Episodes

  • Pickup Truck Sales, Thoughts on the Tesla Robo Taxi, Chatting with EV Startup TELO
    Oct 14 2024

    Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill again this week. Jill returns for the next episode. Paul and Tom opened the show discussing large pickup-truck sales. Tom had heard that the Chevrolet Silverado was outselling the Ford F-150 this year, which was inaccurate. Tom went down the list of the top pickup sellers in the third quarter.

    The hosts also noted General Motors’ decision to drop the Ultium brand in relation to its electric-vehicle products. Ultium had been used by the maker to describe both vehicle architecture and battery chemistry. Listen in for a complete analysis.

    Paul and Tom went on to summarize Tesla’s Robo Taxi reveal. The autonomous EV, intended initially for commercial ride-hailing use, features scissor-style doors, just two seats, and will not be equipped with a steering wheel or floor pedals. The hosts are skeptical. Tesla anticipates the Robo Taxi being available to users before 2027.

    Paul then talked about a Sons of Speed “The Lap” video, this one featuring the Subaru BRZ. Paul noted that even though the little Subaru isn’t especially powerful, it is fun to drive in the right hands.

    In the second segment, Paul and Tom are joined by TELO CEO Jason Marks. Jason introduced the hosts to TELO, and its initial product, a pickup truck with the footprint of a Mini Cooper. Jason laid out near- and midterm plans for the TELO, including production and battery sourcing, as well as distribution.

    In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Which Died Last?” quiz. To wrap up the episode, Paul shared some thoughts on the Subaru WRX, which he and fellow Sons of Speed editor Brendan Appel spent time with on the track.

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    55 mins
  • Stellantis and Renault Merger Rumor, Ioniq 5 N on the Track, Driving the Bentley Continental GT Speed
    Oct 7 2024

    Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this Week. Paul and Tom opened a topic-packed first segment discussing the coming off-road ready Ford Explorer Tremor. That conversation was followed up by news that Kia vehicles were recently compromised by a group of white-hat hackers, using the maker’s app. More on this story as news is released.

    Still in the first segment, Paul recounted the events surrounding his and fellow Sons of Speed editor Brendan Appel's efforts to drive an all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N from the Chicago area to the Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, MI. The tale includes not only charging issues, but track woes as well.

    In the second segment Paul and Tom are joined by Robert Duffer, Senior Editor at the Car Connection. Robert recently spent time with both the redesigned Bentley Continental GT Speed and the Kia Carnival Hybrid minivan. Robert also shared his impressions of the legendary Goodwood Festival of Speed.

    In the last segment Paul and Robert are subjected to Tom’s “Touring, Limited, or Platinum?” quiz. Paul wrapped up the show by sharing his impressions of the Ford Bronco driven in serious off-road conditions.

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    54 mins
  • Legendary Mercedes Designer Passes, Buick Enclave Impresses, Buyers Pick Their Favorite Car Features
    Sep 30 2024

    Jill and Tom opened the show quickly covering a number of topics, including the death of legendary Mercedes-Benz designer Bruno Sacco, the folding of General Motors’ electric commercial-van unit into Chevrolet, and Tom’s weekend long-trip drive in the electric Subaru Solterra small crossover.

    Still in the first segment, Jill shared her take on the redesigned-for-2025 Buick Enclave large, 3-row crossover. The near-luxury crossover impresses for its quietness and general refinement, but not everything is perfect. Listen in for complete details.

    In the second segment the hosts are joined by Robby DeGraff of AutoPacific. Robby shared details of the research firm’s 2024 Future Attribute Demand Study (FADS). This year’s list of the ten most-wanted car features is full of surprises. Listen in to hear the complete list.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Top Trim Level!” quiz, and Jill talks a little about the difficulties of driving through sand—this in advance of her participation in the Rebelle Rally.

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    57 mins
  • Patriotic Car Brands, Electric Fiat 500, Sam Fiorani on Hot Auto Topics
    Sep 23 2024

    Jill and Tom opened the show noting that elements of the media have been misusing the term “mild hybrid.” Listen in for details. The hosts ran down a questionable list of the “most-patriotic brands,” which included Ford and Jeep. What other carmakers made the list? Listen in.

    Still in the first segment, Jill and Tom reviewed the new, likable, Fiat 500e electric coupe. Fiat’s new subcompact electric runabout boasts a fun design and frisky on-road experience, but won’t be perfect for everyone.

    In the second segment, Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions joins the show to catch up on a number of hot topics, including: The future of Dodge, the Hyundai/General Motors tie-up, slumping Ram-pickup sales, and more.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Front drive or AWD” quiz.

