968: The Solution®, Don’t Buy The Torture Chamber, Maximum Resolution
About this episode
Exploring the decline of small cars in the U.S. market, the hosts delve into listener questions about the future of compact vehicles and how manufacturers can revitalize interest. They discuss the emotional appeal of driving and the importance of fun over safety in car buying decisions. The episode also features a segment on a listener's search for a practical yet enjoyable daily driver, leading to suggestions like the GR86 and BRZ. With insights on automotive trends and potential revivals of classic nameplates, the discussion is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Circuit of the Americas
"...what's Koda circuit of the Americas. That is the purpose built F1 track just outside of Austin. It is awesome."
Circuit of the Americas is a racetrack in Texas designed for Formula 1 racing. It's famous for its unique design and is a popular venue for car enthusiasts and racing fans.
Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is a purpose-built Formula 1 track located just outside of Austin, Texas. It is known for its challenging layout and has hosted numerous motorsport events, including the United States Grand Prix.
Nissan 300 ZX
"...with our cars of the past, 300 ZX and 928. We got those on Koda."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sporty car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it popular among car enthusiasts.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was part of the Nissan Z-car family, produced from 1983 to 2000. It is known for its performance, sleek design, and advanced technology for its time.
Porsche 928
"... South trip with our cars of the past, 300 ZX and 928. We got those on Koda. We're going to go back wit..."
Spa-Francorchamps
"...a day at Spa, Frankershot, and a road tour in between with some great cars, great food, great people..."
Spa-Francorchamps is a well-known racetrack in Belgium where many exciting car races happen. It's famous for its twists and turns, making it a favorite among racing fans.
Spa-Francorchamps is a famous racing circuit located in Belgium, known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery. It hosts various motorsport events, including Formula 1 races, and is a popular destination for car enthusiasts.
Nürburgring
"...a day on the ring, a day at Spa, Frankershot, and a road tour in between with some great cars..."
The Nürburgring is a well-known race track in Germany where many car manufacturers test their cars. It's famous for being very difficult and exciting to drive on.
The Nürburgring is a famous motorsport complex in Germany, known for its long and challenging racetrack. It's often used for testing high-performance cars and is a popular destination for driving enthusiasts.
AutoTempest
"...you need Auto Tempest.com. Any car anywhere at any price auto tempest searches all the major car listing sites on the web..."
AutoTempest is a website that helps you find cars for sale by searching many different car listing sites at once. It shows you price trends and lets you save your searches.
AutoTempest is a car search engine that aggregates listings from various car listing sites, making it easier for users to find cars for sale. It also offers features like price history and search alerts.
price history
"...Auto Tempest has recently added price history for every car listed so you can see how prices are trending..."
Price history shows how much a car has cost in the past, which can help you understand if the current price is fair or if it's gone up or down.
Price history refers to the tracking of a car's price over time, allowing buyers to see how prices have changed. This can help in determining whether a current price is a good deal.
Mazda Miata
"Zach drives a 2016 Miata and though he's not planning to part with it anytime soon, he feels the options for small cars are dwindling to near zero."
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a small sports car that is very light and fun to drive. The 2016 version is popular for its good handling and sporty feel.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. The 2016 model continues the Miata's legacy of being an affordable and enjoyable roadster.
Toyota Corolla
"...ld we do next for each one? For example BRZ 86 or Corolla GR or Miata or Civic SI WRX all of those. What wo..."
Honda Civic
"...one? For example BRZ 86 or Corolla GR or Miata or Civic SI WRX all of those. What would we do for the nex..."
Subaru WRX
"...example BRZ 86 or Corolla GR or Miata or Civic SI WRX all of those. What would we do for the next editi..."
Toyota Corolla Gr
"...ld we do next for each one? For example BRZ 86 or Corolla GR or Miata or Civic SI WRX all of those. What would..."
K cars
"...the Japanese who still buy K cars. K cars over here is the best example they can think of. K cars over here are a novelty."
K cars are small cars that are very popular in Japan. They have to follow certain rules about how big they can be and how powerful their engines can be, making them great for city driving.
K cars are a category of small, lightweight vehicles that are popular in Japan, designed to meet specific regulations regarding size and engine capacity. They are known for their efficiency and practicality in urban environments.
Daihatsu K trucks
"...you see them actually over here a little dihatsu K trucks. You see them on like golf courses and big places that are resorts because they're perfect to fit down small pedestrian pathways..."
Daihatsu K trucks are tiny trucks made by the company Daihatsu. They're really useful for moving things around in tight spaces, like on golf courses or in small towns.
Daihatsu K trucks are small, lightweight utility vehicles designed to comply with Japan's K car regulations. They are often used in agricultural and commercial settings due to their compact size and maneuverability.
Volkswagen Golf
"...e a little dihatsu K trucks. You see them on like golf courses and big places that are resorts because t..."
horsepower
"...with the extra long back and the extra 600 horsepower. That's what we take seriously as a country. We don't buy small cars."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger 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, with higher horsepower generally correlating to better performance.
Cadillac Escalade
"...e it seriously. We take it seriously when it's an escalade with the extra long back and the extra 600 horsep..."
Mini Cooper
"...I liked what Mini Cooper did for a long time. Yes. They appealed to the fun of driving..."
Mini Cooper is a car brand that makes small, stylish cars that are fun to drive.
Mini Cooper is a brand known for its compact cars that emphasize fun driving experiences and unique styling.
Alfa Romeo
"...but you know what alpha Romeo's commercials were excellent because it appealed to essential nature of driving..."
Alfa Romeo is a brand that makes sporty cars and often creates ads that focus on the enjoyment of driving.
Alfa Romeo is an Italian car manufacturer known for its sporty vehicles and emotional advertising that emphasizes the joy of driving.
miles per gallon
"...never mind the fact that I'm getting no miles per gallon as I sit here in traffic..."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go using one gallon of gas, which helps you understand its fuel efficiency.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency that indicates how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel.
Renault Wind
"...ving and racing and those kind of things. And you wind up with stuff like the FRS which becomes the 86 c..."
Toyota RAV4
"...Now the RAV 4 selling a half million. If this car sells six to 10,000, we will feel like that was worth our investment."
The Toyota RAV4 is a small SUV that many people like because it's useful for families and everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and having a lot of space for cargo.
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV that has gained popularity for its practicality, reliability, and versatility. It is one of Toyota's best-selling models, appealing to families and individuals looking for a capable vehicle for various needs.
Tesla Cybertruck
"...I'll go the other end of the spectrum. Why does the cyber truck exist? Because you have a CEO who went, no, no, no, no, no, seriously, that child's drawing make it look like that."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be strong and high-tech, appealing to people who want something unique.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck known for its unconventional design and advanced technology. It aims to disrupt the traditional truck market with its unique aesthetics and electric powertrain.
American name plate
"...there are no American name plates. I won't say manufacturer because then we get into the, what is American?"
'American name plate' means car brands that are usually thought of as American, like Ford and Chevy. It's a bit tricky because many companies make cars in the U.S. but are from other countries.
The term 'American name plate' refers to automotive brands that are traditionally considered American, such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge. However, it can be complex due to global manufacturing and ownership structures in the automotive industry.
Ford F150
"Well, the people that are now buying K trucks, I want a smaller truck. Right. But they did not appeal to F-150 and Silverado buyers. Of course not. Absolutely. None of those buyers would have ever considered a Tundra. Now they're sort of like, huh. Now they're big enough."
Chevrolet Silverado
"...ruck. Right. But they did not appeal to F-150 and Silverado buyers. Of course not. Absolutely. None of those ..."
Toyota Tundra
"...maybe I should get a Toyota Tundra. They associated that. So it took them forever to get that thinking..."
The Toyota Tundra is a large truck that many people use for heavy-duty tasks or towing. It's known for being strong and dependable.
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck known for its robust performance and reliability. It features a powerful V8 engine and is designed for both work and leisure, making it a versatile choice for many buyers.
front-wheel drive
"...it can't just be a front wheel drive manual transmission hatchback. It's got to be something true."
Front-wheel drive means that the front wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This is a common setup in many cars and helps with fuel efficiency.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is delivered to the front wheels. This setup is common in many cars and can improve fuel efficiency and handling in certain conditions.
manual transmission
"...it can't just be a front wheel drive manual transmission hatchback. It's got to be something true."
A manual transmission is a way to drive a car where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and speed.
Stellantis
"Instead of trying to make each brand do their thing, I think that's Stellantis's problem right now. Well, but you know, it's interesting to bring up Stellantis because I was thinking about this."
Stellantis is a big car company that makes many different brands of cars, like Dodge and Chrysler. It was created when two companies joined together.
Stellantis is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group. It encompasses several well-known brands including Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Peugeot.
Dodge Dart
"This is a few years ago when we released the Dodge Dart. It's about a decade ago. It's a little more than that. Okay. They re-release the Dodge Dart."
The Dodge Dart is a small car that Dodge brought back a few years ago. It was meant to be affordable, but many people didn't think it drove very well.
The Dodge Dart is a compact car that was reintroduced in 2013 as a modern take on the classic Dart nameplate. It was known for its affordability but received mixed reviews regarding its driving dynamics.
Chrysler 200
"Now it was it was a companion car. Think about this now to the re-released Chrysler 200. These were genuinely bad to drive cars, but you couldn't tell it from the commercial."
The Chrysler 200 is a medium-sized car that Chrysler made for several years. It was meant to be a good option for families, but many people found it lacking in quality.
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that was produced from 2011 to 2017. It was designed to compete in the crowded sedan market but faced criticism for its performance and interior quality.
GR models
"Now Toyota has done this in a little more viral way where watch the Toyota commercials of the last five years where they brought up the GR models."
GR models are special performance cars made by Toyota. They are designed to be more fun to drive and often have features that make them better for racing.
The GR models refer to the Gazoo Racing line of performance-oriented vehicles produced by Toyota. These models are designed to enhance driving dynamics and are often associated with motorsport-inspired features.
Subaru Outbacks
"But probably dig in and love it. I submit to you, we're going to talk about what we do to change some of these cars. I submit to you that in some cases, there are people buying Subaru Outbacks because they love their WX so much 15 years ago before they had kids."
The Subaru Outback is a type of car that can handle rough roads and bad weather. It's popular with people who like to go on adventures or need a reliable vehicle for their family.
The Subaru Outback is a crossover SUV known for its all-wheel drive and rugged capability, making it popular among outdoor enthusiasts. It has a reputation for reliability and versatility, appealing to families and adventure seekers alike.
Ford Probe
"...? It isn't the Mustang and I don't allow the name probe to be ever used again in the history of time. Go ..."
Ford Mustang
"... is the new small fun car from Ford? It isn't the Mustang and I don't allow the name probe to be ever used ..."
Ford Focus
"Go back to the focus. What is that? What is the new Ford focus?"
The Ford Focus is a small car that is known for being fun to drive and good on gas. It's a popular choice for people who want a reliable vehicle that isn't too big.
The Ford Focus is a compact car that has been popular for its sporty handling and efficiency. It has undergone several generations of redesigns, appealing to a wide range of drivers looking for a practical yet fun vehicle.
Ford Falcon
"...ly have it as a fun hatchback but let's go to the Falcon. Bring back the Ford Falcon. Make that a genuine ..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"obvious shopping Corvette off as the brand and all right. Yeah, for sure, competitor and maybe a cross platform sharing. And then the Corvette at the top end."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car made by Chevrolet. It's known for being very powerful and is often seen as a symbol of American muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engines and sleek design. It has been a flagship model for Chevrolet since its introduction in 1953.
Pontiac Fiero
"...olstice is a great name. Solstice at the low end. Fiero is the MR2. Oh, Hilton, stay."
Toyota MR2
"...great name. Solstice at the low end. Fiero is the MR2. Oh, Hilton, stay."
Pontiac Solstice
"Solstice is a great name. Solstice at the low end. Fiero i..."
Honda S2000
"Honda S2000. S2001."
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that Honda made for a decade. It's loved for its fun driving experience and powerful engine that can go really fast.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster that was produced by Honda from 1999 to 2009. It is known for its high-revving engine and sporty handling, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Mazda Mx5 Miata
"That brings me to the second part where David's asking what we do to these cars for the next version. I don't have all of them, but I did talk about a few of them for the MX-5 Miata. I think next for that is a hybrid powertrain."
Toyota Prius
"...me engineer could do this, but a variation of the Prius drivetrain. Current Prius drivetrain has a decent..."
Honda Prelude
"...in early 07 asks for our thoughts on the upcoming prelude. Will it be a front wheel drive competitor to the..."
Nissan 240SX
"...ey have a partnership with Nissan, bring back the 240SX. Agreed."
Toyota Celica
"...he prelude back, Toyota, you've got to do the new Celica. Toyota, you've got to do the new MR2."
Ford Expedition
"That's like, those are truck numbers. Well, the expedition gets 12. I know."
Porsche Cayenne
"Those are truck. That's my old cayenne before the big tires. Now, with the big tires, it..."
Tesla Model 3S
"three years from now. So, he's bouncing around on many options from Beater 2019 to 2020 Model 3's, mid-2004 Rangers, or the FK-8 generation type R's half of his commute would be miserable, he admits."
Ford Rangers
"...ions from Beater 2019 to 2020 Model 3's, mid-2004 Rangers, or the FK-8 generation type R's half of his comm..."
Tesla Model 3
"...ake 40 grand for a 2021 Ticon. It's hard to argue Model 3 when that's staring you in the face. Okay. Autote..."
Dodge Challengers
"...nd GR86s, a whole lot of Kia souls, lots of Dodge challengers, Moustangs, as far as the I can see, a handful of..."
Subaru Brzs
"...lot of fun cars come up. Some mini-coopers, newer BRZs and GR86s, a whole lot of Kia souls, lots of Dodg..."
Ford Ts Model
"...e two from the factory. You don't need to get the TS model. You can get it in auto."
Porsche 911S
"But the largest number of great cars. I guess it wouldn't be Porsche, because even though they've produced many 9.11s, that's still one model."
Lotus Elise
"...s astonished about is that my little stupid Lotus Elise is fun doing stupid things. Just I need to go get..."
Porsche 911 GT3
"...g. He was watching Matt's review of the new 992.2 GT3 and listening to him talk about the steering prog..."
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