Chinese door handles...and why they're changing, plus Gordie's hair issue
About this episode
Paul and Gordy kick off the year with a lively discussion about their recent car experiences and personal anecdotes. They dive into the impressive features of the Volvo EX90, particularly its groundbreaking sound system, and share thoughts on the new MG7 sedan, highlighting its performance and unique design elements. The episode also touches on the challenges of dealing with flies at their proving ground and the humorous dynamics of their friendship, making for an entertaining listen filled with automotive insights and light-hearted banter.
We've driven a STACK of cars lately - from the bargain that is a base Hyundai Santa Fe, the bold, fun MG 7...and we talk about the interior of the new Ferrari Luce, Chinese EV door handles, Paul’s fly issue and Gordie’s hair issue.
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Volvo EX90
"...over Chrissy, I spent time in the Volvo EX90."
The Volvo EX90 is a new electric SUV from Volvo. It's designed to be safe and spacious, with lots of modern technology inside.
The Volvo EX90 is an all-electric SUV that represents Volvo's commitment to sustainability and advanced safety features. It offers a spacious interior and a range of high-tech amenities, making it a competitive choice in the electric vehicle market.
1800 Watts
"...like 1800 Watts."
1800 Watts is a measure of how powerful the sound system is. More watts usually mean the music can be played louder and sound better.
1800 Watts refers to the power output of the sound system, indicating how much electrical power it can use to produce sound. Higher wattage typically means louder and clearer sound quality.
Dacia Duster
"Yeah, yeah. Yeah, Duster Stainless Zulpa. You know something we've both h..."
The Dacia Duster is an affordable SUV that people can use for both city driving and outdoor adventures. It's popular because it gives you a lot of space and features without costing too much money.
The Dacia Duster is a compact SUV known for its affordability and rugged design. It has become a favorite among budget-conscious consumers looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle both city driving and off-road adventures.
MG7
"...is the 2026 MG7. Yeah, Billy. Can I ask you, first impressions of that interior?"
The MG7 is a new car from the MG brand, which is known for making stylish and affordable cars. The 2026 model is expected to have updated features and a modern look.
The MG7 is a model from the British automotive brand MG, known for its affordable and stylish vehicles. The 2026 version likely features modern design elements and technology aimed at appealing to a broad audience.
Porsche Panamera
"...I'm not a Panamera. Like it is literally a Porsche spoiler. They've just stuck in this $40,000 car."
The Porsche Panamera is a fancy four-door car that offers a mix of luxury and speed. It's designed to be comfortable while still being fun to drive.
The Porsche Panamera is a luxury four-door sedan known for its performance and high-end features. It combines the practicality of a sedan with the performance characteristics typical of Porsche sports cars.
sulfur content
"...because it's detuned compared to the Chinese version. Up until recently, we actually had quite a high sulfur content in our regular-run leaded fuel. And it meant that a lot of manufacturers..."
Sulfur content is how much sulfur is in the fuel we use for cars. Too much sulfur can harm engines and create more pollution.
Sulfur content in fuel refers to the amount of sulfur compounds present, which can affect engine performance and emissions. High sulfur content can lead to engine damage and increased pollution.
fuel quality
"...because our fuel quality wasn't up to scratch. So now that that has been fixed..."
Fuel quality is about how good the fuel is that cars use. Better quality fuel helps engines run smoother and cleaner.
Fuel quality refers to the composition and properties of fuel, which can impact engine performance, emissions, and longevity. Higher quality fuels typically lead to better engine efficiency and lower emissions.
ELSD
"...it still goes like shit off a shovel. They've got an ELSD fitted to it. It's got sort of raspy little exhaust."
An ELSD helps your car's wheels grip the road better by controlling how much power goes to each wheel. This is especially useful when driving on wet or slippery surfaces.
ELSD stands for Electronic Limited-Slip Differential. It uses electronic controls to manage the distribution of torque between the wheels, improving traction and handling, especially in slippery conditions.
Hyundai i30
"...nd it really is reminiscent of something like the i30 Sedan inline. I think that they've really struck..."
The Hyundai i30 is a small car that people like because it's stylish and good for everyday use. It's a popular choice for those who want a reliable vehicle that doesn't cost too much.
The Hyundai i30 is a compact car that has gained popularity for its blend of style, practicality, and value. It is significant for its competitive features and performance in the compact segment, making it a common choice among buyers looking for a reliable hatchback or sedan.
kilowatt
"...can you imagine if it had an extra 20 kilowatts of power, which is kind of what they've detuned it from, and it'd actually be pretty crazy."
A kilowatt is a way to measure how much power an engine produces. More kilowatts usually mean more power and speed for the car.
A kilowatt is a unit of power equal to 1,000 watts. In automotive terms, it is often used to measure the power output of engines and electric motors.
Volkswagen Golf
"...you're not getting a Golf R or anything like that inside this, but you're getting something that's, I guess, warm to heart."
