CRUISE CONTROL MOTORING

Jeep cuts Wrangler prices as the Ford Bronco heats up the off-road SUV battle. In this episode of Cruise Control Motoring, Fred Staab and Les Jackson break down the latest automotive news, industry trends, and new-vehicle pricing you need to know right now. We cover Jeep Wrangler price cuts, the new Ford Bronco RTR, and why plug-in hybrids are disappearing from Stellantis lineups. Plus, Mazda CX-5 pricing for 2026, 2027 Kia Telluride pricing and trims, and a deep dive into automaker data privacy after Toyota’s lawsuit. Then we shift into high-performance news as the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X becomes the first street-legal 8-second production car, delivering supercar-level acceleration with a factory warranty. We also discuss Honda entering the RV market, the last American V12-powered vehicle, and what all of this means for car buyers in 2026 and beyond. If you follow automotive industry news, new car pricing, performance cars, SUVs, and future vehicle trends, this livestream delivers insight you won’t get anywhere else.   Fred Staab and Les Jackson discuss all the latest automotive news every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern on the Cruise Control Motoring Livestream — right here on the Cruise Control Motoring Podcast. 00:00 Jeep vs Ford: Wrangler Price Cuts Explained 01:10 Ford Bronco RTR Revealed – Affordable Raptor Alternative? 03:40 Jeep Wrangler vs Bronco Sales Battle Breakdown 06:05 Jeep Cancels Plug-In Hybrids – Why PHEVs Are Fading 09:15 Dodge Hornet Discontinued – Stellantis Strategy Shift 17:55 Dodge Muscle Car Future: Charger Sixpack & Durango Power 21:01 2026 Mazda CX-5 Pricing, Trims & What’s New 26:55 2027 Kia Telluride Pricing, Trims & Design Debate 35:07 Automakers Selling Your Driving Data? Toyota Lawsuit Explained 40:46 Corvette ZR1X Becomes Street-Legal 8-Second Car 48:15 Honda Enters RV Business – What It Means for the Brand 52:10 The Last American V12 Engine Explained 57:50 Final Thoughts & Industry Outlook #AutomotiveNews #AutoIndustry #JeepWrangler #FordBronco #CorvetteZR1X #MazdaCX5 #KiaTelluride #CarPrices #SUVNews #PerformanceCars #CarPodcast #CruiseControlMotoring #newcarnews

The automotive industry is changing fast — and we break it all down on this edition of Cruise Control Motoring. Fred Staab and Les Jackson dive into the biggest automotive news, new car pricing debates, and CES 2026 technology stories, including a major warranty move by Ram, the shocking reality of a nearly $50,000 Honda Civic Type R, Subaru performance struggles, and why Volkswagen is pausing the ID. Buzz in the U.S. They also cover cutting-edge CES 2026 auto tech, including robotics, battery breakthroughs, and the future of connected vehicle navigation — plus why affordable cars are becoming harder to find. If you follow auto industry news, new car releases, EV trends, and car pricing, this episode delivers context, insight, and straight talk. Fred Staab and Les Jackson discuss all the latest automotive news on the Cruise Control Motoring Podcast Chapters 00:00 Cruise Control Motoring Opens | Auto Industry Change Ahead 03:38 Ram Adds 10-Year / 100K Powertrain Warranty for 2026 09:17 Cummins Diesel Power Wagon Returns | Torque, Off-Road & Pricing 13:44 Ram Dakota Confirmed for 2027 | Mid-Size Truck Market Shift 15:52 Is a $50,000 Honda Civic Type R the New Reality? 17:26 Civic Type R vs Golf R vs WRX vs GR Corolla 19:51 Subaru WRX Sales Collapse | Performance Sedan Trouble 26:14 VW Pauses ID. Buzz in the U.S. | EV Pricing vs Demand 31:13 Kia K4 Hatchback Pricing Revealed | Affordable Cars Return 40:51 CES 2026 Tech Talk | Solid-State Batteries & Donut Lab 44:52 BMW Conversational Navigation | AI Enters the Dashboard 47:21 Ford Ends Escape Production | Smart Move or Big Mistake? 52:35 Vehicle Affordability Fallout | Government & Pricing Pressure 59:32 Subscription Features Return | Paywalls, Heated Seats & More 01:02:26 Auto Trivia & Industry Notes 01:03:18 Final Thoughts & Sign-Off #CES2026 #AutoNews #AutomotiveIndustry #CarNews #NewCars #CarPricing #EVNews #TruckNews #RamTrucks #HondaCivic #Volkswagen #SubaruWRX #KiaK4 #FutureOfCars #CruiseControlMotoring #carpodcast

