With 300 or so episodes under their belt, it seems like the hosts of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast are taking things a bit more seriously... that is, after the unbelivable holiday break and other international shenanigans. While Sami keeps things light-hearted and entertaining, Benjamin dives into the new 2023 Land Rover Defender 130, which is billed as "the more family friendly rugged off-roader." After the new Defender gains a whole new standard row of seating, and 500 pounds of mass, Benjami...
Jan 19, 2023•44 min
New year, new S-You-Vs! The the Unnamed Automotive Podcast returns with a pair of 'off-road inspired' SUVs to talk about. Benjamin gets plenty of time in the new 2023 Kia Sportage X-Line, and asks if ruggedness was standard in past iterations of the Kia cute-ute. The pair discuss the variety of options and features available in the Kia, and compare it to the recent Honda CR-V to determine which one is best destined for buyers driveways. Then Sami chimes in about his experience with the 2023 Mazd...
Jan 08, 2023•36 min
If you want to spend your Christmas talking cars, your two favorite podcasts hosts are here for you. First Sami discusses his time in the 2023 Genesis Electrified G80, an all-electric version of the executive sedan that put the Korean luxury brand on the map. Hear Sami describe what compromises were made in this conversion, and whether the EV is a better buy over its gas-powered variant. Then Benjamin chimes in with his experience of the 2023 Honda CR-V, a car that's been thoroughly redesigned a...
Dec 25, 2022•41 min
First up Benjamin grabs the 2022 Chevrolet Volt EUV, a vehicle that tries to defy established nomenclature and expectations of a crossover-fied car. Hear his thoughts on the affordable EV and how livable this former fire hazard is and wonder aloud with our hosts about the future of the Bolt nameplate. Then Sami chimes in with a recap of the 2023 Subaru Ascent, and relates it to his experience in the recently refreshed 2023 model. With more cameras, technology, and a segment leading 19 cupholders...
Dec 18, 2022•46 min
It's another big week of car talk on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast. Before our hosts get on a roll with this week's discussion, they first share a few updates about the podcast, and what kind of year it's been thanks to our dedicated listeners. THANK YOU! Then Benjamin and Sami jump into talking about the new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2. As if trucks aren't rugged and capable, this model takes things even further by featuring a 6.2 liter V8 engine and a super high tech and impressive damper se...
Dec 11, 2022•38 min
Benjamin spends a significant amount of time talking about the new 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, a truck that has luxury ambitions and a high-end price. While Sami balks at its MSRP, Ben goes through all the reasons this truck is worth it, the details of its emergency redesign, and why it needed to impress to help us forget all about the disappointing outgoing model. Then Sami chimes in to talk about his recent expereince in the 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, and his journey to 10 different DC Fa...
Dec 04, 2022•45 min
It's not common, but every once in a while, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast delivers a ton of new car information. Wait, isn't that what they do every episode? This week our hosts run down all the cool new arrivals from the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, including the off-road oriented 2023 Porsche 911 Dakar, the stylish new 2023 Toyota Prius, the EV-only Fiat 500e, the all new, and weird looking 2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6, and the hatchback-only new 2023 Subaru Impreza. Lots of fun talk about the latest ...
Nov 27, 2022•30 min
It's hatchback mania at the Unnamed Automotive Podcast—but these practical five-doors are more than a bit unusual. First Sami talks about the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, which has gotten a fairly substantial overhaul this year. Thanks to raised expectations from the more premium base Civic, the Type R feels more mature, yet Sami says this hasn't impacted the rowdiness of the hot hatch. After a few prodding and overly-personal questions, Benjamin and Sami decide whether the new Civic Type R is worth...
Nov 20, 2022•53 min
No sports cars were harmed in the making of this week's episode, as Benjamin and Sami talk about the brand new 2023 Nissan Z coupe, which features a unique blend of old and new. Benjamin managed to keep the Z for a whole week, and put it through its paces, testing out all aspects of the new coupe. With a twin-turbo V6 originally from Infiniti, a tweaked platform from the last gen 370Z, and exterior design cues borrowed from the Z's long history, there's plenty to talk about. Not to mention where...
Nov 13, 2022•56 min
If you felt that the podcast has been about EVs and crossovers, then catch this week's episode that focuses mostly on sporty compact cars. First Sami describes his time in the 2022 Subaru WRX, which gets a new look and motor, along with a redesigned cabin. Since there's no high end STI anymore, can the WRX carry the performance crown with its meagre setup? Sami and Benjamin talk about the company, CVTs, driving feel and refinement before adding another experience to the mix. Extra discussion arr...
Nov 06, 2022•33 min
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Benjamin finds himself in yet another hulking V8 powered monster: the 2022 Jaguar F-Pace SVR. With 550 ponies and an accompanying eight-cylinder soundtrack to boot, he has plenty to say about this European SUV while the rest of its rivals wave goodbye to high displacement engines for good. Sami on the other hand is here to talk about the new 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, and is amazed at how much it's grown over the years. Now reasonably high end,...
Oct 30, 2022•47 min
Sami just jumped off a plane from Copenhagen where he got up close and impersonal with the 2024 Polestar 3. While the automaker claims this is the true expression of the Polestar brand, Sami and Benjamin dive into whether or not that's true, drilling into the design language, technology, interior and psychology of the brand. Also, is Polestar luxury or not? Whats the deal here? Then Benjamin rekindles his love affair with all things V8 and powerful by testing out the latest 2022 Dodge Challenger...
Oct 23, 2022•39 min
Did you miss supercar chats on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast? This week's episode will certainly help satiate your need for mid-engine information, as Sami describes his recent drive experience of the 2023 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica. Following the invite to 'take all his souls to drive,' Sami blasted off to Palm Springs to check out the latest and perhaps last example of the Lamborghini Huracan. Hear Sami explain in detail what it's like to handle a 630 hp, rear-wheel drive, mid-engine beast t...
Oct 13, 2022•33 min
Get up to speed with Unnamed Automotive Podcast this week, which dives into a number of new automotive stories. First our hosts explain the Kia Boyz, their TikTok fuelled social media thefts, and Hyundai/Kia's half-assed response to the vulnerability left in a large number of their cars. Then the guys discuss a news piece about an unlucky Hyundai Elantra N owner, whose car was deregistered for having an excessively loud exhaust setup... except that setup was totally stock. Then Sami brings up th...
Oct 06, 2022•44 min
Another high speed podcast from your favorite high speed hosts! Benjamin and Sami dive into some serious discussions about a pair of sport sedans. First up Ben gets his hands on the 668 hp 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. As the owner of a first gen CTS-V there are few more qualified to describe just how this fiery four-door drives. Listen to Benjamin run down the history of sport sedans and why the Blackwing is such a highlight these days. Then Sami comes on to dish some high speed electric car k...
Sep 29, 2022•57 min
Aren't you tired of hearing the Unnamed Automotive Podcast cover mainstream cars that you might actually see on the road? This weeks episode deals with those blahs you're feeling with a pair of niche luxury vehicles. First up Benjamin talks about the 2022 Lexus LX600, which rides on a new platform and features a fresh powertrain. But things aren't aligning properly for Ben, who isn't sure if this is really a Escalade competitor, or a Land Cruiser replacement. Sure it has the 'golden ratio,' but ...
Sep 22, 2022•51 min
Big things is the subtitle for episode 286, as Benjamin and Sami drive and dive into a pair of new SUVs on the road. First up Benjamin discusses the 2023 Cadillac Escalade V, a large barge of a truck with nearly 50 percent more supercharged power than the normal Escalade. He describes what its like to wield that much force when you're piloting such an enormous vehicle. As usual, there are a more than a few tangents about related vehicles and the latest updates to GM's Super Cruise feature. Then ...
Sep 15, 2022•53 min
Whoa now, are you looking for more automotive shenanigans and blabber? Then you came to the right place, as Sami and Benjamin are eager to share their thoughts on the latest happenings in the automotive industry. First Benjamin talks about the 2022 Hyundai Kona N, a high-performance, yet front-wheel-drive crossover that may have spelled doom for the first Hyunda N product. Hear how a capital-E enthusiast like Ben feels about a FWD, automatic-only performance car, and then take a trip back in tim...
Sep 06, 2022•48 min
Benjamin revs up the episode with his review of the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N, a high-performance compact sedan that seems to be running away with all the attention in its class. Featuring a turbo, spoilers, sticky tires, and beefy brakes, Ben dives into the nitty gritty of the Elantra and the N-brand's history. Then Sami brings his unique brand of energy into the podcast when describing the 2023 Genesis GV60, an all-electric crossover based on the same bones as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. Whi...
Aug 30, 2022•40 min
What's it like when you add 470 horsepower to a chassis that already shudders at half that output? Benjamin scrapes his brains off the floor and attempts to make sense of the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, a truck so crazy that not even SRT was willing to put its name on it. Sami then explains how confusing his time in the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 was. Is this a hot hatch? A 'cheap' Mercedes-Benz that costs more than $60k? Or is it yet another in a line of front-wheel drive Silver Star-badged ri...
