Wheel Bearings

Robbie, his wife and the dogs are taking a weekend off at a cabin in Sonoma so it's just Nicole and Sam. After a intro discussion of winter driving, Nicole discusses driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9 in frigid weather while Sam reviews the Mazda CX-70. Hyundai unveiled a camper version of its new electric Staria van in Stuttgart. We have more detail on China's new rules banning retracting door handles. Autocar got to drive the new Jaguar Type 00 prototype in Northern Sweden. Stellantis is doing a major reset under CEO Antonio Filosa and taking a $26 billion dollar charge including selling it stake in a battery joint venture to LG for just $100. Some cars need to be hatchbacks and Jim Farley teases the upcoming $30,000 electric truck and Ford promises its dealers 5 vehicles under $40K. You might soon be able to use other chatbots with Apple Carplay and Nicole discusses a new SAE/NACTOY scholarship for aspiring automotive journalists. Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Links A New Vision of Travel Freedom: Hyundai Unveils STARIA Camper Concept at the CMT in Stuttgart New China Door Handle Regulations NEW JAGUAR DRIVEN | First review of prototype electric Jaguar 'Type 00' | Autocar Stellantis Resets its Business to Meet Customer Preferences and to Support Profitable Growth | Corporate Communications LG Energy Solution to Acquire Full Ownership of NextStar Energy in Joint Strategic Decision with Stellantis | Corporate Communications These Cars Would Be Better If They Had A Hatchback Or Liftback, According To Our Readers - Jalopnik https://x.com/jimfarley98/status/2019388693866271070?s=42 Ford Promises 5 New Cars Under $40K by 2030, Including Midsize Electric Truck Apple might let you use ChatGPT from CarPlay | The Verge SAE/NACTOY Scholarship Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week both Sam and Nicole had the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy although in different colors. Nicole has had several first drives to report on including the Kia K4 hatchback, refreshed Honda Pilot and Honda Prelude. Congress voted not to kill the mandate for a drunk driving disable system while Tesla has decided to kill the Model S and Model X and Hyundai is ditching the Santa Cruz. Rolls Royce is working on an electric Cullinan and Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a next-generation S-Class. Ineos tweaked the steering on the Grenadier and Genesis has a high-performance off-road concept the X Skorpio. Chery is launching an electric mid-size pickup in China for just $18,300 and Mary Barra isn't sure why Canada is going to let people buy cheap Chinese EVs. Use of hands-free Super Cruise and BlueCruise is growing and people are willing to pay for it while Tesla robotaxis are crashing more often than human drivers. Finally we answer some listener e-mails and Nicole talks with Honda sales chief Lance Woelfer. Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Links 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback Road Test and Review | Autoweb 2026 Honda Pilot first drive: The family hauler gets even better Car ‘kill switch’ rule divides GOP Tesla is killing off the Model S and Model X | TechCrunch Rolls-Royce priming electric Cullinan with dramatic new look | Autocar The 2026 Ineos Grenadier’s Steering Sucks A Bit Less And Its Electronics Suck A Bit More - The Autopian GENESIS UNVEILS OFF-ROAD X SKORPIO CONCEPT; NEW CONCEPT CAR STRATEGY China Just Got an $18,300 Electric Pickup That Puts the U.S. Market to Shame GM CEO 'Can't Explain Why' Canada Would Welcome Chinese EVs - Jalopnik Ford Drivers Logged 264 Million BlueCruise Miles as Comfort With Autonomy Grows - Autoblog Hyundai Santa Cruz faces early end with larger pickup planned - Automotive News Tesla's own Robotaxi data confirms crash rate 3x worse than humans even with monitor | Electrek The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Refined in every detail. Robbie rides the Honda Motocompacto Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

At CES 2026 Sam and friend of the show John Voelker sat down for a conversation with Giovanni Lanfranchi, CEO of Zeekr Technology Europe to learn more about the Geely Group's approach to product development. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Unfortunately, Robbie had a migraine this morning so it's just Nicole and Sam. Nicole has been driving the latest Toyota Prius with AWD in New Hampshire snow and Sam had the Cadillac Lyriq Signature Sport AWD in Michigan winter weather. Volvo finally dropped all the details on its new EX60 midsize electric crossover including the missing door handles and touchscreen vents. Tesla has moved the safety monitors from some of its "robotaxis" to a following vehicle. Tesla also killed off Autopilot and moved lane centering to its subscription only full self-driving. GM is moving production of the next-gen Buick Envision to Kansas and the current administration in Washington will no longer seek criminal penalties against businesses that remove diesel emissions devices. Chinese automakers now have 1/5 of the Mexican market and may soon do the same to Canada. Subaru is launching a lower priced base model of the WRX that keeps the 271-hp turbo boxer. Rivian is driving its manufacturing validation R2s across Route 66 and might, maybe, hopefully put some switches and knobs in future models. Finally, a dealer in Michigan is asking nearly $70K for a 35 year old Toyota pickup. Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Links The car that changes the game – meet the new, all-electric Volvo EX60 | Volvo Cars Media Intl The Tesla Robotaxis Roaming Austin 'Without Safety Monitors' Are Accompanied by Cars Full of Safety Monitors Tesla finally kills Autopilot in a bid to boost FSD subscriptions | The Verge GM to move production of China-built Buick SUV to U.S. plant Rolling-Coal And Emissions Cheating Devices Are No Longer A Criminal Offenses In Donald Trump's America - Jalopnik Don’t Hate — eCVTs Are Genius Transmissions! Led by BYD, China’s cheap EVs, cars take over Mexico’s streets as tariffs take hold 2026 SUBARU WRX BRINGS BACK THE AFFORDABLE RALLY-INSPIRED SPORTS SEDAN STARTING AT $32,495 MSRP Route 66 roadtrip in R2 - Rivian Stories | Electric Vehicle Adventures If You're Willing to Pay $70K for a 35-Year-Old Toyota Pickup, Get Some Help Rivian May Be Giving the R1S a Smarter Tailgate—and Bringing Back Buttons - Autoblog Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're back and this week all voices were recorded all the way through the show. Sorry again about last week. Nicole lucked out and had the Land Rover Defender Octa during some serious New Hampshire winter weather and Sam had a Porsche Macan 4S Electric with winter tires during a Michigan snow storm. Ahead of the Detroit Auto Show this week, Ford previewed the new Mustang Dark Horse SC taking the place of the former Shelby GT500 and the Bronco RTR that's been breathed on by Vaughn Gittin Jr. Sam spokee with Mustang color and materials manager Sarah Watson and Dark Horse SC chief engineer Arie Groeneveld. Chevrolet dropped some details on the acceleration capabilities of the Corvette ZR1X and it is insanely quick off the line. Honda is ending production of the current Acura RDX while it prepares a new hybrid replacement and it has also developed a lightweight camper that can be pulled by a CR-V. Alfa Romeo brings the refreshed Tonale to America sans the plug-in hybrid and drops the Hornet. Nicole and Sam talked with Stellantis head of North American brands Tim Kuniskis and the Jeep Gladiator will live on for another generation. Canada has signed a trade deal with China will lower tariffs on Chinese EVs north of the border and imported vehicles have become significantly more expensive in the past year. Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Links Ford’s GT500 Successor Arrives As The 2027 Mustang Dark Horse SC – Wheel Bearings Born in the Desert, the Bronco RTR Is the Fun High-Speed Racer That Won’t Break the Bank What's New for 2026: Alfa Romeo Tonale America's Quickest Production Car: Corvette ZR1X Does 8.675-Second ¼-Mile, Sub 2 Second 0-60 Next-Generation Acura RDX Will Go Hybrid Honda Unveils Base Station Prototype: A Lightweight Towable Travel Trailer with Modular Design, Smart Technology & Clever Packaging to Democratize Camping Canada wants to be 1st in North America to build EV with Chinese knowledge: senior official | CBC News That Dodge Charger Got a Hemi In It? Only If It’s a Hellcat. That New Car Is About $6,400 More Expensive Than Before, Here’s