The Weekly Driver Podcast https://theweeklydriver.com Hosted by James Raia and Bruce Aldrich, The Weekly Driver Podcast dives deep into the highways and byways of the automotive world. Each week, we put you in the driver’s seat, exploring unique, unusual, and often untold stories from across the industry’s spectrum. Sat, 02 May 2026 17:32:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 James Raia James Raia [email protected] The Weekly Driver Podcast https://theweeklydriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TWD-Podcast-Logo-Car-White-1.png https://theweeklydriver.com The Weekly Driver Podcast Hosted by James Raia and Bruce Aldrich, The Weekly Driver Podcast dives deep into the highways and byways of the automotive world. Each week, we put you in the driver’s seat, exploring unique, unusual, and often untold stories from across the industry’s spectrum. false Google Gemini Comes to Volvo Cars: 16 Models Get the Update, Back to 2020 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/volvo-google-gemini-2026-rollout/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/volvo-google-gemini-2026-rollout/#respond Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:27:26 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66916 2027 Volvo EX60 electric SUV in light blue, the newest model getting Google Gemini AI via over-the-air update

Google Gemini rolls out to 16 Volvo models from 2020 forward starting April 30, 2026. What changes for drivers, who qualifies, and whether conversational AI earns its dashboard real estate.

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Auto China 2026: Five Cars That Show Where Driving Is Going (And Why You Can’t Have Any of Them) https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/auto-china-2026-five-cars-design-shift/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/auto-china-2026-five-cars-design-shift/#respond Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:42:01 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66908 Volkswagen ID. UNYX 09 electric crossover unveiled at VW Group Media Night ahead of Auto China 2026; co-developed with XPeng on Chinese platform IP

Five reveals from Auto China 2026 prove the design language of global automotive is being decided in Beijing, not Detroit. The verdict, and what Americans lose.

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Scout Truck vs. F-150 Lightning, Cybertruck, R1T, and Silverado EV https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/scout-truck-vs-electric-truck-competitors/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/scout-truck-vs-electric-truck-competitors/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 19:40:41 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66852 Scout Terra pickup in olive green, front three-quarter view, parked on a ranch with horses

How the 2027 Scout Terra stacks up against the F-150 Lightning (now discontinued), Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and Chevy Silverado EV on range, tow, price, and timing.

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Who Owns Scout Motors? The Complete VW Group Breakdown https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/who-owns-scout-motors/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/who-owns-scout-motors/#respond Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:39:36 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66840 Scout Traveler SUV and Scout Terra pickup shown side by side at the 2024 reveal

Scout Motors is an independent US company backed by Volkswagen Group. Corporate structure, International Scout heritage, and what VW backing means for 2027 buyers.

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Scout Traveler vs Scout Terra: Which One Fits Your Life? https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/scout-traveler-vs-scout-terra-which-to-buy-2027/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/scout-traveler-vs-scout-terra-which-to-buy-2027/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:24:46 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66795 Scout Traveler SUV in blue-sage paint, front three-quarter view, parked in an urban setting

Scout Traveler (SUV) and Scout Terra (truck) share a $60K platform, 350-mile EV range, and 500-mile Harvester option. Here's which fits your life.

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Rivian R2 Production Officially Begins, Spring 2026 Deliveries Next https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/rivian-r2-production-begins-spring-2026-deliveries/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/rivian-r2-production-begins-spring-2026-deliveries/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:34:19 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/rivian-r2-production-begins-spring-2026-deliveries/ Rivian employees celebrate first customer R2 rolling off the line at Normal, Illinois plant, April 2026

Rivian confirmed April 22 that customer R2 production has officially started at its Normal, Illinois plant. First customer deliveries ship later this spring.

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2026 Lucid Gravity Touring Preview: Price, Range, Launch Window https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lucid-gravity-touring-2026-preview/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lucid-gravity-touring-2026-preview/#respond Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:42:34 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lucid-gravity-touring-2026-preview/ Lucid Gravity Touring early launch imagery

2026 Lucid Gravity Touring preview. $79,900 three-row EV SUV, up to 560 hp, 811 lb-ft, 337 EPA miles, 3,500-lb tow. What Lucid announced Nov 20, 2025 and first deliveries in Q1 2026.

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Honda Super-N: The £20,000 City EV With a Fake 7-Speed Gearbox https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/honda-super-n-2026-ev-simulated-gearbox-specs-range-price/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/honda-super-n-2026-ev-simulated-gearbox-specs-range-price/#respond Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:36:42 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66633 2026 Honda Super-N front three-quarter view showing flared wheelarches, 15-inch alloy wheels, and retro-inspired City Turbo styling

Honda's sub-£20,000 Super-N city EV borrows the simulated-gearbox trick from Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N at a third the price. Specs, range, and why Americans miss out.

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2026 Toyota RAV4: Everything New With the All-Hybrid Switch https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-redesign-specs-pricing/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-redesign-specs-pricing/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:33:16 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66514 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid exterior front three-quarter view

Toyota killed the gas-only RAV4. Every 2026 trim is hybrid, starting at $33,350. Full pricing, specs, fuel economy, and what it means for buyers.

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Velocity Invitational 2026 Brings Live Cars & Bids Auction to Sonoma https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/velocity-invitational-2026-cars-and-bids-auction-sonoma/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/velocity-invitational-2026-cars-and-bids-auction-sonoma/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:57:58 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/velocity-invitational-2026-cars-and-bids-auction-sonoma/ 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ front three-quarter view, red with race number 105

Velocity Invitational 2026 partners with Cars & Bids for a live on-site auction at Sonoma Raceway, May 29-31. Featured: a 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ from the Petersen.

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Lightship AE.1 Expansion: Quadrupling Electric RV Production in 2026 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lightship-ae1-colorado-expansion-2026/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lightship-ae1-colorado-expansion-2026/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:27:26 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/lightship-ae1-colorado-expansion-2026/ Lightship AE.1 all-electric travel trailer at a remote campsite with solar panels visible on the raised roof

Lightship quadruples AE.1 production with a 44,000 sq ft Colorado expansion. New $157,500 base pricing, 77 kWh battery standard, 80% US-sourced parts.

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Volkswagen ID.3 Neo: New Design, 391-Mile Range, and What It Means for US Buyers https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/volkswagen-id3-neo-2026-specs-range-price/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/volkswagen-id3-neo-2026-specs-range-price/#respond Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:56:09 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66503 2026 Volkswagen ID.3 Neo front three-quarter view in studio showing new LED light bar and Pure Positive design language

The VW ID.3 Neo debuts with 391-mile range, physical buttons, and three battery options. Why this European EV matters for American VW buyers.

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Nissan Xterra Returns for 2028: Body-on-Frame, V6 Hybrid, and Five SUVs on One Platform https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/nissan-xterra-2028-return-body-on-frame-suv/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/nissan-xterra-2028-return-body-on-frame-suv/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:32:43 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66456 2028 Nissan Xterra teaser image showing bluff front end with stamped NISSAN wordmark in dramatic rain lighting

Nissan confirms the Xterra returns in 2028 as a body-on-frame SUV with V6 and hybrid options. Here is everything we know about pricing, platform, and competition.

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6 Easiest Ways to Get Free Removal for Your Junk Car https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/6-easiest-ways-to-get-free-removal-for-your-junk-car/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/6-easiest-ways-to-get-free-removal-for-your-junk-car/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:17:10 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66462 6 Easiest Ways to Get Free Removal for Your Junk Car

If your car is old, damaged, broken, or completely non-running, it can quickly become more trouble than it’s worth. Sitting in your driveway or yard, ... Read more

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Slate Truck: Price, Specs, Range, and the Amazon Playbook Behind It https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/slate-truck-electric-pickup-price-specs-range/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/slate-truck-electric-pickup-price-specs-range/#respond Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:26:56 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/?p=66448 2026 Slate truck front three-quarter view in industrial warehouse setting

The Slate truck starts at $27,500 with up to 240 miles of range. Here's what Bezos' ex-Amazon team is really building in Warsaw, Indiana.

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2027 Toyota Highlander Goes EV-Only, Kills the Gas and Hybrid Engine for Good https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-nyias-2026/ https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-nyias-2026/#respond Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:25:24 +0000 https://theweeklydriver.com/2026/04/2027-toyota-highlander-ev-nyias-2026/ 2027 Toyota Highlander EV Limited in Spellbound two-tone exterior at the 2026 New York International Auto Show

Toyota eliminated gas and hybrid options from the 2027 Highlander. The all-electric three-row SUV makes 338 hp with up to 320 miles of range.

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