Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Does putting nipples on a Batmobile disqualify it from being taken seriously? Is the Lotus Esprit submarine really that cool? Does Sami have unusually strong positive memories associated with Batman Forever? The answer to these questions, and more, in this introductory episode to our new bonus series that pits one (or more) star cars against the other in a battle to the death. *Rebroadcast from 2019

What was the coolest Star Car van of all time? Sami makes a passionate case for the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine, while Benjamin holds out that the TMNT Party Wagon covers all the bases. But there's a potential dark horse lurking in the background: can the A-Team van slide in an steal victory? *Rebroadcast from 2019

Benjamin shares his recent repair and modification experiences with his 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, all while detailing what car construction was like for vehicles of that make and era. Who knew that windows could be such a problem with a difficult solution? Then the conversation turns to Benjamin's track car, his Datsun Z, which has been turning laps for the last few years, though with some varying periods of downtime. He details its recent upgrades and how he'll return to the track in a few weeks with a new approach to apexes. Thanks for listening!

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ (that's the first time we'll use all caps for the name, we promise!) is the car du jour, as Benjamin shares all his thoughts about this vehicle that went into production in 2022, but struggled to meet the quality demands of the market and its high-end branding. Now with seemingly all the bugs sorted out(?), Benjamin is here to tell you how it is, and if it's a standout in the crowded field of luxury EVs. Then the guys discuss a variety of automotive news, starting with a 5 billion dollar investment from VW into an EV maker, that might overshadow the German company's own ambitions, and the fatter, slower and newer BMW M5. Thanks for listening!

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast gets their hands on a unicorn, or so they think. The 2024 Ford Maverick is the topic du jour, but unlike past discussions of the small pickup truck, this one is equipped with the fuel-friendly hybrid powertrain. While this setup was hard to find in the past, this year the Blue Oval has changed its mind about what engines are standard and which isn't, so would you pay more for less power and more MPGs? And how good is this small truck once you step back from its compact crossover roots? Then the guys discuss the endless comedy of Fisker's bankrupcty, before talking about a cool road trip Benjamin took to a gaming hub in the US. Which brings up the wonderful world of driving video games that we know our hosts can get carried away in.

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast dives into one of our hosts favorite subjects: sport sedans, as Sami gets excited to discuss Benjamins review of the 2024 Genesis G70. Now available with a turbo 2.5L four-cylinder engine, the Genesis seems to be getting better in some important ways, but Benjamin seems a bit conflicted about where this kind of sport sedan sits in the grand scheme of things. Is it as much fun as a similarly priced hot hatch? Is it as luxurious or high tech as other premium vehicles? Is it worth it? Hear the whole conversation to find out! Then the guys answer some listener questions about certified pre-owned luxury cars, why someone would go for one, and which one will fit the bill, before discussing the Belltown Hellcat Thanks for listening! We can't wait to do it all again next week!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast arrives this week with some engaged discussions about a pair of mainstream, yet exciting vehicles. But before any reviews, Benjamin shares his notes from his recent track day, where he tagged in his beefy Cadillac CTS-V for his nimble Datsun Z. After that, Benjamin describes the 2024 Hyundai Sonata, a strong player in the contracted world of mid-sized sedans. With a new design, and reworked packaging, can the new Sonata blow away the popularity of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry? Then Sami talks about the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, a PHEV version of the ever popular Lexus RX. On a long road trip, Sami had the time to experience how practical, efficient and luxurious the new plug-in RX is, but has a few issues with its approach to technology. Is it worth the nearly $20k upgrade from the entry level RX? Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast is wrapping up the shortest May ever with a great discussion of a special SUV and a merely average sport compact car. First up Sami drives and reviews the 2024 Land Rover Range Rover LWB SV, a $230,000 SUV with all the cute details and abilities that one would expect out of a product with that pricetag. His criticisms are few, but important, so be sure to listen to the whole discussion. Then Benjamin jumps in to describe his experience in the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary, a sport compact car that seems to be from a bygone era, and perhaps left on the vine to rot. Where the GTI gets more power and features, the GLI seems content to compete with just the Honda Civic Si, and mostly on a shoestring budget. What's going on at VW as these kinds of cars stall out in dealerships? Thanks for listening, and be sure to get in touch with us through our website or social media.

There are two electrified SUVs to talk about on this weeks Unnamed Automotive Podcast. First up Benjamin drives the 2024 Kia EV9, an all-electric three row SUV, which faces limited competition. Kia has plenty of experience with electrified platforms, so Benjamin dives into what makes the EV9 work and where it struggles. Then Sami gets his turn in the 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid. With a little over 20 miles of electric driving range the Japanese crossover has limited appeal as an electric alternative to the many three-rows out there, but the rest of the package may be able to save that fact. On the other hand, Sami suggests that there may be too many compromises and very little substance to the new Mazda, and that has him worried about the future of the brand. Thanks for listening!

This week the podcast returns to the two-car review format, as Sami brings up the newly redesigned 2024 Chevrolet Traverse which he drove around Georgia. The new Traverse has a new look, new engine and new technology to help it stand out in a sea of completely forgettable crossovers, but does it actually do that? Sami and Benjamin discuss. Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 BMW X2 xDrive28i, which grows in size, yet limits in personality as it borrows heavily from its MINI corporate cousins. Is the new X2 a dud or just confused? And how does it stack up in a weird segment full of featureless offerings? Thanks for listening!

Today the guys race against the clock as Sami gets locked in an air-tight room with enough oxygen for only 45 minutes of recording. During this time, the guys have to talk about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport that Benjamin recently tested. Totally redesigned for this year, the Taco has a new engine, design and interior which all had an interesting impact on Benjamin during his test drive. The guys also talk about suspension, cargo preferences, and fake trim bits during this review of the mid-size truck. Then the conversation shifts to the recently announced 2025 Ram 1500 RHO, which gets the look of the outgoing TRX but with a smaller engine. That news is followed up with the reveal of the 2025 Mercedes Benz G 580 With EQ Technology, an all-electric version of the beloved G-Wagon, and maybe the best looking EV at Mercedes. Then the guys chat about Ford's EV woes and their new strategy of making smaller, more affordable cars. Who'd've thunk it? Thanks for listening!

This week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast, our hosts dive into the Land Rover Defender 130, but not just any Defender: this one is loaded with all the trimmings, including a side-mounted accessory box, a roof rack made for camping, a ladder to access that rack, and some sweet flat-black paint. Benjamin asks, are these things useful? Are they worth the money? Won't people in the city just be tempted to mess with your cool Land Rover stuff? And Sami has his thoughts on why he's right and wrong - not to mention how the rest of the car behaves on the road. Then our hosts get dirty discussing the recently revealed 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which has finally recieved a significant redesign after being untouched for so long. While that's good news, the guys can't help but bring up the new 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, and how this news affects its standing in the Toyota truck lineup. Finally, the guys bring up some news from Up North about the banning of cars with Level 3 hands-free driving systems. Thanks for listening, be sure to head to our website or get in touch with us if you have any questions or feedback!

Following a logistical and technical complication last week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast is back to deliver the freshest and bestest takes in the automotive media. Or so we believe! This week's episode starts us off on a journey of Easter candies, before we quickly change lanes to discuss the 2024 Chevrolet Trax, the kissing cousin (eww) of the Buick Envista. This attractively priced crossover has quite a lot going for it, and very little fanfare, so is Benjamin impressed with this newly designed small car? Is it better than the rest, or even a better buy than a compact sedan? Hear Benjamin's thorough take on this interesting crossover. Then the episode heads towards a different discussion, one where our hosts question value, audience and design as they talk about the 2024 Dodge Hornet PHEV R/T. With its gimmicky PowerShot feature, this electrified crossover can sprint from 0-60 in just over 5 seconds, but why? And how is that relevant to a pricey plug-in hatchback? Is this the new hot-hatch from the American automaker, or does it miss the mark entirely? Those are the burning questions of this weeks episode, but then the guys chat about some listener feedback and questions. Thanks for listening!

Benjamin details his recent experience in the 2024 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered PHEV. That may sound like a bunch of gibberish, but the reality is that Ben had a lot to say about this 455 horsepower, plug-in hybrid wagon. Is it fast enough? Big enough? Efficient enough? Fancy enough? Benjamin has all the answers and more! Then Sami brings up all the news that popped up during the 2024 New York Auto Show, including the new Kicks, new G Class, new Defender and performance oriented Genesis vehicles (hot M A G M A!). Then the guys discuss some listener questions and feedback. Keep it coming! Thanks for listening!

Today's show starts with Benjamin's review of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, an EV that could stand on its own in a vaccuum, but runs up against a few issues when you consider the rest of the EV world. Benjamin wonders if its worth it to spring for a homegrown rival electric vehicle for just a few thousand dollars more. Then Sami continues his three-row review extravaganza with his take on the 2024 Honda Pilot TrailSport. Having undergone a thorough redesign last year, is the new Pilot a solid choice in this segment? What are its strengths and weaknesses in one of the most competitive arenas in this industry? Sami reveals his thoughts on these concerns and more! Then the guys answer a unique listener question, involving two totally different cars, but with similar family-friendly goals. Thanks for listening!

It may be St Particks Day, but our hosts are driving anything but green rides. Benjamin starts this weeks show off with a discussion of the 2024 Lexus TX 350, an all new model in the Lexus lineup, but one that feels pretty familiar to anyone who's checked out the Toyota Grand Highlander. While this three-row is more competent than past offerings by Lexus, Benjamin shares his concerns about whether this is a worthy option in this class, and what to do about its troublesome user-interface and weird driver-facing-video recordings. Then the guys talk about some weird fake heavy-duty trucks, and this history behind such a strange trend in the automotive industry. Who's heard of the Big 10, or Heavy Half before? It was certainly an eye-opener for our enthusiastic hosts. Thanks for listening!

Starting things off this week is the 2024 BMW i5 M60, a near-600 horsepower all-electric sedan that Benjamin seems impressed with, especially in comparison to the Mercedes-AMG EQE from last week. But every BMW comes with its hiccups and gimmicks, and Benjamin is more than eager to share his experience with this high-end German, and how the new executive sport sedan feels. Then Sami gets his three-row on by talking about not just one, but two family oriented crossovers. The discussion starts with the 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which seems to be the default three-row for families looking to grow from their RAV4. Then the guys go on to talk about Sami's recently tested 2024 Subaru Ascent, and how the brand has recieved a lot of credit for its steady approach to the market. Thanks for listening!!

Some high-tech luxury cars enter the Unnamed Automotive Podcast garage this week, as Sami finally shares his experience driving the totally redesigned 2024 BMW X2. Where the outgoing model was more of a hot hatch, this seems more like a sedan-ified crossover. And while that sounds kind of mundane, the sheer amount of weird technology help the X2 stand out in a way, or so Sami suggests. Then Benjamin gets his hands on the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan, which promises the world, but only delivers under certain scenarios. Be sure to listen to this segment with a checklist to see if you can remember all the things that have to go right before you can access the full power of this speedy EV. Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcasts goes dipstick deep (eww, no) into electrification this week with a discussion of every kind of electric car available these days. First Benjamin talks about the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, and how the Japanese automaker adopts its new large three-row crossover to a (hopefully) more efficient model of transportation. Benjamin goes road tripping in his electron-enhanced Mazda, and finds a few hiccups that mar the overall experience. Then Sami gets curious about all the award hype going on for the 2024 Toyota Prius AWD and checks it out himself. With more power, extroverted styling and a 'normal' looking cabin, the Toyota hybrid feels completely removed from the original example that came out nearly 25 years ago - but is it for the better? Finally Benjamin takes the rear-wheel-drive 2024 Hyundai IONIQ 5 for a spin in the snow to see if the big battery and evenly distrubuted weight make for a confident drive in slippery conditions. Then he finds out a harsh truth about EVs in cold weather... Thanks for listening, and be sure to check in next week!

The guys have returned from their short hiatus to give you even more great content and car conversations. This weeks episode starts off following Benjamin's recent drive of the 2024 Jaguar F-Type R 75, a celebration of the British automaker's great history of sports cars. Benjamin takes a cruise down Memory Ln. to talk about the F-Type and its impact on the brand, as well as how the rest of the sports car world looked when it first debuted compared to where we are now. Plus we get some more insight into his personal, (or is that questionable?) automotive tastes. Then Sami, noted Outback enthusiast and serial owner, talks about the 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition, which he isn't recommending to new car shoppers. He lists why, and the guys go on their own journey to find acceptable Outback alternatives. Finally the pair discuss some news from Ford about the brand cutting a much loved/maligned feature from their future cars. Be sure to reach out to us on social media or check out our website for more Unnamed Automotive Podcast news.