Cold Weather Cars: Winter Driving Advice & Dream Picks! | Ep 80 | Drive Torque Podcast
About this episode
Cold weather driving presents unique challenges, and the Drive Torque Podcast dives into essential winter driving advice and dream car picks for snowy conditions. The hosts discuss the importance of proper tires, with a focus on winter and all-season options, while sharing personal anecdotes about their experiences with various vehicles in icy conditions. They also engage in a light-hearted debate about their favorite winter cars, featuring picks like the Fiat Panda 4x4, Subaru Impreza STI, and even a Mercedes Unimog, showcasing the diversity of vehicles suited for winter driving.
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summer tyres
"...but it's on summer tyres. You know, braking and cornering, it doesn't matter whether it's 4x4 or not..."
Summer tyres are made for warm weather and help cars grip the road better when it's dry or wet. But they don't work well in snow or ice, which can be dangerous.
Summer tyres are designed for optimal performance in warm weather conditions, providing better grip and handling on dry and wet roads. However, they are not suitable for icy or snowy conditions, which can lead to reduced traction and safety risks.
Subaru Impreza STI Type R
"And 1999 Subaru Impreza. And this is the STI Type R. How cool is that?"
The Subaru Impreza STI Type R is a special version of the Impreza that is designed for performance and racing. It's known for being fast and having great handling, especially in snowy conditions.
The Subaru Impreza STI Type R is a high-performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, known for its rally heritage and all-wheel-drive capabilities. The Type R is particularly sought after for its lightweight construction and sporty features.
Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid
"...A Panamera Turbo SE hybrid that I had, I think in November, early December, I had it for,..."
The Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid is a fancy car that uses both gas and electricity to go fast while being more efficient. It's designed for people who want a luxurious ride that can also be sporty.
The Porsche Panamera Turbo SE Hybrid is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines a powerful gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved efficiency and performance. It features advanced technology and offers a blend of sportiness and comfort, making it suitable for both daily driving and spirited performance.
Lotus Emira
"So I got sent a Lotus Emira Clark edition over Christmas by Lotus, which is really unusual because normally press teams shut down at Christmas..."
The Lotus Emira is a new sports car that is designed to be fast and fun to drive. The Clark edition is a special version with unique styling and is very rare, with only 60 made.
The Lotus Emira is a sports car that represents the brand's latest offering, known for its lightweight design and performance. The Clark edition is a special variant, limited to just 60 units, celebrating the legacy of racing driver Jim Clark.
Alpine A110R 70 anniversary edition
"And it got replaced by an Alpine A110R 70 anniversary edition, which bearing in mind, one of the cars in the last episode I raved about last year was an A110S..."
The Alpine A110R is a sporty car that is designed for performance and agility. The 70 anniversary edition is a special version that celebrates the brand's history with unique features.
The Alpine A110R is a high-performance variant of the A110 sports car, celebrating the brand's heritage. The 70 anniversary edition marks a special milestone for Alpine, featuring unique styling and performance enhancements.
Alpine A110S
"...n the last episode I raved about last year was an A110S. This is like the next one up in the pecking ord..."
The Alpine A110 is a small, sporty car that is really fun to drive because it's light and quick. It's designed for people who love driving and want a car that feels exciting on the road.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that emphasizes agility and driving pleasure. Known for its sleek design and responsive handling, it has gained attention for its performance and is a nod to the brand's rich motorsport history.
Lotus Amira
"But what was the Lotus, so what, that must be 95 grand or something... The base, the base, the normal Amira, the normal V6 manual Amira, it's like, I think it's about 95 grand."
The Lotus Amira is a sporty car made by Lotus. It's designed to be lightweight and handle well on the road, and it has a powerful engine located in the middle of the car.
The Lotus Amira is a sports car from Lotus, known for its lightweight construction and agile handling. It features a mid-engine layout and is available with different engine options, including a V6.
V6 manual
"In V6 manual form, it's a stunning car. It's a real driving occasion. It sounds great."
A V6 manual is a car with a six-cylinder engine that is shaped like a 'V' and has a stick shift for changing gears. This setup can make the car fun to drive.
A V6 manual refers to a vehicle powered by a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration, coupled with a manual transmission. This combination often provides a balance of performance and driver engagement, making for a thrilling driving experience.
AMG
"Whereas the four pot AMG one, they have sorted the software on the gearbox out, I believe, and it's better, but I just, it just loses a whole bunch of its character."
AMG is a special division of Mercedes-Benz that makes faster and sportier versions of their cars. They add more power and better handling to make them more exciting to drive.
