About this episode
The latest Brain Buster episode dives into the debate over the first production car to hit 200 mph, featuring the Dodge Charger Daytona, Pontiac Tojan, and Ferrari F40. The hosts explore the murky history of these cars, discussing their production numbers, horsepower, and the unique engineering behind them. With plenty of humor and banter, they also touch on the lowest power Corvette models and the evolution of speed in automobiles. Listeners can expect a lively discussion filled with trivia and unexpected insights.
Emily attempts to get to the bottom of the first 200mph production car. Rose fills us in on the least powerful Corvette.
Pontiac Tojan
Recorded @iapdx
Recorded & mixed by Emdognightmare & Queen of the Vans
Editor: Emdognightmare
Production & research Queen of the Vans & Emdognightmare
Find us: Car Krush
Stay updated w/ our newsletter
Hugs, thank you & high fives to Greg Meleney for the killer tunez!
Dodge Charger
"...the Dodge Charger Daytona. And this was a super bird. I don't think was the Daytona a super bird."
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a special version of the Charger car from 1969, built for speed and racing. It has a unique design that helps it go faster, including a big wing on the back.
The Dodge Charger Daytona is a high-performance variant of the Charger, designed for racing and known for its distinctive aerodynamic features, including a large rear wing.
Plymouth Super Bird
"The Dodge Charger Daytona. And this was a super bird. I don't think was the Daytona a super bird."
The Plymouth Superbird is a cool and unique car from the 1970s that has a big wing on the back to help it go fast. It's famous for its racing history and stands out because of its unusual look.
The Plymouth Superbird is a legendary muscle car produced in 1970, known for its distinctive aerodynamic design and large rear wing. It was built for racing and is often celebrated for its bold styling and performance, making it a significant part of automotive history.
Dodge Superbird
"...And this was a super bird. I don't think was the Daytona a super bird."
The Dodge Superbird is a special car from 1970 that was made for racing. It has a unique shape and a big wing on the back to help it go faster and stay stable on the track.
The Dodge Superbird is a limited-production muscle car that was designed for NASCAR racing, featuring a distinctive aerodynamic nose and a large rear wing for improved downforce.
Dodge Road Runner
"The super bird had the wing too. But that was a road runner, right? Yeah, that's like."
The Dodge Road Runner is a fun and fast car that came out in the late 1960s. It was made to be exciting to drive without a lot of extra features, and it's named after a cartoon bird, which makes it even more interesting.
The Dodge Road Runner is a classic muscle car that debuted in 1968, known for its performance and affordability. It was designed to be a no-frills, high-speed vehicle, often associated with the cartoon character of the same name, making it a fun and memorable part of automotive culture.
NASCAR
"So it was built to win the NASCAR races. And it wasn't just horsepower."
NASCAR is a type of car racing that takes place mostly on oval tracks. The cars are built to be very fast and are designed to handle well at high speeds.
NASCAR, or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, is a popular motorsport in the United States known for its stock car racing series. Cars in NASCAR are specifically designed for high-speed racing on oval tracks, emphasizing aerodynamics, power, and handling.
horsepower
"And it wasn't just horsepower. Also, the shape came into play."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower an engine has, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement used to quantify the power output of an engine. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, and is a critical factor in determining a vehicle's performance.
aerodynamics
"Also, the shape came into play. This is where the wind tunnel comes into play."
Aerodynamics is the study of how air moves around things, like cars. A well-designed car can cut through the air better, making it faster and using less fuel.
Aerodynamics refers to how air flows around objects, particularly vehicles. Good aerodynamic design reduces drag, allowing cars to move faster and more efficiently, which is crucial in racing.
wind tunnel
"This is where the wind tunnel comes into play. I had a super pointed nose and it had that massive rear wing."
A wind tunnel is a large tube where air is blown to test how cars move through the air. It's used to make cars more aerodynamic, which helps them go faster and use less fuel.
A wind tunnel is a tool used in aerodynamic testing, where air is blown over a model of a vehicle to study how it interacts with airflow. This helps engineers design cars that are more efficient and stable at high speeds.
downforce
"And the wing was above the trunk and it created downforce and stability at extreme speeds."
