Car Week Kickoff At Motorlux — The Carmudgeon Show w/ Jason Cammisa & Derek Tam-Scott — Ep. 201
About this episode
The Carmudgeon Show kicks off Monterey Car Week live from Motorlux, featuring hosts Jason Cammisa and Derek Tam-Scott. They dive into the legacy of Bruno Sacco, the influential Mercedes-Benz designer who, surprisingly, didn't directly design any cars but managed the creative process. The discussion reveals how Sacco's engineering background and managerial role shaped the safety and aesthetics of iconic models like the R129. The hosts explore the philosophy of design by committee and the importance of integrating historical design cues, making Sacco's era a pivotal moment in automotive history.
Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC
"I don't even know which one that the 560 SEC. Oh, yes."
The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is a stylish and powerful luxury car from the 1980s and 1990s. It's known for its smooth ride and high-quality features.
The Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC is a luxury coupe from the W126 generation, known for its powerful V8 engine and elegant design. It represents a blend of performance and comfort, making it a sought-after classic car.
Plymouth Cuda
"... Actually, he also has a 500D that I've used on a CUDA video. The drag race. Yes, not an only span video..."
The Plymouth Cuda is a classic American car known for being powerful and stylish. It became popular in the late 1960s and early 1970s and is loved by many car fans. People talk about it because it represents a time when cars were all about speed and cool designs.
The Plymouth Cuda, also known as the Plymouth Barracuda, is a classic American muscle car that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is celebrated for its powerful engine options and aggressive styling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors. The Cuda is significant in automotive history for its role in the muscle car era and its performance capabilities.
Mercedes-Benz R129
"I did actually recently do just film, which finished filming a revelations episode on the R129."
The Mercedes-Benz R129 is a model of luxury sports car that was made in the late 80s to early 2000s. It's famous for its stylish looks and high performance.
The Mercedes-Benz R129 is a generation of the SL-Class roadsters produced from 1989 to 2002. It is known for its advanced technology, safety features, and luxurious design.
Bruno Sacco
"But we give design credit to Bruno Sacco for these cars."
Bruno Sacco is a famous car designer who worked for Mercedes-Benz. He is known for creating some of the most iconic car designs for the brand.
Bruno Sacco is a renowned automotive designer known for his work with Mercedes-Benz. His designs have significantly influenced the brand's identity and are celebrated for their elegance and functionality.
design by committee
"...This is called design by committee, but it is the reality of making just about everything, you know, maybe someone like Gordon Murray could be an exception..."
Design by committee means that many people work together to create something, which can make it harder to keep a clear idea of what the final product should be. Instead of one person making all the decisions, everyone shares their thoughts, which can lead to a more complicated outcome.
Design by committee refers to a collaborative approach where multiple individuals contribute ideas and feedback to a project, often leading to a more complex and sometimes diluted final product. This method contrasts with a single visionary leading the design process, which can streamline decision-making and maintain a clear vision.
Ferdinand Piëch
"...that was why I found the Ferdinand P.H. episode so refreshing to write because here was somebody who influenced he was a manager of people and influenced so many different interdisciplinary teams of people to create these magical cars..."
Ferdinand Piëch was an important figure in the car industry, especially at Volkswagen. He helped create many famous cars but didn't seek the spotlight for his contributions, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes.
Ferdinand Piëch was a prominent automotive engineer and businessman, known for his influential role in the Volkswagen Group. He was instrumental in the development of several iconic vehicles and is credited with fostering innovation within the company, often working behind the scenes rather than seeking public recognition.
Mercedes
"In 1958, he started, January of 1958, started in Mercedes design department which is very interesting to note that there was no design department within Mercedes."
Mercedes is a well-known car brand from Germany that makes luxury cars and trucks. They have a long history and are famous for their quality and design.
Mercedes, officially known as Mercedes-Benz, is a German automotive brand known for luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. It is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious automotive brands.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SCL
"...it's 300 SCL 6.9 108 109 as a, for example."
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SCL is a classic car from the 1960s that was known for being luxurious and well-designed.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SCL is a luxury vehicle from the 1960s, known for its elegant design and advanced engineering for its time.
crumple zone
"...who came up with the crumple zone."
Crumple zones are parts of a car that are designed to crumple in a crash, helping to protect the people inside by absorbing some of the impact.
A crumple zone is a safety feature in vehicles designed to absorb and dissipate energy during a collision, reducing the impact on passengers.
Volkswagen Beetle
"I mean, the amount of, first of all, but then he came up with a Volkswagen Beetle. That's certainly seems before Portia did."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a famous small car with a unique round shape. It was very popular and has been around since the late 1930s.
The Volkswagen Beetle is an iconic compact car that was first produced in the late 1930s. It is known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout, becoming one of the best-selling cars in automotive history.
rigid safety cell
"But he came up with the idea of a crumple zone plus a rigid, non deformable passenger safety cell, collapsible steering column."
