Episode 173 - Late September-October 2026 Car News Part 1

**Summary**  Co-hosts Teeks and Riri catch up on a packed run of car news, from high-powered EVs and French concept cars to the long-promised Tesla Roadster. Riri brings the specs and industry context; Teeks adds design reactions and challenges the claims, especially around Tesla’s flying-car theatrics.  **Key topics**  - Mercedes’ all-electric AMG GT SUV promises up to 1,153 hp, a 129-kWh battery and 710-kW charging. Riri weighs its numbers against Porsche’s electric SUV, while both hosts question its styling and whether public charging infrastructure can make use of its headline feature. <!--THE END--> - The Porsche Mission S concept previews a permanent halo model above the 911. Teeks and Riri praise its retro-inspired design, physical controls and manual gearbox. <!--THE END--> - The hosts discuss a wave of French concepts: Alfa Romeo’s hybrid Correrosso, Peugeot’s RCZ Vision and Alpine’s A310 Vision. They admire the designs but question which concepts and technologies will make it into production. <!--THE END--> - Citroën’s 2CV concept is pitched as a simple, affordable electric runabout, with a target price of around £12,000, 170 miles of range and a 990-kg target weight. The hosts also make the case for producing its companion van concept. <!--THE END--> - Smart’s tiny #2 concept promises a 7-metre turning circle and around 180 miles of range, though its styling and eventual price remain open questions. <!--THE END--> - Saleen’s S1 is finally available to order: a 450-hp, four-cylinder sports car priced at $160,000. Teeks and Riri debate its performance credentials and the price jump from the originally announced $100,000. <!--THE END--> - BYD’s second-generation Dolphin Surf pairs up to 300 miles of range with optional LiDAR and a claimed 10-to-70% charge in five minutes. The hosts highlight the offer of 12 months of free charging in China. <!--THE END--> - Peugeot’s E-T16 concept serves up 816 hp, a claimed 0-to-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a 15-minute 10-to-80% charge. The hosts praise its design and rally-inspired details. <!--THE END--> - Tesla’s Roadster reveal dominates the final discussion. Teeks and Riri question its performance claims, rocket-assisted stunts, huge deposits and lack of confirmed specifications, and urge listeners not to confuse a demonstration with a production-ready flying car. **Timestamps**  0:04:00 - AMG GT SUV power, torque and three model variants  0:08:00 - Why looks may matter more than EV specs  0:12:00 - Porsche Mission S: a new halo model above the 911  0:16:00 - Porsche’s manual gearbox, physical key and driver-first cabin  0:20:00 - Alfa Romeo’s Cuorerosso concept and its V6 hybrid claims  0:24:00 - Alfa’s future models and the promise of steer-by-wire  0:28:00 - Peugeot RCZ Vision: solid-state battery claims and Hypersquare  0:32:00 - Alpine A310 Vision wins the hosts over  0:36:00 - Renault’s retro concepts and Citroën’s 2CV revival  0:40:00 - A £12,000 electric runabout and a van the hosts want built  0:44:00 - Smart #2: range, turning circle and unanswered pricing  0:48:00 - Saleen S1: 450 hp, a manual option and a $160,000 price  0:52:00 - Is the S1 worth the premium over rivals?  0:56:00 - Carbon-fibre construction versus the price increase  1:00:00 - BYD Dolphin Surf: LiDAR, range and charging speed  1:04:00 - Peugeot E-T16: 816 hp and rapid charging  1:08:00 - The E-T16’s rally roots and Lancia’s new Gamma  1:12:00 - Tesla unveils the Roadster with rocket-powered stunts  1:16:00 - Roadster styling, T-tops and the flying-car question   **Important information**  If you enjoy our podcast and what we do here, please consider giving us a like and follow on your podcast platform of choice. After all, we are an ominous force, and we are EVERYWHERE!!! We are also on Instagram @inductionnoise, Tik Tok and YouTube. Look out for the orange logo with the TURBO and IN on it. If you’d like to get in touch with us for feedback, suggestions or inquiries, you can do so via our email which is [inductionnoise@outlook.com](mailto:inductionnoise@outlook.com)   Thanks for listening 😊