Unnamed Automotive Podcast

Episode 263: 2022 BMW M240i xDrive, Kia Synthesizer, Hands On a Hardbody

March 6th, 2022  |  38 mins 29 secs

2 series, bmw, hands on a hardbody, m240i

We hope you like CARS! First up, Benjamin shares his experience of the 2022 BMW M240i xDrive, a two door that's been tweaked significantly over the past year. Fast and impressive, Benjamin discusses just how much the 2 Series changed over the years and what this means for the entire BMW brand. Then Sami riffs on a few news topics, including Korean EVs, an electric Ram, and a Kia music player. Finally, Benjamin shares some thoughts on the Hands on a Hard Body contest, a story which goes to a dark, and somehow musical place.

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Episode 262: 2022 Infiniti QX60, 2022 Lexus NX, 2022 BMW X3, 2022 Genesis GV70, McDonald's Arch Deluxe, Lightning Round Game

February 27th, 2022  |  39 mins 39 secs

arch deluxe, bmw, genesis, gv70, infiniti, lexus, nx, qx60, x3

The theme of this week's episode is luxury crossovers, but be sure you stick around for the fun game at the end of the episode. First Benjamin talks about the new 2022 Infiniti QX60 and where it ranks among the tiers of luxury brands. Is it just a special Nissan Pathfinder, or something more? Then Sami chats with Benjamin about his latest drives of the 2022 Lexus NX, 2022 Genesis GV70 and 2022 BMW X3, three very good yet different luxury crossovers. Finally, Sami grilles Ben in a lightning round of "This or That," which you won't want to miss.

Episode 261: 2022 BMW Alpina B8, 2022 Toyota Highlander, 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country, Weird Lexus Infotainment Designer Story, Benjamin's Nightmare Teeth

February 20th, 2022  |  42 mins 41 secs

alpina, b8, bmw, cross country, highlander, lexus, nissan, pathfinder, toyota, v90, volvo

We're back and yes, we missed you too! To start this week off right, Benjamin shares his experience with the new 2022 Alpina B8, which is a BMW 8 Series with a dark secret. Benjamin runs through the reasons why this Alpina may be the best thing for a shopper in need of luxury and performance, before he digs into one of the weirder features in the car.

Then Sami talks about the 2022 Toyota Highlander, one of the most popular three row crossovers on the market. Hear what makes it such a darling on the road. Finally Benjamin brings up a recent road trip on the 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country, and how it's driver assistance features failed to, well, assist. Come for the cars, stay for the horros of Benjamin's teeth!

Episode 256: 2022 Ford Maverick, 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2022 BMW X3 M40i, Guest Chad Kirchner, Listener Questions

January 9th, 2022  |  54 mins 22 secs

bmw, chad kirchner, ev, ev pulse, ford, hyundai, ioniq 5, m40i, maverick, x3

It's the first episode of 2022! First off, Benjamin, Sami and guest Chad Kirchner of EVPulse discuss the new 2022 Ford Maverick. Is this affordable trucklet worth all the hype? Can one really DIY themselves a bike rack? Is a 4.5-foot bed actually useful? They answer all those questions and then somehow dig up more.

Chad talks a big game about the all-new 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, which may be one of the best EVs on the market, and potentially the answer to one of our latest listener questions. It even has reclining seats! Finally Benjamin discusses his experiences with a 2022 BMW X3 M40i which packs a nice six-cylinder but a somewhat harsh suspension.

Episode 254: 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak, 2021 Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid, Forbidden Fruit Kei Cars, BMW M Book Review, Listener Questions

December 19th, 2021  |  59 mins 3 secs

bmw, book review, bronco, escape, ev, ford, jeep, phev, plug-in hybrid, wildtrak, wrangler

The Unnamed Automotive Podcast dives right into one of the most hyped debuts of the year: the 2021 Ford Bronco. Benjamin shares his experiences of driving the Wildtrak version of the new off-road SUV, and wonders if Ford has nailed this Wrangler competitor yet missed the modern sport-utility target in the process.

