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Cars They Got WRONG From The Factory

Cars They Got WRONG From The Factory

MartiniWorks Podcast Jun 05, 2026 63 min
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About this episode

The MartiniWorks crew riffs on “Cars They Got WRONG From The Factory,” starting with Subaru WRX design choices like “plastic cladding,” then zooming into how expensive factory parts and optioning can miss the mark. They critique real-world drivability on the Nissan Z—“The z looks good on paper, but it just / It ain't hitting / In physical real life”—and get specific about rev hang and delayed shifts. Between project-car wrenching (coolant leaks, tail-light seals) and suspension talk, they also debate pricing, trims, and what brands should’ve done differently.

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Technical Too Afraid to Ask
Car

Subaru wrx

"I could just go to the the Subaru headquarters and just ask the guys [49.5s] Why the f*** did you put plastic cladding? [53.2s] Subaru wrx."

The Subaru WRX is a popular performance Subaru that’s built to handle well, especially in bad weather. Here, the host is criticizing a factory design detail (plastic cladding) and saying it could be fixed or improved.

Term

plastic cladding

"I could just go to the the Subaru headquarters and just ask the guys [49.5s] Why the f*** did you put plastic cladding? [53.2s] Subaru wrx."

Plastic cladding is the plastic protective trim you see on some cars, usually on the lower parts or around the wheel areas. It’s meant to help protect the paint, but some people don’t like the look or how it holds up over time.

Brand

olands

"We've got some new product on the website. We have olands, which is a fantastic [98.0s] Uh coilover brand out there specializes in motorsport oriented, uh applications really high and really affordable"

Olands is a brand that makes coilovers, which are suspension parts you can install to change how the car rides and handles. The host says they’re aimed at motorsport use and are priced to be more affordable.

Part

coilover

"We have olands, which is a fantastic [98.0s] Uh coilover brand out there specializes in motorsport oriented, uh applications really high and really affordable"

Coilovers are suspension parts that replace the factory shocks and springs with an adjustable setup. People use them to make the car sit how they want and to improve handling, especially for spirited driving or track use.

Term

coiler

"That's a 5000 dollar coiler. It's like when I had the motons like four of them"

A “coiler” usually means coilovers—upgraded suspension parts that let you adjust how high the car sits and how firm it feels. People use them to make the ride handle better.

Term

carbon fee break

"Saibon, yeah to the website. That's a big one carbon fee break. Yeah, so if you're looking for some more exterior"

I’m not sure what that phrase is supposed to mean here. It sounds like they’re talking about a discount or deal related to parts, but the exact wording is unclear.

Term

wheels and tires

"remember if you package wheels and tires together martiniworks.com"

“Wheels and tires” are the complete tire-and-rim package that affects grip, ride quality, and steering response. Bundling them is often used by retailers to reduce total cost and streamline installation.

Term

mounting and balancing

"You can actually save like 200 dollars on the tires and wheels when you package them together Plus you don't have to pay for mounting and balancing"

Mounting is putting the tire onto the wheel. Balancing is adding small weights so the wheel/tire spins smoothly without shaking.

Company

catapult

"plus you get two percent back with catapult when you check out with them"

Catapult sounds like the checkout/rewards service they use. They’re saying you get a small percentage back when you pay through it.

Term

drifts

"I did a little drifts. He's good drift skis with it going on on the public road because the tires are really cold"

“Drifts” here refers to drifting—driving with intentional oversteer so the car’s rear slips while the driver keeps control and maintains the slide. Doing it on public roads is risky, and the host notes the tires were cold, which can make grip and breakaway behavior feel different than when fully warmed.

Topic

cars and coffee

"but yeah, so hopped in it. You know, I was like, let's just take this to cars and coffee How bad could it be?"

“Cars and coffee” is a meet-up where car people get together, usually in the morning, to show their cars and hang out. Here it’s where the host takes the car to show it off.

Term

second gear

"Um, second gear. It was like I looked down on 63 miles an hour or something like that."

A car’s transmission has different gears. “Second gear” is one of the lower gears that usually keeps the engine revving more than higher gears, which is why it’s often used when accelerating.

Car

BMW E46

"...d up and jumped out of his car because he has his e46 and pushed me back Oh, he wasn't everybody though..."

The BMW 3 Series is a compact luxury car made by BMW. It’s known for being fun to drive and for having a sporty feel. People often talk about it because it’s popular and there are many versions over the years.

Term

wiring rats nest

"So today actually I took it because there's a wiring rats nest from the previous owner vw kid stuff New radio new radio."

That phrase means the car’s wiring looks messy and jumbled, usually because someone previously modified it. Messy wiring can lead to electrical issues and makes troubleshooting tougher later.

Part

new radio

"vw kid stuff New radio new radio. No matter how clean it is can't escape. Yeah new radio getting put in"

A “new radio” refers to replacing the factory head unit with an aftermarket or different stereo system. The host implies the car needed it due to prior work, and that even a clean car can still have hidden issues from earlier installs.

Part

cubby that holds the license plate

"And then too there's a little cubby that holds the license plate and that Fucker is known to be just a mess the the tabs break on it that hold it in"

The “cubby” holding the license plate is a specific trim/holder area that uses plastic tabs to retain the plate surround. The host says the tabs break, and the repair approach becomes either replacing the part or using an adhesive to re-secure it.

Term

3m

"So uh, I used some 3m some rtv Any adhesive I really could reach from where I was standing and I shoved that in there"

3M makes adhesives and tapes used in cars. The speaker used a 3M adhesive to help hold the broken plastic piece in place.