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    55 mins
  • Car of the Year Qualifiers, Jamie Butters on Future Product, Driving the Volvo EX90
    Sep 17 2024

    Jill and Tom opened the show addressing a couple of future topics: Federal incentives for used electric vehicles, and the number of Chinese-built models sold in Mexico by Chevrolet. Next, Tom apologized to Sam Fiorani for making yet another model-year mistake. Tom also shared his preliminary take on the updated-for-2025 Ford Explorer midsize crossover.

    Still in the first segment, Jill shared news regarding her new ride for this year’s Rebelle Rally, and walked listeners through the list of vehicles eligible for the 2025 North American Car of the Year awards. The list is crowded; listen in for details.

    In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News to the show. After sharing his take on the recently announced, but as yet undefined, General Motors and Hyundai cooperative effort, Jamie shared insights from AN’s Future Product Pipeline series. Jamie also shared his thoughts on the future of the Jaguar brand in the U.S.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Stellantis!” quiz. Jill also wrapped up this week’s show with her review of the new all-electric Volvo EX90 midsize electric crossover.

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    56 mins
  • Bad Convertible, Exotic Lexus, Catching up with Radio Guy Steve Cochran
    Sep 9 2024

    Sitting in for Jill this week is Tom’s friend, engineer and car guy David Piluski. Dave and Tom opened the show addressing a mistake Tom made—called out by Tom’s mother—last week. Tom misidentified the longtime singer of the classic “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” ad/song as Doris Day, though as noted by his mom, the song was sung by Dinah Shore. Listen in to hear a clip of the song.

    Dave and Tom addressed a second error from last week, this one called out by listener Celio. Dave went on to share a story about how a rental Dodge Shadow Convertible—back in the early Nineties—suffered from so much body flex that the doors would not close on a gentle incline.

    Still in the first segment, Tom shared his impressions of the all-new—and surprisingly luxurious—Mazda CX-70 2-row midsize crossover. Tom also reviewed the exotic-looking Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Tom is baffled that the car does not sell better. Listen in for the full review.

    In the second segment, Dave and Tom are joined by comic, podcaster, and legendary Chicago radio host Steve Cochran. Steve talked about his podcast, and then shared stories about his first cars and learning to drive. Learn why Steve once gave away a car he owned at a radio-station promotional event.

    In the last segment Dave is subjected to Tom’s “1983!” quiz. To wrap up the show, Dave shared news regarding a California bill (SB961) now before Governor Gavin Newsom, which would require cars to alert drivers when the speed limit was being exceeded by more than 10 mph. Dave also talked about his own podcast.

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    56 mins
  • Mercedes GLC 43 "Coupe" Review, Chatting with Rivian, Porsche Price Quiz
    Sep 2 2024

    Jill and Tom are Joined in-studio by Brendan Appel this week. In the first segment Jill and Brendan respond to Tom’s impressions of the updated Genesis GV80 midsize crossover. The trio also discussed the pending engine-replacement recall facing owners of all 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundras. The recall is reportedly going to require up to 24 hours of labor per vehicle.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2024 AMG Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 Coupe. Jill was generally impressed by the “coupe” version of Mercedes’ compact crossover. Listen in for her complete take.

    In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mikhael Farah of Rivian to the program. Mikhael walked the crew through a number of news items, including Volkswagen’s investment in Rivan, coming small and subcompact Rivian crossovers, and the updated-for-2025 R1S and R1T models, which are on sale now.

    In the third segment, Jill and Brendan are subjected to Tom’s “Porsche Price” quiz.

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    54 mins
  • Canyon AT4X, Mustang Dark Horse on the Track, Fake Pontiac Quiz
    Aug 27 2024

    Jill and Tom opened the show covering a couple of news stories, including how Mazda used substantial incentives to boost recent U.S.-market sales performance, and a how Volvo is extending its embargo of drive impressions of the 2025 EX90 electric midsize crossover, pushing back Jill’s official review.

    Still in the first segment Jill shared her impressions of the GMC Cayon midsize pickup truck in off-road-ready AT4X trim and equipped with the extreme AEV package. Though generally impressed, Jill shared a number of concerns regarding use of the Canyon as a daily driver, especially in urban environments.

    In the second segment the hosts are joined by friend Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed. Brendan shared highlights of a couple of videos recently produced by the Sons, including a new addition to the outlet’s “The Lap” series featuring a Ford Mustang Dark Horse lapping Road America.

    Brendan shared his thoughts on the Mustang, and the car’s position in history, and it’s uncertain future.

    Brendan opted to join Jill for Tom’s “Was it a Pontiac?” quiz. Brendan wrapped up the show sharing a few thoughts on electric muscle cars, and the future of Dodge performance vehicles.

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    57 mins