Episode 104 - More Power, Mini Coopers and Popcorn

Welcome to the automotive podcast does not pay subscriptions for performance 

On this episode of Throwin’ Wrenches…  

• Toyota MAY come back with a supra?  Would you like that in V6 or V8?
• How Smart is it to bring back Smart to the USA?
• How much would you pay for more horsepower?  Like…  how much monthly…  On your credit card?  

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NEWS:

The Toyota Supra May Come Back With a Lot More Power: Report

A new Supra could get over 500 horsepower from a four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, according to a new report.

ROBB REPORT

The fifth-generation Toyota Supra is, in large part, a BMW, but that didn’t make its comeback any less special for its fans, who are legion. The fifth-generation Supra is also in the midst of an extended goodbye, though it might be coming back in a radically different form, with even more power, according to a new report.

The report, from the Japanese publication Best Car Web, makes a number of startling claims, starting with the Supra, which will allegedly come back with over 500 horsepower. The new car won’t be supplied by a BMW-made six-cylinder, but instead will be a four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. That would be an increase of over 118 horsepower from the fifth-generation car’s current output. Best Car Web says the electric motor will be behind the driver’s and passenger’s seats.

Smart Will Return To The Segment It Created In 2026 By Brett T. Evans 

Despite being synonymous for parking-friendly city cars with just two seats and a one-box shape, the current Smart lineup looks a lot less distinctive these days – a sea of compact crossovers with rounded styling and Mercedes-esque headlights. That may change in late 2026 when the company introduces the #2, which, as its name suggests, is a modern remake of the original CityCoupe (later remaned fortwo). The pocket-sized #2 will also be an EV, taking advantage of a new Smart platform designed for "ultra-compact vehicles."

VW introduces monthly subscription to increase car power

Liv McMahon | BBC

German car making giant Volkswagen (VW) has introduced a subscription for UK customers wanting to increase the power of some of its electric cars. Those who buy an eligible car in its ID.3 range can choose to pay extra if they want to unlock the full power of the engine inside the vehicle.

VW says the "optional power upgrade" will cost £16.50 per month or £165 annually - or people can choose to pay £649 for a lifetime subscription. The firm said it was "offering customers choice" with the feature.

Auto Express, who first reported the story, said a lifetime subscription would be for the car rather than the individual - meaning the upgrade would remain on the car if it was sold on. A VW spokesperson told the BBC they believed giving people the option to purchase more power for their car is "nothing new".

"Historically many petrol and diesel vehicles have been offered with engines of the same size, but with the possibility of choosing one with more potency," they said.

A Small Toyota Truck For $30K? Believe It.

The Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are about to get some competition.

Miguel Cortina Writer Avarvarii Aug 19, 2025

What It Is: Toyota will launch a small pickup truck to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The yet-to-be-named truck will slot under the Tacoma and serve as the company’s entry-level pickup. With the Maverick’s popularity, Toyota has watched the segment grow—and it’s a segment it doesn’t compete in but would like to. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend the automaker is building the truck. “Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”

Rivian to Resume Construction of $5B Georgia EV Plant in 2026 (Engineering News Record)

Electric vehicle maker Rivian is preparing to resume work on its paused $5-billion manufacturing plant in Social Circle, Ga., according to the company.

The manufacturer scheduled a ceremonial groundbreaking for September and is on track to begin construction next year, company representative Peebles Squire says. The startup will still use its originally selected contractor, Clayco, for the job.

The plan calls for a 16-million-sq-ft manufacturing plant on an 1,800-acre campus. It will be built in two phases, each adding production capacity for 200,000 vehicles, Squire says. 

CARS OF THE WEAK™

Eric:  1999 Toyota camroad motorhome 4wd

$29,000

Offers always accepted. Located in Indianapolis. 1999 Toyota Camroad  4WD with front locking hubs. Park it anywhere with this size. Clean Indiana title. 2.8 Liter 3L Diesel Engine. Naturally aspirated, ultra reliable, runs forever and ever. The same engine used in the Toyota Hilux. 85,000 Original Miles, 4Sp. Automatic Transmission with overdrive. Runs perfect. No leaks of any kind.

Runs... Perfect...  They always do in the ads!

Daryl:

1970 Popcorn Wagon - $5,500

1970 popcorn wagon take it to any festival and start making money.