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.LinksEveryone is noticing skyrocketing destination feesNHTSA Looks Into Tesla Mad Max ModeHonda 0 alphaSubaru Performance-E STi conceptMazda Tokyo ConceptsToyota Corolla ConceptLexus Tokyo ConceptsFord Home Energy ManagementCenturyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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2:24:16
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2:24:16
Eyes Off
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.Links2026 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 ratesAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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2:11:21
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2:11:21
Ep 424 On Tuesday
We've got another delayed episode because of embargo timing on some news so the new episode will be up on Tuesday morningAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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0:24
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0:24
Take the Bill Challenge
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. LinksTRD for Trucks, GR for Cars/CUVsStellantis to invest $13B in US productionKia Tasman Struggling in AustraliaLamborghini to focus on PHEV not EVVolvo May Go Back to Key FobsPorsche Keeping Keys and ButtonsFaraday FF91 fails to sell at auctionFeatures People don't wantCadillac CT4/CT5 dead after 20262026 Alfa Romeo TonaleDiesel license plateAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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1:37:09
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1:37:09
Losing Your Soul
SummaryIn 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.LinksKia Drops SoulRivian R2 Launching in 1H 20262026 Audi A4 Gets new Look2026 Jeep Grand WagoneerStellantis CUV Without Infotainment2027 Chevrolet BoltAudi Considering Premium Off-roaderFord and GM drop EV Incentive planGM Cancels Fuel Cell ProgramNHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
New Zealand