Ford hits the brakes on electric vehicles after losing more than $19 billion, Hyundai says it plans to dominate U.S. auto sales by 2030, and Mercedes confirms hybrids are the future with the new CLA Hybrid. On this episode of Cruise Control Motoring, Fred Staab and Les Jackson break down the biggest automotive industry stories shaping 2025 and beyond — from EV pullbacks and hybrid strategy shifts to pickup truck pricing, under-$30,000 cars disappearing, and a rare affordable 2026 model that may still give buyers hope. We also cover: Ford’s dramatic EV strategy reversal and the future of the F-150 Lightning Hyundai’s bold plan to conquer America with a new body-on-frame pickup Why sub-$30,000 new cars are nearly extinct — and the one exception Mercedes-Benz revealing advanced hybrid tech for the next-gen CLA Jaguar leadership turmoil and brand confusion. Kia’s fix for stolen vehicles BMW’s controversial proprietary fasteners Jeep celebrates 85 years with special-edition Wrangler models If you care about new car news, EVs vs hybrids, pickup trucks, vehicle pricing, and the future of the auto industry, this episode is packed with insight and real-world analysis. Fred Staab and Les Jackson discuss all the latest automotive news on the Cruise Control Motoring #AutomotiveNews #AutoIndustry #CarNews #EVNews #HybridCars #FordLightning #HyundaiPickup #MercedesCLA #NewCars #CarPrices #Under30K #TruckNews #FutureOfCars #CruiseControlMotoring #FredStaab #lesjackson Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Cruise Control Motoring 00:48 – Ford Loses $19B on EVs & Changes Course 03:40 – Ford Scales Back EVs, Returns to Hybrids & Gas Engines 06:00 – Extended-Range Electric F-150 Lightning Explained 09:07 – Why Expensive Electric Trucks Failed 11:17 – Ford Cancels Electric Vans & Battery Strategy Shifts 15:01 – Why Hybrids Make More Sense Than Full EVs 16:08 – Hyundai CEO Targets 1.44M U.S. Sales by 2030 17:29 – Hyundai’s New Body-on-Frame Pickup Plan 18:36 – Can Hyundai Take on Ford, GM, and Ram? 19:39 – Why $30K New Cars Are Disappearing (Cox Automotive) 21:23 – Full-Size Pickup Prices Drive Market Inflation 23:05 – Why Affordable Cars Are Vanishing 24:23 – Mercedes-Benz Reveals CLA Hybrid Powertrain 25:03 – CLA Hybrid Specs, Performance & Technology Breakdown 26:37 – Entry-Level Luxury Cars Go Hybrid 27:37 – The Last Under-$30K New Car: 2026 Nissan Altima 29:14 – Altima Pricing, Trims & Features Explained 30:28 – Why Affordable Sedans Still Matter 31:28 – Jeep Wrangler White Cap Special Edition Revealed 32:52 – Jeep Celebrates 85 Years With Heritage Editions 34:00 – Why Special Edition Vehicles Continue to Sell 38:10 – Market Trends Shaping New Car Pricing 42:30 – EV vs Hybrid: What Buyers Actually Want 47:15 – What These Industry Shifts Mean for Consumers 52:10 – Final Thoughts on the Future of EVs & Hybrids 56:30 – Wrap-Up: What to Watch Next in Automotive News  

Fred Staab & Les Jackson are back on Cruise Control Motoring with a packed podcast covering some of the biggest automotive stories of the week. Stellantis shocks the world with its all-new Hurricane 4 Turbo — twin-spark, port + direct injection, and up to 35 pounds of boost delivering 324 horsepower & 332 lb-ft from only 2.0 liters! We break down this advanced powerplant and what it means for Jeep, Ram, and beyond. We also dive deep into the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee refresh, new trims, upscale tech, and incredible fuel economy + towing numbers. JD Power warns of an EV sales collapse, Jaguar delays its Electric GT halo car, Dodge reveals its wild Dude pickup concept, and… how did a rare GM EV1 end up at an impound auction?! #CruiseControlMotoring #JeepGrandCherokee #HurricaneEngine #Stellantis #KiaTelluride #EVNews #CarPodcast #AutoNews #JaguarEV #DodgeDude #ElectricVehicles #CarReview #LiveCarShow #sema2025 #dodgehemi #ramhemi

Fred Staab and Les Jackson** take you on another fast-paced ride on Cruise Control Motoring! This week: Toyota reveals the 2026 all-hybrid RAV4 — more horsepower, more range, and a GR Sport version that adds some Gazoo Racing flair. Ford shows off its RTR Mustang, a driftable, affordable EcoBoost performance coupe designed with Vaughn Gittin Jr. Another automaker struggles with an aluminum shortage, stalling production. Kia teases the 2027 Telluride, while GM talks AI and conversational software for future vehicles. We break down which electric vehicles are delayed, canceled, or still coming, plus a look at the new Toyota FJ — will it reach U.S. shores? It’s the latest in auto tech, design, and performance — all in one show! Keep the automotive content coming please like and subscribe and ring the bell https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-Control-Subscribe The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring #CruiseControlMotoring #ToyotaRAV4 #RTRMustang #ToyotaFJ #EVNews #AutoPodcast #HybridSUV #FordPerformance #KiaTelluride #CarTalk #carpodcast #mustangmache #kiatelluride #corvettemuseum #corvette

On Episode of the Cruise Control  Podcast with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Mini reveals an affordable Oxford edition and gets set to dump front wheel drive. Ford current edition F150 will stick around a while longer. Talking Tech :Renault has a way to snuff out EV fires and its giving away the tech for free The Petersen Museum celebrates Ken Blocks life with a new display. Plus We 'll run down the results of the new JD Power Vehicle Dependability study. All that and an At the Wheel review of the Volkswagen 2025 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium R-Line more when Fred Staab and Les Jackson get rolling on the Cruise Control Podcast If you like the automotive content please like and subscribe and ring the bell https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-Control-Subscribe The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring 00:00 Introduction 04:46 Mini Oxford Edition and Rear drive 11:55 F150 No longer top selling vehicle and no refresh 19:15 Talking Tech: solving electric car fires 26:21 Ken Block Petersen Museum tribute 30:21 JD Power dependability study 40:05 Volkswagen Atlas 2025 At the Wheel Review

On this Episode  of the Cruise Control Podcast with Fred Staab and Les Jackson BMW says its V8's are here to stay! at least in the USA. If you plan on Buying a Mustang GTD you better be prepared to keep it for while. Dodge's CEO says it might be the right time for a sub 30 thousand dollar performance car. We discuss what that might look like. Volvo reveals its EX30 and plans for 5 new models. The ZR1 Corvette breaks more records and the Blazer SS sets the pace at Daytona Plus Talking Tech : What do egg shells and tires have to do with one another? All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control. If you like the automotive content please like and subscribe and ring the bell https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-Control-Subscribe The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring

On this Episode of the Cruise Control Motoring Podcast with Fred Staab and Les Jackson The Honda Nissan merger is cancelled... Honda admits it wanted to take over Nissan. Now Nissan is going to cut its workforce and is looking for new non automotive partners. It Seems like Toyotas is getting ready to bring back the Celica but they have some big changes planned. Volkswagen prices the 2025 GTI and the Golf R Why is Jeep spamming its owners while they drive? Talking Tech: Nice Dimples.. One tire manufacturer says aero dimples are the key to more efficient tires. And Acura prices out its more affordable ADX All that and more when Fred Staab and Les Jackson get rolling on Cruise Control. Like the automotive content please like and subscribe and ring the bell https://tinyurl.com/Cruise-Control-Subscribe The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring

On this Episode of the Cruise Control Podcast with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Nissan might tell Honda no thanks when it comes to the merger and team up with big tech. Jeep shows off its more affordable Wagoneer S Limited.. Ford wants to dive in extended range electric vehicles. Why bigger and heavier vehicles don't always mean you drive will be safer. Talking Tech : Renault builds a mobile efficiency laboratory And Porsche wants a row your own record at the ring. All that and more when Fred Staab and Les Jackson get rolling on Cruise Control. The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring

On this episode of the Cruise Control Motoring Podcast with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Which Toyota model outsold Ford's F 150 to become the best selling vehicle in the US? Could Hemi V8 engine production be headed back to a plant in the USA? Subaru Reveals its Forester Hybrid and its new Wilderness Model at the Chicago auto show Chevy shuts down a best seller. What are the biggest range losing electric vehicles when it comes to freezing weather? Talking Tech: A hidden winch for Jeep's All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control.  The Cruise Control livestream goes live on Youtube starting at 10AM Eastern every Saturday . Go to @cruisecontrolmotoring

