New BMW 3-Series Revealed! Honda Quits EVs, a Toyota "Raptor" Truck? THIS CAR POD! EP103

TL;DR

Episode 103 covers the new BMW i3 reveal as a likely 3-Series replacement, Honda canceling its EV lineup, and Toyota's rumored TRD Hammer off-road truck.

Key Points

• 1.The new BMW i3 is effectively the next-generation 3-Series. It features 465 hp, all-wheel drive, 440-mile range, 800V architecture, 400kW charging, and a 43.3-inch iDrive screen — launching end of 2025.
• 2.BMW's i3 naming strategy is simpler than rivals. Mercedes still calls its electric G-Wagon the 'G580 with EQ Technology,' making BMW's straightforward 'i' prefix branding look sensible by comparison.
• 3.The i3 design is an entirely new language, not a rebodied 3-Series. Hosts praised its wider grille, flared fenders, and sculpted profile, comparing it favorably to a Tesla Model 3 competitor at an estimated $60K price point.
• 4.Honda canceled three planned US EVs and wrote down nearly $16 billion in losses. This includes the Zero series, the Acura RSX EV, and the Honda Prologue — which was already being built by GM in Mexico.
• 5.Honda's collapse leaves Sony's Aila EV project in limbo. Sony Honda Mobility's official statement said they 'have no information to share,' despite the two companies being co-developers of the electric sedan.
• 6.Toyota is reportedly developing a TRD Hammer Tundra to rival the Ford Raptor R and Ram TRX. Leaked details from a customer survey describe 37-inch tires, long-travel suspension, and more power — though hosts expect a hybrid V6, not a V8.
• 7.Other TRD Hammer name candidates include TRD Baja, TRD Iron, TRD Berserk, TRD Pro S, and TRD Quake. Hosts unanimously preferred 'Hammer' and speculated about a Sequoia version with the same off-road package.
• 8.Ram's head of design Ralph Gilles signaled the next Ram truck will move away from aggressive, exaggerated styling. He criticized GM and the Cybertruck's angry-face trend, favoring a more futuristic direction — which hosts found counterintuitive for the Ram brand.
• 9.Ferrari is offering a retrofit steering wheel with physical buttons to replace the widely criticized haptic controls. Introduced on the Roma, the haptic wheel has been a consistent pain point; new Ferraris have already reverted to physical controls.
• 10.Jaguar is doubling down on its controversial Project 00 concept rather than walking it back. New campaigns invoke the E-Type and XJS heritage to justify bold design, but no production car has been publicly shown and hosts remain skeptical of the brand's revival plan.
• 11.Hyundai recalled the new Palisade's top trims after a power-folding second-row seat killed a 2-year-old child in Ohio. The recall also affects the new Telluride; the seat lacked obstacle detection, prompting hosts to argue in favor of manual folding seats at all price points.