Summer ReHeat: Star Car Faceoff - Batmobiles vs. James Bond Cars

This week, Benjamin drives the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, a mainstream offering found on the same Ultium platform as many other high end EVs like the Acura ZDX and Cadillac Lyriq. Benjamin discusses his experience in the Chevy, and compares it to other popular mainstream options like the the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan Ariya and VW ID.4. The pair also discuss whether GM is on track or not in this highly competitive segment. Then Sami checks out the 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid, which swaps out the V6 from the gas model for a hybrid powertrain boasting nearly 50 percent better fuel efficiency, without much of a compromise. But is this upgraded Carnival a big deal in the minivan market? How does it compare to the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica and Honda Odyssey? Sami discusses it all on this week's episode. Thanks for listening!!

Sami has returned from his European adventure with a wonderful taste of life to share on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast. Or he tries to explain to Benjamin what the candy-like "smoothie melt"s he feeds his child are... Either way, there's lots to discuss in this week's episode, starting with the EcoBoost powered 2024 Ford Mustang convertible, which Benjamin reviews and compares to some other similarly priced sports cars. Then Sami talks about the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV, and how it fares compared to other affordable electric vehicles on the market. Finally the guys talk about an AMC-focused book and discuss if Honda would buy Jeep and Ram. Thanks for listening!

How far can you tow with an electric pickup ? How useful is a Midgate cargo box? How huge is the massive battery installed in Chevy's latest EV? Guest host Chad Kirchner helps Benjamin dig deep on his review of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First Edition RST, a full-size truck that outdoes its rivals on power and range but comes with a few caveats that might cramp the style of some buyers.

This week the Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a pair of vehicles with glaring bugs and issues. The episode starts off with Benjamin's review of the 2025 Ram 1500 Limited, now equipped with a high-output turbocharged straight six-cylinder engine. While attractive and high-tech, Benjamin put the truck through its towing paces and found it to be a headache at times. Hear his thoughts on what went right, and what went wrong with this new pickup. Then Sami tests out the latest small EV from Volvo, the EX30. A hatchback shaped vehicle with a minimalist interior, the EX30 looks interesting enough, but vast pricing differences between the US and Canada has Sami reeling. Making things worse, the Volvo had a poor infotainment experience, which marred the whole vehicle for our host. Thanks for listening!

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast tackles a new EV this week alongside a fancy—and pricey—new hybrid pickup truck. The show starts off with Sami's first drive of the 2024 Subaru Solterra, an EV that was made in collaboration with Toyota, but lacks any competitive edge in a saturated market. Sami tries to find a redeeming factor in this Subaru, but doesn't get very far, just like the vehicle's listed range. Then Benjamin climbs into the cab of a 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited Hybrid, and put it through its paces doing truck stuff. Loaded with tons of power from its i-Force Max drivetrain, the new Hybrid Taco is among the punchiest mid-size trucks on the market, but this model may be plagued by some first year issues and bugs. Thanks for listening!

This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast dives into the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla, a hot hatchback inspired by rally racing machines. Equipped with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, Benjamin gives us his full review of this all-wheel-drive hatch, and has plenty to say about how it feels to push it through the rough and tumble rural environment he calls home. He also details its fancy AWD system, and how it stacks up to other systems on the market. Then the guys take a quick tangent to discuss suing NASCAR for anti competitive behaviour. Where is the formerly accessible sport heading? Be sure to get in touch and let us know what you think! Thanks for listening!

This week's Unnamed Automotive Podcasts asks, how attractive is an average EV if its too expensive? It seems the market is rife with EV options, but are they worth exploring if they're too expensive? Consider the 2024 Fiat 500e that Sami is reviewing for this weeks episode. Cute and well equipped, it seems much more expensive than other EVs in the same class, or even models from a year ago. Then Benjamin has some choice words about the 2024 Acura ZDX A-Spec. Lacking important equipment as the 500-hp Type S model tested a few weeks ago, the A-Spec feels featureless and expensive. Benjamin makes a point about how an Acura enthusiast or buyer may feel out of place in this offering, despite it being one of the brands most expensive options. Thanks for listening!

The discussion this week opens with the 2025 Mini Cooper S, a formerly subcompact car that's grown up a bit, but still has a way to broadcast its cute charm. Benjamin has plenty to say about its design, but there are a few important issues he brings up about its user experience. Does that all get in the way of how it drives? Then Sami chimes in with a review of TWO Honda Civics. First up is the manual-only 2025 Civic Si, which gets a few mild updates this year to ensure no one forgets about this sport-compact staple. Sami has a lot to say about whether the Si is still worth talking about these days, and if it's gone too far from the usual gameplan of being a cheap fun car. Then he discusses the 2025 Civic Hatchback Hybrid, which has plenty of torque along with incredibly low fuel consumption, making it a jack of all trades. But it does carry a steep price tag in some regions, which turns him off entirely.

Benjamin and Sami discuss the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS. Benjamin explains his thoughts on the confusing introduction of tS branding, and whether the new BRZ is still a champion of affordable driving joy. Then the duo discuss why the BRZ hasn't yet been fitted with a factory turbo, and how such a decision would shake up the automotive landscape. Is Toyota behind all of this? Thanks for listening!

Benjamin and Sami start this weeks podcast talking about some random, forgettable, but weird and cool cars before shifting gears to talk about the 2024 Acura ZDX, which is the Japanese brand's first EV. However, it's not an all new design, and may lack some Acura DNA. That's because it's made by GM, and packs a lot of General Motors best elements, including a huge battery, lots of power and awesome hands-free driving technology. Is that enough considering the ZDX's high pricetag and all-too-similar competitors? Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 BMW i7 M70, a high-powered executive sedan with tons of power and torque. Loaded with all the gizmos and gadgets, Benjamin has so much to say about this expensive ride, but there seem to have been a few technical hiccups during his test drive of the EV. Thanks for listening, catch you next week!