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Jill and Tom are joined this week by long-time cohost Damon Bell, who is currently serving as Senior Research Editor at Cars.com. Jill and Tom opened the show arguing about the two-screen dashboard found in the current Infiniti QX50 compact crossover. Jill finds the systems dated, while Tom saw the value in having a single screen dedicated to navigation functions. Damon joined the conversation to help summarize the reveals seen at this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Jill, who was in attendance at the event, noted that the press activity was especially light, as was media attendance. The trio covered the reveals of the freshened Cadillac CT5, Ford F-150, Jeep Gladiator, and all-new GMC Acadia. 

In the second segment Damon reviewed the all-new Hyundai Kona small crossover, noting that the vehicle has gotten larger on the outside, and roomier on the inside. Jill, Damon, and Tom went on to wrap up their “Dead Pool” lists created in way back August of 2021. There is some question as to who did the best job picking vehicles which were soon to be discontinued. 

Jill and Damon were subjected to Tom’s “Lancia or Listeria” quiz, which—big surprise—was decided by a question about gophers. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does ‘Success’ look like?

Studio “S” is a legendary room in Ford’s design building in Dearborn, Michigan.. This creative laboratory gave birth to the Thunderbird, the Mustang and even the original Bronco. Today it is filled with full size clay models of the new Bronco. Sonari Glinton is granted access to this most secretive of rooms and discovers the incredible lengths being taken to honor the past and inspire the future.

But who are they building for? Middle aged men in Tennessee? Or young women in California? Can one Bronco satisfy everyone?

for more info: broncopodcast.ford.com

Is this really it?

After three attempts over 15 years, the Bronco Underground is on the verge of giving up. Then outside market forces suddenly turn in their favour. America’s love affair with the SUV is pushing small cars out of production and that opens up an opportunity for the Bronco.

But make no mistake, it isn’t going to be easy. Bronco had been out of the market for more than 20 years and this is its last chance.

What Can the Bronco Underground learn from Jeep -- about what the off-road market really wants?

for more info: broncopodcast.ford.com

If you love something enough can you bring it back to life?

Ford is a giant company and trying to get them to bring back the Bronco is not going to be easy. There are two groups working towards that end. On the outside, there are dedicated fans and owners around the country. They meet on weekends, drive the back-country trails, and dream of a new Bronco. On the inside, there is a handful of Ford employees scattered around the corporation working secretly to create the conditions for a rebirth.

Sonari Glinton uncovers the final resting place of a concept car that went nowhere, and discovers a series of full-size clay models that were never before seen publicly.

But will it all be enough to bring back Bronco?

for more info: broncopodcast.ford.com