Term

rtv

"So uh, I used some 3m some rtv Any adhesive I really could reach from where I was standing and I shoved that in there"

RTV stands for room-temperature vulcanizing silicone—an adhesive/sealant that cures at normal temperatures. It’s often used in automotive work to bond or seal parts where you need flexibility and resistance to heat and moisture.

Part

plastic clamshell behind the steering wheel

"And then also, uh, the plastic clamshell behind the steering wheel Did you did you make that a problem for the next owner or just future you?"

The plastic clamshell behind the steering wheel is an interior trim housing that covers components in that area. The host is repairing only the top half, suggesting the clamshell is cracked or broken and needs reattachment to prevent rattles or exposure of underlying parts.

Term

alcohol wipe down

"Okay. I do Just double checking. Uh, double checking You'd be really proud because I even took the time to alcohol wipe down everything so that adhesive would actually stick"

An alcohol wipe-down is surface cleaning before applying adhesive so the bond line isn’t contaminated by oils or grime. Better surface prep improves adhesion reliability, especially for plastic-to-plastic or plastic-to-trim repairs.

Term

breaking tabs

"Again, another piece that is very well known for breaking tabs and stuff like that"

“Tabs” are little plastic clips that snap parts together. If they break, the piece can come loose and you might see gaps or exposed stuff.

Brand

Hella

"Was uh, my hella green tail lights from Germany that I picked up"

Hella makes car lights. People buy their tail lights when they want good quality lighting or a replacement that fits well.

Term

tail light housing

"Water drained in through the tail light housing into my trunk. So now I have to get in water in the trunk"

The tail light housing is the part that holds the rear light. If the seal around it fails, rainwater can get in and end up inside the trunk.

Term

seal

"The tail lights that were in it the one on the passenger side didn't have the seal any longer in it"

A seal is the rubber/plastic gasket that keeps water out. If it’s missing, water can leak in—especially after a car wash.

Brand

Black Forest Industries

"I did a black forest industries one of 100 Specifically made harlequin shift knob... And I had a custom made Shift boot from black forest industries with harlequin stitching"

Black Forest Industries makes aftermarket interior parts. In this case, they made a special shift knob and a custom shift boot for the shifter area.

Term

limited run

"But they made a limited run of them and I found a guy that kept one new in the box"

A “limited run” means the manufacturer produced only a small number of units, often with a specific numbering scheme. Limited production can make parts more collectible and harder to find later.

Term

shift boot

"So just the stitching on the corners is harlequin colors and I hit a cross stitch. So I installed new shift boot [567.5s] And new shift knob"

The shift boot is the rubber or fabric cover around the gear shifter. It helps keep dirt out and protects the inside parts from getting worn down.

Term

shift knob

"And new shift knob [569.6s] And then I installed a holster mount in my forerunner."

The shift knob is the part you grab to change gears. People swap them to change how it feels in your hand.

Term

concealed carry permit

"I bought a Glock and a holster and I took my concealed carry permit literally for a rap song [612.9s] And the fact that I owned a ferrari this is back in like 2020"

A concealed carry permit is permission to carry a handgun in public while keeping it hidden. The speaker brings it up to explain their personal situation.

Term

365 excel

"I've never even noticed that the Glock sucks by the way [621.2s] What I don't like it [623.4s] That's uh, the 365 excel is way better."

“365 excel” sounds like a compact SIG handgun model (likely the P365). The speaker is comparing it to a Glock and saying they prefer it.

Term

Glock 19

"That's uh, the 365 excel is way better. I don't know why I just like it more. I have a Glock 19 [629.3s] I love it. I like well, okay."

Glock 19 is a specific type of handgun. The speaker is just naming which one they have in the context of their holster setup.

Term

810

"And so I wanted an 810 [651.3s] And they're like, okay, sure. What type would you like?"

“810” isn’t clear here—it's probably a model number the speaker mentioned. The transcript doesn’t provide enough context to confidently identify what it refers to.

Term

engine hoist

"Progress we have an engine hoist now. We have an engine. That thing is a unit"

An engine hoist is a tool that lifts the engine safely so mechanics can remove it from the car. It helps them do the work without damaging anything.

Car

Honda S2000

"... unit So in case you guys and gals don't know the s2000 is is going to get worked and I will be clear I h..."

The S2000 is a small two-seat sports car from Honda. It’s known for revving very high and feeling exciting to drive. The podcast mentions it because the car is going to be worked on, likely with repairs or upgrades.

Term

chassis brace

"Uh, essentially a strut brace not strut brace, but like a chassis brace that we're fabricating right now"

A chassis brace is a structural reinforcement that ties parts of the body/frame together to reduce flex. In this segment, they’re fabricating one as part of the front-end work, and they’re timing the install so they can check clearances around the engine bay.

Term

clearances

"And we don't want to put the engine in and then put that in because we need to check clearances of it"

Clearances are the space between parts inside the engine bay. They need enough room so nothing touches or gets in the way when the engine is installed and moving.

Term

coolant leak

"He owns a shop in ampleton. Yeah. Yeah, we have a coolant leak in the lower piping"

Coolant is the fluid that keeps the engine from overheating. If it leaks, the engine can run too hot, so they’re trying to find exactly where the leak is.

Term

V-band

"It's all hard piped. Yeah, it's like almost like v-band. Yeah, and it has a v-band"

A V-band is a special clamp that connects two pipe ends using matching flanges. It’s made to seal well and be easier to take apart than some other connection types.

Term

hard piped

"It's all hard piped. Yeah, it's like almost like v-band. Yeah, and it has a v-band"

“Hard piped” means the fluid lines are made from stiff metal or rigid tubing instead of rubber hoses. Leaks often happen at the connections where the rigid pieces meet.

Term

pressure test

"Fabrication is not ... So I I'm having him take it to pressure test the coolant system to see where and how it's leaking"

A pressure test means they fill the system and pressurize it to see if anything leaks. It helps them locate the exact spot that’s letting coolant out.

Term

turbo

"Do a little bolt down check on some of the bits and pieces around the turbo because there's a little oil leak there"

A turbo is a device that helps the engine make more power by forcing extra air in. Because it spins fast and relies on oil, leaks near the turbo can become a bigger problem.

Term

bolt down check

"Do a little bolt down check on some of the bits and pieces around the turbo because there's a little oil leak there"

A bolt-down check is when you make sure bolts are tight and parts are properly mounted. They’re doing it around the turbo area because there’s an oil leak that could be caused by a loose or mis-seated connection.

Term

aftermarket power steering column

"so I don't know you guys might know this if you're listening in ... I'm driving the dots and it's got an aftermarket power power steering column. It's electronic."

An aftermarket power steering column is a replacement steering part made by someone other than the car’s original manufacturer. Since it affects how the steering works (and may include electronics), it can cause problems if it isn’t set up correctly.

Term

electronic

"I'm driving the dots and it's got an aftermarket power power steering column. It's electronic. It's electronic. Yep"

Here, “electronic” means the steering system uses electronics to control how much help the steering gets. If something’s not right with the electronics, the steering can act weird.

Term

ecu

"The power I think maybe it's just like losing power or maybe even like the ecu has the voltage set Maybe the wrong way"

The ECU is the car’s main computer. It reads sensors and tells different systems what to do; if it’s “set wrong” or getting bad sensor data, it can make parts of the car act strangely.

Company

ishimoto

"But then after that we have new parts from ishimoto that I'll be installing on becasem4 because It's now at 63 000 miles"

They mention “Ishimoto” as the place they’re getting parts from. It’s likely an aftermarket parts supplier for car upgrades or repairs.

Term

mileage maintenance repair

"It's now at 63 000 miles So we're going to go through and get them some things changed around do some mileage maintenance repair and then the ferrari is"

They’re talking about doing the car’s scheduled upkeep based on how many miles it has. That usually includes checking and replacing parts that wear out over time.

Term

new wheels

"I did find new lips for the new wheels that we're putting on so I just got to get those ordered this week I'm really excited for that."

They’re getting new wheels, which are the parts the tires sit on. They also mention “lips,” which are the outer parts of the wheel—so this sounds like a wheel upgrade or refresh.

Term

blown up

"The s2k is blown up. It's about as bad as you get over there, but the rest of it"

“Blown up” is slang for “the car broke badly,” usually meaning the engine or something big inside failed. It typically takes a lot of repair to get it running again.

Car

BMW M4

"Ferrari works dots and works s15 works r34 works m4 works great [1023.6s] Just not perfect"

The BMW M4 is BMW’s high-performance version of the 4 Series. Here they’re saying theirs runs really well, but it still isn’t completely sorted.

Car

Ford Crown Victoria

"[1364.0s] Is there a car out there that is like the pine tree of the car world? Ford [1368.5s] crown Victoria [1371.7s] That's actually pretty accurate."

The Ford Crown Victoria is a big, old-school Ford sedan that’s famous for being tough and lasting a long time. Here it’s compared to a pine tree because it’s sturdy and dependable, even if it’s not the prettiest.

Car

Subaru Outback

"[1383.9s] That's 365 days away. You know what I would say? [1387.5s] Subaru Outback [1389.2s] Subaru Outback [1390.8s] Yep, I had outbag ones"

The Subaru Outback is a Subaru model that’s built for everyday practicality and rough roads, and it’s known for being dependable. In this conversation, it’s being compared to a pine tree because it’s tough and lasts.

Term

back parking lot

"Why why why the f*** is that Subaru still in our back parking lot? To be fair I gave the car [1413.9s] To someone and they just wouldn't move it."

They’re talking about a parking area behind the main area where a car sits when it isn’t being used. The issue is that the car wasn’t moved when it needed to be.

Car

Nissan R34

"I obviously had to back in the r34 [1452.2s] So it inadvertently looked like both of us were posing up for the car show..."

The Nissan R34 is a specific generation of the Skyline that car fans really like. In this story, they’re talking about how they parked their R34 when visiting someone.

Car

Mazda Rx8

"[1463.6s] Um [1465.0s] I when I had the rx8, I would back it into the garage"

The Mazda RX-8 is a Mazda that’s famous for having a rotary engine, which is different from the normal engine most cars use. They’re mentioning it because of how they used to park it in their garage.

Car

Mazda Miatas

"But they said it was an oversized two car And this was back when I was flipping Miata's to make money for college Would you like to know how many Miata's I fit in there at one time before I got in trouble by the landlord"

The Miata is a small two-seat convertible made by Mazda. It’s designed to be light and easy to drive, which is why many people like it. The podcast mentions it in a practical way—how it fits and how it was used for flipping cars.

Term

wheel chucks

"And then you could turn it and then you could use these little wheel chucks and you could just push them into the corner Dude, those little wheel dollies open up so much."

Wheel chocks are blocks you put in front of (or behind) a tire so the car can’t roll. They’re a basic safety tool when moving cars or loading them.

Term

wheel dollies

"Dude, those little wheel dollies open up so much. I was like, well, how many can I buy? So I just started looking for Miata's under a thousand dollars boom hard top boom boom boom"

Wheel dollies are little rolling platforms that help you move a car’s wheels around more easily. They’re handy when you’re working in a garage and need to reposition cars.

Term

hard top

"So I just started looking for Miata's under a thousand dollars boom hard top boom boom boom And then I just started picking on a part and then I just parted them out and sold them There was one time I bought a Miata for 600 dollars All right, then I found a hard top for 600 dollars"

A hard top is the solid, rigid roof version of a convertible. It’s usually easier to live with day-to-day than a fabric roof, and it can be a valuable part when selling or flipping a car.

