About this episode
Race-weekend logistics kick things off, including a trip to One-Way Raceway and talk about which BMW is being used. The conversation then bounces from “bings and bongs” speed-limit alerts to switching between cars and finding controls fast. They compare EV efficiency tricks like wheel covers and charging pads, swap stories about expensive repairs and camera/digital mirror tech, and get into plug-in hybrid charging with the BYD Shark. Driver-assist warnings, tailgate design, and parts availability after distributor failures round it out.
Peter Tom and Chantelle examine all the new features in cars that try and do the same thing in different ways and in different places. Tom provides an update on the preparation of Round 2 of the Production Cars Race Series at Goulburn. Peter talks about some dealerships being crowded while others are a ghost town. Plug-in Hybrid vs Hybrid.
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Mclaren F1 Mclaren
"... about a fluky one yeah right i was picking up an f1 mclaren f1 you've driven a mclaren right yes is it an f1 ..."
The McLaren F1 is a very rare, very fast sports car. People talk about it because it was designed for top-level performance and it’s famous among car enthusiasts. It may be mentioned when someone wants to reference an all-time standout car.
The McLaren F1 is a rare, high-performance supercar known for its extreme engineering and iconic status in automotive history. It’s often discussed because it was built to deliver very high speed and driver-focused performance, and it remains a benchmark for what a “serious” supercar can be. In a podcast, it may come up when talking about standout, hard-to-find cars and memorable driving experiences.
handbrake
"it looked like i had i started it handbrake everything as if i knew where everything was ... i know the handbrake will let go as soon as i put it give go to reverse out"
The handbrake is what you use to keep the car from rolling when it’s parked. Some cars release it automatically when you start moving, which is why the host mentions it letting go when they put the car into reverse to pull out.
The handbrake (parking brake) is a control that holds the car stationary, typically using rear brakes or a separate mechanism. In modern cars, it may be a lever or an electronic switch, and it can release automatically when you shift into gear and apply the right pedal inputs.
auto headlights
"well okay buttons now man the auto headlights they're on auto yeah i know but do you know where the fuck the headlight buttons are"
Auto headlights are a setting where the car turns the lights on and off by itself. They’re talking about whether you can quickly find the light controls when you jump into a new car.
Auto headlights use sensors to automatically turn the headlights on and off based on ambient light and sometimes driving conditions. The hosts are debating whether the headlight controls are easy to find or already set to “auto” when you get into a different car.
jumping into unfamiliar cars
"for what car any like you jump in a car they're all in the same spot no you put your glasses on and have a look oh okay but you what's the chances wait wait what's the chances it doesn't matter what car you get in they're not already gonna be set at auto"
They’re talking about what it’s like to get into a car you don’t know well. Even if the car has the same features, the buttons and screens might be in different places, so it can take a moment to figure things out.
The hosts are discussing the practical challenge of operating controls in a car you haven’t driven before. Even when features are similar (headlights, dashboard layouts), the physical placement and UI can differ enough to slow you down or cause mistakes.
digital dashboards
"okay next dashboards they're all digital they're all good can you read the dash do you know what's going on in front"
A digital dashboard is when the speedometer and other gauges are shown on a screen instead of dials. They’re saying it’s easier to have everything look “good,” but you might still not know what you’re seeing right away.
A digital dashboard replaces traditional analog gauges with screens that can show speed, navigation, driver-assist status, and other vehicle information. The hosts mention that these dashboards are “all digital” and discuss whether you can quickly read what’s happening when you’re unfamiliar with that layout.
auto brake
"because like mercs or they've got g4 settings they've got everything okay auto brake i know you use millimeters here when you move your car yeah and don't suck cars oh the ones that break order me reverse back"
Auto brake is a safety feature that can apply the brakes for you if the car thinks it needs to. In this conversation, they’re talking about how it can affect what happens when you’re reversing or moving in tight spaces.
“Auto brake” here refers to automatic braking systems that can slow or stop the car without the driver pressing the brake pedal, usually to prevent or reduce collisions. The hosts connect it to maneuvering and how the car responds when guiding or reversing.
