Car Stuff Podcast

Guest host Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed and Tom opened the show talking about a couple of new “The Lap” videos now posted on WeAreMotorDriven.com. The hosts then chatted briefly about the 2024 North American Car of the Year winners, which were revealed last week. Tom shared his concerns regarding misleading commercials being run by online used-car marketer DriveTime. Tom is specifically concerned about the company’s assertion that users are able to negotiate the price of the vehicle they purchasing, which is not the case. Also addressed was the news that Stellantis has opted to pull out of a number of 2024 auto shows, including CES and Chicago. Brendan and Tom went on to briefly share their impressions of the Genesis GV70 Electrified compact crossover.

In the second segment the hosts welcome Genesis Manger of PR and Communications Jarred Pellat to the show. Jarred talked about the emergence of Genesis as a luxury brand, its success as an alternative premium-vehicle offering, and the brand’s accessibility to women. Jarred also addressed the brand’s EV plans moving forward.

In the final segment Brendan is subjected to Tom’s horsepower quiz, which included a bonus question about Twinkies. Tom wrapped up the show with a quick review of the ride and handling balance found on his current test car, the 2024 BMW X5 M60i. Jill is spending time with her family this week, and returns next episode.

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Jill is back in the studio this week, and opened the show by recapping her Rebelle Rally exploits. Visit the Car Stuff Podcast Facebook page for a link to pics from her trip.

Tom shared august electric vehicle sales as reported by S & P Global Mobility. While Tesla still dominates the list, a few new vehicles are doing better than expected.

Jill and Tom discussed the coming Ferrari F80 hyper car. Not only is the price breath taking, the car’s engine is proving controversial.

Still in the first segment, Tom shared his impressions of the Buick Envista small crossover. Is this bargain Buick too good to be true? Listen in.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Alex Knizek of Consumer Reports to the show. Alex walked Jill and Tom through the organization's list of most-reliable used-car brands, and called out several models as especially good used-car picks.

In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Cadillac?” quiz, the hosts talk about Tesla slashing Cybertruck prices, and Tom shares a disturbing McDonald’s drive-thru story.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Host Tom Appel and co-hosts Jill Ciminillo and Damon Bell open the show with a chat about the forthcoming introduction of the 2021 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL full-size SUVs. We then discuss Jill's test vehicle this week: the 2020 Genesis G70. John Voelcker, former Editor-in-Chief and current principle contributor to greencarreports.com, calls in to discuss his article "Busting 7 of the Most Common Myths About Electric Cars," as well as what the future holds for EV technology and infrastructure. Damon quizzes Tom and Jill on the bottom-line sticker prices of two luxury crossover SUVs that recently passed through the Consumer Guide test-vehicle fleet: the 2020 Lincoln Aviator and the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300. We close out the show with a quick run-down of this week's articles on the Consumer Guide Daily Drive blog.

Paul Herrold of the Sons of Speed fills in for Jill this week. The hosts opened the show taking note of Cadillac’s decision to end production of the XT4 compact crossover. What is General Motors building in its Fairfax assembly facility instead? Listen in.

Paul and Tom turned their attention to Jeep's 2025 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer price cuts. Both hosts agree that Jeep’s big SUVs, launched for 2022, are fine vehicles, but were overpriced relative to the competition. Listen in for details.

Paul talked about a new Sons of Speed video, this one comparing two Hyundais: The Ioniq 5 N, and Elantra N. Both vehicles were evaluated at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.

In the second segment, Paul and Tom welcome Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile magazine to the podcast. Don walked the hosts through the contents of the December issue, and focused on an interesting look at the American Motors cars of 1965. Don also talked about the early Eighties Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

In the last segment Paul is subjected to Tom’s “Which Sold Better?” quiz. Paul also talked about the challenges and rewards of producing a local Cars & Coffee weekend car meet.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify