Think the Camaro name can’t continue as an EV crossover? Let’s test that idea. We examine why legacy coupes face financial challenges, how Ford’s Mach‑E changed the market, and why GM’s Ultium platform—and Chevrolet's Blazer SS EV running gear—could make a performance-oriented Camaro revival more than just a rumor. Instant torque, AWD grip, and fewer moving parts aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the financial and emotional reasons for a new kind of speed.

Since daily habits matter, we closely examine “comfort stop” braking, which aims to reduce vehicle pitch at low speeds to prevent coffee spills. It sounds attractive—until you consider trade-offs, stopping distances, and the realities of software-controlled brakes. We ask tough questions about safety, legality, redundancy, and designing features that never compromise emergency performance.

Far from the coasts, rivers are becoming the new frontline for extreme weather. NOAA’s expanded flood inundation tool now provides near real-time, street-level maps for most of the U.S. population, aiding forecasters and first responders in evacuating the right neighborhoods before floodwaters arrive. We examine what this means for inland states, flash floods in the Southwest, insurance costs, and more effective, resilient planning.

During this episode, we explore how Gen Z is changing the way people get behind the wheel. With rising car prices, costly insurance, and social life moving online, many teens delay getting their licenses and face real anxiety when they finally do. We share data on teen crash risks, why summer driving is particularly risky, and how modern driver training—using GPS-tracked vehicles, video coaching, and structured practice—can produce calm, confident drivers who pass sooner and drive more safely.

Think the back seat is the safest spot in a crash? New IIHS testing challenges that idea, and we examine why rear-seat protection in many newer vehicles still lags behind that of the front. We highlight which models earned top marks, why small and midsize SUVs exceeded expectations, and why minivans—despite their family-friendly image—didn't make the cut. You’ll get straightforward, jargon-free insights on how modern restraint systems work, what to look for when buying, and the one habit that still boosts every safety feature’s effectiveness.

In this episode, I explore Ford's strategic shift as CEO Jim Farley believes the company is experiencing a "Model T moment"—introducing a groundbreaking manufacturing breakthrough that could greatly reduce production costs, similar to the original assembly line over a century ago. With automotive prices averaging around $50,000, the industry faces a key challenge: adapt significantly or risk falling behind global competitors.

In this episode, I explore what scientists are calling "21st century fires"—a new type of wildfire that burns hotter, faster, and with more destructive power than any previous in human history. These fires can emit radiant heat of 900 degrees Fahrenheit, causing materials to ignite before flames even reach them. The combination of climate change and petroleum-based building materials has created ideal conditions for these unstoppable infernos, capable of turning large homes to ash in just minutes.

My recent hands-on experience with the Cadillac OPTIQ EV at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, showcased a sleek and sophisticated entry point into the luxury electric vehicle market. This compact crossover offers just over 300 miles of range from its 85 kWh battery, with all-wheel drive included as standard in the first model year. While impressive in many aspects—including its SuperCruise capabilities and thoughtful design—its starting price of $52,895 highlights the ongoing challenge of making EVs accessible to mainstream buyers.

During this episode, I share my heartfelt lament for Nissan's decision to discontinue the Ariya EV—a vehicle I found truly impressive during my test drive. While Nissan cites import tariffs and declining sales as reasons, their alternative plan of producing only 500 Leaf EVs each month for the U.S. market seems woefully insufficient. Most dealerships won't even get one vehicle per month! Meanwhile, the less impressive Murano continues, highlighting the confusing priorities during this transitional period for automakers.

During this episode, we delve into Finland's groundbreaking sand battery technology, an innovative solution that stores renewable energy as heat within ordinary sand for extended periods, sometimes lasting several months. This technology operates at high temperatures, reaching up to 600°C, allowing it to provide sustainable heating with minimal energy loss. What makes this approach particularly remarkable is that it leverages one of Earth's most abundant materials—sand—making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method to harness and store renewable energy. Throughout the episode, we'll explore how this technology works, its potential impacts on energy sustainability, and the future possibilities it unlocks for renewable heating solutions.