Brand

Motegi racing wheels

"But we do want to give a huge shout out to Motegi racing wheels for being a partner of the martini works podcast They've been absolutely incredible"

Motegi Racing makes aftermarket wheels for cars. In this segment, the host is saying they’re using Motegi wheels for drifting and road events.

Term

cogens

"We kept the cogens on the s15 post drift session just because I love how they look and they're going to be running around on Road america because we're going to a drift event actually this weekend and next weekend on them"

This sounds like a wheel name/model the host is using on their car. They’re basically saying they kept those wheels on after drifting because they like how they look.

Place

Road america

"We kept the cogens on the s15 post drift session just because I love how they look and they're going to be running around on Road america because we're going to a drift event actually this weekend and next weekend on them"

Road America is a famous race track. The speaker is saying they’ll be using their wheels there for a drift event.

Term

Flow formed

"They've been doing an incredible job at offering wheels in sizes That actually makes sense for people that love to slide their car and drive their car Flow formed. They're super light very strong."

Flow forming is a way of making a wheel so it can be lighter while still being strong. The host is saying these wheels are made that way, which helps them survive aggressive driving.

Term

thrashing

"Flow formed. They're super light very strong. I love them Obviously, they they've withstood the amount of thrashing that we've thrown at them when we've thrown quite a bit at them"

“Thrashing” here just means beating on the car—driving it hard and stressing parts more than normal. They’re saying the wheels survived that kind of abuse.

Car

Honda Prelude

"“...why in the living fuck are you making the Honda prelude a $50,000 car... Okay, if I wanted to fix the Honda prelude... Maybe the prelude has lots of civic parts... and then we we ship it as an entry level Front wheel drive fun sports car. Don't even change the powertrain...”"

The Honda Prelude is a Honda model that’s meant to feel sporty. Here, the hosts are saying Honda priced it too expensively, and they’d fix that by making it cheaper and more accessible—without changing the basic drivetrain.

Concept

EV projects

"“So we we stop Hemorrhaging money from all of the terrible EV projects that Honda is doing... and we take that money... and we just put that into making the efficiencies of developing cars a little bit easier”"

“EV projects” means work a car company does to build electric cars. The host is arguing Honda spent too much money on that and should have put more of it into making other cars better and cheaper to develop.

Term

Front wheel drive

"“...and then we we ship it as an entry level Front wheel drive fun sports car. Don't even change the powertrain...”"

Front-wheel drive means the front wheels do the work of both steering and moving the car forward. The host is suggesting the Prelude should be positioned as a cheaper, accessible sporty car using that common layout.

Term

powertrain

"“...ship it as an entry level Front wheel drive fun sports car. Don't even change the powertrain. Don't change anything about that”"

The powertrain is basically the car’s “go” system—what makes it move and how that power gets to the wheels. The host is saying they wouldn’t change that; they’d focus on other changes instead.

Car

Honda Civic

"Where did that sit in the Honda lineup? Like was it above the civic? Was it like? ...the civic was always seen as that's what yeah, because I'm like I'm like trying to figure out like what they're doing"

The Honda Civic is Honda’s mainstream compact car, and it’s often used as the baseline for pricing and positioning. The hosts compare the Prelude’s intended role to the Civic, arguing it doesn’t make sense to have the Prelude priced like a higher-tier model while also being too close to the Civic conceptually.

Term

CVT

"Drop the CVT put a 1.5 liter earth dreams engine out of like the 10th gen civic si Just slap that in there and call her a day."

A CVT is a type of automatic transmission that can smoothly change ratios instead of shifting gears. The host thinks it makes the car feel less sporty, so they want it replaced.

Car

Honda Civic Si

"Drop the CVT put a 1.5 liter earth dreams engine out of like the 10th gen civic si Just slap that in there and call her a day."

The Civic Si is the sportier version of the Honda Civic. Here, they’re saying the Prelude should use the same kind of engine package that makes the Civic Si feel more like a real performance car.

Term

1.5 liter earth dreams engine

"Drop the CVT put a 1.5 liter earth dreams engine out of like the 10th gen civic si Just slap that in there and call her a day."

“Earth Dreams” is Honda’s name for a set of modern engines. They’re suggesting the Prelude should use a 1.5-liter version of that engine so it feels more like a real sporty Honda.

Term

global regulations

"That I'm not quite sure Honda knew where global regulations were going with cars and What we saw with the prelude is a rapid change"

Automakers have to follow rules that governments set for things like pollution and fuel use. If those rules change, car companies may have to redesign parts of the car to stay legal.

Term

evy

"What 2024 was Like evy everything was talking evy I mean we were following the european regulations"

EV usually means electric vehicle—cars that run mostly on electricity from a battery. The host is saying the industry was moving toward that direction.

Term

tariff talk

"and then at the same time There's been a whole bunch of tariff talk and a whole bunch of changing on where production needs to be done"

A tariff is a tax on imported products. If tariffs rise, it can get more expensive to sell cars made abroad, so companies may move production.

Term

Hybrid

"And that like evy look tells me that they were planning on that being more of a Hybrid or probably even like an evy version of Front wheel drive right yeah 100"

A hybrid uses two power sources, usually a gas engine and an electric motor. The goal is better fuel economy than a normal gas-only car.

Part

transmission

"I think we need to pull the transmission out I think we need to go to"

The transmission is what helps the engine send power to the wheels in the right way. If they want to pull it, they think the car’s “how it drives” feel isn’t working and needs fixing.

Concept

mark them up to 80 thousand dollars

"Here's in the boardroom But what if we make it so that the dealers can mark them up to 80 thousand dollars? Before a customer ever gets them."

They’re talking about dealers charging extra money before the car even reaches the customer. So instead of the car being a good deal, it becomes more expensive right away.

Car

2024 Nissan z s 30 heritage edition

"But what the hell is this 2024 Nissan z s 30 heritage edition? Okay, so I go in there and I'm like, I wonder if it's a manual or an automatic transmission"

This is a special “heritage” version of the Nissan Z. In this part, they’re mainly talking about how it drives with different transmissions—manual vs automatic—and how that changes the feel.

Term

nine speed automatic

"Okay, so I go in there and I'm like, I wonder if it's a manual or an automatic transmission Six speed manual or nine speed automatic. You can't have both"

A nine-speed automatic is an automatic gearbox with lots of gear steps. The host is saying it doesn’t shift quickly enough when they want it to, which makes the car feel less responsive.

Term

six speed manual

"Okay, so I go in there and I'm like, I wonder if it's a manual or an automatic transmission Six speed manual or nine speed automatic. You can't have both"

A six-speed manual is a car where you pick the gears yourself. You use a clutch to switch gears, and the host is comparing how the manual feels versus the automatic.

Term

rev hang issue

"You know, we talked with the manual and had like the really bad like rev hang issue It just felt like sloshy"

Rev hang is when the engine RPM doesn’t drop immediately when you lift off the gas or change gears. That can make the car feel awkward or less responsive, which is what the host is complaining about.

Term

sloshy

"It just felt like sloshy Like it didn't feel really connected and that was a big part of it and the car just felt overall big"

“Sloshy” here means the car feels a bit delayed or mushy when you ask for power. Instead of responding right away, it feels like the movement and acceleration come in a less direct way.

Term

sport mode

"I'm like, okay. Well, maybe you know the automatic transmission. No flappy paddles could be a lot quicker It's gonna be a little more responsive Dude that thing the auto transmission in that in sport mode shifted slower"

Sport mode is a setting that’s supposed to make the car respond faster and shift more aggressively. Here, they’re saying the automatic still shifts too slowly even when sport mode is on.

Term

flappy paddles

"I'm like, okay. Well, maybe you know the automatic transmission. No flappy paddles could be a lot quicker It's gonna be a little more responsive"

Flappy paddles are the little shift paddles behind the steering wheel. They let you tell an automatic transmission what gear you want, but this car apparently doesn’t have them.

Car

Chevrolet Equinox

"Dude that thing the auto transmission in that in sport mode shifted slower than my fucking chevy equinox with sport mode"

They’re comparing the Nissan Z’s automatic shifting to a Chevrolet Equinox. The point is that the Z felt slower to change gears than a much more normal commuter SUV.

Car

Toyota Supra

"...es 2400. It's not bad It's direct competitors the supra. Yeah, you're not getting one of those for like y..."

The Supra is a Toyota sports car made for fast driving. It’s usually a two-door coupe and is known for being a performance-focused model. The podcast mentions it in the context of how much you’d have to pay compared to similar sports cars.

Car

Toyota Gr86

"...'re getting that for You're getting that for like gr86 price now. Yeah, which Was my second car. Okay, t..."

The GR 86 is a small sports car from Toyota. It’s designed to be light and fun to drive, especially on twisty roads. The podcast mentions it because of what it costs and because the speaker owned one as a second car.

Term

msrp

"But what would you chop 10k off the msrp and it's perfect."

MSRP is the official starting price on the car’s window sticker. The host is saying that if the car cost about $10,000 less, they’d consider it a perfect deal.

Car

9 11

"throw it at whoever is deciding that Porsche needs to have like $400,000 in Incremental upsell opportunities when you spec out a 9 11 in 2026."

The Porsche 911 is Porsche’s famous sports car. The host is saying that when you add options, the 911 can get so expensive that it starts competing with Ferrari pricing.

Car

Ferrari Luce

"...e there's a tear Hold on. I would fix the Ferrari luce By just taking the prosangue and putting an ev po..."

The “Ferrari Luce” name in the podcast sounds like a specific Ferrari model, but the exact car isn’t clear from the name alone. The speaker talks about changing it by using parts/ideas from another Ferrari and turning it into an electric vehicle. If you confirm the exact model name, I can explain what that car is.

Concept

spec out

"No, seriously if you go on uh, like a Porsche website and you spec out an i11 [2227.9s] It's actually kind of a fun game to see how expensive can you get it? That's insane"

“Spec out” means customizing a car by choosing options, like paint, wheels, and interior. The speaker is saying that those add-ons can make the final price jump a lot.

Term

paint to sample

"Almost almost. It's insane. And people like Porsche has the paint to sample program and they have all that stuff [2241.1s] But like that'd be so fun if I didn't mind to do that actually though"

“Paint to sample” means you can order a custom paint color instead of a normal factory color. It usually costs more because the paint has to be specially made.

Term

DuPont registry

"And the DuPont registry and I'll look at these like either super cheap race cars or super expensive collector cars [2270.7s] And I always look at the paint to sample or the bespoke program cars"

The DuPont Registry is a website where people list and browse expensive collector cars. The host mentions it because it’s where you can find examples of very customized cars.

Term

bespoke program

"And I always look at the paint to sample or the bespoke program cars the ones that were built [2275.1s] Specifically yeah for this customer"

A “bespoke program” is when the car maker builds a car to your specific custom requests. It’s usually more expensive because it’s not just picking from standard options.

Term

steelies

"Throw just a fucking basic set of wheels on like fucking throw it on steelies for all I care [2341.6s] You know, whatever you have a trim that has that option."