Aug 21, 2022•35 min
Benjamin discusses his time in the 2022 BMW i4, and not just any ole i4, but the M50 version with incredible performance metrics. You'll want to hear all the details about how this EV-converted 4 Series feels on the road, and whether it follows the same mantra as BMWs other electric vehicle, the iX. From there the duo dive into a variety of topics including the shockingly bad range of electric pickups when they're towing, according to some tests done over at MotorTrend with the new F-150 Lightni...
Aug 07, 2022•39 min
House of WILDERNESS, TRD, TRAIL RATED and WILDTRAK your off-road romping days are numbered, as Benjamin and Sami arrive this week to talk about the new 2022 Ford Bronco Sport, a rugged alternative to the Ford Escape and a competitor to many other compact crossovers on the market. Outfitted with a turbocharged three-cylinder, Sami talks about how it handles the rigours of everyday driving, and the various pros and cons of pretending to go off-road. Then Benjamin chimes in about cruising around in...
Jul 31, 2022•41 min
Sami and Benjamin have returned from their vacations with plenty of stories to tell. First the two catch up with all the cool cars and sights during their travels, with Ben reflecting on a certain era of vehicle that stands out in his mind after an unusual old school Honda Pilot encounter. Then the pair dive into a conversation about the new 2022 Kia EV6, an all-electric car that's mechanically similar to the Hyundai IONIQ 5, but with different styling and, somehow, more range. Benjamin describe...
Jul 24, 2022•50 min
Benjamin talks about his recent drive of the all-new 2022 Toyota Tundra and it's turbocharged six cylinder engine. Considering the Tundra's predecessor hailed from the Jurassic era, Benjamin goes into detail about how much has changed this time around and whether the Tundra has what it takes to best America's popular trucks. Then listen closely as Sami shares the tale of his time in the 2022 Porsche Panamera Platinum Edition. The German sedan is pricey, large and far from sprightly, so of course...
Jul 10, 2022•45 min
We're back to discuss a new crossover and a wild enthusiast oriented event. First Benjamin talks about the new 2022 Mazda CX-50, which looks rugged and tough in all the marketing, but as it turns out that marketing is doing all the heavy lifting. Is the CX-50 comparable to a Forester Wilderness? And how much does that matter? Then Sami comes back from merry old England and the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which he described as a celebration of all things performance and speed. He talks about the ...
Jul 03, 2022•38 min
The guys take two completely different paths this week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast. First Sami goes the family friendly route with the 2022 Toyota Sienna. Available only as a hybrid, Sami starts off by describing a few of the vans shortcomings before diving into what makes this a smart entry in the world of three row vehicles. Then Benjamin takes a walk on the wild side with the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness, an all-new trim package that boasts several off road modifications, similar to ...
Jun 26, 2022•46 min
Welcome to the "Oops! All bangers!" edition of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast, where Ben and Sami dive into two of the coolest cars around. First Sami talks about the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II that he drove (and was driven in) through Nice and Monaco. He talks how the company spent five years developing new wheel designs, and put twinkling stars in the headlight enclosures before describing the various customized models he got to check out before discussing the ultra luxury...
Jun 19, 2022•48 min
They shook the magic eight ball and it came up "trucks." Sami and Benjamin dive into some rugged, practical machines this week, with Mr.Hunting starting with a closer look at the 2022 Honda Ridgeline. Now facing stiff competition from new trucklets like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, how can the Ridgeline stay appealing to shoppers? Benjamin points out a few of the flaws in Honda's approach, and the two brainstorm what is needed from the Japanese automaker to keep its name in peoples ...
Jun 12, 2022•43 min
It's time to talk about everything speedy, fun and joyful. First up, Benjamin describes his time in the 2022 Toyota GR86, the successor to the lightweight, fun-to-drive 86 that caught the attention of enthusiasts everywhere. He recaps the importance of the older 86, which is important context to his experience in the new GR86, which recieves a new powertrain and updated interior along with a new exterior design. Are all these upgrades a good thing? Listen to Benjamin tell it all, and explain wha...
Jun 05, 2022•50 min
This week on the Unnamed Automotive Podcast, the duo jump into action to discuss the 2023 BMW iX M60, a combination of BMW's M, i and X brands that looks... frumpy. Besides the exterior design, the M60 sports a ton of power and performance, especially in a straight line. But everyone knows that a BMW M product has to sound cool too, so be sure to hear Sami explain how the iX M60 achieves its signature soundtrack. Then Benjamin dives in to talk about the 2022 Acura MDX Type S, which leverages Acu...
May 29, 2022•49 min
