In this week's episode of The Hook Turn Podcast, we discuss the interior reveal of the Ferrari Luce, the storied Italian brand's first EV, and first collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive. We also discuss news that ANCAP, Australia's unofficial vehicle safety agency, will be advocating against flush door handles. Finally, we discuss more disappointing news about the Mazda CX-5, notably that a cost-cutting drive has led to a drop in interior quality.

Show notes:

- Ferrari Luce: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-luce-debut-evs-name-and-iphone-style-interior-revealed

- Jony Ive's thoughts on interior design: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/touchscreens-wrong-technology-main-car-controls-says-iphone-designer

- ANCAP calls for flush door handle ban: https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-news/ancap-calls-for-australian-ban-on-door-handles-used-by-tesla-byd-and-others

- Mazda CX-5 cost cutting: https://www.drive.com.au/news/2026-mazda-cx-5-buyers-wont-notice-cost-cutting-measures-executive/

In this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Genesis making a bold decision to develop a bespoke new platform just for itself, that covers the full gamut of electric, hybrid and range-extender powertrain options.

We also discuss Stellantis continuing its chaotic track record with yet another multi-billion dollar strategic error, as the European giant backtracks from going all-in on EVs.

Finally, we contrast this with Jaguar, which remains committed to an electric-only future as it aims to create its own niche between the premium Germans and ultra-luxury marques such as Bentley.

Show notes:

Genesis bespoke architecture: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/genesis-eyes-premium-dynamics-bespoke-platform-evs-hybrids

Stellantis loses money: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/stellantis-writes-down-billions-resets-ev-strategy-jeep-chrysler-ram

Jaguar Type 00: https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/jaguar/type-00-prototype/first-drive

When Elon rolled out his master plan for Tesla, he infamously revealed that his model naming strategy was to have a lineup of vehicles that spelt 'SEXY.'

To paraphrase a famous song from Justin Timberlake, in this week's episode of the Hook Turn podcast, we discuss Musk's failure to bring S3XY back by ditching the S and X. We also discuss Mercedes continuing to infest as many screens as humanly possible in its latest S-Class, and talk about our picks for proper luxury cars under $50k with another iteration of the Carsales challenge.

Show notes:

- Tesla stops Model S and Model X production: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/tesla-ending-model-s-x-production.html

- New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/mercedes-benz-unveils-updated-s-class-new-tech-revised-v8