“Steelies” means plain steel wheels, not fancy alloy wheels. The point here is that if you’re going to modify the car anyway, you don’t need to spend extra on the wheels first.

Term

BMW engine

"Designer I'm gonna be like, yo, you fucking did it. I don't care. You put the BMW. You know what good idea Good idea putting the BMW engine because that shit was"

The host is talking about the Supra using an engine that comes from BMW. Their argument is that this made the car cheaper to build (and therefore easier to buy) while still delivering strong performance.

Term

3jz

"But they went against the grain. They did it. I think it fucking worked. Would a 3jz been cool? Sure, that would have been cool and would have been a billion fucking dollars that I don't have"

The “3JZ” is a legendary Toyota engine associated with older Supras and a huge tuning scene. The host is saying it would’ve been awesome to have, but it would probably cost a lot more money than the version people can actually buy.

Car

Toyota Gt

"...g dollars that I don't have And would just been a Toyota GT that I I can get can't get and I won't ever get y..."

The GT 86 is a Toyota sports car that’s meant to be light and fun. It’s designed for driving enjoyment rather than being a high-cost supercar. The podcast mentions it because the speaker wanted one but couldn’t afford it.

Car

Datsun 240Z

"...Mr. K a good old handshake for the success of the 240z I think the the 240z still stands as like one of ..."

The Datsun 240Z is an older sports car from the early 1970s. It’s known for being a popular, classic model that many car fans still talk about. The podcast mentions it as a major success and a car with a strong reputation.

Person

Mr. Katayama

"Mr. Katayama, Mr. K a good old handshake for the success of the 240z I think the the 240z still stands as like one of the best success stories of a"

Mr. Katayama is a real person associated with getting Japanese cars—especially Datsun/Nissan—noticed in the United States. The host is thanking him in connection with the 240Z becoming successful in America.

Car

Honda Beat Honda

"...e American market that Beat everyone else like it beat Honda at the time it beat Mitsubishi it beat everybody ..."

The Honda Beat is a very small sports car made by Honda. It was designed to be compact and quick for its size. The podcast mentions it because the speaker believes it was strong compared to other small cars in its category.

Concept

timeless

"They were probably cool and they're timeless. I think it's so hard to make a car look Timeless especially in today's day and age when you see like how EVs are currently getting shaped and things like that"

“Timeless” here is being used as a design concept: the idea that a car’s styling remains attractive across decades. The host contrasts that with modern styling trends—especially how EVs are shaping design—arguing that it’s harder to make new cars look like they’ll still feel right later.

Car

Mazda Rx7

"...nt to see what was out there for like my like the rx7 um"

The RX-7 is a Mazda sports car that’s known for having a rotary engine. A rotary engine works differently than the normal engine most cars use. The podcast brings it up because the speaker was looking at what RX-7s were available.

Term

pop-ups

"they literally were talking about the drag coefficient that the pop-ups would make when they're down"

“Pop-ups” are parts that move out from the car when needed and then tuck back in. The hosts are saying the car’s shape changes with them, which affects how much air resistance the car has.

Car

Scion FR-S

"And like what led to the frs because That was literally like We want to target the younger demographic and we're going to release affordable Unique kind of out there sports cars that are just meant to be fun"

The Scion FR-S is a compact, affordable sports coupe created to appeal to younger buyers with a “fun first” approach. In this segment, it’s positioned as the result of Scion’s strategy to release unique, out-there sports cars, and it’s treated as the start of the modern 86/BRZ/GR86 family story.

Topic

Scion's strategy for younger buyers

"We want to target the younger demographic and we're going to release affordable Unique kind of out there sports cars that are just meant to be fun when they came out with the tc"

They talk about how Scion tried to attract younger drivers with cars that were cheaper and more fun-looking. The FR-S is presented as a key result of that plan.

Car

Scion xB

"Honestly, I think the xb when it first came out was a fucking banger. I agree"

The Scion xB is a compact hatchback with a very boxy look. The host is saying the first xB was really good and helped make Scion popular.

Car

Subaru BRZ

"...ut with the frs and that has led to obviously the brz and now the gr86 which was absolutely dominating ..."

The BRZ is a small sports coupe from Subaru. It’s designed to handle well and be fun to drive, especially because it’s relatively light. The podcast mentions it as part of a line of similar sports cars that came afterward.

Concept

higher luxury higher tiers

"Genesis right now. It's like they just keep releasing higher luxury higher tiers higher tiers [2667.1s] Everyone's releasing a higher tier. They're stepping up into the next thing."

The speaker is talking about how car brands keep making more expensive, higher-end versions. The result is that the cars can start feeling out of reach for normal buyers.

Car

Subaru STI

"[2779.1s] I'd probably say otherwise like subaru too. I think that's been a monstrosity lately and I want the sti back and I want [2785.7s] The rally heritage back and now subaru wx's are literally just commuter traffic and everyone [2817.9s] But it's like oh, but it's just it's just uh, it's just a one-off like well, then we went to japan and they have these sti"

STI is Subaru’s performance version of the WRX. The host feels the current cars aren’t delivering the same rally-style performance identity they associate with STI.

Term

bone stock

"[2785.7s] The rally heritage back and now subaru wx's are literally just commuter traffic and everyone [2791.0s] I see driving one is just keeping it bone stock and going to work"

“Bone stock” means the car is basically exactly how it left the factory. The host is saying people aren’t modifying their WRX much and are just using it to commute.

Term

digital screen for the cluster

"One thing I saw that was plus ring the threat about it was [2905.5s] It has if I understood this correctly a digital screen for the cluster [2911.0s] But then also mechanical like the needles the best thing about that car is it has a combination"

They’re talking about the dashboard showing information on a screen. Instead of only classic dials, it uses a digital display, but the car still keeps some “needle” style gauges for feel.

