in the next couple of years. We also answer some listener emails. Links Paris votes to charge large, heavy vehicles more for parking Majority of VW workers sign UAW cards Ford Skunkworks team developing low cost EV Americans losing trust in AVs Cybertruck safety issues 2025 Kia Carnival 2025 Kia K5 Ford Killing Active Park Assist Chrysler Halcyon Ionna Charging Network Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam is driving a very luxurious and pricey version of the J300 Land Cruiser in the form of the Lexus LX600. Robbie has been trying out the 2024 Ford Mustang Premium Ecoboost and Nicole had Toyota Prius. Nicole has first thoughts on driving the new Lexus GX. Ford and Lincoln have finally gotten around to updating the Explorer and Aviator and they both lose their hybrid variants. Mazda is adding another plug-in hybrid with the new CX-70, basically a two-row version of the CX-90. GM is also bringing plug-in hybrids back to the US market, eventually. Honda is reportedly working on an electric next-gen NSX. Kyle Conner tries to buy a Vinfast VF8 and Volvo is pausing deliveries of the EX30 because of software problems. Early Cybertruck owners are having issues with tires and suspensions and Elon wants protection from China. Links 2024 Lexus GX 2025 Ford Explorer 2025 Lincoln Aviator 2025 Mazda CX-70 GM to bring back PHEVs Honda NSX EV Kyle Conner tries to buy a Vinfast VF8 Volvo EX30 deliveries paused because Software Cybertruck aero wheel covers chewing up tires Broken Cybertruck at King of the Hammers Elon wants more tariffs on Chinese EVs Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole has been having some fun with the Mazda 3 Turbo while Robbie has the Subaru Impreza RS. Sam is driving the most affordable Buick in a long time in the form of the new Envista. In the news, Chevrolet has revealed a second completely different and not at all electric Equinox and expanded its CT5 refresh to the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing. Honda and Acura have released pricing on the Prologue and ZDX which won't be released until GM fixes the software platform. The dealership employees that sold a Dodge Demon 170 that was allocated to a member of the military to someone willing to pay an extra $50,000 have been fired. Porsche has released a second-generation Macan that is now exclusively electric. Akio Toyoda thinks EVs won't exceed 30% market share and Revoy has an electric assist system for heavy trucks. Sam talked with Andrey at TFL trucks about modded trucks and we answer some listener questions. Links 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Dealers fires employees who sold Demon 170 Acura ZDX pricing Honda Prologue pricing and range Porsche Macan EV Akio Toyoda projects EVs will top out at 30% share 2025 Cadillac CT5-V/CT5-V Blackwing Revoy electric truck assist The limits of modified and lifted trucks Chevy Astro commercial Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Nicole has the Mazda CX-50 in a disappointing color, Robbie has the Range Rover Velar in one of the 8 available non-colors and Sam is driving the Chevrolet Trailblazer in Cacti Green. In the news, Jeep teases the upcoming Wagoneer S EV with too much power. Stellantis also launches the Ram Promaster EV and confirms the STLA Large EV platform will also support hybrid powertrains. JerryRigEverything tries towing with the Cybertruck and comes up short. For some reason, BMW has decided to put some humanoid robots into the Spartanburg assembly plant, what could go wrong? Mazda has launched a development program for a new rotary sports car, will it ever be built? Ford and Lincoln are launching an all-new infotainment system based on Android with a 48-inch full-width screen. Sam also spoke with friend of the show, Andrey Smirnov for an episode of TFL Trucks about lifted trucks and we debate the legitimacy of a threads video about software defined vehicles. Sam also has a conversation with Paul Thomas, president of the mobility unit of Bosch from CES. Links Jeep Wagoneer S 8 STLA Large EVs coming by 2026 Ram Promaster EV JerryRigEverything Tows with the Cybertruck BMW to deploy humanoid robots in Spartanburg Ford abandons self-repo cars Mazda Launching rotary sports car development Ford/Lincoln Digital Experience The problem with lifted trucks no one talks about More software defined vehicle trouble Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sam and Robbie survived another year of CES and have lots to discuss. Sam has been driving the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid since returning. Nicole has had the Hyundai Tucson and Robbie got to ride the Honda Motocompacto at CES. At CES, large language models have been integrated into cars with VW using ChatGPT, BMW using one from Amazon and Mercedes-Benz working with Nvidia. Fisker joins Vinfast in ditching direct sales as it signs up dealers and Sam chats with Henrik Fisker about it. Honda's new concepts preview its upcoming Series 0 EVs coming in 2026. There was lidar news from Hesai, Robosense, Aeva and Luminar. Intel is jumping back into the automotive chip business. Eaton has developed an EV charger that fits in your circuit breaker panel. Supernal and Xpeng are still trying to make personal aviation a thing. Android Auto is getting battery state of charge information for Google Maps and the Detroit Auto Show is going back to January. Vinfast also showed off a pickup truck and tiny crossover at CES. Links VW gets ChatGPT, LLMs everywhere Fisker abandons direct sales Honda Series 0 concepts Lidar in China Luminar Demo Intel gets into cars - again Eaton's mini EV charger Supernal Xpeng AeroHT NAIAS Goes Back to January, right against CES Android Auto gets battery information Vinfast at CES Amphicar Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam and Robbie both have large, luxury, three-row SUVs with turbocharged inline-six cylinder engines. Robbie has the BMW X7 and Sam has the Cadillac Escalade Platinum diesel. In the news we have the winners of the 2024 North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. Ford also bumps up pricing on the F-150 Lightning again, only a few EVs retain tax credit eligibility for 2024, Porsche is making a faster Taycan, Stellantis is quiting auto shows and Tesla is cutting the estimated ranges of its EVs to something