Why Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is back and she drove the new 2026 Subaru Outback Premium. It doesn't look much a like a wagon anymore, but its still a Subie through and through. Sam had the Honda HR-V AWD EX-L and Lexus UX300h, two very different compact crossovers. Lots of news this week with both Sam and Nicole attending CES. Nicole spoke with BMW about the new iX3 and learned about the Tensor robocar. Sam went to the Nvidia keynote to learn about their new world driving model Alpamayo that debuts in the Mercedes-Benz CLA this quarter and is coming to Lucid later in the year. Lucid plans to have eyes-off driving in 2028 and brain-off in 2029. Ford is also bringing eyes-off driving to the new universal EV platform in 2028. If Afeela ever actually starts selling cars they may have brain off around then along with a second model that that they showed at CES. Aptiv's new Pulse sensor could make auto parking a lot faster. Volvo is teasing out its new EX60 and Stellantis is killing off all of its North American plug-in hybrids. Sam went for a ride in a Zoox robotaxi while he was in Vegas. We've got more listener suggestions for Nicole's car buying journey and Sam has a conversation with Glen de Vos, CEO of Microvision. , Links NVIDIA Announces Alpamayo Family of Open-Source AI Models and Tools to Accelerate Safe, Reasoning-Based Autonomous Vehicle Development Lucid Gets Nvidia Driving Model, L3 in 2028 All Jeep and Chrysler Plug-In Hybrid Models Are Officially Dead: Exclusive AFEELA Prototype 2026 Kodiak AI and Bosch Partner to Scale Autonomous Trucking Hardware Ford's Simple Vision for Smart Tech: Make It for Everyone Aptiv PULSE™ Sensor Walk-Around of the Pre-Production Afeela 1 at CES 2026 The new Volvo EX60: best-in-class 810km range and charging as fast as a stop for fuel and coffee 250000-Mile Champions: Commuter Cars That Last The Longest Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole had a last minute family emergency and couldn't make it, but Sam drove the Subaru WRX tS and Robbie provides an update on the Verge electric motorcycle he recently rode. In the news the least surprising announcement of the week came from Ram with the return of the TRX plus a diesel version of the heavy duty Power Wagon. Over on the Rich Rebuilds Youtube channel, Sam stumbled across his merger of a Honda Beat and an Arcimoto electric trike. We've been talking for a while about what a terrible idea electronic door releases are and now some Rivian owners are coming up with DIY mechanical solutions. Some college students in Japan are transforming a Daihatsu Copen Kei Roadster into a cool mini GR Supra for the Tokyo Auto Salon. We discuss some cool pickup truck bed features and a nearly 20 year old Ford sedan concept. Is the Fisker Karma the cockroach of the automotive world? VW shows the interior of the ID Polo and hurray! it's got physical controls. We also answer some listener messages. Links The Ram TRX Is Back For 2027, One-Trick Pony? You Asked, Ram Delivered: Ram Power Wagon With 6.7-Liter Cummins HO Turbo Diesel and Best-in-Class 1,075 lb.-ft. of Torque Building a Budget Tesla RoadsterHonda e-BeatHonda Beat-offRivian Owners Are Adding DIY Emergency Door Releases for Their Kids - Autoblog Japanese Students Turn a Kei Car Into a Mini Toyota GR Supra - Autoblog These 9 Trucks Have Super Cool Bed Features - Jalopnik This Ford Concept Could’ve Been a Modern Crown Victoria - Autoblog Live from Dearborn: Driving the Ford Interceptor Concept It Feels Like The Fisker Karma Will Never Actually, Truly Die - The Autopian Volkswagen unveils a new cockpit generation – debuting with the all-new ID. Polo 02 Verge TS Pro electric motorcycle with solid state battery Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Nicole continues her stint with the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid and her family was wondering if it was ok when they heard the sound it makes. Sam had the opposite end of the scale with the Lexus TX 550h+, a 3-row plug-in hybrid crossover. The team discusses the EVs that InsideEVs is looking forward to in 2026 and what they are expecting and then devolves into the biggest surprises and disappointments of 2025 (at least in the automotive space). Buying a car used is generally a better financial decision than buying new, but there are segments you should stay away from. Consumer Reports suggests the best all-season tires for winter driving. It turns out that just because a car costs millions of dollars, not all of the parts are bespoke. VW launches a very cool new electric crossover in China. Car buyers looking for a cheap ride with a warranty no longer have a choice under $20,000. There are some fascinating options that used to be available on cars and TFL puts their 1927 Model T on the dyno. Finally, we discuss some more suggestions about what car Nicole should buy next and why Ford is making the Mach-E frunk optional. Links The cars InsideEVs is looking forward to in 2026 7 Cheap Used Cars That Aren't Worth The Trouble - Jalopnik Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving - Consumer Reports These Supercars Save Money Using Parts From Boring Everyday Cars - Jalopnik Volkswagen Unveils a 450-Mile China-Only Electric SUV With 800V Fast Charging - Autoblog America Loses Its Last Subcompact Sedan as Nissan Kills the Versa in 2026 Options to Remember, or Maybe Not Putting Our 100-Year-Old Ford Model T On The Dyno! The Order of Time Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week we're joined by special guest Harvey Briggs. Harvey and Sam review the vehicles they drove last week while transporting 20 dogs nearly 2,000 miles as part of Operation Frodo. Nicole had the Ford Maverick Lobo and Robbie rode the Verge TS electric motorcycle. GM has struck a deal with Apple to get the Apple Music app on its vehicle's infotainment. Ford is scrapping major parts of its EV plans including cancelling the current Lightning and replacing it with a next-generation EREV. For 2026, the frunk is becoming an extra cost option on the Mach-E. Tim Kuniskis has confirmed that Ram's new midsize pickup will be called Dakota and volume trims will be around $40,000. Some Arizona highways could soon lose their speed limits and more people are recognizing how dumb modern door handles are. Waymo's robotaxis got frozen when San Francisco had a major power outage and we review some of the suggestions from readers about what car Nicole should buy next. Links Operation Frodo' helping shelter dogs find new life in PNW Apple Music now available natively in GM vehicles with standard streaming; Cadillac debuts studio-grade Spatial Audio in Dolby Atmos Ford Now Charges Mustang Mach-E Buyers for a Frunk Ford takes $20B Hit, Cancels Lightning The Dakota Mid-Size Truck Is Finally Coming Back But It's Going To Cost As Much As A Ram 1500 - The Autopian This State Wants to Get Rid of Its Speed Limits More People Are Realizing This Type Of Car Door Is Too Dangerous - The Autopian Frozen Waymos backed up San Francisco traffic during a widespread power outage | The Verge Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is finally back and while she was away she drove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel wagon and since she returned she's been driving the Acura Integra A-Spec. Robbie shares his thoughts on the new Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid. Sam had the Honda Accord Touring Hybrid and the Land Rover Defender X. In the news, Kia has revealed the redesigned second generation Seltos, and Mazda has revealed some of the tech in the 2026 CX-5. Nissan has decided to partner with Wayve to bring hands-off/eyes-off driving to its future versions of ProPilot while Rivian is doing it all in-house. Meanwhile in Texas, Aurora has joined Kodiak in hauling fracking sand with driverless trucks. Ford's ADHD approach to electric vehicles brings it to partner with Renault of affordable EVs and splitting up its battery joint-venture with SK On. Subaru brings an affordable price point to its new Uncharted EV and Sam talks with James Philbin, Rivian's VP of ADAS and Autonomy. Make sure you send us an e-mail or drop comments in the discord to explain what car Nicole should get to replace the Wagoneer S and why! 