The Honda Civic Type R is the highest-performance version of one of the most popular cars in the United States. The all-new version continues a proud legacy as the most powerful model in the Type R’s 30-year history. The car is based on the 11th generation Civic Hatchback, the 2023 Type R is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that whirs out 315 horsepower. Among its other claims to fame, it is the most powerful Honda-branded vehicle ever offered in the Unites States.

The engine is matched to a six-speed manual transmission that Honda has upgraded for the new application. As co-host ChrisTeague found during his week-long test of the Type R near his Maine home, the manual is the perfect companion for the high-output engine. The big question is how will the Civic Type R accommodate Teague’s lanky 6-foot tall frame?

In the other road test this week, Host Jack Nerad bathed in the lap of luxury at the wheel of the 2023 Genesis GV80. The imposing luxury SUV has incredible driveway presence, and its exterior good looks are matched by one of the most luxurious interiors in its class. Under the hood, the GV80 features the choice of a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 375-horsepower 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Our test car was equipped with the more powerful of the two engine choices.

A report in The Wall Street Journal says Tesla is in talks to build a production plant in, of all places, Saudi Arabia. But Elon Musk says the report is categorically false. Details coming up.

The United States has passed the “tipping point” for electric vehicle adoption, but there’s just one problem — American consumers don’t seem to have gotten the message. We’ll have more on that. And — Holy AI — Toyota says it is teaching its robots new tricks that are startlingly human. Should we be concerned? And if the UAW strike continues, could it be good for General Motors? We’ll tell you why some think so in this episode.

For those of you seeking lower car insurance rates, our special guest this week is Rory Joyce, the head of insurance at Credit Karma. Host Jack Nerad sat down with him to discuss the Karma Drive program that could save you money while making you a better driver.

America on the Road is brought to you by Driving Today.com, Mercury Insurance, YourTestDriver.com, and EMLandsea.com , the publisher of Nerad’s latest book, Dance in the Dark, which is available HERE on Amazon.com