A New Ferrari For The People, Project Car Downdate, and More - DWA! Podcast Ep. #937

The Chevrolet Corvette is a performance sports car known for strong acceleration and a driver-focused layout. It often comes up in conversations about “fast” cars because it delivers high speed and handling in a recognizable, long-running package. In this episode, it’s mentioned for its speed—even if the speaker jokes about being “dirty” right now.

“Ferrari Luce” is mentioned briefly as a named concept or model idea in the episode. The speaker appears to be listing or reacting to potential future or hypothetical Ferrari products. Because it’s not described in detail in the transcript, it’s primarily a conversation reference rather than a technical deep dive.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS is an all-electric luxury sedan positioned as a flagship EV. It’s mentioned in the context of whether Mercedes should make something “exciting,” with the speaker noting that buyers can already purchase an EQS. In this episode, it’s part of a discussion about EV lineup choices.

The Tesla Roadster is Tesla’s planned/next-generation electric supercar concept, positioned as a high-performance alternative to traditional exotic cars. The host suggests Ferrari should consider competing directly with that kind of EV supercar instead of aiming for a more mainstream “Ferrari for the people” vibe.

The Porsche Panamera is Porsche’s luxury performance sedan, built to combine everyday comfort with sports-car performance. It often comes up in discussions about whether Porsche should make certain types of vehicles, including comparisons to other futuristic EV ideas. In the episode, it’s mentioned as the more likely choice compared to a “Tesla Roadster competitor.”

“Avant-garde” (spoken here as “avant guard”) means intentionally experimental or pushing design boundaries rather than following traditional styling. The host uses it to describe the car’s look as unconventional, then argues it still ends up bland.

“Orthopedic shoe” is a metaphor here for a design that looks functional or comfort-oriented rather than sleek or aggressive. The host is criticizing the car’s styling choices by comparing certain parts to something that prioritizes support over beauty.

The Pontiac Fiero is a classic American sports car known for its mid-engine layout and its role as an enthusiast project base. In the episode, it’s referenced as a “knockoff” look inside another car, implying the speaker is comparing interior styling or layout to a Fiero. It’s used as a visual reference point for what the interior resembles.

The Ferrari F40 is a mid-1980s supercar celebrated for its raw, track-inspired design and for being one of Ferrari’s most iconic “drivers’ cars.” The host compares the new car’s vibe to a “knockoff Ferrari F40,” criticizing how it looks more generic than the real thing.

An electric car (EV) uses one or more electric motors powered by a battery pack instead of an internal-combustion engine. The host is framing the design and interior choices as part of Ferrari’s “electric car” direction.

“Electric one” refers to an all-electric version of the model being discussed. In this context, the hosts argue that Ferrari’s strategy may force buyers to choose an electric variant to get the car they want.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup truck with a distinctive, angular design and a focus on modern EV technology. It’s frequently discussed because it stands out visually and represents a different approach to what a pickup can be. Here, it’s referenced as a “crazy” new car and as a benchmark for disappointment with something else.

Rivian is an EV brand known for SUVs and pickup trucks built around large battery packs and modern electric drivetrains. In this segment, it’s used as a reference point for what the speaker thinks the car’s design resembles.

Lucid is an EV brand best known for its luxury electric sedans, especially the Lucid Air. The speaker compares the Ferrari’s styling direction to Lucid’s design language, implying that a more “Lucid-like” look would have been better.

“Rolls” is shorthand for Rolls-Royce, a luxury car brand associated with ultra-high-end interiors and a very traditional, upscale design philosophy. The speaker uses it as a benchmark for how the car should have leaned harder into luxury styling.

Hyundai is a mainstream automaker that also makes EVs and has a reputation for bold, sometimes unconventional styling. Here, the speaker contrasts the Ferrari’s look with Hyundai’s “quirky” design approach, implying the Ferrari’s design reads as cheap rather than intentional.

The Ferrari 412 is a classic Ferrari model referenced as a “harken back” example—meaning the speaker is pointing to older Ferrari styling or concept ideas. It’s brought up as something “cool” in the context of what a modern sedan-like Ferrari could resemble. In the episode, it’s used as a historical reference point rather than a current ownership recommendation.

The Hyundai EV6 is an electric crossover built on Hyundai/Kia’s modern EV platform, known for its sleek fastback styling and mainstream-friendly performance. The speaker brings it up as an example of an EV that made a more interesting design choice than what they’re criticizing here.

The Kia EV6 is an electric crossover designed to deliver modern EV performance and everyday practicality. It’s brought up in the episode as an example of an EV that feels “cool,” and the speaker compares it to another EV idea mentioned right after. The discussion is centered on EV styling and concept expectations.

A “square dash” refers to a dashboard design with flat, boxy surfaces and sharp, geometric styling rather than flowing curves. The speaker uses it to criticize the interior’s look, suggesting the layout feels dated or mass-market.

“Chevy S-10” refers to the Chevrolet S-10 pickup, which is known for a more budget-oriented interior design in many trims. The speaker uses it as a comparison to say the Ferrari’s interior styling doesn’t visually read as high-end.

Side skirts are body panels mounted along the lower sides of a car, between the front and rear wheels. They help the car look lower and can also improve airflow under the doors, which may slightly affect aerodynamics.

Quarter panels are the outer body panels over the rear wheels (and extending toward the rear of the car). They’re common collision/repair areas, so “trim work on a quarter panel” usually means restoring the bodywork and alignment after damage.

Headlights are the front lighting assemblies, and their lens/reflector design affects both appearance and how the light pattern projects on the road. In this segment, the hosts discuss changing the headlight style and aiming for a clearer “glass look.”

“Clear them” here likely means applying a clear coat or clear protective finish to the headlight lenses after painting/repair. That kind of coating can restore clarity and help protect the lens from UV and weathering.

Polishing is a surface-refinishing process that removes oxidation and fine scratches to restore gloss and clarity. On painted surfaces and headlight lenses, it’s often used before or alongside coating/clear work to improve the final finish.

In car detailing/repair context, “transformative” usually means the visual change from refinishing work—like repainting bumpers or restoring headlight clarity—dramatically improves the car’s appearance. It’s not a technical spec, but it describes the magnitude of the cosmetic impact.

“Ellipsoid style” refers to a headlight reflector/lens geometry that uses an ellipsoidal reflector to shape the beam. Compared with older multi-bulb reflector setups, it often produces a cleaner, more controlled light pattern and a more modern look.

Paint cards are physical color samples used to compare and match a car’s existing paint. In this segment, the speaker is using them to find a close match, then confirms the correct color by identifying the underlying paint code.

The speaker is referencing Mini Cooper paint matching for early-2000s cars, specifically around the first generation of the “new” Minis. They’re using a BMW paint code that corresponds to a Mini Cooper color so the hood and fenders blend correctly after repainting.

Forged wheels are wheels made by compressing metal under high pressure, which typically makes them stronger and often lighter than cast wheels. The discussion is about the cost to refinish them, and forged wheels are usually more expensive to repair or re-finish because of their construction and finish quality.

Refinishing means stripping or preparing an existing surface and then reapplying coatings/finishes to restore appearance. Here it’s used for wheels, implying cleaning/prep and then repainting or re-coating the wheel finish.

In refinishing, “masking” means covering areas you don’t want coated so paint stays off edges, hardware, or surfaces that must remain clean. More complex masking usually means more time and labor, which can affect overall cost and finish quality. The host is contrasting masking-heavy jobs with simpler “clean up and paint” workflows.

“Prime and paint” describes a two-step surface prep and coating process. Primer improves adhesion and helps prevent corrosion, while paint provides the visible color. For wheels, the exact prep and coating steps affect how durable the finish is and how well it resists chipping.

“OEM wheels” are wheels made by (or for) the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment. Enthusiasts often prefer OEM wheels because fitment and design are correct for the model, and they can be easier to match when replacing one wheel. The host is comparing pricing for OEM-style wheels that supposedly don’t require refinishing.

“Refinished poorly” refers to wheel restoration work that was done with subpar prep, paint application, or finishing. Common issues include uneven clear coat, overspray, poor surface prep, or paint that chips quickly. The host is warning that cheap “clean” wheels may still arrive looking bad after shipping and inspection.

“Style 24” appears to be the wheel design name used in a listing for the host’s wheel model. Wheel “styles” are specific spoke/face patterns that can be identified across different widths and offsets. The host is using it to confirm the exact wheel they’re looking at before comparing prices.

“Staggered” wheel setup means the car runs different wheel widths (and often different tire widths) front vs. rear. This is commonly done to improve grip balance and fitment, but it also affects how easy it is to find matching replacement wheels. The host uses it to compare their wheel widths to the listing they’re looking at.

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact crossover pickup concept—often described as a small truck-like vehicle with a bed for carrying items. In the episode, it’s referenced as feeling like a “Santa Cruz from like 1987,” which suggests the speaker is talking about the vehicle’s design vibe or nostalgia. It’s mentioned alongside other car history comparisons.

The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck designed for hauling and everyday driving. It’s often discussed for how well it can handle real-world use, including cargo and bed practicality. In this episode, the speaker notes that the Tundra’s bed worked well during their outing.

The Toyota Camry is a mainstream midsize sedan that’s commonly used for rideshare and rental fleets because it’s practical and widely available. The speaker’s point is that “boring” fleet cars can overwhelm the variety you’d expect from car spotting.

“Brodozer” is slang for a heavily modified, attention-grabbing truck or SUV—often lifted and fitted with loud lighting or aggressive styling. The speaker uses it to describe a noisy, showy vehicle that stands out in a car-spotting context.

Wipers are the windshield wiper system, and in car culture they’re often discussed as a small but important comfort/safety item—especially if you’re doing a “project car” refresh. “New and chill wipers” implies replacing or upgrading the wiper setup.

Brake calipers are the clamp-like housings that hold the brake pads and squeeze them against the rotor. The speaker’s example shows how caliper swaps can complicate maintenance because you need the correct pad type for the specific calipers installed.

Brake pads are the friction material that clamp against the brake rotor to slow the car down. Their shape and fit depend on the brake caliper design, which is why the speaker couldn’t figure out what pads to buy once the car had “different calipers.”

Documentation for upgrades means having records that show what parts were changed, when, and sometimes who installed them. For modified cars, this reduces uncertainty when ordering parts (like brake pads) and helps you verify whether the work was done correctly.

The Porsche 914 is a mid-engine sports car that’s often remembered as an enthusiast-friendly classic. It’s a smaller, lighter-feeling 911-adjacent platform that many owners enjoy restoring or modifying. The episode mentions a project idea involving a “914 with a six,” meaning an engine swap concept.

“Unmolested” means the car hasn’t been modified or “tampered with” beyond what’s considered normal. In enthusiast terms, it’s often used to describe a more original, stock example—especially important when you’re planning a project like a Porsche 914 engine swap.

An engine swap is when you replace a car’s original engine with a different one, often from another model or even a different engine family. It’s a common way enthusiasts chase a specific power/character goal, but it can create legal and fitment challenges.

“CARB legal” refers to California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliance for emissions equipment and engine conversions. For engine swaps on newer cars, CARB approval typically requires the swap to be set up in a very specific, emissions-compliant way to pass inspection.

A roll cage is a reinforced metal frame installed inside a car to protect occupants in a crash, especially during track use. It’s often required or strongly encouraged for racing, and building one to a proper standard is labor-intensive and expensive.

Coilovers are a suspension setup that combines a coil spring and shock absorber into one adjustable unit. Enthusiasts use them to fine-tune ride height and damping for better handling and more predictable responses.

The Ford Mustang is a long-running American muscle-car platform with many distinct model-year changes that enthusiasts debate. Here it’s referenced in the “64 and a half Mustang” framing, meaning a specific in-between year that some people find uniquely appealing.

The Chevrolet Camaro is another major American muscle-car nameplate with frequent mid-cycle updates. In this segment it’s mentioned as “70 and a half Camaro,” highlighting how enthusiasts sometimes treat certain transition years as their own special picks.

The Porsche 944 is a front-engine, rear-transaxle sports car that became known for its near-50/50 balance and “everyday usable” feel compared with more exotic 911s. Here it’s mentioned as one of the enthusiast “half-model” picks, implying certain years are especially desirable.

The Toyota Supra is a performance sports car best known for its strong acceleration and enthusiast following. It’s often discussed in the context of specific generations and builds, including how people compare different versions. In the episode, it’s mentioned alongside other classic Toyota models as part of a list of recognizable cars.

The Porsche 928 is a front-engine grand tourer that’s known for its V8-powered character and long-running role as a “Ferrari alternative” in the 1970s and 1980s. In this discussion, the host compares different 928 model years and highlights how later versions added more modern performance hardware.

Dual overhead cam (DOHC) means the engine uses two camshafts located in the cylinder head to operate the valves. Compared with simpler cam layouts, DOHC can support more precise valve timing and higher-revving breathing, which helps performance.

The BMW E30 is the 3 Series generation famous for its driver-focused layout and huge enthusiast aftermarket. Here, the host specifically calls out an E30 from 1989 and notes details like small bumpers, pop-out windows, and the absence of ABS—traits that affect feel and safety tech.

ABS (anti-lock braking system) prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking. That helps maintain steering control and reduces stopping-distance issues on slippery surfaces.

The Porsche 911 (996) is the 1999–2005 generation of the 911, and this segment is specifically talking about early 1999 cars. Enthusiasts often distinguish early vs later 996 details because small design and equipment changes can affect desirability and feel.

“Throttled by wire” refers to electronic throttle control, where the accelerator pedal commands an electronic motor instead of moving a throttle cable directly. Enthusiasts sometimes prefer cable throttles because they can feel more direct and predictable.

“Throttled by cable” means the accelerator pedal is mechanically linked to the throttle body via a cable. Compared with electronic throttle (“drive-by-wire”), cable throttle can provide a more immediate, mechanical feel.

In enthusiast slang, “nannies” refers to driver-assistance and stability-control systems that intervene to reduce wheel slip and correct over/understeer. The speaker is implying the car has fewer of these interventions, which can make it feel more raw.

The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar known for its unusual three-seat layout and focus on lightweight, high-performance engineering. It’s being referenced as a fun celebrity guest rally car idea.

In this context, “wing” refers to a large rear spoiler used for aerodynamic downforce. Bigger wings are often associated with track-focused cars because downforce helps keep the rear planted at speed.

Bucket seats are deep, contoured racing-style seats that hold you in place with a higher side bolstering than a typical seat. They’re commonly used in track and rally builds because they improve driver support during hard cornering.

“Slammed” is car-culture shorthand for lowering a car’s ride height so it sits very close to the ground. It’s usually achieved with suspension changes (like lowering springs or coilovers) and can affect ride comfort and daily usability.

Corbeau is an aftermarket seat brand known for racing and street-legal bucket seats. In this segment, the host compares the seat look to a “Corbeau style,” implying a specific aftermarket seat design rather than a factory seat.

A “full rally” means completing an entire rally event rather than just a partial stage or shakedown. Rallying is demanding because cars see repeated acceleration, braking, and uneven surfaces, so “no major repair” is a meaningful durability signal.

“Stanced” refers to an intentionally low ride height—often with the wheels tucked close to the fenders—prioritizing appearance over ride quality or tire clearance. It’s commonly paired with aftermarket suspension setups that can make the car harsher and less practical.

“Stretch tires” means fitting a tire with a narrower sidewall than ideal for the wheel width, pulling the tread taut. It’s often done for a visual “stretched” look, but it can reduce sidewall protection and make the tire more vulnerable to damage.

“Custom olyn setup” here refers to a bespoke suspension arrangement built for the car’s intended use, likely including tailored geometry and components rather than a generic kit. The key idea is that the suspension is being engineered for rally-style driving, not just lowered for looks.

A “lift” is a workshop hoist used to raise the car so the owner can remove suspension components and inspect the underside. It’s a practical detail because suspension work and rust discovery often require full access to the chassis.

A rust hole in the floorboard indicates corrosion through the car’s structural sheet metal, which can compromise rigidity and safety. In older BMWs like the E30 M3, this kind of hidden rust often gets discovered only after interior and trim are removed.

“Full race rally car” describes converting a street car into something intended for rally-style competition, typically involving weight reduction, suspension upgrades, and interior stripping for safety and packaging. It often changes the car’s priorities from comfort and appearance to durability and control under rough surfaces.

S50 is BMW’s S-series inline-six engine used in certain performance 3 Series applications, and it’s popular in swap culture because it’s a more modern, higher-performance choice than older M-series engines. The speaker is essentially saying “S50” is the best call among the options for making the build feel like a true upgrade.

M24 refers to BMW’s M24 engine family (an inline-six variant). In this conversation, it’s part of a menu of possible engines to swap in, with the speaker implying that the “right” engine choice is what makes the build feel complete.

M20 refers to BMW’s M20 engine family (an inline-six used in earlier 3 Series models). In swap discussions, “going to the M20” usually means choosing that engine as the starting point or target for a build because it’s common, parts are available, and it fits the chassis well.

“B30” is swap-builder shorthand for a BMW “30” build—typically meaning a displacement/engine configuration based on BMW inline-six parts. In this context, it’s the end goal: a “killer” BMW build that combines the right engine choice with the rest of the car’s components.

Fender flares are body panels (often aftermarket) that extend over the wheel area to cover wider tires or add a more aggressive stance. Here, the speaker credits the flares with giving the car “presence,” tying the look to how it’s perceived.

The BMW E30 M3 is a classic 3 Series-based performance car from the 1980s/early 1990s, famous for its lightweight, driver-focused chassis and motorsport heritage. In enthusiast circles it’s often treated as an “aesthetic and driving” benchmark, so the speaker contrasts expectations of speed with the idea that the car can look like something else at first glance.

A “sleeper” is a car that looks understated or ordinary but hides strong performance. The speaker uses it to describe their car’s appearance versus what people assume based on the BMW E30 M3’s reputation.

“Narrowbody” refers to a car configuration with narrower fenders and wheel arches compared with a wider-body version. The speaker mentions “Group A narrowbody stuff,” implying a motorsport-inspired look associated with specific homologation-era styling.

The hosts discuss how to approach buying a car when the seller wants “market value,” especially when the buyer feels the car is a parts-heavy project. This segment focuses on negotiation tactics and persistence rather than technical details.

An S14 “motor” refers to Nissan’s SR20DET-family engine used in certain Nissan models, with the S14 typically associated with the Silvia/200SX era. The hosts are talking about the cost and effort of removing a “perfectly good” S14 engine from a car as part of a larger project.

An “F1 podcast” is a show focused on Formula 1, the top level of open-wheel motorsport. Listeners typically get race news, strategy breakdowns, and driver/team discussion.

A “K24 swap” refers to installing Honda’s K-series 2.4L engine (the K24) into a different car. Engine swaps like this are popular because the K24 is compact, parts are widely available, and it can make strong power with modern tuning.

Chris Harris is a well-known automotive journalist and TV/radio presenter, especially associated with high-end supercar and track-focused content. His “Chris Harris and Friends” format is often centered on cars, driving impressions, and interviews.

The Honda Fit EV refers to an electric version of the Honda Fit, a small hatchback platform adapted for battery-electric driving. It’s mentioned because the speaker is discussing how to define or categorize it—essentially what kind of “box” or vehicle it is. The episode frames it as a niche EV concept tied to the Fit name.

“Icono box” is a fan-made way to describe a mainstream, mass-market car that becomes an icon because it’s recognizable and widely loved. In the segment, they’re comparing examples like a “GTI vs a Golf” and arguing that certain everyday models (like a Civic) can earn that status when they’re done right.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for being practical, efficient, and widely used as a daily driver. It’s also discussed when new body styles or variants are introduced, since buyers often look for something beyond the standard sedan. In the episode, the speaker asks about the “new Corolla wagons” and references a specific wagon model idea.

The Honda Civic is a long-running compact car that’s often used as a benchmark for everyday driving. In this segment, they’re talking about whether the Civic qualifies as an “icono box,” meaning a mainstream model that still has a strong enthusiast identity.

The Toyota RAV4 is Toyota’s compact SUV that helped popularize the modern “small SUV” idea. Here they’re specifically talking about the first generation (“first gen”), which is known for a more rugged, boxy look and a simpler, more enthusiast-friendly vibe than many later versions.

The Volkswagen Rabbit is a compact car model name that’s often associated with older, simpler Volkswagen designs. In the episode, it’s mentioned in a personal context about someone getting a “bulk second rabbit pickup” with a “VR six,” which sounds like a swap or specific engine setup. The Rabbit is used here as a reference to a particular car build or purchase.

Torque steer is the tendency of a front-wheel-drive car to pull left or right under hard acceleration because unequal forces act on the two drive wheels. The hosts connect it to a “scary fast” car in first gear, implying big torque and traction differences that can make steering feel unstable.