C.R.E.A.M. #87 - Ben's S2K Sold, Vans Are The Best and The New M3

The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster celebrated for its high-revving engine and driver-focused feel. It’s often treated as a “dream car” because it’s engaging to drive and has a strong enthusiast following. The podcast references someone saying they’d never sell the S2000, then realizing it wasn’t their dream car after all.

The Pontiac Solstice is a sporty two-seat roadster that was built to deliver an affordable, fun driving experience. The podcast references it in a wordplay context around “summer solstice,” but the car itself is part of the sporty roadster conversation. It’s relevant as an example of a lightweight, driver-focused style of car.

The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car from Porsche, known for its compact size and balanced handling. It’s often considered the Cayman’s “everyday” alternative to the more track-focused 911, while still delivering a very driver-focused feel.

“Blowy upy” is the host’s slang for an engine or drivetrain “blowing up,” meaning a catastrophic failure where the car can’t continue running normally. In context, they’re saying they’re cautious because they’ve had issues with cars that can fail dramatically.

“Tire smoke” is what you see when tires lose traction and spin—typically during hard acceleration, aggressive corner entry, or a mistake that breaks grip. The host is describing how, with the more powerful “S,” they might overdo it and cause wheelspin.

“Lock stops” are the physical limits that prevent steering from turning beyond its designed range. If the host says they’d be “on the lock stops,” they mean they’d hit the steering limit during an over-aggressive maneuver, which can worsen control and increase the chance of losing traction.

The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engine two-seat convertible (a roadster) known for its balanced handling and driving feel. It often comes up in conversations about “issues” because, like many performance cars, ownership can involve specific maintenance and repair considerations. The podcast mentions it in the context of choosing a convertible and discussing reliability concerns.

The Chevrolet Spin is a compact people-mover style vehicle (a small multi-seat car) designed to carry passengers and everyday cargo. In the podcast, it’s mentioned with a playful “spin” reference, but the key point is that it’s a practical, family-oriented option. That makes it relevant when discussing different types of vehicles beyond just sports cars.

A clutch is the friction device that lets you disconnect the engine from the transmission so you can shift gears smoothly. In many performance cars, the clutch is a major wear item and can be extremely expensive when it’s a specialized, high-torque setup.

The release bearing (also called the throw-out bearing) is the bearing that the clutch uses to disengage—pushing on the clutch mechanism when you press the pedal. Because it’s packaged with the clutch system, it often gets replaced during a clutch job, which is why its cost can drive the total bill.

Kevlar is an aramid fiber known for high strength-to-weight and heat resistance, and it’s sometimes used in clutch friction materials. In a clutch context, the idea is that Kevlar-based materials can handle heat and wear differently than conventional organic or ceramic setups.

The Mercedes-Benz Mercer Largo is a vintage Mercedes-Benz–badged Mercer model that’s being restored/modified in this segment. Here, the host is discussing its exhaust setup, including an X-pipe and sports catalytic converters, which are key to how the car sounds and breathes.

An X-pipe is an exhaust crossover design where two exhaust streams intersect in an “X” shape. It can help smooth exhaust pulses and often changes the sound character compared with a simple straight-through or Y-pipe layout.

“Sports cats” refers to performance-oriented catalytic converters. They’re typically designed to flow better than restrictive stock units, which can increase exhaust flow and change sound, while still aiming to meet emissions requirements.

The RS6 is Audi’s high-performance wagon/sedan line known for strong power and a complex, enthusiast-focused engine bay. In this segment, the host contrasts working on the RS6 with the frustration of working on the “golf hour,” implying the RS6 is easier to service.

A Convertical check is a vehicle-history report meant to flag red flags before you buy. In this episode, they describe it as checking whether a car has been crashed, stolen, or “clocked” (odometer fraud) so you can avoid hidden problems.

“Clocked” refers to odometer tampering—fraudulently rolling back the mileage to make a vehicle seem less used. It’s a common scam in used-car buying because lower mileage can increase a car’s perceived value.

The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV built for comfort, capability, and high-end features. It’s often discussed because it blends off-road ability with a premium ride and interior. The podcast mentions getting one because the speaker expected to be doing a lot of driving.

The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck known for being rugged and useful for work or outdoor use. In the podcast, it’s brought up in the context of comfort and features—specifically comparing an AC situation and ride feel. That makes it relevant to buyers who want a practical truck but still care about daily livability.

A “heater windscreen” is a windshield with integrated heating elements (often to help defog or de-ice). Because it’s an electronic system, damage or replacement can require additional calibration to ensure sensors and the heating function work correctly.

In modern cars, “calibrating” after windshield work usually means re-aligning or re-initializing systems that rely on the glass—commonly cameras and sensors for driver-assistance features. If calibration isn’t done correctly, those systems can malfunction or be disabled.

“Passenger side” means the side of the car where the passenger sits—on a typical left-hand-drive car, that’s the right side of the vehicle from outside. It matters here because the speaker is describing which door/window they damaged and which seat the girlfriend was in.

The Nürburgring is a famous motorsport complex in Germany, best known for the Nordschleife (“the North Loop”), a long, twisty circuit with big elevation changes. It’s a common benchmark for performance cars because it exposes weaknesses in cooling, brakes, tires, and overall stability under repeated laps.

The Ferrari Luce is referenced in the podcast as a Ferrari model being discussed, with the host saying they’re going on the “Ferrari Luce.” The mention suggests it’s part of a lineup conversation, likely focusing on a new or upcoming Ferrari concept/product. It’s relevant because Ferrari nameplates often carry strong expectations around design and performance.

The Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV positioned for buyers who want a small, versatile vehicle with Jeep styling and capability. The podcast mentions it as a car someone went into and found “lovely,” indicating it was a pleasant option during their consideration. It’s relevant as part of a discussion about choosing between different vehicles.

The Ferrari F40 is a legendary supercar known for its raw, performance-first character and iconic status. It’s frequently discussed because it represents a “badge and attitude” era of Ferrari, where the car’s reputation matters as much as its specs. The podcast mentions people liking it even when they “don’t care,” emphasizing its iconic appeal.

The Ferrari 355 is a mid-engine V8 supercar from Ferrari, known for its naturally aspirated performance and distinctive styling. It’s a classic 1990s-era Ferrari that enthusiasts often treat as a “driver’s” supercar compared with more modern, turbocharged cars.

The Lamborghini Reventon is a limited-run supercar known for its aggressive, aircraft-inspired styling and high-end performance. In this segment, it’s mentioned as part of what’s on display at the Lamborghini factory museum.

The Lamborghini Centenario is a limited-edition supercar built to celebrate the brand’s 100-year anniversary. The host lists it as part of the Lamborghini factory museum’s collection of major “big stuff” cars.

A “V12” is an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a V shape (two banks of six). The “6.2 liter” part is the engine’s displacement—how much total volume the cylinders sweep—used to compare how large the engine is.

Horsepower is a measure of engine output—how much work the engine can do over time. In car specs, it’s commonly used to compare how strongly different engines accelerate.

A “one-off” is a vehicle built as a single, unique example rather than a production run. In the transcript, the host is describing a rare special-bodied Lamborghini that was essentially custom-built for a specific purpose or customer.

“Targa” is a body style where the car has an open-top design but retains a structural roll bar/roof section for safety and rigidity. It’s typically a compromise between a full coupe and a convertible.

“Top speed” is the maximum speed a car can reach under ideal conditions. The transcript is questioning whether 220 mph is realistic for the era being discussed, which is why it becomes a point of skepticism.

Fiorano is Ferrari’s well-known test facility in Italy, associated with development and evaluation of Ferrari cars. When someone mentions a “Corsa Clienti room at Fiorano,” they’re tying the access-controlled experience to Ferrari’s internal world of testing and special customer activities.

A “Corsa Clienti” room refers to a customer-focused Ferrari experience space—typically where owners/clients can access special cars, collections, or events. The key idea is that it’s not a public showroom; it’s access-controlled, curated for Ferrari customers.

“Dodecchi Cylinderi” appears to be an Italian-flavored way of saying “12 cylinders.” In car talk, cylinder count matters because it strongly influences engine smoothness, how the engine makes power, and the overall character of the drivetrain.

The Ferrari 812 Superfast is a flagship-style Ferrari grand tourer known for its high-performance V12 character. The podcast references it while discussing “Ferrari 12 Cylinderi” and “Dodecchi Cylinderi,” which both point to the car’s 12-cylinder engine. It’s mentioned because the engine configuration is a key part of what makes the 812 Superfast notable.

A “three-pedal” setup usually means a manual-style driving arrangement with separate pedals for clutch, brake, and accelerator. In the context of a rumored Ferrari V12, it signals a more traditional driver engagement versus an automatic transmission.

“12-cylinder” refers to an engine with twelve cylinders, most commonly arranged as a V12 in supercars. V12 engines are prized for smooth power delivery and a distinctive sound, and they’re often used in limited-run high-end Ferraris.

A “limited run manual” refers to a small-production model that’s offered with a manual transmission. Because manual gearboxes are less common in high-end cars, a limited manual can create extra demand and push prices up for both the new car and comparable older manual cars.

The Ferrari 599 is a V12 grand tourer from Ferrari, and the “manual” version is especially notable because it’s a rare pairing of a high-rev V12 with a traditional gearbox. In this segment, the host is discussing how a limited-run manual could affect the market price for existing Ferrari 599 manual cars.

“Aftermarket” means parts or modifications made by companies other than the original manufacturer. In this context, the host is referencing an aftermarket “manual” conversion or solution they previously saw, contrasting it with a factory manual offering.

The Lamborghini Huracán is a modern Lamborghini supercar known for its sharp styling and high power output. The podcast compares it to another car’s look and mentions “900 horsepower,” emphasizing performance. It’s discussed because it’s a benchmark for what a Lamborghini should feel like in terms of speed and presence.

The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV aimed at families and people who want more space than a compact car. The podcast mentions it in the context of a commute or move from one place to another, implying it was used for everyday travel. It’s relevant as a practical vehicle choice rather than a performance car.

“Steelies” is enthusiast slang for steel wheels, usually plain stamped steel rather than alloy wheels. They’re common on budget trims and rental fleets because they’re tough and inexpensive to replace.

In-car Bluetooth is a wireless connection that lets you pair your phone to the vehicle’s audio system. It’s commonly used for hands-free calling and streaming music.

The Ford Transit is a popular commercial van line, and the speaker is describing a specific Transit 350 configuration. “EcoBlue” refers to Ford’s diesel engine family, designed to meet emissions rules with efficiency-focused hardware and calibration.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is a widely used large van platform known for its long-wheelbase variants. The speaker compares the Transit they had to a Sprinter-style long wheelbase, which generally means more interior space for cargo or living.

“Long wheelbase” means the distance between the front and rear axles is longer than usual. On vans, that typically translates to more interior length for cargo or a more usable layout for moving and living.

The Volkswagen Lupo is a small, lightweight Volkswagen hatchback known for being compact and efficient. The podcast references it in a humorous moment about the “Lupo” “mashing itself,” which suggests a story or incident involving the car. It’s relevant because it shows the Lupo as a real-world, everyday-size vehicle rather than a performance icon.

The BMW E46 M3 is a performance-focused coupe/sedan from the E46 generation, known for its high-revving character and enthusiast reputation. In this segment it’s specifically tied to using the right engine oil because the car is driven hard.

Viscosity is a measure of how thick (or thin) an oil is and how well it maintains lubrication under heat. The host claims the oil “doesn't lower its viscosity,” meaning it should stay protective when the engine oil gets hot, such as during track use.

An “oil finder” is a product-matching tool that uses your vehicle information (often registration/reg number) to recommend the correct oil specification for your engine and other fluids. In this segment, it’s presented as a way to pick the right lubricant for different parts of the car.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the brand’s flagship luxury sedan, known for its long-wheelbase comfort and high-end refinement. Here it’s mentioned as a rare hearse-like sight, with the host noting it was a 2000s-era example.

“Phantom” in the podcast appears in the context of a Rolls-Royce Phantom drophead, which refers to a convertible version of the Phantom luxury sedan. The mention focuses on visibility—“you’d see so much more”—which fits the idea of driving with the top down. It’s relevant because it highlights a specific Phantom variant and its open-top experience.

The MGTF is a British roadster from MG (a marque known for small, lightweight sports cars). It’s closely related to the MGF and is often discussed in the context of how its convertible roof works and what compromises that design makes.

The MG F (MGF) is a British mid-engined roadster from MG, and it’s famous for its compact proportions and convertible roof design. In this segment, the hosts are discussing the roof layout—specifically the idea of having the roof only for the rear section.

A “concertina” roof refers to a folding convertible top that stacks in pleats like an accordion. The idea is to reduce how much space the roof takes up while still providing coverage when deployed.

The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 is a high-performance supercar created by Gordon Murray Automotive, known for its engineering focus and track-oriented design. The podcast mentions a video of the T.50 in someone’s garage, highlighting it as a notable, special car. It’s relevant because the T.50 is often discussed as an enthusiast-grade, purpose-built machine.

The Ford Fiesta is a long-running small car from Ford, best known in Europe as a high-volume, mainstream model. In this segment, it’s mentioned as being “killed off,” which matters because it was historically a big contributor to Ford’s European sales numbers.

The Renault 5 is a classic small hatchback from Renault, and it’s being referenced here as the platform inspiration for an upcoming “E-Ester” concept. The key point is that the new model is described as being based on Renault’s heritage small-car architecture.

The Alpine A110 is a lightweight, two-seat sports car known for its agile handling and classic-inspired design. The podcast ties it to a shared engineering lineage, mentioning it being based on the Renault 5 and the A110 name. That makes it relevant when discussing where the car’s platform and identity come from.

“Electric” refers to cars powered primarily by electricity from a battery rather than a gasoline engine. The hosts mention it as a possible reason for Ford’s sales decline and lineup changes, but they’re not claiming it’s the only cause.

The Ford Focus is Ford’s compact car that has been a major seller in Europe for years. Here it’s referenced as being “killed off,” which is relevant because it signals Ford’s broader retreat from certain core European nameplates while it restructures its lineup.

Ford Sierra is a former Ford model name the host brings up to illustrate how Ford has historically moved on to newer nameplates. The Sierra is used here as an example of a model that “died” and was replaced by something else in the lineup.

Ford Mondeo is another Ford model name the host cites alongside the Sierra. It’s used to support the idea that Ford has repeatedly retired older nameplates and then moved on to new ones.

Ford Escort is referenced as part of the host’s example of how Ford’s model lineup evolves. In this segment, it’s not about technical details—just that older nameplates tend to be retired and replaced.

The Ford Capri is a nameplate that historically referred to a sporty, stylish car, and the podcast discusses bringing it back. The mention includes other models and suggests a revival strategy for familiar nameplates. It’s relevant because it connects brand history to current product planning.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (often shortened to Evo) is a turbocharged rally-bred performance sedan known for all-wheel drive and strong tuning potential. The “5RS” trim is a more stripped, track-leaning variant, and details like black door handles, unpainted black mirrors, and a spoiler/alloy wheels are typical of that kind of factory-focused spec.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback platform that’s popular for modification because it has a huge aftermarket and many generations to choose from. In this segment, the host is describing a modified Golf with a wide-body style conversion over the rear arch, plus changes around the rear door area.

A “wide body” conversion is an aftermarket bodywork modification that increases the car’s track width visually (and sometimes functionally) by adding wider fenders/arches. It’s often done to fit wider wheels/tires or to create a more aggressive, motorsport-inspired stance.

The Audi R8 is a mid-engine supercar known for its performance-focused layout and exotic styling. In this segment, the host says the limited-run car isn’t really an Audi R8 replacement, which frames the new car as a niche alternative rather than a direct successor.

The Tesla Cybertruck is an electric pickup known for its angular, “futuristic” stainless-steel look. The host uses it as a visual comparison for the limited-run car’s boxy, geometric design cues.

Limiting production to a specific unit count (here, 499) is a marketing and product-planning strategy that creates scarcity. The host questions how you “announce” that kind of cap and also whether 499 is rare enough to feel truly special.

Lamborghini is an Italian supercar brand, and the host claims the limited-run car is built on a Lamborghini platform. A “platform” here implies shared underlying engineering (like chassis architecture and major hardpoints), which can reduce development effort compared to starting from scratch.

In car development, a “platform” is the shared set of underlying engineering—such as chassis architecture, mounting points, and key structural components—that multiple models can use. Using a Lamborghini platform suggests the limited-run car shares core hardware rather than being fully bespoke.

The Audi A3 is a compact car known for its premium interior feel and everyday practicality. The podcast references the interior and suggests that, if someone saw it on a screen, they might think it was the new A3 interior. That makes it relevant to discussions about design and cabin updates.

“Mid-engine” describes a layout where the engine is placed near the center of the car, typically between the front and rear axles. This often improves balance and steering response compared with front- or rear-engine designs.

The Genesis G90 wingback is mentioned as a “concept idea” associated with Genesis. The “wingback” label here appears to refer to a distinctive body/roof style, and the speaker connects it to an estate-style design.

The BMW M5 is a performance sedan from BMW’s M division, known for very high power and rapid acceleration. It’s often discussed because it combines a practical body style with serious performance. The podcast mentions it as something that “looks” like an M5 and is described as cool.

The Quail refers to The Quail, a highly exclusive automotive event held during Monterey Car Week in California. It’s known for curated collections, high-end exotics, and a strong concours-style culture, which is why the hosts treat it as a major “destination” event.

The BMW i3 is a compact electric car designed for city driving and short-to-medium range use. In the podcast, it’s compared in spirit to the “electric 3 series” idea, reflecting how people think about BMW’s electric lineup. It’s mentioned because the speaker already liked the i3 and its concept.

An automotive “concept” is a design study shown to preview styling and technology, not a guaranteed production vehicle. Because it’s not confirmed for mass production, features and proportions often get revised (“dialed back”) for practicality, regulations, and cost.

“Saloon shape” refers to a traditional sedan body style: a fixed roof with a separate trunk and a more upright, four-door layout. For performance cars, the body shape affects aerodynamics, packaging, and how the car’s weight is distributed.

A hybrid powertrain uses both an internal-combustion engine (petrol in this discussion) and an electric motor/battery system. The goal is often better efficiency and smoother low-speed torque, but it can also add weight, affecting acceleration and handling.

“Two tonne” is shorthand for a vehicle mass around 2,000 kg (about 4,400 lb). In performance-car discussions, weight matters because it influences acceleration, braking distances, tire wear, and how much effort the suspension has to control body motion.

“Two tons” is a weight reference (about 4,000 pounds / 1,814 kg). In performance-car talk, weight is important because extra mass can make acceleration and braking harder and can influence tire wear and handling balance.

“Horsepower” is a measure of engine power—how quickly a car can do work. When someone says “six or 700 horsepower,” they’re talking about very high output, which matters for acceleration and how hard the car can pull.

The Maserati GranTurismo is a grand touring-style Maserati, typically focused on comfortable long-distance driving with a sporty feel. The podcast specifically questions whether it’s now only electric, indicating a discussion about a powertrain change. That makes it relevant to buyers tracking how the GranTurismo is evolving.

“Tax whale” is slang for a very high-income buyer who can benefit from tax advantages (or tax rules) when purchasing a vehicle. The hosts are implying that some buyers may be motivated by tax treatment rather than pure preference for the car itself.

Gordon Murray is a well-known automotive engineer and designer, famous for creating performance-focused, efficiency-minded cars. The hosts mention him as someone they’ve been “after,” framing him as a major figure in the automotive world.

“Denzer” is mentioned as a special contact the show has been in touch with. However, the transcript doesn’t provide a first name or context (company/role), so it’s unclear which specific automotive person is being referenced.

“D9” is mentioned in the podcast as part of a conversation, but the clip doesn’t provide enough context to identify the exact vehicle model or manufacturer. Because of that, it’s not possible to give a reliable car-specific explanation from the provided information alone. If you share the surrounding segment (who makes it or what it’s compared to), I can explain it accurately.

In car-detailing and bodywork talk, “clear” usually refers to clear-coat paint. The host is implying that paint condition (and specifically clear-coat condition) affects how desirable—and how expensive—an S2000 (and other cars) can be.

The Renault Clio 197 is a hot-hatch variant of the Clio line, known for its more performance-focused setup than a standard Clio. In this segment, the hosts use it as an example of a budget “entry” car you might find for around two grand, but they emphasize that condition and prior work matter more than the price tag.

The hosts use “decent car” as a practical used-car standard: not just low purchase price, but proof that the important jobs have already been done correctly. It’s essentially a checklist mindset—if the right maintenance and repairs are completed by knowledgeable owners, the car is more likely to be a safe buy.

“Belts” here most likely refers to timing belts—an engine accessory drive component that can be critical to valve timing on many engines. If the belt service isn’t done on schedule, it can lead to expensive engine damage, which is why the host treats it as part of making a used car “decent.”

The radiator support is the structural panel/frame that holds the radiator and related cooling components in position. Damage or poor repairs to it can affect cooling alignment and crash integrity, so the host listing it as work done signals the car has had meaningful body/structural attention.

MOT is the UK’s annual (or periodic) vehicle inspection that checks roadworthiness and emissions for cars and light vehicles. In the segment, they’re treating an “MOT soon” as a sign the car might be easier to live with, even if it’s a bargain purchase with unknown issues.

“Bottom of the barrel” describes the cheapest end of the used-car market, where you’re more likely to encounter hidden problems. The hosts frame it as a gamble: you may save money upfront, but you can end up spending more fixing issues after purchase.

The Lamborghini Diablo is a classic-era Lamborghini supercar known for its aggressive styling and big performance. The podcast mentions it as part of a collection, including a Diablo SV, which highlights its desirability among enthusiasts. It’s relevant because it’s a recognizable model with a strong identity.