In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman sit down with the one and only Magnus Walker—fashion icon, Porsche collector, designer, and automotive outlaw. Magnus opens up about his love-hate relationship with EVs, why Porsche’s electric strategy might be backfiring, and what the brand needs to do to stay true to its roots. He also shares behind-the-scenes stories about his TWR Supercat project, working with Pininfarina, and his upcoming Porsche book collaboration with Hannah Elliott. From racing at Goodwood to collaborating with design houses, Magnus brings his unfiltered takes on branding, car culture, motorsport, and the future of driving passion.
In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, host Ed Loh takes you inside GM Forward — General Motors’ technology showcase in New York — to explore the company’s electrified, autonomous, and AI-driven future. From new lithium manganese-rich batteries that cut costs while keeping range high, to hands-free, eyes-off driving coming to the 2028 Cadillac Escalade IQ, and even Google Gemini AI built directly into millions of GM vehicles — this episode dives into every major innovation reshaping the automaker. You’ll hear from the engineers, designers, and executives behind GM’s next generation of mobility, including: Gary Cygan - Director of Platform Engineering General Motors Kurt Kelty - VP of Battery Propulsion and Sustainability General Motors Aseem Kapur - Chief Revenue Officer GM Energy Baris Cetinok - Sr. Vice President Software & Services, Product and Design, General Motors David Richardson - Sr. Vice President of Software Services General Motors Key topics: ⚡️ GM’s unified computing architecture for all vehicles 🔋 New LMR battery chemistry: more range, less cost 🏠 EVs as home energy backup systems (now available via leasing) 🚗 Hands-off, eyes-off Super Cruise in 2028 🤖 Conversational AI powered by Google Gemini 🌍 OTA updates back to 2015 vehicles Hosts: Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman | MotorTrend 📍 Recorded at GM Forward, New York City 🔗 Learn more at MotorTrend.com
In Episode 118 of The InEVitable, MotorTrend hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman sit down with two racing powerhouses — Ferdi Porsche, great-grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, and Rob Smedley, former Ferrari race engineer to Felipe Massa — to talk about FAT Karting League, a bold effort to democratize motorsport. Karting has always been the entry point for Formula 1 hopefuls — but at costs reaching over $1.5 million for families, the dream has been out of reach for most kids. FAT Karting aims to change that with arrive-and-drive electric karts, fixed budgets, data-driven coaching, and a truly merit-based system that makes motorsport accessible again. Ferdi and Rob explain how the league works, why they’re bringing racing to new generations worldwide, and how their mission extends from karting to F4, F3, and beyond. They also share details about the upcoming FAT Ice Race in Montana, global expansion plans, and why fun over speed might just be the future of car culture. Guests: Ferdi Porsche, Founder, FAT International / FAT Karting League Rob Smedley, Co-founder & CEO, FAT Karting League; former Ferrari F1 Race Engineer Hosts: Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman | MotorTrend 📍 Recorded in Los Angeles 🌐 More info: fat-karting-league.com | fat-international.com
In this episode of The InEVitable by MotorTrend, hosts Ed Loh and Jonny Lieberman go hands-on with one of the most surprising EV conversions ever attempted — the Toyota AE86 Levin BEV, an electric restomod created by Lexus Electrified Development Division. Joining them are Kenji Arai, Chief Engineer at Lexus Electrified, and Toshi Hayama, JDM legend and translator, to discuss why Lexus chose to electrify one of Japan’s most iconic lightweight sports cars and what it means for the future of driving fun. This isn’t a gimmick — it’s an EV with a *manual transmission*, real gear shifts, simulated 4A-GE engine sound, and the soul of the 1980s drifting icon. From the technical challenges of reusing Lexus hybrid parts to how feedback from this prototype could inform future BEV sports cars, this is an inside look at Toyota and Lexus’ electrified philosophy for enthusiasts.
Ep116 - Welcome back to The Inevitable by MotorTrend—where we dig into the future of the automobile. Fresh off IAA Munich 2025, we compare BMW’s Neue Klasse / iX3 with Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric, talk mega watt charging, battery design, interiors, and who’s really leading right now. Guest Kyle Conner (Out of Spec) joins us first, then Frank Markus and Ed go deep on Qualcomm x BMW tech from the show floor: zonal compute, ADAS that’s less annoying, AR HUDs, and on-device vs. cloud AI agents. We also hit VW Group’s software reset (Cariad → Rivian/Xpeng), the Polestar 5 reveal (and its pricing problem), plus Kyle’s Autobahn run in a Lucid Air Sapphire to an indicated 204 mph. ***MotorTrend Software-Defined Vehicle Innovator Awards — nominations for the 2026 SDV Innovator Awards are open now.*** SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE: https://www.motortrend.com/sdvsurvey Topics covered IAA Munich highlights & how the show has “become CES for Europe”- BMW Neue Klasse platform: 4695 cylindrical cells, cell-to-pack, pack-to-body, zonal architecture (“Heart of Joy” ECU) Mercedes GLC Electric: big battery, 2-speed rear unit, 330 kW DC—how it stacks up AMG prototype mega-charging (~1 MW burst) VW Group software pivot: Cariad’s struggles, Rivian partnership, ID.1 single-ECU concept Polestar 5: specs vs. price, missing performance basics Lucid Sapphire at 200+ mph: stability and thermal takeaways ADAS/UX done right: AR HUD, driver monitoring that understands intent, Level 2→4 reality Agentic AI in cars: what can run on-device vs. in the cloud
WE’RE BACK! The InEVitable is unstoppable and back to ask and answer all sorts of questions about the future of the car, with one of the sharpest minds in the automotive scene, Out of Spec founder and man of the world, Kyle Connor.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Mike Kunigonis, VP & GM of Corning Automotive Glass Solutions. From iPhones to windshields! The guys discuss fiber optics in cars, Gorilla Glass, their partnership with Apple, their newest innovation: Fusion 5, the evolution of glass technology, AR & HUDs, and much more. 0:28 - Introduction to Corning Automotive Glass Solutions. 2:35 - The Future of Optical Fiber in Vehicles. 11:09 - The Shift from Copper to Optical Fiber. 12:45 - Durability and Practicality of Optical Fiber. 14:40 - Solving for Autonomy. 26:26 - Gorilla Glass: Revolutionizing Windshields. 33:11 - The Origin of Corning's Partnership with Apple. 35:58 - Innovations in Automotive Glass: Fusion 5. 41:25 - The Evolution of Glass Technology in Vehicles. 54:11 - Future Trends: Augmented Reality and Heads-Up-Display (HUD). Learn more at: www.Corning.com/autoglass See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Everrati Founder & CEO Justin Lunny. Everatti is electrifying your favorite classics! From Mercedes, to Porsche, to Land Rover and more! Some classics are just better electrified! 0:07 - Introduction to Everati and Electric Resto Mods. 2:17 - Everati's Mission and Unique Approach. 4:50 - Addressing Criticism from Automotive Enthusiasts 11:31 - Diving into the Electric Porsche 911 (964) RSR. 19:40 - Pricing and Sourcing Donor Vehicles. 27:35 - Let's Talk Porsche... 30:49 - The Enduring Appeal of Classic Cars. 34:01 - Porsche: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation. 39:39 - Engineering the Land Rover. 43:11 - Driving Experience: Old vs. New. 45:59 - Porsche Artificial Sound. 48:34 - Reviving the Lamborghini LM002. 53:44 - Future of Everrati: Expanding Horizons. Learn more at everrati.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Scout Motors President & CEO, Scott Keogh! The guys discuss Scout's Reemergence into the Market with the Scout Traveler SUV & Terra Truck, Market Demand for EREVs, their Unique Electrification Strategy, Community UX Infotainment System, Consumer Reception, and How Their Plan to Refresh on the Modern American Truck & SUV Market. 0:08 - The Vision Behind Scout's Revival. 3:36 - Understanding Electric Range Extended Vehicles (EREVs). 8:54 - Market Timing and Consumer Demand for EREV SUVs. 9:11 - Getting a Look at the Scout Traveler & Scout Terra. 12:00 - The Evolution of Scout's Electrification Strategy 13:08 - Technical Considerations of EREVs vs. Pure EVs. 17:55 - Consumer Reception and Market Insights. 19:48 - Multi Platform Approach. 23:10 - Understanding Customer Habits. 27:17 - Understanding Scout Motors' Relationship with Volkswagen. 31:17 - Navigating Complexity in EREVs. 35:15 - The Role of Traditional Manufacturers in EV Transition. 39:34 - User Experience and Community Engagement. 41:11 - Direct To Consumer Sales Approach. 44:07 - Innovative Design Choices in Scout Motors. 51:02 - Community UX Infotainment System, Software Architecture and Over-the-Air Updates. 56:54 - Brand Identity and Market Positioning. 01:00:42 - Future Models and Market Strategy. 01:04:32 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Truck & SUV Market. 01:08:40 - Building an American Brand for the Future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Dodge CEO, Matt McAlear! The guys dive into the all new Dodge Charger Daytona(EV & ICE), the "Fratzonic" artificial sound, their transition to EVs, how the new administration may shake things up, generational perspectives on EVs, defining success for the Charger EV, Hornet, Durango, Viper, EV adoption, and other opportunities for Dodge in the Stellantis family. 0:07 - About our guest. 1:58 - QOTD. - New Administration. 6:34 - New Trump Administration. 9:15 - Dodge's Unique Product Strategy. 11:29 - Exploring the 2025 Charger Daytona: A New Era of Muscle Cars. 15:33 - Dual Platform Design. 18:57 - Will we see a V8? 22:30 - "Fratzonic" artificial sound. 26:44 - One-pedal driving options. 28:18 - Charging: Understanding the Buyer. 32:32 - Dealer Perspectives. 33:17 - Generational Perspectives on EV Technology. 37:19 - No Burnouts!? Performance and Physics of EVs. 39:57 - User Experience and Customization in EVs. 41:12 - Challenges and Growth of the Hornet. 44:07 - Performance and Market Positioning of the GLH. 45:02 - Future of Durango and SUV Platforms. 47:10 - Compliance and the Future of V8 Engines. 48:32 - The Legacy and Future of the Viper. 50:04 - Opportunities for Dodge in the Stellantis Family. 52:19 - Benchmarking Against Competitors. 54:20 - Global Market Dynamics and EV Adoption. 59:13 - The InEVitable Shift Towards EVs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with the Executive Director of Energy Independence Now, Brian Goldstein! Learn more at EINow.com & DriveH2.org! 0:57 - Question of the Day - Choosing The Right EV. 9:27 - What is Energy Independence Now 13:40 - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hydrogen Highway Initiative. 19:12 - Where Are We With Hydrogen Stations? 21:00 - Infrastructure Challenges. 26:41 - Advancements in Hydrogen Dispensing Technology. 30:47 - Demand vs. Supply: The Hydrogen Dilemma. 40:02 - The Future of Hydrogen Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges. 46:05 - The Environmental Impact of Our Energy Choices. 49:03 - Navigating the Hydrogen Debate. 55:18 - Personal Journey: From Alabama to Environmental Advocacy. 01:06:27 - The Future of Hydrogen in Transportation. 01:09:02 - Funding the Hydrogen Movement: Challenges and Opportunities. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Wall Street Journal's Sean McLain! The group discusses Sean's Book (Boundless: The Rise, Fall, & Escape of Carlos Ghosn) & Documentary (Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn), about the unprecedented story of one of the most feared and admired automotive executives - Carlos Ghosn. 1:22 - Die Hard! 05:05 - Sean's Path into Automotive Journalism. 09:20 - Covering The EV Industry for WSJ. 13:43 - The Fall of Fisker. 22:58 - The Complexities of Automotive Manufacturing. 27:33 - Nissan's Transformation and Challenges. 35:28 - The Carlos Ghosn Investigation. 38:58 - Secret Investigation: Unraveling the Charges. 40:08 - The Compensation Controversy of Carlos Ghosn. 45:33 - Public Perception and Personal Identity. 48:50 - The Escape. 56:58 - Aftermath and Legacy of Carlos Ghosn. 01:02:01 - Lightning Round: The Future of the Automotive Industry. 01:03:39 - Toyota's Long Term Future. 01:12:43 - Are EVs InEVitable, for all? 01:17:08 - Could Chinese EVs dominate the global EV market? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Founder & CEO of Range Energy, Ali Javidan! The guys chat with Ali about his incredible resume (Ground Control Suspension, Tesla, Google, Zoox, Dinan), Tesla before & after Elon Musk, bringing the original Tesla Roadster & Model S to life, AND they talk all about his new company, Range Energy - Electric Powered Trailer Systems! Learn more at Range.Energy! 0:28 - About our guest... 2:07 - Ali's professional history & background 7:22 - Aging Infrastructure and Heavy EVs. 9:52 - Ali's Path to Working on the First Tesla Roadster. 14:25 - Early Days of Elon Musk's Takeover at Tesla. 16:36 - Building the First Tesla Model S. 22:14 - Inspiration for Tesla's Turbine Wheels. 25:05 - Initial Reactions to "CLS" Model S Rollout. 27:18 - History of Tesla's Integrated System. 30:14 - Elon's First Principles Thinking. 36:36 - Internal Response to MotorTrend Naming Tesla Model S the 2013 Car of the Year. 44:32 - BTS - Tesla Model S Reveal Party. 48:05 - What is Range Energy? Innovations in Trailer Technology! 51:45 - Software Defined Towing: Safety and Control Systems. 53:10 - Fuel Efficiency and Emission Reduction. 01:02:32 - Refrigeration Trailer Technology. 01:07:22 - Driver Experience and Confidence. 01:08:28 - Charging Flexibility. 01:13:38 - Cost Analysis and ROI. 01:17:34 - Complementing Existing Technologies. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with MotorTrend's Mexico Editor, Miguel Cortina! Miguel talks about the success of his TWO documentaries for MotorTrend - "China's Big Bet On Mexico" & "Why America Is Struggling With EVs". 0:35 - Question of the Day: Concerns About EV Charging Infrastructure. 3:24 - About today's guest: MotorTrend's Mexico Editor. 6:45 - Miguel's Documentary Success. 11:20 - The Rise of Chinese Automakers in Mexico. 18:22 - Viral Success of Jonny's article, "You're Being Lied To About EVs". 25:52 - "Why America Is Struggling with EVs" Documentary. 29:00 - Engaging with Politicians on EV Policies. 36:52 - The Recycling Revolution in EVs. 39:36 - Understanding the Grid and EV Adoption. 42:24 - The Supply Chain Dilemma: Minerals Processing In the U.S. 45:58 - What's In Your Battery? 48:13 - Public Policy and the EV Landscape. 53:16 - NEVI Infrastructure Bill. 55:42 - The Role of Charging Infrastructure. 01:00:20 - Consumer Perspectives on EVs: Convenience & Price. 01:04:52 - Lessons From Creating The Docs. 01:06:08 - Are EVs InEVitable? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman chat with GM's Director of Advanced Design in California, Brian Smith! Brian discusses his 30 years of designing for GM, the Future of Cadillac EVs, Formula 1, Lessons from Chinese EVs, Autonomy, innovations in user experience, and more! 0:43 - Jaguar's Type 00 Concept Unveiled. 6:07 - Brian's Background in Car Design. 13:19 - Favorite Projects Over the Years: The Cadillac Sixteen Concept 19:30 - Cadillac Coupes? 22:16 - Rebranding EVs. 26:56 - The Celestic: Cadillac's Flagship EV. 34:42 - The Evolution of Electric Vehicles at GM. 39:00 - Designing for the Future: Balancing Digital and Analog. 46:47 - Jaguar's Rebranding and the Future of Luxury Cars. 52:30 - Cadillac's Bold Moves in the EV Market. 53:43 - Formula 1. 59:30 - Radical Look of the Silverado & Sierra EV. 01:01:24 - The Impact of Chinese EVs on Global Design. 01:04:12 - Innovations in User Experience and Technology. 01:08:52 - Looking Ahead: What’s Next for GM and Cadillac. 01:11:33 - Resistance to EVs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America, Dimitris Psillakis! Dimitris discusses the E-Class winning MotorTrend's 2025 Car of the Year, the Introduction of the Electric G-Class, current hurdles for EV adoption, Level 3 Autonomous Driving with Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, Formula 1, innovations in AI, and how to balance the transition to the Software Defined Vehicle era! 0:41 - About our guest, Dimitris Psillakis. 5:09 - Celebrating the E-Class: MotorTrend's 2025 Car of the Year! 7:26 - The Electric G-Class: A New Era of Off-Roading. 16:42 - Narrative Change in EV adoption. 19:46 - Changing Customer Mindsets: From Range Anxiety to Charge Anxiety. 25:31 - Balancing the Transition to Software Defined Vehicles. 35:32 - Level 3 Autonomous Driving with Mercedes-Benz's Drive Pilot. 40:08 - Performance and Electrification in AMG. 46:54 - The Impact of Formula 1 on Sales. 52:40 - Transitioning from Lewis Hamilton to New Drivers. 55:20 - Challenges of the Mercedes-AMG ONE. 58:07 - AI Innovations. 01:03:00 - Brand Value in Global Markets. 01:04:20 - Personal Insights and Future Directions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Cupra CEO, Wayne Griffiths! After much success in the European market, Cupra will be heading to the U.S.! 0:35 - QOTD - Why aren't Independent Gas Stations adding EV Chargers? 5:19 - About Cupra 8:55 - Introducing Cupra! Success in Europe and Plans for the US. 13:12 - Understanding the US Market and Consumer Preferences. 22:36 - Cupra's Product Strategy and Future Offerings. 25:58 - Volkswagen Group. 31:20 - Cupra's Unique Product Strategy. 34:00 - Understanding the U.S. Market Dynamics. 35:05 - Building Brand Desirability Over Awareness. 39:47 - Lessons from Past Automotive Launches. 44:00 - Flexibility in Powertrain Strategy. 45:00 - Rollout of Electrification. 48:34 - Designing for the Driver Experience. 51:46 - Wayne Griffith: A Journey Through Cars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with Zero Emission Industries (ZEI) CEO, Joe Pratt to talk all about HYDROGEN BOATS! Why does Hydrogen make sense for Maritime use? Let's get into it! 0:45 - Could Deregulation Lead to Faster Hydrogen Adoption? 3:20 - Introduction to ZEI (Zero Emission Industries). 4:27 - The Case for Hydrogen in Maritime Transportation. 6:04 - Bunker Fuel vs. Hydrogen: Environmental Impact. 12:35 - Innovations in Hydrogen Technology: The Sea Change Project. 20:20 - Hydrogen vs. Batteries at Scale 25:20 - Hydrogen Infrastructure and Refueling Solutions. 28:27 - Where do you get the Hydrogen? 34:07 - Hydrogen Speedboat - The FCV Vanguard! Changing Perceptions of Hydrogen. 40:44 - FCV Vanguard Design Choices: Propeller vs. Jet Power. 47:45 - Reception from the public? 48:50 - Hydrogen in Shipping: Challenges and Opportunities. 50:15 - Understanding Hydrogen Grades and Their Implications. 55:15 - Business Model. 01:03:52 - Hydrogen in Aviation: Feasibility and Future. 01:09:00 - The Future of Hydrogen vs. Electric Vehicles. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman chat with Moment Motor Company Founder & CEO, Marc Davis! "When you think about driving a classic (car) every day, this is the best way to do it." - Marc Davis. 0:42 - About our guest. 2:50 - Converting classic cars into EVs since 2017. 4:50 - The Evolution of Electric Vehicle Components. 8:52 - Crashed Teslas. 10:00 - Challenges of Classic Car Conversions 13:15 - It's not for every classic! 18:30 - Driving Experience: Preserving Classic Car Feel. 20:41 - Current Technologies and Future Directions. 22:00 - Manual transmissions?? 29:04 - 1966 Porsche 912 conversion story. 30:57 - Cost and Client Experiences. 32:04 - Unique challenges; the 1966 Austin-Healey. 39:37 - The Evolution of Classic Cars. 44:39 - Other cars? 48:00 - From Passion to Profession. 56:15 - Challenges in Electric Conversions; Scout 80. 59:10 - Scale of the company. Waiting list. 01:01:04 - Client Stories and Unique Projects. 01:11:54 - Industry Connections and Future Innovations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
MotorTrend's Ed Loh & Jonny Lieberman sit down with COO & Co-Founder of ItsElectric, Tiya Gordon! Tiya talks about her company's mission to tackle urban charging challenges with curb-side chargers in YOUR city! Ask them for a charger - it's FREE! Join the waitlist at www.itselectric.us/join 0:36 - QOTD - New Adm inistration. 1:30 - Elon Musk’s influence and the potential impact on EV policies. 4:43 - Introduction of guest Tiya Gordon and her unique perspective on EVs. 7:00 - About ItsElectric and their mission to tackle urban charging challenges 8:32 - Challenges in adapting U.S. electrical infrastructure for EV charging. 10:14 - Innovative solutions by "It's Electric" leveraging building power. 13:30 - Cost-effective, simple, and durable charger designs for cities. 16:12 - User-friendly approach: BYO cables and addressing accessibility concerns. 26:50 - Encouraging proper charging habits and addressing behavioral shifts. 30:18 - Regulations, parking challenges, and community-driven charger placement. 34:13 - "Ask us for a Charger! It's FREE!" 35:37 - Financial incentives for landlords and scaling partnerships. 40:04 - Reducing barriers to urban EV adoption through thoughtful design. 43:08 - Residential areas too! 45:01 - The origin story of ItsElectric. 56:08 - Affordability challenges and addressing the need for accessible EV options. 01:01:31 - Charger design. 01:03:55 - Partnerships with rideshare companies and the future of urban EV infrastructure. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.