Honda Ditches EVs, RTR Mustang Takes on Shelby & Ford Goes Carhartt

Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer are joined by Henry Payne of The Detroit News to break down the latest automotive and transportation stories, including the America 250 GP IndyCar race, Michigan’s plans to study and pilot a mileage-based road usage charge, and the future of flying cars.

We also take a close look at Honda’s shift toward off-road vehicles, including the Passport TrailSport, and ask what the move says about where consumer demand is heading.

Then we go inside the new 2026 Ford F-150 Carhartt Edition with Ford F-150 Brand Manager John Wallawender. Ford is bringing together two iconic American brands while adding updates including BlueCruise with Towing, refreshed styling and new capability.

Plus, the federal government is moving forward with an eVTOL pilot program in Texas, testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft and advanced air mobility.

And the big performance question: Is RTR the new Shelby? Lauren and Karl take a closer look at Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s RTR Mustang and how it stacks up against established performance names such as Shelby and Hennessey.

We also examine the growing push for mileage-based road taxes as states look at alternatives to traditional fuel taxes. Michigan is currently studying a road usage charge and developing a pilot program, while emphasizing that no replacement of the gas tax has been enacted.

ON THIS EPISODE:

• Henry Payne joins Lauren & Karl

• America 250 GP IndyCar

• Michigan’s mileage-based road tax study

• Honda Passport TrailSport and Honda’s EV strategy

• The future of flying cars and eVTOL aircraft

• 2026 Ford F-150 Carhartt Edition

• Interview with Ford F-150 Brand Manager John Wallawender

• #RTR #Mustang vs. #Shelby and #Hennessey

• The future of road funding and mileage-based taxes

Listen, subscribe and join the conversation with Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer on The Drive.

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0:00 Racing, Flying Cars, and F-150s

1:29 IndyCar Racing on the National Mall

5:53 The Shift Away from Electric Vehicles

11:02 The Legend Behind the Shirt

12:28 The Future of Flying Cars

17:52 Inside the 2027 Ford F-150

26:37 The Hidden Cost of Fuel Efficiency