California’s New Hypercar: Czinger 21C
About this episode
Lucas Zinger, CEO of Czinger Vehicles, joins Spike and Johnny to discuss the groundbreaking Czinger 21C hypercar. The conversation dives into the innovative 3D printing technology behind the car's construction, its unique design features, and the engineering challenges faced in creating a high-performance vehicle. Lucas shares insights from their recent California Gold Rush documentary, where the 21C set multiple track records. The episode also touches on the car's hybrid powertrain, customer experience, and the future of American automotive manufacturing.
Alcantara
"...We've got a great partnership with Alcantara. They actually do quite a few unique patterns..."
Alcantara is a special type of fabric that feels soft and is often used in car interiors to make them look and feel more upscale.
Alcantara is a brand known for its high-quality synthetic suede material, often used in automotive interiors for its luxurious feel and durability.
Porsche 911
"But yeah, look at this lovely 9-11. They had a lovely car show going on here."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that has been around for many years. It's known for its unique shape and great performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 is celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
battery tender charger
"I had a battery tender charger and it had a little air compressor on it and I was able to put air in it and get the car home."
A battery tender charger keeps your car battery charged when you're not using the car for a while. It helps make sure the battery doesn't run out of power, especially in winter when cars are often stored.
A battery tender charger is a device designed to maintain the charge of a battery by providing a low-level charge when the battery is not in use. This helps prevent battery drain, especially during long periods of inactivity, such as winter storage.
Chevrolet Corvette
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, Corvette ZR1. So this is the Chevy that makes 1064 horsepower..."
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a super-fast sports car that is part of the Corvette family. It's designed for high performance and has a very powerful engine.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance variant of the Corvette, known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It represents the pinnacle of Corvette performance, often featuring enhancements in aerodynamics and handling.
horsepower
"So this is the Chevy that makes 1064 horsepower on just the rear axle."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful an engine is. More horsepower usually means a car can go faster.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power an engine produces. In automotive terms, higher horsepower generally means better performance and acceleration.
twin turbo
"So it's a 5.5 liter twin turbo flat plane..."
Twin turbo means the car has two turbochargers that help the engine get more power. This makes the car faster and more efficient.
A twin turbo setup uses two turbochargers to increase an engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance and efficiency.
torque
"...so it's 828 pound-feet of torque, but I was saying like when the Veyron came out"
Torque is a way to measure how strong an engine is. It helps the car accelerate and move quickly, especially from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, indicating how much twisting force the engine can produce. It's crucial for acceleration and overall performance of the vehicle.
Bugatti Veyron
"...but I was saying like when the Veyron came out"
The Bugatti Veyron is a super-fast car that was famous for being one of the quickest cars you could buy. It has a very powerful engine that helps it reach incredible speeds.
The Bugatti Veyron is a high-performance sports car known for its incredible speed and engineering excellence. It was one of the fastest production cars in the world when it was released, featuring a quad-turbocharged W16 engine.
all-wheel drive
"Yep, all-wheel drive. So each wheel got a little bit less than 250 horsepower to work with."
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously. This enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions or off-road situations.
ZTK package
"oh, it's the ZTK package, whatever that means, right? But it's, you know, it's like lowered and it's like the wheels are aligned like this."
The ZTK package is a special set of upgrades for a car that makes it perform better, especially on a racetrack. It usually includes things like a better suspension and aerodynamic features.
The ZTK package is a performance option typically offered by manufacturers that includes enhancements like improved aerodynamics, suspension tuning, and other features aimed at increasing a car's track performance.
Zinger vehicles
"...the newest hypercar company that everybody's talking about. Zinger vehicles. And here he is."
Zinger vehicles is a brand that makes very fast and expensive cars called hypercars. They are known for their advanced technology and unique designs.
Zinger vehicles is a new company in the hypercar segment, known for producing high-performance, luxury sports cars that push the boundaries of automotive technology.
Divergent
"So Divergent is the parent company. You guys are a manufacturer of iteratively developed 3D printed stuff."
Divergent is a company that makes car parts using special 3D printing methods. This technology helps them create new and better designs for cars.
Divergent is a company that specializes in advanced manufacturing techniques, particularly in the automotive industry. They focus on using 3D printing technology to create car components, which allows for innovative designs and materials.
aluminum alloys
"So the aluminum alloys that are on that car,"
Aluminum alloys are special materials made from aluminum mixed with other metals. They are used in cars because they are strong yet light, which helps improve performance.
Aluminum alloys are materials made by combining aluminum with other metals to enhance its properties, such as strength and weight. They are commonly used in automotive manufacturing for components that require a balance of light weight and durability.
American muscle cars
"So I think about early American muscle cars and that's really through my father..."
American muscle cars are fast cars made in the U.S. that usually have big engines. They became famous in the 1960s and 1970s for their power and cool looks.
American muscle cars are high-performance vehicles that originated in the United States, typically featuring powerful engines and aggressive styling. They became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, often associated with speed and a distinct cultural identity.
Ford Mustangs
"looking at those cars. So early Mustangs, you name it, that was what we're into. I then de..."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that many people love because it's fast and looks cool. It started being sold in the 1960s and has a strong following because of its powerful engines and sporty design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that was first introduced in 1964. It has become a symbol of performance and style, known for its powerful engines and distinctive design, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Mitsubishi Evo 8
"So my first car was actually a Mitsubishi Evo 8 and I was building that thing up when I was 13, 14..."
The Mitsubishi Evo 8 is a fast car that was made for racing and is known for its powerful engine and great handling. It's part of a series of cars that are popular among car enthusiasts.
The Mitsubishi Evo 8 is a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, known for its rally heritage and turbocharged engine. It was produced from 2003 to 2005 and is celebrated for its handling and speed.
Ford F100
"And I still have a 1956 F100 in my garage."
The Ford F100 is an old pickup truck from 1956. It's known for being tough and useful, making it popular with people who like classic cars.
The Ford F100 is a classic pickup truck that was part of Ford's F-Series, known for its durability and versatility. The 1956 model is particularly valued among collectors for its vintage design and performance.
Porsche 959
"the two cars that were blowing everyone's mind apart were the 959 and the F40."
The Porsche 959 is a super-fast sports car from the late 1980s. It has special features like all-wheel drive and multiple turbochargers, making it very powerful and exciting to drive.
The Porsche 959 is a high-performance sports car produced in the late 1980s, notable for its advanced technology, including all-wheel drive and turbocharged engines. It was one of the fastest cars of its time and is highly sought after by collectors.
Ferrari F40
"...lowing everyone's mind apart were the 959 and the F40. And so the 959 was, it had a lot of turbos"
carbon fiber
"And it actually had a little carbon fiber. We didn't know what that was, but Kevlar, where you can make bulletproof vests out of it."
Carbon fiber is a very strong and light material used in cars to make them faster and more efficient. It helps reduce weight while keeping the car strong.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and strong material commonly used in automotive and aerospace applications. It offers high strength-to-weight ratios, making it ideal for performance vehicles.
Kevlar
"We didn't know what that was, but Kevlar, where you can make bulletproof vests out of it. And it was like, you know, so it was like really seemed like the future, you know?"
Kevlar is a strong material often used to make bulletproof vests. In cars, it can help make parts stronger and lighter.
Kevlar is a synthetic fiber known for its high tensile strength and is often used in bulletproof vests and other protective gear. In automotive applications, it can be used for reinforcement in various components.
Toyota
"But you don't choose a Toyota truck to follow the beaten path."
Toyota is a car company from Japan that makes many different types of vehicles, including trucks. They are known for making cars that last a long time and are dependable.
Toyota is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer recognized for producing reliable vehicles, including trucks and sedans. The brand has a strong reputation for durability and resale value.
OEMs
"from various OEMs. We're gonna combine them with the Divergent team"
OEM means the original company that makes car parts. These parts are used in the cars made by other companies.
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, referring to companies that produce parts and equipment that may be marketed by another manufacturer. In the automotive context, OEMs are the manufacturers of the vehicles and their components.
Mercedes F1
"the best from Mercedes F1, from Bosch Engineering, from various OEMs."
Mercedes F1 is the racing team for Mercedes-Benz in Formula One, a high-speed car racing series. They are known for making very fast and advanced race cars.
Mercedes F1 refers to the Formula One racing team operated by Mercedes-Benz. They are known for their advanced engineering and technology in motorsport, which often translates to innovations in their consumer vehicles.
Bosch Engineering
"from Bosch Engineering, from various OEMs."
Bosch Engineering is part of a big company that makes parts and technology for cars. They help improve car safety and performance.
Bosch Engineering is a division of the Bosch Group, which provides engineering services and solutions for various industries, including automotive. They are known for their innovations in automotive technology, such as electronic systems and safety features.
Willow Springs International Raceway
"Have you been up to Willow with the car yet? Oh yes, we've got the record at Willow."
Willow Springs is a well-known race track in California where cars are tested and raced. It's a place where drivers can see how fast their cars can go.
Willow Springs International Raceway is a famous motorsport track located in California, known for its challenging layout and hosting various racing events. It is popular among car enthusiasts and manufacturers for testing and setting performance records.
hypercars
"And from what I understand, if you want to sell hypercars, it's one place that you can do it."
Hypercars are super high-end sports cars that are extremely fast and expensive. They are made in very limited quantities and often have the latest technology and features.
Hypercars are the highest-performing and most exclusive category of supercars, often featuring cutting-edge technology, extreme performance, and limited production numbers. They typically offer advanced aerodynamics, high horsepower, and innovative materials.
top speed
"...higher top speed. Both are fully road legal."
Top speed is how fast a car can go when everything is perfect. It's a key number that shows how powerful and fast a car is.
Top speed is the maximum speed a vehicle can achieve under optimal conditions. It is an important performance metric for sports and supercars, often highlighted in marketing and reviews.
race deck interior
"What if I wanted a race deck interior? Could I get a race deck interior?"
Race deck interior is a special type of flooring for garages that is easy to install and clean. It's made of tiles that fit together, so you don't need glue or messy coatings.
A race deck interior refers to a type of flooring system commonly used in garages and workshops, designed for durability and ease of maintenance. It often features interlocking tiles that can be installed without adhesives, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts.
cooling system
"...there's a huge cooling system in here. Right, it's a car that's got a screaming V8..."
The cooling system helps keep the car from getting too hot while it runs. It uses parts like radiators and coolant to remove heat from the engine and other parts.
A cooling system in a vehicle is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures for the engine and other components. It typically includes radiators, coolant, and fans to dissipate heat generated during operation.
3D-printed housing
"...and actually fully three-printed housing. So if you look closely at that,..."
3D-printed housing means that the part is made using a special printer that builds it layer by layer. This method can create unique shapes that are often lighter and can be customized easily.
3D-printed housing refers to components created using additive manufacturing techniques, allowing for complex shapes and structures that traditional manufacturing methods may not achieve. This technology is increasingly used in automotive design for lightweight and customizable parts.
gyroid structure
"...you'll kind of see this gyroid structure that houses the natural bulbs in there."
A gyroid structure is a special pattern that looks wavy and helps make parts strong without using too much material. It's often used in 3D printing to create lightweight and sturdy components.
A gyroid structure is a type of geometric pattern that is often used in 3D printing for its strength and lightweight properties. It features a continuous, wavy surface that can provide excellent structural integrity while minimizing material use.
powertrain
"So tell us about the powertrain, because that's, you know."
The powertrain is basically what makes the car move. It includes the engine that creates power and the parts that send that power to the wheels.
The powertrain refers to the components that generate power and deliver it to the road, including the engine, transmission, and drivetrain. It's a critical aspect of a vehicle's performance and efficiency.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...er for Porsches right now, so I'd probably go 997 GT3 RSs for sports car. What, a 0.1 or a 0.2?"
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super sporty car that's really fun to drive, especially on tracks. It's a special version of the regular 911 that focuses on speed and handling, making it a favorite for people who love fast cars.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance version of the classic 911 sports car, designed for both track and street use. Known for its precision engineering and exceptional handling, the GT3 is celebrated among car enthusiasts for its thrilling driving experience and motorsport pedigree.
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