Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Jill will be back for next week’s show. Paul and Tom open the show by discussing consumer-battery maker Duracell’s foray into electric-vehicle charging. Duracell branded car chargers are showing up now in the U.K., and are expected to arrive in the U.S. in the not-to-distant future. 

The hosts go on to discuss two big General Motors announcements. First, GM will be launching full level-3 semi-autonomous drive systems for the 2028 model year, beginning with the electric Cadillac Escalade IQ. An advancement of the maker’s Super Cruise technology, the new system will permit drivers to look away from the road while engaged. Listen in for further details. GM also plans to drop Apple CarPlay from all its vehicles beginning in 2028. Jill is going to be angry. 

Still in the first segment, Paul talks about driving the high-performance McLaren GT on the race track. Paul also talks a little about the McLaren lineup and how the sports-car maker’s U.S. offerings differ. 

In the second segment, Paul and Tom welcome Bart Sowa of GTI Energy to the show. Bart talks about fuel-cell technology, and how hydrogen-power is viable option for large over-the-road trucks. Bart also shares his thoughts on the future of hydrogen as a transportation fuel in the U.S. 

In the last segment, Bart joined Paul for this week’s quiz. Can you guess the best-selling car in Alabama? Listen in to hear the “Best Sellers by State” quiz. 

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Jill returns this week after a two-show absence to participate in the 2025 edition of the Rebelle Rally. After Jill wraps up her thoughts on the event, Tom shares news regarding Toyota launching a new premium brand to be positioned above Lexus in the maker’s corporate portfolio. 

Tom goes onto complain about/fawn over the new steering wheel controls in the 2025 Ford Expedition. Tom describes the new interface as “i-Pod-like,” and appreciates the aesthetic appeal of the simple design. Listen in for details. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the sporty Volkswagen Golf R. The car is pricey for a Golf, but is it worth the money? 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Stephanie Brinley of S&P Global Mobility to the show. Stephanie breaks down recent news from Stellantis regarding significant investment in U.S. manufacturing. The news is both extensive and nuanced. Listen in for details. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Buick?” quiz. Stay tuned for a bonus question about the McDonald’s menu in Bahrain. The hosts wrap up the show by talking about the new Jeep Cherokee—to be built in Belvidere, Illinois—and its potential in the market place. 

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Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. The hosts open the show by discussing the reborn Chevrolet Bolt small electric crossover. Pricing comes in about $5000 below the least-expensive Chevy Equinox EV, at around $30,000. 

Paul and Tom also discussed the new Tesla Model 3 and Model Y “Standard" models, which are both priced around $40,000, though lose some features and range to hit the new price point. 

Still in the first segment, Paul shares a quick review of the all-new Lotus Eletre electric crossover. Prices are high, but Paul reports a great drive experience, and a nice cabin. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shared his impressions of the GMC Sierra electric pickup, and talked about the pickup-truck market in general. 

In the last segment, Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Gran or Grand” quiz. Paul also shared interesting news regarding autonomous vehicles and traffic lights. 

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Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed sits in for Jill this week. Brendan and Tom open the show discussing rumors of the Jeep Wagoneer’s demise, which would leave just the Grand Wagoneer in Jeep’s lineup. The hosts share sales numbers for large SUVs--listen in to hear which large ute is the best-selling. 

Brendan shares his thoughts on the post-federal-incentive EV sales environment. For those who don’t know, the incentives of up to $7500 for a new EV ended September 30. 

Still in the first segment, Brendan reviews the 2025 Cadillac Optiq small electric crossover. Though generally impressed, Brendan noted several features of the compact Caddy EV he’d change. 

In the second segment, Brendan and Tom welcome Rob Newton, Senior Director of Marketing at public-charging provider ChargePoint to the show. Rob shares news about a collaboration with Eaton designed to improve charging performance and reduce installation time. Rob also discussed how ChargePoint is improving charger reliability. 

In the last segment, Brendan is subjected to Tom’s “Did it have a V8?” quiz. Quiz includes special Chex Mix bonus question. 

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Jill and Tom open the show noting that the well-regarded Hyundai Kona EV small electric crossover is only offered in a dozen states, so availability is very limited. This point comes into play as the hosts discuss the redesigned Nissan Leaf later in the show. 

Tom shares news regarding new tariffs, this time on heavy-duty trucks. Interestingly, big-truck maker Volvo (Volvo, Mack) produces almost all of its vehicles in the U.S. Listen in for where other heavy-duty truck makers build their products. 

Other important car news covered: Lexus will be discontinuing the LS large sedan in the U.S. after 2026. For ’26, the luxury flagship will be offered only in Heritage Edition trim. Production will be limited. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the all-new Nissan Leaf, which is not only redesigned, but also now a crossover. Jill is impressed by the small electric Nissan's ride and handling, as well as its range and price. Listen in for her complete review. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Polestar North American Communications Chief Dean Shaw to the podcast. Dean discusses Polestar's relationship with Volvo, its current product lineup, and dealer network. Polestar has two new products arriving soon. Listen in for details. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Is it a Pontiac?” quiz. Jill also shares details of her upcoming Rebelle Rally excursion. Jill will be out for the next two weeks. 

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Tom opens the show correcting two errors he made recently. Listen in to hear what he got wrong. Tom then shares the results of an X poll he conducted on Ferrari colors. Turns out white is NOT a popular choice for the Italian sports cars. 

The hosts also acknowledge the end of production for the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan. Jill notes that the car never had much impact on a segment ruled by the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. 

Jill and Tom also share news regarding the Nissan Ariya electric crossover, which will not be sold in the U.S. after 2025. Nissan is focusing its efforts on the launch of the all-new, more-affordable, Nissan Leaf EV. 

Still in the first segment, the hosts review the Audi SQ8 and RS Q8 performance crossovers. The hosts are generally impressed by the luxury fastback crossovers, though Jill had some tech issues. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome the ConsumerMan Herb Weisbaum to the show. Herb shares news and pointers regarding buying car insurance, and knowing how much insurance you need. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Does Volkswagen Build There?” quiz, including a bonus question about fast food in Ghana. 

Jill wraps on the show sharing the list of this year’s North American Car of the Year award candidates. 

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The show opens with a brief, and completely off-topic, conversation about whether or not Tom smells spicy. Listen in for the verdict. 

Tom shared brief impressions of the 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD, noting that the premium midsize crossover was over-named by a few syllables. That said, Tom is very impressed with the vehicles. 

The hosts went on the talk about Ram’s decision to kill—before introduction—the Ram REV electric pickup truck. The story gets a little complicated. Listen in for details. 

Among other news, Tom shared information regarding Chinese carmakers turning to Magna International, and its Steyr manufacturing facility in Austria, for regional production. Chinese EV builders are looking to dodge European tariffs by assembling cars on the continent. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid, noting that the maker’s compact car lineup is now mostly hybrid powered. 

In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile to the show. Don shared highlights of the October 2025 issue of the classic-car magazine, which is on newsstands now. A feature story about the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, written by podcast regular Sam Fiorani, was discussed at length. See our Facebook page for information regarding subscribing to the magazine. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Partridge or President” quiz, in which she must determine if a given person was a cast member of “The Partridge Family,” or a former Ford CEO. 

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Jill and Tom open the show by sharing information about a Chicago event, Electrify Chicago, coming to the area September 12-13. Next, Tom shares some news about Chinese new-car door handles, and how some of them will soon be illegal. 

The hosts also discussed the relationship between the Toyota Highlander and Grand Highlander. With the “Grand” gaining popularity, the Japanese maker is tweaking the standard Highlander’s trim-level lineup—making it more expensive for 2026. Listen in for more details. 

Likewise, Tesla is raising prices on its slow selling Cybertruck pickup truck, specifically the top-trim Cyberbeast. The EV maker is raising the Cyberbeast base price by $15,000, but making a number of options and features standard. Jill and Tom discuss Telsa’s motives for adjusting Cybertruck prices. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Listen in to get Jill’s take on the top-trim SEL R-Line. 

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Toyota production engineers Samantha Barber and Becky Brophy to the show. Both guests are veterans of the Rebelle Rally, and share how Toyota learns from motorsports, and how returning to the event each year contributes to product development. 

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Spelling!” quiz. Listen in to see if Jill can spell BISCAYNE, as well as four other tricky model names. 

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Jill and Tom open the show talking about “launch colors,” basically the color which new vehicles are initially presented in for media reveals, advertising, and promotion. Tom still remembers the copper color the redesigned Mitsubishi Eclipse was unveiled in for 2000. 

Tom shared his early impressions of the electric Volvo EX30 subcompact crossover. So far, Tom is delighted by the Volvo, and surprised by its price. 

The hosts turn the discussion to the coming 2026 Jeep Compass; a vehicle Tom and Jill both feel the maker badly needs in its lineup. The Discussion continues to include clarification on the topic of Japanese “kei” cars, including proper pronunciation, and a brief chat regarding the heritage-trimmed Stroppe Edition of the Ford Bronco. 

In the second segment the hosts are joined by AutoForecast Solutions Vice President Sam Fiorani. Sam shared insights related to the current tariff situation, and what the elimination of “carbon credits” means to EV makers including Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid. Sam also shares news regarding the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Red!” quiz, in which she is challenged to identify fake car colors. 

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The hosts open the show briefly discussing Tom’s experiences car shopping with his 25-year-old daughter. After test driving five cars, and much careful consideration, a car has been purchased. Listen in for details. 

In the news, Jill and Tom talk about Audi tariff-related price increases, Chrysler’s crazy Grizzly Peak minivan concept vehicle, and the Dodge Durango going V8 only for 2026. 

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the updated 2026 Subaru Solterra, which now enjoys more power and greater range. 

In the second segment, the hosts are joined by Justin Lunny, CEO of Everrati. Everrati restores classic cars, fitting them with modern electric powertrains. Listen in to learn what cars the company is currently restoring, and what it costs to bring a vintage Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, or Porsche 911 back to life with an all-electric drivetrain. 

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “LX” trim-level quiz. The hosts closed out the show discussing the 2026 Solterra’s off-road ability and AWD drivetrain. 

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