This week Nicole has 2 "SUVs", the Nissan Kicks and Ford Expedition King Ranch while Sam discusses the Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter and Subaru Forester Hybrid. Ford announced plans to build low cost EVs in Louisville Kentucky, Cadillac announced a new custom build program and we have a first look at the Hyundai Ioniq 2. At Monterey Car Week, debuts included the Acura RSX, the Lexus Sport Concept, the Cadillac Elevated Velocity, Karma Gyesera and Infiniti QX65 and QX80 concepts. Links Ford to build $30K electric pickup in Louisville More thoughts on the Ford electric truck Curated by Cadillac Hyundai Ioniq 2 Lexus Sport Concept Acura RSX Prototype Cadillac Elevated Velocity Karma Gyesera Infiniti QX65 Monograph Infiniti QX80 concepts Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're back from a mid-summer break. Sam has driven the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT and Lucid Air Grand Touring and Nicole had the 2026 Lincoln Navigator Since we've been gone, we all drove the 2026 Hyundai Palisade and Cupra gave up on entering the US market. Nicole has a Wagoneer S update. Sam wrote about Tesla's misbehavior in a recent trial. Jeep also had some news this week about going back and refreshes.The Las Vegas loop is apparently getting dumber and Ford has further delayed its next-gen full-size electric truck. Chevrolet has teased the new Bolt coming this fall and it will apparently use Chinese batteries for a couple of years as will BMW. Links Cadillac EVs to get Carplay -- down under only Cupra US launch delayed Automakers behaving badly Nicole's latest Wagoneer S update Jeep updates 2026 Hyundai Palisade XRT 2026 Hyundai Palisade LVCC Loop is getting dumber 2026 Chevy Bolt to use CATL batteries Edmunds on new Bolt Ford delays next large electric Truck/Van to 2028 BMW Might also have to use Chinese batteries Remanufactured Batteries Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're taking a break this week, but we'll all be back next week Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie's dealing with a family emergency so Nicole tells us about her latest misadventure with her Jeep Wagoneer S as well as the Toyota Crown Signia. Sam had the Toyota Grand Highlander Nightshade in invisible grey. In the news, Lucid Air, Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX get Supercharger support, but the Lucid is as slow as a Chevy Bolt. The Acura TLX is out of production but the new Honda Prelude gets a Civic Type-R suspension and someone paid $204K for an old Integra Type-R. After 250K miles a Mach-E still has 92% of its original battery capacity. Tesla owners should stay away from water if they want their warranties. Boston probably won't get robotaxis soon and our pals at TFL bought a first-generation Dodge Viper and it hasn't killed them -- yet. Links Lucid Air Gets Supercharger support -- sort of Honda Prelude gets Type-R suspension Acura TLX is Done Honda/Acura gets Supercharger Access Mach-E with 250K miles still has 92% battery capacity Tesla Warranties and Water $204K for an Integra? Toyota to build next Supra in-house No Waymos in Boston Speed Kills Range TFL Buys a 1st-gen Dodge Viper Ford Customer Service Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week in the garage, Sam has bright colors with the Jeep Gladiator Willys and Volvo EX30 Performance Ultra. Nicole had the Mitusbishi Outlander. Links Someone bought a Lordstown Endurance on BaT GM to Produce LFP Cells In Spring Hill Subaru Uncharted Uber, Nuro and Lucid Subaru e-Outback Electric Range Rover Delayed to 2026 VW ID3 Still at 91% after 100K miles 5 Features of Polestar 4 BMW Z1 at 40 Volvo Trimming US lineup due to Tariffs XC60 moves to Charleston 3rd gen XC90 could be long-range PHEV Faraday X Super One Ford Bronco New Energy Hyundai/Kia/Genesis EV automatic door lock Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam is driving the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Tributo Italiano and Nicole has the Acura RDX SH-AWD A-Spec. Nicole also had her first major technical issue with her Jeep Wagoneer S. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Toyota is publicly demoing its new sports car and upcoming GT3 race car while Hyundai has the Ioniq 6 N. Mazda shows off the new third generation CX-5, now with a touchscreen. Dodge trademarks the name Charger Outlaw. Subaru teases its next EV called Uncharted. Nissan is delaying some EV production, while Cadillac is pushing forward. We also answer the question, what is a Monroney? Links Hyundai Ioniq 6 N 2026 Mazda CX-5 Dodge Charger Outlaw Nissan delays US EV production another year Toyota runs new supercar at Goodwood Subaru Uncharted The Great EV Pullback Nissan delays Leaf production due to China rare earth limits Cadillac likely to stick to long term EV plan Monroney Sticker Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After some hiccups getting the recording started, Nicole told us about the latest Genesis GV70 and Robbie almost had a chance to save a wedding with the Ford F-150 Lightning. Sam enjoyed cruising in the Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack which both really loud and not loud enough. Sam tried out BlueCruise 1.5 and its auto lane changing while driving to Ohio to buy a used EV. He and his wife came back to Michigan with a lightly used Kia EV6. Make sure to check out the No Pain, No Gain series on TFL. Hertz is starting to use AI scanners to detect damage on rental cars. The EV tax credits are being killed at the end of September. Volvo is going to build the Polestar 7 at its new Slovakia plant starting in 2028. The Chevy Trax is getting a big price bump for 2026 and a Tesla robotaxi tapped a parked car. We also responded to a bunch of listener emails. Links Ford Blue Cruise 1.5 No Pain, No Gain on TFL Charger Daytona recalled for being too quiet Hertz AI Scanners EV Tax Credits end Sept 30 Polestar 7 to be produced in Slovakia in 2028 Chevy Trax Price Increase Tesla contacts parked car Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole has been tackling the notoriously smooth New England pavement in the Hyundai Ioniq 5N while Robbie had the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV and Sam trecked across Michigan in the Mini Countryman SE ALL4. This week Sam visited two plants for the production of lithium iron phosphate batteries, Ford's BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall, MI and the LG Energy Solution plant in Holland, MI. Ford revealed the new Explorer Tremor and AMG has a concept for its upcoming EV, the GT XX. Tesla sort of launched its robotaxis and Mazda launched the 6e sedan in Europe. Nicole and Sam drove the 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport, Nissan has launched its next-generation e-Power system in the Qashqi in Europe and it's coming to the Rogue in 2026. Cadillac is already making notable upgrades to the Optiq for model year 2026. Sam also has conversations with Ford's Lisa Drake and Honda's Jonathan Yu. Links Ford BlueOval Battery Park Ford Explorer Tremor CONCEPT AMG GT XX LG Energy Solution Holland Plant Tesla Robotaxi launch fail Mazda 6e Honda CR-V Trailsport Nissan Qashqi e-Power 2026 Cadillac Optiq upgrades Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Robbie has family commitments today so Perry Stern is sitting in with Nicole and Sam. Perry's been driving the McLaren 750S in Volcano Yellow and Cadillac Escalade. Nicole had the new gas powered Chevy Equinox and Sam had the new 2025 Mini Cooper S 4-door. In the news we discuss Audi's latest attempt to reinvent the steering wheel stalk and BMW's new flax fiber composites. Most of China's auto plants are barely producing any vehicles and Congress is trying to gut fuel economy, emissions standards and kill any incentive for EVs. Hyundai and Toyota think 60 miles of range is enough for a plug-in hybrid. Stellantis is testing Fiat 500e's with swappable battery modules. Changes to the national electrical code could kill DIY EV charger installs. Ram cranks up the powertrain warranty and Honda launches an electric delivery vehicle for Europe. Links Audi Q3 reinvents the stalk BMW creates plant fiber composites China auto plants average 49% utilzation Congessional majority aiming to gut emissions, CAFE, IRA Hyundai/Toyota pausing race for ultra long range PHEVs Stellantis testing battery swap 500e with Ample Electric code change could ban DIY charger installs Ram launches 10year/100K mile warranty Honda launches Fastport eQuad prototype Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the news, Nissan finally completely redesigns the Nissan Leaf after 15 years. The Corvette reaches its pinnacle, but it's not called Zora. GM is spending $4 billion move vehicle assembly from Mexico to the US. BMW and AAA have dueling EV consumer surveys. The Mustang GTD costs nearly twice as much as a ZR1 and the Republican war on EVs continues. Links 2026 Nissan Leaf GM spends $4B to shift production from Mexico to US Corvette ZR1X NHTSA to Streamline AV Exemption Process BMW EV survey AAA EV survey Mustang GTD Costs Nearly Double Corvette ZR1 Trump Revokes California Emissions Waiver, Stellantis Still on the hook for EVs Budget bill could prevent states from regulating AVs Check out Sam's 2-minute daily podcast Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is back and to tell us what sorts of pies she shared with her husband at the Julian Pie Company last week and talk about the Kia K4 that turned up in her driveway for the third time as well as the Toyota 4Runner. Robbie did some G-Turns in the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ technology. Sam had the Nissan Murano Platinum and Honda Passport Trailsport. Porsche has built a road legal version of the 963 race car for Roger Penske and Tim Kuniskis has restored the Hemi V8 to its rightful place in the Ram 1500. China is playing trade hardball with rare earth magnets. Edmunds finally sold their Fisker Ocean and lost a fortune on it. The data proves it, interesting car colors are better than boring monochromatic colors. Cadillac has announced a faster Optiq-V with a NACS charging port and Ford has created an FX package for Mustang Fox body fans. Finally, Nicole and Sam chat with Mike Tripp, group vice president of marketing for Toyota brand. Links Porsche Builds Road-legal 963 Ram Brings Back the Hemi Rare Earth magnets could halt auto production Edmunds Finally Unloads its Fisker Ocean Best Colors to Reduce Depreciation Cadillac Optiq-V 2026 Ford Mustang FX Package Mike Tripp AI Revolution Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole is trekking to the Julian Pie Company with her husband so it's mostly just Robbie and Sam. Robbie gives a preview of the electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and Sam reviews the 2025 Cadillac Escalade Platinum. In the news, Stellantis picks Antonio Fillosa as its new CEO and cancels a smart cockpit deal with Amazon. The Dodge Durango is back for another year with Hellcat power and we get our first look at the new Jeep Cherokee. Tesla FSD still doesn't stop for school buses. SAE has published an update to the J3400 standard for NACS charging connectors to enable higher speeds and GM may be producing LFP cells with LG and Samsung in the US. Nicole and Sam pre-recorded a review of the 2026 Toyota bZ and Sam interviews chief engineer Daisuke Ido. Nicole has a conversation with Mike Pennington, Director - Global Training, Event Marketing & Consumer Relations at Meguiar's all about car care. Links No More Manual Versas Amazon and Stellantis kill Smart Cockpit deal Antonio Filosa Gets the Top Job at Stellantis First 2026 Jeep Cherokee images Tesla FSD still doesn't stop for school buses 1 year only Durango Hellcat returns for year 5 SAE J3400/2 brings faster charging for NACS Nicole on the 2026 Toyota bZ Sam's Thoughts on the Toyota bZ GM may produce LFP cells with LG and Samsung Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Nicole and Sam returned from Texas without picking up any measels. Nicole spent quality time with the Toyota Grand Highlander while Sam drove the Kia K5 GT, and Robbie spent another week without driving anything. While in Texas for Toyota's HQ Confidential event, we saw the new 2026 all hybrid Rav4 and Lexus RZ 550e F-Sport with fake shifting along with a bunch of other stuff. The week before, we drove the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and the Cadillac Vistiq for the first time. Nissan has a cute new Micra EV but Americans won't be getting it because not enough of us will drive small cars. Honda is slowing some of its EV plans while Republican US senators voted to rescind California's ability to set its own EV rules. Customers are adding rip cords to Teslas so they can get out of the car loses power and Chevrolet has launched the Trail Boss version of the Silverado EV. We answer some listener questions and we have an interview with Cooper Ericksen, head of product planning with Toyota North America Links 2026 Toyota Rav4 Lexus RZ 550e F Sport Nissan Micra EV Cadillac Vistiq Nicole on the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Sam on the Hyundai Ioniq 9 Honda's slowing EV rollout Tesla Ripcords Congress Trying to Kill California Emissions Standards Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Sam has been driving the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq and supercharging it with the Lectron Vortex adapter. Nicole had the Subaru Forester Hybrid and Robbie rented a Toyota Camry Hybrid while covering the Formula SAE competition in Michigan. Nicole also went on the first drive of the 2026 Ford Expedition and Sam had a first ride in the 2026 Hummer EV. Toyota announced 3 updated or new EVs for its lineup while Stellantis delayed the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. Aston Martin is finally launcing Carplay Ultra in the DBX and Infiniti is updating the QX60. We love Miatas, but we know some people don't fit so what should they buy? We also have listener emails. https://youtu.be/drS2Gr6ozLk Get the Lectron Vortex NACS-CCS charging adapter at a discount Links Toyota bZ Woodland Toyota CH-R EV 2026 Toyota bZ 2026 Ford Expedition 2026 GMC Hummer Trucks Faster than Vettes legal, small trucks not Ramcharger Delayed Again What to Buy If You Don't Fit in a Miata Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra 2026 Infiniti QX60 Nissan Restructuring Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We've got a bit of a shorter show today because it was Nicole's turn to catch a trip and she accidently stopped the recording. Robbie went to Austria to ride the Can-Am Origin and Pulse electric motorcycles. Nicole drove the updated 2025.5 Volvo XC90 and Sam had the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek with its non-recovery hooks. The 2026 Corvette looses its wall of buttons and gains a fabulous new color. Jeep launched the new Compass in Europe, but who knows when or if we will get it in North America thanks to tariffs. Volvo has an extended range PHEV XC70 for China and Ford is raising prices due to tariffs. Hyundai has Plug&Charge now and an electric Ferrari is coming in October. The F1 drivers paraded in Lego cars in Miami last week and the new Mercedes CLA won't charge on 400-500V chargers. See the F1 Lego Cars Sam tests the Lectron Vortex NACS-CCS adapter with a 2025 Cadillac Lyriq at a Supercharger. Get your Vortex adapter for a discount at https://ev-lectron.com/Wheel_Bearings_VortexPlug Links Corvette Roswell Green Metallic 2026 Jeep Compass HEV/BEV - 375hp Volvo XC70 Ford increases prices on Mexico-built models Ford expects tariffs to cost $1.5B in 2025 Hyundai starts to deploy Plug&Charge Electric Ferrari to be revealed in October Miami F1 Lego Driver's Parade Be careful when photographing your lidar Charging the Mercedes-Benz CLA Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Robbie has the Chevrolet Silverado EV LT and Nicole shares her Portugese airport blackout adventure. Sam drives the Ford F250 XL and the Chevrolet Equinox LT. Akio Toyoda loves cool cars and doesn't think electric sports cars fit the bill. More than 28,000 GM V8s failed before GM recalled them. Who are the most influential people in automotive history? Toyota is sort of hooking up with Waymo. The VW ID Buzz is getting recalled because the 3rd seats are too roomy and there are new chargers in Detroit. Many automakers have underutilized factories and Hyundai has priced the Ioniq 9, plus answers to listener questions. Links Akio doesn't believe in electric sports cars 28K GM V8s failed before recall most influential people in automotive history Toyota Hails a Waymo ID Buzz recalled because rear seat too comfortable US plant utilization Hyundai prices Ioniq 9 in US Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole had a Mustang GT convertible with the California Special package but New Hampshire spring weather only allowed her to put down the top once. Sam had the cheapest car currently available in America, the 2025 Nissan Versa SR. Robbie went to the unveiling of the Slate truck and we have thoughts. Ford is countering with an even more expensive Super Duty pickup. Nicole and Sam drove the 2026 Lincoln Navigator and we have more thoughts.Cadillac is bringing an Optiq-V. Audi is launching a sub-brand for China called AUDI and we discuss this as well as new stuff from VW, Buick, Lexus, Toyota and Nissan from the Shanghai Motor Show. Finally, Walmart is getting into the EV charging business. Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Links 2026 Lincoln Navigator Slate Slate's Market Research Experiment Audi E5 Sportback VW Shanghai concepts Cadillac Optiq-V Buick Electra GS concept Buick Super Architecture, Electra NEV sub-brand New Lexus ES Toyota bZ7 Ford Super Duty Platinum Plus Nissan Frontier PHEV Tesla to benefit from AV Framework Walmart to build EV charging network Our Sponsors: * Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, Nicole tells us about driving the Toyota Land Cruiser and BMW M235 while Sam has the BMW i4 M50. Nicole has flown across the country 4 times in the last week to drive the Lucid Gravity in California, some Cupras in Florida, a Lincoln back in Calfornia and visit the New York Auto Show. We've got lots of news from New York including the 3 Subarus, the 2026 Solterra, Trailseeker and Outback. Kia had the EV4 sedan and K4 hatchback, Hyundai showed us the new 2026 Palisade and Genesis showed off the X Gran Equator concept and the GMR-001 race car it will take to Le Mans next year. In China, regulators are cracking down on automated driving claims by automakers and Mercedes has a new limited edition retro G-Wagen. Sam also has a conversation with Subaru car line product manager Bill Stokes about its EVs. Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Links Lucid Gravity first drive - Sam's take Nicole on the Lucid Gravity Robbie on the Gravity Genesis X Gran Equator Genesis GMR-001 Kia k4 hatchback Kia EV4 2026 Hyundai Palisade Subaru Trailseeker Subaru Outback Sampling Cupra Chinese regulators crack down on Smart Driving Mercedes-Benz G-Class Edition STRONGER THAN THE 1980s Lucid Gravity Videos Our Sponsors: * Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week Nicole is trecking back and forth and back and forth again across the US so Chad Kirchner joins us again. Sam had the GMC Canyon AT4X AEV edition and it's a mixed bag. Chad and Sam both got to see this year's Easter Jeep Safari concepts before they got shipped to Moab. We have the first image of the secretive Slate electric truck and a prototype electric truck from Kia. GM's new UK design studio has an interesting new electric Corvette concept. Jeep seems to be working on a new high performance Grand Cherokee and TFL drag races an old Corvette, a new one and a Nissan Leaf. Finally, Ford has a new electric Puma in Europe and a Ranger Super Duty for the rest of the world. Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Links Easter Jeep Safari concepts Kia developing midsize electric pickup for US Ford Puma Gen-E Ford Ranger Super Duty GM opens UK studio with Corvette concept 1968 Corvette vs C8 vs Leaf Slate truck The Kirchner Report New Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Our Sponsors: * Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week in the garage Nicole has the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5, Robbie has the Ford e-Transit and Sam has the Corvette Stingray 3LT. Sam and Nicole both drove the 2026 Honda Passport in Puerto Rico last week and have thoughts. Sam also interviewed chief engineer Todd Hemertt. Nicole tells us about climbing Davis Dam in the 2025 Ram HD. Somehow Aptera is still trying to get its little solar and electric three-wheeler to production and an initial road trip yields dissapointing efficiency numbers. Restomod producer Icon is now offering an electric 1st generation Bronco and it's not cheap. Hakan Samuelsson has returned temporarily as the CEO of Volvo Cars. At the Seoul Mobility Show, Hyundai showed off a cool Pikes Peak ready version of its Inster electric mini car, a refreshed Ioniq 6 and promised not to raise prices in response to tariffs. Sam also spoke with Honda of America safety strategy director Brian Bautsch about level 3 automation. Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Links Nicole Drives the New Ram HD Sam's Take on the 2026 Honda Passport Nicole's Review of the 2026 Passport 1st Aptera Road Trip Icon Electric Bronco Hakan Samuelsson returns as Volvo CEO Hyundai Insteroid New Hyundai Nexo Refreshed Hyundai Ioniq 6 Hyundai not raising prices, yet Hyundai Honors the Mustang's 45th Birthday Our Sponsors: * Check out Express VPN: https://expressvpn.com/WHEELBEARINGS Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy