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It’s the Rogue-Lander PHEV

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Wheel Bearings
It's the Rogue-Lander PHEV
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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… Read More »It’s the Rogue-Lander PHEV

Fun Not Hardcore

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Wheel Bearings
Fun Not Hardcore
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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… Read More »Fun Not Hardcore

The Tim Badge

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Wheel Bearings
The Tim Badge
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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 feesNHTSA Looks Into Tesla Mad Max ModeHonda 0… Read More »The Tim Badge

Eyes Off

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Wheel Bearings
Eyes Off
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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 CherokeeScout may delay EV for EREVPrague lamp post charging2026 Toyota Rav4 first driveGM ForwardToyota Land Cruiser FJRivian lays off 4%, RJ takes over marketingInfiniti to launch 4 vehicles in 4 years, sedan in 2028Nissan Sakura solar extenderEV Theft rates Wheel Bearings… Read More »Eyes Off

Take the Bill Challenge

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Wheel Bearings
Take the Bill Challenge
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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… Read More »Take the Bill Challenge

Losing Your Soul

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Wheel Bearings
Losing Your Soul
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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 SoulRivian R2 Launching in 1H 20262026 Audi A4… Read More »Losing Your Soul

Clever for the Sake of Clever

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Wheel Bearings
Clever for the Sake of Clever
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This week Nicole has been driving the BMW M5 Touring and the Hyundai Kona Limited. Sam drove the Lexus LX700h and 2026 Ram 2500 Black Express Cummins while Robbie drove the Mercedes-AMG E53 sedan. Sam drove the Lexus to Indiana to check out the new Entegra Coach Embark EREV motorhome. With federal EV incentives done, Ford and GM found a way to keep the party going a while longer while Hyundai has slashed the price of the 2026 Ioniq 5 by an average $9,155. Meanwhile Dodge is apparently cancelling the Banshee 3-motor version of the Charger Daytona and Nissan has put its US built EVs on hold but will instead build a new Xterra in Mississippi in 2028. Rivian is redesigning the interior door latches for the R2. The Verge has a new podcast with the first episode looking at hover boards. The inventor of… Read More »Clever for the Sake of Clever

10 Years After Dieselgate

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Wheel Bearings
10 Years After Dieselgate
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In this episode, hosts Sam Abuelsamid and Nicole Wakelin discuss their recent experiences with the 2025 Toyota Prius Nightshade Edition and the 2026 Genesis GV70. They delve into the performance, design, and driving experience of these vehicles, highlighting the Prius’s hybrid technology and the Genesis’s luxury features. The conversation also touches on insights from the Center for Automotive Research conference, Toyota’s research on plug-in hybrid user behavior, and the automotive industry’s shift back to physical controls in vehicles. Additionally, they review the latest IHS safety testing results for electric vehicles, emphasizing the importance of safety ratings in the automotive market. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution of vehicle safety standards, highlighting how modern cars outperform older models despite mixed crash test results. They delve into Nissan’s struggles with the Aria and organizational changes, while Hyundai outlines its ambitious 2030 vision. The conversation shifts… Read More »10 Years After Dieselgate

The Plural of Leaf is Leafs

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Wheel Bearings
The Plural of Leaf is Leafs
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In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with the 2025 Volvo EX30, XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, and the 2026 Nissan Leaf. They explore the unique features, driving experiences, and challenges associated with each vehicle, including charging issues and pricing concerns. The conversation also delves into the broader context of the electric vehicle market, including consumer preferences and the impact of tariffs on pricing. In this episode, the hosts discuss various automotive topics, including the features and technology of the Nissan Leaf, the implications of Hyundai’s new concept car, and the future of electric trucks from Stellantis. They also explore Ford’s shift away from traditional cars, the potential for small affordable cars in Europe, and BMW’s innovative designs. Additionally, they address safety concerns regarding motorized door handles, GM’s automated delivery solutions, and hidden price increases in the automotive industry. Sam also has a conversation with… Read More »The Plural of Leaf is Leafs

Slate Duallie

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Wheel Bearings
Slate Duallie
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This week Nicole drove the Ford F-150 Tremor and Sam had the Lexus LC500 Convertible and the Cadillac Lyriq-V. In the news, Honda has revealed more details on the upcoming 2026 Prelude coupe and a Minnesota driver gets a ticket for an excessively loud exhaust — on his EV. At the IAA Mobility show in Munich, VW Group and BMW have revealed a bunch of new vehicles. Audi has the Concept C, an electric sports car coming in 2027 while VW has the ID Polo and ID Cross while Cupra has the Raval hot hatch. BMW is officially unveiled the new iX3 which is coming to America next year with 400 miles of range and starting at $60,000. Porsche is adding a hybrid to the 911 Turbo S and will offer wireless charging on the new Cayenne EV. Links Honda Prelude DebutsMinnesota man gets ticket… Read More »Slate Duallie