Term

iMac swing out screen

"Remained tactile. Yeah, which is what we don't like. I don't like the iMac swing out screen in the middle of it [2938.7s] Yeah, it's like you want the other guy to look at it. Literally, like, you know, you want to watch cartoon network [2942.5s] There's like old iMacs with like the round base, you know the ones I know exactly what you're talking about"

They’re complaining about a car screen that swings out from the dash, like older Apple iMacs. They think it looks odd and isn’t as nice to live with as a normal fixed screen.

Car

Dodge SRT

"I'd also like to [2961.1s] I'd also like to slap whoever at dodge that decided that srt was no longer worth"

They’re talking about Dodge’s performance badge “SRT.” The host thinks Dodge made a mistake by dropping it or making it less important.

Car

Dodge Charger

"... Investing whoever for real ever designed the new charger or whatever the hell it is That thing does not ev..."

The Charger is a Dodge muscle-style car that’s meant to be powerful and look aggressive. People often debate how the newer versions look compared to older ones. The podcast is reacting to the current design and how it feels compared to what they expected.

Car

Dodge Challenger

"...hell it is That thing does not every time I see a challenger ivy. It gets uglier to me too Yeah, because they'..."

The Challenger is a Dodge muscle car, usually with a powerful engine and a bold design. It’s meant to feel like a throwback while still being a modern car. The podcast mentions it because the speaker doesn’t like how it looks to them anymore.

Term

Drag coefficient

"They're like, well, it needs to be have a Drag coefficient, you know, we need something really strong here. So we're just gonna make it. We're gonna shave everything off, right?"

Drag coefficient is a way to measure how much air “pushes back” against a moving car. If it’s lower, the car usually wastes less energy and can feel faster or go farther on the same power.

Term

radiator

"So what do they do they make a hole in between the headlights and the roof so that doesn't need a radiator So we can get rid of it push it down, right? That's what dodge did"

A radiator is part of a car’s cooling system that helps get heat out of the engine. The host is saying EVs don’t need the same kind of under-hood cooling setup, so designers can change the front-end shape.

Car

Tesla Model

"...of intent when you look at EVs out argue even the tesla model s the plaid edition it has"

The Model Y is a fully electric SUV made by Tesla. Instead of using gas, it runs on electricity from a battery. The podcast brings it up while comparing different EVs and Tesla models.

Car

Tesla model s the plaid edition

"It has no declaration of intent when you look at EVs out argue even the tesla model s the plaid edition it has The right element of"

The Tesla Model S is an all-electric sedan known for strong performance and a minimalist, tech-forward design. The host references the Model S Plaid edition as an example of an EV that still looks like it can go fast, arguing that certain design cues communicate performance even without a big engine.

Term

EVs

"It has no declaration of intent when you look at EVs out argue even the tesla model s the plaid edition it has The right element of"

EVs are electric cars. The host is saying they can look less aggressive because you don’t see a big engine the way you do on gas cars.

Term

electric motors

"I think it's because it simply is because like the only things in it are electric motors and a battery Which are pretty well maintained and hidden"

Electric motors are what actually move an EV. Instead of an engine, the car uses electricity to spin motors, and that affects how the car is built and what you see under the hood.

Term

battery

"simply is because like the only things in it are electric motors and a battery Which are pretty well maintained and hidden and it's like back in the day when you're looking at, you know"

The battery is the EV’s power source. It stores electricity so the motors can drive the car, and because it’s big, it affects how the car is shaped.

Term

non functional bits

"If they gotta make it look a little better and add a little shim sham to it with some non functional bits They have to because yes, they are all starting to look like shit"

It means some parts are added just for the look. They might resemble performance hardware, but they don’t actually help the car work better.

Term

EV

"It's a challenger EV like I've seen them before I know what they look like. I'm just like that thing's getting the worst part Is getting uglier."

EV means electric vehicle. Instead of using gasoline to make power, it uses electricity from a battery to drive the car.

Car

lamborghini temerario

"But the best version of a super car that has that has nailed it that I have driven so far Is the lamborghini temerario is like the best it's still it doesn't have a v10 anymore"

The Lamborghini Temerario is a newer Lamborghini with a mix of gas and electric power. The host likes it because it still has that wild, aggressive look and feel, even though it doesn’t use a V10.

Term

V10

"Is the lamborghini temerario is like the best it's still it doesn't have a v10 anymore It's got the v8, but it's got two turbos three electric motors"

A V10 is a type of engine with ten cylinders arranged in a V shape. People often associate V10s with high-end supercars, so the host is pointing out it’s not using one.

Term

Continental dws o6 tires

"You know, it's not ugly [3201.7s] Continental dws o6 tires [3203.1s] That's very true [3203.7s] You can get at martiniworks.com like those in case you guys and gals are wondering"

This is a specific tire model from Continental called the DWS 06. It’s designed to work well in everyday driving, including wet weather, without being a dedicated race tire.

Term

ecso2

"And if you're looking to get something that can run on the track [3223.0s] ecso2 is fantastic option and [3225.0s] The dws o6 if you like to do a little bit more street driving and you just want something that can get the job done"

They’re recommending a specific tire model (called “ecso2”) if you want something that can run on track. They’re basically saying it’s better suited for harder driving than the more street-oriented tire they mention next.

Term

roadside assistance

"With the tire is also free meaning that you get roadside assistance [3243.1s] You get a lot of additional support. You actually get a return guarantee depending on the tires"

Roadside assistance is a service that helps if your vehicle breaks down, such as towing, battery help, or lockout support. In this segment, it’s mentioned as part of what you may receive with certain tire purchases.