more realistic. Motor Trend drives the BYD Seal in Mexico and a University of Michigan study says you won't save money driving an EV if you fast charge. Links NACTOY 2024 winners Ford Lightning prices on the rise again Which EVs are still eligible for tax credits New track focused Porsche Taycan BYD Seal first drive at MT Stellantis done with auto shows UofM TCO study Tesla lowers range estimates Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Sam has been driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce and Nicole shares her experience renting a Volvo XC60 diesel in Switzerland. Daihatsu which only briefly sold its small cars in the US in late 1980s and early 1990s reveals that for more than 30 years it has been faking safety certification documents for its vehicles along with those it has built for Toyota, Subaru and Mazda. Volvo is rolling out more EVs as it moves towards being an all-electric brand by the end of the decade with the ES90 sedan no in early pre-production. It's not unusual for car rental companies to have age limits for renters, but you might think 3-time F1 champion might get an exception, but you'd be wrong. Vinfast which launched with direct consumer sales has signed up its first franchised dealer. Apparently California law doesn't allow police to write tickets to driverless cars that break traffic laws. The last V8-powered Dodge Challenger has left the building and VW has an electric GTI coming in 2026 but America might not get it. Finally, patron Adam J writes in to tell us about his experience using Auto Socks. If you didn't get your Wheel Bearings swag for the holidays, you can still order what you want at https://shop.wheelbearings.media Links Daihatsu forges crash test results for 30 years Volvo ES90 could arrive by 2025 Max Verstappen too young to rent AMG GT Vinfast gets 1st US dealer California AVs can't get tickets the last V8 Dodge Challenger VW ID GTI arrives in 2026 Burgess Meredith Twilight Zone - Time Enough At Last Auto Socks Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is back and she has the new Honda Accord Hybrid Sport! Robbie is back and he's got thoughts on the Volvo C40 and Electrify America! Sam gets a bunch of electric miles out of the Alfa Romeo Tonale Ti eAWD. In the news, the Chevy Blazer EV we discussed last week is having some major software issues and GM has issued a stop sale order. Tesla's big recall hasn't actually address the problems with Autopilot as expected and they are also having trouble making batteries for the Cybertruck. Scooter sharing pioneer Bird goes bankrupt and Hyperloop One shuts down for good. Porsche and Aston Martin may be debut brands for next-generation Apple CarPlay and the first Cadillac Celestiq is spotted on Woodward Avenue. Our friends at TFL test winter tires vs all-seasons vs chains vs snow socks and you might be surprised at the winner. Finally, SAE has finished the new charging standard based on the Tesla connector (J3400) and Sam talks with Dr. Rodney McGee, chair of the task force that developed it. Charging socket types NACS 277V support Links Snow/All-Season tires vs chains and snow socks Blazer EV problems More Blazer EV problems Tesla recall doesn't work Tesla battery hell Bird goes bankrupt Hyperloop One is done Porsche and Aston Martin to launch next-gen Carplay First Cadillac Celestiq prototype spotted Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Robbie and his wife are visiting New York for the holidays and Nicole and her hubbie are hitting the Christmas markets along their European river cruise route. Fortunately, Stephanie Brinley is back to join Sam. Steph has been driving the Nissan Leaf SV+ while Sam spent time in the Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss and the Kia EV9. Stephanie and Sam both got to drive the new Chevrolet Blazer EV and share their thoughts good and otherwise on the vehicle and the new Carplay-free infotainment system. Cadillac also dropped the first images of its fourth electric SUV, the three-row Vistiq coming as a 2026 model. The Los Angeles County Sherrif's department was such a fan of the Ford Crown Victoria that when production ended 11 years ago, they ordered a stockpile and they still have hundreds in service. Tesla had a big recall this week that will have almost zero impact and a Model S driver in Germany has racked up more than 1 millions but is this the Tesla of Theseus? Finally, VW is going back to physical buttons and we have a listener question. Links Chevy Blazer EV first Drive GM's new projection-free infotainment 2026 Cadillac Vistiq LA Sherrif dept strategic Crown Vic reserve anti-drunk driving tech Tesla Autopilot recall Million mile Tesla of Theseus VW bringing back physical buttons Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tanya joins us again this week as Nicole's European Christmas vacation continues. She spent time with the Toyota Sequoia and the Honda Civic sedan. Meanwhile Sam spent a week with the updated BMW X5 eDrive50 that went 45 miles on a charge of the new larger battery pack. In the news, friend of the show Jamie Kitman shared his first driving impressions of the Fisker Ocean and concluded, that it's not yet fully baked. Stellantis is winding down production of the Chrysler 300 and partnering with Ample to test battery module swapping for a fleet of 500es in a car sharing service in Madrid. Once batteries reach the end of their life, they need to be recycled and Toyota is partnering with Cirba to develop a collection and distribution system for hybrid and electric vehicle batteries to go to recycling centers. Honda has teased the radical new look for its upcoming EVs and Chevrolet has confirmed the next-generation Bolt will come out in 2025. So what do you do when you have a 22 year old Honda Odyssey minivan and a wrecked Tesla Model S Plaid? Why merge them of course. Tanya tells us about her visit to the BMW Silicon Valley Tech Center and Sam talks with GM Energy's Derek Sequeira about what the automaker is doing on the charging front. Links Jamie Kitman reviews the Fisker Ocean Stellantis to test Ample battery swapping The end of the road for the Chrysler 300 Toyota partners with Cirba Solutions for battery recycling Honda teases new EVs for CES New Chevrolet Bolt in 2025 Plaidessey Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy