Notablog Automotive Podcast

Reviews of Tundra TRD Sport, Porsche Macan EV, Hyundai Elantra; Kia EV news; Car theme park rides

Episode 10: The One with the Rental Elantra

Produced by Erik Maier

Byron and James kick off the show talking about the latest Kia EV news, including the EV4 electric sedan we'll get here and the Concept EV3 SUV that we won't. James then reviews the Toyota Tundra TRD Sport, the new, entry-level off-roading version of the Tundra. He compares it to the similar Ram 1500 Warlock. Next they turn to Byron's experience in a humble Hyundai Elantra rental car and how base trim levels (and rental cars) aren't that bad any more. Far from it! James also reviews the Porsche Macan EV and whether the switch to all-electric was a good one. Finally, Byron and James discuss the car-themed attractions at Universal Studios in Orlando as well as Test Track at Epcot. 

A Dodge Roadster?; VW ID. Buzz Review; Subaru Forester; BTS of a Press Event

Episode 9: The Buzz

Produced by Erik Maier

In this week's episode, James has just arrived in Palm Springs for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT press launch after traversing the greater L.A. area in an atmospheric river. Old Mercedes wagon FTW again. They then turn to a review of the VW ID. Buzz, which garnered more (positive) attention than any car James can remember in nearly 20 years of car testing. Next up is a review of a very different type of vehicle (for better and for worse), the new Subaru Forester. In the news section, Byron shares his own reporting for The Drive about what we can expect from Dodge in the future. Are V8s really dead? Is an affordable, Miata-like roadster possible? Finally, they take you behind the scenes of what happens at a new car press launch event, why they exist, what they're invaluable and why they're also ridiculous. 

Toyota 4Runner & Jeep Wagoneer S Reviewed; Chevy Tahoe's Stupid 24" Wheels; Honda News

Episode 8: 24-Inch Wheels are Stupid

Produced by Erik Maier

Byron reviews the new Jeep Wagoneer S, the first all-electric vehicle from Jeep. James then reviews the long-awaited new Toyota 4Runner, specifically the TRD Off Road trim level. They then turn to the revised 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and the ridiculous 24-inch wheel option that just about ruins the thing. James gets quite cheesed about it. They also review the updated 2025 Acura MDX Type S. In the news segment Byron details what he learned from a recent trip to Honda's new manufacturing center in Ohio. A game of "Would you rather?" closes out the show. 

Ram Warlock (yay); Chevy Traverse Z71 (yuck); Tesla Model Y Juniper; Acura RSX; What the hell is Stellantis doing?

Episode 7: Let's take the Warlock!

Produced by Erik Maier

We kick off this week's episode talking about two off-road-oriented new vehicles, one James liked and one he very much did not: the Ram 1500 Warlock and the Chevy Traverse Z71. Next, they turn to a hefty pile of car news. They discuss the new Acura RSX, including the way it looks and whether the original "RSX" really has that much of a fanbase to piss off? They turn to the just-revealed Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, the coming-soon-but-yet-to-be-seen Honda CR-V TrailSport and the revamped Tesla Model Y Juniper. They end the show wondering just what the hell is Stellantis doing? And they don't mean Peugeot or Opel. 

Tesla Model 3 Highland; CES BTS; Cars Coming for 2025; Honda Civic Hybrid w/ Reese Counts

Episode 6: Talkin' in a Tesla with Reese Counts

Produced by Erik Maier

James is driving solo this week and kicks off the show describing CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) that's happening this week in Las Vegas. He talks about the overwhelming size of it, the increased importance to the car world, and what it's been like to cover it the previous two years. He then talks about four cars he's looking forward to driving in 2025 including the Dodge Charger Daytona and Honda Prelude. In the second half of the show, James travels to Malibu for an Interview in a Car with Edmunds Vehicle Test Editor Reese Counts who brought the Edmunds long-term Tesla Model S Long-Range. They talk extensively about the Model 3 Highland and what it's like inside. They also talk about Reese's recent tests of the base Porsche 911 Carrera and GM's extremely heavy Chevy Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV, plus the Honda Civic Hybrid. 

Best & Worst Cars of 2024; Nissan Kicks; Sad and Confusing News w/ Joel Stocksdale

Episode 5: Obligatory End-of-Year List Content featuring Joel Stocksdale

Produced by Erik Maier

In the last episode of 2024, James talks about his time in the new Nissan Kicks (exciting right!?!) before he and Byron run down their lists of the best, worst, most surprising, most disappointing and just-plain favorite cars of 2024. You want end-of-year list content? We'll give you end-of-year list content! They then welcome former colleague and current Carbuzz writer Joel Stocksdale to talk about the latest car industry news. This includes the passing of automotive industry legend Jean Jennings, former editor-in-chief of Automobile magazine and one cool lady. They each share stories about how Jean impacted their careers (and Byron's fashion decisions). Next they weigh in on the reported Honda-Nissan merger as well as the purchase of Motor Trend by Hearst. James makes a couple jokes about Hearst Castle that don't land. He's sorry (Doubt it! -BH). 

New JaGUar; '26 Hyundai Palisade; VW ID.Buzz & BTS of MotorWeek w/ Jessica Ray

Episode 4: The New Jaaaaag featuring Jessica Ray

Produced by Erik Maier

We start off the show with an update from Byron and then dive into the news to discuss the 2026 Hyundai Palisade. An Oldsmobile Delta 88 is referenced. Then, we turn to a topic that's transcended the automotive world: the reimagined Jaguar. We touch on the Type 00 concepts, plus great Jags we've driven and what went wrong. Later, we're joined by MotorWeek's Jessica Ray, who shares her experiences with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. We somehow end up comparing it to a Cybertruck. She also shares what it's like to put together a MotorWeek segment and discuss the long-running show's legacy. 

LA Auto Show; Hyundai Ioniq 9; Star Trek cars!; Auto Show BTS w/ Joel Stocksdale & James Bell (Episode 3)

Episode 3: LAAS 2024 featuring Joel Stocksdale and James Bell

Produced by Erik Maier

 

We talk about the new car introductions at the 2024 LA Auto Show, including the Hyundai Ioniq 9, Honda Passport TrailSport, VW Tiguan and Kia's EV9 GT, EV6 and Sportage. Byron, James and fellow journalist Joel Stocksdale also talk about what it's like to cover an auto show as a reporter and video host -- or rather, what it used to be like and how it's changed. To double the number of Canadian-born Jameses on the show, our Interview in a Car this week is with James Bell, Kia's head of corporate communications and public relations. He details what's new about the various new Kias at LAAS 2024 as well as what it's like to plan and put on an auto show press day. Finally, in an attempt to suck in as many new listeners as possible, we introduce our new audience-attracting feature, the High Priority SEO Evergreen Listicle of the Week: Top 10 Cars of Star Trek. Hard-hitting stuff for the masses to be sure.