web02.fireside.fm Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:07:34 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Unnamed Automotive Podcast - Episodes Tagged with “Gran Coupe” https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/tags/gran%20coupe Sun, 14 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0500 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 249: 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022 Kia Carnival, Forza Horizon 5, Hot Wheels Unleashed Video Game https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/249 d37284c3-f7ad-4fb5-a470-45467ccdbb37 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast 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. 43:16 no Sami starts things off with a discussion of the new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, a weird car that fills a narrow space in the industry, but seems to capture the hearts of enthusiasts (or at least Sami's) in a way that no robot (Subaru or Honda branded one) can match. Also, the pair ponder where a scorpion would hide out from the heat within the folds of the BMW's design. This segment has a ton of fun segues, including "remember the (insert random acroynm of BMW vehicle here)?" and "What's better, a weird hatchback, a wagon, or a lifted wagon with body cladding?" Benjamin then brings up how much fun he had with the 2022 Carnival, Kia's new minivan that goes all-in on luxury. While Sami whines that "minivans are for families," Benjamin remains perfectly composed in describing the true K-luxury offered by #vanlife. Finally, Sami talks quickly about a pair of video games he's been playing that seem to treat car enthusiasts honestly: Forza Horizon 5 and Hot Wheels Unleashed. As usual, check out the website for more content, and don't forget to subscribe or send a review! BMW, 4 Series, Gran Coupe, Hot Wheels, Kia, Carnival, minivan, Forza, video games, car talk, truck talk, SUV talk, car podcast, truck podcast, SUV podcast Sami starts things off with a discussion of the new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, a weird car that fills a narrow space in the industry, but seems to capture the hearts of enthusiasts (or at least Sami's) in a way that no robot (Subaru or Honda branded one) can match.

Also, the pair ponder where a scorpion would hide out from the heat within the folds of the BMW's design. This segment has a ton of fun segues, including "remember the (insert random acroynm of BMW vehicle here)?" and "What's better, a weird hatchback, a wagon, or a lifted wagon with body cladding?"

Benjamin then brings up how much fun he had with the 2022 Carnival, Kia's new minivan that goes all-in on luxury. While Sami whines that "minivans are for families," Benjamin remains perfectly composed in describing the true K-luxury offered by #vanlife.

Finally, Sami talks quickly about a pair of video games he's been playing that seem to treat car enthusiasts honestly: Forza Horizon 5 and Hot Wheels Unleashed. As usual, check out the website for more content, and don't forget to subscribe or send a review!

Links:

]]> Sami starts things off with a discussion of the new 2022 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, a weird car that fills a narrow space in the industry, but seems to capture the hearts of enthusiasts (or at least Sami's) in a way that no robot (Subaru or Honda branded one) can match.

Also, the pair ponder where a scorpion would hide out from the heat within the folds of the BMW's design. This segment has a ton of fun segues, including "remember the (insert random acroynm of BMW vehicle here)?" and "What's better, a weird hatchback, a wagon, or a lifted wagon with body cladding?"

Benjamin then brings up how much fun he had with the 2022 Carnival, Kia's new minivan that goes all-in on luxury. While Sami whines that "minivans are for families," Benjamin remains perfectly composed in describing the true K-luxury offered by #vanlife.

Finally, Sami talks quickly about a pair of video games he's been playing that seem to treat car enthusiasts honestly: Forza Horizon 5 and Hot Wheels Unleashed. As usual, check out the website for more content, and don't forget to subscribe or send a review!

Links:

]]> Episode 247: 2022 Bentley Flying Spur, 2022 BMW M4 Competition Track Tested, 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/247 2b56eed7-9975-479f-ae48-96473183916a Sun, 31 Oct 2021 08:00:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast 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. 41:27 no Benjamin slumps into his chair and sighs, missing the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur he's recently tested. It's his first taste of Bently goodness and he has a lot to say about about the ultra-luxurious, ultra exclusive sedan. He goes through some of the pricey options (like the hood ornament) and intimately describes the car's flashy James Bondian dashboard. Sami then gives us his quick impressions of the new all-wheel-drive 2022 BMW M4 Competition, which he drove on the curvy course at Thermal. He follows that up 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, a car that may look like the average 8 Series, but which hides a far more exclusive secret, forcing Benjamin to grill Sami about his sensibilities by asking if this Alpina worth nearly $10,000 more than the M8 Gran Coupe that the two podcast hosts enjoyed just a year ago. Listen to get all the details as well as to hear a deep Hellraiser reference, coming in hot for our spookiest holiday. Bentley, Flying Spur, BMW, M4, M4 Competition, M8, Alpina B8, Gran Coupe, car podcast, truck podcast, SUV podcast, car talk, truck talk, SUV talk Benjamin slumps into his chair and sighs, missing the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur he's recently tested. It's his first taste of Bently goodness and he has a lot to say about about the ultra-luxurious, ultra exclusive sedan. He goes through some of the pricey options (like the hood ornament) and intimately describes the car's flashy James Bondian dashboard.

Sami then gives us his quick impressions of the new all-wheel-drive 2022 BMW M4 Competition, which he drove on the curvy course at Thermal. He follows that up 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, a car that may look like the average 8 Series, but which hides a far more exclusive secret, forcing Benjamin to grill Sami about his sensibilities by asking if this Alpina worth nearly $10,000 more than the M8 Gran Coupe that the two podcast hosts enjoyed just a year ago.

Listen to get all the details as well as to hear a deep Hellraiser reference, coming in hot for our spookiest holiday.

Links:

]]> Benjamin slumps into his chair and sighs, missing the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur he's recently tested. It's his first taste of Bently goodness and he has a lot to say about about the ultra-luxurious, ultra exclusive sedan. He goes through some of the pricey options (like the hood ornament) and intimately describes the car's flashy James Bondian dashboard.

Sami then gives us his quick impressions of the new all-wheel-drive 2022 BMW M4 Competition, which he drove on the curvy course at Thermal. He follows that up 2022 BMW Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, a car that may look like the average 8 Series, but which hides a far more exclusive secret, forcing Benjamin to grill Sami about his sensibilities by asking if this Alpina worth nearly $10,000 more than the M8 Gran Coupe that the two podcast hosts enjoyed just a year ago.

Listen to get all the details as well as to hear a deep Hellraiser reference, coming in hot for our spookiest holiday.

Links:

]]> Episode 201: 2021 Land Rover Defender, 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe, 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/201 d641e944-8198-42f5-8e08-daab249b3880 Sun, 06 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Sami slips behind the wheel of the iconic Land Rover Defender to decide whether the 2021 model carries on the lineage, shortly before having his mind blown by the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. Benjamin is baffled by the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe, which is now the most affordable car offered by the German automaker. 43:59 no Does the 2021 Land Rover Defender capture the unobtanium spirit that made its predecessor such a legend in North America, or is it merely another good SUV from the British 4x4 brand? Sami spends time with the four-door Land Rover and is surprised by the impression it makes on him. Even more surprising? His newfound love for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, whose plug-in hybrid drivetrain erases its previous sins. Benjamin has a more confusing experience with the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe. It's the most affordable BMW out there, but does it make the best introduction to the brand? And are there better choices for the same money in BMW's own showroom? Land Rover, Defender, Toyota, RAV4, RAV4 Prime, Prime, BMW, 2 Series, 228i, Gran Coupe, car podcast, truck podcast, car talk, truck talk, SUV, 4x4, off-road Does the 2021 Land Rover Defender capture the unobtanium spirit that made its predecessor such a legend in North America, or is it merely another good SUV from the British 4x4 brand? Sami spends time with the four-door Land Rover and is surprised by the impression it makes on him. Even more surprising? His newfound love for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, whose plug-in hybrid drivetrain erases its previous sins.

Benjamin has a more confusing experience with the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe. It's the most affordable BMW out there, but does it make the best introduction to the brand? And are there better choices for the same money in BMW's own showroom?

]]> Does the 2021 Land Rover Defender capture the unobtanium spirit that made its predecessor such a legend in North America, or is it merely another good SUV from the British 4x4 brand? Sami spends time with the four-door Land Rover and is surprised by the impression it makes on him. Even more surprising? His newfound love for the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime, whose plug-in hybrid drivetrain erases its previous sins.

Benjamin has a more confusing experience with the 2021 BMW 228i Gran Coupe. It's the most affordable BMW out there, but does it make the best introduction to the brand? And are there better choices for the same money in BMW's own showroom?

]]> Episode 198: 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV, 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe, Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS Swap Update https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/198 602638f5-58aa-4b9a-aa0f-7ae342421d71 Sun, 15 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast The 2021 Genesis GV80 is finally here, and Sami gets behind the wheel of the new luxury brand's very first SUV. Benjamin drives the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe and compares his week of living large against Sami's track time in the same. Finally, an update from Benjamin's long-suffering, now almost-complete Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS swap project. 52:24 no Did Genesis hit one out of the park on the first try with the 2021 Genesis GV80? Sami certainly thinks so, as his time with the all-new SUV has him convinced it's got the German competition by the throat. The pair compare their back -to-back experiences in the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe before wrapping things up with Benjamin's almost-complete 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS engine swap. Genesis, GV80, BMW, M8, Gran Coupe, Jeep, Grand Wagoneer, LS swap, car talk, truck talk, car podcast, truck podcast, SUV Did Genesis hit one out of the park on the first try with the 2021 Genesis GV80? Sami certainly thinks so, as his time with the all-new SUV has him convinced it's got the German competition by the throat. The pair compare their back -to-back experiences in the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe before wrapping things up with Benjamin's almost-complete 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS engine swap.

]]> Did Genesis hit one out of the park on the first try with the 2021 Genesis GV80? Sami certainly thinks so, as his time with the all-new SUV has him convinced it's got the German competition by the throat. The pair compare their back -to-back experiences in the 2021 BMW M8 Gran Coupe before wrapping things up with Benjamin's almost-complete 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer LS engine swap.

]]> Episode 155: 2020 Ford Escape, 2020 BMW M550i xDrive, Listener Questions https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/155 4c12822f-29c6-464a-ac76-2e7f5572b29b Sun, 19 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Sami asks whether the 2020 Ford Escape is enough SUV to replace the Focus, Fiesta, and Fusion combined. Benjamin samples a familiar platform with a more powerful drivetrain and questions whether the 2020 BMW M550i xDrive makes the full-blown M5 obsolete. Also, listener questions! 39:35 no When Ford announced it was canceling all of its passenger cars, it put a lot of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape to satisfy the needs of the entire spectrum of the brand's entry-level buyers. Sami spends a week with the Escape to determine just how worthy it is of that mantle - and how it compares to excellent entries in the segment from Toyota and Honda. Benjamin rewinds his BMW experience with the M550i xDrive, which takes last week's Gran Coupe drivetrain and packages it in a familiar sedan wrapper. Is it so all-around competent that it renders the M5 unnecessary? The pair wrap things up with a listener question about 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. BMW, Gran Coupe, M550i, xDrive, sedan, SUV, crossover, Ford, Escape, listener questions When Ford announced it was canceling all of its passenger cars, it put a lot of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape to satisfy the needs of the entire spectrum of the brand's entry-level buyers. Sami spends a week with the Escape to determine just how worthy it is of that mantle - and how it compares to excellent entries in the segment from Toyota and Honda. Benjamin rewinds his BMW experience with the M550i xDrive, which takes last week's Gran Coupe drivetrain and packages it in a familiar sedan wrapper. Is it so all-around competent that it renders the M5 unnecessary? The pair wrap things up with a listener question about 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

]]> When Ford announced it was canceling all of its passenger cars, it put a lot of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape to satisfy the needs of the entire spectrum of the brand's entry-level buyers. Sami spends a week with the Escape to determine just how worthy it is of that mantle - and how it compares to excellent entries in the segment from Toyota and Honda. Benjamin rewinds his BMW experience with the M550i xDrive, which takes last week's Gran Coupe drivetrain and packages it in a familiar sedan wrapper. Is it so all-around competent that it renders the M5 unnecessary? The pair wrap things up with a listener question about 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

]]> Episode 154: 2020 Honda CR-V, Car Showers, 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe, Carlos Ghosn's Crazy Escape https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/154 1dea593e-bf29-427a-8152-629c6c74f441 Sun, 12 Jan 2020 08:00:00 -0500 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Sami applauds the 2020 Honda CR-V as the entry-level SUV that's maybe too good to really talk about, while Benjamin spends 2 weeks with the all-new 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe and is surprised by how much he likes its advanced self-driving features. Plus, car showers and Carlos Ghosn's action movie escape from Japanese custody. 51:01 no What is there to say about the 2020 Honda CR-V? Sami struggles to come up with anything more than good vibes about possibly the best compact family crossover money can buy, but doesn't particularly think that's a problem for customers. After a brief diversion into the fascinating world of car showers, Benjamin reveals that the 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe is not just just a great alternative to the stuffier 7 Series, but also happens to deliver the kind of hands-off self-driving features he can actually appreciate. The pair then wrap things up with disgraced Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's wacky escape from Japan . BMW, M850i, Gran Coupe, 8 Series, Honda, CR-V, SUV, crossover, Carlos Ghosn, justice What is there to say about the 2020 Honda CR-V? Sami struggles to come up with anything more than good vibes about possibly the best compact family crossover money can buy, but doesn't particularly think that's a problem for customers. After a brief diversion into the fascinating world of car showers, Benjamin reveals that the 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe is not just just a great alternative to the stuffier 7 Series, but also happens to deliver the kind of hands-off self-driving features he can actually appreciate. The pair then wrap things up with disgraced Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's wacky escape from Japan .

]]> What is there to say about the 2020 Honda CR-V? Sami struggles to come up with anything more than good vibes about possibly the best compact family crossover money can buy, but doesn't particularly think that's a problem for customers. After a brief diversion into the fascinating world of car showers, Benjamin reveals that the 2020 BMW M850i Gran Coupe is not just just a great alternative to the stuffier 7 Series, but also happens to deliver the kind of hands-off self-driving features he can actually appreciate. The pair then wrap things up with disgraced Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn's wacky escape from Japan .

]]> Episode 84: 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2018 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, 2018 Ford F-150, 2018 Ram 1500, Datsun Track Tales https://www.unnamedautomotivepodcast.com/84 4436d420-fb07-473c-b49e-07cbd59d1c6f Mon, 13 Aug 2018 03:15:00 -0400 Unnamed Automotive Podcast full Unnamed Automotive Podcast Sami drives the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata - the ND2 - and discovers that more power is a good thing. Benjamin samples two hatchbacks at opposite ends of the spectrum, the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and the BMW 430i Gran Coupe, just before the pair delve in to the newest versions of the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 pickups. 53:10 no The Miata finally has more power - but is it in the right place? Sami drives the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata long the California coast to get the answers. Meanwhile, Benjamin gets behind the wheel of the also-more-mighty 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, redesigned for the current model year, as well as the 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, which might be the best option for entry-level luxury shoppers. Wrapping things up, Sami road trips in the 2018 Ford F-150 Limited and the 2018 Ram 1500 Limited in a battle of the best full-size pickups. Mazda, Miata, MX-5, Ford, F-150, Ram, 1500, truck, pickup, Toyota, Corolla, hatchback, BMW, 4 Series, Gran Coupe, Datsun, track car The Miata finally has more power - but is it in the right place? Sami drives the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata long the California coast to get the answers. Meanwhile, Benjamin gets behind the wheel of the also-more-mighty 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, redesigned for the current model year, as well as the 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, which might be the best option for entry-level luxury shoppers. Wrapping things up, Sami road trips in the 2018 Ford F-150 Limited and the 2018 Ram 1500 Limited in a battle of the best full-size pickups.

Links:

  • First Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback — The conscious decoupling of Toyota and Scion after the latter brand’s demise resulted in a few awkward years for product planners at the parent company, who tried their best to cram leftovers (iM) and newly birthed orphans (CH-R) wherever they could into the behemoth’s North American showrooms. By now, however, the game of musical chairs is over, and there’s no longer any riff-raff hanging around to clutter up the playing field – which is why Toyota has introduced an all-new Corolla hatchback for 2019.
]]> The Miata finally has more power - but is it in the right place? Sami drives the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata long the California coast to get the answers. Meanwhile, Benjamin gets behind the wheel of the also-more-mighty 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, redesigned for the current model year, as well as the 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, which might be the best option for entry-level luxury shoppers. Wrapping things up, Sami road trips in the 2018 Ford F-150 Limited and the 2018 Ram 1500 Limited in a battle of the best full-size pickups.

Links:

  • First Drive: 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback — The conscious decoupling of Toyota and Scion after the latter brand’s demise resulted in a few awkward years for product planners at the parent company, who tried their best to cram leftovers (iM) and newly birthed orphans (CH-R) wherever they could into the behemoth’s North American showrooms. By now, however, the game of musical chairs is over, and there’s no longer any riff-raff hanging around to clutter up the playing field – which is why Toyota has introduced an all-new Corolla hatchback for 2019.
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