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 Operation FrodoFeeding America Kia Unveils the all-new Seltos: a Bold SUV with a Strong Presence and Maximized User Experience 2026 Mazda CX-5 Tech Nissan and Wayve Sign Definitive Agreements to Deliver Next-Generation Driver Assistance Technology Detmar Selects Aurora to Deploy Expanded Fleet of Autonomous Trucks for Major Energy Producer Ford and Renault Group form a strategic partnership for passenger and commercial vehicles, starting with two affordable electric cars in Europe ALL-NEW 2026 SUBARU UNCHARTED EV ARRIVES WITH MORE THAN 300 MILES OF RANGE, STARTING AT $34,995 MSRP Rivian Goes All-in on Autonomy and AI Fewer EVs need fewer batteries: Ford and SK On end their joint venture - Ars Technica Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Friend of the show Perry Stern is back to talk about the Honda Prologue and some Nissans. Sam drove the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss. We discuss driving the third generation of Nissan's e-Power series hybrid in the Qashqai as a preview of the next Rogue as well as the interim Nissan Rogue plug-in hybrid. Nissan has also implemented the first Qi2 wireless charger in the 2026 Pathfinder and Murano. Toyota went high performance this week the debut of the GR GT sports car, the GR GT3 racer and Lexus LFA electric concept. Donald Trump wants to give Americans access to kei cars and 1970s station wagons, but it's doubtful most Americans actually want them. Jaguar Land Rover has ditched long-time design chief Gerry McGovern. Encor has created a magnificent Lotus Esprit S1 restomod and Jason Fenske is disappointed with his Lucid Air. Finally Sam has a conversation with Marc-Andre Forget, the CEO of DCBEL Energy. 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 Operation Frodo Feeding America Let The Rage Flow Through You: Mercedes Wants To Charge Owners $200 For These Built-In Features - The Autopian Nissan Qashqai | e-POWER or Mild Hybrid SUV The New 2026 Nissan Rogue PHEV Is the Most CONTROVERSIAL Car of the Year! 2026 Nissan Pathfinder Press Kit TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Premieres GR GT & GR GT3 | Toyota | Global Newsroom Lexus World Premieres Lexus LFA Concept BEV Sports Car | Lexus | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website Trump invites ‘cute’ Japanese kei trucks to come to America | The Verge Remember the Crazy Jaguar 00 Concept? The Man Behind It Just Got Fired. Reimagining the Lotus Esprit S1 Jason Fenske Is Disapointed by his Lucid Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Stephanie Brinley is again sitting in for Nicole and she drove the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Robbie and his wife rented a Chrysler Pacifica and Sam has the Mercedes-AMG G63. In the news, someone has rendered a Dodge Magnum revival based on the new Charge Daytona, and a New York State Senator wants to sort of ban in-vehicle subscriptions, but not really and Stellantis is still annoying customers with in-dash ads. Dealers are at it again with stupid markups on the new Honda Prelude. Jason Torchinsky has thoughts on how much acceleration is enough. Used EVs are selling faster than gas cars. Kia has an off-road concept of the EV5 in China. EuroNCAP is updating its scoring standards for 5 stars including physical buttons. Despite the best efforts of the Trump administration to kill EVs and infrastructure, Georgia is disbursing $24M for EV charging while Waymo is no longer able charge its robotaxis overnight in Santa Monica. 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 This Dodge Magnum Revival Shows How America Could Bring Back the Muscle Wagon - Autoblog New York Wants To Make Annoying Car Subscriptions A Thing Of The Past - Jalopnik Are You Willing to Pay $63,000 For a Honda Prelude? Some Dealers Think So - Autoblog The New 2026 Fiat 500 Takes 16 Seconds To Accelerate To 60 MPH And That's Just Fine. Yeah I Said It - The Autopian Chinese automakers double share in EU Used Cars Are Lingering on Lots as Prices Climb, But EVs Are Moving Fast Kia’s EV5 Weekender Looks Too Good To Stay A Concept | Carscoops Pop-Up Ads Are Appearing On Stellantis Infotainment Screens Again - Jalopnik New NCAP crash tests target "annoying" ADAS, reward buttons | Autocar GDOT awards $24M for 26 new electric vehicle charging stations across Georgia – WABE Santa Monica blocks overnight charging at Waymo lots Operation Frodo Feeding America Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com 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 Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy