{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Best Boring Car? | The Car Podcast #81","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/best-boring-car-the-car-podcast-81","audioUrl":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/66ab67440913aff5a4615e97/e/69ce7edbac25e4bf66123f70/media.mp3","description":"Get your tickets to the Great British Jaguar Day at Bicester Motion below!https://bicestermotion.com/calendar/great-british-jaguar-dayDownload Car & Classic’s app today to see our 2CG’s, and our weekly pick of our favourite listings: https://candc.li/App_Download_(00:00) Intro(00:06) What have you done in cars recently (21:55) Cars news that caught your eye this week(35:20) You need to budget extra 10% to the car bargain you just bought ...(59:55) F1(1:18:02) 2CG with Car & Classic(1:26:42) MusicWelcome to Chris Harris on Cars. The platform where Chris Harris (of Top Gear & automotive journalist) explores the obsessive world of cars. From in-depth reviews a hilarious podcasts, to pushing a car to its limits and debates on the future of the automobile - Chris and his friends bring their unfiltered passion, expertise, and humour. Whether you're a die-hard petrolhead or just curious about our world, this is your go-to destination for everything on four wheels.#ChrisHarris #Car #Podcast #CarPodcast #AutoTalk #MotoringFans #CarReviews #TopGear #ClassicCars #Supercars #DrivingPassion #CarEnthusiasts #AutomotiveNews #EVsAndHybrids #CarCulture #Petrolheads #CarLovers #MotorsportTalk #CarDesign#RoadTrips #CarTrends #PerformanceCars Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."},"annotations":[{"startTime":324.7,"endTime":333.0,"type":"term","title":"steering column","url":"/glossary/steering-column","quote":"And we do want a little update from you on whether that steering column is as fixed as I told you it was.","canonicalId":"term:steering-column","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The steering column is the shaft and housing that connect the steering wheel to the steering mechanism. When someone says it’s “fixed,” they’re usually referring to play or looseness that can affect feel and safety.","simplifiedExplanation":"The steering column is the part that connects your steering wheel to the rest of the steering system. If it’s “fixed,” it means it’s not loose or wobbly anymore."}},{"startTime":523.0,"endTime":536.6,"type":"term","title":"number plate","url":"/glossary/number-plate","quote":"And I'm like, Oh, that's quite a cool number plate. Then Bernie Eccleston shows up.","canonicalId":"term:number-plate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A number plate is the vehicle’s license plate, and in the UK it’s often a point of personal pride or status. The speaker specifically reacts to a “cool” plate, suggesting it had an interesting or desirable format.","simplifiedExplanation":"A number plate is the license plate on a car. In the UK, some plates look especially cool or valuable, so the speaker is noticing that one."}},{"startTime":582.9,"endTime":592.8,"type":"concept","title":"hospital pass","url":"/glossary/hospital-pass","quote":"I'm basically lobbing the ball up to you inside the center. And you've got Manu to a langy coming at you to clatter you because this is a hospital pass.","canonicalId":"concept:hospital-pass","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “hospital pass” is a sports term for a throw/pass that’s risky and likely to get the receiver hurt. In the transcript, it’s used metaphorically to describe a difficult situation being handed off to Manish.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “hospital pass” means you’re passing someone a tough play that could go badly. Here, it’s a joke about giving Manish a problem that’s hard to handle safely."}},{"startTime":735.7,"endTime":776.8,"type":"concept","title":"pothole","url":"/glossary/pothole","quote":"I've got to talk about a pothole. Talk about some janguas. Do you remember we did that emergency podcast about potholes?","canonicalId":"concept:pothole","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A pothole is a damaged section of road surface that can form when water gets into cracks and then freezes or when traffic breaks up the pavement. They’re a common UK road issue and can cause tire damage, wheel alignment problems, and suspension wear.","simplifiedExplanation":"A pothole is a hole or broken patch in the road. Hitting one can be rough on your tires and suspension, and it can even mess up your wheel alignment."}},{"startTime":820.9,"endTime":838.4,"type":"brand","title":"Jaguar","url":"/glossary/jaguar","quote":"The central display of Jaguars is going to be extraordinary. The next few days, weeks or two, we'll start to tell you which Jags we've got coming, racing cars, classic cars...","canonicalId":"brand:jaguar","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Jaguar is a British luxury and performance car brand known for models like the E-Type, XJ, and F-Type. In this segment, the hosts are talking about a Jaguar-focused event and the cars that will be displayed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Jaguar is a car brand from the UK. They make cars that are often seen as stylish and sporty, and this episode segment is about an event where people bring their Jaguars to show them off."}},{"startTime":985.1,"endTime":991.4,"type":"concept","title":"prototype","url":"/glossary/prototype","quote":"Next week, the four of us are going to Gayden, super, super secret, to see the new amazing prototype. We're going to drive. Not that secret. They've already been driven.","canonicalId":"concept:prototype","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A prototype is an early, pre-production version of a car used to test design, engineering, and performance before final production. The hosts are describing a “new amazing prototype” they plan to see and drive, which implies active development and evaluation.","simplifiedExplanation":"A prototype is a nearly-finished early version of a car. It’s built to test how the new ideas work before the car is sold to the public."}},{"startTime":1106.8,"endTime":1123.8,"type":"car","title":"E39 M5","url":"/cars/bmw/m5","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/2018_BMW_M5_Automatic_4.4.jpg","quote":"...going back to Landau and really hammering the shit out of an E39M5 just reminded me how utterly brilliant they are as cars. They do everything...","canonicalId":"car:bmw:m5","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The BMW E39 M5 is the M5 generation from the late 1990s to early 2000s, known for blending everyday usability with serious performance. Chris Harris is emphasizing that it’s comfortable yet capable, which is a big part of why people still rate the E39 M5 highly.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is a BMW M5 from the E39 generation. It’s famous for being both comfortable to live with and exciting to drive.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":1825.5,"endTime":1833.9,"type":"concept","title":"win on Sunday, sell on Monday","url":"/glossary/win-on-sunday-sell-on-monday","quote":"“my brother. I mean, win on Sunday, sell on Monday. It works. We need to do that.”","canonicalId":"concept:win-on-sunday-sell-on-monday","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Win on Sunday, sell on Monday” is a motorsport marketing idea: racing success is used to boost brand sales afterward. The hosts reference it as a strategy that links on-track performance to consumer interest.","simplifiedExplanation":"It’s a saying that means if a brand wins races, people will want to buy that brand’s cars afterward. The racing results are used like advertising."}},{"startTime":1908.3,"endTime":1914.5,"type":"concept","title":"FIA","url":"/glossary/fia","quote":"...the Scottish Parliament and the FIA and the F1 promoter, Simon Larkin. They've all been incredibly supportive. Malcolm Wilson, who is the deputy president for sport of the FIA...","canonicalId":"concept:fia","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) is the main governing body for many forms of motorsport, including Formula 1 and rallying. In the segment, it’s referenced as supporting rally events and leadership within the sport.","simplifiedExplanation":"FIA is the big organization that oversees a lot of major racing. They help set rules and support events across different motorsport categories."}},{"startTime":2149.2,"endTime":2153.1,"type":"term","title":"boot","url":"/glossary/boot","quote":"It doesn't have a boot. I don't understand why modern cars have this at all.","canonicalId":"term:boot","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “boot” is the trunk area for luggage. The speaker notes the car “doesn’t have a boot,” which is unusual for a road car and highlights how packaging choices can affect practicality.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “boot” is the trunk where you put bags. They’re saying this car doesn’t have one, which is surprising for a modern road car."}},{"startTime":2289.1,"endTime":2305.3,"type":"concept","title":"budget 10% beyond what you've spent","url":"/glossary/budget-10-beyond-what-you-ve-spent","quote":"what you should do is budget 10% beyond what you've spent, as the inevitable cost of just making the fucking thing get you home","canonicalId":"concept:budget-10-beyond-what-you-ve-spent","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The speaker is describing a practical rule-of-thumb for buying used cars that may need repairs: set aside extra money for inevitable costs to get the car running reliably. It’s essentially a “contingency fund” approach to avoid being surprised by maintenance and fixes after purchase.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re saying when you buy a used car, you should expect extra costs after the purchase. A simple way to protect yourself is to save about 10% more than the purchase price for repairs and getting it sorted."}},{"startTime":2328.3,"endTime":2332.3,"type":"concept","title":"car restoration","url":"/glossary/car-restoration","quote":"Well, I sort of said something similar to this the other day when we did the car restoration thing. Do you mean it is possible to buy cars where you only need to budget an extra 10%?","canonicalId":"concept:car-restoration","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Car restoration here refers to the process of returning a used car to a better condition through repairs and refresh work. It’s often a mix of maintenance, replacing worn components, and sorting drivability or handling issues.","simplifiedExplanation":"Restoration means fixing up a car that isn’t quite right yet. It can be anything from replacing worn parts to making the car drive smoothly again."}},{"startTime":2594.8,"endTime":2600.2,"type":"term","title":"DCT","url":"/glossary/dct","quote":"So how much more would it cost to get the DCT put in?","canonicalId":"term:dct","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission. It’s an automated manual with two clutches that pre-selects the next gear, usually giving faster, more consistent shifts than a traditional torque-converter automatic.","simplifiedExplanation":"DCT means a dual-clutch gearbox. It shifts quickly because it’s ready for the next gear before you ask for it."}},{"startTime":2707.2,"endTime":2712.1,"type":"concept","title":"manual gearbox","url":"/glossary/manual-gearbox","quote":"should I find somebody who can put a manual gearbox in her just to go for complete perfection","canonicalId":"concept:manual-gearbox","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A manual gearbox uses a clutch pedal and gear lever, giving the driver direct control over gear selection. The conversation frames it as a “perfection” goal—swapping to a manual when the car is otherwise configured differently.","simplifiedExplanation":"A manual gearbox is the one where you use a clutch and shift gears yourself. They’re talking about wanting the car to be set up that way for maximum driving “purity.”"}},{"startTime":3577.4,"endTime":3583.6,"type":"car","title":"Bentley Continental GTC","url":"/cars/bentley/continental-gtc-supersports","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Bentley_Continental_GT_%284th_gen.%29_IMG_0556.jpg","quote":"And we had a Bentley Continental GTC. We persuaded them to spend some money on some cars.","canonicalId":"car:bentley:continental-gtc-supersports","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The Bentley Continental GTC is a grand tourer with a convertible (GTC) roof, combining Bentley’s luxury with a powerful engine. The speaker references it as part of the Morocco shoot and as one of the cars they planned to use rather than wreck.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Bentley Continental GTC is a luxury convertible. In this story, it’s mentioned as a valuable car they wanted to keep safe during filming.","imageAttribution":"Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":3873.7,"endTime":3884.9,"type":"concept","title":"Formula One","url":"/glossary/formula-one","quote":"I think there's a sort of a kind of line and it, it is, and I've said it before, I think there's drive survive. I think there's a Formula One movie and that's absolutely fine.","canonicalId":"concept:formula-one","priority":0.9,"confidence":0.95,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Formula One (F1) is the top tier of open-wheel racing, with strict technical rules and heavy emphasis on strategy. The sport’s modern hybrid power units and energy management make race outcomes especially strategy-driven.","simplifiedExplanation":"Formula One is the highest level of open-wheel racing. Cars are very advanced, and the race isn’t just about driving fast—it’s also about smart strategy."}},{"startTime":3922.6,"endTime":3927.6,"type":"concept","title":"chicane","url":"/glossary/chicane","quote":"You know, Lando took Lewis at the chicane, Lewis got him straight back on the first corner. I saw the fight between Charles and Lewis and it was fantastically close.","canonicalId":"concept:chicane","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “chicane” is a sequence of alternating turns designed to slow cars down and create a safer, more controlled cornering section. In F1, chicanes are common overtaking/defense points because braking and traction determine who can exit faster.","simplifiedExplanation":"A chicane is a part of the track where you have to change direction quickly to slow down. It’s often where drivers can try to pass or defend because it affects braking and acceleration."}},{"startTime":4505.2,"endTime":4513.3,"type":"concept","title":"save the tyres","url":"/glossary/save-the-tyres","quote":"You know what you're watching isn't everybody on maximum go or even just, you know, they've got to save the tyres, but they're all trying as hard as they can.","canonicalId":"concept:save-the-tyres","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Save the tyres” describes managing tire wear by driving more conservatively—often by easing throttle/braking, adjusting lines, or using energy deployment differently. It’s a major part of race strategy and can reduce how hard drivers can push."}},{"startTime":4898.9,"endTime":4905.2,"type":"term","title":"bonnet","url":"/glossary/bonnet","quote":"[4898.9s]  stance and the length of the bonnet and the angle of the boot and the angle and the slide of the [4905.2s]  horches.","canonicalId":"term:bonnet","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In UK usage, “bonnet” means the hood—the front hinged panel covering the engine bay. The speaker references bonnet length as part of the car’s overall visual balance, which is a common way designers critique coupé shapes.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Bonnet” is just the UK word for the hood. Here it’s mentioned because the hood’s length affects how the whole car looks."}},{"startTime":4993.2,"endTime":4999.9,"type":"term","title":"front windscreen","url":"/glossary/front-windscreen","quote":"[4986.5s]  you said. I think it's about the proportions of the bonnet to whatever the quasi-boot is, [4993.2s]  how long that front windscreen is.","canonicalId":"term:front-windscreen","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Windscreen” is the UK term for the windshield. The speaker links the windscreen length/shape to coupé proportions, since the windshield and roofline determine how the cabin sits visually between the hood and rear deck.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “windscreen” is the windshield. The speaker is saying that the size and shape of that glass area affects how the car’s overall proportions look."}},{"startTime":5084.8,"endTime":5090.4,"type":"car","title":"Mark IV Golf","url":"/cars/volkswagen/golf","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8a/2020_Volkswagen_Golf_Style_1.5_Front.jpg","quote":"The proportions of this car, I think it looks better than a Mark IV Golf, same time, same platform.","canonicalId":"car:volkswagen:golf","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Mark IV Golf” means the Volkswagen Golf Mk4 generation. The speaker compares the Audi A3’s proportions to the Golf Mk4, noting they share the same general platform architecture, which is why the shapes can feel related.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re comparing the Audi A3’s look to a Volkswagen Golf from the Mk4 generation. The idea is that these cars can feel visually similar because they’re built on related engineering.","imageAttribution":"Vauxford (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":5144.1,"endTime":5148.2,"type":"concept","title":"pure design exercise","url":"/glossary/pure-design-exercise","quote":"The car doesn't need to work. It's a pure design exercise. You're right.","canonicalId":"concept:pure-design-exercise","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Pure design exercise” reinforces that the evaluation is aesthetic only. In this context, the speaker is separating the car’s visual success from brand politics or typical ownership concerns.","simplifiedExplanation":"They’re stressing that they’re judging the car’s styling only. They’re not talking about it like a normal buyer would."}},{"startTime":5287.3,"endTime":5295.9,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"Ironically, it was given in Mercedes-Benz's centre in Brooklyn's after he'd left BMW.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"BMW is mentioned as Bangal’s former employer before he gave the talk at Mercedes-Benz. In this segment, BMW also connects directly to the earlier reference to the BMW Z4 M Coupe design.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is the car brand mentioned here. They’re saying Bangal worked at BMW before moving on to give a talk at Mercedes-Benz."}},{"startTime":5287.3,"endTime":5295.9,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-Benz","url":"/glossary/mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","quote":"Ironically, it was given in Mercedes-Benz's centre in Brooklyn's after he'd left BMW.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is referenced as the company that hosted Chris Bangal’s talk in its Brooklyn center. The segment uses this to frame Bangal’s career path and the broader automotive-industry context of design thinking.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes-Benz is the car company mentioned here. They’re saying Bangal gave a talk at Mercedes-Benz’s facility in Brooklyn after leaving BMW."}},{"startTime":5330.0,"endTime":5335.6,"type":"term","title":"74,000 miles","url":"/glossary/74-000-miles","quote":"Seven grand for that. Done 74,000 miles. Other one was 25.","canonicalId":"term:74-000-miles","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Mileage like “74,000 miles” is a key factor in valuing used cars and estimating remaining wear items. It also helps contextualize whether the price mentioned (“seven grand”) is reasonable for the car’s condition and maintenance history."}},{"startTime":5515.8,"endTime":5529.8,"type":"concept","title":"track day","url":"/glossary/track-day","quote":"Last year we did a track day at Thruxton, and we had lots of lovely cars in there and lots of noise.","canonicalId":"concept:track-day","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A track day is an event where drivers take their own cars onto a closed circuit for timed or practice laps. Rules often cover noise, safety equipment, and how the track is shared among participants."}},{"startTime":5529.8,"endTime":5549.8,"type":"concept","title":"no noise limit day","url":"/glossary/no-noise-limit-day","quote":"Thruxton, a very, very, very kindly and extra specially, allowed us to have a no noise limit day. If you have an F1 car, you can bring it.","canonicalId":"concept:no-noise-limit-day","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This refers to a track-day rule that relaxes or removes the usual sound limits. It allows louder cars—especially race cars—to run without being turned away for exceeding decibel caps.","simplifiedExplanation":"Normally tracks limit how loud cars can be. This day is special because the noise rules are relaxed, so louder cars can run."}},{"startTime":5685.7,"endTime":5707.5,"type":"brand","title":"Toyota","url":"/glossary/toyota","quote":"Dear crew, it's Toyota with an adult sized third row. Everyone's welcome in the Grand Highlander.","canonicalId":"brand:toyota","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Toyota is the automaker behind the Grand Highlander, Sienna, and RAV4 mentioned in this segment. The ad framing emphasizes Toyota’s family-oriented lineup across minivan and SUV categories.","simplifiedExplanation":"Toyota is the car company being advertised here. They’re highlighting several family vehicles—an SUV with three rows, a minivan, and a compact SUV."}},{"startTime":5700.4,"endTime":5707.5,"type":"term","title":"all wheel drive","url":"/glossary/all-wheel-drive","quote":"Slip into the RAV4 with available all wheel drive and let's go.","canonicalId":"term:all-wheel-drive","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"All-wheel drive (AWD) sends power to more than just the front or rear wheels, improving traction when conditions are slippery or uneven. Many crossovers offer AWD as an option, which can be a big deal depending on where you live and how you drive.","simplifiedExplanation":"All-wheel drive means the car can send power to more than two wheels. It helps the vehicle grip better, especially in rain or snow."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Chris Harris","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/best-boring-car-the-car-podcast-81/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}