The Golf R is a sportier version of the Volkswagen Golf. It has a more powerful engine and is built for better performance and handling.
The Volkswagen Golf R is a high-performance variant of the standard Golf, known for its powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and sporty handling. It is designed for enthusiasts who want a balance of everyday usability and performance.
two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
"...you get in a lot of car. Two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Roughly, I think it was about 380 newton-meters talk."
This is a type of engine that has four cylinders and can hold two liters of air and fuel. The turbocharger helps it produce more power without using more fuel, making it efficient for a car.
A two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine refers to an engine configuration with four cylinders and a displacement of two liters, enhanced by a turbocharger to increase power and efficiency. This type of engine is common in mid-sized sedans for balancing performance and fuel economy.
newton-meters
"...I think it was about 380 newton-meters talk. I can't remember, but it is all-round a great little mid-sized Sedan."
Newton-meters are a way to measure how strong an engine is when it turns. More newton-meters usually mean the car can speed up faster and pull heavier loads.
Newton-meters (Nm) is a unit of torque, which measures the rotational force an engine can produce. In automotive terms, higher torque values typically indicate better acceleration and pulling power, especially at lower RPMs.
Ford Ecosport
"...ke, I loved how, when you can change it to normal EcoSport or whatever, and then, I don't know what they ca..."
The Ford EcoSport is a small SUV that sits higher off the ground, which makes it easier to see when driving. It's a good option for people who want a little more space and flexibility in a vehicle without going for a full-sized SUV.
The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact SUV that offers a higher driving position and versatile interior space, making it a practical choice for urban drivers. Its significance lies in its compact size combined with SUV-like features, appealing to those who want a small vehicle with added utility.
Golf GTI
"And I think, to me, normally, they only fit ELSDs to fairly high-end sporting cars, like a Golf GTI or something."
The Golf GTI is a sportier version of the regular Volkswagen Golf. It has a more powerful engine and better handling, making it more fun to drive.
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a sporty version of the standard Golf hatchback, known for its performance, handling, and fun driving experience. It's a popular choice among enthusiasts for its balance of practicality and sportiness.
RLSD
"that isn't anywhere near as sophisticated as a proper RLSD that this has."
An RLSD is a type of differential that helps your car's wheels get the right amount of power to avoid slipping. It reacts to how you're driving to keep the car stable.
RLSD stands for Reactive Limited Slip Differential, which is a more advanced type of differential that actively manages power distribution to the wheels based on driving conditions. This enhances traction and stability, especially during cornering.
MG Cyberster
"...that EV, what was that? Cyberster or whatever? I mean, yeah, I know that's a niche car, but again,..."
The MG Cyberster is a new electric sports car that MG is developing. It's designed to be different and exciting, appealing to car enthusiasts.
The MG Cyberster is an electric sports car concept from MG, showcasing their venture into the EV market with a focus on performance and unique design.
MG IM5
"...Speaking of MG, the IM5 performance, I just spent a week with that old girl. That thing, when I first stabbed the throttle in that..."
The MG IM5 is an electric car that MG makes. It's designed to be fun to drive and has some cool features.
The MG IM5 is an electric vehicle that emphasizes performance and modern features, representing MG's commitment to electric mobility.
throttle
"...when I first stabbed the throttle in that and it almost pulled my face off,..."
The throttle is what you push with your foot to make the car go faster. When you push it down quickly, it gives the car more power.
The throttle controls the amount of air and fuel that enters the engine, affecting acceleration and power output. When you 'stab the throttle,' it means quickly pressing down on the accelerator pedal.
MG
"People aren't realizing like the IM, I guess, is the luxury derivative of MG, kind of like Lexus is to Toyota."
MG is a car brand from Britain that makes sporty cars and SUVs. It has been around for a long time, starting in the 1920s, and is known for its fun and affordable vehicles.
MG is a British automotive brand known for its sports cars and more recently, its range of SUVs and electric vehicles. The brand has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, and it has been associated with affordable sports cars.
Lexus
"...kind of like Lexus is to Toyota."
Lexus is a luxury car brand that comes from Toyota. It makes high-end cars that are known for being comfortable and reliable.
Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota. It was established in 1989 and is known for its high-quality vehicles that offer luxury, performance, and reliability.
digital rear view mirror
"...especially the fact that you don't have a digital rear view mirror to properly look out of it. That would have been an easy fix for that."
A digital rear view mirror is a high-tech version of a regular mirror that shows you what's behind your car using a camera instead of just reflecting what's there. It can help you see better, especially if something is blocking your view.
A digital rear view mirror uses a camera feed instead of a traditional reflective mirror, providing a clearer view of the area behind the vehicle, especially useful in vehicles with obstructed rear visibility.
self-parking feature
"...the self-parking feature on this, I think it's great."
A self-parking feature is a technology in some cars that helps you park by itself. The car uses sensors to find a parking spot and then turns the steering wheel to park without you needing to do much.
A self-parking feature allows a vehicle to automatically steer itself into a parking space, using sensors and cameras to detect the space and maneuver the car without driver input.
Hyundai Santa Fe
"...to Yunday, to the good folk at Yunday. So I've been in their Santa Fe, right?"
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a type of SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort for passengers. It's a good option for families or anyone needing extra room for their stuff.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV known for its spacious interior, comfort, and a range of available features. It's a popular choice among families and those looking for a versatile vehicle.
MSRP
"...you get a lot of car for 50 grand, 55 maybe to drive away, but roughly about 50,000 bucks."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you should pay for a new car. It's like a starting point for how much a car costs before any discounts or negotiations.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for a vehicle. It's often used as a baseline for negotiations at dealerships.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
"...they're a little gun shy after the Ionix 6 and how that sort of looked. And it still looks effectively..."
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a new electric car that looks stylish and is designed to be very efficient. It's part of Hyundai's push to offer more electric vehicles.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is an electric sedan that features a sleek design and advanced technology aimed at enhancing efficiency and performance. It represents Hyundai's commitment to electric mobility and modern aesthetics.
Hyundai Palisade
"...match it more towards the Palisade. Yeah, they'll match it more to the Palisade a little bit..."
The Hyundai Palisade is a large family SUV that offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It's known for being comfortable and having a lot of modern features.
The Hyundai Palisade is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, advanced technology, and family-friendly features. It has gained popularity for its comfort and design, making it a strong competitor in the SUV market.
Ferrari Luce
"Do you know one thing we're not going to agree on? The Ferrari Luce. So the interior."
The Ferrari Luce is a car that Ferrari designed to show what they might build in the future. It has a unique look and features that highlight luxury and performance.
The Ferrari Luce is a concept car that showcases Ferrari's design and engineering capabilities. It represents the brand's vision for future luxury sports cars, combining performance with innovative technology and aesthetics.
Ferrari Testarossa
"...you go by the new Testerossa and it's just full of screams and all this stuff that Ferrari owners have already told them they don't want."
The Ferrari Testarossa is a famous sports car that was made in the 1980s and 1990s. It has a unique look and is known for being very fast and powerful.
The Ferrari Testarossa is a classic sports car produced by Ferrari from 1984 to 1996. It is known for its distinctive design and powerful flat-12 engine, making it an iconic model in the Ferrari lineup.
Ferrari SF90
"Well, Pavle won't be getting in a Ferrari anytime soon. But you look at SF90s, like the second hand value of those is horrifically bad compared to, like, a 458 or a 488."
The Ferrari SF90 is a high-performance sports car that uses both gas and electric power. It's known for being very fast, but people are finding that its value drops quickly when they try to sell it.
The Ferrari SF90 is a plug-in hybrid supercar that combines a V8 engine with three electric motors, delivering impressive performance and efficiency. However, its resale value has been noted to decline significantly compared to other models.
Ferrari 458
"...the second hand value of those is horrifically bad compared to, like, a 458 or a 488. That's a sitting bargain."
The Ferrari 458 is a popular sports car that many people love for its speed and design. It tends to keep its value better than some newer models, making it a more desirable option for buyers.
The Ferrari 458 is a mid-engine sports car known for its exceptional handling and performance, produced from 2009 to 2015. It has a strong following among enthusiasts and tends to hold its value better than newer models like the SF90.
Porsche Taycan
"It's like back when the Taycan was released, that was a $400,000, $500,000 car. That's $200,000."
The Porsche Taycan is a high-end electric car made by Porsche. It's known for being fast and having advanced technology, and it's one of the first electric cars from a luxury brand.
The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric luxury sedan that was introduced by Porsche. It has gained attention for its performance and technology, marking Porsche's entry into the electric vehicle market.
thermal runaway
"...if they are in a serious enough crash, if you do get thermal runaway, it happens so fast that if the intense heat doesn't kill you..."
Thermal runaway happens when a battery gets too hot and can start a fire or explode. It's a serious risk for electric cars if something goes wrong.
Thermal runaway is a condition where a battery overheats and can lead to a fire or explosion. This is particularly a concern in electric vehicles, where lithium-ion batteries can become unstable under certain conditions.
Toyota
"Toyota has announced a new product as a solution for driver suffering from car thefts and official Toyota steering wheel lock."
Toyota is a well-known car company that makes many different types of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs.
Toyota is a major automotive manufacturer known for producing reliable vehicles and innovative technologies. They are one of the largest car manufacturers in the world.
steering lock
"We went and bought the $200 Toyota steering lock along with like a $15 one and then another $175 one and took to them with an angle grinder. It took 30 seconds to get through it, so they are effectively useless."
A steering lock is a device that stops the steering wheel from moving, so a thief can't drive the car away. Unfortunately, some of these locks can be cut through quickly, making them not very useful for keeping your car safe.
A steering lock is a security device that prevents the steering wheel from being turned, making it difficult to steal the vehicle. However, many steering locks can be easily bypassed with tools like an angle grinder, rendering them ineffective as a theft deterrent.
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