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America on the Road Host Jack Nerad has a new favorite car. The 2025 Volvo V60 T8 Polestar Engineered has all the things an auto journalist wants in a vehicle — high horsepower, exhilarating performance, sharp handling, impressive tech, great looks, superior comfort — and it’s a STATION WAGON. Ding! Ding! Ding!
This high-performance luxury wagon blends power, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology in a package that will surprise — or maybe shock — sports car drivers who try to take it on. Designed for those who appreciate versatility without compromising performance, this Eurostyle station wagon offers an engaging driving experience with a refined interior and advanced safety features. As Nerad says, “I just plain like it.” And he’ll have all the details on why — starting with its 455 velvety horsepower — coming up.
In our other road test this week, guest co-host Matt DeLorenzo details his weeklong stint in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. With a combined 192 horsepower on tap and 47 mpg fuel economy, the Sonata Hybrid is right in the wheelhouse of the guy who runs tightwadgarage.com. Matt and Jack will have more on this often-overlooked, high-value midsize sedan in this episode.
We have a terrific guest for you this week. Dave Buchko is a senior product communications specialist at Lucid Motors and an expert on the EV brand’s new Gravity SUV. Jack Nerad caught up with him at the recent Chicago auto show, and we think you’ll enjoy the in-depth discussion of the new battery-electric SUV and its unique features.
In the news this week, say hello at in-car AI. BMW is about to introduce new models with Superbrains. We’ll tell you what that means and more coming up. Kia has revealed details on its upcoming EV4 battery-electric hatchback, and we’ll share them with you.
Say it isn’t so, but a rumor is flying through the industry that Volvo will quit making station wagons. But we’ll tell you what is most likely to happen coming up. And in the most under-reported story of the year, the United Auto Workers has fully endorsed the Trump Administration’s suggested tariffs. We’ll tell you more and give our reactions.
As always, a lot to talk about this week. We thank you for joining us.
Jack Nerad’s newest book
Jack is now offering his newest crime novel, Only One Thing Stays the Same, at a pre-publication price of just $4.99. Click here to buy from Amazon at this special limited-time price.
Matt DeLorenzo’s Book
Pick up a copy of co-host Matt DeLorenzo’s terrific new book How to Buy an Affordable Electric Car: A Tightwad’s Guide to EV Ownership.
Brought to you by:
• DrivingToday.com
• Mercury Insurance: Find out how much you can save at DrivingToday.com/auto-insurance.
• EMLandsea.com, publisher of Only One Thing Stays the Same and Dance in the Dark
We have a lot of shows for you this week. Thanks for joining us, and don’t forget to look for new content on our YouTube and Rumble channels. Please subscribe. If you do, we’ll like you forever.
America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Only One Thing Stays the Same which is available HERE on Amazon.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to this week’s Automotive Innovations
02:56 BMW’s Superbrains: The Future of AI in Cars
05:46 Kia’s EV4: Affordable Electric Vehicles
09:11 UAW and Tariffs: Industry Reactions
12:04 Volvo’s Future: The Station Wagon Debate
12:55 2025 Hyundai Sonata Road Test
18:00 2025 Volvo V60 RoadTest
26:00 Lucid Motors Gravity- David Buchko Interview
30:00 Listener Question: Getting Best Fuel Economy Insights
Keywords
automotive news, electric vehicles, AI in cars, BMW Superbrains, Kia EV4, UAW tariffs, Volvo wagons, Hyundai Sonata, Lucid Motors, fuel economy tips
Summary
In this episode of America on the Road, hosts Jack Nerad and Matt DeLorenzo discuss the latest trends in the automotive industry, including the introduction of AI in vehicles, the upcoming Kia EV4, and the implications of UAW’s support for tariffs. They also delve into the future of Volvo wagons, the Hyundai Sonata’s resurgence, and the performance of the Volvo V60. Additionally, they explore the challenges facing Lucid Motors and answer listener questions about fuel economy and gas types.
Takeaways
AI is becoming integral in automotive technology.
BMW’s Superbrains promise enhanced vehicle performance.
Kia’s EV4 aims to make electric vehicles more accessible.
UAW’s support for tariffs could reshape the industry.
Volvo’s potential shift away from wagons raises concerns.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offers impressive fuel efficiency.
The Volvo V60 combines luxury with practicality.
Lucid Motors faces a pivotal moment with leadership changes.
Understanding fuel types can impact vehicle performance.
Driving habits significantly affect fuel economy.
Sound Bites
“Will your next car offer artificial intelligence?”
“UAW endorses tariffs to protect American jobs.”
“Volvo might quit making station wagons?”
“The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid gets over 40 MPG!”
“The Volvo V60 is my favorite 2025 car!”
“Lucid Motors faces challenges with new leadership.”
“Anticipate traffic to improve fuel economy!”
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