AMG is a performance and tuning subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, known for producing high-performance versions of their vehicles. These models often feature enhanced engines, suspension, and styling to deliver a sportier driving experience.
Indy 500
"In 1965, Jim Clark won the Formula One World Championship and the Indy 500 in the same year. Wow."
The Indy 500 is a famous car race that takes place every year in Indianapolis. It's known for being very challenging and is one of the biggest events in motorsport.
The Indy 500, or Indianapolis 500, is one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world, held annually at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is part of the IndyCar Series and features open-wheel cars racing over 500 miles.
Ford Cortina
"...and a whole bunch of touring car races in a Lotus Cortina all in 1965. Wow. Just wicked. So they did that...."
Lotus Cortina
"a whole bunch of touring car races in a Lotus Cortina all in 1965."
The Lotus Cortina is a special version of a regular car called the Ford Cortina. It was made to be faster and better for racing.
The Lotus Cortina is a high-performance version of the Ford Cortina, developed by Lotus Cars in the 1960s. It was known for its lightweight construction and sporty handling, making it popular in motorsport.
boot
"...that's a lot. Its weakness is usability because it's not got a very big boot..."
The 'boot' is the part of the car where you can put your bags and other things. If a car has a small boot, it means there's not much space for storage.
In automotive terms, the 'boot' refers to the trunk of the car where luggage and other items can be stored. A larger boot typically offers more storage space for practical use.
Porsche Cayman
"...if you compare the two of those cars with like a Porsche Cayman, you know, Cayman's got so much more space to put stuff. Yeah. Yeah. Very good car though."
The Porsche Cayman is a sports car that has its engine in the middle, which helps it handle really well. It also has more room inside than many other sports cars, so you can carry more stuff.
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engine sports car known for its balance and handling. It offers a more spacious interior compared to some other sports cars, making it practical for everyday use.
supercharged
"...it's a supercharged car, right? So it's just got this whee, whee. It's just, whoa. Anyway..."
A supercharged engine gets extra air pumped into it, which helps it make more power. This means the car can go faster and perform better than regular engines.
A supercharged engine uses a compressor to increase the amount of air entering the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in improved performance compared to naturally aspirated engines.
Skoda Fabia
"...I'm actually going to the Peak District next week. I'm going on a Skoda things, the new Skoda Fabia drives..."
The Skoda Fabia is a small car that's great for everyday driving. It's known for being practical and affordable, which makes it a good option for many people.
The Skoda Fabia is a compact car known for its practicality and value. It offers a good balance of space, comfort, and efficiency, making it a popular choice in its segment.
Cup 2 tires
"Yeah. On Cup twos. We love Cup twos, but not when it's like minus four."
Cup 2 tires are special tires made for sports cars that help them grip the road really well. However, they don't work well when it's very cold outside.
Cup 2 tires, or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2, are high-performance tires designed for track use and spirited driving. They offer exceptional grip and handling but are not ideal for cold weather conditions due to their rubber compound becoming less effective in low temperatures.
winter driving preparation
"If I was going to use my car in the winter and the temperatures were quite cold, what kind of things would you recommend that I do before I undertake my journey?"
Preparing for winter driving means getting your car ready for cold weather. This includes checking your tires, making sure you have enough fluids, and having warm clothes and supplies in case of an emergency.
Winter driving preparation involves a series of steps to ensure your vehicle is safe and reliable during cold weather. This includes checking tire conditions, ensuring proper fluid levels, and having emergency supplies on hand.
preheating the car
"...especially electric cars, they'll all be able to preheat the car from your bed. So if you sat in bed, having a cup of tea, just go on to your app, preheat the car, get it all nice and toasty for you..."
Preheating the car means making the inside warm before you get in. Some new cars let you do this with an app on your phone, so you can start warming it up while you're still inside your house.
Preheating the car refers to warming up the vehicle's interior and engine before driving, often done using a smartphone app in modern cars. This feature is particularly useful in cold weather, as it allows the driver to enter a comfortable environment without having to wait for the car to warm up after starting.
MINI Cooper S (R59) John Cooper Works
"...you don't have an app on an R 59 JCW. No. And it annoys me when I see like some of my neighbors or various other people..."
The MINI Cooper S (R59) John Cooper Works is a sporty car that has a powerful engine and is designed for fun driving. It's part of the MINI family and is known for its unique style and performance.
The MINI Cooper S (R59) John Cooper Works is a performance-oriented version of the MINI Cooper, known for its sporty handling and turbocharged engine. This model is part of the second generation of the MINI, which was produced from 2006 to 2013.
all-season tires
"...this whole summer tire, all season tire winter tire thing..."
