web01.fireside.fm Thu, 21 May 2026 04:19:30 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Unnamed Automotive Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Chad Kirchner” https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/tags/chad%20kirchner Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 Every week automotive journalists Benjamin and Sami review cars and get weird, and funny, and honest, about the automotive industry. en-us episodic Cars, trucks, and a weird sense of humor. Unnamed Automotive Podcast Every week automotive journalists Benjamin and Sami review cars and get weird, and funny, and honest, about the automotive industry. no cars, trucks, automotive, comedy, driving, EV, car reviews, truck reviews, EV reviews, electric vehicles, automobiles, journalism Unnamed Automotive Podcast benjamin@benjaminhunting.com Episode 381: Guest Host Chad Kirchner, 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First Edition RST https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/381 f01dc67b-1c6e-4a62-8268-aad8b037f11d Sun, 27 Oct 2024 01:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Guest host Chad Kirchner fills in for Sami this week and lends his electric vehicle expertise to Benjamin's deep dive on the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV First Edition RST electric pickup truck. 1:06:21 no <p>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. </p> Chevrolet, Silverado, Silverado EV, Chad Kirchner, automobile, automotive, car, car podcast, car talk, cars, electric vehicle, electric vehicle podcast, electric vehicle talk, electric vehicles, ev, ev podcast, ev talk, minivan, minivan talk, minivans, phev, suv, suv podcast, suv talk, suvs, truck, truck podcast, truck talk, trucks 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.

Links:

]]> 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.

Links:

]]> Episode 345: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, 2024 Buick Envista, Chad's Great Lakes Adventure https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/345 97709166-73f1-4918-825e-afe7a7788a61 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 01:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Guest Chad Kirchner from EVPulse arrives to share his thoughts on the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, which is a more mainstream Ultiuum powered vehicle carrying a lot of pressure on its quarter panels. Then Benjamin chimes in about his recent drive of the 2023 Buick Envista. The trio then talk about Chad's Great Lakes Challenge, before diving into a discussion about road-trip snacks. Thanks for listening! 1:16:09 no <p>This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast welcomes guest Chad Kirchner from EVPulse, which means a great and fun discussion of electric vehicles. Our guest arrives following his test drive of the highly anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Available with three different drive configurations (front-, rear, or all-wheel-drive) but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, the Blazer has a lot of questions to answer, and Chad has the answers ready.</p> <p>Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 Buick Envista, a budget friendly, premium crossover that has surprised many critics. Is he among the converts? What makes this small car draw so many headlines, and will it help reverse the brand image associated with Buick? Benjamin has a lot to say on the matter!</p> <p>Then the guys discuss Chad's recent Great Lakes Challenge, before going off on a tangent about junk food. Be sure to hear the whole discussion and then send us your feedback at our website or socials. Thanks for listening! </p> Chad Kirchner, EVPulse, Buick, Envista, Chevrolet, Blazer EV, Great Lakes, car talk, truck talk, SUV talk, minivan talk, EV talk, electric vehicle talk, car podcast, truck podcast, SUV podcast, EV podcast, electric vehicle podcast, cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, electiric vehicles, minivans, car, truck, automotive, automobile, minivan, EV, electric vehicle, SUV This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast welcomes guest Chad Kirchner from EVPulse, which means a great and fun discussion of electric vehicles. Our guest arrives following his test drive of the highly anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Available with three different drive configurations (front-, rear, or all-wheel-drive) but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, the Blazer has a lot of questions to answer, and Chad has the answers ready.

Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 Buick Envista, a budget friendly, premium crossover that has surprised many critics. Is he among the converts? What makes this small car draw so many headlines, and will it help reverse the brand image associated with Buick? Benjamin has a lot to say on the matter!

Then the guys discuss Chad's recent Great Lakes Challenge, before going off on a tangent about junk food. Be sure to hear the whole discussion and then send us your feedback at our website or socials. Thanks for listening!

Links:

  • 24 Hour EV Challenge: All 5 Great Lakes in One Day! — Will we run out of battery? Die of exhaustion? Simply give up? We're attempting to visit ALL 5 Great Lakes in a 2023 Nissan Ariya EV in 1 day. With only 24 hours, is it even possible to get from Lake Ontario in Canada to Lake Superior amidst the remote wilderness of the Michigan Upper Peninsula? How about while you brew a pot of coffee made from each and every lake? You'd have to be CRAZY to try that. We are.
  • Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
]]> This week, the Unnamed Automotive Podcast welcomes guest Chad Kirchner from EVPulse, which means a great and fun discussion of electric vehicles. Our guest arrives following his test drive of the highly anticipated 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV. Available with three different drive configurations (front-, rear, or all-wheel-drive) but no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, the Blazer has a lot of questions to answer, and Chad has the answers ready.

Then Benjamin reviews the 2024 Buick Envista, a budget friendly, premium crossover that has surprised many critics. Is he among the converts? What makes this small car draw so many headlines, and will it help reverse the brand image associated with Buick? Benjamin has a lot to say on the matter!

Then the guys discuss Chad's recent Great Lakes Challenge, before going off on a tangent about junk food. Be sure to hear the whole discussion and then send us your feedback at our website or socials. Thanks for listening!

Links:

  • 24 Hour EV Challenge: All 5 Great Lakes in One Day! — Will we run out of battery? Die of exhaustion? Simply give up? We're attempting to visit ALL 5 Great Lakes in a 2023 Nissan Ariya EV in 1 day. With only 24 hours, is it even possible to get from Lake Ontario in Canada to Lake Superior amidst the remote wilderness of the Michigan Upper Peninsula? How about while you brew a pot of coffee made from each and every lake? You'd have to be CRAZY to try that. We are.
  • Like what you hear? Tip us at Ko-Fi — Send a dollar our way using Ko-Fi to help support the Unnamed Automotive Podcast.
]]> Episode 316: Guest Host Chad Kirchner, 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, How Realistic Is The All-EV Future https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/316 fd12b7d7-f87e-4fc6-b0f1-a252fbe5f58c Sun, 07 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast This week guest host Chad Kirchner fills Sami's surprisingly wide shoes to bring his perspective not just on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6, but also weight in on just how realistic an all-EV future actually is, and what it will really mean for most drivers—and whether it really means the end of gas-powered autos. 1:01:37 no <p>What's waiting for drivers 10 years down the road as the automotive market increasingly leans into EVs? Guest host Chad Kirchner is here to provide his expert opinion of what the all-EV future really means for most drivers, and to reassure enthusiasts that gas-powered vehicles aren't going anywhere anytime soon. He also gives us the scoop on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6. </p> Hyundai, Ioniq 6, EV, cars, trucks, SUVs, EVs, electric vehicles, future of EVs What's waiting for drivers 10 years down the road as the automotive market increasingly leans into EVs? Guest host Chad Kirchner is here to provide his expert opinion of what the all-EV future really means for most drivers, and to reassure enthusiasts that gas-powered vehicles aren't going anywhere anytime soon. He also gives us the scoop on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Links:

]]> What's waiting for drivers 10 years down the road as the automotive market increasingly leans into EVs? Guest host Chad Kirchner is here to provide his expert opinion of what the all-EV future really means for most drivers, and to reassure enthusiasts that gas-powered vehicles aren't going anywhere anytime soon. He also gives us the scoop on the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

Links:

]]> Episode 256: 2022 Ford Maverick, 2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2022 BMW X3 M40i, Guest Chad Kirchner, Listener Questions https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/256 07d7b45a-5ff8-4d36-a12f-eebcc09818fd Sun, 09 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast 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. 54:22 no <p>For 2022, Benjamin, Sami Haj-Assaad and guest Chad Kirchner from EV Pulse ask you to consider 3D printing your own podcast, much like how the much hyped 2022 Ford Maverick provides you with instructions to DIY your own accessories. The trio talk about the little Ford trucklet in great detail, and determine if it's worthy of praise, or if it's just a modern take on the cheap truck template. </p> <p>Chad then discusses about his recent test of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all new EV from the Korean automaker, with a new platform, design language, technology, and battery setup. With a la-z-boy style recliner seat and a bunch of screens, it seems perfect for playing a made up augmented reality game that combines Pokemon Go and Carmageddon—not to mention providing a potential answer to our latest listener question.</p> <p>Finally Ben jumps into the 2022 BMW X3 M40i and describes how sport-leaning SUVs have become less comfortable and slightly more annoying to drive. Also in this episode: the trio discuss new ideas for a viral Instagram account detailing Ford Maverick Fails. </p> Ford, Maverick, Hyundai, Ioniq 5, EV, BMW, X3, M40i, Chad Kirchner, EV Pulse, car podcast, truck podcast, SUV podcast, EV podcast, car talk, truck talk, SUV talk, EV talk For 2022, Benjamin, Sami Haj-Assaad and guest Chad Kirchner from EV Pulse ask you to consider 3D printing your own podcast, much like how the much hyped 2022 Ford Maverick provides you with instructions to DIY your own accessories. The trio talk about the little Ford trucklet in great detail, and determine if it's worthy of praise, or if it's just a modern take on the cheap truck template.

Chad then discusses about his recent test of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all new EV from the Korean automaker, with a new platform, design language, technology, and battery setup. With a la-z-boy style recliner seat and a bunch of screens, it seems perfect for playing a made up augmented reality game that combines Pokemon Go and Carmageddon—not to mention providing a potential answer to our latest listener question.

Finally Ben jumps into the 2022 BMW X3 M40i and describes how sport-leaning SUVs have become less comfortable and slightly more annoying to drive. Also in this episode: the trio discuss new ideas for a viral Instagram account detailing Ford Maverick Fails.

Links:

]]> For 2022, Benjamin, Sami Haj-Assaad and guest Chad Kirchner from EV Pulse ask you to consider 3D printing your own podcast, much like how the much hyped 2022 Ford Maverick provides you with instructions to DIY your own accessories. The trio talk about the little Ford trucklet in great detail, and determine if it's worthy of praise, or if it's just a modern take on the cheap truck template.

Chad then discusses about his recent test of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, an all new EV from the Korean automaker, with a new platform, design language, technology, and battery setup. With a la-z-boy style recliner seat and a bunch of screens, it seems perfect for playing a made up augmented reality game that combines Pokemon Go and Carmageddon—not to mention providing a potential answer to our latest listener question.

Finally Ben jumps into the 2022 BMW X3 M40i and describes how sport-leaning SUVs have become less comfortable and slightly more annoying to drive. Also in this episode: the trio discuss new ideas for a viral Instagram account detailing Ford Maverick Fails.

Links:

]]> Episode 174: Classic 4x4s That Deserve A Comeback, New Nissans For Everyone https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/174 f5ad890f-e2ab-4d8a-918a-0a5f4b27da92 Sun, 31 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Guest Chad Kirchner joins to discuss 4x4 SUVs that deserve a second shot at glory, before pivoting to Nissan's big announcement about its revised vehicle line-up. 52:29 no <p>Which classic 4x4s deserve to be brought back for a second chance? Benjamin and Chad have some ideas, but Sami thinks the past should be the past. The trio then discuss Nissan's new product announcement, which will completely revise its line-up over the next few years - including an updated Z car. </p> 4x4, classic SUV, old SUV, sport-utility vehicle, classic trucks, Nissan, Z, automotive, podcast, cars, car podcast, truck podcast, trucks, Chad Kirchner Which classic 4x4s deserve to be brought back for a second chance? Benjamin and Chad have some ideas, but Sami thinks the past should be the past. The trio then discuss Nissan's new product announcement, which will completely revise its line-up over the next few years - including an updated Z car.

]]> Which classic 4x4s deserve to be brought back for a second chance? Benjamin and Chad have some ideas, but Sami thinks the past should be the past. The trio then discuss Nissan's new product announcement, which will completely revise its line-up over the next few years - including an updated Z car.

]]> Episode 162: Guest Chad Kirchner, Snowplows, 2020 Tesla Model 3, 2020 Subaru Legacy, 2020 VW Atlas Cross Sport https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/162 0a5d9727-3c29-4589-b71d-8d05719e05da Sun, 08 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast It's a mega-episode with Guest Chad Kirchner who's here to talk snowplows and the 2020 Tesla Model 3. Benjamin follows up with his experience driving the 2020 Subaru Legacy, while Sami spends some time with the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross. 1:04:03 no <p>How much do you want to know about snowplows? Guest Chad Kirchner dives deep into the art of pushing snow on this week's episode, before talking about his 2,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Benjamin compares the 2020 Subaru Legacy to the same-platform Outback he drove a few weeks earlier, while Sami laments the existence of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross SUV. </p> snowplows, plowing, Chad Kirchner, Tesla, Model 3, EV, electric car, Subaru, Legacy, Outback, Volkswagen, Atlas, Atlas Sport Cross, SUV How much do you want to know about snowplows? Guest Chad Kirchner dives deep into the art of pushing snow on this week's episode, before talking about his 2,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Benjamin compares the 2020 Subaru Legacy to the same-platform Outback he drove a few weeks earlier, while Sami laments the existence of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross SUV.

]]> How much do you want to know about snowplows? Guest Chad Kirchner dives deep into the art of pushing snow on this week's episode, before talking about his 2,000 miles behind the wheel of a 2020 Tesla Model 3. Benjamin compares the 2020 Subaru Legacy to the same-platform Outback he drove a few weeks earlier, while Sami laments the existence of the 2020 Volkswagen Atlas Sport Cross SUV.

]]> Episode 138: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Pack, Netflix Hyperdrive https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/138 5eb15909-a551-41bc-a67a-474771ed1998 Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Guest Chad Kirchner tries to convince Benjamin that the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost High Performance Pack is well worth driving. The trio then discuss the best show about competitive driving ever produced, Netflix's Hyperdrive. 47:48 no <p>Friend of the show Chad Kirchner spends time in the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBost High Performance Pack and comes back to tell Benjamin just how wrong he was about his instant dismissal of the turbocharged muscle car. Sami then leads a discussion on the Netflix show Hyperdrive, which is perhaps the first time someone has made a competitive driving program that doesn't completely suck. </p> Ford, Mustang, EcoBoost, Hyperdrive, Chad Kirchner Friend of the show Chad Kirchner spends time in the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBost High Performance Pack and comes back to tell Benjamin just how wrong he was about his instant dismissal of the turbocharged muscle car. Sami then leads a discussion on the Netflix show Hyperdrive, which is perhaps the first time someone has made a competitive driving program that doesn't completely suck.

]]> Friend of the show Chad Kirchner spends time in the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBost High Performance Pack and comes back to tell Benjamin just how wrong he was about his instant dismissal of the turbocharged muscle car. Sami then leads a discussion on the Netflix show Hyperdrive, which is perhaps the first time someone has made a competitive driving program that doesn't completely suck.

]]> Episode 132: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2019 Jeep Gladiator https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/132 bcf32a33-90ba-4be1-9263-ab4863e8eda1 Sun, 11 Aug 2019 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Auto writer Chad Kirchner shares his experiences with the $212k 2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO, Benjamin rolls like an oligarch in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, and Sami scouts out new horizons in the 2019 Jeep Gladiator. 1:05:04 no <p>Is the world ready for a version of the Nissan GT-R that costs over $200,000? Guest Chad Kirchner explains why the NISMO makes sense - and who it makes sense to - after driving the automaker's most expensive sports car to date. Benjamin relates his experiences with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, the first re-design of the boxy G-Class in decades, and argues with Sami about whether it truly has a place in this world. Finally, the three engage in a spirited debate about where, exactly, the 2019 Jeep Gladiator fits in the existing mid-size pickup truck hierarchy. </p> Chad Kirchner, Nissan, GT-R, NISMO, Mercedes-Benz, G-Class, G550, Jeep, Gladiator, Wrangler, SUV, pickup Is the world ready for a version of the Nissan GT-R that costs over $200,000? Guest Chad Kirchner explains why the NISMO makes sense - and who it makes sense to - after driving the automaker's most expensive sports car to date. Benjamin relates his experiences with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, the first re-design of the boxy G-Class in decades, and argues with Sami about whether it truly has a place in this world. Finally, the three engage in a spirited debate about where, exactly, the 2019 Jeep Gladiator fits in the existing mid-size pickup truck hierarchy.

Links:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 Review — How much are you willing to pay to be different? That’s the question that the excellent, and over-qualified 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 asks luxury SUV buyers. Slab-sided styling and go-anywhere off-road capability are major standouts in its segment, but few will actually need the extras offered by one of the last rugged overlanders left on the premium market.
  • On The Road: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 — For the 2019 model year, Mercedes-Benz finally elected to update the G-Class—the only member of its current lineup still riding on a platform brought to life via slide-rules and long-division rather than the fully-digital design environments now commonplace throughout the industry.
]]> Is the world ready for a version of the Nissan GT-R that costs over $200,000? Guest Chad Kirchner explains why the NISMO makes sense - and who it makes sense to - after driving the automaker's most expensive sports car to date. Benjamin relates his experiences with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, the first re-design of the boxy G-Class in decades, and argues with Sami about whether it truly has a place in this world. Finally, the three engage in a spirited debate about where, exactly, the 2019 Jeep Gladiator fits in the existing mid-size pickup truck hierarchy.

Links:

  • 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 Review — How much are you willing to pay to be different? That’s the question that the excellent, and over-qualified 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 asks luxury SUV buyers. Slab-sided styling and go-anywhere off-road capability are major standouts in its segment, but few will actually need the extras offered by one of the last rugged overlanders left on the premium market.
  • On The Road: 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550 — For the 2019 model year, Mercedes-Benz finally elected to update the G-Class—the only member of its current lineup still riding on a platform brought to life via slide-rules and long-division rather than the fully-digital design environments now commonplace throughout the industry.
]]> Episode 124: Guest Chad Kirchner, 2019 Ford Mustang GT350, 2019 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2 https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/124 3cbecbe6-5f41-4699-bf3a-8150928dd68f Sun, 09 Jun 2019 11:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Guest Chad Kirchner comes on the show to talk about the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350. Sami compares the track-focused pony car to his time in the half-track, half-street 2019 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 2. 51:32 no <p>What change have been made to the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350? Is it still the king of pony-land? Chad Kirchner guest hosts on the show to give his perspective after taking the new GT350 to the track. Sami and Benjamin discuss their time in the 2019 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 1 and 2 cars to see just how well they compare against the road course chops of the Shelby. </p> Ford, Mustang, Shelby, GT350, Chad Kirchner, gues What change have been made to the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350? Is it still the king of pony-land? Chad Kirchner guest hosts on the show to give his perspective after taking the new GT350 to the track. Sami and Benjamin discuss their time in the 2019 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 1 and 2 cars to see just how well they compare against the road course chops of the Shelby.

]]> What change have been made to the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350? Is it still the king of pony-land? Chad Kirchner guest hosts on the show to give his perspective after taking the new GT350 to the track. Sami and Benjamin discuss their time in the 2019 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack 1 and 2 cars to see just how well they compare against the road course chops of the Shelby.

]]>