Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast Episode 334: Stick-Shift Ferrari, Lexus IS Review, Renegotiating the USMCA | The Daily Drive

Jill and Tom open the show by acknowledging that the Subaru Outback, now less wagonlike, is reportedly selling well, despite the break with its design roots. Tom was worried it might not.

The hosts turn their attention to a series of spy photographs depicting what is claimed to be the Chrysler brand’s next products, the Airflow compact crossover, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross subcompact crossovers. Word has it the Airflow will arrive for the 2028 model year, and the Arrow and Arrow Cross shortly after that.

Tom turned the conversation to the bizarre news that Ferrari will offer a fake manual transmission in an upcoming version of the brand’s 12Cylindri sports car. The 819-horsepower Ferrari will feature a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission, but also include a gated chrome shifter and functional clutch pedal. No word yet as to how the system feels relative to a conventional manual shifter, but we do know that European-market prices start just under $700,000.

Tom changed topics and wondered aloud if part of what is driving new-car transaction prices higher is the increase in the number of hybrid vehicles being purchased in the U.S. Jill isn’t so sure.

Still in the first segment, Jill reviews the compact Lexus IS sporty sedan.

In the second segment, the hosts welcome Sam Fiorani of AutoForecast Solutions to the show. Sam shares his take on the demise of Polestar, what to expect from the USMCA negotiations, and what’s new at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Automobiles.

In the last segment, Jill is subjected to Tom’s “Was it a Car Part” quiz.

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