Downforce is what helps keep a car on the ground when it's going really fast. It makes the car stick to the road better, especially when turning.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down towards the road, enhancing grip and stability, especially at high speeds. It is crucial in motorsports for maintaining control during cornering.
Hemi V8
"or the 426 Hemi V8 of which they only sold 70 of those."
A Hemi V8 is a powerful engine design that helps cars go faster. It has a special shape that makes it work better and produce more power.
The Hemi V8 is a type of engine design characterized by hemispherical combustion chambers, which allows for more efficient airflow and higher power output. It's known for its performance in muscle cars and racing.
Talladega
"This car dominated NASCAR and in 1970 at Talladega, Buddy Baker broke 200 miles per hour on a closed course."
Talladega is a well-known race track in Alabama where cars go really fast during races.
Talladega refers to the Talladega Superspeedway, a famous NASCAR track in Alabama known for its high-speed racing events.
Pontiac Tojan
"Next we have some people claim it's the Pontiac Tojian. Have you ever heard of this car? Never. No one has. In my life. That's because no one has. Tojiam. The Pontiac Tojiam. The Pontiac Tojiam. Okay, the Pontiac Tojiam goes 200 miles per hour."
The Pontiac Tojan is not a real car; it's likely a made-up name mentioned for fun. Pontiac was a brand known for various models, but the Tojan doesn't exist.
The Pontiac Tojan is a fictional car that is not recognized in automotive history. It seems to be a humorous or satirical reference rather than an actual model.
Pontiac Trans Am
"So, the Pontiac Trans Am. Big gaps."
The Pontiac Trans Am is a type of sports car that was popular in the past. It's known for being fast and having a cool design, often associated with American muscle cars.
The Pontiac Trans Am is a performance vehicle that gained fame in the 1970s and 1980s, known for its powerful engines and sporty design. It has a significant place in automotive history, especially in American muscle car culture.
Pontiac Fiero
"How many of these Pontiac Tojians were made? 150. What gives? So it was a project between Pontiac and Knudsen Automotive..."
The Pontiac Fiero is a small sports car made by Pontiac. It was different because the engine was in the middle of the car, which is not common for most cars.
The Pontiac Fiero was a mid-engine sports car produced by Pontiac from 1984 to 1988. It was notable for its unique design and was one of the first mass-produced mid-engine cars in the United States.
Porsche 911
"...not like a Porsche... I don't know the Porsche numbers, but not like a Porsche 911. I know that one."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its speed and unique shape. It has been around for a long time and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and strong performance characteristics.
L98
"In stock form, it had an L98. It was 5.7 liter V8."
The L98 is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors, known for its 5.7-liter size and used in some cars from the 1980s.
The L98 is a specific engine designation used by General Motors, referring to a 5.7-liter V8 engine that was popular in various models during the 1980s and early 1990s.
fuel injection
"He took one of these and he put forged internals and upgraded fuel injection."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into an engine that helps it run better and use fuel more efficiently.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber of an engine, improving efficiency and performance compared to carburetors.
V8 engine
"5.7 liter twin-turbo V8, four-speed auto, rear-wheel drive, 800 horsepower,"
A V8 engine has eight cylinders that help it produce a lot of power. It's commonly found in fast cars and trucks because it can make them go really fast.
A V8 engine is a type of internal combustion engine with eight cylinders arranged in a V configuration. This design allows for a powerful engine that can produce high horsepower and torque, making it popular in performance and luxury vehicles.
torque
"torque 800 to 900 feet, top speed 206 miles per hour."
Torque is how much twisting force an engine can create. It helps cars start moving quickly and climb hills easily.
Torque is a measure of rotational force that an engine produces. It's crucial for acceleration and how quickly a vehicle can move from a stop or climb hills.
twin-turbo
"...and the twin-turbo version was production based, but they didn't make more than the one."
Twin-turbo means the engine has two turbochargers. These help the engine produce more power by pushing in more air, which makes it run faster and more efficiently.
Twin-turbo refers to an engine configuration that uses two turbochargers to increase the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This setup can significantly enhance performance and efficiency.
Ferrari F40
"...but they didn't make more than the one. Well, Maserati already beat him to that on 81 as far as a first. Twin-turbo, yeah, exactly. And its achievements did predate the Ferrari F40"
The Ferrari F40 is a famous sports car made by Ferrari. It was built in the late 1980s and is known for being very fast and lightweight, thanks to its powerful engine and design.
The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992. It is known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
Tojian
"But can you say a Tojian, a one-of-one Tojian? By a tune by Gale Banks. And it was 800 horsepower?"
The Tojian is a special car that is one of a kind, meaning there is only one like it. It has been upgraded to be very powerful and fast.
The Tojian is a unique, one-of-a-kind vehicle that has been modified for high performance, including a significant horsepower increase.
Sunbeam Slug
"We can go back to the Sunbeam Slug, clocking in at 203 miles per hour in 1927."
The Sunbeam Slug was a very fast car from 1927 that could reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour. It was notable for its speed during that time period.
The Sunbeam Slug was a car known for its impressive speed, clocking in at 203 miles per hour in 1927. It represents an early example of automotive performance and innovation.
200 miles an hour
"tried to break 200 miles an hour? I wonder how many people died trying to break 200 miles an hour."
200 miles an hour is a very high speed that only certain fast cars can reach. It's often a goal for car enthusiasts and racers.
Breaking 200 miles an hour refers to achieving a speed of 200 mph, which is a significant milestone in automotive performance, often associated with high-performance sports cars and racing.
Dodge Daytona
"Yeah, I mean, I think that's their MO. Yeah. I don't know. But we did have old Jarrod J wrote in and said, or Jarrod G, Jarrod J, Jarrod G, he said, oh, I feel I need to know my guess is the Dodge Daytona."
The Dodge Daytona is a car made by Dodge that has been known for its sporty design and performance. It was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s, especially in racing.
The Dodge Daytona is a nameplate used by Dodge for several vehicles, most notably the high-performance versions of the Dodge Charger and Dodge Daytona coupe produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is known for its racing heritage and distinctive styling.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...bout you? Well, I asked what is the lowest power Corvette to which I instantly tried to answer my Corvette...."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people love. It's been around for a long time and is famous for being powerful and fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its sleek design and high performance. First introduced in 1953, it has become a symbol of American automotive engineering, often discussed for its blend of style, speed, and innovation.
Honda Accord
"...My Honda Accord has like 225 or something."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car made by Honda that is popular for being reliable and comfortable. It has been around for many years and comes in different styles and sizes.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize car known for its reliability, comfort, and efficiency. It has been in production since 1976 and is available in various trims and configurations, often praised for its performance and value.
Chevrolet Astro
"...My 94 astro motor makes 190 with six cylinders. Wow."
The Chevrolet Astro is a type of van made by Chevrolet that was popular in the 1990s. The 1994 model had a six-cylinder engine and was known for being roomy and practical for families.
The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was produced by Chevrolet from 1985 to 2005. The 1994 model featured a V6 engine and was known for its spacious interior and versatility, often used for family transport or commercial purposes.
C8
"That's a C8 e-ray. Wow. 655 forces."
C8 is the name for the latest version of the Chevrolet Corvette. It has a different engine layout than older models, which helps it perform better.
C8 refers to the eighth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette, which features a mid-engine layout and modern design. This generation has been praised for its performance and handling capabilities.
Chevrolet C8 Stingray
"It says power comes from the same LT2 found in the C8 Stingray, but it is enhanced by an electric motor."
The Chevrolet C8 Stingray is a modern version of the Corvette, a famous sports car. It's designed to be fast and has its engine located in the middle, which helps with handling and speed.
The Chevrolet C8 Stingray is the eighth generation of the Corvette sports car, known for its mid-engine layout and impressive performance. It features a powerful V8 engine and advanced technology, making it a standout in the sports car segment.
zero to 60 time
"That's the two and a half seconds zero to 60 time."
Zero to 60 time is how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a way to see how quickly a car can speed up.
Zero to 60 time measures how quickly a vehicle can accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to evaluate a car's acceleration capabilities.
quarter mile time
"And GM is looking for a sub two second zero to 60 mile per hour time and a sub nine second quarter mile time."
Quarter mile time is how long it takes a car to drive a quarter of a mile from a stop. It's a way to see how fast a car can go in a straight line.
Quarter mile time measures how long it takes a car to travel a quarter of a mile from a standing start. It's often used in drag racing to assess a car's straight-line speed.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.