Car

2024 Toyota Prius

"Which is a 2024 Toyota Prius now that may not sound like a lot [3314.3s] But this thing is fucking just trust trust trust hang on don't don't leave hang on hang in there"

The 2024 Toyota Prius is a hybrid car that most people think of as a commuter. In this episode, they’re saying this specific Prius has been modified a lot, so it’s not just a normal stock Prius anymore.

Term

Saibon carbon fiber

"This thing has literally the entire [3323.0s] Saibon carbon fiber catalog thrown at it as well as a set of bulk or sorry raise"

Carbon fiber is a strong but lightweight material used a lot in performance and race cars. Saying it has “Saibon carbon fiber” means it’s using aftermarket carbon-fiber parts for style and weight savings.

Term

70 miles per gallon

"70 miles per gallon. Yeah, that is the best part all of this, right? I'm gonna really sick looking car"

MPG tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. Higher MPG usually means you spend less on fuel, which is why the host is highlighting it as a great daily-driving trait.

Term

VT style carbon fiber hood front lip side skirts rear lip rear upper lip fiber spoiler

"Saibon VT style carbon fiber hood front lip side skirts rear lip rear upper lip fiber spoiler"

This is describing an aero “kit” made from carbon fiber: a hood, front lip, side skirts, and multiple rear aero pieces. These parts are typically used to alter airflow around the car and give it a more track-inspired stance and appearance.

Term

rear camber arms rear toe arms

"Mirror covers fender trims strep brace and then godspeed rear camber arms rear toe arms hypermax coil overs"

These are alignment parts that help you adjust the angles of the rear wheels. Changing camber and toe can make the car handle better and can also help manage tire wear.

Term

225 40

"hypermax coil overs toyoproxy 225 40 tires and the guy said that he was uh daily driving"

That’s the tire size. The first number is how wide the tire is, and the second number is how tall the sidewall is compared to the width—both affect how the car rides and grips.

Car

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

"So I learned that... We talked about it once but the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is a car. It's a shooting brake style. It's a wagon"

The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is an electric Porsche with a wagon-style shape for more space. In this conversation, it’s brought up as a car you could daily without feeling like you’re giving up practicality.

Term

shooting brake style

"So I learned that... the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is a car. It's a shooting brake style. It's a wagon"

A shooting brake is like a sporty wagon: it looks more like a coupe, but it still has extra space for cargo. The host is using it to explain the Taycan Cross Turismo’s “sporty + practical” body shape.

Car

Porsche Panamera

"They had a Panamera cross Turismo for I think five years and you can find one 2018 2019 you can find one"

This is a Porsche Panamera variant that looks and feels more like a wagon than a normal sedan. People like it because it gives you that practical, “big car” vibe, but it can be expensive depending on the version.

Concept

daily driver

"I want one as a daily driver. I think low key if you can find any vehicle that's old and cheap"

A daily driver is just the car you drive most days for normal life—work, groceries, errands. The host is saying an older car can still be a great daily if it’s cheap and in good shape.

Car

Toyota Camry

"there's only like two cars. I would put above like a Toyota Camry in terms of just like Livability and an 80s Mercedes diesel is is one of them."

They’re using the Toyota Camry as the “easy to live with” reference car. The claim is that an older Mercedes diesel can be almost as convenient for daily driving as a Camry.

Concept

Livability

"there's only like two cars. I would put above like a Toyota Camry in terms of just like Livability and an 80s Mercedes diesel is is one of them."

“Livability” is basically how nice it is to use the car every day. It’s about whether the car is easy and not annoying to own and drive.

Concept

renaissance motor

"If you have I repeat if you have a cool renaissance motor sitting somewhere in your garage that you're trying to get rid of [3683.3s] I need you to get in contact"

“Renaissance motor” here sounds like slang for a really interesting, special engine that enthusiasts want. The hosts are saying it shouldn’t be just any engine—it should be the good kind of “special.”

Term

bridge port

"Yeah, yeah, cool renaissance. Yeah bridge port. I don't okay. That's right. Yeah"

“Bridge port” refers to a modification used on some rotary engines (commonly associated with Mazda RX-series) where the intake/exhaust porting is reshaped to improve airflow and throttle response. It’s a niche enthusiast term tied to how the rotary’s ports are machined.

Brand

Fortune Auto

"But I think that leads to our last bunch of the podcast it does fortune auto [3711.5s] Not an oxymoron"

Fortune Auto is a company that makes aftermarket suspension parts. Here they’re being recommended specifically for coilovers.

Car

Datsun 510

"...t's due to an early fortune out of 500s for child 510s Alex has some of them. Hey, he does. You've had s..."

The Datsun 510 is an older compact car that many car fans like. It’s known for being a good base for tuning and for having a strong following. The podcast mentions it in the context of collecting specific early versions.

Term

swift springs

"We need to add swift springs swift springs super nice upgrade But it's not needed"

Swift Springs are aftermarket springs you put on a car to change how it rides. They can lower the car and make the suspension feel more controlled than stock.

Brand

childs

"So just rock a set of four childs right off the shelf and you'll be happy."

This sounds like a brand name for suspension parts. The host is saying you can just buy a ready-made set instead of building something custom.

Term

spring rates

"Otherwise, uh, you can upgrade your spring rates and all that fun stuff too completely rebuildable"

Spring rates describe how stiff a spring is—how much it resists compression. Changing spring rates affects ride comfort, body control, and how the car responds during cornering and braking.

Term

rotary

"Actually, you're not because the pfm has a rotary. So you're good gels."

A rotary engine (Wankel design) uses a spinning rotor for combustion instead of pistons moving up and down. That architecture changes how the engine makes power and how it sounds, which is why enthusiasts often chase a “rotary” character.

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