New AMG V8! Chevy Saves the Manual, Trouble at Honda, Spyker Returns, and More! THIS CAR POD! EP110

TL;DR

Episode 110 covers Honda's delayed product lineup, a new AMG V8, Chevy Camaro's manual transmission return, Spyker's revival, and Porsche Macan's end of production.

Key Points

• 1.Honda's EV losses are forcing multi-year delays on core products. The Odyssey (out since 2017) may not be redesigned until 2030, with the Accord, Civic, HRV, and MDX also delayed — a massive risk as competitors like Toyota and Hyundai launch newer hybrids.
• 2.The Acura lineup faces a critical gap. With the RDX being dropped, Acura will rely on a 9-year-old MDX as its main product by 2031, competing in a segment that has rapidly moved toward hybrids and large touchscreens.
• 3.AMG is developing a new V8 engine derived from the M177 Evo used in the S-Class. It will reportedly feature a flat-plane crank and debut first in SUVs like the GLE and GLS, potentially reviving the E63 nameplate to compete with the BMW M5 and Audi RS6.
• 4.Chevy is reportedly bringing back a manual transmission in the next-generation Camaro. According to GM Authority sourcing, the new Camaro will be built alongside a Cadillac sedan on a shared platform, with a possible four-door configuration.
• 5.Spyker is returning with a new supercar debuting at the Quail this year. Victor Muller, the original founder, reacquired the IP, and the new model is expected to feature a twin-turbo V8 — though it will likely cost close to $1 million given modern bespoke supercar pricing.
• 6.Porsche confirmed the gas Macan ends production this summer with no replacement for two years. The Macan represented 30% of Porsche's global sales in 2024, making this a significant gap — especially as EV profitability lags and China sales disappoint.
• 7.Ford is developing a ~$30,000 electric pickup truck using a skunk works model. The project, based in Long Beach, was staffed with hires from Apple and Tesla, and CEO Jim Farley is reportedly not allowed access to the facility; production is targeting 2027.
• 8.Cadillac is releasing a Formula 1 special edition of the CT5-V Blackwing, limited to just 26 units. The number 26 is a nod to Cadillac's F1 entry year, and the cars are manual-only — though overall Blackwing sales remain low.
• 9.Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe hinted at additional R2 variants beyond the base SUV. An R2X performance/off-road version appears likely, mirroring the R3X model, with further unannounced variants also possible.
• 10.Tariffs on European vehicles may rise from 15% to 25%, with mixed reactions from automakers. BMW's CEO dismissed the threat as a bluff and refused to adjust forecasts, while Audi's leadership warned the tariffs would seriously impact the Q9 launch and 2026 profitability.
• 11.The Porsche Carrera GT was designed in a strip mall in Huntington Beach, California. The design studio was originally set up by Samsung to build a Samsung car; when Samsung exited the project, Porsche bought the studio and its designers, who then created the Carrera GT.
• 12.The hosts discussed the long product life cycles across multiple brands as a broader industry trend. The Porsche Macan (launched 2015), Honda Odyssey (2017), and Audi/Porsche EV pivots all exemplify how EV strategy miscalculations have extended or disrupted ICE model generations industry-wide.