A lively discussion unfolds around the new Honda Prelude, marking its return after 25 years. Johnny and his co-host delve into the car's design, performance, and the unique features that set it apart from modern competitors. They reminisce about past Prelude generations and the evolution of two-door coupes, while sharing insights from their driving experience at the launch event in Nice. The episode also touches on the intricacies of Honda's engineering, including the asymmetric seats and the innovative hybrid powertrain, all delivered with humor and nostalgia.
Jonny and Richard are in the South of France to drive Honda’s new coupe. As well as giving their verdict on the car, they talk about In The Night Garden, Stroker Ace and a hatred of pod coffee. But mainly about the Prelude. Believe, yeah?
The Nissan 200 SX is a small sports car that was made in the late '80s and '90s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a design that many car fans appreciate. People talk about it because it was a cool car for those who liked sporty vehicles.
The Nissan 200 SX is a compact sports coupe that was produced from 1989 to 1998, known for its rear-wheel-drive layout and performance-oriented features. It gained popularity among car enthusiasts for its tuning potential and sporty driving dynamics. The 200 SX is often discussed for its place in Nissan's sports car lineage.
The Ford Probe is a type of car made by Ford that was designed to be sporty and stylish. It was popular in the late 80s and 90s.
The Ford Probe is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford in the 1980s and 1990s. It was designed as a sporty coupe and was known for its aerodynamic styling and performance.
The Ford Cougar is a car made by Ford that was known for being sporty and stylish. It came out in the late 90s.
The Ford Cougar is a mid-size car that was produced by Ford, known for its sporty design and performance. It was introduced in the late 1990s as a successor to the Ford Probe.
"But I guess the US as well, because then you had over there, you had things like the Toyota Solara, no relation to the Tolbert."
The Toyota Solara is a car made by Toyota that comes in coupe and convertible styles, and it's known for being reliable and comfortable to drive.
The Toyota Solara is a midsize coupe and convertible that was produced by Toyota, known for its reliability and comfort rather than sporty performance.
The Acura CL is a fancy two-door car that was made for people who want something sporty and stylish. It has nice features and a comfortable ride, making it a good choice for those who like luxury cars. People talk about it because it's a unique option in the luxury car market.
The Acura CL is a luxury coupe that was produced from 1997 to 2003, known for its blend of performance and comfort. It was designed to compete in the luxury coupe market, offering a stylish design and a range of powerful engines. The CL is often discussed for its role in Acura's lineup and its appeal to those seeking a sporty yet refined vehicle.
"And you could still have four-wheel steering, and you could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates..."
Four-wheel steering means that not just the front wheels, but also the back wheels can turn. This helps the car handle better and turn more easily.
Four-wheel steering is a technology that allows all four wheels of a vehicle to steer, improving maneuverability and stability, especially at high speeds or during tight turns.
"...and you could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates..."
VTEC is a technology used in Honda engines that helps them run better at different speeds. It changes how the engine's valves work to give more power when needed.
VTEC stands for Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, a system developed by Honda that optimizes engine performance by adjusting the timing and lift of the engine's valves based on speed and load.
"...u could have V-Tec, and is that not the shape of preludes that your old housemates, the infamous two point ..."
The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that was made for many years and is known for being fun to drive. It has a special engine feature called VTEC that helps it go faster and use less fuel. People talk about it because it was a cool car that many people loved.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced from 1978 to 2001, known for its innovative design and performance-oriented features. It gained a reputation for its VTEC engine technology, which enhanced power and efficiency, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The Prelude is often discussed for its unique blend of style and performance in the compact car segment.
"...because it looked really good on aftermarket wheels when it had been dropped."
Aftermarket wheels are wheels that you buy separately from the car maker. People often choose them to make their car look better or to improve how it drives.
Aftermarket wheels are wheels that are not made by the original manufacturer of the vehicle. They are often chosen for aesthetic reasons or to improve performance.
When a car is 'dropped', it means the suspension is lowered, making the car sit closer to the ground. This can make the car look cooler and handle better.
In automotive terms, 'dropped' refers to lowering a vehicle's suspension to improve its stance and handling characteristics, often done for aesthetic reasons or performance enhancements.
