This Car Pod EP 56: New Subaru Outback, Miata Future, Lincoln Bronco, and More!

New Subaru Models

• 🚗 The new Subaru Outback has been revealed with a taller body, maintaining its existing powertrains but appearing more SUV-like.
• 🤔 While styling is debated, Subaru's sales success suggests a continued consumer demand for the Outback's aesthetic.
• ⚡ The Subaru Trail Seeker, an electric SUV based on the Toyota bZ4X, is presented as a more appealing alternative with 375 horsepower and 260 miles of range.
• 💡 The Trail Seeker features a refreshed front end and an infotainment system similar to Lexus, with speculation about a future Toyota counterpart.

Future of the Mazda Miata

• 💡 Mazda has confirmed that the next-generation Miata will prioritize lightness, aiming to be lighter than the current ND model.
• 🇯🇵 Despite some dealer requests for a larger car, Mazda intends to keep the Miata similar in size, potentially with less power due to emissions regulations, but retaining a manual transmission.
• 🚀 The Miata is considered Mazda's halo car, crucial for its brand identity focused on driving dynamics.

Hyundai Palisade & G-Wagon

• 🌟 The new Hyundai Palisade features a squared-off design and an XRT off-road trim, though it lacks a differential lock.
• 🔋 A significant update is the introduction of a hybrid powertrain for the Palisade, offering more power and better fuel economy.
• 🇩🇪 The G-Wagon "Stronger Than the 1980s" edition is a retro-styled new G-Wagon with unique interior badging, celebrating Germany's reunification and economic strength.

Electric Vehicles and Market Trends

• ⚡ Volkswagen is offering incentives to help sell single-color ID. Buzz models, as two-tone versions are proving more popular.
• 📉 Mitsubishi has paused shipments to the US due to tariffs, impacting availability of models like the Outlander PHEV.
• 💰 High-performance Volvo V60 models, particularly the Polestar engineered versions, have held their value exceptionally well in the used market.
• 📈 The Lexus GSF is noted for its strong value retention compared to German performance sedans like the BMW M5, highlighting the market's preference for reliability.
• 💨 Aston Martin DB9s are surprisingly affordable on the used market, offering a V12 engine and striking design at a significantly lower price point than Vantages.

Listener Questions & Car Culture

• ❓ A Lamborghini Countach sim racing seat has arrived but suffered assembly issues, with plans to use it for lap time challenges.
• 🚗 The Suzuki Jimny is not sold in the US due to Suzuki's past struggles in the market and complex US regulations, making it difficult to justify the investment.
• 🤔 Doug DeMuro maintains his review integrity regardless of whether a car is for sale on Cars & Bids, often being more critical than positive.
• 🎨 The first-generation Infiniti FX45 is highlighted for its iconic press photo color, a striking copper exterior and matching orange interior.