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson What more American than a F150? We have the latest results from Cars.Com's American Made Index. Should American car manufacturers pull out of the Chinese market? One analyst says do it now! BMW's X5 celebrates its silver anniversary. Toyota says it will build performance cars but it can't do it alone.. A new study says insurance claims are getting alot more expensive. And We'll have and At the Wheel review of the the Honda Trail sport Passport All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson It was supposed to be the last call for the 392 V8 Jeep Wrangler... Plans changed. BMW Shows off its all new x3 Fisker went Bankrupt but some of his cars are still selling. Would you buy one? A place of their own :The Bronco Off Roadeo opens up a new location to let owner grow their off-road skills. What countries have the least expensive fuel? And we have the reveal dates for two upcoming vehicles All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo 

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson BMW specs out its 2025 M2 model. One manufacturer says hmm we might start building sedans again Nissan says so long to the GT-R Talking Tech: The world's fastest charging electric car... And what's the disturbing trend happening at many charging stations? And we have an At the Wheel review of the 2025 Toyota Crown Signia All Hybrid All Wheel drive that gets 38 Miles per gallon. All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Toyota and Mazda team up on new internal combustion engines. Nissan says no more to gas engines and Volkswagen cuts its EV budget to build no electric cars and trucks. Cadillac and Honda want to go into the HyperCar business. Why a big truck or SUV might not be as safe as you think. A New study say alot less people are considering EV's We take a look at Toyota's Crown Siginia.. A Lexus without the Lexus badge All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson One manufacturer says sedans are not dead. Honda goes Hydrogen right here in the USA. New fuel mileage ratings were just released, what does this mean for new models? Talking Tech: Could a new type of electric motor be the key to affordable electric vehicles? And JEEP Says its going to get alot less confusing. All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson GM says it will discount its electric vehicles by 7500 dollars in place of the Federal tax benefit.   The 2024 Lexus RZ  has plenty of news to share. Why are some Mercedes getting turquoise lights? Subaru prices its 24 WRX.. Are narrow lanes safer? We have the results of a new study Dodge's CEO comes to the aid of a Military member who got a raw dealer deal. And we will have an At the Wheel review of the 2024 Toyota Prius Prime.  When we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch the Cruise Control Livestream every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Ford Tops sales for the Sports car, truck, and commercial segments but will rollaway F150's put a damper on its success?  Kia has another plan for stopping the theft of some of its models. Genesis Prices out its 2024 G70 Sporty sedan.. Talking Tech: The science Mazda is using to make its already stunning soul-red crystal even better. Stellantis says no to shows And we will have an At the Wheel review of the 2024 Buick Encore GX. All that and more when we get rolling on Cruise Control Watch Cruise Control live every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern.  Youtube www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson Chrysler's Airflow concept is getting a new name and a big redesign.. What's in store for the brand? Chevy's EV Silverado work truck gets a 450 mile range but its gonna cost you.   The average age of vehicles is climbing. We'll tell you why   Are Chinese built cheap EV's ready to dominate the US Car market?   VW says something is missing when it comes to its US Model line up.   Talking Tech: Freezing the frunk and Increased Radar   Plus We'll have an at the wheel review of the Lexus RZ a sporty EV crossover when we get rolling on Cruise Control.   Watch Cruise Control live every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern.  Youtube www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson The midsize pickup truck segment continues to get even hotter... Last week Ford revealed its new Ranger and this week it was Toyota's Turn with its all new Tacoma including its available hybrid drivetrain and Factory build overlanding Trailhunter edition.   What's slowing down production of Alphas Tonale crossover? It has something to do with plumbing.   Heard it on the AM Radio.... Bi partisanship abounds as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say auto manufactures could not eliminate AM reception in new Electric vehicles.   Plus shareholders ask Ford's CEO what about quality?   And We'll have an At the Wheel review of the Hyundai Palisade when we get rolling on Cruise Control.   Watch Cruise Control live every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern.  Youtube www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo

On this edition of Cruise Control with Fred Staab and Les Jackson A new airbag recall means 67 Million vehicles are headed back to the dealers What are the most dependable cars and trucks money can buy?   Ford shuts down the Mustang line to get it right. Plus Summer is here.. What do you do if you see a Pet in a hot car? It may depend on the state you are in. Talking Tech: GM says it's got a way for you to avoid red lights. What used vehicles are seeing the biggest price increase? it may surprise you. All that and an At the Wheel Review of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Off road When we get rolling on Cruise Control   Watch Cruise Control live every Saturday at 10 AM Eastern.  Youtube www.youtube.com/user/CruiseControlVideo