A rigid safety cell is a strong part of a car that stays solid during a crash. It helps keep the people inside safe while other parts of the car crumple to absorb the impact.
A rigid safety cell refers to a strong, reinforced area of a vehicle designed to protect occupants during a crash. It remains intact while other parts of the vehicle, like crumple zones, absorb impact energy, ensuring that passengers have a safe space during an accident.
collapsible steering column
"But he came up with the idea of a crumple zone plus a rigid, non deformable passenger safety cell, collapsible steering column."
A collapsible steering column is a part of the steering wheel that can bend or collapse during a crash. This helps protect the driver from getting hurt by the steering wheel if there's an accident.
A collapsible steering column is a safety feature in vehicles that allows the steering column to collapse or compress during a collision. This design reduces the risk of injury to the driver by minimizing the distance the steering wheel can move towards the driver during an impact.
Peugeot Pugeot 505
"He didn't, he mustn't have completely retired because he's also known for having designed the interior of the Peugeot 505."
The Peugeot 505 is a car made by the French company Peugeot. It was popular in the 1980s and 1990s for being roomy and comfortable.
The Peugeot 505 is a mid-size car produced by the French automaker Peugeot from 1979 to 1992. It was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, making it popular in Europe and other markets.
ABS
"Like ABS, for example, and impact bumpers and, you know, the deformable plastic bumpers and all that stuff."
ABS is a system in cars that helps prevent the wheels from stopping completely when you brake hard, which helps you steer better.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during braking, helping maintain steering control.
airbag
"the ESV program resulted in 1978 anti-lock breaks, 1981 airbag plus seat belt pretensioners,"
An airbag is a soft bag that pops out in a car during a crash to help keep you safe and prevent injuries.
An airbag is a safety device that inflates rapidly during a collision to cushion and protect occupants from injury.
Saab
"I mean, I feel like Saab was very safety obsessed. From get goes, it was Volvo."
Saab is a car brand from Sweden that made cars known for being safe and different from other brands. They had a unique style and were popular for their safety features.
Saab was a Swedish automotive manufacturer known for its innovative designs and focus on safety features. The brand has a unique history and is often associated with quirky, functional vehicles.
Volvo
"Sure. I mean, I feel like Saab was very safety obsessed. From get goes, it was Volvo."
Volvo is another car brand from Sweden that is famous for making very safe cars. They focus a lot on safety features in their designs.
Volvo is a Swedish automotive brand renowned for its commitment to safety and durability. The company has a long history of pioneering safety innovations in the automotive industry.
aerodynamics
"...that will help the arrow, which helps fuel economy and also top speed. And this is the permeated every part of these cars to the wiper."
Aerodynamics is about how air flows around cars. If a car is designed well, it can move through the air more easily, which helps it use less fuel and go faster.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air moves around objects, particularly vehicles. Good aerodynamic design reduces drag, which can improve fuel economy and top speed.
mono wiper
"Have we done a car imagine episode on the mono wiper? We talk about it often, certainly."
A mono wiper is a type of windshield wiper that is just one blade instead of two. It moves across a larger part of the windshield, helping you see better when it's raining.
A mono wiper is a single wiper blade that spans a larger area of the windshield compared to traditional dual wipers. This design allows for better visibility by covering more of the driver's view and reducing blind spots caused by the wiper arms.
windscreen
"It covers a large percentage of the windscreen. It's 86 or 87 percent of the windscreen."
The windscreen is the front window of a car. It helps you see the road and protects you from wind and things flying at the car.
The windscreen, also known as the windshield in North America, is the front window of a vehicle that provides visibility for the driver and protects occupants from wind and debris. It is designed to be strong and shatter-resistant.
articulating wiper
"But, you know, we think, oh, how cool. This is an extending articulating wiper on this crazy cam that has never been done since. And people have done mono wipers, but it's just, and Mercedes did first."
An articulating wiper is a special kind of windshield wiper that can move in different ways to clean the glass better. It helps you see more clearly by adjusting to the shape of the windshield.
An articulating wiper is a type of windshield wiper that can adjust its position and angle to better clear the windshield. This design improves visibility by adapting to the airflow and shape of the windshield.
downforce wing
"conventional manufacturers would solve this by putting a down force wing, basically a little mini down force wing on the wiper."
A downforce wing is a part that helps push a car's wiper blade down against the windshield, especially when driving fast. This keeps the wiper from lifting off the glass.
A downforce wing is an aerodynamic component designed to increase the downward force on a vehicle, enhancing traction and stability at high speeds. In the context of wipers, it helps keep the wiper blade pressed against the windshield to prevent lift-off.
Mercedes-Benz 107
"this was used on the 107 and the 126 and the 116, which is these two wipers that move in concert..."
The Mercedes-Benz 107 is a type of car that was made from the early 1970s to the late 1980s. It is recognized for its stylish design and special features like having two wipers that work together.
The Mercedes-Benz 107 is a model designation for the SL and SLC sports cars produced from 1971 to 1989. It is known for its classic styling and engineering, including innovative features like the two wiper system.
Mercedes-Benz 116
"this was used on the 107 and the 126 and the 116, which is these two wipers that move in concert..."
The Mercedes-Benz 116 is a luxury car that was made from 1972 to 1980. It is known for being very comfortable and having special features like a unique wiper system.
The Mercedes-Benz 116 is a model designation for the S-Class sedans produced from 1972 to 1980. It was known for its luxurious features and innovative engineering, including a two wiper system.
Porsche 993
"and Porsche did this on the 993 also."
The Porsche 993 is a version of the Porsche 911 made from 1995 to 1998. It is well-known for its great looks and performance, and it had a special wiper system.
The Porsche 993 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 produced from 1995 to 1998. It is celebrated for its iconic design and performance, and it also featured a unique wiper system.
Autobahn
"This is why historically German cars have been sort of an unusual class by themselves, because they were had to be able to do what they did on the Autobahn, which, you know, was just not even a consideration in the United States, for example."
The Autobahn is a famous highway in Germany where there are no speed limits on some parts, so cars can go really fast. This affects how German cars are designed to handle high speeds safely.
The Autobahn is Germany's federal highway system known for having stretches without speed limits, allowing vehicles to travel at high speeds. This unique driving environment has influenced the engineering and performance standards of German cars.
Chevy Cavalier
"I mean, imagine if I can tell a story in 1987, Chevy Cavalier. Yeah, sure."
The Chevy Cavalier is a small car made by Chevrolet. It was popular because it was affordable and good for everyday driving.
The Chevy Cavalier was a compact car produced by Chevrolet from 1982 to 2005. It was known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious consumers.
red line
"You cannot run this thing at red line on the entire way up a hill like and it's on a rod..."
The red line is the highest speed an engine can safely run, shown on the dashboard. If you go past this speed, it can damage the engine.
The red line refers to the maximum engine speed (RPM) indicated on the tachometer, beyond which the engine may suffer damage. Running an engine at or near the red line for extended periods can lead to mechanical failure.
horsepower peak
"...especially with four and five speed transmissions were always geared so that they would hit their top speed at the horsepower peak in fifth in top gear. So if that horsepower peak is 62..."
Horsepower peak is the point where an engine is working its hardest and producing the most power. It's important for knowing how to drive the car for the best performance.
Horsepower peak refers to the engine speed (RPM) at which the engine produces its maximum power output. Understanding this helps in optimizing gear selection for performance driving.
Chrysler 200S
"...efficient drag times air. You're somewhere in the 200s to get 250 miles an hour. And anything past that ..."
The Chrysler 200 is a medium-sized car that was made from 2010 to 2017. It's designed to be comfortable for driving around town or for families. While it has some nice features, it wasn't as popular as some other cars in its category.
The Chrysler 200 is a mid-size sedan that was produced from 2010 to 2017, known for its comfortable ride and modern design. It aimed to compete in the crowded sedan market with features that appealed to families and commuters alike. While it offered decent performance and fuel efficiency, it faced tough competition from other brands in its class.
Bmw 3
"we have a future story coming out about the 50 years of the BMW 3 series."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular car made by BMW that has been around for many years. It's known for being fun to drive and having nice features.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars produced by BMW since 1975. It is known for its sporty performance, luxury features, and has become one of the brand's most popular models.
Lamborghini Kuntosh
"Maybe there are jets over here. There's a kuntosh right there. There's at Ferris Manx."
The Lamborghini Countach is a famous sports car known for its unique and bold design. It was made from the 1970s to the early 1990s and is loved for being very fast and eye-catching. People often mention it because it represents luxury and high performance in cars.
The Lamborghini Countach is an iconic supercar that was produced from the 1970s to the early 1990s, renowned for its sharp, angular design and impressive performance. It played a significant role in establishing Lamborghini's reputation for creating outrageous and powerful sports cars. The Countach is often celebrated for its striking looks and has become a symbol of automotive excess.
Mclaren F1
"Yeah, okay. Although McLaren F1 drove by me today. Yes, very upset."
The McLaren F1 is a really fast and famous sports car from the 1990s. It has a cool design with three seats and is known for being one of the quickest cars ever made. People talk about it because it's a symbol of top performance and engineering in cars.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar produced in the 1990s, known for its incredible speed and innovative design. It features a unique three-seat layout and a powerful BMW-sourced V12 engine, making it one of the fastest production cars of its time. Its significance lies in its engineering excellence and status as a benchmark for performance in the automotive world.
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