All-season tires can be used in different weather, like rain and light snow. They are not as good as summer or winter tires in extreme weather, but they work okay all year.
All-season tires are designed to perform adequately in a variety of weather conditions, including light snow, rain, and dry roads. They are a compromise between summer and winter tires, offering moderate performance year-round but not excelling in extreme conditions.
winter tires
"you're running winters on your M5s? No, it's actually, yeah, I wanted to be running winters on that."
Winter tires are special tires that help cars drive better in snow and cold weather.
Winter tires are specially designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions, including snow and ice.
Audi S5
"...pecific. And mission homologated the Pilot Sport S5 on that car, there's very few you can get that ar..."
The Audi S5 is a fancy car that is faster and sportier than the regular Audi A5. It has a nice interior and is built for people who enjoy driving and want a stylish car.
The Audi S5 is a performance-oriented version of the Audi A5, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier suspension. It is known for its combination of luxury, technology, and dynamic driving experience, making it a popular choice for those who want a stylish yet sporty coupe.
homologated
"and mission homologated the Pilot Sport S5 on that car..."
Homologated means that a car or its parts have been officially approved to meet certain rules and standards.
Homologated refers to the process of certifying that a vehicle or part meets specific regulations and standards for use in certain markets.
Pilot Sport S5
"and mission homologated the Pilot Sport S5 on that car..."
The Pilot Sport S5 is a type of tire made for fast cars, helping them grip the road better.
The Michelin Pilot Sport S5 is a high-performance tire designed for sports cars, offering excellent grip and handling.
BMW M3
"... winter tyres on that at the moment. It was your M3 you ran winters on, right? I did, yeah, yeah, I h..."
The BMW M3 is a fast and sporty car that is designed for people who love driving. It's a special version of a regular BMW car that has more power and better handling, making it fun to drive on both roads and racetracks.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, known for its powerful engines and sporty handling. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is often celebrated for its balance of performance and everyday usability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
summer tire
"...a summer tire really is pretty fine, especially once you've been rolling on it for 10 minutes..."
Summer tires are regular tires made for warm weather. They work best when it's hot outside and help your car handle well on dry roads.
Summer tires are designed for optimal performance in warm weather conditions. They have a harder rubber compound and a tread pattern that maximizes grip on dry and wet roads but are not suitable for snow or ice.
BMW
"And unlike, let's say a BMW dealer in Germany that has a massive storage unit in it, where a lot of customers drive their cars in, in the beginning of winter, and then they store..."
BMW is a car brand from Germany that makes luxury and sporty cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
BMW is a German automotive brand known for its luxury vehicles and performance-oriented cars. The brand is recognized for its engineering excellence and sporty driving dynamics.
Michelin Cross Climate
"...is a tyre that Pat's got on his car. Well, now there's a newer version that Penn and I went to the launch of in Switzerland last year, is the Cross Climate, Michelin Cross so good..."
The Michelin Cross Climate is a tire that works well in both summer and winter. It helps drivers stay safe no matter the weather, so they don't have to change tires every season.
The Michelin Cross Climate is a type of all-season tire designed to perform well in both summer and winter conditions. It offers versatility for drivers who want reliable performance throughout the year without needing to switch tires seasonally.
Volkswagen Passat
"like Patrick and his Passat, my old man in his Prussia, that sort of, you know, person who just wants to get in their car, get for me to be as safe as possible."
The Volkswagen Passat is a family car that is roomy and comfortable. Many people like it because it's reliable and good for everyday driving.
The Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size car known for its spacious interior, comfort, and practicality. It's popular in many markets, including Europe and North America, and is often chosen for its reliability and efficiency.
BMW M135i
"...on your hot hatches, right? So your M135Is or your people think, I get it all the time, but I don't need a winter tie because it doesn't snow in the..."
The BMW M135i is a sporty version of a small BMW car. It's made for people who like to drive fast and enjoy a fun ride.
The BMW M135i is a high-performance variant of the 1 Series hatchback, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It's designed for enthusiasts who want a compact car with a dynamic driving experience.
rubber compound
"...What you can't see is the rubber compound and how that reacts to temperatures. And the problem with summer tires is when it gets really cold..."
The rubber compound is the special mix of materials that makes up the tire. It affects how soft or hard the tire is, which is important for how well it works in different temperatures.
The rubber compound is the specific mixture of materials used to create a tire's rubber, which influences its flexibility, durability, and performance in different temperatures. A softer compound is better for cold conditions, while a harder compound is suited for warmer weather.
hot hatch
"...the hot hatch version or the sports car version of the three, which is a tire that really in my head doesn't make..."
A hot hatch is a sporty version of a hatchback car, which is a car with a rear door that swings upward. They are designed to be fun to drive while still being practical for everyday use.