Sami then brings up the new 2021 Ford Escape Plug In Hybrid, a vehicle with 37 miles of electric range that squeezes between the Hyundai Tucson PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime. Is that 'good enough' for Ford, or does the Escape manage to one-up its competition in any significant way? Then there's a new segment about forbidden fruit Kei cars, followed by a BMW M book review and a listener question. There's lots to like this week, so be sure to reach out and send your questions and comments to our hosts.

Episode 250: 2022 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X, 2022 BMW 2 Series, LA Auto Show, Dolphin-Safe Cars

November 21st, 2021  |  42 mins 41 secs

2 series, 230i, bmw, dolphins, frontier, l.a. auto show, m240i, nissan

Benjamin and Sami have a full week of new car discussions, starting with the 2022 Nissan Frontier, a truckwhose platform has finally caught up with the new drivetrain it received nearly two years ago. The pair discuss whether the Frontier has any chance of competing in this segment, and why it has such insanely heavy steering.

Sami then jumps in to talk about the new 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe, which has gotten larger, wider, and heavier in the name of more power and space. Sami ponders the fate of BMW enthusiasts everywhere, who used to expect a brand with a focus on performance over outright horseppower. Then it's time to talk about the new reveals from the 2022 LA Auto Show, along with their goofy names, weird press releases, and alleged 'dolphin-safe'-ness.

Episode 249: 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022 Kia Carnival, Forza Horizon 5, Hot Wheels Unleashed Video Game

November 14th, 2021  |  43 mins 16 secs

4 series, bmw, carnival, forza, gran coupe, hot wheels, kia, minivan, video games

All those practical enthusiasts waiting on a new luxury car can breathe easy: the 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe has arrived. Sami takes a good look at the quirky and weird hatchback-sport-sedan-thing, and describes the best places for a scorpion to hide out within its funky body design. Then Benjamin chimes in with his raves about the 2022 Kia Carnival, a luxury minivan with 2nd row thrones that recline like a barber chair! Finally Sami talks brand new video games for a quick moment, and how much he loves games that treat enthusiasts and newbies honestly.

Episode 247: 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, 2022 BMW M4 Competition Track Tested, 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe

October 31st, 2021  |  41 mins 27 secs

alpina b8, bentley, bmw, flying spur, gran coupe, m4, m4 competition, m8

After performing some kind of ritualistic sacrifice, Benjamin and Sami find themselves in a pair of wildly exclusive and kind of exotic rides. First off, Benjamin describes his premiere Bentley experience, behind the wheel of the new 2022 Bentley Flying Spur. He even explains how this ultra-luxurious sedan can still manage to feel decent to drive. Sami chimes in with report about the track friendliness of the new 2022 BMW M4 Competition AWD, before describing his time in the 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe.

Episode 242: 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, 2022 Honda Civic

September 19th, 2021  |  42 mins 47 secs

alfa romeo, bmw, c63, civic, giulia, honda, m3, m4, mercedes-amg, quadrifoglio

Benjamin fires up the gnarly sounding 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio to tell a story of line-crossing performance and gorgeous styling. Sami tries out the new 2022 Honda Civic, an Accord-sized compact car that he says feels more refined... but kinda large.

Episode 240: 2021 BMW M4 Competition, 2022 Genesis GV70, The Hyundai Multiverse

September 5th, 2021  |  44 mins 30 secs

bmw, dodge challenger, ford, genesis, gt500, gv70, hellcat, m4, m4 competition, mustang, redeye, shelby, srt

Got grille? Benjamin sees past the proboscis of the 2021 BMW M4 Competition and justifies its auto-only status by pointing out how much of a bargain the Competition package is over the base model. Sami claims Genesis has pinned its German SUV rivals to the mat with the impressive new 2022 Genesis GV70. Here comes the three-count!