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  • Car of the Year Qualifiers, Jamie Butters on Future Product, Driving the Volvo EX90
    2024/09/17

    Jill and Tom opened the show addressing a couple of future topics: Federal incentives for used electric vehicles, and the number of Chinese-built models sold in Mexico by Chevrolet. Next, Tom apologized to Sam Fiorani for making yet another model-year mistake. Tom also shared his preliminary take on the updated-for-2025 Ford Explorer midsize crossover.

    Still in the first segment, Jill shared news regarding her new ride for this year’s Rebelle Rally, and walked listeners through the list of vehicles eligible for the 2025 North American Car of the Year awards. The list is crowded; listen in for details.

    In the second segment Jill and Tom welcome Jamie Butters, Executive Editor of Automotive News to the show. After sharing his take on the recently announced, but as yet undefined, General Motors and Hyundai cooperative effort, Jamie shared insights from AN’s Future Product Pipeline series. Jamie also shared his thoughts on the future of the Jaguar brand in the U.S.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Stellantis!” quiz. Jill also wrapped up this week’s show with her review of the new all-electric Volvo EX90 midsize electric crossover.

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    56 分
  • Bad Convertible, Exotic Lexus, Catching up with Radio Guy Steve Cochran
    2024/09/09

    Sitting in for Jill this week is Tom’s friend, engineer and car guy David Piluski. Dave and Tom opened the show addressing a mistake Tom made—called out by Tom’s mother—last week. Tom misidentified the longtime singer of the classic “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” ad/song as Doris Day, though as noted by his mom, the song was sung by Dinah Shore. Listen in to hear a clip of the song.

    Dave and Tom addressed a second error from last week, this one called out by listener Celio. Dave went on to share a story about how a rental Dodge Shadow Convertible—back in the early Nineties—suffered from so much body flex that the doors would not close on a gentle incline.

    Still in the first segment, Tom shared his impressions of the all-new—and surprisingly luxurious—Mazda CX-70 2-row midsize crossover. Tom also reviewed the exotic-looking Lexus LC 500 Convertible. Tom is baffled that the car does not sell better. Listen in for the full review.

    In the second segment, Dave and Tom are joined by comic, podcaster, and legendary Chicago radio host Steve Cochran. Steve talked about his podcast, and then shared stories about his first cars and learning to drive. Learn why Steve once gave away a car he owned at a radio-station promotional event.

    In the last segment Dave is subjected to Tom’s “1983!” quiz. To wrap up the show, Dave shared news regarding a California bill (SB961) now before Governor Gavin Newsom, which would require cars to alert drivers when the speed limit was being exceeded by more than 10 mph. Dave also talked about his own podcast.

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    56 分
  • Mercedes GLC 43 "Coupe" Review, Chatting with Rivian, Porsche Price Quiz
    2024/09/02

    Jill and Tom are Joined in-studio by Brendan Appel this week. In the first segment Jill and Brendan respond to Tom’s impressions of the updated Genesis GV80 midsize crossover. The trio also discussed the pending engine-replacement recall facing owners of all 2022 and 2023 Toyota Tundras. The recall is reportedly going to require up to 24 hours of labor per vehicle.

    Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the 2024 AMG Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 Coupe. Jill was generally impressed by the “coupe” version of Mercedes’ compact crossover. Listen in for her complete take.

    In the second segment, the hosts welcome Mikhael Farah of Rivian to the program. Mikhael walked the crew through a number of news items, including Volkswagen’s investment in Rivan, coming small and subcompact Rivian crossovers, and the updated-for-2025 R1S and R1T models, which are on sale now.

    In the third segment, Jill and Brendan are subjected to Tom’s “Porsche Price” quiz.

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    54 分
  • Canyon AT4X, Mustang Dark Horse on the Track, Fake Pontiac Quiz
    2024/08/27

    Jill and Tom opened the show covering a couple of news stories, including how Mazda used substantial incentives to boost recent U.S.-market sales performance, and a how Volvo is extending its embargo of drive impressions of the 2025 EX90 electric midsize crossover, pushing back Jill’s official review.

    Still in the first segment Jill shared her impressions of the GMC Cayon midsize pickup truck in off-road-ready AT4X trim and equipped with the extreme AEV package. Though generally impressed, Jill shared a number of concerns regarding use of the Canyon as a daily driver, especially in urban environments.

    In the second segment the hosts are joined by friend Brendan Appel of the Sons of Speed. Brendan shared highlights of a couple of videos recently produced by the Sons, including a new addition to the outlet’s “The Lap” series featuring a Ford Mustang Dark Horse lapping Road America.

    Brendan shared his thoughts on the Mustang, and the car’s position in history, and it’s uncertain future.

    Brendan opted to join Jill for Tom’s “Was it a Pontiac?” quiz. Brendan wrapped up the show sharing a few thoughts on electric muscle cars, and the future of Dodge performance vehicles.

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    57 分
  • Honda Ridgeline TrailSport, Lower Jeep Prices, The Magic Behind Jeep Colors
    2024/08/19

    Jill and Tom opened the show with a brief acknowledgement of Ford’s plan to add 4-door and off-road “Baja” variants to the Mustang lineup. The hosts also discussed the trimmed-down model lineup and reduced prices of the 2025 Jeep Compass. Compass prices have been slashed by up to $2000 for '25.

    Also in the first segment, Jill reviewed the Honda Ridgeline TrailSport midsize pickup truck. Though the least-capable—in terms of payload and towing capacity—model in the segment, the Ridgeline shines in terms of room, comfort, and handing. Listen in for Jill’s complete review.

    In the second segment the hosts welcome Stellantis Vice President of Advanced Colors and Material La Shirl Turner to the show. In a conversation primarily about car colors, La Shirl shared insights into how new colors are developed, and what her favorite current Stellantis colors are. (We will post examples on our Facebook page.)

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “One or Two” car-price quiz, and Jill talked about her recent travels with eBay motors.

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    56 分
  • Fewer GMC Terrains, Genesis Coupe Crossover, Los Angeles Auto Show Preview
    2024/08/12

    Tom opened the show complaining about people who spend too much time considering their selections at donut shops, specifically at Spunky Dunkers in Palatine, IL, when Tom is trying to pick up a 6-pack on his way to the studio.

    In a follow up to last week’s Ford Explorer review, Jill and Tom turned their attention to cars, and the news that GMC will be reducing the number of Terrain compact crossover trim levels to three for 2026, and just one for 2025. This is a follow up to Jill’s Explorer review from last episode, in which the hosts noted that Ford is slashing the number of that vehicle’s trim levels from eight to just four.

    Jill shared her drive impressions of the new-for-2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe. The 4-door midsize crossover deviates from the existing GV80 with its rakish roofline, more upscale trappings, and unique, higher-performance engine.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom welcome Dan Sampson of the Los Angeles Auto Show to the podcast. During a great conversation, Dan addressed the notion that auto shows are going through a period of decline, shared news about new and returning brands to the show, and shared details regarding online access to the proceedings. The L.A. Show kicks off in late November.

    In the last segment Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Real or Fake Auto Show” quiz, including a pumpkin-spice bonus question.

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    55 分
  • Mazda Rebounds, Freshened Explorer Impresses, Ford Chicago Assembly Turns 100
    2024/08/05

    Jill and Tom opened the show noting that Chinese electric-car maker BYD is exploring developing a retail network in Canada. Tom explained why the Canadian market would be friendlier to Chinese imports than the U.S. The hosts went on to discuss recent U.S.-market sales growth for Mazda. The Japanese maker had recently made public it’s intention to take the Mazda brand upmarket, and early sales of its CX-50 and CX-90 models suggest that the project is successful. Tom also shared some fun data on the cities in which the Car stuff Podcast is most popular. (Hint: City number five isn’t in the U.S.)

    Jill shared her take of the freshened 2025 Ford Explorer, the maker’s popular midsize 3-row crossover. Jill shared her drive impressions, plus explained why the updated SUV is offered in fewer trim levels for 2025.

    In the second segment, Jill and Tom are joined by Ford Heritage Brand Manager Ted Ryan. Ted shared the history of Ford’s Chicago Assembly plant. The historic factory turned 100 years old this year, and is steeped in brand history. Listen in for a list of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles built at the plant.

    In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Ford?” quiz. Tom also briefly shared his impressions of the Lexus LC 500, and Nissan Z Nismo.

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    55 分
  • New Corvette ZR1, 2025 Infiniti QX80, Remembering the Impala SS
    2024/07/29

    Jill and Tom opened the show talking about the new ZR1 Corvette model. That new king-of-the-hill ‘Vette boasts a reported 1064 horsepower, and should hit showrooms later next year. The hosts each made base-price predictions. Tom read a listener letter, and chatted briefly about the wool seats in his test Volvo XC60 Recharge small crossover.

    Tom also shared his impressions of the all-new 2025 Infiniti QX80 large SUV. Tom had called the previous-generation QX80 the worst vehicle in its class. What does he think of the new version? Listen in.

    In the second segment Jill and Tom are joined by Don Sikora of Collectible Automobile magazine. Don walked the hosts through the current issue, and shared some insights into the 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala SS featured this month. Don was also forced to indulge Tom’s reading of a series of potential feature cars for upcoming issues.

    In the last segment Jill is forced to endure Tom’s “Which Sold Better?” quiz, featuring a bonus question about the snacks available at Buc-ee’s.

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    53 分