A hot hatch is a high-performance version of a hatchback car that combines practicality with sporty performance. These cars typically feature powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions, and aggressive styling.
BMW M5
"...eah. Would I run it all year on something like an M5 or one of my daily cars? No, because I, I like t..."
The BMW M5 is a fancy car that is really fast and powerful, but it also has a lot of luxury features inside. It's like a regular BMW but made to be more exciting to drive, especially for those who enjoy speed.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance luxury sedan that combines comfort with exceptional speed and handling. It is part of BMW's M division, which focuses on creating powerful and sporty versions of their standard models, making it a favorite among those who want a practical yet thrilling driving experience.
Land Range Rovers
"...ide edge on the front tires of a lot of these big Range Rovers X5s and they're all bald and knackered. And, and..."
The Range Rover is a big, fancy SUV that can drive on rough roads and in tough weather. It's designed to be comfortable inside while also being able to go on adventures, like camping or off-roading.
The Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. It has a reputation for being able to handle tough terrains while providing a comfortable ride, making it a popular choice for those who want both adventure and luxury.
Mini Classic Mini
"... perspective of someone who used to daily drive a classic mini, even in these cold weathers. And it was a terri..."
The Classic Mini is a small, cute car that was very popular a long time ago. People love it for its fun design and how easy it is to drive around town.
The Classic Mini is a small car that became an icon in the 1960s, known for its unique design and compact size. It represents a significant part of automotive history and is cherished by collectors and enthusiasts for its charm and driving experience.
Porsche Cayenne
"...t some time in it together. The first gen Porsche Cayenne Turbo or Turbo S. Yeah. Have you found one? Have..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a stylish and powerful SUV that drives like a sports car. It has lots of space for passengers and luggage, making it great for families or trips, while still being fun to drive.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that combines the performance characteristics of a sports car with the practicality of an SUV. It is known for its powerful engines, sharp handling, and high-quality interior, making it a popular choice among those who want a sporty yet versatile vehicle.
Fiat 500
"...o, no, you have picked, you have picked the Fiat 500 twin air engine. What? I'm not, I don't know how ..."
The Fiat 500 is a small car that looks cute and is easy to drive around the city. It's perfect for people who need to get around town without needing a big vehicle.
The Fiat 500 is a compact city car known for its retro styling and efficient use of space. It is popular in urban environments due to its small size, making it easy to park and maneuver, while still offering a stylish and fun driving experience.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
"...ntainous region all around Livigno and, you know, Stelvio Pass. And we're staying in a hotel one night. An..."
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a stylish SUV that drives really well and looks different from other SUVs. It's made for people who want a nice-looking car that is also fun to drive.
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is a luxury SUV that combines Italian styling with sporty performance. Known for its agile handling and distinctive design, it stands out in the crowded SUV market and appeals to those who appreciate a blend of elegance and driving excitement.
Suzuki Jimny
"...ery basic 1.5 litre petrol engine. But this is a Jimny when it first came out in, what was it, 17, 18, ..."
The Suzuki Jimny is a small, tough SUV that can go off-road and handle rough terrain. It's popular with people who like to explore nature and need a reliable vehicle for adventures.
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and boxy design. It has a cult following due to its ruggedness and simplicity, making it a favorite among those who enjoy outdoor adventures and need a capable vehicle in tough conditions.
Audi Quattro
"...had so much fun in the RS6. It sounds great. The Quattro system is brilliant. It's, it rotates really wel..."
The Audi Quattro is a special system that helps cars grip the road better, especially in bad weather. It's famous for making cars safer and more fun to drive, especially on slippery surfaces.
The Audi Quattro is a revolutionary all-wheel-drive system that changed the landscape of performance cars. It is known for its ability to provide excellent traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions, and has a strong motorsport heritage.
Land Rover Defender
"...ch camping trip. And one of the guests brought a Defender 110 that wasn't on prescribed tyres, let's say. I..."
The Defender is a tough and strong vehicle made for driving in rough places like mountains or forests. It's built to handle tough conditions and is popular with people who love outdoor adventures.
The Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. It has a loyal following due to its durability and versatility, making it a favorite among adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Audi A6
"...g. I realised the Unimog existed, but it was the Audi A6 all road. It's a more sensible choice than Joe's..."
The Audi A6 is a nice, comfortable car that is great for driving long distances. It has lots of tech features and a smooth ride, making it a good choice for people who want a luxury car.
The Audi A6 is a midsize luxury sedan that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and performance. It is known for its refined interior, advanced features, and smooth ride, making it a popular choice for both business and personal use.
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