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.LinksThe 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: Bigger, Tougher, Family-Ready2027 Kia Telluride First Look | GreenCarsToyota Opens Its First North American Lithium Ion Battery PlantThe 2026 Dodge Charger Lets You Have Your Cake And Eat It Too2026 Nissan Rogue PHEVIs Tesla about to finally surrender to Apple CarPlay? | The VergeJeep® Brand Airdrops First of 12 Monthly Wrangler Special Editions in Yearlong Celebration to Mark 85 Years of Off-road DominationChina proposes 5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration limit on vehicles to enhance road safetyAutoEsotericaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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1:38:10
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1:38:10
Fun Not Hardcore
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.LinksSam's Honda Prelude first driveNicole's Honda Prelude first driveHonda Next-generation hybridSam on the Polestar 4Nicole on the Polestar 4toyota builds overlanding Tacoma that can't go anywhereToyota Fuel Cell Tacoma H2-OverlanderFord considering cancelling F-150 LightningOperation FrodoFeeding AmericaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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1:58:44
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1:58:44
The Tim Badge
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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