USB ports
"coming up other lists what else um but you probably don't usb ports yeah yes i do because remember i deliver a shitload to are they in the same spot no do they shoot you up yes"
USB ports are the charging/data connections in the car for things like your phone. They’re talking about whether you can find them quickly and whether they’re in the same place across different cars.
USB ports in a car provide a connection for charging phones and powering accessories, often supporting data transfer for media or phone integration. The hosts mention USB ports as part of the “where everything is” checklist when they’re driving different vehicles.
charging pads
"but now what's happening is a lot more are getting charging pads no you just slow but a lot of them are getting out yeah i know"
Charging pads let you charge your phone by setting it on a spot in the car, instead of plugging in a cable. They’re saying more cars are moving toward this kind of wireless charging.
Charging pads are wireless charging surfaces in the car where you place your phone to charge it without plugging in a cable. The hosts note that more cars are adding these, which changes how you charge on the go.
light bars
"…you'll look at the all the lighting light bars at the front and you want to repair all this shit those early districts they're fucking pain in the ass…"
A light bar is a long strip of lights on the front or back of a car. If it gets damaged, you may not be able to replace just one small piece—sometimes the whole strip has to be fixed.
Light bars are continuous or multi-segment LED lighting elements, often used across the front or rear of modern vehicles. Because they’re integrated and sometimes require matching parts, damage can be expensive and repairs may involve replacing more than just a single bulb or lens.
Geely
"…what was that car the other day we done that one foot across the road that we had the geely the chinese geely you know the geely's yeah they've got like they've…"
Geely is a car brand from China. The hosts are talking about how some Geely models have unusual lights and styling details that can be a hassle to repair.
Geely is a Chinese automaker whose cars are increasingly common in markets outside China. Here it’s mentioned in the context of distinctive lighting designs and logos, which can affect parts availability and repair costs.
aftermarket
"…voxback has got the illuminated vw badge now yeah a lot of them have but i don't know if that's aftermarket no they're factory…"
Aftermarket means something added or made by a third-party, not the original car maker. It can affect how well it fits and how easy it is to fix later.
Aftermarket refers to parts or accessories made by companies other than the vehicle’s original manufacturer. The hosts debate whether an illuminated VW badge is factory-installed or aftermarket, which matters for fitment, wiring, and repair sourcing.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
"…the c class is six grand right because someone backed into the back of one and he goes i don't know we'll do a cash and he got the quote was six grand…"
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a popular Mercedes luxury car. They’re using it as an example of a repair job that can cost a lot after a rear-end accident.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a mainstream luxury sedan/estate line from Mercedes-Benz. In this segment, it comes up as an example of how expensive body/lighting repairs can be when something gets hit at the rear.
BYD
"…i'm i was going for merc right because i've my own mercs but the more i look at you know what i'm going down to b y d to buy a car…"
BYD is a car brand from China. They’re talking about considering a BYD for a new car purchase and what it’s like compared to other brands.
BYD is a major Chinese automaker best known for electrified vehicles and battery technology. In this segment, it’s discussed as a potential purchase option, with the hosts comparing how features and design choices show up on the road.
digital reverse cameras
"…what heads up no the digital reverse cameras and that where oh you haven't had cars with that…"
Digital reverse cameras send a live video feed to a screen so the driver can see behind the car while reversing. This is different from older systems that might use simpler displays or analog camera tech, and it can change how repairs are handled when the camera or wiring is damaged.
Range Rover
"…like a lot of them have but i don't know if… what heads up no the digital reverse cameras and that where oh you haven't had cars with that… like a lot of Range Rovers you know this and the pole stars have got that…"
Range Rover is a luxury SUV brand/model line. They’re using it as an example of a car that uses cameras for visibility instead of the usual mirror setup.
Range Rover is a luxury SUV line known for high-end tech and premium exterior design. The hosts mention it specifically as an example of vehicles using digital camera-based systems instead of traditional mirrors.
Polestar
"…like a lot of Range Rovers you know this and the pole stars have got that like a reviewed mirror but it's a camera as digital…"
Polestar is a car brand that makes modern electric vehicles. They’re mentioning it because some Polestar models use cameras for what you’d normally see with mirrors.
Polestar is a performance-oriented electric vehicle brand. In this segment, it’s referenced as another example of cars that use camera-based mirror/visibility tech rather than conventional mirrors.
digital camera-based mirrors
"…like a reviewed mirror but it's a camera as digital… well like the car we've had them wear the mirrors side mirrors…"
Instead of normal side mirrors, some cars use cameras on the doors and show the view on screens. If something gets damaged, it can be more complicated than replacing a mirror.
Digital camera-based mirrors use side cameras to display the view on screens instead of using traditional mirror glass. The hosts describe this as a “reviewed mirror” that’s actually a camera feed, which can affect repair complexity because you’re dealing with cameras, displays, and calibration.
aerodynamics
"maybe you know why because it's less bulky less aerodynamics electric cars right deal with air a lot like they they would do with drag from aerodynamics and stuff like this has gone back a couple years ago"
Aerodynamics is how the car cuts through air. If the shape is slippery, the car has an easier time moving and can go farther on the same battery.
Aerodynamics is how air flows around a car and how that affects drag. On electric cars, designers often chase lower drag because it helps the car use less energy and can improve range.
drag
"electric cars right deal with air a lot like they they would do with drag from aerodynamics and stuff like this has gone back a couple years ago"
Drag is the “pushback” you feel when moving through air. Less drag means the car needs less energy to keep going.
Drag is the resistance a vehicle experiences as it moves through air. Lower drag reduces the power needed to maintain speed, which is especially valuable for electric cars where efficiency directly impacts range.
hubcaps
"i asked the question man what do you put cheap your ass looking hubcaps on these cars he goes going to Canberra or something that will give you three more percent less drag"
Hubcaps are covers on the wheels. Some designs are made to help air flow better around the wheel, which can reduce drag.
Hubcaps are covers for the wheel’s center area, and on some cars they’re shaped to reduce aerodynamic turbulence around the wheel. The segment suggests Tesla used a wheel-cover approach to cut drag.
wheel covers
"going to Canberra or something that will give you three more percent less drag why it'll make it yeah the model why they're out for a week at the plastic rims but if you pulled them off and nice yeah yeah but you leave the plastic on yeah because it gives you less drag"
Wheel covers are add-ons over the wheels that help the air move more smoothly. That can make the car use less energy.
Wheel covers (often called aero wheel covers) are aerodynamic panels over the wheels meant to smooth airflow and reduce drag. They can be a noticeable efficiency tweak on EVs because wheel-area airflow contributes to overall aerodynamic losses.
flush door handles
"speaking of Tesla door handles what how they're fucking car no every car's got its own version of door handles it's like what's his name king dinged the customs you know how he's got his own flush he made his own set that looked like the Tesla"
Flush door handles are door handles that sit flat with the car when they’re not being used. That shape helps the car slip through the air more easily.
Flush door handles sit nearly even with the car’s body when closed, reducing aerodynamic drag compared with handles that protrude. This segment also describes how the handles can deploy and retract automatically.
automatic door opening
"and then now in the beam they open up automatically as well no they don't you're pushing in the pops out yeah but which Tesla i've i've had a Tesla here i've been walking up with my car that you know the card and it pops out and the door opens the door"
Automatic door opening means the car can open the door for you when you press a button or when it detects your key. It’s part of the convenience features on some modern cars.
Automatic door opening refers to electronically controlled doors that open via a sensor/key fob or a button, rather than requiring a manual latch pull. Some EVs use this to pair convenience with aerodynamic features like flush handles.
speed limit
"and the last thing is the bins and bombs when you go over a speed limit every like we only had these cars for half an hour"
Speed limit is the maximum speed you’re allowed to drive. Some cars will warn you (and sometimes react) if you go faster than that.
A speed limit is the maximum legal speed for a given road or area. In modern cars, exceeding it can trigger driver-assist alerts or, in some cases, automatic interventions depending on the vehicle and region.
Byd Shark 6
"... can open up a little bit or and and that was the shark i like that idea i'm not sure but the thing that ..."
The BYD Shark 6 is a small SUV-style car made by BYD. It’s meant for normal driving and daily errands. People may talk about it because of practical design features, like how parts of the car open or move.
The BYD Shark 6 is a compact crossover/SUV model from BYD, and it’s notable for its design and modern features aimed at everyday use. It may be discussed in a podcast because of specific styling or convenience elements—like how certain parts open or move—since those details can stand out in real-world use. The “Shark” name also ties into BYD’s branding for this model line.
push button
"it had instead of a handle where you pull the thing down it was a push button a lot of them do"
A push button is just an electronic way to open or control something. Instead of pulling a handle, you press a button to release the latch.
A push button is an electronic control used to operate a function instead of a traditional mechanical handle. On tailgates and liftgates, this usually means the latch is actuated electrically, often with sensors and a control module.
rubber pad
"how long does that rubber pad last before the water goes in because like the early day astros and astros and what other a few cars like they wouldn't last long like the Australian sun"
A rubber pad is a rubber seal or cover that helps keep water out. Hot sun and weather can make rubber wear out faster, and then water can get in.
A rubber pad is a weather-sealing or protective rubber component used around exterior controls or contact points. In harsh climates, rubber can harden, crack, or lose flexibility, which can let water in and cause button/latch issues.
mystery shoppers
"Liverpool yeah i'll say the areas and it gives a fuck so we turned up as like mystery shoppers and they pulled out the mic out of my pocket that the little baby mic red light on"
Mystery shoppers are undercover visitors who act like normal customers. In this segment, they’re saying they went to dealerships that way and recorded what happened.
Mystery shoppers are people who visit businesses pretending to be regular customers to evaluate the sales experience and compliance. Here, they describe arriving at dealerships as mystery shoppers and using a hidden microphone.
BYD Shark
"they gave us a byd and me and frank drove the shark amazing car i was gobsmacked how smooth it was full electric no it's plug-in hybrid so it starts like it mean you plug it in and get about a hundred k's"
The BYD Shark is a BYD vehicle they test-drove. They say it’s a plug-in hybrid, meaning you can charge it and then drive using electricity for a while before the engine has to help.
The BYD Shark is a BYD model they drove, and the key point here is its electrified powertrain. The hosts describe it as a plug-in hybrid (you charge it), with an electric-only range that can reduce how often the gasoline engine needs to run.
plug-in hybrid
"full electric no it's plug-in hybrid so it starts like it mean you plug it in and get about a hundred k's but the engines are generator adding more battery power hybrids they're hybrid plug-in hybrid"
A plug-in hybrid is a car that has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. You can charge the battery from a plug, so you can drive on electricity for a while before the engine takes over.
A plug-in hybrid is a hybrid car with a battery you can recharge from an external power source (like a wall charger). That lets it run on electric power for a limited range, then switch to the engine (and/or generator) when the battery is depleted.
generator
"so it starts like it mean you plug it in and get about a hundred k's but the engines are generator adding more battery power hybrids they're hybrid plug-in hybrid"
In a plug-in hybrid, the engine can run a generator to produce electricity for the battery and electric drive. This is how the car can keep charging the battery (or maintain it) without always relying on the engine to directly propel the wheels.
Toyota Camry
"...ey all right it's a plug no but if you get like a camry where it's not plug-in it's just a hybrid okay th..."
The Toyota Camry is a regular family sedan. Some versions are hybrids, which use a battery and gas engine together, but not all hybrids need to be plugged in. If it’s not a plug-in hybrid, you usually charge the battery while driving.
The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan known for being practical, efficient, and widely available. It’s often discussed in the context of hybrid versus plug-in hybrid versions because the powertrain setup affects how you charge and how you drive day to day. In a podcast, it may come up when comparing what “hybrid” means and whether a car needs to be plugged in.
hands on the wheel
"oh yes it's self-driving on that like let's say self-driving you have to have hands on the wheel but the radar ... it didn't have to tell me to put my hands on the steering wheel because it was very low speed ... the flashing lights in the steering wheel it's got lights in it um they flash up pretty quick within 20 seconds like keep your hands on the wheel"
Even when the car helps drive, it still needs you to be ready. That’s why it tells you to keep your hands on the wheel—so you can take over immediately if the system can’t handle the situation.
Many modern “self-driving” or automated-driving features are actually driver-supervised systems. They may steer or manage speed, but they require the driver to keep hands on the wheel so the car can hand control back instantly if needed.
radar
"but the radar the dystronic whatever Mercedes calls it mate it is fucking a gun some are great like i drive a lot of them right"
Radar is how the car “sees” using radio signals. It helps the car notice cars and obstacles around it so it can assist with things like slowing down and following traffic.
Radar is a sensor technology that uses radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and relative speed. In driver-assistance systems, radar helps the car understand traffic and adjust behavior like following distance and low-speed maneuvers.
BMW 5 Series
"but with my the five series the flashing lights in the steering wheel it's got lights in it um they flash up pretty quick within 20 seconds like keep your hands on the wheel"
The BMW 5 Series is a popular BMW sedan. In this discussion, they’re using it as an example of a car that watches whether you’re actively driving and warns you if you aren’t.
The BMW 5 Series is BMW’s mainstream executive sedan, commonly used as a benchmark for comfort and driver-assistance features. Here it’s mentioned specifically for its steering-wheel monitoring—flashing alerts that demand the driver keep their hands on the wheel.
stalls
"you're driving on the freeway stalls or grinds on it it does weird things i don't think everyone's going to go to youtube now"
A stall is when the engine basically shuts off while the car is moving or when you shift. It can happen if the car suddenly has to work much harder than the engine can handle at that moment.
A stall is when the engine stops running because it can’t maintain the required idle/combustion conditions. In a drivetrain context, it can happen when the car is put into reverse (or a gear) and the load suddenly spikes, overwhelming the engine’s ability to keep running.
grinds
"you're driving on the freeway stalls or grinds on it it does weird things"
A grind is an ugly scraping sound that can happen when gears don’t line up or engage correctly. It often means something in the drivetrain is fighting itself.
A grinding sound usually points to metal-to-metal contact or misalignment inside the drivetrain—often from gears not engaging smoothly. In the “put it in reverse while moving” scenario, the transmission/gear engagement can clash with rotating components, producing a grind.
ceramic brakes
"the security's car's coming back tonight from where getting the ceramic brakes and i like oh no that aren't the arm"
Ceramic brakes are a brake system made with ceramic materials. They can reduce brake dust and may handle heat better, but they typically cost more than regular brakes.
“Ceramic brakes” usually refers to ceramic brake pads/rotors made from ceramic materials. They’re known for producing less brake dust and often better high-temperature fade resistance than many conventional setups, but they can be more expensive and may behave differently when cold.
lowered
"i got lowered it and then i'm disease did he get it off i don't know"
“Lowered” means the car’s ride height has been reduced, typically by changing suspension components (like lowering springs or coilovers). Lower ride height affects handling, braking stability, and headlight aim, and it can also change how the car clears obstacles.
launch
"and then i'm disease did he get it off i don't know how does that i made him lower it so it's got that launch look"
“Launch” here means how the car starts moving from a stop. Lowering the car can change how it sits and moves during that first acceleration.
“Launch” is used to describe how a car behaves when it starts moving from a stop—especially the initial acceleration and squat/weight transfer. Lowering the car can change suspension geometry and how the chassis settles during that first push.
self level
"it's got a self level the lights were going crazy he reckons has to be level okay"
“Self level” means the headlights automatically adjust their aim. That way, when the car squats or lifts, the lights still point where they should.
“Self level” here refers to an automatic headlight leveling system that adjusts beam aim as the car’s suspension height changes. This helps keep the headlights aimed correctly when the car is loaded, lowered, or under braking/acceleration.
calipers
"he chipped one of the calipers and fit us has lost this shit okay"
Calipers are the parts that clamp the brake pads onto the brake discs to stop the car. If a caliper is chipped, it may need inspection or replacement so the brakes work properly.
Brake calipers are the clamping mechanism that squeezes the brake pads against the rotors to slow the car. If someone “chipped” a caliper, it can indicate damage to the caliper body or mounting area, which may affect braking performance and safety.
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