"It was... Had a last-gen MR2 face, where it didn't look sporty enough for what..."
The Toyota MR2 is a small sports car that was made for people who love to drive fast. It has a unique design where the engine is in the middle of the car, which helps it handle well. People talk about it because it's fun to drive and looks different from other cars.
The Toyota MR2 is a mid-engine sports car that was produced from 1984 to 2007, known for its lightweight design and agile handling. It gained a cult following for its performance and unique styling, often appealing to driving enthusiasts. The MR2 is discussed for its distinct characteristics and as a representation of Toyota's sports car heritage.
"...the driver's seat is supposed to have a taller bolster on it. Yeah. And it does as well."
A bolster is the part of a car seat that supports your body from the sides. Taller bolsters help keep you secure while driving, especially when turning sharply.
In automotive seating, a bolster refers to the side support of a seat that helps keep the occupant in place during cornering and provides comfort. A taller bolster can enhance lateral support, especially in performance-oriented vehicles.
"...the cushion is harder on the driver's seat. So passenger seat for comfort, driver's seat for driving pleasure."
The cushion is the padding in the car seat that you sit on. A harder cushion can help you feel more supported while driving, while a softer one is usually more comfortable for long trips.
In the context of automotive seats, the cushion refers to the padding that provides comfort to the occupant. A harder cushion may offer better support during spirited driving, while a softer cushion may prioritize comfort for longer rides.
"...the glass house looks a little bit like the R35 Skyline, R35 GTR, where it's..."
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a fast sports car that many people admire for its speed and technology. It's designed for performance and has a unique look that stands out on the road.
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful twin-turbocharged engine. It has a distinctive design and is often associated with its racing pedigree and impressive handling capabilities.
"...your pitch for how Nissan could sell more Arias there, not..."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan. It's designed to be stylish and tech-savvy, making it a competitor to other electric cars on the market.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that represents Nissan's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features a modern design and advanced technology, aimed at competing with other electric SUVs.
"...ow, and your pitch for how Nissan could sell more Arias there, not Your idea was to make a commercial ve..."
The Tata Motors Aria is a big family car that can carry a lot of people and things. It was made to be comfortable and safe for everyday use. People talk about it because it's a practical choice for families in some countries.
The Tata Motors Aria is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that was launched in 2010, designed to offer spaciousness and versatility for families. It features a robust build and a range of comfort and safety features, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The Aria is often discussed for its unique position in the Tata lineup and its appeal in emerging markets.
"Yeah. It's got a long range, but I think it's got a longer range than the I.D. Buzz. Yeah, I'm sure it has."
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a new electric van that looks like the old VW buses from the past. It's designed to be roomy and has cool technology inside, making it a fun choice for families. People talk about it because it's a modern take on a classic car and is good for the environment.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric van that pays homage to the classic VW Microbus, reimagined for the modern era. It features a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a retro design that appeals to both nostalgia and sustainability. The ID. Buzz is often discussed for its role in Volkswagen's electric vehicle strategy and its potential impact on the market.
"Because I've seen, I reckon, three privately owned Arias in four, I think it's been on sale for four years."
The Arias is a car made by Nissan that is not commonly seen, making it a rare find for car enthusiasts.
The Arias is a model from Nissan that is noted for its rarity on the road. It has been mentioned in the context of being a sought-after vehicle, particularly in private ownership.
"But, you know, it's because it's because they all we wanted was a newer leaf and they never gave us a new leaf."
The Leaf is an electric car made by Nissan that is known for being eco-friendly and efficient. A 'new Leaf' suggests there is a newer version of this car available now.
The Nissan Leaf is an electric vehicle that has been popular for its efficiency and practicality. The mention of a 'new Leaf' indicates an updated version of this model.
"I actually think, you know, the new Micra, which is the Renault 5's brother, which I think looks really cool, actually, it's just I'm not sure whether people all want it as much as the 5, but I need to drive one, I'd like to taste one."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault, popular in Europe. It has a unique look and was made from the early 1970s to the mid-1980s.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French manufacturer Renault from 1972 to 1985. It was known for its compact size and distinctive design, making it popular in Europe during its production years.
"I actually think, you know, the new Micra, which is the Renault 5's brother, which I think looks really cool, actually, it's just I'm not sure whether people all want it as much as the 5, but I need to drive one, I'd like to taste one."
The Nissan Micra is a small car made by Nissan, designed for easy driving in cities. It's been around since the early 1980s and is known for being economical.
The Nissan Micra is a subcompact car produced by Nissan since 1982. It is known for its small size, fuel efficiency, and practicality, making it a popular choice for city driving.
"...I was driving the new Renault 4, which is nice. It's obviously it's not quite as interesting looking."
The Renault 4 is a compact car made by Renault that was produced for over three decades. It's known for being practical and easy to drive, making it a popular choice for families.
The Renault 4 is a small family car produced by the French automaker Renault from 1961 to 1992. Known for its practicality and versatility, it features a simple design and was popular in various markets around the world.
"No. Audi and Mercedes-Benz EW are still plugging away at coupes. They're the ones who are still doing that kind of..."
The Mercedes-Benz E 500 is a high-end car that was made in the early '90s and is known for being powerful and comfortable. It's a four-door sedan that many people admire for its quality and classic look. People talk about it because it's a well-made car that's still appreciated today.
The Mercedes-Benz E 500 (W124) is a luxury sedan produced from 1991 to 1995, known for its powerful V8 engine and high-quality build. It represents a blend of performance and comfort, often regarded as one of the best examples of Mercedes-Benz engineering during that era. The E 500 is frequently discussed for its classic design and enduring appeal among collectors.
"And the chassis is amazing. Because it's Civic and Civic are dampingly stuff. Adaptive."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being reliable and saving gas, which makes it a popular choice. People often talk about it because it's a good car that works well for lots of different drivers.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been in production since 1972 and is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. It has evolved through multiple generations, consistently receiving praise for its handling, safety features, and overall value. The Civic is often discussed for its role as a benchmark in the compact car market.
"Like the Chevy Volt, which I so loved, yeah. Which is misunderstood, I think."
The Chevy Volt is a car that can run on electricity and gasoline. It was designed to help reduce fuel use and emissions.
The Chevy Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that was produced by Chevrolet. It combines an electric motor with a gasoline engine, allowing for both electric-only and extended range driving.
"...MW are not going to, I don't think, go. The next X5 is smaller than this X5. No."
The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV that people like because it drives well and has a lot of nice features. It's bigger than a regular car, so it can carry more people and things. People talk about it because it's a popular choice for those who want something stylish and comfortable.
The BMW X5 is a luxury SUV that debuted in 1999, combining performance with practicality and comfort. It has been a significant player in the luxury SUV market, known for its powerful engines, advanced technology, and premium interior. Discussions about the X5 often revolve around its evolution and how it competes with other luxury SUVs.
"No. Volvo are not going to go the new XC90. It's 13 centimetres smaller."
The Volvo XC90 is a big, fancy SUV that's designed to be safe and comfortable for families. It has a lot of space inside and nice features, making it a popular choice for those who want a luxury vehicle. People talk about it because it's known for being very safe.
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that was first introduced in 2002, known for its safety features, spacious interior, and Scandinavian design. It has received numerous accolades for its family-friendly features and advanced technology. The XC90 is often discussed for its emphasis on safety and comfort in the luxury SUV segment.
"...ne of their writers to go and review the new Kia Soul with David Sol. What?"
The Kia Soul is a small, boxy car that has a lot of room inside for people and things. It's known for its fun look and is a good choice for people who want something different. People talk about it because it's practical and affordable.
The Kia Soul is a compact crossover known for its boxy design and practicality, first introduced in 2008. It has gained popularity for its unique styling, spacious interior, and affordability, appealing to a wide range of drivers. The Soul is often discussed for its quirky design and versatility as a daily driver.
"the replacement for Celica Lady's long-lost Celica,"
The Toyota Celica is a small sports car that was made for many years and is known for being fun to drive. It has a sporty look and was popular among people who liked racing. People talk about it because it was a cool car with a lot of history.
The Toyota Celica is a compact sports car that was produced from 1970 to 2006, known for its sporty design and performance-oriented features. It has a rich motorsport heritage and was popular among driving enthusiasts for its agile handling. The Celica is often discussed for its role in Toyota's history and its influence on the compact sports car segment.
"...here, inexplicably, there's a British registered Range Rover Sport. I don't know where that's come from."
The Range Rover is a high-end SUV that can drive well on tough roads and looks very nice inside. It's popular among people who want a car that feels luxurious but can also handle rough conditions. People often mention it because it's a symbol of luxury and adventure.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and opulent features, first introduced in 1970. It has become an icon of luxury and adventure, often associated with high-end lifestyles and rugged terrains. The Range Rover is frequently discussed for its blend of luxury and performance both on and off the road.
"... balloony. But I haven't driven one of these new CRVs, but I bet that,"
The Honda CR-V is a small SUV that's great for families because it has lots of space inside. It's known for being dependable and saving gas, making it a smart choice for everyday use. People talk about it because it's practical and works well for many drivers.
The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover SUV that has been in production since 1995, known for its spacious interior, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It has consistently ranked as one of the best-selling SUVs in its class, appealing to families and individuals alike. The CR-V is often discussed for its practicality and versatility as a daily driver.
"...yed by Bert Reynolds. So unfortunately, he has a Camaro that doesn't make any sense. He's always chewing ..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sporty car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is known for being powerful, making it popular among car lovers. People often mention it because it's a classic American muscle car.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1966, known for its powerful engines and aggressive styling. It has a rich history in automotive culture, often associated with performance and racing. The Camaro is frequently discussed for its iconic status and competition with other muscle cars like the Ford Mustang.
"...this bright yellow Corvette that we borrowed and just put it, like, lent it against a tree out in the boom dock somewhere..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a popular sports car in the U.S. It's known for being fast and stylish, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a two-door sports car known for its performance and distinctive styling. It has a long history and is often considered an American icon in the sports car segment.
"...ou're not going to use this. The way that the old CRXs used to be, they don't waste the good upholster ..."
The Honda CRX is a small car that was made a long time ago and is known for being light and fun to drive. People liked it because it was easy on gas and had a sporty feel. It's talked about because it has a special place in car history.
The Honda CRX is a compact car produced from 1983 to 1991, celebrated for its lightweight design and sporty performance. It became a favorite among enthusiasts for its nimble handling and fuel efficiency, often seen as a precursor to modern hybrid vehicles. The CRX is discussed for its iconic status in the compact car community.
"...n 98 and he's been involved in various civics and accords and ting. What are his hobbies? Door fits, butto..."
The Honda Accord is a larger car that many people use for everyday driving. It's known for being safe and reliable, which makes it a good choice for families. People talk about it because it's a solid car that works well for lots of different needs.
The Honda Accord is a midsize sedan that has been in production since 1976, known for its reliability, spacious interior, and strong resale value. It has received numerous awards for safety and overall quality, making it a popular choice for families and commuters. The Accord is often discussed for its balance of performance, comfort, and practicality.
"And a 2008 Honda Accord Euro R. Oh, now are they, are they the ones that were sold in Japan?"
The Honda Accord Euro R is a special version of the Accord that was made for the Japanese market. It's known for being sportier and more powerful than regular Accords.
The Honda Accord Euro R is a high-performance variant of the Accord, primarily sold in Japan and known for its sporty features and tuning.
"...you said in quite a Taycan-esque way and I think you're absolutely right there. Yes. And I like the, just the enormity of the, of the boot..."
The Porsche Taycan is a high-performance electric car that combines luxury with speed. It's known for being very fast and has a modern design.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan known for its performance and advanced technology. It features a sleek design and offers impressive acceleration and handling, making it a standout in the electric vehicle market.
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This episode is sponsored by Duramat Interlocking Floor Tiles.
I'm Johnny Smith. I'm its reporter.
And this is Smith & Sniff, a podcast on which two friends talk about cars and many other
things.
Hi.
Hi. It's a slightly different show again. Two weeks ago, we were on our airplane. So
when I say airplane, aeroplane, we were on an aeroplane. And we didn't say why, because
we were sort of trying to be secret and masters of secrecy.
Well, also because it's one of these things. It's a car industry thing. We were going
on a car launch, but then the car we were going to look at was under embargo. So we
were allowed to talk about it.
We're sat in it.
We're now sat in it. And this is Johnny, if you will.
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